SC dismisses PM’s intra-court appeal against contempt charge

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ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court (SC) has rejected Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani’s intra-court appeal against the court order to indict him on February 13; hence, he will have to appear before the seven-member bench to be indicted on Februray 13, TrendPK reports Friday.

Delivering the verdict after hearing Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani’s appeal against indictment, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Muhammed Chaudhry delivered the verdict.

Former Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Aitezaz Ahsan, who is counsel of the PM Gilani in the contempt case, completed his arguments before the eight-strong bench headed by Chief Justice Chaudhry.

The bench includes Justice Shakirullah Jan, Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja, Justice Khilji Arif Hussain, Justice Tariq Pervez, Justice Amir Haani Muslim, Justice Mian Saqib Nisar and Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali.

The Supreme Court upheld a summons for Gilani to appear on February 13 to face indictment for the government’s two-year refusal to ask Swiss authorities to re-open graft cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.

If convicted of contempt of court, Gilani faces up to six months in jail and being disqualified from office.

“The appeal is dismissed,” chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry told the court, upholding the February 2 summons for Gilani to appear on Monday.

The judge wanted a clear answer on whether the prime minister would write to the Swiss, telling his lawyer: “We are ready to give you 10 minutes to talk to the prime minister on the phone and let us know.”

“I have no mandate to do that,” replied Gilani’s lawyer, Aitzaz Ahsan.

The court heard the PM Gilani’s appeal against the order delivered by a seven-judge bench on February 2 seeking indictment of the Prime Minister. The appeal prayed to the court to repeal show-cause notice issued to the PM.

Aitezaz contended there is a simple notice in addition to the show-cause notice in Contempt of Court Ordinance, adding it would have been better if a plain notice had been dispatched to him (PM Gilani).

He said stringent remarks were passed concerning the PM before the contempt. The Chief Justice Chaudhry said it is sufficient for the court to be satisfied prior to the indictment, adding it is up to the court as to what extent it goes to hear the arguments to decide about the indictment.

The PM, he added, did not submit any written rejoinder in reply to the show-cause notice.

Addressing Aitezaz, the CJ said, ‘You made a record of constant arguments, as you set up a record of 26-hour continuous driving. The seven-member bench heard your arguments at length. Had the PM given written statement, everything would have been clear.’

Aitezaz contended the written answer was not sought; merely appearance in person was ordered. the Chief Justice Chaudhry remarked, ‘It was you to do it. The PM should know that the order by the apex court of the country is not being acted upon.’

The judiciary, the CJ continued, does not want to snub the PM, who is chief executive of the country. Responding this, PM’S counsel said his client was not given chance to have his say.

The Chief Justice Chaudhry said the premier should implement the court’s ruling, adding the court is giving time keeping in view the nature of the case; however, the court respects the premier.

As he appeared before the court, he came to know that he is being shouldered with this responsibility, the Chief Justice Chaudhry remarked adding Hazrat Omar (R.A.) also appeared before the court, when he was summoned by the Qazi.

Justice Mian Saqib Nisar said it is imperative to give a person the chance of preliminary hearing under the law.

Concluding remarks between CJ Chaudhry, Aitezaz
Asked by Chief Justice if there is anything more which you want to say, Aitezaz said he cannot complain.

The Chief Justice Chaudhry said, “You completed arguments spanning over seven hours.” Responding to this, Aitezaz said, “I am thankful to you. However, the dissatisfaction before the trial court, cannot be compensated.”

Ahsan said it is essential to write down reason of every order in accordance with the judicial ruling. However, the Chief Justice Chaudhry said if reasons are penned down on indictment stage; then, what would be left for the final verdict.

The CJ continued, “Can you refer to the bench any incident of criminal case when even a magistrate wrote reasons before framing of charges.” TrendPK

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SC takes up plea against likely dismissal of Kayani, Pasha

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ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court (SC) has taken up an application against the potential sacking of Army Chief Kayani and the ISI Chief Pasha as maintainable, TrendPK reports Tuesday.

A three-judge SC bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Muhammed Chaudhry heard the petition concerning the objections leveled by the Registrar regarding the potential dismissal of Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General Ahmed Shuja Pasha from their offices.

The Chief Justice Chaudhry remarked the appeal against the order of the registrar is heard at the chamber; but, keeping in view the import of the matter, the appeal has been put forward before a bench to elicit the opinion of the Attorney General.

The Attorney General of Pakistan Maulvi Anwarul Haq said he has done away with some of the objections; and the arguments regarding the maintainability of the plea should be left to the parties to the case.

The court ordered to present the appeal before any bench for hearing. TrendPK

Sanaullah, Riaz trade fire over drugs fiasco

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LAHORE: Government and opposition lawmakers in Punjab Assembly traded fire on Friday against each other over the deaths of dozens of people due to contaminated drugs.

Opposition leader in Punjab Assembly Raja Riaz asked Shahbaz Sharif to step down as the chief minister due to the fiasco.

He said Khadim-e-Ala has become Qatil-e-Ala.

Disregarding the demand, Punjab’s Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said opposition has nothing substantial to offer. He said Chief Minister Sharif has no time to listen to junk talk.

Although precious lives are being wasted due to the spurious drugs, ruling and opposition leaders are wasting no opportunity to humble each other.

Speaking to newsmen after the Punjab Assembly session, Rana Sanaullah said his party would welcome any positive proposal by the opposition parties. But he said the chief minister has no time to hear the rubbish talk. TrendPK

Formula prepared for pre-term polls: Fazl

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ISLAMABAD: JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman said Tuesday that memogate was a wing, which was turned into a bird.

Interacting with journalists in Islamabad, Rehman asid Mansoor Ijaz tried to pit the country’s institutions against each other and succeeded in his attempts.

He said the memo case has shaken the foundation of Pakistani politics.

“Mansoor Ijaz was coming to Pakistan as a hero. But it is better that he did not come,” he said.

The JUI-F chief said the Opposition has prepared a formula for pre-term elections. The government, he said, could be forced to accept opposition’s demands.

Rehman said Pakistan’s foreign policy has almost vanished after 2011.

To a question, he termed Imran Khan as a pointless element. TrendPK

Injudicious of Zardari to take CJ name in Naudero speech: Aitezaz

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ISLAMABAD: Former Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Aitezaz Ahsan Thursday said the proceedings began on court’s contempt notice to Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.

Talking to media amidst crowd after the contempt hearing by seven-member bench hearing the NRO Implementation case, he said the matter relates not only to implementation; instead, it is of criminal nature.

It is yet to ascertain whether the PM Gilani attempted contempt or not, the former SCBA president noted adding the PM believed that President enjoyed immunity as enshrined in the Constitution.

He asserted, “Giving sentence to the PM is not an ordinary thing, as according to me, looking into the Article-248 of the Constitution is not needed,” adding the matter will have to be looked from some other prospective, as this criminal case is of singular nature.

Ahsan said the sentence under the criminal case is six month term in jail as well as ineligibility. Aitezaz reiterated his standpoint that the President enjoys complete immunity in criminal cases under Article-248-2.

The president, he added, enjoys complete immunity under Vienna Convention too, noting, ‘If I say there is no harm if the letter is written, does not relate to contempt of court.’

What will happen if the Swiss officials do not take action in response to the letter? Aitzaz queried adding the apex court’s ruling will be implemented as time comes.

Addressing those who are using the apex court’s shoulder, Ahsan urged to bring impeachment against the president. Ahsan added there is special jurisdiction for hearing against the Prime Minister.

I believe it is due to the denial of the Chief Justice Chaudhry that brought about democracy in the country, he asserted adding the government has its basis in that denial of March 9, 2007.

President should not have taken the name the Chief Justice Chaudhry in his Naudero speech, he maintained adding, ‘I neither quit the party; nor do I deem it fit to quit or change parties.’

“I stand by what I say. I try to act upon what Constitution states. Despite the fact that I took neither ministry nor diplomacy, I oppose the party’s policy openly.”

“I acknowledge the right of those who speak against me. I raised slogans for the restoration of judiciary and was sentenced into jail on this count,” he added. TrendPK

Dhoni eyes 2015 World Cup, may quit tests

PERTH: Mahendra Singh Dhoni has hinted he will quit test cricket if he decides to lead India in their World Cup defence in Australia and New Zealand in 2015.

Dhoni, who led the cricket-obsessed nation to 50-overs World Cup triumph last April, said it was still too early to decide if he would be around for the next tournament.

“Well if I want to see the 2015 World Cup in, I’ll have to retire from one of the formats,” he told a news conference ahead of the third test against Australia.

“It’s too early right now. I am not that old. I am just 30. There is still time. We will see by the end of 2013.”

Dhoni, who is captain of India’s test, one-day internationals (ODI) and Twenty20 sides, carries the extra burden of keeping wicket and said making sure there was a successor ready was a factor in the 2013 deadline.

“What I really meant with that was by 2013 I would have to see where I stand when it comes to my body, whether I will be able to survive for the 2015 World Cup,” he said.

“Of course form is a big factor but also, what I need to see is, if I play till 2014 and all of a sudden say I can’t survive till the World Cup, then all of a sudden you have a new keeper coming in who has not played more than 30 international games.

“So by end of 2013 I need to decide, okay I’m fit enough to proceed in one of the formats.

“It’s not personal interest, it’s for the country. What I want is an individual who, if he is taking my place, should have played at least 60 to 100 ODIs before he goes into the World Cup.

“It’s what my personal thinking is. We will accordingly see where it is. There’s lots of time before that.”

Dhoni took over as ODI Twenty20 captain in 2007 and added the test captaincy in 2008. AGENCIES

President Zardari leaves for Dubai for a day: spokesman

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ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari left for Dubai on a private visit for medical checkup amidst hitherto unresolved standoff between the civil and military leaderships, TrendPK reports Thursday.

According to Presidential Spokesman Farhatullah Babar, the President Zardari will come back to Pakistan in 24 hours.

Addressing the party leaders at Bilawal House a couple of days ago, President Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Karachi Division Senator Faisal Raza Abidi  said Zardari is not on the ECL, he is head of the state; hence, he can go abroad as and when he wishes so.

He added the concept regarding his fleeing the country is an indication of failed mentality. TrendPK

Karachi: Brotherhood Week from September 21

A meeting was held un Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Interior Minister Rehman Malik at the Chief Minister House in Karachi which was also attended by Sindh Home minister Manzoor Wasan and higher officials of law enforcement agencies. It was decided in the meeting that ‘Brotherhood Week’ will be observed from September 21 to restore law and order and peace in Karachi.

It was also decided in the meeting that as per Supreme Court instructions, all the arrested target killers will be brought before public. Talking during the meeting, Rehman Malik vowed to continue indiscriminate action against criminals.

Pakistan tells US to cut CIA, special forces numbers: report

NEW YORK: Pakistan has told the United States to sharply cut the number of CIA agents and special forces operating there, and to rein in drone strikes against militants, a US newspaper said Monday.

The New York Times said the order highlighted the near collapse of US-Pakistani cooperation, the result of a row that erupted when CIA officer Raymond Davis shot and killed two men who tried to rob him in January.

The authorities in Islamabad were asking a total of about 335 CIA officers, contractors and special operations forces to leave the country, according to a Pakistani official involved in the decision who was quoted by the daily.

Pakistan’s army chief General Ashfaq Kayani personally ordered the reductions, it added, citing unnamed US and Pakistani officials.

The news came as Lieutenant General Ahmad Shuja Pasha, the chief of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan’s powerful military spy agency, met in Washington with Leon Panetta, director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

George Little, a CIA spokesman, told AFP the talks were productive and that relations between the agency and the ISI remained on a “solid footing.”

The Pakistani official involved in the decision to cut back the US presence told the newspaper that Pakistan suspects that what Washington really wants to do is to neutralize the Muslim country’s nuclear arsenal.

The daily said Kayani has asked for a 25-40 percent reduction in the number of US Special Operations troops, most of whom train the paramilitary Frontier Corps in the northwest tribal region which is home to the Taliban and Al-Qaeda.

It also said Pakistan had set a quota of 120 Special Forces soldiers operating in Pakistan, a figure it says has been reached.

Pakistan is also demanding Washington remove all US contractors used by the CIA as well as CIA agents who were involved in all missions that the ISI had been unaware of, the Pakistani official was cited as saying.

Davis was reportedly involved in a covert CIA assignment to penetrate the Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group.

A Pakistani official who met with the army chief said “Kayani would like the drones stopped,” after complaining that the Obama administration’s expanded drone attacks had run out of control.

If they cannot be stopped, Kayani demanded, then the campaign should return to the more limited score they were used for originally and target areas within North Waziristan, the paper said.

Lahore’s body builder dies in Badin

BADIN: Lahore’s body builder died here before the first day of the body building competition started.

Lahore’s body builder Muhammad Shafiq, 35, died of a heart attack before the first day of the 59th All Pakistan Shahaeed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Body Building competition started. Other 20 members of the deceased’s team excused the administration of the competition for their participation.

Sindh’s Home Minister Zulfiqar Mirza is the chief guest on the first day.

The Master of Pakistan will be selected in three day competition. TrendPK

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