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SC orders federal govt to provide PTI with a ground between H-9, G-9 areas to hold jalsa

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ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the federal government to provide the PTI with a ground between the H-9 and G-9 areas of Islamabad to hold its public gathering.

When the hearing resumed after a break, the attorney-general told the three-member bench that the ground, which will be given to the PTI, only had the capacity to accommodate 10,000 people. 

He also added that a Sunday bazaar and the Sirinigar Highway were close to the venue.

However, the bench did not pay any heed to the advice of the Attorney-General for Pakistan (AGP) Ashtar Ausaf Ali and directed the government to provide security to the PTI’s gathering within three hours.

During the hearing, Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan asked PTI’s lawyer Babar Awan when the gathering will be held.

“Till when will the gathering go on for?” asked Justice Ahsan.

To this Awan, replied that the decision is for the political leadership to take.

In response, Justice Ahsan remarked that the apex court can change its order, amend or take it back. He added that the bench will be monitoring the developments.

“Talks between the government committee and PTI committee should be held at 10pm tonight at the chief commissioner’s office,” said the court. It directed the deputy commissioner, interior secretary, and inspector-general Islamabad to make sure the meeting take place.

“Arrested political leadership and workers should be freed at once,” said the court. It also ordered the government to follow the point agreed between the JUI-F and PTI during the former’s 2019 long march.

“Any new clause should be included in the agreement through mutual consultation and the court should also be informed about it,” said the bench.

Before the break, the court had directed the authorities concerned to hold consultations over permission for the PTI rally on H9 ground and update the court on the outcome.

The directives came during a hearing of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association’s (IHCBA) plea against the government’s decision to block roads to stop PTI’s “Azadi March” taking place today (Wednesday) in the federal capital.

A three-member bench of the SC, headed by Justice Ahsan, was hearing the plea. Islamabad chief commissioner and Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Akbar Nasir Khan appeared before the court during the hearing.

PTI’s counsel Babar Awan presented the party’s request for permission to hold a rally at the H9 ground.

Awan informed the court that Imran Khan has four demands which include the provision of H9 ground for the rally, the release of all the arrested party workers and leaders, and the removal of all the barricades that are blocking routes leading to Islamabad.

AGP Ausaf conveyed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s message that he believes in the rule of law. He said that the premier has formed a committee which will decide on the venue for the PTI rally and the use of words.

The AGP assured the court of protecting every citizen.

SC orders provision of alternative venue for PTI rally

Earlier, the court had directed the authorities concerned to provide an alternative venue for the PTI to hold a rally.

SC’s Justice Ijazul Ahsan directed the Islamabad chief commissioner to prepare a traffic plan for the PTI rally and submit a report after compliance with orders by 2:30pm.

“Make an offer of an alternative venue to the PTI and inform the court about the outcome after negotiations.

“The administration should present a complete plan of action which allows the protest, but keeps roads open so that the protesters can reach peacefully and go back home afterwards,” Justice Ahsan said.

The judge sought assurance from the authorities that there won’t be any violence and that roads will not be closed.

Moreover, the court directed PTI’s counsel to give names if the party fears arrest.

Justice Mazahir Ali Akbar Naqvi remarked that the Islamabad IGP and Interior secretary should review their policies.

The judge warned the IGP to understand his responsibilities and fulfil them.

“You have been appointed four days ago. Stay within your limits as you already have enough burden of cases and allegations,” Justice Naqvi said.

‘Will entire country be shut down over every protest’: Justice Ahsan

Justice Ahsan questioned if the entire country will be shut down whenever there is a protest. 

“The government basically wants to disrupt routine life by blocking roads across the country,” the judge remarked.

Earlier, Attorney-General of Pakistan (AGP) Ashtar Ausaf requested the court to give him time to take instructions from the government.

Accepting the request, the court allowed AGP Ausaf to take directives from the government during a break in the hearing till 12pm.

Justice Ahsan remarked that news reports show that all exams have been postponed and roads and businesses have been closed. He said that all schools and public transport services are shut, with an emergency imposed on the hospitals in the capital city.

Responding to the judge’s remark, AGP Ausaf said that he is not aware of the details. He requested the court to give him time to gather information.

“Everyone knows what is happening in the country. Economically, the country is undergoing a critical phase and is on the verge of bankruptcy,” he said.

At this, AGP Ausaf suggested the court avoid making remarks on the economy. He went on to say that he is fundamentally against blocking roads, but the PTI threatened a “bloody march”.

“Taking steps had become inevitable for the protection of people and their property,” AGP said, adding that the court should keep the context behind the government’s decision in view.

At this, Justice Ahsan remarked that the Constitution doesn’t say anywhere to close the entire country down.

AGP Ausaf argued that the Constitution doesn’t say anywhere that armed men shouldn’t be stopped, either.

‘Imran’s life in danger’: AGP

While referring to PTI’s application for permission to stage a protest, Justice Ahsan inquired from the city administration about the decision on the request.

Replying to the court’s query, AGP Ausaf informed the court that PTI sought permission for staging a sit-in at Srinagar Highway but the request was rejected.

He claimed that Imran Khan’s life is in danger as intelligence agencies say there is a threat of a suicide attack on the ex-prime minister.

“You are going away from the actual issue. Why are Lahore, Sargodha and the rest of the country closed if the government has an issue with the sit-in at Srinagar Highway,” Justice Ahsan remarked.

He asked who reported the security threat, to which the interior secretary said that two intelligence agencies and the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) reported it.

‘Police barging into lawyers’ houses’: IHCBA

Meanwhile, IHCBA President Shoaib Shaheen claimed that the police are barging into lawyers’ houses to arrest them. He referred to the raid at former judge Nasira Iqbal’s house.

“Both the protesters and government are bound to follow the Constitution and law,” he said.

At this, AGP Ausaf argued that how could armed men be allowed to protest. “Where did the armed men come from when the protest hasn’t even started?” IHCBA president objected.

He said that JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has staged a sit-in at the Srinagar Highway twice and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has led a long march in the past, therefore a venue can be designated for the protesters to stage the protest.

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SIFC Introduces Green Tourism: Boosting Tourism with Global Events

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An effort to boost Pakistan’s tourist industry’s international appeal is being spearheaded by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which is focusing on ecotourism.

Promotion of Pakistan as a tourist destination abroad is the goal of the project.

As part of green tourism, more than 30 government entities work together. International and local sporting events are a means to an end for “green Pakistan” in its mission to promote the nation.

Pakistan is a great destination for those seeking religious, mountaineering, and heritage-based tourism.

Green tourism allows users to arrange a variety of services, including tours, lodging, and more, through mobile applications.

One of SIFC’s goals is to increase the country’s visibility abroad by hosting major international events that adhere to green tourism principles.

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Minister of Finance Reaffirms Unwavering Support for APM Terminals Group in Effort to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation

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Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Pakistan’s Minister of Finance, has promised the APM Terminals Group his full support in creating an environment that is both business-friendly and conducive to investment.

In Islamabad, he met with a group of APM terminals who had come to hear him speak. Keith Svendsen, CEO of APM Terminals, was in charge of the group.

Muhammad Aurangzeb, a senator from Pakistan, expressed his approval of APM Terminals’ investment plans.

Following last month’s signing of a memorandum of agreement to strengthen bilateral cooperation, the meeting’s emphasis was on the actions taken to date.

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In the Face of Terrorism, Beijing Reaffirms Its Will to Assist Pakistan

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Repairing relations damaged by recent attacks on Chinese nationals in Pakistan, China has pledged to aid Pakistan in its fight against terrorism and economic and social growth.

Lin Jian, spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry, restated the common enemy status of terrorism during his routine briefing in answer to a query on the safety of Chinese nationals in Pakistan.

He emphasized that stopping terrorist attacks and other tragedies from happening again is everyone’s job.

The protection of Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions abroad is our utmost priority, he stated emphatically.

According to him, China and Pakistan are prepared to stop any effort to damage ties between the two countries and will make sure that terrorists face consequences for their actions.

“Our ironclad friendship has taken deep roots among our people,” the official added, adding that China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperating partners.

The Chinese ambassador to Pakistan, Lin Jian, reaffirmed China’s commitment to helping Pakistan advance economically, socially, and personally. Following recent attacks on Chinese people in Pakistan, China moved to mend bilateral ties by reiterating its support for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism initiatives and socio-economic development.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian reaffirmed that terrorists are an ally of no humanity during his routine briefing in answer to a query on the safety of Chinese citizens in Pakistan.

He emphasized that stopping terrorist attacks and other tragedies from happening again is everyone’s job.

The protection of Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions abroad is our utmost priority, he stated emphatically.

According to him, China and Pakistan are prepared to stop any effort to damage ties between the two countries and will make sure that terrorists face consequences for their actions.

“Our ironclad friendship has taken deep roots among our people,” the official added, adding that China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperating partners.

Lin jian stated that China will maintain its assistance for Pakistan as the country works to improve the lives of its citizens via economic and social development.

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