Rabbani sends written reply for not appearing in SC

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: The 18th Amendment case hearing continues in Supreme Court on Wednesday; Senator Raza Rabbani (Pakistan Peoples Party) has formally informed the SC in writing that he will not make an appearance in court.

According to details, a full bench of the Supreme Court began the hearing of the 18th Amendment case. Attorney General Anwar-ul-Haque presented a letter sent by Raza Rabbani and recited it in court.

Rabbani’s letter described that a meeting of the committee was held. We respect the honorable court, but when it has not summoned, it is better to avoid appearing before it.

The letter described further that a statement was incorrectly associated with him by the media, and such news is meant to create misunderstandings between the judiciary and members of the parliament.

In his remarks after hearing the letter, the Chief

Judiciary is not subservient to Govt: CJ

Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry observed on Monday that judiciary is not subservient to the executive and added that any legislation that is against the spirit of Constitution cannot be termed as a law.
A 17-judge full court, headed by CJP, was hearing the petitions challenging certain clauses in the 18th amendment.
The constitution represents 180 million people of Pakistanany legislation in conflict with the constitution cannot be a law, the CJ Iftikhar asserted.
During the hearing, Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry said opening the Objectives Resolutions Pandoras Box was not necessary. He further said that the Supreme Court has made obvious the Constitution’s fundamental features through its decisions. Judiciary is neither a part of the government, nor is it the governments subordinate, he said.
Justice Ramday remarked that the apex court has got the authority of judicial review against all the legislation not only by the government but also which is made by the Parliament.
Ramday said in an annoying tone that he was fed up of questions on Judiciarys jurisdiction. The AG told the court that Senator Raza Rabbani could not come to the court as he is in Karachi these days for his father is indisposed.

Eid holidays announced from Sep 10 to 13

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has issued official approval of four-day Eid holidays, which will fall from September 10 to 13, Geo News reported.

In his pre-Eid message, the Premier hoped the nation to remember in its Eid’s celebrations the ill-fated flood-hit Internally Displace Persons (IDPs).

Relief work to continue till repatriation of flood victims: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has stressed the need to continue the relief efforts with the same zeal and zest as exhibited during last weeks till the flood-affected people return to their homes.

The Prime Minister was talking to the Federal Ministers who met him at the Prime Minister House on Thursday to brief him about the rescue and relief operations in different areas as well as damage caused to various kind of infrastructure.

The Prime Minister stressed upon the Ministers to devise means for early restoration of civic amenities and services so that the recovery and reconstruction operations could be launched without any waste of time.

He said that restoration of public utilities will help in mitigating the sufferings of the flood affected people to a great extent.

The Prime Minister urged the Ministers to update the assessment of damages in collaboration with the provincial governments so that assistance could reach to the genuine affected people in time.

He further said that the government had succeeded to create awareness among the Pakistani public and the world community to contribute generously towards the Flood Relief Fund.

The meeting was attended by the Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock, Nazar Muhammad Gondal, the Federal Minister for Water Power, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, The Federal Minister for Information Broadcasting, Qamar Zaman Kaira, the Federal Minister for Labour Manpower, Syed Khurshid Shah and Advisor to the Prime Minister, Senator Raza Rabbani.

Swedish embassy closed amid security reasons

ISLAMABAD: Sweden’s Embassy in Islamabad has been closed due to some security reasons for an indefinite period.

According to sources, the embassy was closed last week in the wake of possible protest demonstrations against blasphemous caricatures.

It is unclear when it will be re-opened. However, sources say that embassy will remain closed for at least two more weeks.

Pakistan, US pledge to intensify cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and United States have agreed to continue frequent government-to-government contacts and further senior-level engagement to advance their common interests and provide a better and more secure future to their people.

Both the countries acknowledged the extreme challenge of thwarting each and every plot and terrorist action, and pledged to intensify efforts, increase cooperation, and do everything possible to protect their citizens.

President Asif Ali Zardari said militancy and terrorism were the common enemies of the United States and Pakistan and it was important that the existing robust cooperation between the two countries continues to fight the menace.

The president was talking to National Security Advisor General James L. Jones and Director of Central Intelligence Agency Leon Panetta here at the President House here on Wednesday.

General James Jones was accompanied by Director of Central Intelligence Leon Panetta, U.S. Ambassador Anne Patterson, and other senior officials.

President was accompanied by Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir.

A statement issued by the President House said “the productive discussions covered U.S.-Pakistan relations, the security situation in the region, the shared terrorist threat and fight against extremists, and the U.S.-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue.”

General Jones reiterated the United States’ long-term commitment to the strategic partnership with Pakistan, including support for creating economic opportunity for the Pakistani people.

The talks provided an opportunity to review progress on many areas addressed in the recent strategic dialogue held in Washington.

Both sides expressed their commitment to strengthening ties across the broad spectrum of issues between the two countries, including trade, economic growth, and development.
General Jones and Director Panetta also provided an update on the ongoing investigation into the Times Square terrorist incident.

General Jones expressed appreciation for the excellent cooperation the United States was getting from Pakistan as well as the tremendous sacrifice of the Pakistani military, law enforcement and people in their efforts to combat extremists.
The talks covered measures that both countries are, and will be, taking to confront the common threat they face from extremists and prevent such potential attacks from occurring again.

President Zardari noted that Pakistan desires a long-term, multifaceted and durable relationship with the United States which no incident should be able to adversely impact.

Facebook blocked in Pakistan

LAHORE: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has blocked Facebook over a competition encouraging its users to post caricatures of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) on the social networking site.

Earlier in the day, the LHC ordered authorities to block Facebook until May 31..

The depiction of any prophet is strictly prohibited in Islam as blasphemous and Muslims across the world staged angry protests over the publication of satirical cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed in European newspapers in 2006.

Controversy erupted in the conservative Muslim country last month when a Facebook user set up a page called “Draw Mohammed Day”, inviting people to send in their caricatures of the Muslim prophet on May 20.

The move angered thousands of young people and Muslim faithful in Pakistan, unleashing an online campaign and isolated protests that grabbed the government”s attention and the controversial page was blocked on Tuesday.

But a group of lawyers went a step further Wednesday and petitioned the court to order a blanket ban on Facebook in Pakistan.

Justice Ejaz Chaudhry of the Lahore High Court directed the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) to block Facebook until May 31, when the court will open a detailed hearing into the case.

The PTA Director told the court the government has already blocked the particular link. About complete ban, he said internet services could face problems if the complete website was banned.

However, the court ordered complete ban till May 31.

A large number of religious clerics, students and lawyers were present in the courtroom.

CRC to present written opinion on 18th Amendment

ISLAMABAD: The Constitution Reforms Committee of the Parliament has decided to present its detailed opinion in written before the Supreme Court of Pakistan in constitutional petitions challenging the 18th Amendment.

This decision has been made by the CRC chairman Senator Raza Rabbani at an informal meeting attended by Ishaq Dar, Hyder Abbas Rizvi, S M Zafar and Afrasiab Khatak.

According to sources, the CRC will only submit its written statement in the apex court, as it is not a party in this case.

The committee will plead the court to get the opinion of all stakeholders.

Rabbani made Advisor Inter-provincial Coordination

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has appointed Senator Raza Rabbani Advisor Inter-provincial Coordination.

A notification in this regard has been issued here at the Prime Minister House.

The Prime Minister has changed the portfolio of Pir Aftab Hussain Jeelani from Minister of Inter-provincial Coordination to Federal Minister for Tourism.

Gilani urges world leaders to help in terror war

BAHAWALPUR: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said Pakistan is standing as a bulwark against forces of extremism and militancy while bearing a very heavy cost to its economy and prosperity.

Addressing participants of the military exercise Azm-e-Nou here on Sunday. the prime minister said, “the world today finds Pakistan standing as a bulwark against forces of extremism and militancy.”

It is in this struggle where nation pledges to support armed forces in spirit, with its youth and its entire resources, he added.

Prime Minister Gilani said Pakistan and its armed forces are fully committed in a fierce struggle on its western border and are continuing to retain their capability to deal with all possible threats in the region.

He said he was sure that the feat could be rivaled by no military in the world.

He said the exercise was the epoch making professional activity of Pakistan Army which marks the culmination of a year long training process conceived and executed by it.

He congratulated the participants on the commendable achievement reflecting par excellence standards of the armed forces. Gilani said Pakistan is faced with multiple challenges and opportunities as it is located at the crossroads of competing interests.

The Prime Minister said under the current global and regional environment, maintenance of peace and security is a key strategic objective of Pakistan armed forces. He underlined the need for the highest state of preparedness encompassing the full scale of capabilities as it remains the guarantor of peace and security.

Gilani pointed out that Pakistan’s military strategy is based on credible minimum deterrence. “Our democratic system, economic potential, vibrant population, national unity, consensus and Pakistan armed forces all provide strategic stability against all possible threats to our great country,” he added.

The sacrifices that the armed forces of Pakistan, the law enforcing agencies and the patriotic people of Pakistan have made to safeguard the sovereignty and independence of motherland have not gone unnoticed, he stated.

He urged the world leaders to come forward and share the responsibility in helping them fight the menace of terrorism for global peace.

“The leaders of international community have assured me of their support in military and other spheres to succeed in this war on terror where Pakistan is indeed a frontline state,” he added.

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