22nd August 2023 News Headlines
A summary of today's important and breaking news regarding PTI and the country that the mainstream media of Pakistan will never show you.
- After 18 days of the illegal imprisonment and detention of Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, the hearing of the case against the decision of Judge Humayun Dilawar took place today in Islamabad High Court. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq entered the courtroom after a 2 hour delay. First, he heard the case regarding allowing the legal team to meet (with Imran Khan). Upon hearing the arguments of the lawyers, he said that an order will be passed to allow lawyers to meet (with Imran Khan). After that Senior Advocate Latif Khosa presented arguments against the Toshakhana decision, stating, "Imran Khan is not seeking any special treatment; he is only asking for his rights. You can give a decision against us but give it today." However, the Election Commission's legal team requested two weeks for preparation, and after Latif Khosa's protest, two days were granted. The hearing has been adjourned until Thursday.
- The wife of Chairman Tehreek-e-Insaf, Imran Khan, met with him in Attock Jail today. The meeting lasted for about an hour and a half. Imran Khan sent a message to the nation: "These people are pushing the country towards slavery, but we will continue to stand for the Constitution and Democracy.”
- Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court, Aamir Farooq, had sent back the Toshakhana trial case jurisdiction to Judge Humayun Dilawar on August 3rd who had passed the judgement without hearing the arguments. Imran Khan's legal team had filed a petition in the Supreme Court against this decision. Upon which tomorrow, a hearing will take place in Supreme Court under the leadership of Chief Justice Omar Ata Bandial. Lawyers are hopeful for justice.
- Secretary of Information of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Raoof Hassan, tweeted, “Brutal murder of justice enacted in the court of Aamir Farooq. Those who violate the justice system in every conceivable way are accorded unwarranted relief & those who are the victims of wanton state oppression & suppression are denied it. Justice Farooq’s bias in the matter demands that he recuse himself & let other judges hear Imran Khan’s case. This sickening drama must stop.”
- Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s core committee meeting was held after which a statement was released. The statement strongly condemns the postponement of the hearing of the ‘Toshakhana sentence suspension’ case until Thursday. They are accusing Justice Aamir Farooq of facilitating those involved in its political engineering and that justice and the rule of law are being severely damaged. Tehreek-e-Insaf has decided to file a reference against Justice Aamir Farooq in the Supreme Judicial Council. The committee meeting also criticized the cunning maneuvers of the caretaker government after the President's tweet. It emphasized the need for a thorough inquiry into this matter.
- The Election Commission had been pursuing a unique case of “Insulting the Election Commission" against Imran Khan. Earlier, warrants were also issued in this regard. However, today the Lahore High Court has intervened and prevented the Election Commission from issuing a final verdict in the case of Imran Khan's alleged insult to the Election Commission. On one hand, the act of issuing a warrant by the Election Commission and on the other hand, pursuing a case of defamation is a prime example of bias and prejudice.
- In Islamabad High Court, under the leadership of Chief Justice Aamir Farooq, a hearing took place regarding the request to revoke the bail of Shandana Gulzar and Shehryar Afridi. The government's lawyer presented arguments, stating that the court should suspend the order for their release, which had already been granted. The court rejected the request. The decision of Justice Babar Sattar to grant bail remains in effect.
- President, Dr. Arif Alvi, tweeted two days ago that despite not signing the amendment bills for the Army Act and Official Secrets Act, these laws were still enacted. Request against both laws, along with defiance of the President's orders, have been filed by Advocate Zafarullah Bhutta in the Supreme Court. Both laws have been challenged.
- Today, a hearing was held in the Supreme Court on the request to revoke Maryam Nawaz's bail. The NAB prosecutor, providing reasons, stated, "Amendments have been made to the NAB law. After the amendments, the case against Maryam Nawaz has been closed. NAB withdraws the appeal for the cancellation of Maryam Nawaz's bail." Following this, the Chief Justice disposed off the case.
- In Gujrat, the Gold Plaza owned by former MPA Saleem Sarwar Jaura, has been seized. The plaza housed several shops that were a source of livelihood for many individuals. Saleem Sarwar Jaura, who had been previously arrested, reaffirmed his allegiance to Imran Khan and chose not to part ways. As a result, his business has now been forced to shut down.
- The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) has requested a monthly fuel price adjustment of Rs. 2.07, which will impose an additional burden of 35 billion rupees on consumers. The request by the agency will be heard by NEPRA on August 30th.
- The price of flour has increased due to the discontinuation of subsidies under the Prime Minister's Relief Package at the utility stores. At utility stores, the price of a 20-kilogram bag of flour has been increased by 1,544 rupees, while the price of a 10-kilogram bag has seen an increase of 772 rupees. Consequently, a 20-kilogram bag of flour will now cost 2,840 rupees, whereas previously, it was priced at 1,299 rupees for ordinary consumers. Interestingly, during Imran Khan's era, the same 20-kilogram bag of flour was only 850 rupees.
- Another facility given by Imran Khan has been taken away from the people. Health Card Plus Services have now been suspended in Khyber Pakhtunkhuwah. Maryam Nawaz had mentioned in a leaked audio call with her uncle last year that the health card should be discontinued by using the excuse of [lack of] funds, as it is a major project of Imran Khan. The caretaker government has also done the same after coming into power. With the Health Card Plus service, the people were able to get free treatment for major diseases including heart, liver, and cancer.