Jammu Kashmir High Court quashes PSA detention of Shopian man

By

-

December 8, 2021

SRINAGAR: The Jammu Kashmir High Court has quashed the detention of a man from south Kashmir’s Shopian district who had been booked under the Public Safety Act in April this year.

While quashing the detention of Junaid Ahmad Dar of Shopian, bench comprising of Justice Javed Iqbal Wani directed the Indian government to release the detainee from preventive custody forthwith unless he was required in any other case.

In a habeas corpus petition, Dar had challenged the detention order passed by the District Magistrate Shopian against him on 6 April this year.

“The order of detention would manifestly reveal that the detaining authority has not drawn any satisfaction as per the mandate laid down by the Apex Court,” Justce Wani observed in the order.

Observing that the order of detention had been passed based on dossier placed before the detaining authority by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Shopian, the court said: “The grounds of detention, when looked into, give reference of two FIRs to have been registered against the detainee. The involvement of the detainee in the cases appears to have weighed with the detaining authority while making the detention order.”

The court said that the reply filed by respondents (authorities) does not make a whisper as to furnishing of copies of FIRs, copies of the statement of witnesses recorded during the investigation, copy of the dossier, and other connected material collected during the investigation to the detainee to enable him to make an effective representation against the detention order.

The court observed that a detainee cannot be expected to make a meaningful exercise of his constitutional and statutory rights guaranteed under Article 22 (5) of the Constitution of India and Section 13 of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act, 1978, unless and until the material on which the detention order was based, was supplied to him.

The court underscored that it was only after the detainee had all such material available that he could make an effort to convince the detaining authority and thereafter the government that their apprehensions vis-à-vis his activities were baseless and misplaced. “Failure on the part of the detaining authority to supply material relied at the time of making the detention order to (detain) render the detention order illegal and not sustainable upon,” the court said.

With input from KMS

Advertisment

Dejected husband commits suicide

By

Our Correspondent

-

December 7, 2021

CHINIOT: A youth committed suicide by consuming toxic pills after failure to convince wife to go home from parent’s house here on Tuesday.

According to details, wife of Waqas hailing from Tehsil Bhawana of Chiniot left the house few days earlier over differences with him and started living with parents.

Waqas visited the house of in-laws and tried his best to convince wife to go back to home but she refused after which the dejected husband consumed toxic pills to end his life.

The body was shifted to hospital where it was handed over to heirs after postmortem.

Advertisment

PNCA holds “A Tribute to Jinnah” exhibition, artists talk on 146th birth anniversary of father of nation

By

Our Correspondent

-

December 7, 2021

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) presented “A Tribute to Jinnah”- an art exhibition and a talk with prominent artists to commemorate the 146th birthday anniversary of the father of nation.

The show is an amalgamation of photographs and paintings from PNCA’s permanent collection dating back to the 1940s.

Zahra Khan moderated the artist talk with guest speakers including: Abbas Shah (Sculptor) Kauser Jehan (Sculptor), Mobina Zuberi (Visual Artist), Perveen Khan (Visual Artist) and Dr. Mamoona Khan (Head of Fine Arts Dept and Researcher).

They discussed the evolution of art since 1947. Guest speakers inspired the young audience with their rich historical stories about importance of arts as a subject.

They advised the audience about their aims as upcoming Pakistani artists representing the country and culture across the globe. Art students from various local universities and colleges including National College of Arts, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi Institute of Art and Design, Roots Millennium International School I-9 Campus, Government Post Graduate College for Women 6th Road joined the artist talk.

The speakers shared their own experiences in the art field. The session was followed by question and answer session.

The participants agreed that Pakistani Artists and Art History should be included in the art curriculum and students should be encouraged to take Fine Arts from junior school level.

Fine Arts should be taught to boys as well as girls as it should not be limited to the girls only, they said.

They also emphasized that Art cannot be learned, only techniques can be taught in the schools. Speakers encouraged the young audience to do art as every person has an artist inside themselves.

After the artist talk the guests visited The National Art Gallery to view tribute to Mohammad Ali Jinnah through paintings, photographs and screening of the movie Jinnah. This exhibition will continue till 31st December, 2021.

Advertisment

Indictment deferred in minor rape and murder case

By

Sameena Umar

-

December 7, 2021

KARACHI: The court has deferred the indictment of the prime suspect Zakir alias Andola in a rape and murder case of a six-year-old girl in Korangi area of Karachi.

A local court heard the rape and murder case of a minor girl in Karachi today. During the hearing, Zakir’s father told the court that he was unable to hire a lawyer in the case as his income is insufficient to bear the expenses.

Following his plea, the court ordered to appoint a government lawyer to the accused.

The court then adjourned the hearing of the case till December 15. The judge remarked that the suspect, Zakir alias Andola, will be indicted in the next hearing.

The victim’s lawyer Muzammil Mumtaz argued that the accused was using delaying tactics due to fear of being sentenced to death in the case.

A minor girl had allegedly been raped and murdered on July 28 in the vicinity of Zaman Town police station in Korangi, whereas, the suspect had confessed his crime before the judicial magistrate.

The sessions court had transferred the rape and murder case to the model trial court for an immediate hearing.

Advertisment

IHC directs GB’s ex-CJ to submit original affidavit till December 13

By

Nuzhat Aftab

-

December 7, 2021

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday has conducted a hearing on a contempt of court case against former Gilgit Baltistan (GB) Chief Judge Rana Shamim.

During the proceedings, the IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah asked the ex-CJ about his reply over which he told that he had already submitted his response on the show cause notice.

The court has directed Rana Shamim to submit his original affidavit till December 13 and also warned of indicting him in the case if he fails to present the document.

Previously, IHC jud ge asked Rana Shamin whether he accepts the content written in the affidavit over which he stated that he hasn t seen the affidavit which was submitted in this court as the original one is locked in his locker in United Kingdom.

Attorney general said it is strange that ex-CJ doesn’t remember what is in the affidavit. Every day of this court is important as it is the “season” of leaks, he added.

Earlier, IHC had turned down the contempt of court plea against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

While announcing the reserved verdict, IHC CJ Athar Minallah declared the petition filed by Advocate Kulsoom as inadmissible. Just a criticism on Saqib Nisar doesn’t come under contempt of court. It’s the responsibility of judges to ensure justice to the sufferers, he added.

The CJ further said that an independent judge never gets affected by some criticism. After retirement, judges are no longer part of any court, therefore, the contempt of court is not for a common man, he remarked.

Athar Minallah also expressed that ex-CJP was bashed in personal capacity.

It is to be mentioned here that the high court had taken notice of revelations leveled by former chief judge of Gilgit Baltistan Rana Muhammad Shamim regarding PML-N leaders Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz and summoned all the parties and Attorney General Khalid Javed Khan in personal capacity.

Former CJ of Gilgit Baltistan was also served with contempt of court notice.

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah remarked, “I trust each and every judge of the court. The judges can also be made accountable and criticized. An environment of disbelief will prevail in society if people stop trusting the courts.”

Athar Minallah told the he had also faced social media backlash. He further directed the journalist to read his story’s headline. The IHC CJ asked where the former judge had notarized this affidavit as it is not part of any record of this court.

Advertisment

Interference in constitutional system mars country’s progress: Shahid Khaqan Abbasi

By

Sara Maqsood

-

December 7, 2021

ISLAMABAD: Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, former Prime MInister and senior leader of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) has said that inflation, unemployment and poverty have increased due to which people are suffering by the ineefectiveness of the incumbent government.

“We are seeing these days due to interference within the system and the country will not run till the interference in the constitutional system is over”, Abbasi said while talking to media in Islamabad.

PML-N leader said that the NAB Chairman could neither take a decision earlier nor he can take one now. “With the NAB Amendment Ordinance the government gave itself NRO, there are scandals in every department of the present government, we have not been able to find out what crime we committed till date, Chairman NAB tell us our crime”, he added.

Abbasi further said that the country’s economy was destroyed, there are Chinese flour scandals in the country.

Moreover, “what was done in the joint session of Parliament is in front of everyone, members were forcefully called to the joint session of Parliament, the counting of this government is also weak, elections were stolen in this country,” the PML-N leader added.

Advertisment

NEPRA notifies Rs3.75 hike in electricity price for Karachi

By

Tanzeel Ahmed

-

December 7, 2021

ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) notified on Tuesday another hike in electricity price for Karachi, increasing the rate by Rs3.75 per unit.

An official notification issued in this regard stated that the latest adjustment in the approved tariff for Karachi has been made on account of the fuel charges’ adjustment for September, which would be included in the electricity bills for December.

According to the notification, the new rate will apply to all consumers, except for lifeline consumers.

NEPRA approved the new increment after a hearing on an application, seeking a hike in the electricity rates for Karachi on account of fuel adjustment, in November.

The last time NEPRA approved a hike in the electricity prices was at the beginning of November, when it announced an increase of Rs1.68 per unit of electricity.

The notification issued for the hike had stated that the increased rates will not be applicable to those who consumed 200 or fewer units of electricity.

According to the statement, the recent increase has been made in the basic tariff under which the price per unit of electricity has been increased by Rs1.68 for domestic consumers, while for commercial and other categories, the price per unit of electricity will be Rs1.39.

The new rates have come into effect across the country from November 1, which will earn the country revenue of Rs135 billion per annum, read

Later in the month, Federal Minister for Energy Hammad Azhar, during a press conference flanked by Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin, had mentioned that the basic electricity prices will be increased in the coming months.

“These are difficult times and people around the world are facing problems due to COVID-19,” he said, adding that inflation around the world is at its 30-year high level.

Endorsing his views, Tarin stated that the international financial institutions appreciated Pakistan’s economic growth during the pandemic.

The adviser was of the view that the monetary policy should be free.

“Petroleum development levy should be increased by Rs4 per litre every month,” he said, adding that the government aims to take the petroleum development levy up to Rs30.

He further mentioned that the IMF acknowledged the tremendous work done in the energy sector.

Advertisment

Sheikh Rashid inaugurates first-ever plastic road in Islamabad

By

Our Correspondent

-

December 7, 2021

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed inaugurated Pakistan’s first-ever eco-friendly plastic road in Islamabad constructed by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to ensure decline in environment pollution.

Talking to media, he said the construction of plastic road would decelerate the spread of pollution in the region. He said the initiative was aimed at reducing impact of environmental pollution caused by plastic waste.

Rashid said the concept would not only be utilised in Islamabad but would also be replicated in other cities of the country.

He appreciated Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Amer Ali Ahmed for initiating plastic road project in the federal capital.

The CDA has announced the construction of Pakistan’s first-ever eco-friendly plastic road in a bid to decelerate the spread of pollution in the region. CDA has formed an alliance with various private companies to ensure the development of eco-friendly road.

While speaking to the media, CDA spokesperson, Rana Shakeel Asghar, stated that the Plastic Road spans one kilometer in the F9 Park in Islamabad. It is composed of recycled plastics equivalent to more than one million plastic cups.

Asghar further highlighted that about 500 to 600 tonnes of municipal waste is accumulated in Islamabad every day, out of which, the plastic waste amounts to 150 to 200 tonnes. He added that this plastic waste will be recycled and used in road construction, which would allow the authority to curb environmental pollution.

Asghar clarified that the project will initially be put to test in F9 Park, Islamabad. He added that the intent is to have this model used across Pakistan.

When asked about the quality of such roads, Asghar stated that these roads will be sturdier and more long-lasting as plastic is more resistant to water and extreme climates. He added that the roads will be properly compacted and reinforced to keep their structural integrity against more weight.

Advertisment

14-year-old boy shot dead in alleged police encounter

By

Usman Azhar

-

December 7, 2021

KARACHI: A 14-year-old boy was shot dead in an alleged police encounter, triggering protests by his relatives.

The incident took place in Orangi-5 area of Karachi, where Arsalan Mehsud was shot dead by police while his friend sustained bullet wounds.

After the incident took place, Mehsud’s relatives arrived at the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and staged a sit-in protest to demand justice for the boy. Mehsud’s relatives rejected the police’s version, saying that he was a student and was not guilty of any wrongdoing.

“No firearm was recovered from Arsalan. Police killed him in a fake encounter,” members of the bereaved family stated.

Police had earlier claimed that they had tried to stop two men on a motorcycle at a picket. The two men, in response, opened fire instead of stopping, claimed police.

Police said one of the suspects died while his accomplice managed to escape.

However, DIG West Nasif Aftab rejected the statement of the police officer who had shot at the victim, saying that the suspicious encounter did not take place at the picket. Rather, he said it took place at a distance from it.

According to the DIG West, the on-duty police personnel who fired at the youngsters was in plainclothes, not in his uniform. The police officer involved in the incident has been taken into custody, he disclosed.

A three-member inquiry committee comprising SSP Central, SSP Investigation Central and SP Gulberg has been formed to investigate the incident. SHO Orangi has been suspended over the incident.

The committee will present its report after 24 hours after which immediate action will be taken based on its findings, said the DIG West.

Leader of the Opposition in Sindh Assembly Haleem Adil Sheikh arrived on the spot after hearing about the incident.

According to a report, the deceased was the son of a local transporter.

Advertisment

Two killed in Faisalabad incidents

By

Our Correspondent

-

December 7, 2021

FAISALABAD: Two people were killed in separate incidents of firing a road mishap occurred in different areas of Faisalabad on Monday.

According to details, unidentified culprits called Sajjad hailing from Thekriwala out of home, shot him dead and fled the scene. Wife of the deceased along with children had left the house due to differences with him some three days earlier and staying at parent’s home.

An over speeding bus crushed to death 19-year-old Abdul Rehman near Thekriwala bus stop. Bus driver fled the scene.

The bodies were shifted to hospital and police after registering separate cases in both incidents started investigations.

With input from INP

Advertisment

Tag: islamabad

Adblock Detected!