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Pakistan

A game of chance

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Punjab’s senate elections ended in a whimper. The lead up to the election was marked with plenty of hue and cry, angry statements, fears of votes being traded for money and a presidential reference that was sent to the Supreme Court.

Imran Yaqub Khan Profile Imran Yaqub Khan

Strange points were raised, such as a secret ballot that would be traceable and proportional representation was questioned. In the end, however, all members were elected unopposed. Not a single ballot paper was required. Enemies sorted out all matters between themselves.

A more pertinent lesson could not have been derived from the development. Political matters need not be taken to court. The wiliness and slyness that is a necessity in any political arena do not belong in the hallowed halls of law. In fact, they sully the sanctity of judicial houses.

Blots on our history, such as Justice Munir’s Doctrine of Necessity, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s death sentence and Musharaff’s LFO have left deep marks. Future judges tried their best to wash out the stains. They did fade, but did not disappear.

Political chances suit only politicians. If after all the bad blood and trash talk that the opposition and government indulged in before sitting down to settle Punjab’s senate polls, anyone believes that either would not give or take an NRO, is incredibly naïve.

What happened in Punjab can be summarized in one sentence i.e. acceptable names got through, unacceptable ones didn’t. Quetta’s Abdul Qadir is one of the lucky few who have been approved of. When PTI Balochistan members objected to his ticket, Qadir switched over to Bap and became a member overnight. Zahoor Agha was brought in as a salve to soothe bruises but had less longevity than a tissue paper. He recanted right after his papers were filed, abdicating the polls in favor of Abdul Qadir. The chosen one is not selected by party workers, after all.

If not a fluke of chance, then what else can we call the (re)rise of former Premier, Yousuf Raza Gillani. At the center of the political battle that will be waged in the capital, Gillani told Maryam Nawaz that he knew of PTI lawmakers who will give him a vote in return for assurances of PML-N tickets in 2023. Consider that the three parties at the center of this particular smorgasbord are the biggest three in the country. The seekers are from the ruling PTI, the givers are from PML-N and the brokers of the deal are the PPP.

And consider how the Punjab settlement, such as it is, was authored by the PML-Q. With an increased likelihood of both the vote and the note disrupting proceedings, Pervez Elahi took it upon himself to manage affairs and bring them to a conclusion acceptable to everyone. He contacted sympathizers in all the major parties, settled the issue and in the process, managed to get a seat for PML-Q’s Kamil Ali Agha.

As for the contest between Gillani and Hafeez Sheikh, well, it might not be of much surprise to anyone if a few pawns here and there switch sides. This is not unprecedented. Here, parties are broken up and formed anew over a period of just 24 hours. If Gillani wins then of course the doors to a no-confidence move will be opened. And that will end the impression of government and establishment being on the same page. The million dollar question is, will that day finally come to pass?

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Pakistan

Judges' Letter Case: CJP convenes full court meeting again

The Chief Justice of Pakistan called a full court meeting in the Supreme Court, which will begin after some time.

Published by Noor Fatima

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Islamabad: After meeting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the context of the letter written by the judges of Islamabad High Court (IHC), the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa called a full court meeting.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reached the Supreme Court to meet CJP Qazi Faez Isa, where the meeting between the two personalities lasted for about an hour and 20 minutes.

It is reported that the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice of Pakistan met in the Chamber of the Chief Justice. The most senior judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Minister of Law Azam Nazir Tarar and Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan also participated in this important meeting.

On the other hand, after the meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Chief Justice of Pakistan called a full court meeting in the Supreme Court, which will begin after some time.

It is pertinent to note that on the issue of the letter of six judges of the IHC, a full court meeting of the Supreme Court was held yesterday also under the chairmanship of CJP Qazi Faez Isa.

In the meeting, the letter of the judges of Islamabad High Court was considered and the constitutional and legal status of the letter of the judges was reviewed.

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Business

Gold price increases Rs1500 per tola in Pakistan

While the price of 10 grams of gold increased by Rs1265 to be sold at the rate of Rs198,045.

Published by Noor Fatima

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Karachi: Gold prices continue to rise in the country as it has become more expensive by Rs1500 per tola on Thursday.

According to All Pakistan Gems and Jewelers Association (APGJA), the price of per tola gold across the country has risen by Rs1500 to settle at Rs231,200.

While the price of 10 grams of gold increased by Rs1265 to be sold at the rate of Rs198,045.

The price of gold per ounce in the international market increased by 14 dollars to settle at $2214.

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Regional

Vehicles stopped of visitors to meet Imran Khan in Adiala jail

Officials directed to close the shops immediately before the gate of Adiala jail amid security reasons.

Published by Qurrat Tul Ain

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Rawalpindi: A road has been blocked that went to Adiala jail by the police.

According to the details, the police officers stopped the cars of the visitors who have come to meet Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) founder Imran Khan in Adiala jail.

Police officers have imposed more barriers on the road to stop the visitors from going near the Adiala jail.

Officials directed to close the shops immediately before the gate of Adiala jail amid security reasons.

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