Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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All cases adjourned; only the case of military courts to be heard by the SCP


Islamabad: The landmark case of Trial of Civilians under the Army Act entered into a significant phase when the Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court adjourned hearing of all cases, fixed for Tuesday, without any proceedings and decided to hear miscellaneous petitions regarding military courts.



The Court adjourned the hearing for tomorrow (Wednesday) after lengthy arguments of the counsel of the Ministry of Defence Advocate Khwaja Haris.



The Court also directed the provincial government of Punjab to submit a report before the court regarding rights of the prisoners under the jail manual with reference to the conditions of the convicts in May 9 riots who are kept in a high security zone according to one of the convict’s father.



The seven-member constitutional bench, headed by Justice Amin ud Din Khan was hearing miscellaneous petitions clubbed under the title of Trial of Civilians under Army Act 1956.



As the proceedings began, Justice Amin announced adjournment of all other cases fixed for the day and hearing of the petitions publicly known is military courts case.



The proceedings started with the arguments of Advocate Khwaja Haris, counsel for the Ministry of Defence. He argued before the SCP that this Court has earlier declared that civilians in Army can be court martialed.



When questioned by Justice Jamal Mandokhail regarding the petitioner and the aggrieved party, Khwaja Haris said that the Ministry of Defense has filed the petition.



The Court adjourned the hearing for tomorrow and announced that only this case will be heard and other cases fixed for tomorrow (Wednesday Jan 8) are adjourned for a date to be fixed latter.



At the end of the hearing, father of a person, convicted by the Military Court, appeared before the court without permission and informed the Court that his son is condemned with imprisonment and kept along with 22 other prisoners in a high security zone.



The court allowed him to speak and directed the provincial government of the Punjab to produce a report before the Court regarding rights of the prisoners under the jail manual. The court will meet for further proceedings by tomorrow.



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Irfan Siddiqui warns of consequences if PTI fails to submit ‘Charter of demands’

Islamabad: A government negotiating team member Senator Irfan Siddiqui Tuesday expressed concerns about the PTI's delayed written charter of demands, which has slowed talks and criticized inconsistencies in the PTI leadership's statements.

In an interview with a private news channel, he said that the PTI had committed to presenting a written charter of demands in the next meeting, following agreements made in the previous two sessions, however, the PTI has yet to fulfill this promise, causing an alarming delay in the negotiation process.

Talks between the government and PTI have stopped because PTI has not given its demands, he said, adding, there will be consequences if PTI does not give its demands.

Responding to a query, Senator said that the government has not set any conditions for the talks and we have even not asked PTI to stop their civil disobedience campaign on social media, adding, however, despite our efforts, PTI is still not serious about achieving fruitful results from these talks.

Senator Irfan Siddiqui expressed surprise that despite PTI setting January 31 as the deadline for conclusive talks, no progress has been made so far.

Senator Siddique stated that PTI has not proposed a new date for the next negotiation meeting, suggesting that they should consult Imran Khan to decide the next course of action.

Irfan Siddiqui categorically stated that PTI's founder cannot be released through executive orders, emphasizing that only the courts will decide.

Siddiqui urged PTI to first present their charter of demands, adding, then we will explore alternative solutions and suggest ways to address their concerns once their demands are on the table.

Siddiqui also drew parallels with PML-N's leadership, who bravely faced jail time and were released on bail, underscoring their commitment to the rule of law.

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Acting governor inaugurates 3-day Sufi Festival at Alhamra

Lahore: Acting Governor Punjab Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan inaugurated the three-day Interfaith Sufi Festival 2025 at Alhamra Arts Council, here on Tuesday.

The festival was organized by the Punjab Auqaf and Religious Affairs Department. The three-day Sufi Festival will continue from January 7 to 9, featuring a variety of activities, including Sufi Art and Craft Exhibition, Sufi Calligraphy, Sufi Music, Panel Discussions, Whirling Dervish Dance (Raqs-e-Darvesh), Sufi Poetry, Qawwali (Sama), and Langar (Community Feast).

Speaking at the event, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan stated that Sufi thought has always promoted love, tolerance, and coexistence. He emphasized that the teachings of Sufi saints have played a vital role in transforming hearts and spreading the true message of Islam across the region. Paying tribute to the Sufi saints of the subcontinent, he remarked that these revered personalities were institutions in themselves, winning hearts through their character and actions. He added that love, peace, and the eradication of poverty are among the noblest causes, and this festival serves as a positive step in advancing this philosophy.

Later, talking to the media, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan refrained from commenting on the ongoing negotiations between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). However, he asserted that if these talks resulted in concealing any crimes, he would be the first to criticize them. He also addressed the relationship between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), stating that there are no issues at the party level. While individuals may express different opinions, overall, a strong working relationship exists between the both parties, he added.

Discussing Punjab's governance, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan highlighted that the provincial government is giving special attention to public welfare projects. He stated that revolutionary steps are being taken to improve the health, education, and sanitation systems, while further enhancements in road infrastructure are also underway.

Addressing the events of May 9, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan categorized the involved individuals into two groups - those who were incited to attack, whose actions may be considered for leniency, and those who orchestrated the events, whose crimes are absolutely unforgivable. He also condemned false propaganda on social media and emphasized that there must be a clear distinction between politics and crime. Burning down properties is not a political right, and a difference must be recognized between political expression and inciting unrest.

To a question, he stated that the idea of gaining popularity by targeting institutions needs to change, as such actions only contribute to instability within the country.

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President Asif Ali Zardari expresses sorrow over loss of lives in earthquake in China’s Xizang region

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic loss of lives and the damage to the property caused by the earthquake that struck China's Xizang region.

"My sympathies are with the government, the people of China, and the earthquake victims during this hour of grief," the president said in a press statement.

"We stand in solidarity with our Chinese brothers and sisters, sharing their sorrow in this difficult time," he added.

President Asif Ali Zardari also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the earthquake.

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Five liquor dealers held

Faisalabad: Police arrested five drug dealers and seized 86 bottles of liquor from their possession during the last 24 hours.

According to a police report here Tuesday, teams of civil lines police and Gulfishan police raided and arrested Naveed,Tariq,Zain,Wasim and Ali Zar during a crackdown.The teams recovered 86 bottles of liquor and 1.5 kg hashish from them.

The accused was sent behind the bars and cases were registered against them.

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Govt taking steps for welfare of people: minister

Sargodha: Provincial Minister for Usher and Zakat Rana Munawar Ghous Khan has said the incumbent government under the supervision of the chief minister is taking measures

for welfare of people.

Talking to reporter here on Tuesday, he said the government was utilizing all possible resources for betterment of the masses, adding that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) did nothing for the masses

and did not fulfill any promise regarding welfare of people. He said when the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) came to power it had brought about a revolution in all sectors, including the agriculture,after launching comprehensive policies.