Bonus for finance officials challenged
As the proceedings commenced, Justice Ishaq asked what grievance the petitioner had if the government had announced the incentive. The petitioner's counsel responded that the state, under the Constitution, could not play a discriminatory role, adding that preparation of the budget is the prime responsibility of the employees of the finance ministry, which they render once in a year.
On the other hand, employees of other institutions work throughout the year but no such honorarium is announced for them, which is a discriminatory act, the counsel contended.
The counsel requested the court to set aside the notification issued in this regard by declaring the decision as discriminatory and unlawful.
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Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Express Tribune
Punjab MPAs may strike decorum deal
Listen to article Key representatives from both treasury and opposition benches are likely to establish Terms of Reference (ToRs) in the coming days, aimed at regulating the future proceedings of the Punjab Assembly and discouraging humiliation, abusive exchanges and violent conduct between lawmakers. The development follows an initial consultative meeting between Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan and 26 suspended MPAs of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over disqualification references filed against them. Both sides reportedly agreed to form a joint committee of senior members to make the consultation process more effective and to explore constitutional, legal and parliamentary solutions to the impasse. It is worth mentioning that Speaker Khan had received disqualification references against these currently suspended MPAs under Article 63(2) read with Article 113 of the Constitution. It is his constitutional obligation to decide on these references within 30 days, as stipulated in the said provisions. Accordingly, the speaker had summoned the suspended MPAs for a hearing under Article 10-A of the Constitution by July 11 (yesterday) in his chamber at the Punjab Assembly. A reliable source, speaking to The Express Tribune on the condition of anonymity, said that the speaker's move to suspend 26 MPAs and subsequently refer the matter to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) served a dual purpose: first, it helped dispel perceptions within his party of him favouring the opposition; second, it brought the opposition to the negotiating table under the pretext of the disqualification reference, thereby creating space to frame mutually agreed-upon TORs. The source added that the meeting atmosphere was cordial, and a second round of talks may be held on Sunday or the following day. Both sides may nominate three or four members each to form the joint committee tasked with drafting TORs to ensure that members refrain from abusive, humiliating, or violent conduct. A key point being considered is that every member should be heard respectfully in the House, without interruptions, before any responses are made. If the opposition still feels compelled to protest, they may do so in line with democratic parliamentary norms and without resorting to derogatory language or physical disruption. The treasury is still debating whether the TORs should specifically mention Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz by name, ensuring that her speeches, along with those of Leader of the Opposition Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar and others, proceed without disruption, or whether the document should adopt a broader principle stating that all members' speeches are to be respected and disruptions will be dealt with strictly. According to the source, the opposition may find it difficult to remain calm during Maryam Nawaz's speeches. However, they are expected to acknowledge that while protest is their democratic right, they do not support abusive or violent conduct. In future sessions, they may restrict protests to their designated benches rather than assembling in front of the speaker's dais. First round of meeting During the first round of talks chaired by Speaker Khan in his chamber, treasury representatives and the suspended PTI MPAs, led by Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, proposed initiating mutual dialogue. The speaker welcomed this proposal warmly. Speaker Khan began the meeting by referencing past political regimes and then stressed the importance of democratic conduct within the assembly. "Dialogue and consultation are the essence of parliamentary democracy. Every disagreement can be resolved through a positive, dignified, and constitutional approach," the speaker said. Both sides demonstrated a willingness to set aside their differences and proceed in accordance with democratic norms. Background Speaker Khan has often been viewed as sympathetic to the opposition, regularly allowing their members sufficient time to speak during proceedings, including on points of order. He has also been noted for at times taking a stern tone with treasury members. Over time, this approach led to a growing perception among treasury lawmakers that the speaker was disproportionately favouring the opposition. They argued that he should limit the opposition's floor time and adopt a more stringent posture. However, Speaker Khan maintained that it was necessary to carry both sides along and that taking punitive action on minor infractions was not appropriate. While his conciliatory approach was appreciated by the opposition, it created unease within the treasury benches. Eventually, the treasury began ignoring the opposition's protests and disruptions in the House, especially during speeches by CM Maryam Nawaz. At times, opposition lawmakers were even seen confined to their seats rather than protesting in front of the speaker's dais. The speaker and the treasury had long urged the opposition to maintain peace and decorum during the chief minister's addresses. However, the opposition appeared to take advantage of the speaker's leniency, praising his neutrality while continuing to disrupt proceedings during Maryam Nawaz's speeches, despite assurances to the contrary. This tension peaked during the recent budget session. On June 27, when CM Maryam Nawaz delivered her address, the opposition appeared especially aggressive, possibly emboldened by the Supreme Court's decision on the reserved seats issue. Speaker Khan was under pressure to maintain order, while the treasury expected the opposition to honour past understandings. However, the apex court's ruling changed the atmosphere drastically. The opposition left no stone unturned in disrupting the CM's speech, prompting the speaker to move forward with disqualification references. The speaker's decision to initiate the references attracted public criticism, with many arguing that PTI had already been politically cornered. Several PML-N lawmakers also advised the speaker to resolve the matter within the assembly, rather than escalating it to the ECP.
Business Recorder
3 hours ago
- Business Recorder
NHP issue: Gandapur seeks PM's backing for ‘innovative' solution
ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur has sought Prime Minister's support in out-of-the-box solution to Net Hydel Profit (NHP) issue pending resolution between Wapda and provinces. In a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he sought his attention to Article 161(2) of the Constitution, which mandates that the net profits earned from a hydroelectric station shall be paid to the entitled province at a rate determined by the Council of Common Interests (CCI). The Kazi Committee Methodology (KCM) was approved by the CCI in January 1991 and to that effect the first payment of Rs. 6 billion was made to the then North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) in 1992. The KCM was also endorsed by the National Finance Commission (NFC), upheld by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 1997, and repeatedly reaffirmed in CCI meetings held in 1991, 1993, 1997, 1998, 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2022. NHP methodology, power projects' transfer: Wapda, provinces continue to have serious differences Recognizing the financial challenges faced by the GoKP, the Federal Government introduced an 'interim arrangement,' which was duly endorsed by the CCI in 2016. This arrangement provided for NHP payments at a rate of Rs. 1.10/kWh with a 5% annual indexation, incorporated into Wapda's generation tariff, impacting the consumer tariff by approximately 18 paisa per unit. Accordingly, Wapda began making payments to Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; however, these payments have not been made consistently as per the agreed arrangement. This has resulted in an outstanding shortfall of Rs. 75 billion for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Subsequently, in response to a summary moved by the Provincial Government for the full implementation of KCM, the CCI, in its 37th meeting held on April 24, 2018, constituted a committee under the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission (DCPC) to deliberate on the determination of net profit rates in light of CCI decisions. This committee presented its report in December 2019, which was endorsed by the CCI. The report confirmed Rs. 128 billion as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's rightful share and Rs. 52 billion for Punjab for FY 2016-17, based on KCM. Subsequently, another committee was constituted to propose an 'Out-of-the-Box' solution for the payment of Net Hydel Profit to the entitled provinces. According to the Chief Minister, the 'Out-of-the-box' committee has held five meetings, wherein it was decided that all stakeholders would submit their proposals. The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has already shared its proposal with the Planning Commission. The Chief Minister further stated that given the severe financial constraints facing the province, it is imperative to expedite the resolution of this matter. He urged the Prime Minister Office to direct the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission to convene a meeting of the 'Out-of- the-Box' Committee at the earliest to ensure a just and equitable resolution, hoping that PM's leadership would facilitate this process and be instrumental in securing the rightful share of resources for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in line with constitutional provisions and prior CCI decisions. 'I remain confident that, under your (PM Shehbaz Sharif) leadership, we can navigate these challenges and ensure a fair and transparent resolution that upholds the principles of justice and equity for all stakeholders, 'Gandapur added. The KPK government has proposed a second interim arrangement to settle the outstanding dues by increasing the electricity tariff by Rs.1/kWh. Additionally, the province reiterated its earlier stance of transferring the hydro power stations to the respective provinces. Regarding delay in NHP payments, the GoKP argued that Wapda is no longer revenue collecting agency for the power sector, as CPPA-G is acting as a collecting agency of the Federal Government, therefore, the payment should be made by CPPA-G, under Power Division. The government of KP presented following three proposals: Proposal i: payment of NHP by Federal Govt. as guaranteed under Article 161 (2) of the Constitution, Presidential Order No 3, decisions of CCI from 1993 to 2022 and subsequent calculations made by Jehanzeb Committee in the report approved by CCI December 23, 2019. Federal government may consider financing of power component of a hydro power station from PSDP on the analogy of Dam component. So that the revenues generated may be made available for NHP payments to the entitled provinces: Proposal ii: transfer the existing Hydro Power stations, currently owned by Wapda, to the respective provinces, as was previously proposed by GoPb. The Power Generation Policies of 1995 and 2015 otherwise allow transfer of power stations to the provinces. Federal government may pay the outstanding NHP payments as per KCM to the provinces till the transfer of hydro power stations to the provinces. O&M can be retained by Wapda. Proposal III: Till the finalization options, the Federal Government may announce a 2nd interim arrangement of NHP payment by increasing consumer end tariff by Re1/KWh to generate the requisite funds. Provincial government suggests that Instead of Wapda, CPPA-G may directly pay NHP to the entitled provinces through ESCROW account. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
7 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Notices in military courts convictions issued
Fateh Khan, Fazal Ghaffar and Tajir Gul had been convicted of carrying our terror attacks in the country by military courts. CREATIVE: AAMIR KHAN A two-member bench of the Peshawar High Court (PHC), comprising Justice Sahibzada Asadullah and Justice Khurshid Iqbal, has issued notices to the relevant authorities in response to appeals filed by individuals convicted by military courts in connection with the May 9 riots. The appellants hail from Bannu, Chakdara, and Balambat in Lower Dir, and their legal counsel has challenged the legality and transparency of their convictions. The appeals, filed against the sentences handed down by military courts under the Field General Court Martial (FGCM), argue that the convicts were denied a fair trial and not provided with verdict copies or related legal documents. During the hearing, the appellants were represented by Barrister Amirullah Chamkani, who told the court that the convictions and subsequent prison terms – ranging from two to 10 years – were based on allegedly unlawful trials. According to Chamkani, his clients include Rahimullah, Izzat Gul, Naik Muhammad, Khalid Nawaz, Ikramullah, Ameenullah, Saqlain Haider, Khizar Hayat, and Afaq from Bannu, who were sentenced to 10 years each. Sohrab Khan and Asadullah Durrani from Balambat received two-year terms, while Rais Ahmad and another individual named Ikramullah from Chakdara were sentenced to four years. All were charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) for allegedly protesting against the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and damaging state properties, including security installations and police stations. The lawyer noted that although similar charges were faced by other protestors, many of them were tried in anti-terrorism courts and were acquitted due to lack of evidence. In contrast, the current appellants were handed over to military courts without any explanation, raising serious concerns about selective prosecution and lack of due process. He emphasized that under Pakistan's Constitution, specifically Article 10-A, every citizen is entitled to a fair trial and access to necessary legal documentation, including a written copy of the verdict. However, the appellants were neither given formal charges nor informed of the exact nature of their alleged offenses. Chamkani argued that the appellants only became aware of their sentences after the statutory period for appeal had lapsed, effectively denying them their legal right to challenge the convictions in a timely manner. Moreover, he pointed out that none of the appellants were directly named in the original FIRs; their names were added at a later stage without any disclosed basis. Despite several efforts to obtain clarity from authorities and request documentation, their concerns have been met with silence, further undermining the legitimacy of the process. Citing a recent Supreme Court observation, the counsel stressed that while military trials of civilians were upheld, the apex court maintained that such convicts must have the right to appeal. Since no appeal forum currently exists for military court convictions, he asserted that the high court has jurisdiction to hear the matter. Concluding his argument, Chamkani requested the court to declare the military court convictions null and void and to direct that the cases be tried afresh in accordance with civil laws and constitutional guarantees. After hearing the preliminary arguments, the PHC issued notices to the Secretary of Defence, the Field General Court Martial, the federal government.
