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SC order: Govt forms new JIT to probe Arshad Sharif murder

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  • ISI, MI officials included in new JIT.
  • JIT directed to submit periodic reports.
  • CJP says court wants transparent probe.

ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Thursday shared the names of the members of a new joint investigation team (JIT) formed to probe the murder of journalist Arshad Sharif with the Supreme Court.

The government has proposed new names for the team after the apex court Wednesday rejected a JIT formed earlier by Islamabad Police and ordered that an “independent” team be constituted to probe the case.

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial is heading a five-member bench that is hearing the suo motu case into the gruesome murder of journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya on October 23.

The Kenyan authorities had claimed the journalist was killed in a mistaken identity case after which the African country’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) launched an investigation, the findings of which have not been released as yet.

Sharif fled Pakistan citing threats to his life after a number of treason cases were filed against him.

The apex court took notice and sought responses from the ministries of foreign and interior.

At the outset of today’s hearing, the federal government informed the court that a new JIT has been formed including DIG Islamabad Owais Ahmed, Director Cybercrime FIA Waqaruddin Syed, Sajid Kayani from Intelligence Bureau, Murtaza Afzal from Military Intelligence and Mohammad Aslam from Inter-Services Intelligence.

“We have received the response from the Foreign Office. According to Interior Ministry, the cabinet has asked the foreign minister to contact his Kenyan counterpart,” CJP Bandial said, adding, “The court doesn’t want o get involved in the administrative matters before investigations”.

At this, Additional Attorney General (AAG) Chaudhry Amir Rehman told the bench that they were launching the investigation into the murder immediately and the JIT would first record the statement of the slain journalist’s mother.

“The JIT will probe all the relevant persons in Pakistan and then start investigations in Kenya,” the AAG added.

The chief justice said that the court just wanted an impartial and transparent investigation. “The JIT can approach the Supreme Court in case it faces any hurdle in its investigation.”

Another member of the bench, Justice Mazahar Ali Naqvi inquired whether people named in the FIR would surrender.

At this, Justice Aijazul Ahsan said that those mentioned in the FIR can only be brought back through Interpol. “Once the JIT spins into actoin it can contact the agency.”

“How much time the investigation will take?,” Justice Mohammad Ali Mazhar asked.

To this, the AAG responded that the duration of the investigation depends upon the level of assistance provided by the Kenyan authorities.

The chief justice then directed the JIT to submit a progress report fortnightly.

The Supreme Court said that the panel has been formed in light of FIR and the office of SSP Operation Islamabad will provide assistance to the JIT.

“The investigation team will try its best to complete the work soon,” the AAG said.

“It is also possible that the accused appear themselves, and if they do not appear, legal action can be taken against them,” said Justice Mazahar Naqvi.

AAG Amir Rehman said the real issue is the role of the Kenyan police and the investigation conducted by them.

The Supreme Court said the JIT would use the option of mutual legal cooperation between the two countries and adjourned the hearing of the case till the first week of January.

While issuing directives to the JIT to submit periodic reports, the apex court asked it to inform the court in writing in case it faces any problems.

“JIT would submit progress reports to judges in chambers for review,” the SC stated.

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Reaction to the PTI protest call by Fazlur Rehman

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Maulana Fazlur Rehman, speaking on a private television station, said that the PTI is always coming to the streets, which really lessens the impact of a protest.

He also suggested to the PTI leadership that rather than carrying on with the agitation, it should finally put a hard hand down, which would be the final nail in the coffin.

He continued, citing the JUI protests as an example, saying, “We had a strong grip over our protesters and workers, so neither road was closed nor any property damage occurred during protests.”

The PTI has the right to protest, but Maulana Fazlur Rehman described the party’s agitation strategy as insufficient, stating that it is currently being “exposed which maynot be a good sign’.

Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, promised not to go back home unless the PTI founder was freed. During their demonstration, Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, encouraged the party officials to come up with strategies to avoid being arrested.

According to an alleged audio recording, she stated that November 24 will be a loyalty test for PTI members.

Additionally, the government of Islamabad has enforced section 144 for a period of two months, which prohibits processions, rallies, demonstrations, and meetings of five or more individuals in the city.

As per the notification, the prohibition forbade meetings in any public space inside the boundaries of Islamabad, including the Red Zone, which encompasses important government buildings, diplomatic missions, and other sensitive sites.

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PTI representatives conjecture in the media over Imran’s approval of bail: FIA investigator

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The hearing on the PTI founder’s bail application in the Toshakhana-2 case has resumed at the Islamabad High Court (IHC), with Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb serving as the presider.

The hearing was attended by the defense attorney, Barrister Salman Safdar, and FIA prosecutor Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi.

Judge Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb told the FIA prosecutor to “leave the media alone and exempt yourself from them” in order to avoid commenting on the media. The statement followed the prosecutor’s assertion that the bail would be granted, which had previously been reported by media sources.

In addition, the court questioned whether the receipts in question were issued in the name of Bushra Bibi or the PTI founder itself. Bushra Bibi’s name was on the receipts listed in the challan, according to Barrister Salman Safdar.

Defense arguments
The defense expressed displeasure about the case’s 3.5-year registration wait. The prosecution has swore in Sohaib Abbasi and made Inamullah Shah a crucial witness without requiring them to take an oath.

Barrister Salman Safdar highlighted that multiple agencies, including NAB, FIA, Police, and the Election Commission, have initiated actions related to the Toshakhana case, suggesting procedural redundancy.

Regarding a phony Toshakhana receipt, he contended, the Kohsar Police Station has also filed a case.

Position of the prosecution
The FIA prosecutor, Umair Majeed Malik, maintained that the valuation of the jewelry set mentioned in the case would be explained in the prosecution’s evidence.Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb remarked, “If the media does not spread sensationalism, how will they conduct their business?” He dismissed rumors about his health, stating that he was present and hearing the case despite such reports.

Status of Co-Accused
The court was informed that Bushra Bibi, a co-accused in the case, is currently on interim bail and awaiting a decision by Judge Afzal Majuka. Barrister Salman Safdar expressed hope that Judge Majuka would soon announce his verdict.

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Naqvi visits Fazl to express gratitude for contributions to the 26th amendment.

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Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi convened with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman to deliberate on issues of shared concern and the current political landscape in the nation.

In today’s meeting in Islamabad, Mr. Naqvi asked about Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s health and sent his best wishes for the JUI chief’s well-being and future pursuits.

Naqvi extended his appreciation to Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his crucial contribution to the enactment of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which he characterised as a significant milestone in Pakistan’s legislative history.

Following the meeting, Naqvi commended Mr. Fazlur Rehman’s commitment to the nation, asserting, “Maulana Fazlur Rehman has consistently prioritised Pakistan’s interests, and his contributions to the country are indispensable.”

The experienced politician reaffirmed his dedication to Pakistan and its populace, stating, “Our priority has consistently been Pakistan and the well-being of its citizens.”

Senator Kamran Murtaza attended the meeting.

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