Politics

‘Constitutional amendment or elections’, PTI tells govt

Published

2 years ago

Farwa

Fawad says govt’s attitude of not following Constitution unacceptable.
“The government plans to create anarchy in the country,” says Qureshi.
PTI vice chairman says his party will abide by Supreme Court’s verdict.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senior Vice President Fawad Chaudhry told the government Wednesday to either amend the Constitution or hold elections to the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies in line with the Supreme Court’s order.

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is saying elections should be held in October, whereas the Constitution says polls should be held within 90 days after the dissolution of assemblies,” he said in a tweet.

Therefore, the government should either take the matter to the Parliament and amend the Constitution by a two-thirds majority or hold the elections.

شہباز شریف کہ رہے ہیں کہ انتخابات اکتوبر میں ہونے چاہئیں آئین کہتا ہے کہ اسمبلیاں ٹوٹنے کے نوے دن کے اندر الیکشن ہونے ہیں کابینہ اپنا فیصلہ پارلیمان کو بھیج دے اور دو تہائ اکثریت سے آئین کو بدل لے دوسری صورت میں پنجاب اور خیبرپختونخواہ میں سپریم کورٹ کے حکم کے مطابق الیکشن…
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) April 26, 2023

“The Constitution cannot be suspended through mere statements and resolutions. The attitude of not following the Constitution is unacceptable.”

The PTI had dissolved the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies in January in a bid to force early general elections but the Shehbaz-led government has not given in to the demand.

The Supreme Court, while taking suo motu notice, directed that polls in Punjab be held on May 14. Following the verdict, the Ministry of Defence filed a petition in the apex court, requesting it to take back its earlier decision and direct that election across the country be held on the same day. However, the ministry’s petition was declared inadmissible for hearing.

In the latest hearing on elections, the SC directed the ruling coalition and the PTI to hold talks and reach a consensus on the date for polls, and to update it on the outcome on April 27.

In this regard, PM Shehbaz convened a meeting of the ruling allies today, after which he announced the matter would be referred to a parliamentary committee.

He also said that the Supreme Court does “not have the power to act as arbitrator” between the government and the PTI. “The Supreme Court’s job is not to act as a panchayat but to announce verdicts in accordance with the law and the Constitution,” the premier said.

Reacting to the comments, PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the apex court was indeed not a panchayat and announced the verdict in the case of the election after interpreting the Constitution.

Talking to a private news channel, he noted that the SC asked political parties to discuss a date for elections. “Ministers promised [to do it] … but the government refuses to implement the Supreme Court’s verdict.

“The government plans to create anarchy in the country,” he alleged.

He accused National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf of partiality, adding that the government’s intentions were “not sincere” and it was inching towards violating the Constitution.

PTI leaders would appear in court hearings and abide by the SC’s verdict, he iterated.

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PTI suggests resuming talks with government over judicial commission issue.

Published

1 week ago

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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.

Latest News

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

Published

2 weeks ago

Farwa

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.

Published

2 weeks ago

Farwa

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.