Islamabad, Pakistan: The Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal will be the chief guest at the Data-Fest 2024, set to take place today on October 21-22, 2024 at the Pak-China Friendship Centre, Islamabad.
This inaugural event brings together data experts, policymakers, researchers, and thought leaders to explore the pivotal role of data in shaping Pakistan’s future across sectors. Key sessions will focus on data-driven governance, fiscal resilience, disaster risk management, climate adaptation, and more.
Event Highlights:
• Keynote speeches from global data experts
• Thematic panel discussions on crucial national issues
• Data innovation displays and interactive workshops
• Networking opportunities with industry leaders and decision-makers
According to an official press release, the National Data Fest is a key event for sharing knowledge, developing skills, fostering innovation, and encouraging collaboration in the field of data. As data becomes more crucial in our lives, this fest highlights its importance. It’s a place for professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts to come together, celebrate, and innovate. Beyond just skills and technology, the fest aims to build connections, boost economic growth, and push our nation towards data-driven progress.
Data-fest 2024 is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of how data can drive decision-making, spark creativity, and lead us to a future of knowledge and collaboration. This festival focuses on the vital role of data in improving life and starts a series of projects aimed at using data for societal good.
October is celebrated as a breast cancer awareness month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer and how it can be prevented. I am taking this opportunity to talk about the women who are living with breast cancer and the myths we used to associate with people having cancer.
Living with breast cancer or with any cancer is scary. This is especially true for breast cancer because patients are relatively young and are usually mothers having children. We have attributed living with cancer to a battle or race. Imagine the arena of the Olympics and somebody is running a race and people are motivating him to run, fast, and run. There is a lot of adrenaline rush and that helps the player to perform well. On battlefields, people are motivated to give their lives for certain purposes. It is helpful there also. Now imagine someone living with an advanced stage of cancer, she is vomiting and having pain, undergoing chemotherapy lying in bed thinking about the future of her and her children. It has no resemblance with the high emotions of racetrack or war. But we use it often, as someone is fighting a battle. Usage of these military terminologies may have been thought to have some benefit. But it is counterproductive.
Living with cancer is not a short-term race or a limited period fight it is lifetime coping. There are no winners or losers. When we say it is a battle then people who are unable to overcome it think of themselves as a loser. If we make it a battle, then people whose cancer is advancing sometimes believe it is their fault that they did not fight properly. Living with cancer is awful, scary, and boring. A positive attitude helps you to cope with any setback in life and makes your healing better. But a genuinely positive attitude comes from acceptance of reality first. You cannot motivate people to alternate the facts and there is no sense of heroism or romanticism attached to cancer. Although a positive attitude helps you in almost everything, believing that cancer patients should have a positive attitude all the time is also a myth. Without properly working on your feelings and feeling them genuinely, a positive attitude has no importance. It is a major disease and in the advanced stage, there is no cure. So talking about your feelings genuinely rather than suppressing them is more helpful. It is harmful to feel or look more positive than you are.
Thirty percent of people have depression and anxiety and need the help of a therapist. Encouraging them to seek help is important. I do understand this language of fighting battle is used to evoke strength in unimaginably difficult times. But remember that living with cancer is not running a race, in which you can motivate people to run fast. So putting pressure of fighting on patients can have the opposite effect. We should challenge this idea and break away from how we are conditioned to think like that. Cancer is from our cells. Having a war with ourselves is not a pleasant experience. What we can do instead is live as well as possible. Coping, gentle positivity, setting short achievable goals. Drawing support from closed ones are some answers.
While dealing with breast cancer patients, I often tell them, that they should not feel that they are contributing to their cancer when they are having a bad day and they cannot be positive. Truth is when you are on chemotherapy or dealing with the pain of advanced cancer you cannot be positive. Our body does not work in this way. We cannot be vomiting and positive at the same time. So having a positive attitude all the time with this devastating condition is a myth.
What we can do is take positive action. Accepting the pain, showing up for appointments, taking proper medical and self-care, staying socially connected, and communicating with loved ones are helpful strategies. So instead of necessarily thinking everything is great taking action is more important. If that is meant by a necessary positive attitude. But we cannot deny the reality that it takes a physical and emotional toll on the patient and acceptance of this is very important. One of my patients with advanced breast cancer while talking about her legitimate feeling said. She wakes up at night and looks at the faces of her children thinking that it may be the last time. So having cancer, particularly breast cancer which happens at a younger age you have to think and re-plan so many things. You have many unfulfilled dreams. Although it can teach you the importance of living each day, it is tiring. Making small attainable goals like attending the graduation of a child can help. You can be gently positive and allow yourself to process your feelings and accept reality. That is not going to affect the natural course of disease.
Early detection of breast cancer is important. This is a cancer of the external organ so if we keep examining our breasts once a month and notice small changes on the skin and inside. We can detect any change at an almost curable and very early stage. We cannot see or feel what is happening in our liver but we can do that about the breast. So breast self-awareness is important. It has a definite early stage and treatment at the early stage is a difference of life and death.
A generally healthy lifestyle like eating a healthy plant-based diet, being physically active, and sleeping well free of stress can reduce the chances of the development of all types of cancers. Mammography is gradually losing its importance for early detection. So awareness of breasts is the most important thing we can do. For full advice on the prevention of breast cancer readers are referred to my article about breast cancer in October 2023.
The author Dr. Attia Anwar is a consultant family physician with a postgraduate degree from the Royal College of GP UK. She is a strong advocate of health and well-being and wants patient participation in decision-making regarding health.
Reporting from Press Galleries of the Parliament is part and parcel of the life of every reporter who covers parliamentary affairs. After 35 years in journalism, I am losing interest in covering the Parliament for many reasons and one of them is live coverage available on the television screen. However, events such as constitution amendments are pertinent so covering them is a privilege for a journalist instead of merely reporting them.
The morning scenes of October 21, 2024, were engulfed by farcical comedy performed by the leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan. His theatrical performance was his long speech on the package of the 26th Constitutional Amendment. Omar is the son of Gohar Ayub. Gohar was a son of the first dictator of Pakistan Ayub Khan. Omar was telling the House how much democracy was important for him. There is no doubt that Pakistan’s Parliament is a deck of 26 jokers who gathered in the Parliament House to pass the 26th Constitutional Amendment and the majority of jokers was surely led by Omar Ayub Khan and his “farcical comedy’ amused all of us sitting in the Press Gallery who had been working since the morning of October 20 and were too tired. Thank you Omar for providing us with such excellent entertainment. Jokers were not sitting only on opposition benches and the speech of Moulana Fazal-ur-Rehman cited some of them without naming them sitting at “Ayes” benches as well. He rightfully mentioned the political situation that marred the scenes of the last 20 days. Whatever was happening the day before passing the 26th constitutional amendment can be narrated in the couplet of the famous poet Abdul Hameed Adam. He says
Adm samajh may kuch nahi aata
Aah raha hun kay ja raha hun main
(Adm I do not understand whether I am coming or going).
As Adam did not understand anything about the situation referring to the above-mentioned couplet, the majority of parliamentarians were confused by the way this amendment package was introduced to them although it had no confusion, nothing scary, and nothing complex. Munir Niazi, a poet of his genre says
Ye hum hain khud ko saza dene wale
Munir iss zamaane mein rehbar bohat hein
Haqiqat ko uljhan bana dene wale
(It is we who punish ourselves, the leaders of this age, who confuse the truth)
The confusion that was deliberately spread resulted in compromising very pertinent amendments demanded by the realities of the country including a much-needed judicial reform that could ensure speedy justice in the country to fight out reemerging terrorism. Alas, the public has to wait for this even after the 26th constitutional amendment has been passed.
Now we have to live with “something is better than nothing” and the silver lining is that the 26th constitutional amendment has been passed with a two-thirds majority and with full consultation. It has achieved a very decisive and significant milestone. Parliament restored its supremacy by meaningfully amending the balance of judicial powers which had completely tilted towards the judiciary after the 19th Constitutional Amendment and this development is very welcoming for the whole of Pakistan, which will surely lead to far-reaching results regarding the performance of Pakistan’s judiciary and the supremacy of Parliament.
Instead of the old method of picking the most senior judge for the appointment of the Chief Justice, now a twelve-member special parliamentary committee will select one of the names of the three senior-most judges as the Chief Justice. With this key process, the judiciary’s monopoly of making the most senior judge as Chief Justice has ended and like other important institutions, the Chief Justice will be appointed on merit in the Supreme Court.
The procedure of appointment of Supreme Court judges has also been brought under the influence of the Parliament, in which the Supreme Court judges will be appointed by the Commission. The commission headed by the Chief Justice will include four senior judges. The Federal Law Minister and Attorney General will also be members of the commission. A lawyer nominated by the Pakistan Bar Council with at least 15 years of experience will be a member of the commission for two years. Two members of the National Assembly and two members of the Senate will be part of the commission. A woman or a non-Muslim with the qualifications of a technocrat in the Senate will also be made a member of the commission for two years. In this process too, the principle of parliamentary supremacy has been highlighted in line with democratic values.
A Judicial Commission will determine the number of constitutional benches and judges. As far as possible, the Constitution Benches will have equal judges from all the provinces. The Constitution Benches will have the power of suo motu notice under Article 184. Cases related to the interpretation of the Constitution under Article 185 will come under the jurisdiction of the Constitution Benches. The Constitution Bench will consist of at least five judges. The judges of the Constitution Benches will be appointed by a committee of the three most senior judges. This important amendment will significantly increase the efficiency of the judiciary as the Constitution Bench will hear only constitutional matters. The cases related to the Supreme Court will continue to be heard as usual, this will also close the way for the judiciary to intervene in government matters.
Likewise, no court, tribunal, or authority can question the advice sent by the Prime Minister or the Cabinet to the President of the State therefore the powers of the Executives would not be challenged and will able Executives to focus on governance and performance.
A procedure for the performance of judges has also been formulated in which the commission will evaluate the performance of the judges of the High Court and if a judge does not improve his performance, his case can be referred to the Judicial Council.
All Supreme Court and High Court judges must have Pakistani citizenship, in addition to extensive experience as a lawyer, and lower court judges.
The aim of the rest of the amendments is to improve the performance of the judiciary for the people so that judicial affairs can be conducted according to democratic values keeping in mind the principles of the supremacy of the parliament.
I hope the government will review its political team that was responsible for finding a smooth way forward by building trust among all parties for getting their support because this time its team did well for spreading confusion instead of mitigating it. Out of all that happened in the last 20 days, Chairman PPP (Parliamentarian) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emerged as an excellent ‘interlocutor’ who executed the assignment by building the bridges that were damaged by the unskilled laborers.
Islamabad, Pakistan: In a historic move, the parliament of Pakistan reclaimed its supremacy, which had been encroached upon by the higher judiciary, by rewriting the constitution by giving verdicts on different constitutional petitions.
One of the significant events of the day was PTI’s decision not to vote for the abolition interest-based economy (Soodi Nizam) in the country, raising the brows of a majority of journalists present in the Press Galleries of the Senate as well as of the National Assembly. PTI decided to absentia status during the 26th Constitutional amendment which is also known as the Constitutional amendment package. However, PTI had an opportunity to support the abolition of an interest-based economy when voting was being done ‘clause by clause’. Even those journalists who are known as PTI’s sympathizers were expecting that PTI would vote in favor of removing the interest-based economy in the country.
Senior journalists present in Parliament House such as Jawwad Faizi, Ijaz Ahmed, Dr Sajjad Bokhari, Ahmed Mansoor, and Tariq Ch when asked to comment on PTI’s decision to avoid voting on the abolition of an interest-based economy in the country, were of the view that PTI could not see beyond its founding Chairman and for PTI everything starts and end at him.
Voting in the Senate exposed that the allegation of PTI’s Chairman Barrister Gohar against PTI’s Senators Zarqa and Faisal Saleem was false and they did not vote for treasury benches and did not defect their party.
The government and the allies have finally passed the 26th Constitutional Amendment and this was a historic constitutional decision to establish parliamentary supremacy over the judiciary of the government. Instead of appointing the Chief Justice, the old method of appointing a senior most judge, now a twelve-member special parliamentary committee will select one of the names of three senior Most Judges as Chief Justice, whose final approval is Prime Minister.
The parliamentary committee will have a proportional representation of all parliamentary parties. This key process has ended the monopoly of the judiciary itself as the Chief Justice of the judiciary.
The procedure for the appointment of judges of the Supreme Court has also been imposed under the influence of the parliament in which the Supreme Court judges will appoint a commission. The commission, headed by the Chief Justice, will include four senior judges. The Federal Minister for Law and Attorney General will also be members of the commission. The lawyer nominated by the Pakistan Bar Council, who has been experienced for less than 15 years, will be a member of the Commission for two years. Two members will be part of the National Assembly and two members of the Senate Commission. – A woman or non -Muslim with a technocratic qualification in the Senate will also be made a member of the commission for two years.
Similarly, the formation of a constitutional bench the Judicial Commission will determine the number of constitutional benches and judges. Constitutional benches will be appointed as equal judges from all the provinces as far as possible under Article 184, the self-novice will be authorized by the Constitutional Benches. Cases related to the interpretation of the Constitution will be under constitutional benches under Article 185. The constitutional bench will consist of at least five judges. A committee of three senior judges will appoint constitutional benches.
This important amendment will increase the judiciary’s performance significantly as the constitutional bench will only listen to constitutional matters while the rest of the public. The cases related to the Supreme Court will continue to be as usual.
Similarly, no court, tribunal, or authority can raise questions on the advice sent by the Prime Minister or the Cabinet to the President. This will eliminate the judiciary’s government’s administrative affairs and the government with full independence.
The performance of the judges has also been developed. The Commission will review the performance of the High Court Judges, and if a judge does not improve his performance, his case will be sent to the Judicial Council.
Pakistani citizenship of all the Supreme Court and High Court judges is mandatory. In addition, their extensive experience of advocacy, and the experience of being a judge in the lower court also include a prerequisite.
Therefore, the 26th amendment to its Pakistani constitutional and judicial history is a milestone, which will certainly improve the supremacy of parliament in Pakistan and the judiciary’s performance.
What are important amendments?
Addition of Article 9A (clean and healthy environment) and amendments to Articles 38 (promotion of social and economic well-being of the people), 48 (president to act on advice, etc), and 81 (expenditure charged upon Federal Consolidated Fund) of the Constitution.
No court will be able to question the recommendations sent to the President or the Prime Minister by the cabinet. The draft also includes a proposal to increase the number of members in the Judicial Commission of Pakistan by amending Article 175A (appointment of Judges to the Supreme Court, High Courts, and the Federal Shariat Court).
The Supreme Judicial Commission will include the chief justice, four senior judges from the Supreme Court, and four members of Parliament. Among these, one senator and one member of the National Assembly will be nominated by the PM while another senator and another member will be nominated by the leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly.
The parliamentary committee responsible for judicial appointments will consist of 12 members, with eight from the National Assembly and four from the Senate.
Instead of directly appointing a senior judge as chief justice of the Supreme Court, the proposal states that three names will be submitted to the parliamentary committee. This 12-member committee will recommend one of these names for the chief justice position. Subsequently, the prime minister will advise the President to issue a notification regarding the appointment.
The term for the chief justice will be three years. If a Chief Justice reaches the retirement age of 65 during this period, they will still be considered to have served a full three-year term. If a high court judge’s performance is deemed unsatisfactory, the Supreme Judicial Council will provide the judge with an opportunity to improve. If the judge fails to enhance their performance within the designated timeframe, the matter will be addressed by the Supreme Judicial Council. The Judicial Council can establish separate rules and regulations to evaluate the performance of judges.
Amendment to Sub-clause 3 of Section 184 regarding the Supreme Court’s power to take suo motu notices. It states that the Supreme Court will not have the authority to take notice of any matter or to issue directions to any institution.
A three-member committee of Supreme Court judges, established under the Practice and Procedure Act, will make decisions regarding whether or not to take notice of a case.
The amendment allows the SC to transfer cases from one high court to another if it believes that justice is not being served in an ongoing case.
An amendment to Clause 1 of Article 199 of the Constitution, now referred to as Clause 1A, which pertains to the high court’s power to take suo motu notices.
The high court shall not have the authority to take suo motu notices on any matter or issue directives to any institution.
The judicial commission would determine the number of constitutional benches and judges, ensuring that, where possible, equal representation of judges from all provinces is maintained in the constitutional benches.
Article 203D of the Constitution has been added, mandating that any appeal must be resolved by the relevant high court within 12 months. Article 191A has been added which pertains to the formation of constitutional benches.
Ankara, 20 October: On the invitation of President Erdogan’s AK Party, Mushahid Hussain Sayed gave a Keynote Address at the ‘Global Palestine Conference’ held here in the Turkish capital, where he presented a 3-point Action Plan.
President Erdogan was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Mushahid Hussain, who is a Member of the Executive Board of the Istanbul-based ‘Al Quds Parliament’ and Co-Chairman of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), hailed the resistance of Hamas, Hizbullah, and Iran to Israeli aggression and Zionist expansionism, terming these as exemplary models of ‘Might is not Right, but Right is Might’.
During his speech, Mushahid Hussain appreciated the leadership role of President Erdogan, terming him the ‘Lion of the Muslim World’, and congratulated him on his victory in the Turkish Presidential elections. Condemning Israel for committing the first televised genocide in history, Mushahid also condemned Western double standards and the absence of morality as they were actively aiding and abetting Israeli crimes, he added ‘most of the Muslim regimes have also failed to rise to the occasion due to either fear or expediency’.
Presenting his Action Plan before the gathering of some 1000 guests from over 50 countries, Mushahid said the first step should be for President Erdogan to take the lead and constitute an International Leaders Delegation, comprising leaders from the Global South, including Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa, Algeria and Brazil, who should visit Washington immediately after the November 5 US Presidential polls to meet the American President-elect, and urge the new US President to reverse the one-sided American policy of blatantly supporting Israel.
He said Muslim leaders must move beyond talk and words by taking concrete actions. Second, given their strong Navies, Turkiye, Pakistan, and Indonesia should form a Joint Naval Flotilla for Peace & Humanitarian Assistance, to help break the Israeli blockade of Gaza after getting authorization from the UN General Assembly. The Naval Flotilla should carry medicine, food, and relief goods to alleviate the sufferings of the Palestinians besieged in Gaza, terming it the ‘world’s largest open-air prison’. This will send a powerful and positive message to the oppressed Palestinian people that the Muslim Ummah is not an impotent entity, rather it has the vision and political will to undertake concrete initiatives. Third, recalling the joint initiative of President Erdogan and Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir in 2019 to launch a Global Media Initiative to represent the Muslim Ummah in the ‘battle of ideas and narratives’, Mushahid said ‘now is the right time and opportunity for such an initiative as the Gaza Genocide has demonstrated how biased and one-sided the Western media has been in the current crisis’.
He said journalists, intellectuals, academics, and think tanks could be powerful instruments in the ‘Battle of Ideas’ crafting and presenting narratives based on truth and facts, while representing the popular aspirations of the Global South in general and the Muslim World in particular on such issues as Palestine, Kashmir, Islamophobia, and Rohingya. He said such a Global Media Initiative would play an important role in helping to prepare the ground for an alternative emerging equitable global order based on justice and the rule of law which should start by rejecting of all types of hegemony, global or regional. He added that the sacrifices of the people of Palestine and Lebanon and the blood of the martyrs of Palestine and Kashmir would not go in vain. He concluded his very well-received speech by referencing the Latin maxim, ‘Carpe Diem’ (Seize the Moment).
Islamabad, Pakistan: Consultation and consensus among all stakeholders on the constitutional amendment package is welcomed and the right way forward, nevertheless, earlier mishandling made this imperative amendment package controversial, resulting in the deletion of certain extremely important amendments that are the requirements of mitigating challenges faced by Pakistan. Uncalled-for hurried push, releasing deadlines for its approval, lack of ownership, and spreading doubts about the package are some of the errors that could have been averted if some adults had been in the ‘situation room’.
The process of consultation is going on among all political parties on the constitutional amendment draft, which is very welcome because the more consensus and consultation there is on this important constitutional amendment, the better for this constitutional amendment, and this is all made possible when the youngest in the situation room behaved as the only adult in the room. Bilawal Bhutto made a breakthrough but also indicated in his Friday speech in Hyderabad that he would make the package pass against all odds and even he could have to make ‘undesirable’ decisions.
It is clear and certain that the draft constitution will be approved by the Senate and the National Assembly after the approval of the federal cabinet. More consultation should be done to build consensus on key points
It is also clear as day that despite all the efforts of the government and other political parties, Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party that did not even attend the All Parties Conference (APC) on Gaza will definitely not accept this draft because this party has yet not received approval from its foreign masters who want constant unrest in Pakistan. Moreover, PTI casting is of a Cult casting in which everything revolves around the thinking of the Cult Leader who definitely does not want constitutional and legal supremacy in the country. It is understood that the meeting with the founder chairman in Adiala is just an excuse to delay this draft as much as possible.
The Constitutional Amendment Bill will ensure the supremacy of the Judiciary, the people of Pakistan, all political parties, and above all the Parliament, so it is encouraging and welcome if some more time is being spent in deliberation and consultation. – The government will certainly get this constitutional draft passed by the parliament with a majority vote and this historic package will ensure the supremacy of the constitution and law in the country.
Islamabad, Pakistan: On 18 October 24, security forces conducted a successful intelligence-based operation in District Pishin on the reported presence of Khwarij (TTP). During the operation, five khwarij were apprehended and a large number of weapons, ammunition, and explosives including 3 suicide vests were seized. Apprehended Khwarij were involved in multiple terrorist attacks and were planning to target security forces as well as innocent civilians.
In another operation in District Zhob on 17 October 2024, during a fire exchange with security forces, two khwarij were sent to hell. In the ensuing sanitization of the area, weapons and ammunition were also recovered in large quantities.
Security forces of Pakistan remain steadfast in their commitment to eradicate terrorism from the country and protect innocent civilians from this menace.
Islamabad, Pakistan: The Parliament of Pakistan unanimously passed the Bill on Special Court for Overseas Pakistanis’ Property Disputes tabled by Chaudhry Salik Hussain, the Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, says a press statement.
According to the official press statement, the Senate and National Assembly have passed the Establishment of Special Court (Overseas Pakistanis Property) Act, 2024, a landmark legislation protecting the rights of overseas Pakistanis. The bill was moved by Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development. This act facilitates swift and efficient resolution of property disputes involving overseas Pakistanis.
Overseas Pakistanis can file petitions through digital platforms, including e-filing.
The special court will allow evidence to be presented through video links or other legally acceptable modes, supervised by officials from Pakistan’s High Commissions or consulates.
Cases filed in the special court will be disposed of within 90 days, thereby providing speedy justice, preventing delays, and ultimately safeguarding the interests of overseas Pakistanis.
This legislation demonstrates the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of overseas Pakistanis and resolving property disputes of Overseas Pakistanis efficiently.
Monitoring Desk: Passing out a parade of cadets of the 150th PMA Long Course, 69th Integrated Course, 24th Lady Cadet Course, and 36th Technical Graduate Course was held at Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul today.
Cadets from several friendly countries including Iraq, Jordan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Palestine, Sudan, and Yemen also graduated from Pakistan Military Academy. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCsSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M) graced the occasion as chief guest and reviewed dignitary of the parade.
CJCsSC reviewed the parade and gave awards to distinguished cadets. The coveted Sword of Honor was awarded to Battalion Senior Under Officer Abdullah Afzal of the 150th PMA Long Course. The President’s Gold Medal to Battalion Senior Under Officer Babar Ullah Aman of 150th PMA Long Course. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Overseas Gold Medal to Friendly Country Senior Under Officer Kshitij Gurung of 150th PMA Long Course from Nepal. Chief of Army Staff Cane was awarded to Course Junior Under Officer Muhammad Umar Sheraz of the 36th Technical Graduate Course. Commandant’s Canes were awarded to Course Junior Under Officer Muhammad Suleman of the 69th Integrated Course and Course Under Officer Pakeeza Yaqoob of the 24th Lady Cadet Course.
Islamabad, Pakistan: The Parliamentary Committee has approved the Constitutional amendment package. The committee is headed by veteran politician Khursheed Shah of the Pakistan People’s Party.
The hurried push by PMLN made the Constitutional amendment package controversial, but PPP bailed the government out when it took the initiative to contact all parties, including PTI. Now, the package will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval and then would be tabled in both houses of parliament.
Addressing a press conference after the approval of the package, Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto politely said that the ruling party’s mishandling of the constitutional amendments ignited the disapproval of the packages by many parties including JUI (F) and added that ‘unnecessary actions’ were taken by the government when PPP was negotiating with other political parties.
The good news about the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which focuses on improving the judiciary and public interest, is that all major political parties have agreed on it and there is no doubt about its approval by Parliament. In the meeting held between Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Pakistan People’s Party on Tuesday night, a consensus was reached regarding the 26th constitutional amendments, after which Maulana Fazal met with PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday night.
In the meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari, the three major parties agreed to work together regarding the constitutional amendments, which were officially announced by Maulana Fazlur Rehman. The three major parties of the country and other smaller parties have fully agreed on the constitution of Pakistan regarding the constitutional amendments and it has also been said that regardless of whether a federal constitutional court is established or a federal constitutional bench is formed. It does not matter because the objective is only to enhance and improve the efficiency of the judiciary. Whether a federal constitutional court is established or a constitutional bench is formed, on the one hand, it will be possible to hear the constitutional and legal cases in the courts separately, while the courts, especially in the higher judiciary, deal with day-to-day cases. It will help reduce the backlog that exists. According to legal experts, it is important here that thousands of cases are pending in the Supreme Court as well as other courts across the country. If a constitutional court or a constitutional bench is formed, it will go a long way in reducing these figures.
According to legal experts, it is very important to clarify here that the major objectives of the Constitutional Bench or the Constitutional Federal Court have been achieved by the supervision of the judiciary through the formation of a high-powered commission, so to say that through this 26 constitutional amendments on the judiciary A ban is being imposed or a circle is being tightened around it, it may just be propaganda, but there is no truth in it.
Through the constitutional amendment package, the judiciary will be empowered more and time will prove that the performance of the judiciary will improve with the amendment package the most important thing is that with the formation of the federal constitutional court or bench, when urgent cases will start to be resolved so, people will directly benefit from it
By Agha Iqrar HaroonReporting from Press Galleries of the Parliament is part and parcel of the life of every reporter who covers parliamentary affairs....
By Agha Iqrar HaroonIslamabad, Pakistan: In a historic move, the parliament of Pakistan reclaimed its supremacy, which had been encroached upon by the higher...
Ankara, 20 October: On the invitation of President Erdogan’s AK Party, Mushahid Hussain Sayed gave a Keynote Address at the ‘Global Palestine Conference’ held...
Islamabad, Pakistan: Consultation and consensus among all stakeholders on the constitutional amendment package is welcomed and the right way forward, nevertheless, earlier mishandling made...
Islamabad, Pakistan: On 18 October 24, security forces conducted a successful intelligence-based operation in District Pishin on the reported presence of Khwarij (TTP). During...
The author Dr. Attia Anwar is a consultant family physician with a postgraduate degree from the Royal College of GP UK. She is a strong advocate of health and well-being and wants patient participation in decision-making regarding health.
