Why PTI cannot be banned if PTM could be?

November 28, 2024

By Agha Iqrar Haroon

Islamabad, Pakistan: Once again the Federal government confirmed that PTI used Afghan nationals to disrupt law and order in Pakistan, once again the public experienced the chaos and disorder PTI injected when the Belarusian President was in Islamabad and once again it has been confirmed that PTI and Pakistan cannot move on together. The last one-week melodrama testified that PTI does the politics of corpses then why this group of miscreants is not being banned in Pakistan. Pakistan recently banned a political party whose impact on the law and order situation was limited to one area while PTI spreads anarchy all over the country.

In October 2024, the government banned the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), citing security concerns. A government notification labeled the PTM as a “proscribed organization,” for engaging in activities deemed prejudicial to the peace and stability of the country. PTM was not involved in attacking military installations as PTI did on May 9, 2023. PTM was not involved in killing Rangers and policemen as PTI had been and again did it on November 24-25-26, 2024. PTM had no known links with the Zionist lobby as PTI has and PTM did not run a huge campaign against the state of Pakistan as PTI did while writing letters to the UN to penalize the country on human rights issues, writing letters to IMF to stop payments to Pakistan, writing letters to US Congressmen and UK lawmakers to ask their countries to take punitive actions against Pakistan. PTM had no huge resources for running campaigns against the Pakistan Army and the State of Pakistan as the PTI has and runs such campaigns.

I understand that the state of Pakistan had reasons to ban PTM then the whole nation has reasons to believe that PTI is more dangerous than PTM and not banning this party would not serve anything good to the country. Like PTM, recently PTI has started playing the card of ethnicity and provincialism and all speeches of former First Lady Bushra Bibi categorically stated that Pushtuns are brave and they must stand with her to attack the capital city of Islamabad. She had been indicating that except for Pushtuns nobody is brave in Pakistan. What else does the state of Pakistan need to ban this party? In July 2024, Federal Minister for Information Atta Tarar indicated that PTI would be banned soon but this soon is yet to be realized.

Would we wait for something more dangerous than May 9, 2023, and November 24 before taking punitive action against the Cult of PTI?

Former prime minister Imran Khan since he was voted out from power in April 2022, is pitching his followers against the State of Pakistan and creating a gap between the State and the Public. This situation remembers what happened in East Pakistan and he had been citing the “East Pakistan Model” his party launched a massive campaign in the past to incite the public to stand against Pakistan as was done by Bangalis in 1971. November 24-25-26 events such as crushing Rangers to death confirm that his attempt to create a divide between the State and his followers is successful and his followers consider State symbols (Rangers/Police/monuments of martyrs etc) as ‘enemies”.

PTI slur brigade had been targeting military and law enforcement agencies by abusing them with unimaginable diction even during the November 24 protest but no such action has ever taken place against Imran Khan or his party leaders and workers. Today the majority of Pakistanis believe that Imran Khan and his party leaders are enjoying the greatest respect and leniency from State institutions that have never been enjoyed by any political leader and any political party in the entire history of Pakistan. Is this leniency is a strategic move of the government that needs the survival of PTI that threatens state institutions or is it a failure of the government to ban PTI due to foreign pressures or political compromises, these questions need answers from the government.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article/Opinion/Comment are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the DND Thought Center and Dispatch News Desk (DND). Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of the DND Thought Center and Dispatch News Desk News Agency.

Will India demolish Ajmer Sharif Dargah for constructing a Shiv Temple as it did with Babri Masjid?

November 28, 2024

Monitoring Desk: A petition has been accepted for review demanding that Ajmer Sharif Dargah be declared as the “Sankat Mochan Mahadev Temple.

Ajmer Sharif Dargah Tomb (dargah) of the Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti, is located at Ajmer Shareef, Rajasthan, India. Chishti also known as Khawaja Gharib Nawaz was a Persian Islamic scholar and mystic from Sistan, who eventually ended up settling in the Indian subcontinent in the early 13th century, where he promulgated the Chishtiyya order of Sunni mysticism.

A Rajasthan court accepted a petition filed by Hindu Sena chief Vishnu Gupta, claiming that the Ajmer Sharif Dargah is a Shiva temple. The Ajmer lower court issued notices to three entities in response to a lawsuit claiming that a Shiva temple exists within the premises of the revered dargah of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti.

The petition said:

“We demanded that the Ajmer dargah should be declared as Sankat Mochan Mahadev Temple and if the dargah has any kind of registration, then it should be canceled. Its survey should be done through ASI and Hindus should be given the right to worship there,”. The next hearing is on December 20.

Deficiencies in the 26th Constitutional Amendment and the Failure of Bars

November 28, 2024

Islamabad, Pakistan: The 26th Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan introduced reforms to address deficiencies in judicial appointments and processes. Specifically:

Article 175A(4): This provision emphasizes the formation of rules by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) to ensure transparent, objective, and merit-based judicial appointments to the superior judiciary.
Article 191A(6): This provision mandates that the Supreme Court’s constitutional bench frame rules to regulate its functioning.

These constitutional provisions were meant to institutionalize fairness and transparency in the judicial system. However, the failure of both the JCP and the constitutional bench to frame the requisite rules undermines the constitutional intent, leaving critical judicial processes subject to ambiguity and potentially arbitrary decision-making.

Implications of Non-Compliance:

Judicial Appointments Without Clear Criteria:

Without rules under Article 175A(4), the Chief Justice retains unchecked discretion in proposing names for judicial appointments. This undermines the collective decision-making envisioned by the Constitution and fuels allegations of favoritism and lack of meritocracy.

It contradicts the constitutional principle of institutional checks and balances.

Constitutional Bench Hearings Without Defined Rules:

The failure of the constitutional bench to frame its own rules under Article 191A(6) creates procedural uncertainty. This affects the predictability, fairness, and efficiency of constitutional adjudication.

Such a vacuum may lead to inconsistent practices or ad hoc rulings, compromising the judiciary’s credibility.

Erosion of Public Trust:

The inaction of the legal leadership signals a lack of accountability and a possible disconnect from constitutional responsibilities.

Public confidence in the judiciary suffers, as citizens expect judicial institutions to uphold the Constitution rigorously.

Legal Fraternity’s Silence:

The legal community’s apparent inaction or silence—especially bar associations and senior advocates—reflects either a lack of awareness, political complacency, or incapacity to address constitutional deficiencies.

This exacerbates the situation, as meaningful reform often requires active advocacy and pressure from the legal fraternity.

Responsibility of Legal Fraternity:

Leaders of the legal fraternity are traditionally seen as custodians of constitutional values. Their silence in this matter may suggest:

A lack of consensus or understanding regarding the constitutional amendments.

Fear of challenging entrenched judicial authorities or political influence.

A broader culture of complacency within the legal profession.

Pressure political and judicial stakeholders to prioritize these issues.

200 vehicles, 39 automatic weapons, and 600 slings were confiscated after PTI protestors ran away from the D-Chowk area

November 27, 2024

Islamabad, Pakistan: Islamabad Capital Police have confiscated 200 vehicles, 39 automatic weapons, and 600 slings, 200 bottles filled with carnosine and petroleum products in areas around the D-Chowk area that were left by PTI protestors when they ran away from the destination early morning of November 27.

According to the Interior Ministry, 70 plus the personnel of law enforcement agencies got bullet injuries as protestors had been firing at police and rangers. Around 39 Afghan citizens were arrested along with 600 protestors while running away from the spot of protest.

Gen Zhang Youxia visited COAS Gen Asim Munir at GHQ

November 27, 2024

Rawalpindi, Pakistan: General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) of the People’s Republic of China, visited General Headquarters (GHQ) along with a high-level delegation.

The distinguished guest held a one-on-one meeting with General Syed Asim Munir, NI(M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), followed by delegation-level discussions.

The engagements focused on matters of mutual interest, regional security dynamics, measures for regional stability, and enhancing bilateral defense cooperation. General Asim Munir underscored the enduring and all-weather nature of Pakistan-China relations, emphasizing their foundation of mutual trust and cooperation. He affirmed that this historic partnership has withstood the test of time and is poised to grow further. The COAS thanked Chinese leadership for standing firmly with Pakistan, irrespective of changes in the international and regional environment.

Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia expressed China’s deep appreciation for Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to their strategic partnership. He commended the Pakistan Army’s resolve and professionalism in its ongoing counter-terrorism efforts and reiterated China’s determination to further strengthen this enduring relationship.

Earlier, upon his arrival at GHQ, General Zhang Youxia laid a floral wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada, paying homage to Pakistan’s martyrs. He was accorded a warm reception, including a guard of honor presented by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Army.

D-Chowk cleared as Islamabad Police completed action against PTI protesters

November 27, 2024

Islamabad, Pakistan: Former First Lady Bushra Bibi and CM KPK Ali Amin Gandapur disappeared from D-Chowk when Islamabad Police started action against PTI protesters. She left her container behind and left for an unknown destination in a car.

According to the latest updates of the PTI protest in Islamabad, D-Chowk has been cleared from protesters as Islamabad Police completed action against PTI protesters and ran away from the scene.

Pakistan and Türkiye collaborate to produce 155mm artillery shells

November 27, 2024

Monitoring Desk: Pakistan and Türkiye collaborate to produce 155mm artillery shells, reports Army Recognition Group.

According to ARG, Türkiye’s defense company Repkon and Pakistan’s Wah Industries Limited (WIL) signed an agreement at the IDEAS 2024 defense exhibition in Pakistan to establish a facility for producing 155mm artillery shell bodies. The facility will have an annual production capacity of 120,000 units and include an explosive filling line to support domestic military needs and international exports.

Atta Tarar demands HR defenders raise voice over killings of Rangers and Police personnel

November 26, 2024

Islamabad, Pakistan: Federal Minister Information Atta Tarar has demanded Human rights defenders raise their voices over the killings of Rangers and Police personnel who were crushed to death by PTI protesters in the early hours of November 26, 2024.

In his special televised message, Tarar who earlier claimed that PTI protesters would not enter Islamabad, said that protesters were terrorists who were using automatic weapons and tear gas shelling guns to attack Rangers and Police in Islamabad. He added that protestors were pushed back by Rangers from D-Chowk.

He also accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of bringing Afghan citizens, terrorists and criminals to Islamabad. He said he had checked the record of some miscreants who were arrested from the D-Chowk by the police, many of them were Afghan citizens and professional criminals who were found involved in dacoity in Islamabad.

Imran Khan’s message to the Pakistani nation from jail

November 26, 2024

Islamabad, Pakistan: Former prime minister Imran Khan has sent a message to his followers from jail that says:

Salute to the Pakistani nation and the workers of the PTI who stood up for their rights, are involved in peaceful protests and are standing firm for their demands and true freedom in the face of the mafia that has imposed itself on the country.

I also have a message for my team to fight till the last hair, we will not back down until our demands are met.

On the instructions of Mohsin Naqvi, the Rangers and police martyred and injured peaceful citizens by firing and shelling on our workers. He will have to answer for it!

The citizens were not only peaceful but also kept rescuing the police and Rangers who were shelling and firing.

Thank you also to the overseas Pakistanis who are not only mobilizing in Pakistan, sending funds, but also holding historic demonstrations in their respective countries.

Social media warriors should also continue to provide full coverage of our demands and the ongoing oppression in Pakistan around the world!!

I have a message for those who have threatened me with a trial in a military court, do whatever you want, I will not back down from my stance.

Those who have not reached yet should also reach D-Chowk.

All Pakistanis participating in the protest should remain peaceful, united and steadfast until our demands are met – this is a struggle for the survival and true freedom of Pakistan!!

Funeral prayers of martyred Rangers attended by COAS Gen Asim Munir and PM Shehbaz Sharif

November 26, 2024

Rawalpindi, Pakistan: Funeral prayers of Naik Muhammad Ramzan Shaheed (age; 47 years, resident of District Karak), Sepoy Gulfam Khan Shaheed (age; 29 years, resident of District Rawalpindi), and Sepoy Shah Nawaz Shaheed (age; 33 years, resident of District Sibi) who embraced Shahadat yesterday during PTI protest were offered at Chaklala Garrison, Rawalpindi.

Honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister, Interior Minister, Minister of Information, General Syed Asim Munir, NI(M) Chief of Army Staff, Senior serving Military and Civil Officials attended the funeral.

“Pakistan cannot afford any chaos and bloodshed for achieving vested political purposes. These acts of violence are unacceptable and highly condemnable which are bordering the limits of restraint by the Law Enforcement Agencies. The entire nation pays homage to the martyred Rangers soldiers and all those police officials who have embraced shahadat and those who are injured during these riots”, PM said.

The bodies of Shuhada have been taken to their native home town where they will be laid to rest with full military honour.

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Why PTI cannot be banned if PTM could be?

Will India demolish Ajmer Sharif Dargah for constructing a Shiv Temple as it did with Babri Masjid?

Deficiencies in the 26th Constitutional Amendment and the Failure of Bars

200 vehicles, 39 automatic weapons, and 600 slings were confiscated after PTI protestors ran away from the D-Chowk area

Gen Zhang Youxia visited COAS Gen Asim Munir at GHQ

D-Chowk cleared as Islamabad Police completed action against PTI protesters

Pakistan and Türkiye collaborate to produce 155mm artillery shells

Atta Tarar demands HR defenders raise voice over killings of Rangers and Police personnel

Imran Khan’s message to the Pakistani nation from jail

Funeral prayers of martyred Rangers attended by COAS Gen Asim Munir and PM Shehbaz Sharif

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Deficiencies in the 26th Constitutional Amendment and the Failure of Bars

200 vehicles, 39 automatic weapons, and 600 slings were confiscated after PTI protestors ran...

Gen Zhang Youxia visited COAS Gen Asim Munir at GHQ

D-Chowk cleared as Islamabad Police completed action against PTI protesters

Pakistan and Türkiye collaborate to produce 155mm artillery shells