Latest news with #ATCs
Express Tribune
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
CJ contacts Omar over May 9 trial concerns
Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi speaks at a conference at the Federal Judicial Academy in Islamabad on July 25, 2025. SCREENGRAB Listen to article As the fate of dozens of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers hangs in the balance, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi has taken cognisance of a letter written to him by Opposition Leader Omar Ayub, who urged the country's top judge to ensure fair trials in the May 9 cases. The CJP opted not to take up the matter through judicial proceedings. Instead, he decided to meet Ayub personally in Peshawar, with the meeting expected to take place on Friday. However, sources have revealed that a verdict in a May 9-related case, wherein Omar Ayub is an accused, could be announced soon by the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Faisalabad. Opposition Leader in the Senate Shibli Faraz is also named in the same case and has separately written a letter to the CJP on Wednesday. In the event of Ayub's conviction, the proposed meeting may not go ahead. Adding to the internal turmoil, a PTI lawyer expressed frustration with the party's legal strategy, or lack thereof, in handling the May 9 cases. He pointed out that the party should have contested the multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) earlier and challenged the Supreme Court's order directing the ATCs to conclude these trials within four months. This would not be the first time CJP Afridi has engaged with political figures. Previously, he has met both government and opposition leaders to discuss judicial reforms. He had also referred a letter by PTI founder Imran Khan to the SC's constitutional bench committee for reconsideration. While the CJP is focused on expediting trials related to the May 9 events, legal experts note that he lacks constitutional authority to take suo motu action on PTI's grievances. As per procedure, he can only instruct his staff to present Ayub's letter to the CB committee, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, for possible judicial review. Back in April, instead of deciding dozens of pending bail pleas on merit, a three-member bench led by CJP Afridi directed ATCs to complete May 9 trials within four months. PTI leaders have since alleged that the SC is being misused against opposition figures. Senior lawyers argue that the apex court appears not to have learned from the Panama Papers episode, where setting rigid deadlines led to the perception that the judiciary facilitated convictions of Sharif family members. In his detailed four-page "appeal," Omar Ayub lamented alleged irregularities in the trial proceedings. The ATCs, bound by the apex court's instructions, are expected to wrap up all May 9 case proceedings by the first week of August. According to Ayub, the integrity of Pakistan's judicial process is under grave threat, as these trials, meant to uphold justice, have turned into tools of political persecution. According to Omar, the integrity of Pakistan's judicial process is under grave threat as these trials, which are supposed to exemplify justice, have instead become a means of political persecution. "The ATCs in Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodha, and other cities are hearing cases related to May 9 with a speed and manner that shocks the conscience of any impartial observer. "Hearings commence early morning and extend late into the night; in fact, it is reliably reported that in some cases proceedings continue until 2:00 am to 3:00 am. "This is justice crushed and justice buried under the weight of exhaustion, coercion, and haste," he added. He stated that such a schedule was unprecedented in the annals of Pakistani jurisprudence as it disregarded the most basic principles of a fair trial, including the accused's right to a meaningful opportunity to prepare and present a defence, and the judiciary's solemn obligation to conduct trials with dignity, transparency, and impartiality. He also referred to the motto of the Supreme Court of Pakistan that justice must not only be done, it must manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done. He regretted that during the May 9 trials, this cardinal principle had been systematically violated. Omar claimed that the leadership, workers, and supporters of the PTI were wrongfully implicated through a process that appeared to be mala fide and politically motivated. Police reports and prosecutions lack credible evidence and are riddled with procedural irregularities, he added. He also narrated numerous instances of prosecutorial overreach and police misconduct, including the fabrication of FIRs, coercive interrogation tactics, and selective registration of cases against opposition figures, all undermining the rule of law and public confidence in the justice system. Referring to the right to counsel of choice, he said a fundamental right enshrined in Article 10A of the Constitution has been trampled. He said the ATCs frequently deny adjournments and, in many cases, threaten or proceed to appoint state counsels without the consent of the accused. "This practice not only breaches constitutional guarantees but also violates internationally recognised fair trial standards. including those set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 10) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Article 14), to which Pakistan is a party," he wrote. "If these trials are allowed to continue under current conditionshurried, secretive, and politically charged, the damage to Pakistan's judicial reputation and the people's trust will be irrevocable."
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Omar urges CJ to ensure 'fair May 9 trials'
Leader of Opposition Omar Ayub Khan has written a letter to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi, appealing to him to intervene to ensure fair trial of people adjudicated in anti-terrorism courts (ATCs) for their alleged roles in rioting after May 9, 2023 arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan. In the four-page "appeal", the opposition leader, who belongs to the PTI, has highlighted the alleged irregularities happening during the May 9 trials. The ATCs are bound by the Supreme Court to conclude all these May 9 case proceedings by the first week of August. According to Omar, the integrity of Pakistan's judicial process is under grave threat as these trials, which are supposed to exemplify justice, have instead become a means of political persecution. "The ATCs in Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodha, and other cities are hearing cases related to May 9 with a speed and manner that shock the conscience of any impartial observer. "Hearings commence early morning and extend late into the night; in fact, it is reliably reported that in some cases proceedings continue until 2:00 am to 3:00 am. "This is justice crushed and justice buried under the weight of exhaustion, coercion, and haste," he added. He stated that such a schedule was unprecedented in the annals of Pakistani jurisprudence as it disregarded the most basic principles of a fair trial, including the accused's right to a meaningful opportunity to prepare and present a defense, and the judiciary's solemn obligation to conduct trials with dignity, transparency, and impartiality. He also referred to the motto of the Supreme Court of Pakistan that justice must not only be done, it must manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done. He regretted that during the May 9 trials, this cardinal principle has been systematically violated. Omar claimed that the leadership, workers, and supporters of the PTI were wrongfully implicated through a process that appeared mala fide and politically motivated. Police reports and prosecutions lack credible evidence and are riddled with procedural irregularities, he added. He also narrated numerous instances of prosecutorial overreach and police misconduct, including the fabrication of FIRs, coercive interrogation tactics, and selective registration of cases against opposition figuresall undermining the rule of law and public confidence in the justice system. Referring to the right to counsel of choice, he said a fundamental right enshrined in Article 10A of the Constitution has been trampled. He said the ATCs frequently deny adjournments and, in many cases, threaten or proceed to appoint state counsels without the consent of the accused. "This practice not only breaches constitutional guarantees but also violates internationally recognized fair trial standards., including those set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 10) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Article 14), to which Pakistan is a party," he wrote. "If these trials are allowed to continue under current conditionshurried, secretive, and politically charged, the damage to Pakistan's judicial reputation and the people's trust will be irrevocable."
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Punjab Assembly turns rowdy as MPAs come to blows
Two PTI lawmakers in the Punjab Assembly were suspended for 15-sittings for their allegedly unruly behavior as the opposition party protested against the de-seating of three of its members following the orders of two anti-terrorism courts (ATCs) in May 9 rioting cases. As the house resumed proceedings on Monday under the chairmanship of Acting Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channer, the opposition lawmakers entered the assembly hall chanting slogans in protest against the disqualification of PTI's three lawmakers. These lawmakers including Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar were found guilty of rioting on May 9, 2023 following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan. After the ATCs July 22 order, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) also announced their de-seating. Responding to the PTI members' protest, Punjab Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman stated that the opposition was violating its commitment to act in accordance with Rule 223 of the Rules of Procedure. Deputy Leader of Opposition Muhammad Moeenuddin Riaz requested the chair to stop the proceedings on the assembly's agenda as he sought permission to speak on the sentences awarded to the PTI leaders. Minister Rehman said that Bhachar is like their brother but it is not the government which sentenced him to 10 years of prison. "He has been sentenced by a court over his offence," he added. Acting Speaker Channer said the opposition could not be allowed to discuss court verdicts. He, however, allowed the opposition to express solidarity with the leader of the opposition. As PTI's MPAs criticized the government's response to the ATCs verdicts, the treasury lawmakers lambasted the PTI for its alleged role in May 9 acts of vandalism. PTI's chief whip Rana Shahbaz Ahmad placed the Holy Quran on his head and asked the house if he looked like a terrorist and if that was not the case then why different FIRs were registered against him for alleged acts of terror. Acting Speaker Channer urged Ahmad not to use the Holy Quran for politics. The opposition, however, staged a token boycott for alleged breach of their privilege. When the PTI MPAs returned, opposition lawmaker Khalid Nisar Dogar rushed towards the treasury benches and slapped PML-N lawmaker Hassan Riaz for allegedly using abusive language. This caused a major commotion in the house, with dozens of treasury and opposition lawmakers facing off on the assembly floor. Some senior members intervened to defuse the tension. The acting speaker condemned the act of violence, stating that such behavior is unacceptable. The chair adjourned the proceedings for five minutes and summoned lawmakers of both sides to his chamber. When the house resumed sitting, both sides condemned the incident. Treasury lawmakers said attacking someone was highly regrettable while the deputy opposition leader said that using derogatory and abusive language was also not good. Riaz said according to an order of Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, such matters should be referred to the house's ethics committee. Acting Speaker Channer described it as the blackest day in the assembly's history. He said this issue concerned the dignity of the house. He later suspended PTI's Nisar Dogar for 15-sitting. As the opposition MPAs were leaving the house chanting slogans, one PTI MPA, Sheikh Imtiaz, pointed out the lack of quorum. Channer responded that the quorum is complete. However, Imtiaz insisted that there were not enough lawmakers in the house to continue its proceedings. Irked by his insistence, the acting speaker also suspended Sheikh Imtiaz for 15 sittings. After completing agenda items, Channer adjourned proceedings till 2pm today. As lawmakers from both sides came into the media hall, they once again got into an altercation with some private members reportedly using abusive language against PTI's lawmakers. The PTI MPAs termed the act of the members as hooliganism, adding they are being cornered but they will not bow before fascism and cruelty.
Hans India
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
CM to make surprise visits at ATCs for reviewing progress
Hyderabad: ChiefMinister A Revanth Reddy will conduct surprise visits to ATCs (Advanced Technology Centers) to review the progress in the establishment of the institutions to provide skill development training to the youth. Reviewing the progress of the establishment of the ATCs in line with the 'Telangana Rising 2047', the Chief Minister ordered officials to complete the development works of the ATCs in a time bound manner. He said he will conduct surprise inspections on the development and progress of ATCs, asserting that the officials should perform their duties in tune with the goals set by the government. The officials briefed the CM about the status of the development of 111 ATCs in 3 phases in the state. 25 ATCs will be developed in Phase-1, 40 in Phase-2 and 46 will be completed in the Phase-3. The CM instructed the officials to seek the cooperation of skilled construction companies, if necessary, to complete the ATCs at the fast pace and also set up a model ATC in Genome Valley.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Telangana CM fast-tracks gig workers welfare bill, orders insurance & data registry
Hyderabad: In a move aimed at safeguarding the interests of gig and platform workers, chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday directed officials to include provisions for a dedicated welfare fund, accident coverage, and health insurance in the proposed Gig and Platform Workers Welfare Bill. The draft legislation is expected to offer legal recognition and improved social security to thousands of gig workers across the state. Chairing a high-level review meeting at the secretariat, the CM asked senior officials to ensure that comprehensive data on gig workers is maintained online for transparency and effective implementation. He also suggested expanding the scope of the draft bill to better address the needs of this growing segment of the workforce. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad Officials informed the CM that the draft policy proposes the formation of a welfare board with state govt representation to oversee the implementation of welfare schemes. Revanth made several suggestions to further enhance the impact of the proposed Act, which is likely to become one of the first such state-level frameworks for gig economy workers in the country. Earlier in the day, Revanth also chaired a separate review on the establishment of advanced technology centres (ATCs) under the Telangana Rising-2047 vision. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If you have a mouse, play this game for 1 minute Navy Quest Undo The CM instructed officials to develop a model ATC in Genome Valley, equipped with training modules in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and life sciences tailored to industry needs. He emphasised that training at ATCs should align with the skill demands of emerging sectors. "Ensure the swift completion of all ATCs and offer industry-relevant training. I will personally conduct surprise inspections to monitor progress," he said. Officials informed him that 111 ATCs are being developed in three phases—25 in phase I, 40 in phase II, and 46 in phase III. Of these, 49 centres have already become operational. Revanth also suggested engaging skilled construction firms to fast-track ATC infrastructure. A poster on ATCs was released by the CM at the meeting.
