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Asad Umar wonders why is Shehbaz Sharif happy over SC decision

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  • Overall the top court’s verdict is correct, says Asad Umar.
  • Says both PTI, Shehbaz happy over SC landmark decision.
  • Cipher sent to PM, FM, COAS and DG ISI: former minister. 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Umar has termed the Supreme Court’s landmark verdict on law regulating the chief justice’s powers the “correct decision,” while wondering why PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif was “celebrating the decision”.

Speaking to the media outside the anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad on Thursday, Umar said overall the top court’s verdict was correct.

The Supreme Court, a day earlier, with a majority decision of 10-5 sustained the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act 2023, a law that clips the administrative powers of the chief justice of Pakistan, as being constitutional and dismissed the pleas challenging the vires of the law.

CJP Qazi Faez Isa mentioned that by a majority of 8-7 — CJP Isa, Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel, Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Musarrat Hilali dissenting — sub-section (2) of Section 5 of the Act (granting a right to appeal retrospectively) is declared to be ultra vires the Constitution.

With the right to retrospective appeal denied, it means that a prospective applicant such as Nawaz Sharif could not appeal against his lifetime disqualification from participation in politics.

Responding to a question, Umar said it remains to be seen whether Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif, who kicked off his journey back to Pakistan on Wednesday would return to the country after yesterday’s top court decision.

“Everyone is saying that this decision is not good for Nawaz Sharif then why is Shehbaz Sharif happy over this decision,” he quipped. “I am just asking an innocent question.. [that] both PTI and Shehbaz Sharif are happy over this decision.”

Umar was referring to the full court’s decision of not allowing right to appeal retrospectively against verdicts taken Article 184(3), meaning Nawaz may not able challenge his lifetime disqualification.

Speaking about cipher case related to the alleged use of diplomatic cable for vested and political purposes by former prime minister Imran Khan, Umar said he believed that the classified document was used legally.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in August this year arrested PTI chief Imran Khan and Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi in cipher case after booking them under Official Secrets Act.

Umar said diplomatic cipher is sent to four officials — the prime minister, foreign ministry, army chief and DG ISI.

“Only my name and not planning ministry was mentioned in the [cipher] FIR,” he said while apparently distancing himself from the cipher controversy as he served as the planning minister in the PTI-led government.

Meanwhile, Umar appeared before the ATC in the Federal Judicial Complex attack case.

During the hearing of the case, PTI chief counsel implored the court to issue directive for his client production order in the court, who is currently held in Adiala prison in the cipher case.

ATC Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain directed the Adiala jail superintendent to submit a report on the PTI chief’s security for his appearance in the court after consulting the Ministry of Interior by October 24.

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PTI suggests resuming talks with government over judicial commission issue.

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Barrister Gohar, Chairman of the PTI, has claimed that the party’s founder has suspended negotiations, emphasizing that the government should declare the commission within seven days.

He emphasized the PTI’s openness to rethink if the government makes headway and establishes the commission.

Barrister Gohar told the reporters, “Seven days were enough to announce the commission.” We are ready to reconsider, but the government must first announce the commission.”

He stated that the PTI approached the negotiations with an open mind. “The PTI founder has halted the negotiations. “The government had eight laws on their agenda, while we only had two demands,” he stated.

The PTI chairman went on to say that even after seven days, no progress had been made in forming the commission. He encouraged the government to reconsider the decision and proceed with the announcement.

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PTI will declare February 8 to be “Black Day,” sparking protests across the country.

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According to reports, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) intends to hold rallies nationwide on Wednesday in support of its decision to declare February 8, the one-year anniversary of the general elections, a black day.

According to media sources, PTI founder Imran Khan has instructed all party lawmakers—including MPAs and MNAs—to plan and take part in demonstrations in their local communities on February 8 in order to draw attention to their complaints and issues.

In a recent meeting with legal advisors on Wednesday, Imran Khan expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the party’s Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram. The meeting emphasized the importance of party discipline and gave stern directives to abstain from any criticism of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the head of the JUI-F.

It has also been suggested that the PTI engage opposition leaders in the demonstrations in order to win their support.

Party insiders revealed that the founder has urged leaders to ensure effective coordination and mobilised efforts in preparation for February 8.

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In 13 cases involving the D-Chowk demonstration, Bushra Bibi granted temporary release until February 7.

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Bushra Bibi, the wife of the PTI chairman, was granted temporary release by the Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in 13 counts pertaining to the November 26 D-Chowk protest. Judge Tahir Abbas Supra ordered the police to produce all pertinent documentation by February 7 and granted bail against surety bonds of Rs. 5,000 apiece.

Additionally, Bushra Bibi was given temporary release until February 7 in the Rangers’ accident case. During the hearing, Judge Tahir Abbas Supra expressed disappointment over the behavior of the defense counsel on two occasions. Addressing the lawyers, he remarked, “You demand VIP protocol everywhere, but this is not possible. Prepare your files properly before coming to court.”

Three cases at the Secretariat Police Station, two each at the Margalla, Karachi Company, and Ramna Police Stations, and one each at the Tarnol, Kohsar, Aabpara, and Khanna Police Stations are among the numerous charges against Bushra Bibi.

In addition, the judge chastised the defense team for requesting that Bushra Bibi sign and thumbprint blank documents. He said, “The accused must sign and thumbprint the court orders, not blank sheets.”

Bushra Bibi also went to the Islamabad High Court to have her biometrics verified in relation to her appeal to be exonerated in the Toshakhana-II case. On Monday, Bushra Bibi and the PTI chairman submitted their acquittal petitions. After finishing the biometric procedure, she departed right away.

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