Sanam Javed granted bail
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Express Tribune
Political wrangling
Listen to article The PTI is in a political crisis of its own, especially in the wake of the verdict on reserved seats. The Constitutional Bench's pronouncement that the PTI is neither a parliamentary party nor is it eligible for the seats reserved for women and minorities in national and provincial assemblies has literally decimated its locus standi. The beleaguered party, faced with the threat of floor-crossing, is mulling an oath of allegiance from its MNAs and MPA, unsure of what turn this politics of exigency is going to take. Punjab and K-P assemblies are in the eye of the storm as PTI-backed independents face overtures from rival political forces. The 12-member judgment from the Constitutional Bench dealt a death blow to the PTI and dashed its hopes of emerging as a viable entity on the floor of the house by grabbing some 77 reserved seats. Moreover, the ruling made it obvious that those who had earlier joined the Sunni Ittehad Council could now face the defection clause under Article 63A of the Constitution, if they chose to rejoin PTI. This is where the political wrangling is underway - with some trying to saving the skin while others bent upon obliterating the party's nomenclature. The decision of the Constitutional Bench — though well within its lawful domain, at least in letter if not in spirit — has stirred an unprecedented political crisis. Is it, by the way, constitutional for any party other than the PTI to get a share from the booty? Had the court altogether set aside distribution of the reserved seats that would have gone to the PTI, it could have at least avoided horse-trading. The PTI too has a blame to share as its political arithmetic was wayward. Had its elected legislators joined the MWM on the floor of the house, instead of the SIC, this upheaval would not have occurred, because the former had formally participated in the general elections. It would have been wiser on the part of the PTI legislators to discipline themselves with the rank and file, avoiding a new episode of instability.
Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Express Tribune
PTI clarifies incarcerated leaders remain resolute
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has clarified that the letter written by its Punjab leadership, while highlighting the importance of meaningful dialogue, also dispels speculation that its incarcerated leaders had buckled under any pressure. Speaking to The Express Tribune, PTI's Punjab social media head said the letter, authored by one of the five jailed leaders and delivered to the media through their lawyers, was not making any new demands per se. He explained that the party seeks to hold negotiations at all levels, including with the powers that be, 'who in reality are running the show and calling the shots'. He emphasised that the letter's key purpose was to reject the impression that PTI leaders currently behind bars were looking to settle their disputes with state institutions in a bid to end their prolonged incarceration. 'All these five leaders are standing tall, and their commitment to the party's cause remains unwavering,' he said. The PTI's call for a broader negotiation process comes as the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has already garnered the support of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Senior PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique called the PTI letter 'wise and pertinent". Posting on his social media handles, Saad Rafique wrote: 'The letter from senior PTI leaders imprisoned in Kot Lakhpat Jail in support of the dialogue process between political parties is important and wise. If the PTI founders agree with the opinion of their senior colleagues, then talks can begin.' However, he added that discussions should be held without preconditions and focus on reducing bitterness through dialogue and gradually easing confrontations. 'If we can talk to enemy countries, why can't we talk to each other?' he wrote. Rafique noted that Pakistan urgently needs a new and broader democratic charter, stating, 'No discussion can be fruitful without reaching consensus on this. Let's sit down together and decide on the rule of the Constitution in Pakistan, or recite the Fatiha of democracy.' He further stated that the political forces, both in government and opposition, remain a political reality, regardless of shifting popularity ratings. 'Similarly, denying the power of the establishment is also a denial of reality. The solution to our political crisis will come not through the use of force against force, but through dialogue and deliberation,' he added. 'Whatever solution to differences and complex issues emerges, it will be a step-by-step process. Instead of wasting energy on dragging and tearing each other apart, we should discuss ways to move the country forward,' Rafique said. Commenting on PTI's announcement to launch a protest movement after Muharram, he said, 'I have no doubt that the protest movement will not be successful, even after Muharram'. He attributed the expected failure to the harsh weather, PTI's weak organisational structure, internal rifts, and the rigidity of state institutions. A day earlier, the PPP had also voiced support for initiating a national dialogue process and called for the creation of a new charter akin to the Charter of Democracy. 'Inmate consensus supports talks' Earlier in the day, PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi urged party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Secretary General Salman Akram Raja to visit him in jail, stating that it was the consensus of the inmates of Kot Lakhpat jail that negotiations should be made. Speaking to journalists during his jail trial, Qureshi added, 'I will not disclose the name to whom PTI should initiate talks'. 'The timing of things is very important and it matters a lot in politics, so I will disclose the name at the right time,' he added. Regarding the party's continued struggle for political dialogue, he said, 'We have been talking about negotiations for two years, so what solution is left except protests when no reply is received?' Qureshi said that PTI's founding chairman, Imran Khan, would ultimately make the final decision on any negotiations. 'We wanted to talk with powerful corridors, but they received a reply that PTI should talk with politicians,' he said. He noted that confusion had intensified due to the lack of access to Imran Khan. 'They should be given access to Imran Khan so that we could take his view and explain ourselves,' he said. The seasoned politician said, 'They are in jail and they don't know what is on the ground. I have 42 years' experience in politics". "The country should flourish.' Dr Yasmeen Rashid, another incarcerated PTI leader, echoed the sentiments of jailed party members. 'We are in jails for the sake of this country, not for mines. We know we had not committed any offence; we know they will punish us, but even then, they are sticking to their stance and not bowing down to their vested interests,' she said. 'I have a lot of educational degrees and I could go to any country for a better life, but I will not do it, as Pakistan is my country and I love it,' she added. 'We talk about the constitution and will get justice through the courts.'
Express Tribune
3 hours ago
- Express Tribune
PTI parliamentary committee rejects SC verdict on reserved seats
Listen to article The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) parliamentary committee has categorically rejected the Supreme Court's Constitutional Bench verdict, which set aside its July 12, 2024, judgment. That ruling had reinstated PTI as a parliamentary party and allowed it to secure reserved seats in the legislature. Last week, the Supreme Court overturned its July 12 ruling on reserved seats, accepting review petitions and upholding the Peshawar High Court's decision. As a result, the PTI lost its reserved seats. In response to the court's ruling, PTI held a crucial meeting of its parliamentary committee in Islamabad on Wednesday to discuss the implications of the recent verdict. The meeting, attended by PTI members of the National and Provincial Assemblies, senators, and central leadership, focused on analysing the political landscape post-verdict and formulating a parliamentary strategy. It also saw heated exchanges between some leaders, suggesting internal party tensions. 🔴 LIVE | Imran Khan Announces Massive Tehreek After 10th Muharram | PTI's Leadership Important Press Conference — PTI (@PTIofficial) July 2, 2025 "تحریک انصاف کے مشترکہ پارلیمانی اجلاس میں مخصوص نشستوں کے فیصلے، تحریک اسیران جیل کے خط اور عمران خان کے حکم پر تحریک چلانے پر غور کیا گیا۔ ہم سب عمران خان کی قیادت میں متحد ہیں۔ انشاءاللہ تحریک کا اعلان اور لائحہ عمل جلد عوام کے سامنے آ جائے گا۔" بیرسٹر گوہر علی خان — PTI (@PTIofficial) July 2, 2025 Amir Dogar, a member of the National Assembly, initiated the discussion by presenting a written message from imprisoned PTI leaders, expressing concern over their mistreatment and lack of medical facilities in jail. Sheikh Waqas Akram revealed that seven party workers had lost their lives due to illness while in jail, and prisoners' basic rights were being denied. Nisar Jutt criticised K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur over the provincial budget, stressing that party leaders should avoid making contradictory statements without mutual consultation. Jutt also reaffirmed support for PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, stating that he was appointed by the founder and, therefore, has the full mandate of the party. Ali Muhammad Khan supported inter-party negotiations during the meeting, mentioning that if the leadership chooses to negotiate, the party would support it. However, if protests were chosen, the party would also participate. Zartaj Gul proposed that protests should be held at the constituency level instead of in Islamabad and suggested forming an empowered committee for negotiations. Read: PTI loses court battle for reserved seats A unanimous resolution was passed during the meeting, calling for every possible effort to secure the release of the founding chairman, ensuring the health and well-being of other imprisoned leaders, and rejecting the court's verdict on reserved seats. The resolution also demanded that PTI leaders and lawyers be allowed to meet Imran Khan immediately. After the meeting, Barrister Gohar, Salman Akram Raja, Gandapur, and Akram held a press conference to clarify the party's stance. Gandapur said the party is ready to sacrifice everything for the release of founder Imran Khan. He added that if anyone attempts to topple their government through unconstitutional means, he would quit politics. Raja stated that Pakistan's resources have been looted for eight decades and emphasised the need to fight for the basic rights of the people. Barrister Gohar reiterated that the party follows the instructions of the founder, and any decisions regarding negotiations, protests, or other political actions will be made with his approval. Akram maintained that there is complete unity within the party and that the political and legal struggle will continue under the founder's leadership. He also reaffirmed the party's unanimous rejection of the court's decision on reserved seats. SC overturns PTI's claim to reserved seats The Supreme Court overturned a 2024 judgment that had allowed PTI to claim reserved seats in national and provincial legislatures. The order issued by a 10-member constitutional bench allowed multiple review petitions filed by the ruling coalition and dismissed its earlier decision that had recognised PTI, through its alliance with the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), as eligible for reserved seats. With a majority of seven judges the top court ruled in favour of the review, effectively annulling the apex court's July 12, 2024, verdict. That judgment had previously restored PTI's status as a parliamentary party and ordered the ECP to allocate reserved seats for women and minorities. Following the new decision, nearly 80 reserved seats in national and provincial assemblies will be reallocated among other parliamentary parties, excluding the SIC. The move gives the ruling coalition a two-thirds majority in parliament. It is worth noting that the Peshawar High Court had earlier dismissed the SIC's challenge to the Election Commission of Pakistan's decision, which had refused to allocate reserved seats to the party. Earlier, in its short order on July 12, 2024, eight out of 13 judges concluded that 39 out of 80 MNAs on the list were elected candidates of the PTI, positioning it as the largest party in the National Assembly.
