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CHINA, PAKISTAN TO WORK TOGETHER TO SAFEGUARD REGIONAL, GLOBAL PEACE
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Friday, 20 October, 2023 I 3 Rabi us Sani, 1445
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Rs 15.00 | Vol XIV No 110 I 8 Pages I Karachi Edition
KAKAR TELLS XI PAKISTAN STANDS g XI HOPES PAKISTAN GOVT WILL GUARANTEE SAFETY BY CHINA AND ‘TRUSTS IT BLINDLY’ OF CHINESE PERSONNEL WORKING IN PAKISTAN
Pakistan, China ink agreement for Gwadar Port and CPEC progress PROFIT
NEWS DESK
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BEIJING MIAN ABRAR
RIME Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Thursday met Chinese President Xi Jinping and hailed Pakistan’s partnership with its neighbour as ‘made in heaven’. “We will always stand with China and trust you blindly,” the premier told President Xi during a meeting on the sidelines of the third Belt and Road Forum (BRF) for International Cooperation. The premier is in China on a two-day visit to attend the forum which is being held amid the backdrop of ongoing celebrations marking 10 years of the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Chinese President Xi Jinping said China will work with Pakistan, which he said is an “iron-clad friend,” to make new contributions to safeguarding peace and stability and promoting prosperity in
the region and the world. Over the past decade, the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has yielded fruitful results and vigorously promoted Pakistan’s economic and social development, making the corridor a signature project of the Belt and Road Initiative, Xi said when meeting with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar in Beijing. Both sides should strengthen cooperation in fields including industrial parks, agriculture and mining, new energy, promote the early implementation of major connectivity projects and achieve practical results, Xi said, adding that he welcomes more Pakistani high-quality agricultural products to be exported to China. He expressed hope that the Pakistani side will guarantee the safety of Chinese organizations and personnel in Pakistan. China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan within the framework
PLRA reports Rs15b collection in Q1 of FY 2023-24 PROFIT
SHAHAB OMER
The Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA) has reported a collection of approximately Rs.15 billion during the first quarter of the fiscal year 2023-24. This significant revenue was primarily attributed to the issuance of land documents (Fard) and mutation services provided to 900,000 citizens. In an exclusive interview with Profit, a PLRA spokesperson detailed the financial breakdown. The provincial government’s treasury saw an influx of around Rs. 4 billion. Concurrently, the PLRA’s service charges amounted to an impressive Rs. 800 million. With an aim to optimize land-related services, the PLRA has been diligently expanding its network of land record centers. Data spanning from July to September 2023 reveals that 250,000 individuals utilized mutation services, while another 600,000 availed land document issuance services. This led to earnings of Rs. 360 million from mutations and a marginally higher, Rs. 400 million, from document issuances. In line with its reformative strategies, the PLRA successfully collected Rs. 1.2 billion for the Local Government Tax (TTIP) and a substantial Rs. 9 billion on behalf of the Federal Government (FBR). To elevate user experience, the PLRA has also introduced e-registration for registries, offering a more streamlined process for the public. Additionally, efforts are underway to digitize urban land records, and to achieve an International Standardisation Organisation (ISO) certification. This would ensure top-tier land record services for the community. Saira Umar, the Director General of PLRA, recently emphasized the organization’s shift towards digitalization. She reiterated the authority’s dedication to modernizing the land administration system to meet international benchmarks. Umar further highlighted the integral role of advanced technology and software in propelling the PLRA’s objectives.
Pakistan and China have entered into a new advisory agreement to expedite the development of Gwadar Port, a pivotal element of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that has faced significant delays. This accord was one of 20 agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) inked between the two nations. Under this agreement, two Chinese state institutes will provide technical, intellectual, and consultation support to enhance the efficiency and speed of Gwadar Port’s development. Additionally, an addendum to the Mainline-I project of CPEC aims to reduce its scope and design, significantly cutting the construction costs from $6.7 billion. Gwadar Port considered the linchpin and gateway to CPEC, has faced numerous challenges, including issues related to infrastructure development and industrial zone utilization. During the first decade of CPEC, Pakistan received $25 billion in investment, falling of the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, promote regional solidarity and cooperation, and safeguard the legitimate interests of developing countries, he added. A day earlier, the two countries had decided to expand the scope of the multibillion-dollar infrastructure project, which will now diversify to areas like in-
short of the initially announced $62 billion due, in part, to a failure to establish Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Despite being fully capable of handling general cargo and achieving full operational capacity, Gwadar Port’s utilization remained low during the initial ten years of CPEC. Numerous projects in Gwadar, encompassing major and small initiatives, have encountered delays, resulting in issues related to the provision of essential services like water and electricity. To address these challenges, Pakistan and China have signed multiple agreements and MoUs that encompass areas like connectivity, food security, research, media exchanges, space cooperation, urban sustainable development, capacity building, mineral development, industrial cooperation, climate change, and vaccine development. One of the key objectives is the faster development of Gwadar Port, with Chinese state institutes providing technical expertise. There is also an emphasis on enhancing cooperation in the mineral sector, including geological and mineral surveys and development.
dustrial development, ICT, livelihood projects, mining and mineral exploration, and agriculture. During his meeting with President Xi today, PM Kakar expressed Pakistan’s “deep commitment” to China. He described the ties between the two countries as “sweeter than honey” and an “iron-clad brotherhood”.
SC directs Finance Ministry to furnish opinion on retired CJP’s electricity bill PROFIT
SHAHZAD PARACHA
The Top court has asked the Ministry of Finance to furnish opinion regarding reimbursement of the cost of the consumed units of Electricity adjusted through net metering (solar system) of retired Chief Justice of Pakistan bill. Sources said that former CJP Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali has written a letter to SC regarding availing of facility under paragraph 25(I)(c)-(Facilities to retired Judges). Former CJP has installed, from his own pocket, a 15 KV solar system at his residence, therefore, in his bills the cost of the electricity units consumed at his residence are being adjusted through net metering (solar system) and the cost to be paid by him has been shown as “PAYMENT NOT REQUIRED”. Paragraph 25 (1) (c) of the Supreme Court Judges (Leave, Pension and Privileges) Order 1997 states that every former Chief Justice of Pakistan and Judge of this Court is entitled to claim reimbursement of 2000 units of electricity per month. In addition, a Judge on retirement, and after his death, his widow, shall be entitled 25 HM of Gas per month and free supply of water. The retired CJP in its letter
submitted that a bare reading of the provision from the Supreme Court Judges (Leaves, Pensions and Privileges) Order, 1997 makes it abundantly clear that each month a judge of the Supreme Court will be entitled to a maximum of 2000 (two thousand) units of electricity on actual consumption basis. However, no specific mode of payment by the Judge is prescribed in the paragraph (ibid). In the present case, following the policy of austerity, more than three years ago former CJP installed a 15 KV solar system at his residence to meet the challenges of skyrocketing electricity consumption charges from KElectric, the suppliers. The immediate benefit of this working has been that each year during many months towards payment of electricity consumption charges a substantial sum is paid by way of adjustment of electricity units sold to K-Electric by the Consumer through net metering on grid supply. Till recently, he was not aware, rather in dark, that the office is misinterpreting the above provision of the 1997 order in the payment of electricity consumption charges of 2000 units or less as consumed per entitlement, by the Consumer. This fact came to the knowledge when vide letter dated 31.05.2023, a cheque for payment
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of electricity dues was received showing an amount of electricity consumption charges from January to April 2023 (four months) at only Rs 6,608 as against the actual sum paid through adjustment of units and cash to Rs 78,935 when further probed, it came to light that this erroneous practice is being followed by the office for more than 3 years causing heavy financial loss in aggregate to lakhs of rupee. It is pertinent to mention that the monthly electricity bills issued by K-Electric contain all details about net-metering of on grid supply by the Consumer and adjustment of such due payment towards electricity consumption charge as per their policy in vogue, therefore, for this purpose no further documentation is required. It may also be mentioned here that payment of electricity bills to the concerned department of KElectric is sole responsibility of the Consumer and reimbursement of such consumption charges, as per entitlement is duty of the office as per Presidential Order 1997. The former CJP directed SC to take care of all earlier electricity bills of the undersigned which may be rechecked in line with the above interpretation and accordingly due sums may be paid. Moreover, in future this practice shall be followed, the retired CJP asked the top court.
CJP Isa hints at taking up pleas on election, military court trials ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa on Thursday hinted that the Supreme Court may take up the petitions seeking timely elections and challenging the trial of civilians in military courts soon. The CJP passed the remarks while discussing the adjournment of a case related to Pak Arab Refinery’s employees when the lawyers for the petitioners asked the top judge to adjourn the hearing for 15 days. “Cases seeking timely general elections and trial of civilians in military courts will be fixed soon. Difficult cases are about to come in the Supreme Court and it will be tough to schedule other cases [during this period],” remarked CJP Isa. He further stated that they would fix the employees’ case after two months. UNCERTAINTY AROUND POLLS: The Shehbaz Sharif-led government dissolved the National Assembly on August 9, while Sindh and Balochistan assemblies were also prematurely dissolved to allow the electoral authority to hold elections in the country within 90 days. Had the assemblies been dissolved on time, the electoral body was constitutionally bound to hold polls in 60 days. However, the ECP decided against holding polls within the stipulated time as the Council of Common Interest (CCI), days before the dissolution of the assemblies, approved the 7th Population and Housing Census 2023. The CCI approval made it mandatory for the commission to hold elections following fresh delimitations in light of the results of the census. Subsequently, on August 17, the ECP announced the schedule of new delimitations to be carried out as per the new census approved by the CCI. But in September, the commission announced that general elections in the country would take place in the last week of January 2024. However, before the announcement, multiple petitions were filed in the Supreme Court against the delay in polls. Among the petitioners are the Supreme Court Bar Association, Jamaat-e-Islami and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). All three petitioners have been asking the apex court to ensure that polls are held within 90 days. These petitions were filed during the tenure of former chief justice Umar Ata Bandial, however, they were not fixed for a hearing. MILITARY COURT TRIALS: The other petition that CJP Isa hinted about is related to the trial of civilians in military courts who were arrested in connection with attacks on army installations during the May 9 protests. In response to the move, PTI Chairman Imran Khan, former chief justice Jawwad S Khawaja, lawyer Aitzaz Ahsan, and five civil society members, including Piler Executive Director Karamat Ali, requested the apex court to declare the military trials “unconstitutional”. The initial hearings were marred by objections on the bench formation and recusals by the judges. Finally, a six-member bench comprising then CJP Bandial, Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, and Justice Ayesha Malik heard the petitions. It had held multiple hearings of the case but had not issued a verdict. In the last hearing, the case was adjourned indefinitely after Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan assured the CJP that the military trials would not proceed without informing the apex court.
Nawaz gets protective bail in Avenfield, Al-Azizia references till Oct 24 ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Islamabad High Court on Thursday accepted PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s plea, granting him protective bail till Oct 24 in the Avenfield and Al-Azizia cases. It comes before the former premier’s impending arrival on Oct 21. His planned return to Pakistan would be after more than four years of self-imposed exile. In July 2018, ousted Nawaz was handed 10 years in jail in the Avenfield property corruption reference for owning assets beyond known income and one year for not cooperating with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), which was to be served concurrently. The Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption reference pertains to the case in which he was sentenced to seven years in jail and then taken to Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. He was also fined Rs1.5 billion and US$25 million respectively in the case. A day ago, PML-N lawyers had moved the IHC seeking protective bail for
Nawaz in these two cases, with NAB Special Prosecutor Afzal Qureshi saying that the accountability watchdog did not object to pleas moved by the elder Nawaz Sharif. Nawaz’s counsels, including former law minister Azam Nazir Tarar and Amjad Pervaiz, appeared before the court while NAB
prosecutors Rana Maqsood, Qureshi and Naeem Sanghera were also present. PERPETUAL ARREST WARRANTS IN TOSHAKHANA REFERENCE: Separately, an Islamabad accountability court suspended perpetual arrest warrants issued against Nawaz in 2020 in the Toshakhana reference.
The case accused him, former president Asif Ali Zardari and ex-prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani of receiving luxury vehicles and gifts from the Toshakhana — a department that stores gifts given to rulers, parliamentarians, bureaucrats and officials by heads of other governments, states, and
foreign dignitaries. In June 2020, an accountability court issued non-bailable arrest warrants against the former premier in the case. Months later, Nawaz challenged the warrants in the IHC but withdrew the petition days later.
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Criminal granted foreign travel, bail upon return unprecedented: PBC
PTI dubs grant of bail to convicted Nawaz ‘murder of justice, law’
ISLAMABAD: Executive Chairman Committee Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) Hasan Raza Pasha on Thursday raised concerns about the unusual practice of allowing criminals to travel abroad and secure bail upon their return. Speaking to a private TV channel, he questioned whether common criminals should be permitted to leave the country and whether they should be granted protective bail, emphasizing that such a scenario is unprecedented. Pasha pointed to the case of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who was granted permission by the Lahore High Court to travel abroad for medical treatment for a period of four months. However, Nawaz Sharif is now required to surrender before the court, as his security bail application has been submitted on his behalf. STAFF REPORT
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) outright rejected the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and the Accountability Court’s acceptance of pleas granting protective bail to the fugitive, liar and convicted PML-N supremo in the country’s biggest graft cases by trampling the constitution and laws. PTI spokesperson termed the courts’ decision of grating protective bail to the certified corrupt Nawaz Sharif as the ‘darkest day’ in the country’s judicial history and ‘murder of justice and law’. He lamented that the national criminal, who was convicted by the Supreme Court and the trial court but fled from the prison by lying to the nation of being unwell, was granted protective bail. PTI spokesperson reminded that the nation fought a long and hard fight for the judicial independence but the same judiciary undermined the law and justice through their own flawed and compromised decisions. STAFF REPORT CONTINUED ON PAGE 03