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Centre, Punjab’s failure led to Faizabad sit-in: commission [Post Updated #20]

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PTI asks SC to set aside verdict on 2017 Faizabad sit-in



ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) requested the Supreme Court on Thursday to set aside its Feb 6 verdict on the 2017 Faizabad sit-in by the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), accusing the author judge of being ‘biased’.

Federal Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed also approached the SC, seeking deletion of his name from the judgement on the November 2017 TLP sit-in which had paralysed the life in Rawalpindi and Islamabad for 20 days.

“The learned author judge has had such an extreme conviction about the 2014 PTI-PAT dharna at Islamabad and the role of the petitioner and its members that he dragged in the reference of the 2014 sit-in into the matter,” alleged a petition moved by PTI secretary general Arshad Dad through his counsel Barrister Syed Ali Zafar. “Thus the petitioner has a reasonable apprehension that the author judge was allegedly biased,” the petition contended.

Justice Qazi Faez Isa, a member of the two-judge SC bench, had made strong observations and issued directives in the judgement he had authored on Feb 6.


The PTI petition contended that the judgement made a reference to the 2014 PTI-Pakistan Awami Tehreek sit-in and then went on to observe that those responsible for it got off scot-free and were now in high places or positions of public office without any determination of facts or available material on the record.

It said the conviction of the author judge against the petitioner was one-sided and extreme which allegedly led to inescapable conclusion that the judge was biased. The petition cited the 1989 Mohammad Akram Sheikh case in which it was held that judges of the superior courts should refrain from sitting on the bench deciding cases in which there was even the slightest apprehension that they might be considered to be biased.

The petition contended that since the alleged bias had tainted the entire judgement, it had become impossible to expunge any part of the verdict. Thus the entire verdict should be recalled and set aside, the petition pleaded.

Citing the code of conduct of the judges, the petition argued that the author judge stood disqualified to remain a judge of the superior courts since he had allegedly violated Article III of the code, which suggested that judges should be above reproach, and to keep his conduct in all things, official and private, free from impropriety.


“The verdict in question was premised on conjecture, surmise and presumption since no facts have been determined and on what basis the sweeping observations have been made was a mystery,” the petition said, adding: “The verdict has made scathing comments on morality, politics and religion despite unambiguous and explicitly stating the limits of the jurisdiction and judicial power exercisable under Article 184(3) of the Constitution.’’


Sheikh Rashid’s plea


Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid approached the Supreme Court to seek deletion of his name from the Feb 6 judgement. His review petition moved through Advocate Amanullah Kanrani said: “It is therefore, respectfully prayed that the civil review petition against the impugned order of Feb 6, 2019 ……may kindly be allowed to the extent of deletion of para 4 of the judgement showing presence of the petitioner in Dharna by TLP in the interest of justice.”

The judgement had mentioned the names of Awami Muslim League chairman Sheikh Rashid, Ejazul Haq of the PML-Z, PTI’s Ulema Wing Islamabad and PPP’s Sheikh Hameed Ahmed.

In his petition, Sheikh Rashid pleaded that if the words concerning him in para-4 of the judgement were not deleted/expunged, he would suffer adversely in his life, reputation, etc. He said that for him values, morality, politics and religion were of foremost importance, whether he was in government or outside it. He argued that he was not a protester and never obstructed people’s right to use roads or damage or destroy property.

In his entire political and social career, he had promoted peace and tranquility in the country, the petition argued, adding that he was never involved in nefarious and unlawful functions.


https://www.dawn.com/news/1475537/pti-asks-sc-to-set-aside-verdict-on-2017-faizabad-sit-in
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My story regarding the review application of <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PTIofficial</a> in SC against the decision of Faizabad Dharna Case by Justice Qazi Faiz Essa. <a href="https://t.co/m7579Lj43G">pic.twitter.com/m7579Lj43G</a></p>— Asif Bashir Chaudhry (@asifbashirch) <a href="https://twitter.com/asifbashirch/status/1116423961783488512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Government also withdraws Faizabad sit-in review plea

ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Thursday filed a petition in the Supreme Court to withdraw its plea against the Faizabad sit-in verdict as the apex court is all set to hear the set of review petitions against the top court’s 2019 order.

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa including Justice Aminuddin Khan and Justice Athar Minallah will hear the Faizabad sit-in review case today.

Earlier, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Pemra also filed similar applications, seeking the withdrawal of their petition against the Faizabad sit-in verdict.

The review petitions in the case were filed by the Ministry of Defence, the IB, the PTI, the Pemra, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the Mutta¬hida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed and Ejazul Haq.

Faizabad verdict:

On February 6, 2019, the Supreme Court (SC) ordered action against extremist elements in the written verdict issued for the suo-moto case pertaining to Tehreek-e-Labbaik’s (TLP) 2017 Faizabad sit-in.

The Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) held a weeks-long protest at Islamabad’s Faizabad Interchange in November 2017 against a little change in the oath lawmakers take. The court had taken suo motu notice soon after the protests.

The National Assembly had passed an amendment to the Finality of Prophet-hood (Khatm-e-Nabuwwat) oath for electoral candidates, drawing protests from religious groups in the country. The government had withdrawn the amendment that had stirred the hornet’s nest among many.
ARY
 
Faizabad verdict enforcement would have prevented sit-ins: CJP
“I am surprised over the petitioners’ request to call back their petitions,” the CJP remarked

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Thursday questioned why everyone is scared of revealing the truth about the reasons for withdrawing the review petitions against the Faizabad sit-in judgment and directed the Attorney General to mention who instructed to withdraw the plea.

A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justice Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan and Justice Athar Minallah heard multiple review petitions, filed against the apex court judgment pronounced in 2019 in a suo moto case on Faizabad sit-in.

The chief justice told the parties seeking to withdraw their pleas — the federal government, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority, the Election Commission of Pakistan, and others — to submit their responses in writing and explain the reasons behind their decision. “I am surprised over the petitioners’ request to call back their petitions,” the CJP remarked, noting that he wanted to give time to the petitioners as he adjourned the hearing till November 1. Why was everyone so scared to reveal the truth, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa asked the counsels for the petitioners who had earlier requested the court to allow them to withdraw their instant review petitions. Briefly, before adjourning the hearing, the CJP told the parties that their decision to withdraw their pleas meant that they had accepted the SC’s order to be true. “The truth will set you free if you narrate the truth”, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa remarked.

 
Ex-Pemra chief accuses Gen Faiz of media manipulation during Faizabad sit-in

In a startling revelation, Absar Alam, the former chairman of the Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), has submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court, alleging that the former Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Lt-Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, exerted pressure on him and manipulated the broadcasting landscape during the Faizabad sit-in organised by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) in 2017.

In his affidavit, Alam stated that Gen Faiz consistently put pressure on the media regulatory authority, as well as television channels, by altering the channel numbers and controlling broadcasts through cable networks.

According to the former Pemra chairman, Gen Faiz pushed for action against prominent media figure Najam Sethi and advocated for a complete ban on Hussain Haqqani. Despite these pressures, Alam and his team did not comply with Gen Faiz's instructions, he maintained.

Alam further revealed that in April 2017, he had formally informed then prime minister Nawaz Sharif, then army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, and the then chief justice of the Supreme Court, Saqib Nisar, about the ongoing situation.

In his communication, he highlighted that Pemra officials were being subjected to undue pressure due to their refusal to implement these instructions, emphasising that such coercion was illegal.

During the Faizabad sit-in on November 25, Alam recounted how he received a request from the Ministry of Interior to shut down a private TV channel.

He complied with the request, but this action triggered a series of inquiries from Gen Faiz and his subordinates. They questioned the closure of the private TV channel and demanded an explanation.

Gen Faiz and his team reportedly issued an ultimatum: either reopen the broadcasting of the private TV channel or halt the broadcast of all TV channels. In response, Alam asserted that he did not yield to any illegal orders. He clarified that the decision to close the channels was made in accordance with the written policy instructions of the federal government


 
Faizabad sit-in: CJP Isa asks if electoral watchdog is sincere with country

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Qazi Faez Isa on Wednesday asked if the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was sincere with the country as the Supreme Court took up a set of petitions against the Feb 6, 2019 judgement in the Faizabad dharna case.

A three-member Supreme Court bench comprising the CJP, Justice Aminuddin Khan and Justice Athar Minallah heard challenges to the ruling pertaining to the Faizabad sit-in.

Authored by Justice Isa years before he took oath as the chief justice, the searing judgement had instructed the defence ministry and the tri-services chiefs to penalise personnel under their command who were found to have violated their oath.

It had also directed the federal government to monitor those advocating hate, extremism and terrorism and prosecute them in accordance with the law.



 
SC tells petitioner to take complaint against ex-ISI chief to ‘relevant quarters’

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday asked the owner of a private housing society to approach the relevant quarters, including the defence ministry, for the redressal of grievances against former spymaster retired Lt-Gen Faiz Hameed and his aides.

An apex court bench, comprising Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Aminuddin and Justice Athar Minallah, took up the petition filed by Moeez Ahmed Khan, owner of the Top City housing scheme.

As per the petition, on May 12, 2017, the Pakistan Rangers and officials of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) raided the office of Top City and the residence of Moeez Khan and took away valuables, including gold and diamond ornaments and money, in connection with a purported terrorism case.

The petition further stated that Lt-Gen Faiz Hameed’s brother Sardar Najaf mediated and tried to resolve the issue. After his acquittal, the petition claimed, Gen Hameed contacted Moeez Khan through the latter’s cousin — a brigadier in the army — to arrange a meeting.

The petition claimed that during the meeting, Gen Hameed told the petitioner that he would return some of the items taken away during the raid except for 400 tola gold and cash.

The petition claimed that retired brigadier Naeem Fakhar and retired brigadier Ghaffar of the ISI allegedly “forced” the petitioner to “pay 4 crores in cash” and “sponsor a private AAP TV network for a few months”.

As per the petition, former ISI officials Irtaza Haroon, Sardar Najaf, Wasim Tabish, Zahid Mehmood Malik, and Mohammad Munir were also “involved in the illegal takeover of the housing society”.

During the arguments, it transpired that the Human Rights Cell of the Supreme Court had also dealt with another matter related to the said housing society. When Chief Justice Isa summoned the relevant record, the court was told that former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar had ordered to trash all the records before leaving the office.

The court observed that the matter did not pertain to the enforcement of fundamental rights and suggested the petitioner approach the competent forum, including the defence ministry.

The court also pointed out that the petitioner can take the ex-spymaster as well as other retired officers to a civil or criminal court over malicious prosecution.

The apex court bench also observed that the proceedings related to the housing scheme conducted by ex-CJP Mian Saqib Nisar in his chamber were not per the constitutional provisions.

 
SC expects govt to finalise Faizabad sit-in probe within a time frame

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court, issuing an order on Monday regarding the withdrawal of appeals against the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) sit-in at Faizabad in 2017, stated that it expects the government to finalise the fact-finding probe on the sit-in within the specified time frame.

The apex court, in its judgement of Feb 6, 2019, highlighted that under Section 211 of the Elections Act 2017 and Rules 161(2) of the Election Rule 2017, political parties were required to furnish the commission with the list of contributors who donated or contributed an amount equal to or more than Rs100,000 to the political party for its election campaign expenses.

The judgement had regretted that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) confided that the TLP did not account for its funds and election expenses but surprisingly professed its helplessness because, according to the commission, the law was “cosmetic.”

The court order reproduced the contention of the attorney general (AG), who stated that the federal government had filed a civil review petition on behalf of the ministry of defence and another on behalf of the Intelligence Bureau, both of which the federal government wants to withdraw.

The review petitions were filed and have been kept pending for over four years and eight months. One does not expect the federal government to file frivolous applications and abuse the process of the court, the court observed.

The AG further stated that federal government has constituted a three-member committee comprising the additional secretary, ministry of defence, additional secretary, ministry of interior and director, Inter-Services Intelligence, to conduct an inquiry regarding the matters mentioned in the judgement.

The court was told that a special fact-finding committee has been constituted to ensure compliance of directions.

The committee has been tasked with conducting an inquiry and fixing responsibility of the TLP’s Faizabad sit-in.

The committee held its first meeting on Oct 26, and it is expected to submit a fact-finding report to the ministry of defence by Dec 1.

Another application of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) filed on March 11, 2019 in which the PTI had sought to be arrayed as a party.

On the last date of hearing, Syed Ali Zafar, representing PTI, had stated that, his party “does not want to press its application to become a party, as upon reflection, PTI has realised that judgement dated 06 February 2019 is in accordance with the law”.

Another application of Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, filed on March 7, 2019, to become a party in the matter, was also taken up by the apex court.

His counsel has since been appointed as a minister in the Balochistan government; therefore, on the last date of the hearing, the court asked him to engage another counsel or argue the application himself.

The court was told that the MQM-P is also not interested in pursuing the appeal.

An application filed by the ECP, comprising 59 pages, purports to show that the ECP had implemented the judgement and attaches a report of a ‘scrutiny committee,’ with the director general of law as its chairman, the director general of political finance, and the deputy controller general of accounts as its members.

The report of the scrutiny committee noted that the requisite information had not provided by TLP, and discrepancies, deficiencies, and abnormalities were observed in the affairs of TLP. TLP was called upon to provide, among other things, details of its bank accounts.

The report also noted that TLP had not disclosed the source of funds amounting to Rs15,86,324; however, TLP had stated that it did not want to disclose.

Despite its own said findings, the scrutiny committee concluded that no irregularity or abnormality was found. The report was submitted to the ECP, which, without considering these said findings, simply followed the recommendations of the scrutiny committee, and did so without its own independent application of mind.

The ECP also went on to categorised the said unaccounted-for amount, constituting about 30 per cent of the TLP’s total funding, as peanuts.

The ECP counsel stated that the commission might be given another opportunity to address the matter in accordance with the Election Act, 2017, and the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, seeking one month’s time to do the needful.

The court allowed the request, and further hearing in this matter has been adjourned till Nov 15.
 
The interim federal government has formed a three-member inquiry commission tasked with identifying persons responsible for Faizabad dharna 2017, AGP Mansoor Awan told the Supreme Court on Wednesday.

The inquiry commission will be led by former IGP Syed Akhtar Hussain Shah and will propose legal action against those it finds responsible for the sit-in that crippled routine life in Islamabad in 2017.

The apex court is hearing a set of review pleas challenging the February 2019 Faizabad judgment authored by now Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa.

The court had earlier rejected a fact-finding committee formed by the interim government for this purpose after all eight petitioners sought to withdraw their review pleas.

At the last hearing, three-member bench, led by CJP Qazi Faez Isa, put the caretaker federal government in a precarious position after it dismissed the fact-finding committee to ensure enforcement of the directives from the Faizabad dharna judgment delivered four years ago.

The turn of events had ignited a debate, raising the question of whether the present establishment will welcome the top court’s hand of justice and unearth the truth.

The general impression suggests that won't be the case as the powerful circles will prevent setting a precedent of holding individuals accountable, even if the accused wears a retired general's stripes.

At the centre of the last hearing held on Nov 1 was retired General Faiz Hameed, also cited in former Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) chief Absar Alam's affidavit for having meddled with the organisation's operations.

Notably, throughout the session, CJP Isa repeatedly grilled the current PEMRA Chairman Saleem Baig about who had ordered him to file a review petition against the Faizabad protest judgment.

He expressed an expectation in the judicial order for an investigation into the coincidence of review petitions filed by the government and other autonomous bodies in the same case.

It is pertinent to note that the case has a distinctive history of CJP Isa having been subjected to a 'tough time' from the then security establishment post-judgment.

Standing solitary, Isa fought back gracefully, even as his fellow jurists initially showed reluctance to rally behind him in difficult times.

However, the majority of judges finally stood with him and accepted the review petitions against ex-CJP Umar Ata Bandial's judgment to refer his family's property matter to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

Source: Express Tribune

 
Fawad Hassan Fawad summoned by Faizabad commission

ISLAMABAD: The commission constituted to probe the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP)’s sit-in staged at Faizabad in 2017 has summoned Fawad Hassan Fawad, former principal secretary to the prime minister, on December 5.

Official sources told Dawn that Mr Fawad, currently caretaker privatisation minister, was one of the participants of a meeting chaired by the then prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi that decided to hold talks with the TLP. At that time, he enjoyed all powers and the whole bureaucracy was at his beck and call, they added.

The commission headed by Dr Syed Akhtar Ali Shah will inquire about the participants of the meeting and the discussion that took place.

Mr Abbasi and former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal appeared before the commission on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. They were inquired about their’s and their offices’ role in the negotiations with the TLP and the decisions made at that time.

The commission has so far recorded the statements of then officials in the interior ministry who were dealing with the affairs of the Islamabad capital territory, former CPO Rawalpindi Israr Abbasi, former commissioner Rawalpindi, currently chief Secretary KP Nadeem Aslam, and former IGP Islamabad Dr Sultan Azam Temuri.

Meanwhile, caretaker interior minister Sarfraz Bugti said summoning former army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and ex-Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) director general Gen Faiz Hameed for investigation will not be beneficial for the country.

Replying to a question during an interview with Dawn News, the caretaker minister said the commission had been formed so it was not appropriate to comment on it. In his opinion, moving forward has always been beneficial for the country. When asked if he would facilitate the commission in summoning the former army officials, he replied “why would they ask us to facilitate? If they (Faiz and Bajwa) are called they would appear before the commission themselves, they are citizens of Pakistan.”

But will it be beneficial for Pakistan or not is a big question, the minister said, adding in his opinion this would not be beneficial for the country.

 
Faizabad sit-in probe panel summons ex-ISI DG

ISLAMABAD: The Faizabad Sit-In Commission has summoned former director general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt-Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed for a second time to record his statement next week, sources said on Friday.

They said that notices have been dispatched to the former ISI chief through the defence ministry. Although he was previously summoned by the commission in the second week of December, the notice could not be served in time, resulting in the retired general not appearing before the commission.

Now another notice has been sent via the defence ministry to Gen (retd) Faiz to appear before the commission next week and record his statement regarding the sit-in by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) in 2017 and assist the commission in gathering evidence in this matter.

The Faizabad sit-in refers to the protest in Faizabad Rawalpindi in November 2017 by the activists and supporters of the TLP. The Supreme Court had taken suo motu notice of the sit-in on November 21, 2017 and a division bench led by Justice Qazi Faez Isa on February 6, 2019 pronounced its verdict, criticising the role of intelligence agencies in the saga.

Soon after assuming the office of the chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) in September this year, Justice Isa listed for hearing the petitions that had been filed against the February 2019 verdict. However, most of the petitioners withdrew their petitions as a three-member bench led by Justice Isa took up the case.

Later, the Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) informed the bench that the government has established a three-member commission of inquiry. This commission is tasked with identifying individuals responsible for planning, financing, and supporting the sit-in. Furthermore, it will recommend legal actions against those who both planned and executed the protest.
 
Faizabad sit-in: services chiefs asked to penalise personnel

ISLAMABAD: In light of the Supreme Court's directives, Defence Secretary Lt Gen (retd) Hamooduz Zaman Khan has sent letters to the three services chiefs to take action against the officers and personnel involved in the case of the 2017 Faizabad sit-in staged by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).

In his written statement submitted to a three-member Faizabad sit-in inquiry commission, the defence secretary said he had written letters to the chiefs of army, navy and air force to take action against the officers and personnel involved in the TLP demonstration.

The commission, formed to identify those who planned, financed, and supported the sit-in at Islamabad’s Faizabad around six years back, has already questioned former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, ex-chairman of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) Absar Alam and former inspector general of police Punjab Arif Nawaz.

The body had also summoned PML-N president and former premier Shehbaz Sharif on January 3 in his capacity as the ex-chief minister of Punjab. However, Shehbaz failed to appear before the commission and asked it to send him a questionnaire pertaining to the inquiry they wanted to conduct.

The inquiry body has to submit its report to the top court on January 22.

It will also recommend legal actions against those who both planned and executed the protest.

Earlier, former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) director general Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed submitted his written statement to the commission.

While giving his statement, Faiz answered the questions given by the commission, in which he said that he had negotiated with the TLP on the instructions of the government.

Faiz denied the allegations of any conspiracy against the government.

Constituted under Section 3 of the Pakistan Commission of Inquiry Act, 2017, the commission is led by Syed Akhtar Ali Shah, a former civil servant, who also served as the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa police chief.

It also comprises Tahir Alam Khan, also a former police officer, and Khushal Khan, an additional secretary at the interior ministry.

The TLP, then led by Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi, had staged the sit-in in protest against the changes made in the lawmakers’ oath, affirming their belief that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the last messenger of God.

As a result of the protest, the PML-N government had to sack its law minister Zahid Hamid. The Supreme Court had taken suo motu notice of the sit-in on Nov 21, 2017.
 
Dharna commission suggests laws to regulate spy agencies

The Faizabad dharna commission, formed to investigate the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan’s (TLP) 2017 sit-in, has sent its report to the federal government recommending, among other things, legislation and drafting of rules and SOPs to regulate the working of intelligence agencies.

Sources told Dawn the report also noted that the involvement of the army or its affiliated agency in civilian matters adversely affects the fair image of the institution.

“Army is a sacred arm of the state, therefore to avoid criticism, the institution may not be involved in public matters. This task may be assigned to [the Intelligence Bureau] and civil administration,” it said.

The commission also advised against using the paramilitary FC and Rangers in the urban areas.

The three-member body, headed by retired police officer Syed Akhtar Ali Shah and consisting of former IGP Islamabad Tahir Alam Khan and Additional Interior Secretary Khushal Khan, also called for “zero tolerance” towards violent extremism and suggested the government review its policies to address the root causes of the menace.

The commission was constituted under the Pakistan Commission of Inquiry Act 2017 to ensure compliance with the February 6, 2019, apex court verdict, authored by then-Justice Qazi Faez Isa.

The report said that the fallout from the Faizabad dharna was “more due to lack of courage of conviction of the leader handling the issue and in particular the government of Punjab”.

It recalled that while there was an agreement on the part of the government and official institutions to resolve the matter through negotiations and avoidance of the use of force. Initially, the federal government took the stance that the Punjab government should deal with the issue within its jurisdiction, but the government of Punjab maintained that since they had accepted 11 out of the 12 demands of the protesters.

Since the demonstrators’ final grievance pertained to the Centre, the provincial government argued that they should be allowed to proceed to Islamabad. The Punjab government reportedly assured the Centre that the demonstrators would peacefully disperse after registering their protest.

The commission also noted that since no one from among the then-PM, former ministers for law, interior and the former Punjab chief minister accused intelligence agencies of facilitating the protesters, nor was any evidence furnished to this effect, the commission could not connect any organisation or state official with the TLP dharna.

‘Dynamics of religious militancy’

The report also compared the agreement with the TLP with those signed with militant groups in the 2000s. “Without analysing the dynamics of religious militancy, government, as always, is only trying a quick fix rather than addressing the root cause and such a tendency has never worked in the past and will not work in the future … the inking of agreement on the terms of protesters and similar agreements in the past with other militant groups might have found a temporary solution to a deep-rooted problem,” the report said while calling for a review of approach in dealing with violent extremism. It also called for an effective system to curb terror financing.

According to the report, there should be coordination among law enforcement agencies, Pemra, and the interior ministry to surveil social media against “injurious material in violation of law”.

The commission also observed omissions in implementing the National Action Plan and sought to “strengthen the anti-terror agencies through basic reforms in the criminal justice system”.

It also called for action against those involved in terrorism and other crimes during the 21-day sit-in and said that cases “may be re-opened and investigated and taken to a logical conclusion”.

The report also noted that the Mustafa Impex case ruling, which diluted the executive authority of the PM, may be revisited.

The Islamabad Capital Territory may be given the status of a province with full administrative and financial authority and the Police Order 2002 may be implemented in the capital, it added.

DAWN
 
Where is Mr Qazi now?
====
The Faizabad sit-in commission has given a clean chit to the country's spy agencies as well as former spymaster Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, it emerged on Tuesday.

The commission observed that former high-ups of provincial and federal governments did not accuse the agencies or any other officials of extending facilitation to Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protestors.

The commission further noted that no evidence was brought before the inquiry body.

However, the three-member inquiry commission has held the political leadership, including the then Punjab chief minister – incumbent Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif – among others, responsible for letting the TLP protestors enter the federal capital without any resistance due to fear of threats to their lives and “apprehension of losing their vote bank”.

“Since no one including the former Prime Minister, former Interior Minister, former law Minister, and former Chief Minister of Punjab, accused intelligence agencies or any other official of the agency for extending facilitation to the protestors nor other evidence was brought forward, therefore, the Commission could not connect any organization or state official in supporting TLP to organise the dharna."

During the inquiry, the commission’s report read, Shahid Khaqan Abbassi, Ahsan Iqbal, Zahid Hamid, Shehbaz Sharif, and then Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Aftab Sultan were asked specifically about the alleged role of agencies in facilitating the march.

“They all denied the role of any organ or person of the state to have indulged in such an activity,” the report stated.

“Commission observed that Lt Gen (R) Faiz Hameed, the then Maj Gen DG (C) ISI, on the behalf of security establishment had to sign the agreement as a mediator between two parties which was with the permission of DG ISI and COAS,” the report read, adding this was also concurred by then-interior minister Ahsan Iqbal and PM Abbasi.

The report further stated that the then interior minister told the commission that having no other alternative; the federal government had used the services of ISI in order to reach out to the leadership of TLP and finally signed an agreement upon which the protestors dispersed.

Source: Dawn News
 
Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Tuesday said police had launched operation against Faizabad sit-in on court order instead of his government.

He said the then Punjab government did not hurdle the sit-in and his government wanted the sit-in should proceed.

The former premier said he had no proof pertaining to the Faizabad sit-in, adding most of the questions of the inquiry commission on Faizabad sit-in were meaningless.

The three-member commission set up on the orders of the Supreme Court has issued its 149-page report.

The commission absolved former director-general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), retired Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, of the charges.

The commission cited various loopholes in the handling of the issue and drafted recommendations after evaluating the circumstances related to the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan's sit-in at Faizabad.

The report highlights the role of the Islamabad Police, the Ministry of Interior, the Punjab government, the ISI and the IB, and contains details of matters related to former law minister Zahid Hamid.


Dunya News
 
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has demanded the immediate public release of the report from the Faizabad Dharna Commission. They have emphasized the necessity of taking action against those implicated in accordance with the commission's recommendations.

A spokesperson for Tehreek-e-Insaf stated that the contents of the Faizabad Dharna Commission's report, as revealed by various journalistic sources, are significant from multiple perspectives. They asserted that it is the fundamental right of the nation to be aware of the authenticated contents of this report, and it should be made public without delay.

The spokesperson highlighted that the commission has held Shehbaz Sharif and his Punjab government responsible based on the testimonies of Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Ahsan Iqbal, key figures in the previous government's cabinet. They urged Shehbaz Sharif to answer to the nation for their alleged criminal shortcomings.

Additionally, the spokesperson urged the Supreme Court to order the registration of criminal cases against Shehbaz Sharif and his cabinet in light of the Dharna Commission's recommendations. They criticized the previous government, alleging a pattern of deceit and dishonesty behind closed doors.

The spokesperson further criticized the practice of concealing crimes and protecting those responsible by suppressing reports of commissions formed on significant national and government matters. They emphasized that such actions resemble a criminal usurpation of power and cannot be allowed to continue.

Regarding the commission's recommendations on the role of secret agencies and institutions in politics, the spokesperson stressed the importance of revealing this reality to the nation. They called for the Chief Justice of Pakistan to release the report to the public and implement the commission's recommendations, including taking action against those found responsible.

Source: Public News
 
Report ‘only blames politicians’

Leaders from the two main parties in the ruling coalition have slammed the Faizabad dharna commission’s report, saying that it only places responsibility on politicians, while the PTI termed it a charge sheet against the sitting prime minister.

Reacting to the report, a PTI spokesperson called for action against the then-Punjab government, especially Shehbaz Sharif, who the party said was guilty of dereliction of duty and misconduct in view of the report.

However, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday criticised the report, saying that it had “no authenticity or credibility”.

In an interview with senior journalist Asma Shirazi, the defence minister said that the report had no value and its authors should reflect and ask themselves if they have fulfilled their duty or not. He said the report was not credible because both the main characters in the episode did not appear in front of the commission to answer its questions for the report, an apparent reference to former army chief retired Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and then-ISI DG (C) retired Lt Gen Faiz Hameed.

“Why were these people not presented? Their absence makes this report incomplete,” the minister said, adding that the pair had “all sorts of power” during the period under investigation by the commission.

Separately, former Senate chairman and veteran PPP leader Raza Rabbani called the report “a non-starter”.

“It chose to close the matter while avoiding further controversy and avoided to fix any responsibility, Mr Rabbani noted, adding: “It has tried to shift the burden on the civilian government of Punjab, exonerating the then DGs of Rangers and ISI.”

Meanwhile, the PTI called on the chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) to make the Faizabad dharna commission report public and issue orders regarding the execution of the commission’s recommendations in order to bring the culprits to justice.

The party has demanded the apex court to issue orders to register criminal cases against Shehbaz Sharif and his cabinet in view of the recommendations of the commission.

SOURCE: DAWN
 
Faizabad dharna commission: Shehbaz Sharif’s statement revealed

Former chief minister Punjab Shehbaz Sharif has denied receiving any intelligence report regarding the ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) when he was in power.

In his statement to the probe commission, then CM Punjab Shehbaz Sharif said that Faizabad sit-in was not expected at that time.

He mentioned that instructions were given to local authorities in Rawalpindi, including the deputy commissioner, commissioner, city police officer, and regional police officer, by the sub-committee on peace and security to provide all possible support to the Islamabad administration.

As part of the agreement, cases against TLP leaders and activists were planned to be withdrawn after due process of law, he informed the probe committee.

“It was agreed in the agreement between the TLP and the federal government that the cases against TLP leaders and workers will be withdrawn after legal procedures,” said the ex-CM.

Faizabad commission report


The commission in its report said that the common perception was that the sit-in was aimed at destabilising then federal government.

However, then-prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, interior minister Ahsan Iqbal, then-Punjab chief minister – incumbent Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif maintained opposite views regarding a conspiracy against the government, the report revealed.

Zahid Hamid, who was serving as law minister in 2017 and then director general of IB Aftab Sultan had also similar views, it added.

The commission also sent a questionnaire to former ISI chief Faiz Hameed. When asked if a state institution was involved in helping stage the Faizabad sit-in, he said that there was no evidence of institutions’ role in the sit-in.

Meanwhile, the report stated that the inquiry commission faced challenges in obtaining records from the relevant departments regarding the sit-in.

The Faizabad commission also faced administrative issues including funds and acquiring office premises.

The report revealed that the Home Ministry secretaries were continuously resorting to delaying tactics to provide records.

The commission had sought records from the Home Ministry and the then inspector general (IG) of Punjab, however, it received the records from the Information Ministry and IB.

Citing the obtained records, the Faizabad commission said that a high-level meeting was presided over by former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in November 2017.

During the meeting, it was decided to resume talks with the protesters, the report said, adding that General retired Faiz Hameed, with cooperation from the Home Ministry, was made responsible to hold talks with the protesters.

The then director general of Rangers was given overall command of the matters related to the sit-in, the report noted.

Ex-ISI chief given clean chit


The inquiry commission, constituted to investigate the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) sit-in staged at Faizabad Interchange in Islamabad in 2017, gave clean chit to former spy chief Faiz Hameed.

Ex-PEMRA chief Absar Alam – in response submitted to Supreme Court – said that former ISI chief Faiz Hameed pressurized the media regulatory authority during Faizabad sit-in.

Absar Alam stated that Ex-ISI chief General retired Faiz Hameed pressurized him to take action against senior journalist Najam Sethi and ban the former US ambassador Husain Haqqani however his demands were not met.

The commission maintained that the then DG ISI and Army Chief had given permission to Faiz Hameed for the agreement. The report added that then Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal were also taken on board for the agreement.

The sit-in

On November 8, 2017, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) organised a sit-in at Faizabad against the amendments in the Election Bill 2017, changing the word oath to declaration.

The protesters demanded the resignation of the then-Minister for Law and Justice Zahid Hamid to “protect the identity of the country”.

As a result of the protest, the then PML-N government had to sack its law minister Zahid Hamid. The Supreme Court had taken suo motu notice of the sit-in on November 21, 2017.

 
Centre, Punjab’s failure led to Faizabad sit-in: commission

The commission probing the 2017 Faizabad sit-in has termed it the failure of then Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led federal and Punjab governments, ARY News reported.

The inquiry commission in its findings revealed that then Punjab government led by Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif – incumbent Prime Minister – did not attempt to stop the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protest in the province.

According to the report, the provincial government allowed free movement of the protesters and also provided security to the gathering.

The report said that Punjab government was hesitant to take action against the protesters owing to threats to the lives of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, Rana Sanaullah and other government officials.

The Punjab government was relieved after the protesters entered Islamabad as the Shehbaz Sharif-led provincial government wanted the centre to deal with the matters related to the Faizabad sit-in.

However, the Islamabad administration was overwhelmed by the approaching situation amid the free movement of the protesters into the capital city, the report stated.

As per the report’s findings, then Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and the Punjab CM had a heated verbal exchange during a meeting as they disagreed on the resignation of then Law Minister Zahid Hamid.

The report revealed that Sharif had pushed for the resignation of Hamid while Shahid Khaqan Abbasi opposed the decision.

The commission termed it one of the few reasons, both Punjab and Centre failed to counter the Faizabad sit-in on time.

The probe commission said that the Islamabad and Punjab police’s November 25, 2017, operation was a complete failure as the move resulted in creating further chaos.

According to the report, both the government were trading blames as the protesters continued to put them under pressure.

Meanwhile, the commission rebuked the reports of a conspiracy against the government, saying that the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) interfered in the matter on the directives of the Centre.

The probe commission also cited the minutes of the November 22, 2017, meeting presided over by PM Abbasi to refute the claims of conspiracy to distabilise the government.

The Faizabad inquiry commission went on to add that then DGC of ISI was given responsibility to engage the protesters under Article 245.

The DGC of ISI signed on the agreement after the TLP protesters insisted on including the then Army Chief in the agreement, the report added.

 
So the Nooras themselves played a full part in the dharna and much quoted money given was given with the full agreement of NS and SS. Will Isa the clownish crook call out SS and NS🤣🤣🤣
 
CJP expresses resentment on Faizabad sit-in report

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Qazi Faez Isa on Monday expressed his resentment over the Faizabad sit-in inquiry report.


The Supreme Court resumed hearing of the federal government’s review petition in the dharna case after a special commission, formed to investigate the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan’s (TLP) Faizabad sit-in, dispatched its report to the government.

Headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, the bench also comprised Justice Irfan Saadat Khan and Justice Naeem Akhtar Awan.

At the outset of the hearing, the top judge asked what was new in the report. The committee has recommended laws are present, implementation is needed, he remarked.

“Thank you very much for telling us about implementation.” The CJP asked was TLP was asked to record their statement as he could not see their input in the report.

Expressing his anger over the report, the CJP said that the commission just submitted the report with idioms in it.

He questioned how many times Faiz Hameed was referred to. “It seems that all this was done just to exonerate General Faiz,” he observed. The CJP asked how many times Gen (retd) Faiz was summoned, to which, the AGP said “once”.

AGP Awan said that they had sent a questionnaire to Gen (retd) Faiz and he had sent his answers.

How Rana Sanaullah be held responsible, he was not a bureaucrat, the top judge observed.

The report submitted with the SC is like the stuff of the 5th class with ‘wrong English’.

“May 9 could have been avoided if the Faizabad case verdict of 2019 was implemented.”

Later the hearing was adjourned for an indefinite period.

What was in the report?

The commission probing the 2017 Faizabad sit-in termed it the failure of the then Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led federal and Punjab governments.

The inquiry commission in its findings revealed that then Punjab government led by Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif – incumbent Prime Minister – did not attempt to stop the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protest in the province.

According to the report, the provincial government allowed free movement of the protesters and also provided security to the gathering.

The report said that the Punjab government was hesitant to take action against the protesters owing to threats to the lives of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, Rana Sanaullah and other government officials.

The Punjab government was relieved after the protesters entered Islamabad as the Shehbaz Sharif-led provincial government wanted the centre to deal with the matters related to the Faizabad sit-in.

Faizabad sit-in

Back on November 08, 2017, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) organized a sit-in at Faizabad interchange against the amendments in the Election Bill 2017, changing the word oath to declaration.

The protesters demanded the resignation of then Minister for Law and Justice Zahid Hamid to “protect the identity of the country”.

As a result of the protest, the then PML-N government had to sack its law minister Zahid Hamid. The Supreme Court had taken suo motu notice of the sit-in on November 21, 2017.

Later, a division bench led by Justice Qazi Faez Isa on February 6, 2019, unveiled its verdict in the sit-in case, criticizing the role of intelligence agencies in the saga.

Soon after assuming office of the chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) in September this year, Justice Isa listed for hearing the petitions that had been filed against the SC’s February 2019 verdict.

On Nov 1, the bench rejected the fact-finding committee formed by the government to investigate the matter and ordered it to form a commission of inquiry to unveil the mastermind behind the sit-in.

 
CJP expresses resentment on Faizabad sit-in report

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Qazi Faez Isa on Monday expressed his resentment over the Faizabad sit-in inquiry report.


The Supreme Court resumed hearing of the federal government’s review petition in the dharna case after a special commission, formed to investigate the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan’s (TLP) Faizabad sit-in, dispatched its report to the government.

Headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, the bench also comprised Justice Irfan Saadat Khan and Justice Naeem Akhtar Awan.

At the outset of the hearing, the top judge asked what was new in the report. The committee has recommended laws are present, implementation is needed, he remarked.

“Thank you very much for telling us about implementation.” The CJP asked was TLP was asked to record their statement as he could not see their input in the report.

Expressing his anger over the report, the CJP said that the commission just submitted the report with idioms in it.

He questioned how many times Faiz Hameed was referred to. “It seems that all this was done just to exonerate General Faiz,” he observed. The CJP asked how many times Gen (retd) Faiz was summoned, to which, the AGP said “once”.

AGP Awan said that they had sent a questionnaire to Gen (retd) Faiz and he had sent his answers.

How Rana Sanaullah be held responsible, he was not a bureaucrat, the top judge observed.

The report submitted with the SC is like the stuff of the 5th class with ‘wrong English’.

“May 9 could have been avoided if the Faizabad case verdict of 2019 was implemented.”

Later the hearing was adjourned for an indefinite period.

What was in the report?

The commission probing the 2017 Faizabad sit-in termed it the failure of the then Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led federal and Punjab governments.

The inquiry commission in its findings revealed that then Punjab government led by Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif – incumbent Prime Minister – did not attempt to stop the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protest in the province.

According to the report, the provincial government allowed free movement of the protesters and also provided security to the gathering.

The report said that the Punjab government was hesitant to take action against the protesters owing to threats to the lives of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, Rana Sanaullah and other government officials.

The Punjab government was relieved after the protesters entered Islamabad as the Shehbaz Sharif-led provincial government wanted the centre to deal with the matters related to the Faizabad sit-in.

Faizabad sit-in

Back on November 08, 2017, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) organized a sit-in at Faizabad interchange against the amendments in the Election Bill 2017, changing the word oath to declaration.

The protesters demanded the resignation of then Minister for Law and Justice Zahid Hamid to “protect the identity of the country”.

As a result of the protest, the then PML-N government had to sack its law minister Zahid Hamid. The Supreme Court had taken suo motu notice of the sit-in on November 21, 2017.

Later, a division bench led by Justice Qazi Faez Isa on February 6, 2019, unveiled its verdict in the sit-in case, criticizing the role of intelligence agencies in the saga.

Soon after assuming office of the chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) in September this year, Justice Isa listed for hearing the petitions that had been filed against the SC’s February 2019 verdict.

On Nov 1, the bench rejected the fact-finding committee formed by the government to investigate the matter and ordered it to form a commission of inquiry to unveil the mastermind behind the sit-in.

He gets a commission from the people he put into power and they dont give the report he wanted. His own narrative is blown apart and anyone with ghairat would have resigned. But there will be no resignation, and he has no shame.
 
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Cabinet expresses dissatisfaction over Faizabad commission report​

The federal cabinet on Tuesday expressed dissatisfaction over the report submitted by an inquiry commission formed to investigate the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan’s (TLP) 2017 Faizabad sit-in, observing that the commission had not adhered to the Terms of Reference (ToR).

The commission constituted to probe the 2017 Faizabad sit-in was constituted under the Pakistan Commission of Inquiry Act 2017 to ensure compliance with the February 6, 2019, apex court verdict, authored by then-Justice Qazi Faez Isa.

Although the primary objective of setting up the Faizabad commission was to fix responsibility for the failures that led to the TLP sit-in spiralling out of control, the commission’s report had stopped short of placing the blame directly on any individual’s shoulders.

The commission noted that since no one from among the then-prime minister, former ministers for law and interior and the former Punjab chief minister had accused intelligence agencies of facilitating the protesters, nor was any evidence furnished to this effect, the commission could not connect any organisation or state official with the TLP dharna.

Today’s federal cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, directed the formation of a special cabinet committee that would submit its recommendations on the matter.

Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Awan submitted an inquiry report on the matter and gave a detailed briefing to the cabinet, the PM Office said in a press release.

The Supreme Court previously criticised the report, describing it as “replete with clichés, platitudes, and homilies, often as a substitute for substance”.

A three-page order issued by the Supreme Court had noted that the commission’s report did not address the ToRs. The court observed that the report was biased and did not consider other aspects of the judgment and orders subsequently passed by the court.

The commission’s report was also criticised for exonerating the perpetrators of violence and castigating those at the political helm. The SC noted the report preferred the statement of one person over the testimony of another without explanation, demonstrating bias and compromising the commission’s impartiality.

Leaders from the two main parties in the ruling coalition had also slammed the report, saying that it only placed responsibility on politicians.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had said that it had “no authenticity or credibility” while former Senate chairman and veteran PPP leader Raza Rabbani had called the report “a non-starter”.

“It chose to close the matter while avoiding further controversy and avoided to fix any responsibility,” Rabbani noted, adding: “It has tried to shift the burden on the civilian government of Punjab, exonerating the then DGs of Rangers and ISI.”

 
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