Latest news with #IHC
Business Recorder
15 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
SC suspends IHC order relating to enforcement of ICC London foreign arbitral awards
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court suspended the Islamabad High Court (IHC) order relating to enforcement of International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) London foreign arbitral awards. A two-judge bench comprising Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi heard the appeals of Frontier Holdings Limited (petitioner) against an interim order of a division bench of the IHC. The apex court written order stated that the interim order of the IHC Division Bench shall remain suspended until the next date of hearing. The said appeals shall be listed before a three-member bench after a fortnight. The bench while issuing notice to the respondents (Petroleum Exploration Pvt Limited) ordered that the interim restraining order passed by the single judge of IHC shall remain in field and continue to operate. The case minutiae are that the dispute between the parties was referred for arbitration under the auspices of the ICC, London. Upon conclusion of the proceedings, a partial foreign arbitral award was rendered on 12.12.2024, and subsequently, a separate award on costs was issued on 31.03.2025. The awards were filed before the IHC for enforcement under the Recognition and Enforcement (Arbitration, Agreements and Foreign Arbitral Awards) Act, 2011 (Act). SC explains how a foreign arbitral award can be refused by local courts The single judge of the IHC while admitting the enforcement petition, issued interim relief vide order dated 24.04.2025, restraining the respondents from assigning, transferring, or alienating their working interest in Badin Fields and from creating any charge, lien, or encumbrance thereon. This interim order was subsequently challenged before a Division Bench in an intra-court appeal (ICA), which vide impugned order dated 19.05.2025, suspended the interim relief granted by the single judge. It is contended that the interim relief was granted in aid of enforcement under the Act and did not amount to final relief. Courts are empowered to pass interim measures to protect the integrity and efficacy of the enforcement process. Denial of such protection would defeat the very purpose of the Act and the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, 1958 ('Convention'). Reliance was placed on Taisei Corporation and another v. AM Construction Company (Pvt) Ltd (2024 SCMR 640), Orient Power Company (Pvt) Ltd, Lahore v. Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Ltd. (2021 SCMR 1728), Government of India v. Vedanta Limited and Ors (AIR 2020 SC 4550), and Zeiler v. Deitsch (500 F.3d 157 (2007)) which affirm that courts must maintain a pro-enforcement bias while dealing with foreign arbitral awards. It was further argued that the IHC Division Bench interfered at the interim stage without recording or satisfying any of the limited grounds of non enforcement under Article V of the Convention, as incorporated into the Act. Such premature judicial interference sends an adverse signal to the international community, undermines arbitral sanctity, erodes investor confidence, and undermines Pakistan's international obligations. A stable and enforcement-friendly legal environment is vital for encouraging foreign direct investment. It is further submitted with respect that the impugned order passed by the Division Bench, whereby the interim relief granted to the petitioners was suspended, has effectively obstructed the enforcement of the foreign arbitral award and is therefore inconsistent with the pro-enforcement mandate of the Act, the Convention, and the settled jurisprudence of this Court. Foreign arbitral awards are not to be treated as ordinary civil decrees; rather, they possess a binding character under international law, to which Pakistan has expressly committed itself. It is also contended that the ICA before the Division Bench was not maintainable. Orders passed therein are not amenable to an ICA appeal under Section 3(2) of the Law Reforms Ordinance, 1972. It is well settled that ICAs do not lie from orders passed under special laws that contain a self-contained appellate mechanism and do not expressly provide for such appeals. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Transfer case first of its kind: CB head
The head of a constitutional bench (CB) hearing petitions filed against the transfer of three judges to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and a subsequent change in the judges' seniority list has noted that the case under review is first of its kind. During hearing of the case, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar agreed with counsel for one of the petitioners, Barrister Salahuddin, that there is no precedent in the past for a permanent transfer of a judge from one high court to another. "This is the first case of its kind involving such a transfer," he said. Earlier, Barrister Salahuddin argued that a judge's seat cannot be vacated through a transfer, and a permanent transfer would render Article 175-A of the Constitution ineffective. Article 175A establishes the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP), which is responsible for appointing judges of the Supreme Court, high courts, and the Federal Shariat Court. He stated that under Article 200, only temporary transfers are permissible, and permanent appointments can only be made by the JCP. Justice Mazhar noted that under Article 175-A, new appointments can be made, adding that "appointment" and "transfer" have different meanings. Salahuddin said a meaningful consultation is essential in any judge's transfer, and without it, the entire process is a mere formality. He alleged that information was concealed and inaccurate details were provided during the transfer of three judges to the IHC in February this year. Justice Mazhar said the case involves interpretation of constitutional and legal points. He noted that three chief justices were involved in the transfer process and not everything was in the hands of the executive. Consent of the transferred judge is also obtained, he added. Salahuddin referred to civil service rules, stating that when two individuals are appointed on the same day, seniority is determined by date of birtha principle the SC has upheld in a previous reference. He also cited the Aslam Awan case, which called for clear rules on judicial seniority. Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan stated that once the SC defines a principle, the rules will follow. Salahuddin requested that the Supreme Court decide the case based on civil service rules, past precedents, and the principle of equality. Justice Mazhar asked what becomes of a judge's previous service if he takes a new oath after his transfer from one high court to the another. "In India, even if a judge takes five oaths upon transfer, their determined seniority remains unaffected" but Pakistan does not have an "All Pakistan Cadre". He said the court is raising questions for the sake of clarity and informed judgment, noting that when a high court judge is elevated to the SC, their final pay certificate reflects 11 or 12 years of service. Salahuddin responded that while benefits and pension would be retained, the judge's seniority would be reset. He urged the court to consider the impact on the sitting judges of the court receiving the transferred judge. It would be unjust, he said, for a judge ranked 16th in one court to become the senior-most judge in another, ahead of those who were previously more senior. IHC Acting Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar, one of the judges transferred to the IHC in February, ranked 16th in the Lahore High Court. Justice Mazhar reiterated that no such objections were raised by judges of the Lahore High Court and instructed the lawyer to stick to issues related to IHC. He added that if arguments conclude by June 16, the court may issue a short order after consultation with judges on the same day. Barrister Salahuddin requested the case be heard until the next day. Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan noted that some judges on the bench would not be available. Justice Salahuddin Panhwar commented that rebuttal arguments can include questions. The hearing was adjourned until 9:30am on June 16.
Gulf Business
3 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Abu Dhabi: Gridora, ADPIC ink MoU to drive mega infrastructure projects
Image: Supplied Gridora, the newly launched infrastructure platform backed by ADQ, IHC and Modon Holding, has signed its inaugural memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) to accelerate the planning and delivery of major transport infrastructure projects across the emirate. The agreement establishes a framework for potential collaboration between Gridora and ADPIC, aimed at supporting the development, planning and implementation of strategic projects. ADPIC has been mandated to implement transport infrastructure projects valued at a minimum of Dhs35bn. Under the MoU, Gridora and ADPIC will form a joint working committee to explore opportunities, pilot initiatives, and identify priority projects for Gridora's engagement. 'Gridora's expertise and resources will deliver world-class infrastructure, empowering the nation's ambitious economic and population growth goals,' said Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, chairman of Gridora. 'Our MoU with ADPIC reflects our shared commitment to accelerate the implementation of critical transport infrastructure, combining innovation, scale and vision.' The MoU marks a milestone for Gridora as it embarks on its mission to deliver high-impact infrastructure and strengthen public-private collaboration. Gridora's business model spans 'Infrastructure Projects' and 'Infrastructure Investments', covering the entire infrastructure lifecycle. The MoU is a milestone for Gridora 'This strategic partnership between ADPIC and Gridora underscores a shared focus on creating transport infrastructure that enhances Abu Dhabi's continued growth as a global city,' said Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport. 'By leveraging Gridora's capabilities, this collaboration aims to accelerate project delivery, improve cost efficiency, and deliver long-term value for Abu Dhabi and its communities.' Engineer Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, DG of ADPIC, added: 'This MoU with Gridora advances our shared commitment to accelerate the delivery of high-impact projects that enhance connectivity and quality of life across the emirate.' Bill O'Regan, group CEO of Modon Holding, said the agreement will enable Gridora to demonstrate its delivery capabilities and contribute to the growth of world-class infrastructure. 'We look forward to seeing Gridora move forward with purpose, enabling world-class cities with cutting edge infrastructure,' he said. The MoU with ADPIC is the first in a series of planned partnerships aimed at enhancing Abu Dhabi's infrastructure landscape through sustained public-private cooperation.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistani high court to hear Imran Khan's appeal in Al-Qadir land bribe case on June 5
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) will take up the Al-Qadir Trust case involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife on June 5, marking the first hearing since the couple was sentenced over four months ago, the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party said Thursday. A Pakistani court sentenced Khan to 14 years and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to seven years in prison last January. The centers on allegations that they received land as a bribe from real estate tycoon Malik Riaz Hussain through their charitable foundation, the Al-Qadir Trust. The trust, founded in 2018 while Khan was still in office, is accused by authorities of being used as a front for illegal benefits. The PTI has long maintained the case lacks merit and repeatedly requested the high court to hear their petition to suspend the convictions. This is the first time the IHC has scheduled proceedings since the lower court verdict in January, which was delayed at least three times before being delivered. 'Al-Qadir Trust case is scheduled for hearing on June 5,' the PTI said in a statement during the day. The hearing will be conducted by a two-member IHC bench led by acting Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif, according to the court's cause list. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, speaking to reporters outside the Supreme Court earlier this week, said the party had met with the chief justice to press for the case to be listed. 'Release [of Khan and his wife] will take place once the case is heard,' Gohar told reporters. 'We still hope the case will be heard on June 5.' The Al-Qadir case stems from £190 million that the UK repatriated to Pakistan in 2019 after the Pakistani real estate tycoon settled a British investigation into suspected criminal assets. Authorities allege that instead of depositing the funds in Pakistan's national treasury, Khan's government used the money to help Hussain pay court-imposed fines in a separate case related to land acquired illegally in Karachi at below-market rates. Khan, who has been in jail since August 2023 and is facing a slew of legal cases, says all charges against him are politically motivated. He accuses Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the country's powerful military of orchestrating the crackdown to sideline him, a claim both Sharif and military officials deny.
Business Upturn
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
Free Antibody Validation: Boster Bio Launches New Service to Advance Research Reproducibility
Pleasanton, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pleasanton, California – With Boster Bio's latest promotion, scientists globally enjoy free access to antibody validation to boost research accuracy. Boster Biological Technology, a leading provider of high-quality antibodies and ELISA kits, has announced a new promotion offering free antibody validation for its PicoBand antibody line. This initiative is designed to help scientists worldwide enhance research reliability by eliminating guesswork in antibody selection, allowing researchers to verify antibody specificity before purchase. The PicoBand product line includes ultra-sensitive antibodies optimized for Western blotting (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), flow cytometry, and other key applications. Through this free Picoband antibody validation program, researchers can receive validation data for their antibody of interest, improving reproducibility in life sciences research. 'For decades, scientists have been forced to gamble on antibodies that might not work, leading to a waste of time, money, and resources. With our free PicoBand validation program, we're flipping the script. Not only can researchers now verify antibody performance before they commit, but submitting a request takes only two minutes and saves researchers days in lab work,' said CJ Xia, founder of Boster Bio. Antibodies are critical tools in biomedical research, but inconsistent quality and lack of validation have led to reproducibility challenges. Boster Bio's free antibody validation program addresses this issue by providing documented proof of antibody performance without expending time and resources in the lab. Each batch undergoes strict quality control and is presented in detailed datasheets with experimental results. Boster Bio's validation service addresses a longstanding industry issue—the inconsistent quality of antibodies. Researchers can choose from over 8,000 PicoBand antibodies, with the option to request validation on over 500 sample types, including human, mouse, rat, monkey, and zebrafish. Each antibody undergoes multi-application validation, covering WB, IHC, IF, ELISA, flow cytometry, and immunoprecipitation to ensure compatibility with diverse experimental needs. This initiative underscores Boster Bio's commitment to transparency, accountability, and reproducibility in life sciences research, reinforcing its position as an innovator in reliable antibody production. Unlike typical vendors, Boster Bio's no-strings-attached policy allows researchers to verify performance data upfront, eliminating guesswork and costly trial-and-error purchases. For more information, visit the website at Founded in 1993, Boster Biological Technology has built a reputation for high-affinity antibodies, ELISA kits, and protein analysis tools, products widely used globally in academic, pharmaceutical, and biotech research. Promoting the free antibody validation aligns with Boster Bio's mission to support the scientific community with dependable reagents, providing clients with antibody validation before purchase. For decades, scientists have been forced to gamble hundreds or thousands of dollars on antibodies that might not even work and had to rely on reputation, citations, and gut instinct to pick reagents, resulting in unreliable data, weeks of wasted time, and little support. 'At Boster Bio, our mission is to move the antibody industry into its next stage. We're not offering a free sample, but starting a movement. It's a fundamental rethinking of what it means to support scientific discovery. When vendors take responsibility for antibody performance upfront, scientists can focus on what matters most—discovery,' added Xia. This initiative underscores the company's commitment to transparency and reproducibility in life sciences. By providing free Picoband antibody validation, Boster Bio empowers labs to conduct experiments confidently, reducing wasted resources and accelerating discoveries. Scientists worldwide can leverage this program to access high-affinity, batch-consistent antibodies backed by documented proof of specificity. Specializing in antibodies, ELISA kits, and protein research tools, Boster Biological Technology is committed to delivering high-quality products. With the recent unveiling of its manifesto for antibody accountability, Boster Bio is offering free antibody validation services to meet the client's experiment settings. More than just a promotion, this program is designed to raise industry standards, redefining how antibodies are evaluated and adopted to ensure continued scientific rigor and customer success. About the Company: Boster Biological Technology is a global leader in antibody production and immunoassay solutions, serving academic, pharmaceutical, and biotech researchers. Based in Pleasanton, CA, the company contributes significantly to accelerating scientific discovery through innovative reagents and exceptional service. Boster Bio is committed to transparency and reproducibility, offering free antibody validation in WB, IHC, IF, flow cytometry, IP, and ELISA, ensuring researchers receive fully characterized reagents. ### For more information about Boster Biological Technology, contact the company here: Boster Biological TechnologyCJ Xia(888) 466-3604 [email protected] 3942 Valley Ave, Pleasanton, CA 94566, USA
