Latest news with #PTI-affiliated
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Speaker puts brakes on PTI MPAs disqualification move
Listen to article Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan apparently put the matter of PTI disqualifications to rest on Saturday by ruling the disqualification applications against 26 suspended lawmakers as non-maintainable, but by passing the buck to the judiciary and election tribunal. The sword of litigation still dangles over the suspended lawmakers, with the speaker making it clear that while his doors were not closed, the petitioners must first knock on the right ones, by securing a declaration from a court of competent jurisdiction before revisiting his office. In a move seen as a political de-escalation, the speaker has dismissed the applications filed against 26 suspended opposition lawmakers, following a successful round of talks between the treasury and opposition benches. A six-page ruling signed by the speaker outlines the rationale for rejecting the four separate applications, which sought to disqualify the PTI-affiliated MPAs over their disorderly and abusive conduct during the budget session. The move to dismiss the applications gained momentum after recent behind-the-scenes negotiations between government and opposition leaders bore fruit. According to sources, the reinstatement of the suspended MPAs is now expected soon. It is noteworthy that Speaker Khan had earlier suspended the 26 PTI lawmakers under Rule 210(3) of the Rules of Procedure of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab, 1997, following their disruption of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's speech on June 27. In his detailed ruling, Speaker Khan noted: "Though serious legal and constitutional violations, including constitutional oath, have been alleged by the applicants, these violations first need to be established in a court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction before I could decide whether a question of qualification has arisen in terms of Article 63(2) of the Constitution and refer the question to the Election Commission of Pakistan." "The people are the source of all power, and through their vote, they confer trust — not to be undone without the gravest reasons. To disqualify a representative is not merely to silence a voice — it is to disenfranchise people. For an elected House is not only a chamber of laws; it is the echo of the people's will. That voice must not be silenced," he added. The speaker ruled that references to past cases, such as the Panama Papers and other disqualification jurisprudence under Articles 199 and 184(3) of the Constitution, were not valid in the current context. Such petitions, he noted, could undermine freedom of speech in the House and nullify the opposition's presence. Article 19 protects robust debate — even if abrasive — subject to reasonable legal restrictions. "These restrictions are found in our Rules, not in threats of permanent disqualification. Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law, the Assembly must remain a forum where dissent is voiced, not extinguished," the ruling stated. Speaker Khan stressed that the welfare of the electorate is best preserved when the House handles internal disorder itself, without disenfranchising voters' chosen representatives. He also expressed concern about many members' lack of familiarity with assembly rules, legislative processes, and the effective use of standing committees. He called for targeted training to uphold parliamentary supremacy and democratic accountability. "As elected representatives, we must legislate responsibly, put an end to political victimisation, and work together to uphold the supremacy of the people's Assembly and protect our democracy. Political parties are, after all, the true guardians of democracy and the responsibility to uphold the democratic functioning of the House lies with all of them collectively," the speaker added. He called for inter-party dialogue reminiscent of the Charter of Democracy to ensure the Assembly functions effectively as a space for public interest and genuine debate. Referring to political theory, Khan noted: "Modern societies are built upon dialogue; as Jürgen Habermas wrote, 'The public sphere is that realm of our social life in which something approaching public opinion can be formed,' underscoring that free, inclusive and reasoned discourse within parliaments forms the bedrock of democratic communities. Safeguarding this vital exchange of ideas is indispensable for our collective democratic future." In a strong critique of constitutional clauses historically used to undermine democracy, Speaker Khan declared: "As Speaker and a political worker, I firmly oppose anti-democratic constitutional provisions. This includes the infamous Article 58(2)(b), and Articles 62 and 63, all imposed by authoritarian dictators, notably General Zia-ul-Haq. These Articles have historically been weaponised to unjustly target elected politicians. We must end this vicious cycle; the Panama Case cannot become another tool like Article 58(2)(b). Otherwise, we succumb to Nietzschean nihilism, believing time is a flat circle and we are condemned to repeat mistakes." He asserted that misuse of these Articles undermines the constitutional right to political association and representation under Article 17. Disqualifying elected representatives on allegations or technicalities violates the presumption of innocence, disenfranchises voters and erodes the legitimacy of parliament. "The disqualification of elected representatives has deep roots in Pakistan's history. Early examples are the Public Representative Offices Disqualification Act 1949, and Elective Bodies Disqualification Order (EBDO) 1959. These 'backdoor tools' have consistently served non-democratic elements," the speaker stated. He criticised political parties for occasionally abetting such practices, citing the Panama "show trial" as an example of judicial overreach that continues to affect the political landscape through undemocratic means. "This destructive chain must be broken," Speaker Khan emphasised. "The very fact that the Constitution has been exploited this way means such challenging questions can be, and have been raised." He called upon the federal parliament to remove such dictatorial remnants from the Constitution to reclaim democratic values. Concluding his remarks, Speaker Khan affirmed: "During my tenure as Speaker, I will work to uphold parliamentary rule and the principles of representative constitutional democracy, as envisioned by our great Islamic Republic's founding fathers."
Business Recorder
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Potential defections: PTI to hold urgent moot of parliamentary party today
ISLAMABAD: The embattled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Tuesday called an urgent meeting of its parliamentary party on Wednesday (today), as concerns mount over potential defections following a Supreme Court verdict that stripped the party of nearly 80 reserved seats in the national and provincial assemblies. Sources within the party told Business Recorder that PTI plans to re-administer loyalty oaths on the holy Quran to its lawmakers, particularly PTI-backed independents, amid mounting concerns over shifting allegiances in a rapidly changing political landscape. The move comes in response to the top court ruling last week that overturned a previous judgment granting PTI access to reserved seats, a decision that has significantly reshaped parliamentary power dynamics in favour of the ruling coalition. Party officials confirmed that all PTI-affiliated members of the National Assembly and provincial legislatures have been directed to attend the meeting in capital, which is expected to focus on the political fallout of the apex court's verdict and assess the shifting alliances in key provinces, notably Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In KP, where PTI-backed independents hold substantial influence, the leadership remains on high alert over possible overtures by rival parties. Thirty-five such independents are expected to reaffirm their allegiance through renewed oath-taking ceremonies. A similar exercise was conducted after the February 8, 2024 general elections, but new concerns over defections have prompted the party to revisit the measure. The Supreme Court ruling, issued last week, reversed a July 2024 decision that had reinstated PTI's parliamentary party status and its claim to reserved seats. The recent judgment bolsters the ruling coalition, led by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), bringing it closer to a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly – a development with significant implications for constitutional amendments and legislative control. The urgency of PTI's decision to seek fresh oaths on the holy Quran from its lawmakers was underscored by a high-profile defection on Monday, when Chaudhry Usman Ali, a PTI-backed independent from NA-142 (Sahiwal-II), announced his decision to join the PML-N following a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Ali, who won the February elections with 107,494 votes against PML-N veteran Chaudhry Muhammad Ashraf's 96,174, had campaigned openly as a PTI loyalist after the party was barred from contesting under its official symbol. He had repeatedly pledged loyalty to jailed ex-prime minister Imran Khan and vocally opposed the ruling coalition. His defection, which includes support for the controversial 26th Constitutional Amendment – a measure staunchly opposed by PTI – has drawn widespread condemnation and accusations of opportunism. Ali had previously sworn on the holy Quran not to abandon Khan or his cause, making his departure especially stinging for supporters. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Reserved seats case: Ruling ‘amended' constitution, says constitutional bench
ISLAMABAD: The Constitutional Bench observed that majority judgment in reserved seats case amended the constitution, as three days mentioned in the constitution for joining a political party by independents in Parliament is increased to 15 days. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar questioned whether the judges should be concerned with what is written in the constitution and the law or the extraneous factors? He noted that constitution was re-written and there is history because it was done in the case of Article 63A of the constitution too. He said when the law is clear then there is no need of 'read in' or 'read down', and the Court has to adhere to the provisions. An 11-member Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court (SC), headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, on Thursday, heard the review petitions of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Reserved seats case: SIC lawyer proposes three sets of relief The proceeding was live-streamed on SC's YouTube channel. Justice Musarrat Hilali said that they majority [judgment] has discussed 13th January 2025 judgment, which review has been pending. Justice Ali Baqar Najafi said they (the majority) have expressed their mind, while alluding to the fact of the case. He asked what the oath of a judge says, and what is expected of him to deliver judgment on the basis of principles or law? Faisal Siddiqui, representing SIC, argued that 11 judges, including Justice (retired) Qazi Faez, Justice Mandokhail and Justice Yahya Afridi, in their verdicts maintained that all the independent candidates are Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members and the PTI is entitled to 78 reserved seats of women and non-Muslims in the National and the provincial assemblies. He requested the bench to dismiss the reviews petition, in which, additional grounds have not been filed. However, Justice Amin told him that the review petitions have been filed only against the majority judgment, while the judgments of other judges are intact. Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail said: 'We (Justice Jamal and ex-CJP Qazi Faez) have maintained that only those independent candidates who in their nomination papers mentioned PTI and attached the party are the PTI members in the parliament.' He questioned how they can compel anyone who has contested election as an independent to join a particular party, or force anyone not to contest election as an independent. Faisal argued that all the 13 judges held that the PTI-backed independent candidates cannot join the SIC, and also reserved seats cannot be given to it. However, they maintained that the PTI was entitled to the reserved seats, adding the disagreement was on the number of PTI-affiliated candidates. The judges also disagreed with the majority judgment on timeline and the process described for joining the PTI by the independents, the SIC counsel submitted. He said that Justice Yahya had left this issue to be decided by the ECP. Justice Amin said whether any of the party during the original proceedings discussed that the reserved seats should be given to the PTI. Justice Mandokhail questioned whether only one and not all the political parties deserve fair treatment? Justice Musarrat Hilali questioned that Hamid Raza who had established the SIC in 2013 and has been its chairman then why he contested general elections as an independent instead of on the SIC platform, and after winning the election joined the SIC, and PTI-backed independent candidates were asked to join the SIC. She said if a party does not have presence in the parliament then how the independent candidates can join it. She asked what the PTI-backed independents have mentioned in their forms when they were joining the SIC. Faisal argued that the PTI's Intra-Party Election (IPE) was not accepted by the ECP, Peshawar High Court (PHC) and the Supreme Court and it was deprived of election symbol. He said that the 11 judges in their judgments stated that the ECP has in fact misunderstood and wrongly applied the Supreme Court judgment that the PTI is out of February 2024 elections. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
India Today
02-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
As war fears rise, ex-Pak PM Imran Khan's supporters press for his release
As a spooked Pakistan army and government scramble to guess how India might punish them for the Pahalgam terror attack, they are met with another challenge – a political one. In recent days, the Shahbaz Sharif government has come under increasing pressure to release imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran a former star cricketer, was ousted from power in April 2022 after falling out with his former patron - the Pakistan army. Imran Khan led massive protests against the army before being jailed. After his arrest, his supporters attacked several military installations, including the army headquarters in Rawalpindi and the ISI building in the Pahalgam attack, social media platform X – which remains popular despite an official ban – has seen a massive surge in posts by Imran supporters demanding his release from the jail. Online campaigners also criticise army chief Munir for orchestrating the shooting that killed 26 people and injured 17 others in Pahalgam. As per X analytics data, the hashtag #ReleaseKhanForPakistan featured in more than 3 lakh posts. Another trending tag, #FreeImranKhan was used in over 35,000 posts by 2,500 unique users over a week ending April 29. The official account of Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), @PTIofficial, posted these hashtags more than 35 hashtags such as #RestoreAccessToImranKhan, #PakistanUnderMilitaryFascism, and #FreeKhanToLeadPakistan also gained traction, reflecting growing discontent with the current political and military leadership.A PTI-affiliated user @indoraptorPti posted: 'If India is going to attack Pakistan, then Imran Khan should be released immediately and taken to his residence.'In the Pakistani Senate last Monday, PTI Senator Shibli Faraz pushed for Imran Khan's release and inclusion in national campaign surged on PTI's 29th foundation day, which was marked by renewed appeals to end Khan's "unlawful" detention and restore him to political week, X users in Pakistan took on the Pakistan army chief by posting hashtags like #ResignAsimMunir, #PakistanUnderMilitaryFascism, #UndeclaredMartialLaw, and # decades, the Pakistani army has been blamed for sabotaging peace efforts with India and perpetrating cross-border terror attacks as a means to keep a firm grip on Watch
Express Tribune
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Khawaja Asif slams PTI for 'politicising' Jaffar Express attack
Listen to article Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Thursday condemned the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for spreading a "fake narrative" regarding the recent terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express. Speaking in the National Assembly, Asif accused PTI's social media platforms of misrepresenting the tragic incident and undermining national unity by promoting misinformation. Asif expressed sorrow over the loss of innocent lives in the attack and criticised PTI for misinterpreting the situation. He specifically pointed out how PTI-affiliated social media accounts falsely claimed that the terrorists had released the hostages, instead of acknowledging the sacrifices made by the armed forces in the rescue operation. He also accused PTI leaders living abroad of continuing to criticize national institutions while avoiding accountability. The defence minister referred to PTI's leaders as products of past military regimes, pointing out their support for martial law and constitutional violations in the past. Khawaja Asif admitted that his party had also supported a military regime in the past but emphasised that they had the decency to acknowledge their past mistakes. He urged all political leaders to learn from historical failures to move the country forward. Asif condemned PTI's attempts to politicise terrorism and national security, stressing that politics should not come before Pakistan's integrity. He called on leaders to put aside personal interests and recognise the sacrifices of the armed forces in the fight against terrorism. The statement comes after security forces carried out a two-day operation to neutralise the terrorists who had hijacked the Jaffar Express. The ordeal began on Tuesday when separatist militants ambushed the Jaffar Express en route from Quetta to Peshawar, blowing up the railway track and attacking the train with rockets.
