President-Altaf Hussain meeting‏

London, 29 June 2012: President Asif Ali Zardari today had a meeting with MQM leader Mr. Altaf Hussain here in London.

Current political situation, law and order situation in Karachi and coalition matters were discussed during the meeting.

The President thanked MQM leader for the support extended by MQM to the Party duing the elcetion of Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf. He also appreciated the role of MQM leader for the strengthening of democracy in the county.

Freedom of Information is a fundamental human right BOKHARI

Draft SPEECH
of
             
Hon’ble ,CHAIRMAN SENATE
SYED NAYYAR HUSSAIN BOKHARI

For THE CONCLUDING SESSION OF TWO-DAY ROUND TABLE CONFERENCE,
ARRANGED  By PRESS COUNCIL OF PAKISTAN,
ON JUNE 29, 2012

· Mr. Raja M. Shafqat Khan Abbasi,
Chairman, Press Council of Pakistan.
· Honourable Members of the Council.
· Worthy Scholars, Intellectuals, Academia.
· Distinguished Guests.
· Ladies and Gentlemen!
Aslam-o-Alaikum!
  I am deeply honoured and privileged to have been invited by the Press Council of Pakistan to address this august gathering that brings together our intellectual capital from eminent universities of the country to deliberate and help chisel contours of a code of ethics and conduct that can be implemented by the media to promote healthy and positive trends in journalism. I take this opportunity to convey my appreciation and acknowledgment to the Press Council, especially, the worthy Chairman Mr. Raja M. Shafqat Khan Abbasi, for taking this noble initiative to discuss and brainstorm the important issue of Media Ethics, which has taken centre stage in the present age of information technology and 24/7 media. Ethics is a code of values, which govern our lives, and are, thus, very essential for moral and healthy life.
Ladies and Gentlemen!

In the modern day world, access to information has become as inalienable a right to human beings as the right to freedom and speech.
Considering the primacy of this right, the United Nations General Assembly, as far back as 1946, had recognized that “Freedom of Information is a fundamental human right and the touchstone for all freedoms to which the United Nations is consecrated”.
Subsequently, the right to information was referred to in two key international human rights instruments: “The 1948 UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights”, and the “International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of 1966,” which came into force in 1978.

Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948, defines the right to access information in the following terms:
“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression: this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”.

Likewise, citizens’ access to information and freedom of media has also been enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan.
Article 19 states: “Every citizen shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression, and there shall be freedom of the press…”

Similarly, Article 19-A, which has been added following the 18th Constitutional Amendment, further cements Right to Information as a fundamental right by stating that:

“Every citizen shall have the right to have access to information in all matters of public importance.”
Ladies and Gentlemen!
These aforementioned references to international human rights covenants and our own Constitution underpin the widely respected and popular discourse that the modern democratic edifice has been constructed upon the individual liberty of expression of thought and access to information as the supreme principle.
Having access to information plays a key role in efforts to curb corruption and control its impact.  Ensuring access to information is, therefore, a fundamental requirement for establishing an effective system of national integrity.
Likewise, transparency, accessibility and accountability, as well as people’s participation in the democratic process, largely depend on the quality of information available to members of parliaments, parliamentary administrations, and on citizens’ access to parliamentary proceedings and documents.

This is where Media stands out as bridge between the state, the legislature and the public, making it an indispensable pillar of democracy. Parliamentary democracy can flourish only under the watchful eyes of the media, which not only purveys public opinion, but also shapes it.

Connecting the citizenry and elected representatives, Media acts as a conduit facilitating two-way flow of information -- to and from the parliament. Parliament and the media, though each is independent in any democracy, are complementary in their activities and effects. They are collaborators in the same course that is:

“The course of enlightenment and good governance of citizens.”
The relationship between these two and their interaction with other institutions, the executive and the judiciary, are crucial to the cause of good governance.

Ladies and Gentlemen!


In a democracy, it is the free choice of the media to report and comment as they wish. As members of the renowned Fourth Estate, journalists are free to use their wit, conviction and humour to make their point. However, on the flip side, it’s also very important that they do so within the bounds of decency, good taste, and established journalistic ethics and norms.

Quoting Albert Schweitzer, German Nobel Peace prize winning mission doctor and theologian, “The first step in the evolution of ethic is a sense of solidarity with other human beings”.

Considering the paramount of influence of media in shaping public perception, it is all the more important for it to abide by a code of ethics that spells out moral principles or values to help guide the conduct of journalism. If wielding enormous power is important, the manner in which it is used is even more important.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

In this age of globalization, the responsibility of media to safeguard the interests of the people and the nation has increased manifold. With the advent of 24/7 TV channels, the media seems to have taken over the reigns of human life and society in every walk of life.

Powered by awesome advancements in Information and Communication Technologies with their vast reach, the media is, quite simply, one of the most powerful forces on earth today. It is not just the Fourth Estate, but it has assumed the foremost importance in society and governance.

While playing the role of informer, the media has also taken lead as a motivator and leader, wielding the influence to make or unmake any individual, institution or even thought. Such is the all-pervasive and all-powerful role of media today.

However, with great power, comes great responsibility, too!

The media must not lose sight of its duties and obligations.  Freedom of expression is no doubt a fundamental right; but it has to be broadly guided and bound by societal duties and ethics. Media should inculcate a culture of responsible and objective reporting with a fair bit of self-restraint. Sensational and provocative depiction of issues must be avoided in order to preserve and promote the trust of the people and maintain credibility.

Balanced, unbiased and objective portrayal of issues is akin to a sensitive balancing act that is essential to protect the rights of individuals while exercising the right of expression. The media today is not only an opinion maker, but also opinion shaper. This places a double responsibility on the shoulders of journalists and mediapersons to be just, fair and impartial in their reporting. They have a special responsibility towards maintaining the highest standards of reporting and comment.

Editors, in particular, are the upholders of these norms. It is they who should be bold enough to curb the excesses, if any, through adequate and spontaneous correction.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

Freedom of press is also one of the corner stones of the historic Charter of Democracy. Article 14 of the Charter states that:
 “The press and electronic media will be allowed its independence. Access to information will become law after parliamentary debate and public scrutiny.”

The present people’s government’s resolve to respect independence of media echoes back to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto's first democratic government that worked on the same principle and liberated the press in 1988 by allowing free import of newsprint; abolishing government permission to establish newspapers and journals; and introducing private radio and television stations.

Ever prior to that, in order to safeguard the rights of working journalists, the concept of 'wage award' was introduced by the democratic government of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1973.

In the same spirit, the present People's Government recognizes that a free and vibrant press is the greatest guarantor against tyranny and oppression.

President Asif Ali Zardari has time and again appreciated the vital role of media in establishing democracy, and reaffirmed the present people’s government’s commitment to free flow of information. President Zardari firmly believes that responsible and informed media would help strengthen democracy by identifying gaps in governance and suggestions for improvement.

Ladies and Gentlemen!


Taking advantage of Pakistan’s media and information revolution, the present government is setting the contours of a constructive new discourse that will give people courage to move forward in a democratic dispensation.

Under authoritarian regimes, democratic forces and media have always remained reinforcing partners in the struggle for democracy. With the restoration of democracy, this partnership continues and flourishes.
The Government is following a multi-pronged policy of engagement and partnership with the media. It again goes to the credit of the present people’s government to revive the Press Council of Pakistan for furtherance of its agenda of healthy partnership with media to strengthen democracy.

The core objective of the Press Council of Pakistan, as well as similar bodies across the world, is to specifically promote the standards of media by promoting an ethical code of practice. However, here it is necessary to distinguish that these ethics are not meant to influence independence of press in any way.
The prime motivation is to make possible fair and objective use of the press for maintaining freedom of speech and expression in true spirit.

I also take this opportunity to appreciate and acknowledge the healthy contributions and suggestion made by our worthy participants to help Press Council on its way. I am positive that under the able leadership of its Chairman Raja M. Shafqat Khan Abbasi, the Press Council of Pakistan would make full use of these invaluable suggestions to workout a comprehensive media code of ethics.

In the end, I would again like to commend the Press Council for demonstrating extraordinary vision by arranging this forum, and also for assembling an impressive gathering of experts to deliberate on such an important issue.

I wish Press Council of Pakistan best of luck with its future endeavours.

Thank you!
Pakistan Paindabad!

Illahi a symbolic DY PM.

JUNE 2012

ISLAMABAD, (Akram Abid): Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Ellahi would not be empowered to exercise any powers of the Prime Minister and would be a symbolic DY PM.

Highly placed sources said that there is no clarification in the official rules and regulation regarding the privileges of the deputy prime minister.

Deputy PM would have no role to play in the absence of prime minister and according to constitution and the law; the powers of the Prime Minister would remain with PM whenever he would visit abroad. This confirmation has been made by the government official source.

While mentioning the details of the notification of Dy PM, Sources said that regarding the status of deputy prime minister, clarification was made in the notification that deputy prime minister would not exercise the powers of prime minister in any way.

Prime Minister would lead the cabinet for running the affairs of the country. the portfolio of Dy; PM may be abolished on completion of the constitutional tenure of Chaudhry Pervaiz Ellahi as Deputy Prime Minister, as it is pertinent to mention here that it has been said in the notification that this portfolio would exist till further orders, that means that the notification may be reverted later, sources said .

PM asks Foreign Office to project soft image of Pakistan through public diplomacy

Islamabad 28th June, 2012.

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf was given a detailed briefing by the
Minister for Foreign Affairs Mrs. Hina Rabbani Khar, Secretary Foreign
Affairs and the relevant senior officials on Pakistan’s foreign policy
at the Foreign Ministry today during the visit of the Prime Minister.

 The Prime Minister in his observation underscored the importance of
projecting the soft image of Pakistan through public diplomacy by
encouraging the people to people contacts, cultural exchanges and
promotion of business and trade the world over.

The Prime minister also emphasized the urgency of interacting with the
third generation of expatriate Pakistanis especially those living in
Europe and the USA as sustainability of their attachment with Pakistan
will be a great asset for the country.

The Prime Minister directed the Foreign Office that it should focus on
African countries as well because there exists immense potential of
bilateral cooperation and that is the reason as to why focus of many
emerging powers was shifting to those countries.

The Prime Minister said that the prevalence of goodwill in the
continent, which was earned due to the successful UN Peace Keeping
Mission headed by Pakistan Army, should be leveraged to promote
Pakistan’s interests.

The Prime Minster asked officers of the Ministry several questions
regarding functioning of Pakistani missions abroad and called upon
them to pro-actively pursue the trade diplomacy as it has assumed
greater significance in the modern diplomacy.
The Prime Minster said that Pakistan’s foreign policy was confronted
with many challenges but expressed his confidence that the Foreign
Ministry was quite capable of converting these challenges into
opportunities for Pakistan. ‘Pakistan’s foreign policy is in safe
hands’, the Prime Minister remarked.

Earlier, Minister for Foreign Affairs Mrs. Hina Rabbani Khar welcomed
the Prime Minister in the Foreign Office and said her team present
there was the nucleus of the Ministry which is endeavouring to achieve
foreign policy objectives through our missions abroad and also through
interaction with diplomatic community based in Islamabad.

Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani elaborated upon the functioning
of the different departments in the Ministry. The heads of departments
also briefed the Prime Minister about their functions and role in the
context of country’s foreign policy.

Media Invitation of Lions Club International

JI delegation congratulates Egyptian envoy on Morsi’s historical victory

ISLAMABAD, June 27, 2012
The delegation of Jamat-e-Islami Islamabad called on Egyptian ambassador at embassy in Federal capital on Wednesday. The five member delegation led by Naib Ameer Jamat-e-Islami Punjab and former MNA Mian Muhammad Aslam congratulated to ambassadoron the historical victory of Dr. Mohammad Morsi in Presidential elections in Egypt. Talking with Egyptian Ambassador, Mian Aslam said that victory of Muhammad Marsi is the fresh breeze for Islamic movements, adding that the Egyptian dictator rulers tried to stress Muslim Brotherhood, they hanged to brotherhood leaders, they put them in-prison, and they Declared Brotherhood as banned organization. Mian Aslam said that despite of all steps the Muslim Brotherhood Continued their struggle through preaching and attracted the masses towards their struggle. At last the struggle of Brotherhood succeeded and masses played their role against the dictatorship, he said. Dictatorship has passed away in Egypt and dawn of change has arisen in result of great sacrifices of people, Aslam said.He further added that we thanks to Allah that despite of all infidel forces, Brotherhood’s candidate Dr. Muhammad Morsi achieved a great success in presidential elections.Mian Aslam hoped that the time is not far away when Pakistan would embrace of splendid Islamic revolution and no one would have the ability to halt it, adding that secular forces want to mold the real essence of increasing feet of Islam. But like in Egypt, these anti-Islam forces would be defeated. The Egyptian Ambassador thanked to the delegation of Jamat-e-Islami and said that the Egyptian People respect the struggles to enforce Islamic system and support of JI to other Islamic movements of Jamat-e-Islami. The candidate for National Assembly seat from Islamabad Zubair Farooq Khan, Kashif Chaudhry, Parliamentary Secretary of JI Mukhtiar Ahmad Bhatti and Information Secretary Sajjad Ahmad Abbasi were also included in delegation.

Acting President URGES FOREIGN INVESTORS TO INVEST IN PAKISTAN, ASSURES FACILITATION AND SECURITY

Senate Secretariat

Islamabad: 27th June, 2012


Acting President Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari has urged foreign investors to invest in various fields in Pakistan particularly in energy sector in order to meet energy gap between demand and supply as well as for boosting economy. He was expressing these views in a meeting with Mr. Tom Clarence-Smith, Premier oil plc’s Regional Head for Middle East, Africa and Pakistan at Parliament House today.

The Acting President assured that government will definitely provide facilitation and all out support as well as conducive and secure environment to foreign companies who are looking forward to doing business in the country.

Mr. Tom Clarence told the President that company is doing its 25% of total share of business around the globe in Pakistan and we indeed want to further build upon it. The company is currently operating four gas fields in Sindh as well as minor one in Balochistan. Increasing gas / oil production in Pakistan is our objective particularly in case of gas as it can be a cheaper source of electricity generation than oil. He added.

Bokhari emphasized the need for public-private partnership in different spheres especially in energy sector. “We will welcome investment in projects that can exploit hydel, solar, wind and coal potentials existing in the country and their usage for generation of electricity”. He said.

Civil-Military cohesion vital to improve Pak-US relations as a critical new internal political phase commences‏

Islamabad, June 27; With the induction of a new Prime Minister and Cabinet in Pakistan, and relations with the Supreme Court on the Swiss letter issue remaining unresolved, it becomes even more vital to sustain Civil-Military cohesion and to improve Pak-US relations.

This was a principal conclusion by the Dialogue Group on Civil-Military Relations convened by PILDAT which met in Islamabad today to evaluate the current political scenario and its implications for civil-military relations in Pakistan.

While appreciating the close coordination and determination demonstrated to-date by both the civil and military leadership in dealing with the issues of the Salala incident and the NATO supply routes, the Group stressed the need to be cognizant of vital national interests seen within a global context so as to define acceptable options for an improvement in Pakistan-US relations.

The Group underscored the urgency that Pakistan needs to apply to develop and strengthen mutually-beneficial relations with the US and the Western World in keeping with Pakistan's interests. Pakistan needs to urgently adopt a multi-pronged strategy to find solutions to impending issues.

The Group deplored the crisis in governance engulfing Pakistan and unchecked, rampant corruption. The Group reiterated that while democracy must continue to flourish, its performance has to be evaluated by its capacity to deliver measurable good governance to citizens.

The Group expressed deep concern at the historical tendency in Pakistan for institutions and public office holders to unduly extend their respective mandates and misuse powers instead of exercising due and proper restraint.

Recognising the complexity of the situation in North Waziristan and noting the incessant demands of the US for action against the Haqqani network, allegedly based there, the Group noted that the Parliament of Pakistan has categorically affirmed that the country's territory will not be used to conduct terrorist activities against any other nation. Any action to curb terrorist activities must be done with due regard to the potential fallout in the tribal belt and other parts of Pakistan. There is a need to strengthen the civil and development dimensions in that area. Any future action to combat terrorism must also take into account the military's capacity in view of their already existing operations in other tribal agencies and its general responsibilities.

Recognising the high-level of political awareness in the people of Pakistan, the Group observed that, on some subjects, such as the resumption of NATO supply routes, emotive and extremist viewpoints, coupled with threats of violence, are antithetical to reasoned, peaceful discussion and to democratic values. The Group urged that the elected Government should take decision in the best interests of the nation alone.

The Group also hosted former Director General ISPR, Major General Athar Abbas for a farewell lunch in his honour. The Group paid rich tributes to Major General Abbas for very deftly and ably managing the challenging task of articulating the views of Pakistan's Armed Forces in the public domain. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production, Mr. Nadeem Afzal Gondal, MNA, Chairman Public Accounts Committee and Mr. Wazir Ahmed Jogezai, former Deputy Speaker National Assembly, also joined the Group in bidding farewell to Major General Athar Abbas.

Members of the Dialogue Group who joined the meeting and farewell lunch included Mr. Omar Khan Afridi, Former Federal Minister, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Humayun Bangash, Former Ambassador, Senator Hasil Bizenjo, National Party, Balochistan, Member Parliamentary Committee on National Security, Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Shahzad Chaudhry, Columnist, former Ambassador, Lt Gen (Retd.) Moinuddin Haider, Former Governor, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Asad Durrani, Former DG ISI, MI, Mr. Shahid Hamid, Former Governor, Mr. Javed Jabbar, Former Senator & Federal Minister for Information & Media Development, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Talat Masood, Former Federal Secretary, Vice Admiral (Retd) Khalid Mir, Former Ambassador, Dr. Hasan-Askari Rizvi, Political & Defence Analyst, Mr. Mujib-ur-Rehman Shami, Editor-in-Chief, Daily Pakistan, Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, Executive Director, PILDAT and Ms. Aasiya Riaz, Joint Director, PILDAT.

ELECTION EXPENSES ,bye-election in Constituency No. NA-151 Multan

ELECTION COMMISSION OF PAKISTAN

NOTIFICATION
Islamabad, the 27th June, 2012

No.F.8(12)/2012-Cord.- WHEREAS, under Article 218(3) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan it is the duty of the Election Commission to organize and conduct an election and to make such arrangements as are necessary to ensure that the election is conducted honestly, justly, fairly and in accordance with law and that the corrupt practices are guarded against;

AND WHEREAS, Article 220 of the Constitution read with Section 5 of the Representation of the People Act, 1976 (hereinafter called the Act) envisage that it shall be the duty of all executive authorities in the Federation and in the Provinces to assist the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commission in the discharge of his or their functions;

AND WHEREAS, Section 104 of the Act provides that anything required to be done for carrying out the purposes of the Act, for which no provision or no sufficient provision exists shall be done by such authority and in such manner as the Commission may direct;

AND WHEREAS the Hon’ble Supreme Court of Pakistan vide its Judgment dated 8th June, 2012 passed in  Constitution Petition No. 87/2011 (Workers Party Pakistan and others vs. Federation of Pakistan and others) has observed that the Election Commission  is empowered to check not just illegal action relating to the election  (violating the limits set for campaign finance, etc.) or corrupt practices (bribery, etc), but is also empowered to review all election activities, including jalsas,  Jaloos, use of loud speakers, etc. for their effects on the standard of ‘fairness,  justness and honesty’ that elections are expected to meet and that the Commission is also empowered to take preemptive measures to ensure that the spirit of democracy and ‘fairness, justness and honesty’ of elections is fully observed;

AND WHEREAS bye-election in Constituency No. NA-151 Multan-IV is scheduled to be held on 19.07.2012 and it is expedient to issue the following Directive to ensure free, fair and transparent bye-election and to guard against corrupt practices;

NOW, THEREFORE, in exercise of the powers conferred upon it under Articles 218(3) and 220 of the Constitution read with Section 104 of the Act and pursuant to the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the judgment supra and all other powers enabling it in that behalf, the Election Commission is pleased to direct that:

ELECTION EXPENSES

i)                    None of the contesting candidates shall exceed the limit of election expenses of Rs. 15,00,000/- (rupees one million and five hundred thousand) in terms of sub-section (2) of Section 49 of the Representation of the People Act 1976;
ii)                  Each contesting candidate shall open an  account with a scheduled bank on or before the 29th June, 2012 and deposit therein the amount not exceeding Rs. 15,00,000/- to meet the election expenses;
iii)                All election expenditures shall be made out of the amount  deposited in the aforesaid account;
iv)                No transaction towards the election expenses shall be made through an account other than the account opened for the purpose;
v)                  All transactions relating to the election expenses shall be entered with  GST registered firms;
vi)                Each contesting candidate shall file a declaration (Annex-A) to the above effect on or before the 29th June, 2012 after issuance of this directive with the Returning Officer;
vii)              Every contesting candidate shall maintain his account of election expenditure on day-to-day basis;
viii)             Each contesting candidate shall submit to the District Returning Officer on every Thursday of the campaign period, a statement of election expenses made by him during the preceding week in terms of Section 50 of the said Act;

ELECTION CAMPAIGN

i)                    Car rallies are not allowed to travel long distances except if they have pre-arranged corner meetings at specific designated places. These meetings shall be notified to the ordinary public by the local administration. The local administration must also ensure that all candidates are accommodated indiscriminately.
ii)                  No person or a political party shall affix posters, hoardings or banners larger than the sizes prescribed below:

(a)   Posters                             2-feet x 3-feet
(b)   Hoardings                        3-feet  x 5-feet
(c)   Banners                            3-feet  x 9-feet
(d)   Leaflets/Handbills           9-inches  x 6 inches

iii)               No person or a political party shall hoist or fix party flags on any public property or at any public place, except with the permission in writing from, and on payment of such fee or charges as may be chargeable by the concerned local government or authorities.
iv)               Wall chalking as part of an election campaign shall be prohibited in all forms.
v)                 Loudspeakers shall not be used for election campaign except at the election meetings.
vi)               The political parties and candidates shall convey their schedule of meeting at least one week in advance to the local administration;
vii)             Local Administration shall be responsible for making appropriate security arrangements and regulating such meetings in such a manner that equal opportunities are provided to the contesting candidates interested in holding rallies and meetings;
viii)           The contesting candidates shall follow the Code of Conduct for the political parties and contesting candidates issued for General Elections, 2008 except in so far as it is inconsistent with this Directive and the aforesaid judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of Pakistan.
ix)                The Election Commission shall review all election activities including Jalsas, Jaloos and use of Loudspeakers etc. in order to ensure the  fairness, justness and the honesty of the election process.


CAMPS NEAR POLLING STATIONS

i)                   Establishment of camps near the polling stations on the polling day in the aforesaid constituency by the political parties, the contesting candidates or their supporters is hereby banned in terms of Section 84 of the Act and the aforesaid judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of Pakistan.
ii)                 Canvassing for votes, soliciting of votes, persuading any elector not to vote at the election or for a particular candidate, or exhibiting any notice, sign, banner or flag designed to encourage the electors to vote or discourage the electors from voting for any contesting candidate is prohibited within a radius of 400 yards of the polling station in terms of Section 85 of the Act and the aforesaid judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of Pakistan.
iii)               No political party or a contesting candidate or their supporters are allowed to distribute Perchis containing voters’ details i.e. name, parentage, gharana number, serial number etc or any Perchis containing symbol of a political party or contesting candidate near or in the vicinity of polling station on the polling day i.e. within the radius of 400 yards of the polling station.

PROVISION OF TRANSPORT TO THE VOTERS

i)                    No political party or a contesting candidate or an election agent or their supporters shall use any vehicle to convey to or from the polling station any elector except himself and members of his immediate family in terms of Section 78 (5) of the Representation of the People Act, 1976;

ii)                  Any violation of the above directive is a corrupt practice under Section 78 of the said Act and punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees or with both within the meaning of Section 82 of the said Act.

CONSTITUENCY MONITORS

i)                    Three members’ teams, one of whom shall be a professional cameraman with a video camera, shall monitor the election process including campaign expenditure and observance of Code of Conduct by contesting candidates and political parties. The teams shall report to the Provincial Election Commissioner concerned on daily basis;
ii)                  The Local Administration shall provide necessary security to each team during the duration of their monitoring in the constituency;

iii)                The District Returning Officer shall hold meetings with the candidates and apprise them of the relevant laws, rules and the aforesaid judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of Pakistan pertaining to the code of conduct and election campaign expenses etc.

All concerned are required to follow the aforesaid Directive in letter and spirit and any violation thereof shall be dealt with in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Constitution, the law and the aforesaid judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of Pakistan.

By order of the Election Commission of Pakistan.

David Cameron congratulates the Prime Minister

                                                               Islamabad the 26th June 2012

British Prime Minister David Cameron telephoned Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf today in the evening and congratulated him on the assumption of the office of premiership of Pakistan.

The British Prime Minister invited the Prime Minister of Pakistan to visit UK at a date convenient to him.

Prime Minister Raja Pervaz Ashraf thanked his British counterpart for the invitation adding that he would visit the UK at a date finalized mutually by the Foreign Offices of the two countries.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan during the telephonic conversation thanked the British Premier for his sentiments and good wishes and said that bi-lateral relations of two countries were deep rooted and would continue to strengthen in the future for the benefit of the people of the both countries.

  The Prime Minister particularly mentioned the statement of UK Prime Minister in May this year during former Prime Minister’s visit on the fourm of Conservative Friends of Pakistan, London, in which he said that Pakistan’s friends are UK's friends and Pakistan’s enemies are UK’s enemies. The People of Pakistan lauded the valuable support of the UK Prime Minister from the core of their heart, the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister said that regular interaction was the hallmark of their relations and there was need to maintain the momentum.
The Prime Minister welcomed the visit of Sir Kim and his delegation for the third round of National Security Dialogue in Islamabad.

_________________

CORRIGENDUM

ELECTION COMMISSION OF PAKISTAN
********


            Islamabad, the 26th June, 2012.- The Election Commission is pleased to appoint Mr. Mehboob Anwar, Provincial Election Commissioner, Punjab, Lahore as District Returning Officer in place of acting Joint Provincial Election Commissioner, Punjab, Lahore for the conduct of Bye-Election in Constituency No. NA-151 Multan-IV.

2000 MW added: Prime Minister No load-shedding during ‘Sehar’ & ‘Iftar’: PM

Islamabad:  June 26, 2012



Keeping the redressal of electricity crisis as the top priority, Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, chairing his first cabinet meeting here today, discussed the energy situation as obtaining in the country.

The Secretary Water and Power apprised the Cabinet that since the first meeting on June 23,2012, on the subject almost 2000 mw electricity had been added to the national grid and another more than one thousand MW will be put into the system during the next two- three days. The situation of load shedding will ease up proportionally, the Secretary said.

The Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Water and Power to ensure that there would be no load shedding during at ‘Sehri’ and ‘Iftar’ time during the holy month of Ramadan, commencing from next month.

The Minister for Petroleum informed the Cabinet that he had issued the instructions regarding the release of 28000 tones of fuel oil for the power plants to increase generation of power about 1500 MW electricity within the next two to three weeks.

The Minster of Railways was directed by the Prime Minister to make special arrangements for the early transportation of the fuel oil so that the same could be used for the power generation.

The Minister Railways said that three special trains had been arranged for the purpose and the supply of the fuel oil would be ensured at the earliest keeping in view the urgency to generate more electricity for the consumers at the earliest possible time.

The Secretary Water and Power was quite upbeat to meet the target of more than 15000mw during the next two to three weeks as the melting of the glaciers were getting momentum with every passing hour and the river flow would improve substantially accordingly.

The Secretary said that the gap between the supply and demand would be narrowed down as such, leading to provision of relief to people from load shedding as hydel power generation will increase.

Minister for Information & Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Qaira dispelled the impression created in the section of press that about more than 600 MW electricity would be taken out of the KESC system to put in the national grid to ease the situation lodshedding in the rest of the country.

The Minister said that the equal amount of electricity will be available to KESC by making its gas-fired plants operational by making gas available to them, which is company’s preferred option. So the question of cutting the electricity supply to KESC is simply misplaced and a mere conjecture, the Minister said.

The Prime Minister also directed the Energy Committee to strategize the cutting of the line losses and also theft of electricity which have been incurring huge losses to the power sector and thus to national exchequer.

The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of the pursuing the arrears to make the sector sustainable because the adherence to the law of survivalibility is critical in the entrepreneurial organizations.

The Prime Minister said that conservation was an important component of the strategy to overcome the electricity crisis and therefore must be treated with equal emphasis.

NA SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER CONDEMN ATTACK ON BUSINESS RECORDER HOUSE

Islamabad; June 26, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has strongly condemned the firing incident at Business Recorder House in Karachi and asked the government to ensure maximum security to the Media.

            In her message to the management of Business Recorder and AAJ TV, she said that such incidents are intolerable and the culprits should be apprehended and brought to the justice. She said that particular incident was a cowardice act to suppress the Media. She said that she has asked the government to provide maximum security to the media so that they could pursue the noble cause independently. Praising the management of Business Recorder and AAJ TV, Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that both the media organizations had always upheld the Journalistic norms and maintained its neutrality.

            Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly also condemned the attack on Business Recorder House. In his message, he said that it was a shameful attempt to subdue the independence of media in the country. He urged the government to provide the maximum security to the media.

OPENING REMARKS OF PRIME MINISTER RAJA ASHRAF CABINET MEETING

OPENING REMARKS OF
PRIME MINISTER RAJA ASHRAF
CABINET MEETING
HELD ON 26TH JUNE, 2012
 we will not let any infringement on the sovereignty and independence of the Parliament‚ which is only answerable to its electorate.
 Prime Minister



Raja Pervez Ashraf  SAYS

Ø           At the very outset, I welcome the new Cabinet as members of my team.

Ø           I would on behalf of my Cabinet Colleagues pay sincere tributes to my predecessor, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, for his principled stand to protect the Constitution.

Ø    Pakistan Peoples Party strongly   believes that politics of confrontation   should be shunned for which all    democratic forces need to show   sincerity of purpose, prudence and    maturity, allowing space to their    opponents.

Ø           In my opinion, the policy of my Shaheed Leaders, was followed by him. We will continue to seek his guidance, as we move on.

Ø           You all are aware that we face challenges, which are very serious in nature and if not addressed effectively and properly, could even shake the foundations of democracy. In order to sustain and strengthen democracy, this Cabinet will have to grapple with the issues and problems with zeal and dynamism.

Ø           Due to negative propaganda, our people are disheartened, by the confusion that has befallen upon them in the last few weeks.

Ø           We have to do something special to pull the Nation out of dejection and galvanize them into activity and forward movement. This throws additional responsibility on all of us as our people are looking for guidance and have high expectations for more effective leadership and better service delivery.

Ø           As part of Peoples Party’s reconciliatory policy, I once again invite all political parties to move forward and join hands with me in the service of our beloved country.

Ø           My Cabinet will generally work in continuation of the policy already in place, with some necessary adjustments as may be warranted by the changing situation.
Ø           I am very much confident that with energy, zeal and experience of my Cabinet Colleagues, I would come up to the expectations of my people.

Ø           The country at the moment is confronted with many critical issues. The Government is committed to resolve, the critically important issue of energy and achieving energy security for the country on top priority basis. The power sector is at present facing a wide demand and supply gap, which warrants immediate enhancement in generation and management of supply and distribution.

Ø           If the situation goes on unabated, it can have serious economic and political consequences.

Ø           The issue of energy shortage is not only hitting the common man by disrupting daily life but also adversely affecting the industrial and agricultural sectors productivity.

Ø           This is an admitted fact that during the Pakistan Peoples Party’s tenure, the Agriculture Sector gave support to our economy and from wheat importing country, we have become a wheat exporting country. Our import bill on sugar has declined drastically due to increase in sugar production and rice export. This achievement is a result of our farmer-friendly policies. We would like to see this sector growing and will not let the electricity constraints hit this important sector.

Ø           Likewise our exports were 19.6 billion US $ in FY 2010-11 and have now reached 25.4 billion US $ in FY 2011-12. These are likely to be increased with the passage of time, thanks mainly to textile, pharmaceuticals and Allied Industries. Closure of factories due to power outages will not only lead to massive un-employment but will also result in decrease in foreign exchange   earnings and we cannot afford such consequences.

Ø           I have instructed the Ministry of Petroleum to ensure un-interrupted supply of 28,000 ton furnace oil daily to the power sector. It will add 1200 MW of electricity to the National Grid System.
Ø           I would instruct Ministry of Water & Power to recover the outstanding dues of WAPDA from all the  Federal/ Provincial Governments/ Departments and Private Sector entities, without any discrimination. In case there is default from the Government Departments, M/o Finance should consider deducting the outstanding dues through Federal adjuster.

Ø           My dear Cabinet Colleagues, as the Parliament represents 180 million people, our Government holds it as a supreme and sovereign institution. We will not let any infringement on the sovereignty and independence of the Parliament, which is only answerable to its electorate.

Ø           I am aware that there is talk about Governance issues in print and electronic media. I urge the management of PIA, WAPDA, Railways, Steel Mill and other State Enterprises to focus on their operational efficiency, cut down their non-development and wasteful expenses and bring in qualified professionals for meeting the modern day management challenges. I would ask these state institutions to give me a road map in this regard.

Ø           Pakistan is a peace loving country, which values its relations with the Islamic World, USA, China, European Union, Japan and all its neighbours including India and Afghanistan.

Ø           My Government is mindful of the fact that extremism, militancy, intolerance, sectarian violence and terrorism, all put together, have posed a serious challenge to our sovereignty, security and National cohesion. We as a Nation have to thwart the sinister designs of these forces and the government on its part will work with lot of dedication to establish the writ of the State, wherever they operate.

Ø           Let me categorically declare that we will not let our land to be used against any country for any terrorist activity. Simultaneously, we would expect our neighbours and other powers to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of Pakistan.

Ø           Pak – US relations are passing through a very delicate and critical phase and we will not take hasty and emotional decisions that do not auger well. NATO supply routes to Afghanistan were blocked because of an un-provoked attack on Salalah Check Post. The un-conditional apology from the US for this blatant attack is the demand of the Parliament and we shall proceed always keeping our national interests in view.

Ø           During my first address in the Parliament as Leader of the House, I have categorically stated that Balochistan is our priority. I invite all the Baloch Leaders, in and outside Pakistan, to come and sit across the table with us in finding an amicable solution of the Balochistan issue. I promise that we shall go beyond their expectations in helping the Baloch people and giving them their due rights within the domain of Constitution.

Ø           At this moment, I would request all patriotic Baloch leadership to keep a close eye on the activities of anti state elements, who are playing havoc with life, property, economic activity and poor non-Baloch people of the area. Keeping in mind the traditional Baloch values, I expect them to ensure safety of these people. The Government will continue to follow the policy of dialogue, rule of law and autonomy as provided in the Constitution.

Ø           We introduced the best poverty alleviation programme i.e. Benazir Income Support Programme, which is admired for its transparency and positive outcomes by the international donors and agencies.

Ø           With these remarks, I conclude and invite your candid opinions.

PM designates Ch. Pervez Elahi as Deputy Prime Minister

Islamabad, June 25, 2012

 

 

The Prime Minister has been pleased to designate Ch. Pervez Elahi, Federal Minister for Defence Production & Industries as Deputy Prime Minister with immediate effect and until further orders. This shall not confer upon him any powers of the Prime Minister in any manner whatsoever, says a notification issued by the Cabinet Division.

 

President's message on International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, 26 June‏

Message from Mr. Asif Ali Zardari
President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
(On International Day against Drug Abuse and
Illicit Trafficking, 26th June, 2012)

 ISLAMABAD

Illicit drugs continue to threaten nations in many ways including the way drug trade has been used as a major source of funding for the militants and extremist in the region. The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking being observed today is therefore a right occasion to call upon every one-be it the government leaders, the NGOs or the general public - to join hands in fighting the menace for the sake of regional and global peace and for the sake of protecting the human society.
The International Drugs Day is a wake up call to every one that lack of organized and determined action against illicit drugs will only strengthen the organized criminal cartels and the militants and extremists. The countries in the region where Pakistan is located are particularly vulnerable. They need to give much greater attention to the menace to prevent their countries from slipping into anarchy and instability at the hands of drugs-financed criminal gangs and militants.
It was this realization that at the SCO summit in Beijing early this month Pakistan offered to host an international conference on drugs of the member states of the Organization. The call for international conference is a measure of our commitment to collectively fight illicit drugs. On this day while reiterating our call for an international conference on drugs, I also express the hope that that the proposed conference in Islamabad would prove an important milestone in the fight against illicit drugs and against militancy.Let us also remember that provision of alternate means of resources, adequate economic opportunities to the youth and promoting equitable and just socio-economic development in the areas which have been the worst sufferers are no less important to effectively deal with the issue of drugs.
The democratic government of Pakistan is committed to fighting illicit drugs trade. Having attained status of poppy-free country in year 2011, Pakistan is among the top three countries in global narcotic seizures. Our interdiction of illicit drug trafficking has been one of the best in the world due to stepped up border surveillance. Our successes in drug control have been widely appreciated and acknowledged by the international community. Yet we feel that a lot needs to be done to completely eliminate this menace and will be done.I wish to once again call upon people from all walks of life to contribute their share in making Pakistan a drug free society by sensitizing the people, especially the youth about the dangers of the drug abuse. Let us all reiterate our commitment to combating this menace collectively.



****

SKILLED WORK FORCE KEY TO OVERCOME SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHALLENGES –SENATOR ABDUL NABI BANGASH

Islamabad, 25th June, 2012
A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Professional and Technical Training was held at the Parliament House under the Chairmanship of Senator Abdul Nabi Bangash. The Committee was briefed in detail about the working and performance of the Ministry and its attached departments.

Senator Abudl Nabi Bangash in his opening remarks said that professional and technical trained workforce has a great role in the socio-economic development.” Any nation having well trained human resource can tackle the economic challenges in a befitting manner”,Senator Bangash observed.

He said that the ministry has a crucial role to play and that the Committee would formulate recommendations to bring improvement in the working of the ministry and its attached departments.

The Chairman Committee emphasized that the Ministry of Professional and Technical Training has very important. The Committee was informed that 15 Institutions are under the purview of the Ministry which was established in July, 2011. The briefing was giving by Secretary of the Ministry Ch. Qamar Zaman. The Chairman stated the work of the Committee is to facilitate the Ministry and also to analyze its working. The Committee expressed its concern regarding the fact that although there is surplus of unskilled labour in the country but skilled manpower is in high demand and shortage both within the country and abroad. The Chairman regretted that regarding the skill labours Pakistan position has been occupied by countries Philippine, Nepal, Sri Lanka and India. He also expressed his concern regarding the vocational institutes which are totally non functional especially in remote rural areas.

The Committee Members congratulated their Chairman Committee on his great achievements as Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Housing & Works for getting Chamba House, Lahore vacated besides recovering an amount of 20 million rupees as rent and renovation charges from NAB. The Committee Members also lauded the Chairman for vacation of government lands from illegal occupants at Wafaqi Colony, Lahore.

The Committee took up the problems being faced by HEC as pointed out by the Secretary Ministry. The Committee unanimously appreciated the linking of HEC with the Ministry for parliamentary business and interaction. The Committee expressed its serious concern over delay in   release of fund for salaries of employees of HEC and unanimously  recommended that Government should release funds for salaries immediately. Senator Abdul Nabi Bangash, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Professional and Technical Training  said that  HEC is an important Organization in promoting education at higher level and preparing a skilled work force to meet our future demand.

Recognizing the importance of education, Chairman of the Committee said that terrorism cannot be defeated through bullets. Power of pen is the only remedy to overcome the challenge. Earlier Secretary of the Ministry brief the Committee and detail about the working and performance of the Ministry and its attached departments. He said the Ministry would cater for the professional and technical training requirements of the country. He said that professional and technical training is a key driver of economic growth.

The Committee assured its all out support to the Ministry to overcome the challenges in the way of its smooth working.  Senators Malik Sallahuddin Dogar, Muhammad Kazim Khan, Kamran Michael and Heman Dass.

Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Division expressed dissatisfaction over the affairs of CDA particularly the alleged allotment of plots.

Islamabad, 25th June, 2012
A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Division and Capital Administration and Development was held today in CDA Headquarter, Islamabad to discuss alleged the illegal allotment of 40 plots in F-11 Sector along with policy of CDA to requisition services of the Officers on deputation basis.

 The Committee was presided over by Senator Kalsoom Parveen. Senators Kamil Ali Agha, Muhammad Yousaf and Saeeda Iqbal also participated in the meeting. The Committee expressed dissatisfaction over the affairs of CDA particularly the alleged allotment of plots. Member of the Committee termed the briefing as insufficient and said that the matter is of great importance and therefore require detailed deliberations to put things on the right track. The Committee sought recommendations over the issue within 15 days.

The Committee was also briefed about the appointment of large number of Officers/ Officials serving on deputation bases in the CDA. The Committee was informed that there are 40 officers working on deputation in BS-16-19 and those who have completed three years deputation period would be repatriated to their parent department.

The Committee advised CDA to work according to the rules and regulation and avoid unnecessary appointments. The committee also advised that the quota of recruitment of Balochistan province may be filled in accordance as fixed in the constitution.
*************************************************

President congratulates President-elect of Egypt Muhammad Morsi‏

Islamabad, 25 June 2012;
President Asif Ali Zardari has congratulated President-elect Muhammad Morsi Isa' al-Ayyat, on being elected as the President of Egypt.
In his felicitation message President Zardari said that his victory was clear manifestation of the confidence of the people reposed in his leadership. The President expressed the hope that Muhammad Morsi's success would contribute towards peace and stability in Egypt.
The President also expressed the hope that the relations of the two countries would further be strengthened under the leadership of Mohammad Morsi.

Ensure Supply of 28000 tones fuel oil to the power sector daily: PM

Islamabad: June 23, 2012
 Energy meeting was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf here today at the PM House in which it was decided that the Ministry of Petroleum will ensure the supply of 28000 tones fuel oil supply  daily to power  to add 1200 MW in the national grid system.

It was also decided to provide 15mmcfd to GTPS, Fisalabad which would add another 65 mw in the national grid leading to ease up the pressure.

The meeting also discussed to provide 100 mmcfd additional supply of gas to Karachi Electricity Supply Corporation to produce 300 mw which could help KESC in reducing their off take from the national grid of equal quantity of power making it available for helping in improving the supply of electricity.

The gas is proposed to be made available to the power sector by suspending its supply of one day more to the industrial and the CAPTIVE power sectors in Punjab sparing the 66 mmcfd of gas for use in the most efficient power plants to produce electricity.

Similarly, 150mmcfd gas is proposed to be saved from the province of Sindh by cutting its supply one day more from the industrial and the CNG sectors which will be used by KESC for power generation.

In the meeting, it was also decided to constitute two committees consisting of  Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar,Minister for Water and Power, Minister for Information,Mr.Qamar Zaman Kaira, Minister for Petroleum, Dr.Asim Hussain and Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo to hold negotiations with the representative of the Punjab industry and the CNG  to convince them  to agree to one day more cutting of the gas supply to the sectors in view  of the acute requirement of gas in the power sector.

The other committee consisting of Dr.Hafeez Shaikh ,Minister for Finance, Syed Khurshid Shah, Minister for Religious Affairs and Dr. Asim Hussain, Minister for Petroleum to hold talks with Governor of Sinh, Dr.Ishrat ul Ibad and the chief Minister Sindh to hold talks with the stakeholders for reduction of gas supply.

ISLAMABAD: To celebrate Pak-Indonesian 65th bilateral relations anniversary a cultural show was arranged here in National Council of Arts here on Saturday, wile Indonesian Ambassador Ishak Latuconsina also present on the occasion. Photo by Self

GOVERNOR PUNJAB AND PARLIAMENTARIANS MEET THE PRIME MINISTER Prevez Ashraf

Islamabad: June 23, 2012


Punjab Governor, Sardar Latif Khan Khosa along with Mr. Imtiaz Safdar Warriach Minister of State for Interior, Mr.Tasneem Ahmed Qureshi, Minister of State for Water and Power, Mr.Ashraf Kaira ,MPA,  Mr.Tanvir Butt and Mr.Shahbaz Khosa, called on Prime Minister Raja Prevez Ashraf, and congratulated him on the assumption of the office of the Prime Minister of Pakistan after his election as the leader of the House on yesterday with overwhelming majority.

The Prime Minister thanked the Governor and others adding that they would jointly strive for the cause of democracy, rule of law and the constitution as per vision of the founding father of the PPP and Shaheed Benzir Bhutto.

The Prime Minister asked them to mobilize the Party workers at the gross roots level as they were heading towards the election phase, and they should work for strengthening of democracy by making the people aware of their role in the decision making through the electoral process.

The Prime Minister said that he would soon visit the provinces of Balochistan and Punjab as the sense of deprivation in the Balochistan was wide spread and there was a need to take Baloch people into confidence with sincerity and commitment and also put in best and urgent efforts to bring them in the mainstream by addressing the root cause of their alienation.

The Prime Minister also said that he would visit all other provinces of the country including GB and AJK with a view to personally know their problems and how to assist them in order to improve the socio-economic development of the people.

_________________+

Parliament cannot legislate against constitution, Islam: CJP ,,speaking to a 50-member delegation of Youth Parliament

Pakistan’s top judge has said that the Parliament cannot legislate any law repugnant to Constitution, injunctions of Islam and contrary to fundamental laws.

SUPREME COURT OF PAKISTAN
         
DELEGATION OF YOUTH PARLIAMENT CALLS ON HCJP.
DETAILS STORY
 ISLAMABAD JUNE23,2012                                                                  
 A 50-member delegation of Youth Parliament accompanied by members of Steering Committee Mr. S.M. Zafar, Senator and former Federal Minister (Chairman Steering Committee), Mr. Wazir Ahmed Jogezai, former Deputy Speaker, National Assembly of Pakistan (Member Steering Committee) and officers of Youth Parliament Secretariat called on the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr. Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry today, i.e. 23.06.2012 in the Supreme Court Building, Islamabad.
          Welcoming the delegation of Youth Parliament, the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan said “I am delighted” to see the ‘Youth Parliament of Pakistan’ in the Supreme Court today and it is my pleasure to welcome all of you. Youth being a crucial segment of society forms the basis for future development; and you are also face and future of nation. I highly appreciate the project of the ‘Youth Parliament of Pakistan’ launched by the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development, for providing the young people of this country an opportunity to get them involved in the democratic and political process through proper education and awareness. I am hopeful that the aspirant and zealous young people of today will prove to be the true leaders of democracy in future.”
Talking about the Constitutional scheme in the country, he said, “I am confident that you must be knowing about the scheme of constitution of 1973. The system in our country is parliamentary system. From 1973 onward there have been National Assemblies and Senate but on account of Constitutional turmoil time and again there had been intervention in Parliamentary System, therefore, the expectations of people attached to the Parliament could not be fulfilled. The Parliament is required to give laws in accordance with Constitution for the betterment of the public at large so that laws can be made applicable. I can say with utmost respect that they cannot legislate any law repugnant to Constitution and injunctions of Islam and contrary to fundamental laws, if such law is promulgated, the Supreme Court under its power of Judicial Review can review it. The underlying object of judicial review is to check the abuse of power by the public functionaries and ensuring just and fair treatment to the citizens in accordance with the law and constitutional norms.
Talking about the trichotomy of power he said, “The Constitution is the complete document which answers all the questions. Every organ of the State enjoys complete institutional independence within its constitutional domain, however, any excess or misuse of power beyond that domain becomes the subject matter of judicial scrutiny. The judicial institution of the State with Supreme Court as the final arbiter, acts as the ultimate protector of the rights of citizens and upholder of the constitutional supremacy. The Supreme Court of Pakistan enjoys original, appellate and advisory jurisdiction. The advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court extends to matters referred to it by the President of Pakistan for obtaining its opinion on any question of law which he considers of public importance. In 2005, the Supreme Court while deciding a Presidential Reference made under Art.186 of the Constitution declared certain provisions of North-West Frontier Province Hasba Bill as null and void. Similarly, the Supreme Court, to the exclusion of any other court, has the jurisdiction to pronounce declaratory judgments in any dispute between the Federal Government and a provincial government or between any two or more provincial governments under Art 184(1)”.
Talking about the fundamental rights, he said, “Where any question of public importance arises with reference to the enforcement of any of the Fundamental Rights ensured by the Constitution of Pakistan; then the Supreme Court has the power to make any appropriate order for the enforcement of these rights. The Supreme Court in its successive judgments has stressed the need for adherence to the law and the Constitution and compliance with rule of law and due process requirement to establish a system of civilized governance in the country. It has always squarely adjudicated upon the matters pending before it within the four corners of law and the Constitution in order to ensure continuation of the democratic process in the country. Law applies to all irrespective of their status, power, caste, creed and religion. No one can claim supremacy over and above the law”.
Advising the members of Youth Parliament, he said, “As you people are young and have to set a future road map for the prevalence of democratic rule and harmony in Pakistan, I would like to advise all of you to study the basic features of our Constitution and also how the document has been interpreted by courts; so as to acquaint yourselves with the constitutional history and the role of superior courts in protecting the fundamental rights and the constitutional development of Pakistan”.
          Senator S.M. Zafar addressing the delegation said, Youth Parliament is willing to bring about change if they are given chance they can bring about a change. He further pointed out that in our country, education has not been taken care of because if it had been properly taken care of, our country would have flourished more and more. Commenting on issue of Balochistan, he said that people Balochs are satisfied that their grievances are being addressed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
The Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan presented Supreme Court Annual Report to Youth Parliament which provides information on the working of the Supreme Court. The delegation also presented a Shied to Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan. Earlier, Dr. Faqir Hussain, Registrar Supreme Court of Pakistan welcomed Youth Parliament on their visit to Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Disqualification of Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani,,Dates for Bye-Election Constituency No. NA-151 Multan-IV

ELECTION COMMISSION OF PAKISTAN
Islamabad, the 22nd June, 2012.--  The Election Commission of Pakistan
has called upon the electors of the Constituency No. NA-151 Multan-IV
of National Assembly of Pakistan, to elect a Member to fill the seat
from the said Constituency, which has fallen vacant due to
disqualification of Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, Member of the National
Assembly of Pakistan and specifies in relation thereto, the following
dates for Bye-Election:
PROGRAMME

Sl.No.  EVENTS  DATE

(1)     Public Notice to be issued by the Returning Officer on  22-06-2012
(2)     Dates for filing of nomination papers with the Returning Officer
by the candidates  25-06-2012 and 26-06-2012
(3)     Dates for Scrutiny of nomination papers by the Returning Officer    
   28-06-2012 and 29-06-2012
(4)     Last date for filing of appeals against decisions of the Returning
Officer rejecting/accepting the nomination papers       02-07-2012
(5)     Last date for deciding appeals by the Tribunal  04-07-2012
(6)     Last date for withdrawal of candidature 05-07-2012
(7)     Publication of revised list of candidates       06-07-2012
(8)     Polling day     19-07-2012

2-      The Election Commission of Pakistan has also appointed the
following as District Returning Officer, Returning Officer and
Assistant Returning Officers for the purpose of holding
Bye-Election in Constituency No. NA-151 Multan-IV of National Assembly
of Pakistan:

No. and Name of Constituency    District Returning Officer      Returning
Officer Assistant Returning Officer
1       2       3       4

NA-151 Multan-IV        Acting Joint Provincial Election Commissioner,
Punjab, Lahore. Regional Election Commissioner, Multan.
       1)      District Election Commissioner, Multan.
2)      Assistant Election Commissioner, Saddar, Multan.
3)      DEO, (Colleges), Multan
4)      DEO, (Elementary), Multan

President-Blood Donation‏

Islamabad, 21 June 2012;
On the 59th birth anniversary of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, President Asif Ali Zardari and Polio Ambassador Ms. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari donated blood in the presidency today in the memory of the great leader who laid down her life fighting militancy and for the cause of democracy in the country.
Spokesperson to the President Senator Farhatullah Babar said that 21st day of June each year is celebrated by the workers and the leadership of Pakistan Peoples Party commemorating the valiant struggle of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto against extremism, militancy, dictatorship and exploitation of the most vulnerable segments of society and paying tribute to their leader and other martyrs of the country by donating their blood in the country wide blood donation campaign launched by the Party.
Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Vice Chairman PPP Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani, former Prime Minister, also donated  blood at Naudero House, Larkana.
The blood collections are sent to the hospitals to be used by those valiant sons of soil who sustain injuries in their fight against militants and extremists.
The Spokesperson said that the President and the Co-Chairman PPP in his message on the day has reiterated that the Party and its leadership would continue to uphold supremacy of the Parliament and the Constitution and would continue its struggle for building a modern, egalitarian and pluralistic society in which everyone is allowed opportunity to shape his or her own destiny—the values for which our great leader, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, stood and fought for and when the time came even laid down her life for it.
The President in his message said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was the only leader who rightly comprehended the threat that was being posed to the very fabric of our society. She led from the front the battle for democracy against all sorts of bonapartes and extremists. She believed in a moderate and pluralistic Pakistan where ballot determined the ultimate choice of the people and where the House elected by the people representing their will was supreme. She also fought courageously against the militants and extremists bent upon forcing their ideological agenda on the people through brute force, the President said. He said that her clarion call to stand up against extremism, dictatorship and to banish poverty and ignorance is our road map to make Pakistan a modern and pluralistic state.
The President, on this day, has also asked the Party workers to donate blood for all those who have also shed their blood or suffered otherwise for Pakistan.

Message of President of Pakistan & Co-Chairman PPP On Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s 59th birthday

Message of
President of Pakistan and
Co-Chairman PPP
On Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s 59th birthday
 June 21, 2012
The people of Pakistan would never permit the undermining of the Parliament behind different pretexts and they know how to ensure the supremacy of the Parliament and the Constitution. The era of packing the Parliament through the back door by using the defunct Article 58 (2) (b) is over for all times and no back doors and side doors will be allowed to be reopened for sending the elected Parliaments home. Our people will also not suffer a destiny thrust upon them by militants and extremists in the name of religion or in any other name.
The President said this in his message on the eve of 59th birthday today of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
On the eve of her 59th birth day I wish to reiterate our commitment to the values of supremacy of the Parliament and the Constitution and the building of a modern, egalitarian and pluralistic society in which everyone is allowed opportunity to help shape his or her own destiny--values for which she stood and fought for and when the time came even laid down her life for it.
Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto led from the front the battle for democracy against all sorts of bonapartes and extremists. She believed in a moderate and pluralistic Pakistan where ballot determined the ultimate choice of the people and where the House elected by the people representing their will was supreme. She also fought courageously against the militants and extremists bent upon forcing their ideological agenda on the people through brute force.
As she shed her blood in the fight against militancy and for the supremacy of the Parliament and the Constitution I ask the Party workers to donate blood on this day for all those who have also shed their blood or suffered otherwise for Pakistan.
On her birthday let us recall the advice she gave to the people a few weeks before her assassination: “Please continue the fight against extremism, dictatorship, poverty and ignorance”. It was not a mere slogan; she acted upon it herself by leading the fight from the front.
On this occasion I wish to reiterate that the PPP will continue its forward march to strengthen democracy and for the uplift of the marginalized as envisioned by her. We will not be deterred by conspiracies against it or by the hurdles created in our way. Let there be no doubt or mistake about it.
The Party survived even the judicial murder of its founder Chairman and the country’s first directly elected Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the abuse of judicial processes to chase and hound Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto into exile culminating in her assassination and the accusations and witch hunting of its leaders and workers. It will continue to defy odds and grow from strength to strength.
On this occasion, let us also remember all our martyrs. Our brave soldiers and members of law enforcing agencies have laid down their lives so that the nation lives in freedom and without fear. The martyrs of democracy have suffered incarceration, exile, torture and executions. We salute them all on this day.

Foreign Affairs ministry to pay special attention to develop and further strengthen bilateral ties with countries in the South Asia ,,Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs,

CONTOURS OF GREATER SOUTH ASIA ARE DRIVEN BY ENERGY AND ECONOMY-SENATE BODY

Islamabad, 20th June, 2012

The Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan directed the ministry of Foreign Affairs to pay special attention to develop and further strengthen bilateral ties with countries in the South Asia, Central Asia and Gulf region at bilateral as well as regional block levels besides focusing on west.  The Committee was presided over by its Chairman Senator Haji Muhammad Adeel at the Parliament House today.

During the two days’ deliberations, the Committee thoroughly discussed Pakistan’s relations with Central Asian States besides SAARC and OIC countries and also the US-NATO issue. Members of the committee were of the view that the fast changing situation at regional and global level requires us to formulate policies that may protect and promote our national interests. They expressed satisfaction over the fact that the foreign policy is now reflecting the aspirations of the people of Pakistan and solid steps have been taken to protect the national interests keeping in view the changing regional realities.

They proposed that the contours of greater South Asia are driven by energy and economy, adding that the government should focus on enhancing trade and business ties with regional players besides cooperation in the energy sector to bridge the demand and supply gap. South and central Asian region is most important for us, the members observed. The Committee stressed upon the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to focus attention on the region and further consolidate the ties to have a say in the regional affairs.

Members observed that the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Senate would play an effective role to promote peace and stability in the region and would formulate recommendations in this regard. Senators also stressed upon the ministry to take steps for making the Pakistani missions abroad proactive in promoting soft image of the country and resolve issues of the Pakistani community living abroad.

Earlier in its meeting, the Committee reviewed in detailed the losses inflected by the free of charge NATO supplies. It was observed that the road infrastructure from Karachi to Peshawar and Chamman has been seriously damaged which require billions of dollars for rehabilitation. Haji Adeel said that Pakistan places its bilateral relationship with US in high esteem but Pakistan would never compromise on its sovereignty and stability. The United States should respect the parliamentary resolutions, apologize for the Salala attack besides taking concretes steps for putting the bilateral relationship on the right track.

Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jalil Abbas Jilani briefed the committee about current developments for ensuring peace and stability in the region and the role played by Pakistan at different international forums. He apprised the members of the initiatives taken by the government during last couple of years for further improving regional and international cooperation. He said that dividends of the new initiatives have started coming out which would help Pakistan to play a meaningful role.

Senators    Aitzaz Ahsan, Sehar Kamran, Muhammad Jehangir Badar, Syeda Sughra Imam and Mushahid Hussain Sayed attended the meeting. Senior Officials of the Ministry and Special Secretary Senate Mr. Amjed Pervez were also present.
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NA SPEAKER Message on the 58th Birth Anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto

 NA SPEAKER CALL UPON ALL THE POLITICAL FORCES TO RISE ABOVE PARTY LINES TO WORK FOR DEMOCRACY AND PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY IN THE COUNTRY.

            Islamabad; June 20, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has said that Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was a visionary and a stateswoman and always aspired for a world, free from exploitation and discrimination between privileged and underprivileged, men and women. She fought for the downtrodden and oppressed and longed for a forward-looking Pakistan, where women were not subjected to humiliation, torture and treated with respect as equal partners to progress and prosperity. She said this in her message on the 58th Birth Anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto being observed tomorrow.

            Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Shaheed Mohtarma had a towering and multi-dimensional personality and was bacon of light for the downtrodden, oppressed and marginalized segments of the society. She said that Mohtarma had the courage to challenge the worst dictatorship of the times when compared with other contemporary politicians. Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Mohtarma worked diligently as twice-elected Prime Minister towards the well-defined goals of women empowerment. Shaheed Mohtarma brought women to the main-stream by appointing them as judges of the superior courts, opened first women bank, ensured state protection for women.

             The Speaker said that Mohtarma strongly believed in reconciliation and forbearance and tried to look for similarities rather than to seek differences and believed in building bridges and not living in isolation, both on the international level as well as on the national front. The Speaker said that today as the nation finds itself encircled by challenges and threats, therefore, we should follow the footsteps of the Mohtarma in order to steer the country out of the present quagmire. She said that Mohtarma was a strong believer of solidarity of Federation and provincial autonomy. She said that the people of the four provinces had their confidence in her and whenever the nation was given a relatively free chance to choose, her political party returned successful from all the four federating units.

             Madam Speaker called upon all the political forces to rise above party lines to work for the democracy and progress and prosperity of the country and rebuild Pakistan as Mohtarma dreamt, aspired and worked for. She termed it the befitting way of paying homage and remembrance, Benazir Bhutto deserves as a cherished off-spring of the Indus and a visionary of present times. May Allah Rest the soul of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto in eternal peace (Ameen), the Speaker prayed.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SUMMONED TO MEET ON 22nd JUNE, 2012 AT 5:30 P.M FOR ELECTION OF THE PRIME MINISTER === Islamabad; June 20, 2012: The President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan has summoned the session of the National Assembly on 22nd June, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. in the Parliament House, Islamabad for election of the Prime Minister. The President has summoned the National Assembly Session in exercise of powers conferred by clause (1) of Article 54 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. This session will be the 43rd session of the 5th Parliamentary year of the incumbent National Assembly.

SCHEDULE FOR THE ELECTION OF THE PRIME MINISTER === Islamabad; June 20, 2012: The President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan has summoned the session of the National Assembly on 22nd June, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. in the Parliament House, Islamabad for election of the Prime Minister.

Islamabad; June 20, 2012: The President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan has summoned the session of the National Assembly on 22nd June, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. in the Parliament House, Islamabad for election of the Prime Minister.  
            The nominations of the candidates for the Premiership duly signed by the proposer and the seconder and by the candidate shall be delivered to the Secretary National Assembly by 2.00 p.m. on 21st June, 2012. 
            The Speaker shall in the presence of the candidates or their proposers and seconders who wish to be present, scrutinize the nomination papers at 3.00 p.m. on the same day. 
            The voting shall be recorded in accordance with the procedure set out on the second schedule of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007 on 22nd June, 2012 at 5.30 p.m.

Short Order dt 19.06.2012, PM Disqualification Case ======= IN THE SUPREME COURT OF PAKISTAN = (Original Jurisdiction)

(Original Jurisdiction)
Present:
Mr. Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, HCJ.
Mr. Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja
Mr. Justice Khilji Arif Hussain
Const. Petition No.40 of 2012 & CMA No.2494/12
Muhammad Azhar Siddique  Vs.   Federation of Pakistan etc.
const. Petition No.41 of 2012 & CMA No.2495/12
Imran Khan  Vs. Federation of Pakistan etc.
Const. Petition No.42 of 2012
Kh. Muhammad Asif   Vs.   Federation of Pakistan etc.
Const. Petition No.43 of 2012
Syed Zafar Ali Shah Vs.   Federation of Pakistan etc.
Const. Petition No.44 of 2012
S. Mehmood Akhtar Naqvi Vs.   Federation of Pakistan etc.
Const. Petition No.45 of 2012
Ch. Khalid Farooq, ASC Vs.   Federation of Pakistan etc.
Const. Petition No.46 of 2012 & CMA 2496 OF 2012
Shahid Naseem Gondal, Adv. Vs.   Federation of Pakistan etc.
Const. Petition No.47 of 2012
Ch. M. Asghar Saroha  etc.   Vs.   Mohtarma Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly etc.
Const. Petition No.50 of 2012
Lahore High Court Bar   Vs.   Speaker National Assembly
Association, thru. Sh. Ahsan and others
ud-din, President of High Court

For the petitioners: Mr. A. K. Dogar, Sr. ASC
Mr. Azhar Siddique, ASC
Mr. Mehmood A. Sheikh, AOR
(in Const.P. No.40/2012)

Mr. Hamid Khan, Sr. ASC
Mr. M. Waqar Rana, ASC
S. Safdar Hussain, AOR
(in Const. P. No.41/12)

Kh. Muhammad Asif, MNA (In person)
(in Const. P. No. 42/12)


S. Zafar Ali Shah, Sr. ASC (in person)
(in Const. P. No.43/12)

S.Mehmood Akhtar Naqvi (in person)
(in Const. P. No.44/12)

Mr. Abdul Rehman Siddiqui, ASC
(in Const. P. 45/12)

Mr. A.K. Dogar, Sr. ASC
(in Const. P. 46/2012)

Khan Attaullah Tareen, ASC
Ch. M. Asghar Saroha, ASC
(in Const. P.47/12)

Mr. Taufiq Asif, ASC
(in Const. P. 50/2012)

On Court Notice: Mr. Irfan Qadir,
Attorney General for Pakistan

For Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani: Ch. Aitzaz Ahsan, Sr. ASC

For the Federation: Mr. Muhammad Munir Peracha, ASC
Mr. M.S. Khattak, AOR

For the Speaker, N.A: Mr. Muhammad Latif Qureshi,
Joint Secretary (L), N.Assembly

For the ECP: Mr. Muhammad Nawaz, Director (L)

Date of hearing: 14,15,18 & 19 June, 2012

O R D E R

Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, CJ.— For reasons to be recorded later, the titled petitions are disposed of as under: -
(1) This Court in exercise of jurisdiction under Article 184(3) of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan is competent to ensure enforcement of the fundamental rights of the citizens in all matters of public importance;
(2) The Speaker of the National Assembly under Article 63(2) of the Constitution exercises powers, which are not covered by the definition of internal proceedings of Majlis-e-Shoora, therefore, this Court, in exercise of power of judicial review, is not debarred from inquiring into the order dated 25.05.2012. Reference in this behalf may be made to the cases of Mining Industries of Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. v. Deputy Speaker, Balochistan Provincial Assembly (PLD 2006 Quetta 36), Madad Ali v. Province of Sindh (1996 SCMR 366), Shams-ud-Din v. Speaker, Balochistan Provincial Assembly (1994 MLD 2500), Muhammad Naeem Akhtar v. Speaker, Sindh Provincial Assembly (1992 CLC 2043), Farzand Ali v. Province of West Pakistan (PLD 1970 SC 98); Muhammad Anwar Durrani v. Province of Baluchistan (PLD 1989 Quetta 25); Jagjit Singh v. State of Haryana (AIR 2007 SC 590) and Rajendra Singh Rana v. Swami Prasad Maurya (AIR 2007 SC 1305);
(3) As a Bench of 7 Hon’ble Judges vide judgment dated 26.04.2012 followed by the detailed reasons released on 08.05.2012 has found Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani guilty of contempt of Court under Article 204(2) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 read with section 3 of the Contempt of Court Ordinance, 2003 and sentenced him to undergo imprisonment till rising of the Court under section 5 of the said Ordinance, and since no appeal was filed against this judgment, the conviction has attained finality. Therefore, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani has become disqualified from being a Member of the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) in terms of Article 63(1)(g) of the Constitution on and from the date and time of pronouncement of the judgment of this Court dated 26.04.2012 with all consequences, i.e. he has also ceased to be the Prime Minister of Pakistan with effect from the said date and the office of the Prime Minister shall be deemed to be vacant accordingly;
(4) The Election Commission of Pakistan is required to issue notification of disqualification of Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani from being a member of the Majlis-e-Shoora w.e.f. 26.4.2012; and
(5) The President of Pakistan is required to take necessary steps under the Constitution to ensure continuation of the democratic process through parliamentary system of government in the country.

2. We place on record our thanks and appreciation to learned counsel appearing for the parties for providing valuable assistance in deciding these petitions.
CHIEF JUSTICE

JUDGE

JUDGE
Islamabad, 19th June, 2012
ANNOUNCED IN OPEN COURT