The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday (Jul 12) declared Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) eligible for seats reserved for women and minorities in the National Assembly, dealing a major setback to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s ruling coalition.

The verdict was announced by a 13-member bench of the top court, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa.

PTI-backed candidates, who had contested and won the February 8 elections as independents after their party was stripped of its election symbol, had joined the&nbsp;Sunni Ittehad Council&nbsp;(SIC) to form a coalition of convenience.

The top court on Friday&nbsp;annulled the decision of the Peshawar High Court while also declaring the decision of the Election Commission of Pakistan “null and void”, terming it “against the Constitution of Pakistan.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-imran-khan-wife-bushra-to-remain-in-jail-as-court-denies-bail-in-illegal-marriage-case-735813">Imran Khan, wife Bushra to remain in jail as court denies bail in illegal marriage case</a>

“[The] withdrawal of election symbol cannot disqualify a political party from elections,” the court declared. “The PTI was and is a political party.”

The decision, announced by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, was made based on a majority of eight judges out of 13.

The court has also recognised the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) as a parliamentary party while recognising its candidates as theirs and acknowledging that their right to contest was obfuscated.

The court has also maintained that those members of assemblies, who did not join the SIC will get a total of 15 days to declare their allegiances and for the party to submit an acceptance as well.

This would, if in case there were no defections, make the PTI the single largest party in the assembly however it would still be short of the magic number of 169 to topple or attain the government.&nbsp;

The government coalition would continue to enjoy a majority in the assembly. However, this verdict can cause unease among the coalition partners as it would allow them to flex their muscles more.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday (Jul 12) declared Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) eligible for seats reserved for women and minorities in the National Assembly, dealing a major setback to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s ruling coalition.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday (Jul 12) declared Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) eligible for seats reserved for women and minorities in the National Assembly, dealing a major setback to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s ruling coalition. The verdict was announced by a 13-member bench of the top court, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa. PTI-backed candidates, who had contested and won the February 8 elections as independents after their party was stripped of its election symbol, had joined the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) to form a coalition of convenience. The top court on Friday annulled the decision of the Peshawar High Court while also declaring the decision of the Election Commission of Pakistan “null and void”, terming it “against the Constitution of Pakistan.” Also read | Imran Khan, wife Bushra to remain in jail as court denies bail in illegal marriage case “[The] withdrawal of election symbol cannot disqualify a political party from elections,” the court declared. “The PTI was and is a political party.” The decision, announced by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, was made based on a majority of eight judges out of 13. The court has also recognised the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) as a parliamentary party while recognising its candidates as theirs and acknowledging that their right to contest was obfuscated. The court has also maintained that those members of assemblies, who did not join the SIC will get a total of 15 days to declare their allegiances and for the party to submit an acceptance as well. This would, if in case there were no defections, make the PTI the single largest party in the assembly however it would still be short of the magic number of 169 to topple or attain the government. The government coalition would continue to enjoy a majority in the assembly. However, this verdict can cause unease among the coalition partners as it would allow them to flex their muscles more.

Pakistan's Supreme Court rules in favour of PTI for being eligible for reserved seats in Parliament

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ayaz Sadiq has been elected as the new speaker of the National Assembly (NA) on Friday after the conclusion of the voting process. Watch in for more details!

Pakistan: PML-N's Ayaz Sadiq elected as national assembly speaker

Three weeks after Pakistan's National elections, the new house was sworn in today. From 'Aayi Aayi PTI' to 'Sher Aaya', sloganeering took centre stage. Anas Mallick reports from the ground.

First session of Pakistan's newly-elected national assembly

Pakistan political churn: National Assembly meets again, to elect speaker; deputy speaker

Pakistan: PML-N nominated Ayaz Sadiq elected as speaker of lower house

The 16th National Assembly of Pakistan came into effect on Thursday (Feb 29) with newly-elected members being sworn in. According to Pakistani media, newly-elected lawmakers took oath at the session which was chaired by Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf.

The 16th National Assembly of Pakistan came into effect on Thursday (Feb 29) with newly-elected members being sworn in. According to Pakistani media, newly-elected lawmakers took oath at the session which was chaired by Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf. The developments comes as the convening session, which is required to be held on the 21st day after the elections, was surrounded by uncertainty after President Arif Alvi stressed the allocation of reserved seats before the session, a report by Geo News said. President Alvi had convened the inaugural session at 10 am Thursday. "The President has convened the National Assembly session expecting that the reserved seats would be allocated to the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) according to their strength in the House," an official statement said. Also read | Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party asks IMF to consider nation’s instability in further bailout talks The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has allocated reserved seats to political parties, Geo News reported. However, it has not awarded reserved quota to the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed independent candidates joined the party. Here's a look at the top updates: > All 284 members of the assembly signed the role of member register on Thursday after taking oath. > Thursday's inaugural session started after an hour's delay with the recitation of the Quran. > According to a report by the Dawn, slogans were raised in the assembly by PTI and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) lawmakers. The report said that PML-N leaders raised slogans of “Ghari-chor” (wristwatch thief) in a reference to the Toshakhana case against Imran Khan while PTI leaders said "Who will save Pakistan? Imran Khan...Imran Khan." نواز شریف اور شہباز شریف دستخط کرنے آئے تو ایوان میں ” چور چور “ کے نعرے لگ گئے#مینڈیٹ_چور_بےشرم_لوگ pic.twitter.com/IcuQKxoopQ — PTI (@PTIofficial) February 29, 2024 × > PML-M supremo Nawaz Sharif and the party's prime ministerial nominee Shehbaz Sharif entered the assembly and were greeted with slogans supporting and opposing them. Both the Sharif brothers took oath. Also watch | PPP and PML-N agree to form coalition government in Pakistan × > Before the inaugural session began, members of the US Congress called on the Joe Biden administration to withhold recognition of a new government in Pakistan until an investigation determined that the February 8 general elections were not rigged. > In a post on X, Congressman Greg Casar shared a letter signed by him and 30 other lawmakers. The letter urged Pakistani authorities to release anyone who had been detained for engaging in political speech and activity and tasked the US State Department officials in Pakistan with gathering information about such cases and advocating for their release. > The letter also said that it should be made clear to Islamabad that American law "provides for accountability for acts that violate human rights, undermine democracy, or further corruption, including the potential for military and other cooperation to be halted." (With inputs from agencies)

16th Pakistan National Assembly comes into effect, new lawmakers sworn in

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, confirmed on Friday that he had sent a letter to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) demanding that it hold an audit of the election results before approving any new loan for Islamabad.

Pakistan: Jailed Imran Khan pens letter to IMF on eve of National Assembly session

The National Assembly Secretariat has convened the lower house of parliament's session on February 29 at 10pm following President Arif Alvi's refusal. Watch in for more details!

Pakistan National Assembly session: Pak Parliament to meet on February 29

Pakistan: Speaker 'convenes' national assembly session on February 29

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday (August 3) told his coalition partners that the National Assembly (NA) would be dissolved on August 9, reported Geo News.

NA is the lower house of the Pakistani Parliament. Its dissolution is followed by the installation of a caretaker government and general elections within 60 days.

PM Shehbaz is expected to talk to the Leader of the Opposition Raja Riaz over the caretaker prime minister on Friday (August 4). He told his partners during a dinner that the talks with the opposition leader are expected to end within two to three days.

<h2>When will elections be held?</h2>

The tenure of the NA will end on August 12. According to Pakistan’s constitution, elections are to be conducted within 60 days of the dissolution of the lower house.&nbsp;

The window is extended to 90 days if the NA is dissolved way before the completion of its tenure.

Watch:&nbsp;Bilawal Bhutto reacts to rising terror threat from Afghanistan

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Now, a summary will be moved in the NA to dissolve the lower house on August 9. In any case, the Election Commission of Pakistan will be liable to conduct general elections within 90 days of the dissolution.

It is expected that elections in Pakistan could be held in the early days of November 2023.

<h2>What happens next?</h2>

Last month, Prime Minister Shehbaz established a five-member committee within the Pakistan Muslim League (N) or PMNL party, to engage in discussions regarding the appointment of an interim prime minister and the dissolution of the National Assembly, as reported by The News.

While the provincial assemblies of Sindh and Balochistan are also scheduled for dissolution alongside the National Assembly next week, it's noteworthy that the committee exclusively consists of members from the Punjab region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-wants-normal-ties-with-pak-but-new-delhi-reacts-to-shehbaz-sharifs-no-war-comment-622114">Also read:&nbsp;India wants normal ties with Pak but...: New Delhi reacts to Shehbaz Sharif`s `no war` comment</a>

This committee, led by federal ministers Ishaq Dar, Ahsan Iqbal, Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and Khawaja Muhammad Asif, has been assigned the responsibility of consulting with the various political parties and groups that make up the current government.

As per the constitution, both the prime minister as the leader of the House and the leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly are required to initiate these consultations. Should they be unable to reach an agreement, the matter would be referred to a parliamentary committee, which would be formed by the Speaker of the National Assembly.

If the parliamentary committee also fails to select an interim Prime Minister, the final authority to make this selection would lie with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

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Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday (August 3) told his coalition partners that the National Assembly (NA) would be dissolved on August 9, reported Geo News.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday (August 3) told his coalition partners that the National Assembly (NA) would be dissolved on August 9, reported Geo News. NA is the lower house of the Pakistani Parliament. Its dissolution is followed by the installation of a caretaker government and general elections within 60 days. PM Shehbaz is expected to talk to the Leader of the Opposition Raja Riaz over the caretaker prime minister on Friday (August 4). He told his partners during a dinner that the talks with the opposition leader are expected to end within two to three days. When will elections be held? The tenure of the NA will end on August 12. According to Pakistan’s constitution, elections are to be conducted within 60 days of the dissolution of the lower house. The window is extended to 90 days if the NA is dissolved way before the completion of its tenure. Watch: Bilawal Bhutto reacts to rising terror threat from Afghanistan × Now, a summary will be moved in the NA to dissolve the lower house on August 9. In any case, the Election Commission of Pakistan will be liable to conduct general elections within 90 days of the dissolution. It is expected that elections in Pakistan could be held in the early days of November 2023. What happens next? Last month, Prime Minister Shehbaz established a five-member committee within the Pakistan Muslim League (N) or PMNL party, to engage in discussions regarding the appointment of an interim prime minister and the dissolution of the National Assembly, as reported by The News. While the provincial assemblies of Sindh and Balochistan are also scheduled for dissolution alongside the National Assembly next week, it's noteworthy that the committee exclusively consists of members from the Punjab region. Also read: India wants normal ties with Pak but...: New Delhi reacts to Shehbaz Sharif`s `no war` comment This committee, led by federal ministers Ishaq Dar, Ahsan Iqbal, Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and Khawaja Muhammad Asif, has been assigned the responsibility of consulting with the various political parties and groups that make up the current government. As per the constitution, both the prime minister as the leader of the House and the leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly are required to initiate these consultations. Should they be unable to reach an agreement, the matter would be referred to a parliamentary committee, which would be formed by the Speaker of the National Assembly. If the parliamentary committee also fails to select an interim Prime Minister, the final authority to make this selection would lie with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Pak National Assembly to be dissolved on August 9, elections to be held within 90 days

Pakistan’s National Assembly on Sunday passed a bill to limit the lifetime disqualification of lawmakers to five years, possibly paving the way for the return of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from London to resume active politics ahead of general elections this year. Sharif, 73, was disqualified for life in 2017 by the Supreme Court and later convicted in corruption cases by the accountability courts. In 2018, the three-time former premier became ineligible to hold public office for life after a Supreme Court verdict in the Panama Papers case.

Pakistan National Assembly passes bill to limit disqualification period of lawmakers

Pakistan's National Assembly on Saturday elected Raja Parvaiz&nbsp;Ashraf as Speaker of the House.

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Raja Pervaiz Ashraf took oath as the 22nd Speaker of the National Assembly of 🇵🇰.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NASession?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NASession</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AyazSadiq122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AyazSadiq122</a> <a href="https://t.co/avDZVzLhX4">pic.twitter.com/avDZVzLhX4</a>
— National Assembly of Pakistan🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) <a href="https://twitter.com/NAofPakistan/status/1515257824271556613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Ashraf was elected unopposed and was administered the oath of office as he vowed to uphold Parliamentary democracy.

Earlier, Asad Qaiser had resigned during the no-confidence vote against Imran Khan's government last week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khans-first-wife-jemima-goldsmith-recounts-life-in-pak-as-protest-gets-planned-outside-her-london-home-471319">Also Read:&nbsp;Imran Khan’s first wife Jemima Goldsmith recounts life in Pak</a>&nbsp;

Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri resigned just hours ahead of the National Assembly session. The Pakistan Parliament last week had elected Shehbaz Sharif as the new prime minister as 176 lawmakers voted in favour of the no-confidence motion against Imran's government.

Watch:&nbsp;Shehbaz Sharif's govt decides not to roll back fuel subsidies

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In a message on Twitter, Suri said: We will never compromise on Pakistan's sovereignty and integrity," adding,"We will go to any length to protect Pakistan."

Meanwhile, reports said Deputy Speaker of Punjab Assembly Dost Muhammad Mazari was slapped by PTI members. Mazari was escorted out of the Assembly&nbsp;by officials. The Punjab Assembly session has convened to elect the new Punjab chief minister.

The assembly session was delayed after chaos&nbsp;inside the House amid confrontation between PTI and PML-N lawmakers.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

Pakistan's National Assembly on Saturday elected Raja Parvaiz Ashraf as Speaker of the House. Raja Pervaiz Ashraf took oath as the 22nd Speaker of the National Assembly of 🇵🇰.

Pakistan's National Assembly on Saturday elected Raja Parvaiz Ashraf as Speaker of the House. Raja Pervaiz Ashraf took oath as the 22nd Speaker of the National Assembly of 🇵🇰.#NASession @AyazSadiq122 pic.twitter.com/avDZVzLhX4 — National Assembly of Pakistan🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) April 16, 2022 × Ashraf was elected unopposed and was administered the oath of office as he vowed to uphold Parliamentary democracy. Earlier, Asad Qaiser had resigned during the no-confidence vote against Imran Khan's government last week. Also Read: Imran Khan’s first wife Jemima Goldsmith recounts life in Pak Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri resigned just hours ahead of the National Assembly session. The Pakistan Parliament last week had elected Shehbaz Sharif as the new prime minister as 176 lawmakers voted in favour of the no-confidence motion against Imran's government. Watch: Shehbaz Sharif's govt decides not to roll back fuel subsidies In a message on Twitter, Suri said: We will never compromise on Pakistan's sovereignty and integrity," adding,"We will go to any length to protect Pakistan." Meanwhile, reports said Deputy Speaker of Punjab Assembly Dost Muhammad Mazari was slapped by PTI members. Mazari was escorted out of the Assembly by officials. The Punjab Assembly session has convened to elect the new Punjab chief minister. The assembly session was delayed after chaos inside the House amid confrontation between PTI and PML-N lawmakers. (With inputs from Agencies)

Raja Parvaiz Ashraf elected new Pak National Assembly Speaker

Pakistan's National Assembly members came together on Saturday to vote on the no-confidence motion against PM Imran Khan's government, however, just after 30 minutes&nbsp;the session was adjourned.

Speaker Asad Qaiser said the House will reconvene at 12:30pm local time but it has been delayed without any official reason being put forth.

Amid the political manoeuvring, PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari meets PML-N leader Shahbaz Sharif as the leader of opposition held a meeting during the adjournment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-pak-political-crisis-pm-imran-faces-no-confidence-vote-in-parliament-469510">Also Read: LIVE: Pakistan political crisis as it happens</a>

PM Imran Khan is yet to arrive in Parliament amid low attendance by&nbsp;his party members.

During the National Assembly session earlier in the day PML-N leader Shehbaz insisted a vote be held immediately as ordered by the Supreme Court but PM Imran Khan's PTI party members demanded a discussion on their leader's claims there had been foreign interference in the process.

Watch:&nbsp;Qureshi calls for probe on foreign conspiracy claims

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Speaker Asad Qaiser insisted that there should be a discussion on the issue of "international conspiracy" during the session.&nbsp;

During the session, PTI leader and Pakistan foreign minister said Shah Mahmood Qureshi said: "We aspire to defend the no-confidence motion in a constitutional, political and democratic way."&nbsp;

The Pakistan foreign minister acknowledged that the opposition has the right to file a no-confidence resolution under the constitution.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Pakistan's National Assembly members came together on Saturday to vote on the no-confidence motion against PM Imran Khan's government, however, just after 30 minutes the session was adjourned.

Pakistan's National Assembly members came together on Saturday to vote on the no-confidence motion against PM Imran Khan's government, however, just after 30 minutes the session was adjourned. Speaker Asad Qaiser said the House will reconvene at 12:30pm local time but it has been delayed without any official reason being put forth. Amid the political manoeuvring, PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari meets PML-N leader Shahbaz Sharif as the leader of opposition held a meeting during the adjournment. Also Read: LIVE: Pakistan political crisis as it happens PM Imran Khan is yet to arrive in Parliament amid low attendance by his party members. During the National Assembly session earlier in the day PML-N leader Shehbaz insisted a vote be held immediately as ordered by the Supreme Court but PM Imran Khan's PTI party members demanded a discussion on their leader's claims there had been foreign interference in the process. Watch: Qureshi calls for probe on foreign conspiracy claims Speaker Asad Qaiser insisted that there should be a discussion on the issue of "international conspiracy" during the session. During the session, PTI leader and Pakistan foreign minister said Shah Mahmood Qureshi said: "We aspire to defend the no-confidence motion in a constitutional, political and democratic way." The Pakistan foreign minister acknowledged that the opposition has the right to file a no-confidence resolution under the constitution. (With inputs from Agencies)

Imran no-confidence motion: Pakistan National Assembly session delayed

In a day of swift drama, Pakistan's president dissolved its parliament on Sunday on the advice of Prime Minister Imran Khan, who asked for fresh elections in a TV address just as the National Assembly deputy speaker dismissed a no-trust session against the government as unconstitutional.

President Arif Alvi's move came moments after Khan said in his address to the nation, “I call upon the people of Pakistan to prepare for elections.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/prepare-for-elections-imrans-dramatic-tv-speech-amid-no-confidence-motion-467893">Also Read:&nbsp;Imran's dramatic TV speech amid no-confidence motion</a>

His remarks came almost simultaneously as Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri dismissed the no-confidence motion against Khan-led PTI government as "unconstitutional".&nbsp;

In yet another bizarre, unprecedented scene, the opposition 'chose' a Speaker, Ayaz Sadiq, and held its parallel session in parliament.

Suri himself was filling in for Speaker Asad Qaiser, against whom the opposition had submitted a no-confidence motion just hours before the session started.

Watch: Pakistan deputy speaker dissolves assembly session

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Fawad Choudhury, information minister in the government who earlier slammed in parliament the no-trust move as a "foreign conspiracy", tweeted that Khan would continue as prime minister till elections are held, adding that the cabinet was dissolved.&nbsp;

"The Prime Minister will continue his duties under Article 224 of the Constitution. The Cabinet has been dissolved," he tweeted.&nbsp;

Opposition members shouted slogans inside the parliament, while supporters of Khan were arrested and removed from the Parliament House premises.&nbsp;

Pakistan People's Party leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the united opposition will stage a sit-in inside the National Assembly and its lawyers will challenge the move by Khan in the Supreme Court.

Security has been made tight both in Islamabad and other cities and large gatherings banned in the capital.

The Supreme Court had banned earlier any gatherings inside the so-called Red Zone, a high-security area in the capital.&nbsp;

Junior minister for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib tweeted that fresh elections will be held in 90 days, but it remains to be seen if that's possible, given the opposition's legal challenge.

In a day of swift drama, Pakistan's president dissolved its parliament on Sunday on the advice of Prime Minister Imran Khan, who asked for fresh elections in a TV address just as the National Assembly deputy speaker dismissed a no-trust session against the government as unconstitutional.

In a day of swift drama, Pakistan's president dissolved its parliament on Sunday on the advice of Prime Minister Imran Khan, who asked for fresh elections in a TV address just as the National Assembly deputy speaker dismissed a no-trust session against the government as unconstitutional. President Arif Alvi's move came moments after Khan said in his address to the nation, “I call upon the people of Pakistan to prepare for elections.” Also Read: Imran's dramatic TV speech amid no-confidence motion His remarks came almost simultaneously as Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri dismissed the no-confidence motion against Khan-led PTI government as "unconstitutional". In yet another bizarre, unprecedented scene, the opposition 'chose' a Speaker, Ayaz Sadiq, and held its parallel session in parliament. Suri himself was filling in for Speaker Asad Qaiser, against whom the opposition had submitted a no-confidence motion just hours before the session started. Watch: Pakistan deputy speaker dissolves assembly session Fawad Choudhury, information minister in the government who earlier slammed in parliament the no-trust move as a "foreign conspiracy", tweeted that Khan would continue as prime minister till elections are held, adding that the cabinet was dissolved. "The Prime Minister will continue his duties under Article 224 of the Constitution. The Cabinet has been dissolved," he tweeted. Opposition members shouted slogans inside the parliament, while supporters of Khan were arrested and removed from the Parliament House premises. Pakistan People's Party leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the united opposition will stage a sit-in inside the National Assembly and its lawyers will challenge the move by Khan in the Supreme Court. Security has been made tight both in Islamabad and other cities and large gatherings banned in the capital. The Supreme Court had banned earlier any gatherings inside the so-called Red Zone, a high-security area in the capital. Junior minister for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib tweeted that fresh elections will be held in 90 days, but it remains to be seen if that's possible, given the opposition's legal challenge.

Pak political drama: Parliament, cabinet dissolved as no-trust session against PM Imran Khan junked

Pakistan's National Assembly has approved a bill allowing Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav to appeal his conviction in the high courts of the country. The bill seeks to provide further right of review and reconsideration in giving effect to the judgment of the International Court of Justice.&nbsp; 
 
The bill seeks to provide a further right of review and reconsideration in giving effect to the judgment of the International Court of Justice. The bill was adopted by the National Assembly on Thursday after approval from the 21-member standing committee.

It has been named 'International Court of Justice (Review and Re-consideration) Act. The Pakistan government had brought an ordinance in the National Assembly earlier in view of the ICJ's ruling in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case.

The Act will extend to the whole of Pakistan and shall "come into force at once".

According to the bill, the High Court has the power to review and reconsider where the ICJ in relation to a foreign national passes an order in respect of rights under the Vienna Convention of Consular Relations or a foreign national is aggrieved in respect of the rights available under the same. Such a foreign national, either himself, through his authorised representative or through a consular officer of a mission of his country, may file a petition before a High Court for review and reconsideration, in terms of Section 3, in regard to an order of conviction or sentence of a Military Court operating under the Pakistan Army, 1952.

Earlier this year, a larger bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had resumed hearing of the case related to Jadhav and four other Indian prisoners who were under detention even after completion of their respective sentences. In January, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had slammed Pakistan for not acting upon the ICJ`s 2019 judgment that had upheld India`s claim of the Pakistani regime committing the grievous violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations on several counts regarding Jadhav.&nbsp;

India has also lashed out at Pakistan for failing to provide consular access to Jadhav. Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in April 2017. Pakistan claims that Jadhav was arrested from Balochistan in 2016 on charges of espionage. India has rejected Pakistan`s allegations and said he was kidnapped from the Iranian port of Chabahar.

Pakistan's National Assembly has approved a bill allowing Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav to appeal his conviction in the high courts of the country. The bill seeks to provide further right of review and reconsideration in giving effect to the judgment of the International Court of Justice.

Pakistan's National Assembly has approved a bill allowing Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav to appeal his conviction in the high courts of the country. The bill seeks to provide further right of review and reconsideration in giving effect to the judgment of the International Court of Justice. The bill seeks to provide a further right of review and reconsideration in giving effect to the judgment of the International Court of Justice. The bill was adopted by the National Assembly on Thursday after approval from the 21-member standing committee. It has been named 'International Court of Justice (Review and Re-consideration) Act. The Pakistan government had brought an ordinance in the National Assembly earlier in view of the ICJ's ruling in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case. The Act will extend to the whole of Pakistan and shall "come into force at once". According to the bill, the High Court has the power to review and reconsider where the ICJ in relation to a foreign national passes an order in respect of rights under the Vienna Convention of Consular Relations or a foreign national is aggrieved in respect of the rights available under the same. Such a foreign national, either himself, through his authorised representative or through a consular officer of a mission of his country, may file a petition before a High Court for review and reconsideration, in terms of Section 3, in regard to an order of conviction or sentence of a Military Court operating under the Pakistan Army, 1952. Earlier this year, a larger bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had resumed hearing of the case related to Jadhav and four other Indian prisoners who were under detention even after completion of their respective sentences. In January, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had slammed Pakistan for not acting upon the ICJ`s 2019 judgment that had upheld India`s claim of the Pakistani regime committing the grievous violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations on several counts regarding Jadhav. India has also lashed out at Pakistan for failing to provide consular access to Jadhav. Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in April 2017. Pakistan claims that Jadhav was arrested from Balochistan in 2016 on charges of espionage. India has rejected Pakistan`s allegations and said he was kidnapped from the Iranian port of Chabahar.

Pakistan National Assembly adopts bill to give right of appeal to Kulbhushan Jadhav

The Pakistan government on Monday presented an ordinance in the National Assembly in view of the International Court of Justice's ruling in the case of Indian death-row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav, despite protests by the Opposition parties.

Under the International Court of Justice Review and Reconsideration Ordinance 2020', which was enacted on May 20, a petition for the review of a military court's decision can be made to Islamabad High Court through an application within 60 days of its promulgation.

Jadhav, the 50-year-old retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April 2017.&nbsp;

India approached the ICJ against Pakistan for denial of consular access to Jadhav and challenging the death sentence.

The Hague-based ICJ ruled in July 2019 that Pakistan must undertake an "effective review and reconsideration" of the conviction and sentence of Jadhav and also to grant consular access to India without further delay.

Under the law, the ordinance should be presented in Parliament. The Prime Minister's Advisor on Parliamentary Affairs, Babar Awan, placed the ordinance before the lower house, Geo TV reported.

Last week, a similar effort was foiled by Opposition parties - Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People-s Party (PPP) &nbsp;which staged a walkout by pointing out lack of quorum to transact any business in the house.

Law Minister Farogh Naseem on Friday asked the Opposition parties to avoid politics' on the issue and warned them that India would take the matter to the UN Security Council if the ICJ verdict was not implemented. 
In a unilateral move, Pakistan last week filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court, seeking appointment of a "legal representative" for Jadhav.

However, the main parties, including the government of India, were not consulted ahead of the filing of the application by the Ministry of Law and Justice under the ordinance.

In New Delhi, External affairs ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava on Thursday said Pakistan has once again exposed its "farcical" approach by denying available legal remedies to Jadhav against his death sentence which is also in contravention of the ICJ verdict, and asserted that it will explore further options in the case. 
Srivastava said Pakistan has blocked all the avenues for an effective remedy available to India in the case, while noting that New Delhi has so far requested consular access to Jadhav for 12 times over the past one year. 
"The whole exercise of not providing documents related to the case even after repeated requests, not providing an unimpeded consular access and some reported unilateral action of approaching the High Court on part of Pakistan again exposes the farcical nature of Pakistan's approach," he said. 
The MEA spokesperson said Pakistan is not only in violation of the judgment of ICJ, but also of its own ordinance.&nbsp;

The Pakistan government on Monday presented an ordinance in the National Assembly in view of the International Court of Justice's ruling in the case of Indian death-row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav, despite protests by the Opposition parties.

The Pakistan government on Monday presented an ordinance in the National Assembly in view of the International Court of Justice's ruling in the case of Indian death-row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav, despite protests by the Opposition parties. Under the International Court of Justice Review and Reconsideration Ordinance 2020', which was enacted on May 20, a petition for the review of a military court's decision can be made to Islamabad High Court through an application within 60 days of its promulgation. Jadhav, the 50-year-old retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April 2017. India approached the ICJ against Pakistan for denial of consular access to Jadhav and challenging the death sentence. The Hague-based ICJ ruled in July 2019 that Pakistan must undertake an "effective review and reconsideration" of the conviction and sentence of Jadhav and also to grant consular access to India without further delay. Under the law, the ordinance should be presented in Parliament. The Prime Minister's Advisor on Parliamentary Affairs, Babar Awan, placed the ordinance before the lower house, Geo TV reported. Last week, a similar effort was foiled by Opposition parties - Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People-s Party (PPP) which staged a walkout by pointing out lack of quorum to transact any business in the house. Law Minister Farogh Naseem on Friday asked the Opposition parties to avoid politics' on the issue and warned them that India would take the matter to the UN Security Council if the ICJ verdict was not implemented. In a unilateral move, Pakistan last week filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court, seeking appointment of a "legal representative" for Jadhav. However, the main parties, including the government of India, were not consulted ahead of the filing of the application by the Ministry of Law and Justice under the ordinance. In New Delhi, External affairs ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava on Thursday said Pakistan has once again exposed its "farcical" approach by denying available legal remedies to Jadhav against his death sentence which is also in contravention of the ICJ verdict, and asserted that it will explore further options in the case. Srivastava said Pakistan has blocked all the avenues for an effective remedy available to India in the case, while noting that New Delhi has so far requested consular access to Jadhav for 12 times over the past one year. "The whole exercise of not providing documents related to the case even after repeated requests, not providing an unimpeded consular access and some reported unilateral action of approaching the High Court on part of Pakistan again exposes the farcical nature of Pakistan's approach," he said. The MEA spokesperson said Pakistan is not only in violation of the judgment of ICJ, but also of its own ordinance.

Kulbhushan Jadhav case: Pak govt presents ordinance in National Assembly

Deputy speaker of National Assembly directed its members to refrain from using the word "selected" while addressing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/imran-khan-asks-people-of-pakistan-to-bear-with-rising-inflation-217696">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> on Monday.

During the budget debate, federal minister of&nbsp;energy, Umar Ayub Khan asked the deputy speaker to stop the opposition members from using the term "selected" for Imran Khan.&nbsp;

He also said that using the word "selected" for PM Khan comes as a breach of the privilege of the house as he is an elected representative.

Qasim Suri while agreeing with Ayub, said that all members of the assembly including himself are elected through votes and asserted that "It is an insult to the parliament."

Since the cricketer-turned-politician came into power in July last year, opposition parties have alleged that Imran Khan has been tacitly placed by the military who is also a key player in the country's politics.

While, Khan defends his close relations with the military, saying leaders around the world seek the opinion of their military establishment as&nbsp;they are "equipped with the means to brief us on security issues".&nbsp;

Coup-prone Pakistan has been under military rule for almost half of its existence, with many governments deposed before completing its term, mostly at the behest of the country's powerful armed forces.&nbsp;

Pakistan Peoples Party chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, first used the term "PM selected" in his&nbsp;maiden speech in 2018 while he was congratulating Khan for coming into the power. 
&nbsp;

Deputy speaker of National Assembly directed its members to refrain from using the word "selected" while addressing Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday. During the budget debate, federal minister of energy, Umar Ayub Khan asked the deputy speaker to stop the opposition members from using the term "selected" for Imran Khan.

Deputy speaker of National Assembly directed its members to refrain from using the word "selected" while addressing Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday. During the budget debate, federal minister of energy, Umar Ayub Khan asked the deputy speaker to stop the opposition members from using the term "selected" for Imran Khan. He also said that using the word "selected" for PM Khan comes as a breach of the privilege of the house as he is an elected representative. Qasim Suri while agreeing with Ayub, said that all members of the assembly including himself are elected through votes and asserted that "It is an insult to the parliament." Since the cricketer-turned-politician came into power in July last year, opposition parties have alleged that Imran Khan has been tacitly placed by the military who is also a key player in the country's politics. While, Khan defends his close relations with the military, saying leaders around the world seek the opinion of their military establishment as they are "equipped with the means to brief us on security issues". Coup-prone Pakistan has been under military rule for almost half of its existence, with many governments deposed before completing its term, mostly at the behest of the country's powerful armed forces. Pakistan Peoples Party chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, first used the term "PM selected" in his maiden speech in 2018 while he was congratulating Khan for coming into the power.

Pakistan: Members of National Assembly barred from using word 'selected' for PM Imran Khan

The National Assembly of Pakistan on Monday adopted a resolution to prevent forced conversions in the country.

The resolution seeks to criminalise forced conversions and recommends an imprisonment of seven years and a fine of up to one million Pakistan rupees for anyone found indulging in forced conversion.

The resolution is expected to be passed formally as law in about two weeks. The resolution is currently being examined by a sub-committee.

This resolution has been adopted to deter forced <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/forced-conversion-of-hindu-girls-in-pakistan-leaves-minority-community-alarmed-19213">conversions of Christians</a>, Hindus or minorities of any other religion&nbsp;in the country.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) tabled the&nbsp;resolution and passed it without any opposition. Such moves were opposed by the ruling party itself in the past.&nbsp;

The bill seeking enhancement of punishment for those involved in forced conversion and for making child marriage a cognisable offence was first moved in Parliament by Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, from the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in March this year. Besides Dr Vankwani, PTI legislators Lal Malhi and Shunila Ruth, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz lawmaker Dr Darshan and Pakistan Peoples Party's Ramesh Lal had signed the resolution.

The five-point resolution calls for immediate passage of the bill against forced conversions, which had been unanimously passed by the Sindh Assembly in 2016 and then reverted due to pressure of extremist elements, from all the legislatures.

Pakistan Muslim League (N) tried to pass a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/religious-minorities-vulnerable-in-pakistan-pak-daily-206104">similar resolution</a> in the past and it was vigorously opposed by its allies and the opposition.&nbsp;

The resolution comes against the backdrop of increased pressure from the judiciary and rights groups from the country amid the nationwide outrage over the alleged forced conversion of two teenage girls from the Hindu community.

Watch: Pakistan finally acts on forced conversions

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The Islamabad High Court had come down heavily on the Pakistan authorities in a hearing on the alleged conversion of the two girls in Sindh province in April this year.

Pakistan's independent human rights watchdog had raised concerns about incidents of forced conversions and marriages of Hindu and Christian girls in April, saying around 1,000 such cases were reported just in the southern Sindh province alone last year.

In its annual report, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said the government has done little in the past to stop such forced marriages and asked the lawmakers to pass effective legislation to end the practice.

"Around one thousand cases of Hindu and Christian girls were estimated in the province of Sindh alone in 2018. The cities where such cases occurred frequently included Umerkot, Tharparkar, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Karachi, Tando Allahyar, Kashmore and Ghotki," said the 335-page report titled 'State of Human Rights in 2018'.

Last year, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had said during an election campaign that his party's agenda was to uplift the various religious groups across Pakistan and that they would take effective measures to prevent forced marriages of Hindu girls.

Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan.

According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. Majority of Pakistan's Hindu population is settled in Sindh province.

According to media reports, approximately 25 forced marriages take place every month only in Umerkot district in Sindh province.

The National Assembly of Pakistan on Monday adopted a resolution to prevent forced conversions in the country. The resolution seeks to criminalise forced conversions and recommends an imprisonment of seven years and a fine of up to one million Pakistan rupees for anyone found indulging in forced conversion.

The National Assembly of Pakistan on Monday adopted a resolution to prevent forced conversions in the country. The resolution seeks to criminalise forced conversions and recommends an imprisonment of seven years and a fine of up to one million Pakistan rupees for anyone found indulging in forced conversion. The resolution is expected to be passed formally as law in about two weeks. The resolution is currently being examined by a sub-committee. This resolution has been adopted to deter forced conversions of Christians, Hindus or minorities of any other religion in the country. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) tabled the resolution and passed it without any opposition. Such moves were opposed by the ruling party itself in the past. The bill seeking enhancement of punishment for those involved in forced conversion and for making child marriage a cognisable offence was first moved in Parliament by Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, from the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in March this year. Besides Dr Vankwani, PTI legislators Lal Malhi and Shunila Ruth, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz lawmaker Dr Darshan and Pakistan Peoples Party's Ramesh Lal had signed the resolution. The five-point resolution calls for immediate passage of the bill against forced conversions, which had been unanimously passed by the Sindh Assembly in 2016 and then reverted due to pressure of extremist elements, from all the legislatures. Pakistan Muslim League (N) tried to pass a similar resolution in the past and it was vigorously opposed by its allies and the opposition. The resolution comes against the backdrop of increased pressure from the judiciary and rights groups from the country amid the nationwide outrage over the alleged forced conversion of two teenage girls from the Hindu community. Watch: Pakistan finally acts on forced conversions The Islamabad High Court had come down heavily on the Pakistan authorities in a hearing on the alleged conversion of the two girls in Sindh province in April this year. Pakistan's independent human rights watchdog had raised concerns about incidents of forced conversions and marriages of Hindu and Christian girls in April, saying around 1,000 such cases were reported just in the southern Sindh province alone last year. In its annual report, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said the government has done little in the past to stop such forced marriages and asked the lawmakers to pass effective legislation to end the practice. "Around one thousand cases of Hindu and Christian girls were estimated in the province of Sindh alone in 2018. The cities where such cases occurred frequently included Umerkot, Tharparkar, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Karachi, Tando Allahyar, Kashmore and Ghotki," said the 335-page report titled 'State of Human Rights in 2018'. Last year, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had said during an election campaign that his party's agenda was to uplift the various religious groups across Pakistan and that they would take effective measures to prevent forced marriages of Hindu girls. Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan. According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. Majority of Pakistan's Hindu population is settled in Sindh province. According to media reports, approximately 25 forced marriages take place every month only in Umerkot district in Sindh province.

Pakistan National Assembly adopts resolution to prevent forced conversions 

Pakistan&#39;s National Assembly (lower house) Wednesday passed a resolution rejecting the &quot;hostile and&nbsp;threatening&quot; statements made by US President Donald Trump and top US commander in Afghanistan General&nbsp;John Nicholson, a report in The Dawn said.

The resolution - read out by Pakistan&#39;s foreign minister Khawaja Asif - disapproved the &quot;unacceptable&nbsp;targetting of Pakistan&quot; by President Trump in his speech announcing his new South Asia policy.

It also condemned the &quot;disregard of the immense sacrifices&quot; made by Pakistan in the war on terror.

The resolution also rejected Trump&#39;s statements that the US had spent billions of dollars of aid on&nbsp;Pakistan and said that it was Pakistan which has suffered a loss of more than $123 billion.

The resolution also rejected Gen Nicolson&#39;s claims of the existence of the Taliban militants in&nbsp;Peshawar and Quetta.

The lower house condemned Washington&#39;s call for India&#39;s increased role in Afghanistan, calling it&nbsp;&quot;detrimental to regional stability.&quot;

The National Assembly asked the Pakistan government to consider postponing diplomatic visits between Pakistan and the US.

It also asked the government to suspend cooperation with the US, particularly over providing it with ground and air lines of communication through Pakistan.

The resolution disapproved the 'unacceptable?targetting of Pakistan' by President Trump in his speech announcing his new South Asia policy

Pakistan's National Assembly (lower house) Wednesday passed a resolution rejecting the "hostile and threatening" statements made by US President Donald Trump and top US commander in Afghanistan General John Nicholson, a report in The Dawn said. The resolution - read out by Pakistan's foreign minister Khawaja Asif - disapproved the "unacceptable targetting of Pakistan" by President Trump in his speech announcing his new South Asia policy. It also condemned the "disregard of the immense sacrifices" made by Pakistan in the war on terror. The resolution also rejected Trump's statements that the US had spent billions of dollars of aid on Pakistan and said that it was Pakistan which has suffered a loss of more than $123 billion. The resolution also rejected Gen Nicolson's claims of the existence of the Taliban militants in Peshawar and Quetta. The lower house condemned Washington's call for India's increased role in Afghanistan, calling it "detrimental to regional stability." The National Assembly asked the Pakistan government to consider postponing diplomatic visits between Pakistan and the US. It also asked the government to suspend cooperation with the US, particularly over providing it with ground and air lines of communication through Pakistan.

Pakistan National Assembly passes resolution rejecting Trump's 'hostile' statements

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