ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday said the formation of a caretaker government in the South Asian country was subject to its verdict in a case pertaining to the blocking of a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan and the subsequent dissolution of parliament.
Pakistan’s National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri on Sunday threw the South Asian nation into a political crisis, when he refused to allow a scheduled voting on the no-confidence motion in light of it being orchestrated by a foreign power, and dismissed the motion on grounds it was “unconstitutional.”
The president then dissolved the National Assembly on the advice of the prime minister so new elections could be held. The moves have since triggered a political and constitutional crisis in Pakistan.
The dramatic episode was the latest in an escalating dispute between Khan and parliament, after defectors from his own party and coalition partners joined the opposition and attempted to oust him from power. Khan alleges the campaign to topple his government is a foreign conspiracy orchestrated by the United States in connivance with his political opponents. The US has denied the allegations.
Opposition parties say the deputy speaker’s dismissal of the no-trust motion without a vote and the subsequent dissolution of the National Assembly are both unconstitutional.
“The formation of the caretaker government remains subject to the court ruling. We want to dispose it [the case] off tomorrow,” Chief Justice Umar Atta Bandial, who is heading a larger bench of the apex court, remarked at Tuesday’s hearing.
“The formation of the caretaker government is on hold due to this case.”
President Arif Alvi on Monday initiated the process of appointment of the caretaker prime minister after the dissolution of the assembly by writing separate letters to the prime minister and the opposition leader. In response to the president’s letter, PM Khan has nominated former chief justice Gulzar Ahmed for the post.
The opposition leader has refused to become part of the exercise, saying the dissolution of the parliament was “unconstitutional.”
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) opposition party counsel Makhdoom Ali Khan requested the court to seek an “in-camera briefing” on the alleged foreign conspiracy from the intelligence chief.
“We don’t want to interfere in the state or foreign policy,” the chief justice said. “We don’t want to indulge in policy matters.”
Raza Rabbani, counsel of the opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), urged the court to declare the speaker’s ruling “unconstitutional” and reinstate the assembly. He moved the court to seek minutes of the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting that termed the US letter as “blatant interference” in Pakistan’s domestic politics and the letter itself.
“It was not disclosed on what basis the speaker gave the ruling,” Rabbani said. “Any judicial order or inquiry report on the conspiracy was not available to the speaker.”
He termed dissolution of parliament a “civilian martial law,” saying the prime minister could not dissolve the assembly after a no-confidence motion was filed against him.
The court then adjourned the hearing till Wednesday.
The counsels representing the president, prime minister, speaker and others will begin their arguments on Wednesday.
Attorney General of Pakistan Khalid Jawed Khan has requested the court to allow him to speak on the case the day after tomorrow, saying this was a case of “national importance” and he wanted to assist the court in detail.
“This is going to be the most important case of my life,” the attorney general added.
Speaking on the court’s premises, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman said Pakistan was slipping into a crisis and therefore the court should decide on the case on priority.
“You [Khan] have thrown Pakistan into the confrontation between two super powers, America and Russia, just to save your integrity, but you couldn’t keep it,” she said.
Pakistan top court says formation of caretaker government subject to its verdict
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Pakistan top court says formation of caretaker government subject to its verdict
- Pakistan has been embroiled in a crisis since a no-trust vote against PM Khan was disallowed
- The move was followed by dissolution of parliament, leaving the South Asian nation in a limbo
Pakistan’s Lahore hosts 24th edition of Asian Forum’s tech innovation event
- The three-day exhibition is set to fetch nearly $500 million investment from a dozen countries
- These companies participating in the expo include Microsoft, Inbox, Lenovo, HP, NetSol and Dell
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore is set to host the 24th edition of Asian Forum’s Information Technology Commerce Network (ITCN) today, on Thursday, Pakistani state media reported.
State Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima will be the chief guest, while Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) Secretary-General Deemah Al-Yahya will be guest of honor on the opening day of summit at Lahore’s Expo Center.
The main sessions include Artificial Intelligence Summit, Global Security Symposium, Gaming and Scholars Roundtable, Investor Summit, Freelancer Summit, Made in Pakistan Roundtable Conference, the state-run Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported.
“In this edition, a delegation of international investors belonging to twelve counties will participate along with an investment of five hundred million dollars,” the report read.
“Over seven hundred stalls will be established and renowned international and national technology companies will participate in this event.”
These companies include Microsoft, Inbox, Red Hat, TP-Link, Lenovo, HP, NetSol, Abacus and Dell, according to the report.
The event is being jointly supported by the Pakistani Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Pakistan Software Export Board and Pakistan Software Houses Association.
Pakistan wants to re-engage with Middle Eastern banks in multiple areas — finance minister
- Statement came during Mohammad Aurangzeb’s meeting with his Emirati counterpart on sidelines of his US visit
- The Pakistani finance minister briefed about priority areas of taxation, energy and privatization of state entities
ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday met with his Emirati counterpart and expressed his country’s desire to re-engage with Middle Eastern banks in multiple fields, the Pakistani finance ministry said.
Aurangzeb’s meeting with UAE’s Minister of State for Financial Affairs Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini came on the sidelines of his visit to the United States to meet International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank officials.
The Pakistani foreign minister acknowledged long-standing brotherly ties between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and appreciated the Gulf country’s support to help Pakistan deal with its economic challenges.
“The minister briefed UAE’s Minister of State for Financial Affairs about the priority areas of taxation, energy and privatization of SOEs (state-owned enterprises),” the Pakistani finance ministry said in a statement.
“He also informed that Pakistan wanted to re-engage with Middle Eastern Banks.”
Aurangzeb arrived in Washington on Sunday to participate in spring meetings organized by the IMF and World Bank.
On Wednesday, he attended the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Ministers and Governors meeting with the IMF managing director, and highlighted geo-economic fragmentation and its impact on Pakistan.
“He thanked IMF, MDBs (multilateral development banks) and its time-tested sincere bilateral partners for their support in helping the country respond to unprecedented challenges,” Aurangzeb’s ministry said in a separate statement.
“He further underscored aggressive reforms including broadening the tax net, privatizing loss making SOEs, expanding social safety net and facilitating the private sector.”
The minister underlined the importance of rechanneling of special drawing rights (SDRs), review of surcharges policy and prioritizing the Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST) in view of climate vulnerabilities.
“The minister called for a more proactive and responsive Global Financial Safety Net to tackle the elevated risks,” the statement read.
“He welcomed the renewed emphasis of the Fund on Capacity Building through Regional Capacity Development Centers (RCDCs).”
During the engagements, Aurangzeb also met with Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) Executive Vice President Hiroshi Matano and appreciated the Agency’s continued support to Pakistan in attracting foreign investments.
“The minister discussed the ongoing economic reforms, investment climate and measures to enhance investor confidence in Pakistan,” his ministry said.
Aurangzeb’s tour is an important one for the South Asian country as an ongoing nine-month, $3 billion loan program with the IMF designed to tackle a balance-of-payments crisis, is set to expire this month.
With the final $1.1 billion tranche of that deal likely to be approved later this month, Pakistan has begun negotiations for a new multi-year IMF loan program worth “billions” of dollars, according to the finance ministry.
In an interview on Monday, Aurangzeb said Pakistan would seek at least a three-year IMF program and planned to continue with necessary policy reforms to rein in deficits, build up reserves and manage soaring debt servicing.
Australia mulls citizenship for Pakistani guard in Sydney mall attack
- The guard, Muhammad Taha, reportedly said he believed he ‘deserved recognition, consideration for citizenship’ after being stabbed
- He was attacked just after fellow Pakistani security guard, Faraz Tahir, one of the six people killed at the Westfield shopping complex
SYDNEY: Australia’s prime minister said Thursday he will consider granting citizenship to a Pakistani security guard wounded in the deadly Sydney shopping center knife attack.
The guard, Muhammad Taha, reportedly said he believed he “deserved recognition and consideration for citizenship” after being stabbed.
In a bedside interview with The Australian, Taha said he was attacked just after fellow Pakistani security guard Faraz Tahir, one of the six people killed at the Westfield shopping complex in Bondi Junction.
Taha has a graduate visa due to expire in less than a month, the paper said.
The guard reportedly noted that Frenchman Damien Guerot, since dubbed “bollard man,” had been offered permanent residency after video shared on social media showed him using a bollard to fend off the attacker, Joel Cauchi.
Asked in a radio interview if the Australian government would entertain Taha’s citizenship request, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “Yes, we certainly will.”
Albanese described the killing of Faraz Tahir as a “tragedy.”
“This other person, Muhammad Taha, he confronted this guy, the perpetrator, Joel Cauchi, on Saturday. And it just shows extraordinary courage,” the prime minister said.
Both men put themselves in danger to protect Australians they did not know, Albanese said.
“That’s the sort of courage that we want to say thank you to, frankly.”
Albanese said Guerot would receive permanent residency, which he had been seeking, on Thursday.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday hailed Guerot and his fellow Frenchman Silas Despreaux for trying to stop the mall attacker.
Pakistan kick off T20 World Cup 2024 preparations with New Zealand series today
- Today’s match to see return of Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim and Naseem Shah to Pakistan’s national squad
- Pakistan’s white-ball captain Babar Azam says team eager to express themselves as a unit in today’s match
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan cricket team will kick off their preparations for the ICC World Cup 2024 by taking on New Zealand in the first match of the T20I series against the Black Caps in Rawalpindi today, Thursday.
Led by experienced all-rounder Michael Bracewell, New Zealand’s cricket team arrived in Pakistan last week to play the five-match T20I series from April 14-28. Rawalpindi will also host matches on Saturday and Sunday, while Lahore’s Qaddafi Stadium will be the stage for the remaining two matches next week on Thursday and Saturday.
This will be the third five-match series between the two sides inside a 12-month period. Last year, Pakistan and New Zealand drew the series at two-all in Pakistan, while New Zealand clinched the series 4-1 earlier at their home.
“This five-match T20I series holds a lot of importance for us as we look forward to preparing for the all-important mega-event,” Pakistan’s white-ball captain Babar Azam said during a news conference on Wednesday.
“We had a great fitness camp in Kakul and are looking forward to express ourselves as a unit.”
Pakistan have named uncapped Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Irfan Khan and Usman Khan in the 17-player squad. Pacer Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim, who came back from retirement last month. are also back in the national squad.
The series will also mark fast bowler Naseem Shah’s return to the national squad, who last played for Pakistan in Asia Cup 2023 before suffering a shoulder injury. The injury proved to be a fatal blow for Pakistan, sidelining Shah from the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and tours of Australia and New Zealand.
Bracewell said he was excited to lead New Zealand on the Pakistan tour, adding that his team was raring to play good cricket against the hosts.
“Pakistan are formidable side at home and we’ll look to put challenges in their backyard,” he said.
The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Pakistan Standard Time.
Squads:
Pakistan — Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usama Mir, Usman Khan and Zaman Khan
New Zealand — Michael Bracewell (captain), Tom Blundell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi and Zak Foulkes.
Analysts hail Saudi FM’s ‘significant’ visit, say investments will boost Pakistan’s economy
- Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister visited Pakistan this week to discuss investments and enhance bilateral economic cooperation
- Former diplomat says Saudi investments could increase to $25 billion if Pakistan provides conducive environment to Saudi investors
ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistani diplomats and analysts on Wednesday hailed Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud’s “significant” visit to Pakistan, saying that investment agreements reached between the two sides could lead to the creation of thousands of jobs in the South Asian country and boost its economic prospects.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Islamabad on a two-day official visit on Monday. The minister led a high-powered delegation to Islamabad with his visit aimed at enhancing bilateral economic cooperation and pushing forward previously agreed investment deals.
His trip came a little over a week after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Makkah and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to expedite investments worth $5 billion.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong trade, defense and cultural ties. The Kingdom is home to over 2.7 million Pakistani expatriates and the top source of remittances to the cash-strapped South Asian country.
“Pakistan has longstanding ties with Saudi Arabia but now it has taken a new dimension of economic cooperation,” Zahid Hussain, a senior journalist and political analyst, told Arab News.
“And that’s why this visit was very significant.”
Hussain said the Saudi foreign minister’s visit had turned out to be a “very productive” one as both sides held discussions on investment opportunities that he said Pakistan could offer to Saudi businessmen.
“They have discussed various opportunities which are beneficial for Saudis for investment and that could be said as the turning point in the Pakistan and Saudi relationship,” Hussain added.
During his two-day official trip, the Saudi foreign minister held meetings with top civilian and military leadership including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief General Syed Asim Munir. The Saudi delegation was also briefed by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), a key government body set up in June 2023 to fast-track decisions related to international investment in Pakistan’s key sectors IT, mining, energy and agriculture.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Islamabad on Tuesday along with his counterpart Ishaq Dar, Prince Faisal said there was a “significant opportunity” for the Kingdom to increase its investments in Pakistan.
Former diplomat Javed Hafeez said potential Saudi investments will enhance Pakistan’s exports and lead to the creation of thousands of new jobs for Pakistani professionals in the energy, mining, agriculture, and other sectors.
“This would have an overall positive effect on other sectors as well and on Pakistan’s economy,” he noted.
Hafeez said the Kingdom’s investments in Pakistan could increase to the tune of $25 billion from initial investments of $5 billion, provided Islamabad succeeds in ensuring a conducive environment for Saudi investors.
“I see it [initial investments of $5 billion] as a test case,” Hafeez said. “If we can provide the foolproof security [to Saudi investors] and if these projects are successful, then of course much more investment will come.”
