Pakistan ruling coalition set to pass constitutional amendments to consolidate power in judicial appointments

In this handout photo, taken and released by the Government of Pakistan, members of Pakistan’s lower house of parliament attend the National Assembly meeting in Islamabad on March 1, 2024. (Photo courtesy: X/@NAofPakistan/File)
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Updated 15 September 2024
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Pakistan ruling coalition set to pass constitutional amendments to consolidate power in judicial appointments

  • Constitutional amendment package will set tenure of Supreme Court Chief Justice to three years, change process of CJ’s appointment
  • Opposition PTI party has called judicial reforms package an ‘attack’ on judiciary, threatened nationwide protests if amendments passed

ISLAMABAD: Both the upper and lower houses of parliament are scheduled to convene today, unusual for a Sunday, as the government plans to table a history-making ‘constitutional amendment package’ that will increase the retirement age of superior judges by three years and change the process by which the Supreme Court chief justice is appointed.
The package of reforms, widely believed to include as many as 22 amendments to the constitution, has raised widespread concerns among opposition parties and independent experts who say the moves are aimed at increasing the government’s power in making key judicial appointments and dealing with the defection of lawmakers during house votes. The reforms also include changes to Article 63-A of the Constitution, which relates to the disqualification of legislators who cross party lines in voting for a constitutional amendment.
Ahead of the parliamentary session, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, a senior member of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) party, told reporters the government had the 224 votes, two-thirds majority, needed to pass the amendment. He also refuted reports that the amendment was being introduced to grant an extension to Supreme Court Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, widely believed to be aligned with the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and in opposition to its chief rival, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of jailed former PM Imran Khan, who has threatened nationwide protests against the reforms.
“It’s not going to be a person-specific or individual-specific legislation,” Information Minister Ataullah Tarar told reporters on Sunday. “Whatever is going to happen will be in the greater good of the people. It would be to benefit the people, the nation.”
PM Sharif’s office quoted him as saying at a dinner for legislators on Saturday night that the legislation would be passed “in the national and public’s interest” and to “ensure the sanctity of parliament.”
As of 8pm on Sunday night, separate consultations continued among the coalition partners and opposition parties on the amendments, according to the information minister.
“Consultations are ongoing among the government parties, while Maulana Fazlur Rehman is taking the opposition on board on the amendments,” Tarar told reporters. “Efforts are being made to reach a consensus.”
AMENDMENTS
The coalition government is proposing that the retirement age of superior judges be increased by three years. Currently, Article 179 of the Constitution envisages that a judge of the Supreme Court shall hold office until he attains the age of retirement of 65 years, whereas Article 195 of the Constitution says that a judge of a high court shall hold office until he attains the age of 62 years. The current CJ retires on Oct. 25.
The government is also mulling revising the seniority principle in the appointment of the top judge, the coalition government’s spokesperson on legal affairs Aqeel Malik told media this week.
At present, according to Article 175A of the Constitution, the senior most judge of the Supreme Court is appointed as the chief justice on the basis of the principle of seniority, but there are widespread reports that the constitutional amendment envisions the top judge chosen from a panel of five senior-most judges by a judicial commission and a parliamentary committee together.
The reform package also includes a proposal to allow the transfers of judges from one high court to another.
“If passed, the reforms could mark a seismic shift in the country’s judiciary, shaking up long-established procedures and leaving a lasting impact on how the judicial and executive branches interact,” Pakistan’s Express Tribune newspaper said in a news analysis.
In an interaction with reporters, PTI Chairman Gohar Khan said the constitutional package was an “attack” on the judiciary and its freedom.

“We believe the government is adopting an unconstitutional process,” he said. “Primarily, every aspect of the state needs to be independent, especially the judiciary, it cannot be compromised, … If there is any attempt to do this to the judiciary, we will strongly condemn it.”
RESERVED SEATS
The amendments have been proposed after a string of Supreme Court judgments that have ostensibly challenged Sharif’s coalition government, mostly notably a July 12 verdict by a 13-member bench of the Supreme Court that declared the PTI eligible for reserved parliamentary seats.
The verdict dealt a major blow to Sharif’s weak ruling coalition, which may lose its two-thirds majority in Pakistan’s parliament if the verdict is implemented. Sharif’s PML-N party has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court against the verdict.
PTI candidates contested the Feb. 8 general elections as independents after the party was barred from polls on the technical grounds that it did not hold genuine intra-party polls, which is a legal requirement.
Subsequently, the PTI-backed candidates won the most seats in the election, but the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) ruled independents were ineligible for their share of 70 reserved seats — 60 for women, 10 for non-Muslims. The reserved seats were then distributed among other parties, mostly those in the ruling coalition, a decision Khan allies contested in the court.
Reserved parliamentary seats for women and minorities are allocated in Pakistan in proportion to the number of seats a political party wins in general elections. This completes the National Assembly’s total 336 seats.
A simple majority in Pakistan’s parliament is 169 seats.

 


Pakistan seizes US-made weapons worth Rs35 million at border with Afghanistan — security sources

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Pakistan seizes US-made weapons worth Rs35 million at border with Afghanistan — security sources

  • The weapons were seized at the Torkham border crossing in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that has witnessed a surge in militant attacks
  • Pakistan blames the surge in attacks on Pakistani Taliban and other militants operating out of neighboring Afghanistan, Kabul denies the allegation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s custom authorities have seized a large cache of US-made weapons and ammunition worth approximately Rs35 million ($125,000) at a border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Pakistani security sources said on Monday.

The weapons seized at the Torkham border crossing in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province included M4 rifles and magazines, according to the security sources.

The smuggling of US leftover weapons from Afghanistan into Pakistan exposes the Afghan Taliban's struggle with weak governance and poses a “threat to regional stability.”

"The recent seizure of US-made weapons raises concerns about potential Taliban support for TTP [Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan], either directly or indirectly, as a strategic move to pressure Pakistan or assert influence in the region," the sources said.

"The rising activity of terrorist groups in Afghanistan risks destabilizing the entire region, potentially leading to increased violence, displacement, and economic hardship."

Pakistan has seen a rise in militant attacks, mostly in KP, by the outlawed TTP and other militant groups, which have targeted security forces convoys and check posts, and carried out targeted killings and kidnappings of law enforcers and government officials in recent months.

Islamabad blames Kabul for facilitating anti-Pakistan militants and says it has consistently taken up the issue of cross-border attacks with the Taliban administration. The Taliban deny allowing the use of Afghan soil for attacks against any country.

"Afghanistan’s situation has far-reaching implications for international security," the Pakistani security sources said. "The presence of terrorist groups and IAG's [interim Afghan government] persistent denial of the reality could fuel global terrorism and threaten regional stability."

 


Chinese PM virtually inaugurates Beijing-funded airport in Pakistan's restive southwest

Updated 14 October 2024
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Chinese PM virtually inaugurates Beijing-funded airport in Pakistan's restive southwest

  • Premier Li Qiang said the start of operations at the Gwadar airport will help boost investment and trade in Pakistan’s western regions
  • The inauguration of the airport had been delayed amid deadly attacks by separatist militants in the Balochistan province in recent months

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Premier Li Qiang virtually inaugurated on Monday a Chinese-funded airport in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, saying it would bring more investment and trade opportunities to the South Asian country.

The start of operations at the $200-million Gwadar International Airport had been delayed amid deadly attacks by separatist militants in the southwestern Pakistani province in recent months.

Li inaugurated the airport alongside Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his visit to Islamabad to attend a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Oct 15-16.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (R) and Chinese Premier Li Qiang shake hands after unveiling a plaque to mark the completion of New Gwadar International Airport in Islamabad, Pakistan on October 14, 2024. (PMO)

This marks the first visit by a Chinese prime minister to Pakistan in 11 years. Li is leading a high-level delegation of ministers and officials on the visit that runs from October 14 till October 17.

“I believe that the inauguration of the new airport will significantly enhance the security of the Gwadar region, capitalize integration of port shipping and bring more investment and trade opportunities to Pakistan's western regions,” the Chinese premier said, while addressing the inauguration ceremony.

China, a key regional ally and investor, has invested billions in Pakistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a network of transport, energy and infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing regional trade and connectivity.

Li said through the concerted efforts of both sides, CPEC had produced significant outcomes and played a positive role in Pakistan's economic and social development as well as regional integration.

“China will continue to work with Pakistan to uphold the principle of planning together, building together and benefiting together, engaging in open, green and clean cooperation and pursue the goal of high standard people sustainability in order to make the model project of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation,” he said.

Speaking at the ceremony, Sharif said the new international airport would not only transform the economy of Gwadar, a port city in Balochistan that lies at the heart of CPEC, but also positively impact Pakistan’s overall economy.

"I want to assure you that I will work with you very closely, not only to promote CPEC’s second phase, but also to promote peace and security for the people of China and Pakistan," he added.

MoU signing

In a televised ceremony, the two prime ministers witnessed the signing of several memorandums of understanding (MoUs), agreements and protocols aimed at enhancing cooperation between Pakistan and China in various fields.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (2nd right)) and Chinese Premier Li Qiang (2nd left) witness the signing of several memorandums of understanding (MoUs), in Islamabad, Pakistan on October 14, 2024. (PMO)

The agreements were aimed at promoting cooperation within the CPEC Livelihood Working Group, strengthening collaboration in information and communication technology, advancing cooperation on water conservancy facilities, flood control and disaster reduction, enhancing security cooperation, and supporting the construction of joint laboratories.

Additionally, agreements on a currency swap between the People’s Bank of China and the State Bank of Pakistan as well as co-production of television programs were also reached between the two countries.

“Exchange of MoUs between Pakistan and China in agriculture, commerce and other fields will shape into agreements very soon through joint efforts of both the countries,” Sharif said, after the signing ceremony.

The Pakistan prime minister's office said Sharif and his Chinese counterpart also held a delegation-level meeting and discussed all aspects of bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest. 

“The two leaders reiterated their support for each other on all core issues and expressed their commitment for high-quality development of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase 2,” Sharif's office said, adding that both leaders emphasized on the need for timely completion of all ongoing projects.

Sharif also assured Premier Li of Pakistan's commitment to ensure the safety of Chinese residents and projects in Pakistan, it added.

 


Major tech show in Dubai offers Pakistan opportunity to increase IT exports manifolds — envoy

Updated 14 October 2024
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Major tech show in Dubai offers Pakistan opportunity to increase IT exports manifolds — envoy

  • The annual GITEX Global exhibition is considered one of the world’s largest tech shows that connects industry leaders with major tech and innovation startups
  • Pakistan's ambassador encourages business leaders, IT professionals to visit the Pakistan pavilion, where 24 exhibitors are showcasing innovative technologies

ISLAMABAD: The four-day Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) 2024, being held in Dubai from Oct. 14 till Oct. 18, offers Pakistan an opportunity to boost its Information Technology (IT) exports by tapping into new markets, Pakistan's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Faisal Niaz Tirmizi said on Monday, as he inaugurated Pakistan's pavilion at the event.

The annual GITEX Global exhibition is considered one of the world’s largest tech shows that connects industry leaders with major tech and innovation startups as well as government officials, expert investors and corporate buyers. This year’s exhibition will run from Oct. 14 to Oct. 18.

Pakistan aims to showcase its growing capabilities in the IT sector through a contingent of 24 leading exhibitors at the event, which is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre and offers an opportunity for companies to connect with global tech leaders, investors, and potential partners.

"It's a great opportunity for business leaders and IT experts from Pakistan to meet their counterparts from around the world to increase exports of Pakistan from $3.2 billion to manifolds," Ambassador Tirmizi said, after inaugurating the Pakistan pavilion.

He encouraged business leaders and IT professionals to visit the pavilion, where 24 exhibitors are showcasing innovative technologies and services, highlighting the substantial growth of Pakistan’s IT exports to the UAE that had risen by 34% to $265 million.

The Pakistani ambassador acknowledged collaborative efforts by the Pakistani Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), Pakistan Software Houses Association (PASHA), and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in organizing and showcasing Pakistan’s IT industry at the exhibition.

“Their joint efforts have made it possible for Pakistan to present its full spectrum of capabilities at GITEX Global,” the ambassador said.

“Pakistan, with the third-largest English-speaking population and the second-largest provider of freelance IT services globally, is uniquely positioned to expand its IT exports.”

GITEX Global is known for bringing together global tech giants, governments, start-ups, and investors, offering a platform for transformative innovations. Pakistan’s involvement in the event demonstrates its commitment to advancing its digital economy and enhancing its global footprint in the tech industry.

 


Indian FM’s visit to Pakistan unlikely to thaw frosty ties, experts say

Updated 14 October 2024
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Indian FM’s visit to Pakistan unlikely to thaw frosty ties, experts say

  • Jaishankar has said he will not discuss bilateral relations during Pakistan visit
  • High-level trip may still contribute to ‘slight improvement’ to India-Pakistan ties  

NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Islamabad is unlikely to thaw frosty relations between India and Pakistan as both countries struggle with their domestic issues, experts said on Monday ahead of the first such trip by a high-level Indian official.

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed last Friday that Jaishankar will be leading the Indian delegation to attend the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization — a 10-member trans-regional economic and security body established by China and Russia — from Oct. 15 to 16 in the Pakistani capital. 

Jaishankar has said he will not discuss bilateral relations during the visit. 

India has fought three wars with its nuclear-armed neighbor, including two over control of the disputed Kashmir region in the Himalayas.

India controls Jammu and Kashmir, which is part of the larger Kashmiri territory that has been the subject of international dispute since the 1947 partition of the Indian subcontinent into Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan.

Both countries, which claim Kashmir in full and rule in part, further downgraded their diplomatic ties in tit-for-tat moves in 2019, after India unilaterally stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its limited constitutional autonomy. In protest, Pakistan also suspended all bilateral trade. 

“It would contribute in certain ways in thawing the relationship that has been frozen for the last 10 years and may provide an opportunity for India to construct, begin conversation with Pakistan,” Sanjay Kapoor, analyst and political editor, told Arab News. 

Yet Pakistan’s political instability and security challenges are also a drawback to potential bilateral engagements, said Prof. Harsh V. Pant, vice president of the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi. 

“Pakistan is in such a febrile that who to talk to is a big question,” he told Arab News.

“The way political challenges are rising for the Pakistani government, they are quite substantive and there is no way in which a unified machinery exists … even if India wants to have a conversation with Pakistan and take that conversation forward.” 

Unless “something fundamental shifts” in Islamabad concerning its approach to regional security and terrorism, Pant said that India will not be “very incentivized to engage with Pakistan.”

Cross-border terrorism was a top-of-mind issue for the Indian government, said Manish Chand, president of the think tank Center for Global India Insights. 

“Pakistan has not done anything tangible, concrete” to address Delhi’s concerns over the matter, he told Arab News, adding that any dialogue with Islamabad also depended on the Indian public perception and mood, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party lost its absolute majority in parliament in June. 

“This government, the BJP, does not want to be seen as soft on Pakistan or cross-border terror, so they don’t want to take a political chance because that would mean that it could be they will face cracking political scrutiny,” Chand told Arab News. 

Despite the challenges, Jaishankar’s trip should still be seen as a “very positive gesture” that may lead “to a slight improvement” in bilateral relations, which “may eventually lead to some tangible move leading to reengagement at some level or revival of the dialogue process,” he said. 

But Prof. Siddiq Wahid, a Srinagar-based political analyst, said engaging with Pakistan is not a priority for the Indian government. 

“The current Indian government is hampered by itself-image of India in the world. That self-image is of a major global player. As a result it thinks that time is on its side and it does not have to deal with Islamabad,” he told Arab News.

“Meanwhile, the regional rivalry between Delhi and Islamabad continues to fester.” 


Pakistan’s deadline to file income tax returns ends today

Updated 14 October 2024
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Pakistan’s deadline to file income tax returns ends today

  • The Federal Board of Revenue had extended the Sept. 30 deadline by two weeks
  • Pakistan has one of the lowest tax ratios in the world, according to the World Bank

ISLAMABAD: The deadline for Pakistanis to file their income tax returns ends today, Monday, following the expiry of a two-week extension given by the country's tax regulator.

Pakistan has one of the lowest tax ratios in the world, according to the World Bank. The South Asian country’s failure to generate tax revenues in higher amounts stems from the fact that it has a narrow tax base, low compliance rate, an inefficient tax administration and massive tax evasion, the international financial institution has said.

Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) announced last month it had extended the Sept. 30 deadline for filing income tax returns to Oct. 14.

“The FBR made the decision in view of requests from various trade bodies, Tax Bar Associations and general public,” it said in a notification. 

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) last month approved a $7 billion loan for Pakistan, critical for the South Asian country to meet its external financial obligations and strengthen its national currency. One of the key demands of the IMF from Pakistan has been to improve its tax administration and broaden its tax base.

The South Asian country aims to collect an ambitious $46 billion through taxes this financial year. Authorities have identified 4.9 million taxable persons in the country by using modern technology.

In Sept., Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced the country’s tax filers this year had almost doubled from 1.6 million last year to 3.2 million. He also disclosed that last year Pakistan recorded at least 300,000 new tax filers while this year, the figure had already swelled to 723,000.