Pakistan defers tabling constitutional amendment package as legal fraternity vows to challenge proposals

Update Pakistan defers tabling constitutional amendment package as legal fraternity vows to challenge proposals
Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Asif addresses on the floor of the National Assembly of Pakistan in Islamabad on May 3, 2023. (@NAofPakistan/X/File)
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Updated 16 September 2024
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Pakistan defers tabling constitutional amendment package as legal fraternity vows to challenge proposals

Pakistan defers tabling constitutional amendment package as legal fraternity vows to challenge proposals
  • Government was expected to table on Monday constitutional amendments on superior judges’ tenure, process of chief justice’s appointment
  • Prominent jurists describe the amendments as a ‘frontal assault’ on the judicial system that would abolish the trichotomy of power in country

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government on Monday postponed the tabling in parliament of a history-making “constitutional amendment package” on judicial reforms as several members of the legal fraternity rejected the proposals and challenged them in the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

The government was expected to table the amendments in the National Assembly and Senate on Monday after it did not do so a day earlier. According to Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, the package includes 52 amendments to the constitution, mostly involving minor wording changes.

The proposed amendments are expected to establish a federal constitutional court, raise the retirement age of superior judges by three years, and modify the process for the appointment of chief justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

The matter 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 government was initially expected to table the amendments on Sunday, but Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, a senior member of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, later said they could not secure the required 224 votes, two-thirds majority, needed to pass the amendments.

“We want and desire complete consensus within the House, so this process will continue, and when all parties agree on this document, this draft will be presented in the House,” Asif said, while speaking in the National Assembly on Monday afternoon.

“We believe that no one will oppose the proposals as we are determined to shape the constitution in line with the agreement in the Charter of Democracy.”

The Charter of Democracy (CoD) was signed between the PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), two major political parties in Pakistan, on May 14, 2006 in London. The document outlined steps to end the military rule established after the 1999 coup d’état led by late General Pervez Musharraf and to restore democracy in Pakistan.

Asif said the amendments aimed to address “constitutional imbalances” and public representatives would have the right to undo any “intrusions” into parliamentary powers and the constitution.

“A draft has been prepared to address constitutional imbalances, especially those related to parliament, and it is a draft to improve the 19th amendment [on procedure for judicial appointments], and the constitution allows us to do so,” the defense minister said, adding there was no political motivation behind it.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) opposition party of jailed former premier Imran Khan has criticized the moves and believes that the amendments are meant to grant an extension to incumbent Supreme Court Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, who is widely believed to be aligned with the ruling coalition led by PM Shehbaz Sharif and in opposition to its chief rival, the PTI. PTI founder Khan has threatened nationwide protests against the reforms.

Speaking in the National Assembly, a former speaker and Khan aide, Asad Qaiser, strongly condemned the government’s moves and described them as a “mockery” of parliament.

“If you want to bring amendments, definitely bring them but after a proper debate and discussion on it,” he said, adding the government tried to pass amendments in the “dark of the night” and without even briefing its own members on them.

“We will oppose this type of pressure and oppression in the parliament, in the courts, on the road and everywhere.”

Law Minister Tarar said the draft of amendments had not yet been presented before the cabinet, as required under the constitution, and asked opposition parties to come up with positive recommendations, instead of undue criticism.

“A special parliamentary committee has been made, which included members of all political parties, so all are invited to bring suggestions in this regard to the committee,” he said.




Pakistan's Azam Nazeer Tarar (left) is addressing a session of National Assembly in Islamabad, Pakistan on September 16, 2024. (@NAofPakistan/X)

‘SUBSERVIENT' JUDICIARY

Prominent lawyers, including Abid Zuberi, Shafqat Mehmood Chauhan, Shahab Sarki, Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan and Munir Kakar, filed a petition in the Supreme Court on Monday, challenging the proposed amendments to the constitution.

“Through the instant petition the petitioners seek to challenge the vires of the proposed constitutional package,” they stated in the petition. “The proposed bill puts forth proposed amendments to the constitution that would transfer the vested powers of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the high courts of Pakistan as granted by the constitution to the executive and entirely annihilate the principles of independence of judiciary and suppression of power.”

Munir A Malik, a senior lawyer, said the proposed amendments would abolish the trichotomy of power — executive, legislature and judiciary — under the constitution.

“We will have a judiciary subservient to the executive and this is a frontal assault on the judicial system and the independence of the judiciary,” he told Arab News. “I think every lawyer who believes in the rule of law will stand up against any such step which undermines the independence of judiciary.”

Shaiq Usmani, former chief justice of the Sindh High Court, agreed that there had been a need for a constitutional court, but the proposed amendments were “most ill-timed.

“There is certainly a need for a constitutional court, yes, in a sense because the politicians here are constantly at war with each other and they always run to the Supreme Court to get their disputes resolved. As a result of that, the courts then have to give up commercial and other disputes of ordinary people, while they decide political cases,” he said.

“But this timing was wrong. At this time, when there is complete polarization in the political field, Pakistan is facing tremendous economic problems and so many other issues, so, this was certainly not the time for this sort of a thing. It was most ill-timed and fortunately, because of the fact that they [government] have not been able to get the required majority, it hasn’t been pushed through.”

Sabahat Rizvi, secretary of the Lahore High Court Bar Association, said the government “planned to disturb the unity of the judges” through this constitutional amendment package.

“They want to bring people of their choice, but we have already caused a lot of damage to our country and people through such constitutional amendments,” she told Arab News.

Rizvi said lawyers must unite against any such “attempt to undermine the independence of the judiciary,” irrespective of their political affiliations.

“Although lawyers have been divided due to their political affiliations, I would say that on this issue of national importance, they all should unite and come forward,” she said, promising to support any protest movement for this cause.

Arab News tried reaching the government’s spokesperson on legal affairs, Aqeel Malik, for a comment on the developments, but he did not answer the calls and messages.

AMENDMENTS

The coalition government is proposing that the retirement age of Supreme Court and high court judges be increased by three years from the existing 65 and 62 years, respectively. The current chief justice 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 last 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 a five-member panel comprising top court judges as responsible for appointing the chief justice.

The reform package also includes a proposal to allow the transfers of judges from one high court to another and 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.

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.


Islamabad traffic police investigate alleged issuance of driving license to blind person

Islamabad traffic police investigate alleged issuance of driving license to blind person
Updated 28 sec ago
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Islamabad traffic police investigate alleged issuance of driving license to blind person

Islamabad traffic police investigate alleged issuance of driving license to blind person
  • In a sting operation, local news channel showed the blind person got the license in return for a bribe of Rs30,000 ($107)
  • Traffic police say an investigation, set to conclude in the next few days, will lead to strict action against those involved

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad traffic police have been investigating alleged issuance of a driving license to a blind person, a traffic police spokesperson said on Sunday, days after a local news channel made the exposé during a sting operation.
The exposé, led by Iqrarul Hassan who hosts ‘Sar-e-Aam’ show on ARY News channel, this week revealed that driving licenses were being issued in Islamabad without proper theoretical and driving tests, or medical examination in exchange for bribes, which raised serious concerns about public safety on the capital city roads.
For the show, Sar-e-Aam team had contacted through an agent an Islamabad traffic police official, who promised to issue a driving license without any theoretical, medical, or driving test. They successfully obtained the license by paying Rs30,000 ($107) and having someone else undergo the medical test on behalf of the blind applicant.
“The incident is currently under investigation, which will be concluded in the next two days and strict action will be taken against all those involved, including Muhammad Talha, the traffic police officer seen in the video,” Nafees Iqbal, the Islamabad traffic police spokesperson, told Arab News.
He said they were verifying facts regarding the young man, who claimed to be blind.
“Preliminary findings suggest that his condition may not be as portrayed in the media and he may not be entirely blind,” Iqbal added.
Arab News reached out to Sar-e-Aam host Hassan and his team, but they did not respond to calls and messages for a comment on the matter.
The traffic police spokesperson said they would share findings of their probe with media upon completion of the investigation in the next few days.
“Upholding the prestige and integrity of the Islamabad traffic police is of utmost importance to us,” he added.
Additionally, he said, strict measures had been taken to curb agent mafias, who act as intermediaries in such matters, and model police service centers were operating for the facilitation of public, including the issuance of driving licenses.
“Further action will be taken based on the inquiry team’s recommendations,” Iqbal added.
Corruption in public sector organizations is a major concern for the South Asian nation, with Pakistan ranking 133rd out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index in 2023.
According to the findings of the National Corruption Perceptions Survey 2023, the police department remained the most corrupt institution, followed by tendering and contracting and the judiciary at third position.


Pakistani scientist gets prestigious Sheikh Zayed International award in medicine

Pakistani scientist gets prestigious Sheikh Zayed International award in medicine
Updated 15 December 2024
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Pakistani scientist gets prestigious Sheikh Zayed International award in medicine

Pakistani scientist gets prestigious Sheikh Zayed International award in medicine
  • Award recognizes Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Chaudhry’s efforts to integrate traditional medicine with modern medical practices
  • He is the recipient of several civil awards such as the Hilal-I-Imtiaz, the Sitara-I-Imtiaz, and the Tamgha-I-Imtiaz

Islamabad: Distinguished Pakistani scientist and Coordinator-General of the OIC’s Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Chaudhry, has been awarded the Sheikh Zayed International award in recognition of his achievements in medicine, COMSTECH said on Sunday. 

The Sheikh Zayed International TCAM (Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine) Award recognizes significant contributions to the field of TCAM. It was established to honor individuals, organizations, and institutions that have made outstanding efforts in promoting TCAM practices, enhancing health care, and integrating traditional medicine with modern medical practices.

Dr. Chaudhry was presented with the award at the Hotel Beach Rotana in Abu Dhabi, COMSTECH said in a press release. It added that he was awarded for his groundbreaking contributions to herbal medicine and academic excellence. 

“This award not only acknowledges his individual accomplishments but also highlights the growing importance of traditional medicine in modern health care,” COMSTECH said. 

A distinguished figure in the scientific community, Dr. Chaudhry is the recipient of numerous prestigious Pakistani awards, including civil awards such as the Hilal-I-Imtiaz, the Sitara-I-Imtiaz, and the Tamgha-I-Imtiaz. 

He has also bagged the Friendship Award from China, and the Golden Silkball Friendship Award.

He serves as vice president of the World Academy Of Sciences For Central & South Asia and is a fellow of several esteemed scientific organizations, including the Royal Society Of Chemistry in London.

In October, Hunan University Of Medicine in China named it’s newly inaugurated research building after Dr. Chaudhry. 
 


Pakistan eyes olive cultivation as means to boost agricultural growth

Pakistan eyes olive cultivation as means to boost agricultural growth
Updated 15 December 2024
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Pakistan eyes olive cultivation as means to boost agricultural growth

Pakistan eyes olive cultivation as means to boost agricultural growth
  • The South Asian country is currently turning its focus to agriculture as a driving force for economic growth, with ambitious plans to enhance cultivation
  • With government backing, investment, and community-driven innovation, Pakistan’s olive industry seems poised to transform the agricultural landscape

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has been eyeing an increase in olive cultivation to boost its agricultural growth, its national food security minister said this week, adding that it could position the country as a major player in the global olive oil market.

According to the Journal of Agriculture and Food Research from June 2024, Pakistan has 80 million wild and 5 million planted olive trees. Olives are important for their food and nutritional benefits. Cultivating olives on a large scale in Pakistan will help in meeting the local demand for edible oil in the country. 

In 2022, Pakistan became the 19th member of the International Olive Council, the only intergovernmental organization in the world that brings together olive oil and table olive producing and consuming stakeholders. Pakistan exported virgin and extra virgin olive oil worth 1.9 million in 2022. 

The South Asian country, which has been facing an economic crisis, is currently turning its focus to agriculture as a driving force for economic growth, with ambitious plans to enhance cultivation, modernize processing, and expand exports.

Speaking at an event in Islamabad for the promotion of olive cultivation on a commercial scale, Pakistan’s National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain said it would not only boost the gross domestic product, but also generate employment in rural areas.

“We will bring an increase in cultivation. We will definitely put this industry in processing and packing,” he said on Friday. “And God willing, that day will not be far when our olive oil will become popular in other countries. Because it contents, as far as I know, are very good.”

Jars of olive pickles are displayed at a stall at the Grand National Olive Gala 2024 in Islamabad, Pakistan, on December 13, 2024. (AN photo)

Agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and accounts for nearly half of the employed labor force in the country, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

“In the last few years, no sector had a contribution in economic growth like agriculture, which accounted for 6.5 percent of GDP,” Hussain said, emphasizing agriculture’s critical role in the country’s economy.

Pakistan’s financial and private sectors are also stepping up to support this momentum.

Muhammad Shoaib Qaisrani, vice president of the National Bank of Pakistan, shared that substantial investments were being made in the agriculture sector to boost production.

“We have disbursed Rs368 billion ($1.33 billion) into agriculture,” he shared. “With the addition of olives, we are expecting to inject another up to Rs40 billion ($144.4 million) to further support this sector.”

A customer is checking a bottle of olive oil at the Grand National Olive Gala 2024 in Islamabad, Pakistan, on December 13, 2024. (AN photo)

The private sector is embracing the potential of olives, with entrepreneurs and women playing a transformative role in the country’s olive oil industry. Women-led initiatives, particularly in rural areas, have been thriving, with many women involved in producing olive-based products like soaps, cosmetics and pickles.

Aiza Imran, brand manager at Loralai Olives that cultivates and processes olives, expressed optimism about Pakistan’s position in the olive oil market.

“When we think of olive oil, we think of Italy or Spain. That’s what we are trying to do with Pakistan, and Loralai specifically, because it’s known to have the best quality oil in the region,” she said.

Participants attend the Grand National Olive Gala 2024 in Islamabad, Pakistan, on December 13, 2024. (AN photo)

These ventures are not only empowering women economically but also contributing to local value addition, driving innovation and inclusivity in the industry, according to Alamgir Khan, an official at Khazana Support Organization, a Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-based entity that aims to enhance capacity-building of women.

Entrepreneurs are leveraging modern techniques and creative marketing to expand the industry’s reach, fostering job creation and promoting Pakistan’s olive oil as a high-quality product in global markets. The collaborative efforts are reshaping the narrative around entrepreneurship and gender roles in agriculture.

“We have soaps, cosmetics, pickles. We have made a group of females, and they make these products,” Khan told Arab News. “They have displayed their work, showing how olives contribute to diverse industries.”

Olives are also recognized for their vast health benefits.

“From a nutritional point of view to skin cosmetics, healthy living, longevity, and anti-aging, olives are the best,” said Dr. Daud Qazi, chairman of the World Association for Regenerative Medicine, while emphasizing their versatility.


Pakistan’s interior minister arrives in Saudi Arabia to discuss bilateral ties, mutual concerns

Pakistan’s interior minister arrives in Saudi Arabia to discuss bilateral ties, mutual concerns
Updated 15 December 2024
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Pakistan’s interior minister arrives in Saudi Arabia to discuss bilateral ties, mutual concerns

Pakistan’s interior minister arrives in Saudi Arabia to discuss bilateral ties, mutual concerns
  • Pakistan has signed several agreements worth billions of dollars with Saudi Arabia in recent months
  • Mohsin Naqvi meets Saudi Arabia’s Undersecretary of Interior Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Battal 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Riyadh on Sunday to discuss bilateral ties and issues of mutual concern with Saudi Arabia, the interior ministry said as both countries continue efforts to forge closer economic and investment ties. 

Pakistan has looked toward Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern states in recent months to attract foreign investment and ensure economic stability. 

Islamabad and Riyadh signed several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in October worth $2.8 billion that Pakistan says will bring much-needed foreign investment into the cash-starved country. 

Naqvi met Saudi Arabia’s Undersecretary of Interior Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Battal after his arrival in Riyadh, the interior ministry said. 

“Matters of mutual interest and discussions on Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations were held,” the interior ministry said. 

Naqvi congratulated the Saudi leadership on successfully winning the bid for hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup, expressing his best wishes for the Kingdom. 

“Saudi Arabia is our most trusted Islamic friends. Every Pakistani is proud of this friendship,” Naqvi added. 

He praised Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 program, saying that it has created “historic progress and prosperity” in the Kingdom. 

Al-Battal noted that the two countries enjoyed very close ties to each other, adding that he was looking forward to further progress in bilateral relations during Naqvi’s ongoing tour of Saudi Arabia. 


Pakistan thanks Lebanon for safely evacuating its nationals from Syria

Pakistan thanks Lebanon for safely evacuating its nationals from Syria
Updated 15 December 2024
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Pakistan thanks Lebanon for safely evacuating its nationals from Syria

Pakistan thanks Lebanon for safely evacuating its nationals from Syria
  • Over 300 Pakistanis safely returned home from Syria via Lebanon on Friday after Syrian government was overthrown 
  • Pakistan’s information minister meets Lebanese counterpart, says Pakistani nation stands with people of Lebanon 

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Ataullah Tarar on Sunday thanked his Lebanese counterpart for safely evacuating hundreds of Pakistani nationals from Syria this week, reaffirming Islamabad’s resolve to further strengthen ties with Beirut. 

More than 1,300 Pakistanis were stranded in Syria since last week when opposition forces seized the capital of Damascus unopposed following a lightning advance that sent Syria’s President Basha Assad fleeing to Russia last week. 

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke to his Lebanese counterpart to arrange for the safe evacuation of hundreds of Pakistani citizens from Syria. Over 300 Pakistanis stranded in Syria arrived in Islamabad from Beirut via a chartered flight on Friday. 

“Federal Minister for Information thanked the Lebanese leadership for facilitating the immediate evacuation of Pakistani citizens stranded in Syria via Beirut,” Pakistan’s information ministry said in a press release. 

Tarar arrived in Turkiye on Dec. 13 for a three-day visit to the country to take part in the Stratcom Summit 2024 in Istanbul. He met Lebanon’s Information Minister Ziad Makary in Istanbul to discuss bilateral ties between the two countries. 

Tarar noted that the Lebanese prime minister responded to the telephonic conversation between him and Sharif, and ensured assistance was provided to Pakistani evacuees. 

“Pakistan and Lebanon have brotherly and warm relations,” he said. 

Pakistan has consistently sent relief consignments to the people of Lebanon and Gaza who had suffered from Israel’s bombardment. Lebanon and Israel agreed to a ceasefire last month, ending Israeli bombardment. 

“The entire Pakistani nation stands with the people of Lebanon in this difficult time,” Tarar said. 

Makary, on the other hand, thanked Islamabad for sending relief supplies to Lebanon during Israel’s bombardment, the press release said. 

“Lebanon’s information minister reaffirmed his resolve to further strengthen ties between the two countries,” it added.