ICC name hosts of mega events to be held from 2016 to 2023

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the names of the hosts for its various mega events to be played between 2016 and 2023.

According to sources, cricket’s Big Three have distributed the hosting of all cricket events among themselves.

The World Twenty20 would be hosted by India in 2016 while Australia would host the Champions Trophy in 2017.

The One-day International World Cup would be played in England in 2019 and the World T20 would be held in Australia in 2020

Later, India will host two mega events – Champions Trophy in 2021 and World Cup in 2023.

SHC takes Musharraf’s name off ECL, allows 15 days for appeal

 

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court on Thursday struck down former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf’s name from the Exit Control List (ECL), observing that mere pendency of civil or criminal cases against a citizen was no ground to deny him the fundamental right of travelling within or outside the country.
However, the court suspended the operation of judgment for 15 days observing that since the court order was self-executory, therefore the respondents, if they so desire, may file an appeal with the Supreme Court.

A division bench of the court headed by Justice Mohammad Ali Mazhar observed in his detailed judgment on the former president’s petition that it was the fundamental right of a citizen to travel abroad and the abridgement of that right be tested on the touchstone of guaranteed under Article 2-A, 4, 9, 15 and 25 of the Constitution.

The court observed that no reason was communicated to the petitioner as to why his name had been placed on the ECL whereas a plethora of judgments were available in which such type of actions were considered arbitrary, unjust and violative of fundamental rights.

The court observed that it was also a well-settled law that mere pendency of civil or criminal cases against a citizen was no ground to deny him the fundamental right of traveling within or outside Pakistan. And after granting bail by the competent court the custody is regulated by such court of law, it further observed.

“Merely on apprehension that the petitioner will not return to Pakistan is no ground for depriving him of exercising his fundamental right,” the court observed in judgment.“No plea was taken that the reasons were not assigned in the public interest rather we are of the view that in the cases of high treason the public interest at large is involved to know the reasons for prosecuting the accused of high treason,” the court observed.

Brushing aside the apprehension of Attorney General for Pakistan who argued that if Musharraf was allowed to leave the country he will not return like Husain Haqqani, the court observed that the courts of the country were not helpless even in past and there were various examples in which the apex court of the country passed orders to ensure the custody of accused persons so that they may be tried such as the cases of Sharukh Jatoi and Tauqir Sadiq etc.

The court observed that the attorney general although quoted the case of Husain Haqqani, he did not point out any efforts made by the federation to ensure his presence in the country.The court observed that the petitioner was also involved in four other criminal cases in which extradition would not be denied in any treaty with any foreign country.

“If in any case, the accused has absconded, the law is not helpless but a procedure to deal with such situation is already provided under the Criminal Procedure Code and other relevant laws,” the court observed.

Regarding the Supreme Court’s interim order for placement of Musharraf’s name on the ECL, the court observed that the order containing the direction for putting the name of General (R) Pervez Musharraf on the ECL was of an interim nature which was merged in the final order and it does not survive after the final adjudication.

The court observed that the Supreme Court did not extend or continue the placement of Musharraf’s name on the ECL may be for the reasons that the federal government had already placed his name on ECL prior to the court direction on April 5, 2013.

The court observed that it was a well-settled principle that once a final order was passed, all earlier interim orders merge into the final order and the interims orders cease to exist.Attorney General for Pakistan Salman Butt had earlier argued before the court that the government could not take the risk by allowing Musharraf, who is facing high treason charges, to travel abroad unless the Supreme Court’s order regarding embargo on its traveling outside the country was modified or vacated. The AGP submitted that high treason was a political crime and once Musharraf was allowed to travel abroad he could not be brought back due to relaxed extradition laws in the other countries on such crime. He said if Musharraf moved abroad high treason proceedings would come to a standstill for an indefinite period.

Musharraf’s counsel Farogh Naseem submitted that the Special Court had not placed any restriction on the petitioner’s traveling abroad and his client should be allowed to travel abroad on medical grounds as the federal law officer had not filed any rebuttal on the medical report of the petitioner in which it stated that the petitioner had fracture in the vertebra and recommended that either surgery be performed in Dubai, North America or in Europe.

He said the attorney general himself admitted that high treason was a political crime and thus mala fide on part of the government could not be ruled out. He submitted that equal treatment may be given to every citizen either he is a petitioner or any other person while deciding the cases pertaining to restriction on traveling abroad.

Musharraf through his attorney Brigadier (R) Akhtar Zamin submitted in the petition that the federal government imposed ban on his traveling abroad on April 5, 2013 without giving any justified reason for placement of his name on the ECL.

SHC orders removal of Musharraf's name from ECL

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday ordered the removal of former military ruler Pervez Musharraf´s name from the Exit Control List (ECL), however the court has suspended the operation of its order for 15 days.

During this 15 day period, the government may appeal before the Supreme Court against the order. If the government does not appeal in the stipulated time, Musharraf will be free to travel.

A two-judge bench of the SHC comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Shahnawaz Tariq delivered the verdict on the petition against the placement of Musharraf’s name on the ECL.

"The court has allowed our appeal and ordered to strike down Musharraf´s name from the Exit Control List. The order will be executed after 15 days," said Musharraf’s lawyer Farogh Naseem.

The delayed execution of the order "will give time to the government to appeal in a superior court if they so desire," he added.

The court had reserved its order on May 29 after the defending counsel Barrister Dr Farogh Naseem, Attorney General of Pakistan Salman Aslam Butt and advocate Maulvi Iqbal Haider, who became a party in the case in favour of keeping Musharraf’s name in the ECL had completed their arguments.

It may be mentioned that the federal government had opposed the petition of the former president and contended that his name had been placed in the ECL on the direction of the Supreme Court in high treason case and high court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain and adjudicate the matter.

Musharraf, 70, flew to Karachi in April to undergo medical tests. He has said he wants the travel ban lifted so he can visit his sick mother in Dubai, but many in Pakistan see it as a ruse to flee the country and avoid the litany of criminal cases against him dating back to his 1999-2008 tenure.

Musharraf was indicted for treason in March over his imposition of emergency rule in 2007 -- a case seen as a test of civilian authority in a country long dominated by the military. He also faces several murder cases.

Legal experts’ remarks on removal of Musharraf name from ECL

KARACHI: The Supreme Court of Pakistan could extend the suspension of Sindh High Court orders for 15 more days in which the Sindh High Court ordered lifting travel ban on former military dictator Pervez Musharraf, legal experts said on Thursday.

The SHC while directing the government to lift travel ban on Musharraf further ruled that implementation of its order—removal of accused name from the Exit Control List (ECL)--- be suspended for 15-days so that the government may file appeal before the apex court.

“It seems the ball is now in the court of Supreme Court as it has to make a final decision,” says Justice (retd) Wajihuddin, former judge of the top court.

Eminent lawyer SM Zafar said that the Musharraf’s path to travel abroad will be clear if the government didn’t move the apex court against SHC decision.

Justice (retd) Tariq Mehmood said that although the reasons that were stated to put Musharraf on ECL were not substantial, the issue is now once again in the government’s hand.

Another law expert Babar Sattar said that the government will have to make a legal and political decision to resolve the imminent issue.

AG says govt cannot risk removing Musharraf’s name from ECL

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court heard a petition pertaining to removing the name of former President General (retd) Pervez Musharraf from the Exit Control List (ECL).

The petition was heard by a two member bench headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar.

In his arguments, Attorney General Salman Aslam Butt said the government could not risk removing the name of the former president from the ECL.

The SHC has reserved its decision on removing Musharraf’s name from the ECL till May 31 stating that the lawyers of the parties should submit their documents in the court.

Why Musharraf’s name can’t be removed from ECL

 

ISLAMABAD: The law ministry had a detailed study of General (retd) Musharraf’s request to get his name removed from the ECL, and reached the conclusion that such a request could not be favourably entertained by the government because of multiple reasons.
Not only that a Supreme Court direction is a major hurdle in letting Musharraf go out of Pakistan, such a concession offered to Musharraf would be in violation of the fundamental rights, besides being against the public interest.

According to sources, the major hurdle in the removal of Musharraf’s name from the ECL is the April 8th, 2013 direction of the Supreme Court in the Moulvi Iqbal Haider vs. Federation of Pakistan case, which reads as: “The Counsel representing the petitioners particularly Mr A K Dogar and Mr Hamid Khan have submitted that the respondent General Retd Pervaiz Musharraf be taken into custody to ensure that he remains available within the country for the purpose of trial under Article 6 of the Constitution read with the provisions of High Treason (Punishment) Act, 1973. We are, however, of the opinion that in the first instance, notice of these petitions be served on the said respondent for tomorrow. The Inspector General of Police, Islamabad, and, if necessary, the Inspectors General of Police in the provinces, shall ensure service on the aforesaid respondent. The Secretary, Interior shall also make sure that if the name of the aforesaid respondent General Retd. Pervaiz Musharraf is not already on the Exit Control List, this shall be done forthwith and a compliance report of this order shall be submitted in Court during the course of the day. The Federation and all its functionaries shall also ensure that the respondent does not move out of the jurisdiction of Pakistan until this order is varied/modified.”

Although, on July 3rd, 2013, the SC disposed of the above-mentioned petition, the law ministry believes that the federal government cannot remove Musharraf’s name from the ECL unless the order dated April 8th, 2013 is recalled, varied or modified by the apex court.

In the December 2013 ECL case of Musharraf, the Sindh High Court was told by the then Attorney General Munir A Malik that the Supreme Court had directed that in case Musharraf’s name was not on the ECL, it should be placed on the ECL. Following the arguments of both the sides, the SHC rejected Musharraf’s plea to get his name removed from the ECL while explicitly mentioning the reference made by the attorney general.

According to the law ministry’s advice, recently submitted to the government in the wake of order dated April 8th, 2013 passed by the SC Musharraf’s name cannot be removed for the following reasons:

a) The SC has specifically ordered, “The Federation and all its functionaries shall also ensure that the respondent does not move out of the jurisdiction of Pakistan until this order is varied/modified.”

b) Despite the disposal of relevant petitions, the order dated April 8th, 2013 still holds the field and has binding effect as also argued by the attorney general and accepted by the SHC.

c) Gen (retd) Musharraf is facing multiple charges in various courts of different federating units. In any case, whether he is on bail or otherwise, it remains a legal obligation of the federal government to ensure his appearance and production before the concerned courts in order to fulfil the mandate of Article 9, 10 and 10A of the Constitution. His absence from Pakistan may gravely prejudice the rights of private complainants who have reposed their confidence in the judicial system of Pakistan.

d) Gen (retd) Musharraf is also being tried for the offence of High Treason under Article 6 of the Constitution before the Special Court where in the course of 36 hearings his attendance could be produced only twice for one reason or the other. Prima facie, it appears that the accused may be avoiding trial. In the interest of justice and to fulfil a constitutional obligation to take the trial to its logical conclusion and to ensure substantial compliance of Article 9, 10 and 10A of the Constitution, it is imperative that he remains present in the country. His absence from Pakistan will cause grave and serious prejudice to the ends of justice by impeding the trials.

e) Sending him abroad will amount to creating an exception which will impinge upon the fundamental right of equal treatment guaranteed by Article 25 to all other persons facing trials and would be against public interest.

f) Allowing him to leave the country by an executive order may raise serious legal questions about the role and intentions of the executive branch leading to multiple litigations costing the public exchequer.

g) Furthermore, it has been reported in the press that the government has very graciously offered him air ambulance, etc., to bring his mother to her homeland and to provide best medical facilities.

Freedom of citizens can’t be usurped in name of security: CJ

 

ISLAMABAD: The Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Tassaduq Hussain Jillani, on Friday said citizens’ freedom could not be allowed to be seized in the name of national security.
The chief justice was addressing a full court reference held here at the Supreme Court on the eve of retirement of Justice Khilji Arif Hussain.The chief justice said: “While fighting terrorism and protecting democracy, we need to strike a proper balance between the conflicting values and principles i.e. the value of security of the state and individual rights.” He said such rights could not justify undermining the national security.

He said the court, in its endeavour to strike a balance between the conflicting values, often attracted criticism from both sides.“Those standing for human rights may contend that the court gives too much protection to security and ignores human rights; those who speak of security concerns may allege that the court is tilted towards human rights rather than security. These comments should not deter us from upholding the rule of law and the canons of democracy,” the CJ maintained.

He said as the country faced a multitude of battles against terrorism, against sectarian violence and ethnic cleansing of minorities and on weakened rights for women and children, it is their duty as a pillar of the state to hold fast to belief in the seminal values of the rule of law, of human dignity, of tolerance and of compassion.

Justice Jillani further said the Constitution makers wanted to implement social, economic and political justice for which vision had been embedded in the Constitution through fundamental rights and the principles of policy.

“To ensure that these goals are pursued by each organ of the state; that no organ acts beyond the role assigned to it under the Constitution and the law, as also to protect people from arbitrary rule, the judiciary has been entrusted with the sacred task to arbiter between the state and the individual, between the individuals inter se, and to issue appropriate directions, where the rights or the laws are being violated.”

He further said the constitutional pledge of independence of judiciary and the constitutional command that all state institutions shall comply with the orders passed by the Supreme Court are all means towards the ultimate goal of dispensing said social, economic and political justice—(Article 189).

Paying rich tribute to Justice Khilji Arif Hussain, he said as could be seen from his legal opinions, judgments and general demeanour as a judge throughout the course of his career, Justice Arif Khilji had devoted his prudent insight, legal acumen and insightful mind to the development of the rule of law in the country.

His judgments have reiterated the importance of several constitutional principles of the utmost value to the judiciary such as that of the tri-chotomy of powers and the independence of the judiciary,” the CJ said.

Justice Khilji Arif Hussain said today the Supreme Court was an inevitable institution for the common man, independent in action and free in thoughts, showing strength, excellence and courage under most demanding circumstances.

Justice Khilji said it had been through the most difficult and turbulent periods in the history of Pakistan and ultimately acquired the reputation of protector of the Constitution, democracy, rule of law and guardian of fundamental rights of the people of Pakistan.

“Let me assure you that the aims and objectives of every judgment of this court are to enforce the Constitution and to protect the fundamental rights of the people of Pakistan,” he added.He said whenever he got depressed while looking at the institutions his colleagues gave him the courage saying that leaves of autumn sprinkle fragrance, giving a message of green leaves.

Justice Khilji expressed thanks and gratitude to the Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani and his colleague judges for their inspirational support while he was at the bench.

He said he was also thankful for their generosity, which enabled him to cherish many useful experiences.Kamran Murtaza, Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President, also addressed the full court reference.

Waheeda Rehman was against wearing bikini and changing name

 

Waheeda Rehman said, “I had incorporated a clause in the contract that I would have the final say on the costumes.”

Veteran actress Waheeda Rehman said that she was clear on two things when she started her film career – one that she will not wear a bikini and other that she would not change her name as was the phenomenon at that point of a time.

Though some actresses of her times featured in films wearing a bikini, feels she did not have the figure to carry it well.

The book titled ‘Conversations with Waheeda Rehman’ by author Nasreen Munni Kabir was launched this evening by the actress.

“I remember when I was working with Guru Dutt I had incorporated a clause in the contract that I would have the final say on the costumes and won’t wear costumes that I don’t like. He (Guru Dutt) wanted me to watch his films which I did, but I was adamant about having the clause,” Rehman said at the book launch event here.

“I didn’t want to wear a bikini as I feel I don’t have the figure. In fact I have never worn a sleeveless blouse also be it in films or in my personal life,” she said.

When asked about today’s actresses, who wear bikini on screen, Rehman says that times have changed and that those who have figure can afford to wear it.

Rehman was also sure she won’t change her name as was the case that time with actors like Dilip Kumar, Madhubala and others.

“People told me my name was long and lengthy and had asked me to change it. That time change of name was a fashion then as actors like Dilip Kumar, Madhubala, Meena Kumari had changed their names. I was adamant that I will not change my name as it was given by my parents,” she added.

Of all the roles that she portrayed on screen the character of Rosie from the film Guide was something that Rehman liked a lot.

  

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“I think I was destined to play Rosie as Vijay Anand and Satyajit Ray both were contemplating to make a film like this. But it was Vijay who made it. I got the chance to dance as no one thought I could do it. The role was different as most of them were not ready to play the role of a married woman, who lives with another man as she is abandoned by her husband,” Rehman said.

“I wanted to play a different kind of roles. I am glad this part came to me. It was challenging and I loved doing this film,” she said.

ECC allows RPPs to operate under new name

 

ISLAMABAD: The Nawaz Sharif government has approved the revival of the Rental Power Plants under the new name of Short-Term Independent Power Plants (STIPPs).
The Economic Coordination Committee, which met here on Thursday with Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar in the chair, has accorded approval to the new policy under the subject of “Utilisation of the existing available generation capacity - short-term IPPs”.The News on March 22 broke the news that the government had decided to revive the Rental Power Plants (RPPs) under a new name to beat the power crisis.

The ECC has now approved the summary of the Ministry of Water and Power for utilisation of the existing available generation capacity from short-term IPPs subject to the fact that it is not in violation of the Supreme Court’s judgment announced on March 30, 2012.

It is pertinent to mention that the power generation equipment imported under another scheme was declared illegal by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in its judgment. In order to avoid obsolescence of such plants and machinery and to avoid monetary claims under arbitration, these plants and machinery can be utilised to add 200MW of electricity.

Those RPPs which will get clearance from the NAB will become short-term IPPs and then they will get tariff and generation licence from Nepra to generate electricity.

The more interesting disclosure is that the Ministry of Water and Power had worked out 400MW electricity to be generated, but now it has been decided that the government will get only 200MW of electricity from the STIPPs.

One of the top officials of the Ministry of Water and Power said the government wanted to oblige those RPPs which are their favourite ones and for this the ministry wants to clear the three RPPs that include the Gulf Power Limited (70MW), Reshma Power Limited (90MW) and Techno Power Limited (100MW) for short-term minister of water and power has approved this proposal. He said if it happens then there would be no level playing field for other RPPs, which can also be converted into STIPPs.

However, under the ECC decision, the project company will obtain generation licence and tariff determination from Nepra, which will also determine the terms and conditions of tariff. The tariff will be determined on take-and-pay basis and electricity actually delivered to the national grid.

The short-term IPPs may have an option to sell electricity to the bulk consumers like housing societies, industrial parks, etc. without the government guarantees and obligation of the public entities to buy all of the generated electricity. As per the summary the term of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) will be of 3 year and the draft of PPA will be prepared by NTDCL for short-term IPPs for approval of the ECC. The project company will have to obtain ‘no objection’ certificate from NAB for utilisation of plant and machinery.

Unconditionally and irrecoverable waiver of claims of arbitration against the government and its entities shall be eligible under the short-term IPPs framework.

The ECC also approved export of 250,000 metric tons of sugar by sugar mills from the surplus sugar stock with conditions that export quota will be allocated on first-come-first-served basis; export may be made against irrecoverable letter of credit or a contract with 25% non-refundable advance payment and that shipment may be made within 45 days of the registration of contract with the SBP, and the non-refundable advance payment to be forfeited in favour of the government of Pakistan in case of non-performance.

The official said that the country has surplus sugar which the industry wants to export to ensure payments to the sugarcane growers.

In the meeting, the finance minister also directed ministry of industries and production to ensure outstanding payments to sugarcane growers by sugar mills in coordination with the provinces.

The ECC approved the summary of the Finance Division for import of 0.125 million tons of urea fertiliser for the incoming Kharif (April to September season) 2014 in order to meet the demand as recommended by the ministry of national food security.

This import will not impact the foreign exchange reserves, as it will be done through ITFC. The finance minister on the occasion said that the earlier decision of the ECC to maintain the retail price of Rs1786 per bag must be ensured in the local market.

He said the ministries of food security and industries & production should work in coordination with the provinces for the agreed price. The ECC also constituted a four-member committee comprising ministers for water and power, petroleum and natural resources, food security and industries and production to sort out the issue of supply of required gas to the local urea manufacturers.

The ECC approved the summary of the Aviation Division for release of an amount equivalent to US $29.9 million to PIAC for acquisition of aircraft on dry lease. PIA intends to lease eight A320S offered by Qatar Aviation Lease Company through international tender. These aircraft will be available from April 2014. The minister cautioned the management of PIA that it cannot go outside the tender and should ensure that all the requirements are met and relevant rules must be followed.

The ECC also considered the summary of the ministry of commerce regarding lifting of ban on the import of gold. The ECC directed the Commerce Ministry to resubmit the summary, incorporating the guidelines provided by ECC, in the third week of April for consideration.

Meera Chopra Uses PC's Name For Publicity?

Meera Chopra may be Priyanka's cousin but her murky past that included an affair with a married man whose wife was found dead under mysterious circumstances has prompted PC to keep a distance. However, Meera Chopra negates this and claims that they are close and share an 'emotional bonding'. "Priyanka and I are of same age. We are close," Meera said. With PC not warming up to these feelers, this looks more like Meera's ploy to garner publicity using her famous cousin's name.

Meeting reviewed status of transfer of properties in name of PTCL

ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar chaired a meeting with senior officials of the Privatization Commission and Ministry of Finance which reviewed the status of transfer of properties in the name of PTCL at the Finance Ministry Monday.

The Minister was informed by Chairman Privatization Commission, Mohammad Zubair that out of 131 outstanding properties as on June 23, 2013, 68 properties have been transferred in favour of PTCL.

Whereas, the transfer of the remaining properties is also in progress.

He said that the Commission is in contact with the provincial governments for early transfer of properties.

The Finance Minister, after detailed briefing, directed Privatization Commission to accelerate the process in order to deliver on the commitments of the government for expeditious transfer of properties to PTCL.

He emphasized that this will secure the release of outstanding payment from the management of PTCL.

Finance Secretary Dr. Waqar Masood, Secretary Privatization Amjad Ali Khan, Advisor to Finance Ministry, Rana Asad Amin and Special Assistant to Finance Minister, Shahid Mahmood also attended the meeting.