Daily News Bulletin - 23rd August 2023

23rd 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.

1. Nineteen days after the unlawful arrest of Chairman Tehreek-e-Insaf, Imran Khan, the case was heard in the Supreme Court. Imran Khan's lawyer, Sardar Latif Khosa, presented legal arguments, also discussing Justice Humayun Dilawar's conduct, prompting the judges to express clear displeasure. Justice Mandokhel remarked, "What was the hurry with the judge to conclude this case?" The Supreme Court has ordered the Islamabad High Court to make a decision and then, tomorrow at 2 o'clock, they themselves will hold a hearing on the case. The lawyers have high hopes for a suspended sentence.
2. Today, the lawyers of Chairman Tehreek-e-Insaf, Imran Khan, filed a request in the Supreme Court that he should be protected from arrest in other cases following the revocation of his bail. This is his legal right. During today's hearing in the Supreme Court, the lawyers presented arguments that revoking bail in other cases during the period of detention is illegal. The hearing has been adjourned until tomorrow.
3. As per today's order by the Islamabad High Court, Chairman Imran Khan's two lawyers, Sardar Latif Khosa and Babar Awan, were granted permission to meet Imran Khan in jail. The prison authorities have also issued the authorization letter, and the meeting commenced at 3 o'clock. After the meeting, Latif Khosa shared that Imran Khan's spirits are high. Despite the inhumane treatment, he remains a symbol of strength and courage, enduring with remarkable resilience. More than his own cases, Imran Khan is concerned about inflation and the economic crisis affecting the people. His determination, which was once as firm as a rock, has now become as steadfast as a mountain. The Chairman remarked that he would stand unwavering even if his entire life is dedicated to achieving true freedom, told Babar Awan in a conversation following his meeting with Imran Khan in Attock jail.
4. The lawyers of Chairman Tehreek-e-Insaf, Imran Khan, passionately presented their case in court today, providing arguments on every aspect. Justice Humayun Dilawar's verdict was successfully contested. The lawyers also addressed the media after the court proceedings. Lawyer Ali Ajaz Buttar stated, "Thank God... The Supreme Court of Pakistan has accepted all our points in the Toshakhana case appeal that indeed Imran Khan was not granted a fair trial opportunity, and his demands for justice were not met. Our legal arguments on maintainability, jurisdiction, and limitation have been recognized, and the Islamabad High Court has been instructed to announce the suspension of sentence tomorrow, and the Supreme Court will also hold a hearing on the case tomorrow at 2 o'clock. In shaa Allah [God Willing], justice will prevail from both courts tomorrow."
5. The President has initiated the Process of Setting an Election Date. President Dr. Arif Alvi, has written a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, Sikandar Sultan Raja. The President has extended an invitation to the Chief Election Commissioner for a meeting today or tomorrow to decide the date for the general elections. The President dissolved the National Assembly on the recommendation of the Prime Minister on August 9, 2023. The text of the President's letter reads: "Under Article 48 Clause 5 of the Constitution, the President is bound to fix a date within ninety days for the holding of general elections of the Assembly, from the date of dissolution. The Chief Election Commissioner is invited today or tomorrow to meet with the President in order to determine a suitable date."
6. Secretary of Information of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf tweeted today after the court hearing: "The first raindrop of the rain that falls on dry land marks the beginning of the end of this tradition, which was founded solely on hatred towards Imran Khan. The foundation of this conspiracy has started to crumble in the Supreme Court, and soon it will disintegrate into pieces. Justice will prevail. Justice must prevail."
7. Today, Chairman Imran Khan's lawyers have filed a request in the Supreme Court against Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court, Aamer Farooq. The request states, "Under the direction of Justice Aamer Farooq, Judge Humayun Dilawar awarded Imran Khan an unconstitutional sentence due to personal animosity, and he [Imran Khan] was unlawfully arrested under his court's jurisdiction. Imran Khan has mentioned his lack of confidence in him [Aamer Farooq] previously as well. Therefore, all of Imran Khan's cases under Aamer Farooq's jurisdiction should be transferred to Peshawar or Lahore High Court."
8. Despite two weeks passing since the dissolution of the assembly, the Election Commission has not announced the election date, and now a new scheme has been initiated to further delay the elections. Consultations have begun with the leaders of all political parties. In this context, Chairman Tehreek-e-Insaf, Imran Khan, has also been invited for a meeting. Instead of setting a date for the elections, the Election Commission aims to waste time under the guise of consultations.
9. A hearing was conducted in the Peshawar High Court on the petition against the delay in elections. In relation to this matter, is there any case pending in the Supreme Court? The judge inquired, “Yes, there a case! It has not been scheduled”, the lawyer replied. Justice Syed Arshad Ali made remarks, "It's not just a provincial matter; elections are to be held throughout the country." A notice has been issued to the Election Commission, seeking a response by September 11th.
10. After today's hearing in the Supreme Court and the arguments presented by lawyers, all legal experts and court reporters are of the opinion that justice will be served to Imran Khan soon. Fearing this, PML-N has initiated a campaign against Chief Justice Bandial once again. Various league leaders, including Nawaz Sharif, have posted satirical tweets against Justice Bandial and started Twitter trends. It's an old record for PML-N to resort to foul language against the judiciary.
11. Special Advisor to Prime Minister Sends Zaka Ashraf, Zardari's close associate, packing as soon as caretaker government takes charge.The decision that caused a rift between Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari for several days,  the caretaker government has kicked out Zaka Ashraf, Zardari's special Chairman PCB, from his position and have sent the summary of his removal to the Prime Minister.
12. The Quetta lawyer murder case will be heard by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial tomorrow. A new bench will be formed, which includes Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail.
13. Fear of suspension of conviction in the Toshakhana case, preparations are being done for arrest in a new case. Anti-Terrorism Court Lahore Grants arrest and inspection permission of Imran Khan in the Jinnah House Attack Case, DIG Investigation submits application in court.
14. On the third day of the business week, the dollar went up and the rupee continues to suffer a continuous decline. In the interbank trading, the dollar reached a record high of Rs. 299.75. On the other hand, the stock market also experienced a negative trend. Pakistan Stock Exchange's 100-index dropped by 235 points. Following this, the 100-index is currently trading at 47,182 points.
15. Following the havoc caused by the PDM government, the caretaker government, in order to further heartlessly burden the public, has once again increased the price of electricity, following the rise in prices of petrol and gas. On one hand, the impoverished population is already resorting to suicides due to the burden of electricity bills, and now, the cost of electricity has been raised by another Rs. 5.40 per unit. Protests were recorded outside the WAPDA office in SadiqAbad, by the public.