The Pakistan's Supreme Court (SC) has reserved verdict in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa polls delay case and will announce its verdict on tomorrow (Tuesday).

Pakistan SC reserves verdict in Punjab & Khyber Pakhtunkhwa polls | WION Dispatch

Asia Bibi is finally free to leave Pakistan. Supreme Court rejects petition to review acquittal of her blasphemy death sentence. watch full video to know more.

Asia Bibi is finally free to leave Pakistan

Asia Bibi leaves Pakistan, sources say she is headed to Canada

Pakistan's former military dictator Pervez Musharraf was ordered to appear before a special court on May 2 by the Supreme Court in the high treason case and warned him that he would lose the right of defence if he failed to turn up.

A special court indicted General (retd) Musharraf for high treason in March 2014.

Musharraf, 75, left for Dubai in 2016 to "seek medical treatment" and has not returned since.

Last month, he was admitted to a hospital in Dubai after suffering a reaction from a rare disease for which he is already under treatment.

A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa was hearing a petition filed by a lawyer, who pointed out that the proceedings of the treason case, being heard by a special court since 2014, had come to a halt as the former president Musharraf had not returned to the country since 2016.

"We cannot let the suspect avail the benefit of not appearing before the court deliberately.

High-treason is not an ordinary crime," Chief Justice Khosa reminded the defence counsel.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government had filed the treason case against Musharraf over the president's imposition of extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007.

In the previous hearing of the petition, the top court had said that it would intervene if the special court, in its next hearing, failed to make a decision on how to record the former president's statement.

The apex court today said that if Musharraf does not appear before the special court on May 2, he would lose his right to record a statement under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedures.

Musharraf's counsel told the court, "We contacted Musharraf's wife. The former president had set the date for his return as May 13 and he does not want to record his statement via Skype as there are too many documents."

"As Musharraf's counsel, I cannot assure that he will appear before the court on May 2. It is a matter of his health and he is currently undergoing chemotherapy," the former president's lawyer told the court, Geo News reported.

The court further said that if Musharraf does not appear before the special court on May 2, the court should give its decision based off of the prosecution's arguments.

A March 28 order of the special court, calling Musharraf to court on May 2, was also presented in the top court on Monday.

The special court had ordered Musharraf to appear before it on May 2.

At that hearing, defence lawyer Salman Safdar had said that the former president wished to appear in court on May 13.

The three-member bench headed by Justice Tahira Safdar had directed Musharraf to appear in court before Ramazan.

Justice Khosa today said that if a suspect is absent on purpose, any action that follows will not be looked at in the category of an absence.

"A fugitive has no rights," the top judge remarked.

Musharraf's lawyer Safdar, avoided giving a personal guarantee and said that the former president himself wanted to come back and record a statement.

He added that May 13 had been given as the date of Musharraf's return from abroad.

Justice Khosa said that a trial becomes unconstitutional in the absence of a suspect but if a suspect doesn't appear on purpose, he can not be allowed to take advantage of the situation.

The prosecutor told the court that the case was not taking place in the absence of the former president, adding that Musharraf was present in the court when he had been indicted.

The prosecutor said that after Musharraf was summoned, the former president had given assurances of appearing before the court.

The special court declared Musharraf a proclaimed offender and ordered the confiscation of his property owing to his no-show.

Later, on orders of the Supreme Court, Musharraf's passport and national identity card were also cancelled.

Musharraf ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008.

A conviction for high treason carries the death penalty or life imprisonment.

Pakistan's former military dictator Pervez Musharraf was ordered to appear before a special court on May 2 by the Supreme Court in the high treason case and warned him that he would lose the right of defence if he failed to turn up.

Pakistan's former military dictator Pervez Musharraf was ordered to appear before a special court on May 2 by the Supreme Court in the high treason case and warned him that he would lose the right of defence if he failed to turn up. A special court indicted General (retd) Musharraf for high treason in March 2014. Musharraf, 75, left for Dubai in 2016 to "seek medical treatment" and has not returned since. Last month, he was admitted to a hospital in Dubai after suffering a reaction from a rare disease for which he is already under treatment. A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa was hearing a petition filed by a lawyer, who pointed out that the proceedings of the treason case, being heard by a special court since 2014, had come to a halt as the former president Musharraf had not returned to the country since 2016. "We cannot let the suspect avail the benefit of not appearing before the court deliberately. High-treason is not an ordinary crime," Chief Justice Khosa reminded the defence counsel. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government had filed the treason case against Musharraf over the president's imposition of extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007. In the previous hearing of the petition, the top court had said that it would intervene if the special court, in its next hearing, failed to make a decision on how to record the former president's statement. The apex court today said that if Musharraf does not appear before the special court on May 2, he would lose his right to record a statement under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedures. Musharraf's counsel told the court, "We contacted Musharraf's wife. The former president had set the date for his return as May 13 and he does not want to record his statement via Skype as there are too many documents." "As Musharraf's counsel, I cannot assure that he will appear before the court on May 2. It is a matter of his health and he is currently undergoing chemotherapy," the former president's lawyer told the court, Geo News reported. The court further said that if Musharraf does not appear before the special court on May 2, the court should give its decision based off of the prosecution's arguments. A March 28 order of the special court, calling Musharraf to court on May 2, was also presented in the top court on Monday. The special court had ordered Musharraf to appear before it on May 2. At that hearing, defence lawyer Salman Safdar had said that the former president wished to appear in court on May 13. The three-member bench headed by Justice Tahira Safdar had directed Musharraf to appear in court before Ramazan. Justice Khosa today said that if a suspect is absent on purpose, any action that follows will not be looked at in the category of an absence. "A fugitive has no rights," the top judge remarked. Musharraf's lawyer Safdar, avoided giving a personal guarantee and said that the former president himself wanted to come back and record a statement. He added that May 13 had been given as the date of Musharraf's return from abroad. Justice Khosa said that a trial becomes unconstitutional in the absence of a suspect but if a suspect doesn't appear on purpose, he can not be allowed to take advantage of the situation. The prosecutor told the court that the case was not taking place in the absence of the former president, adding that Musharraf was present in the court when he had been indicted. The prosecutor said that after Musharraf was summoned, the former president had given assurances of appearing before the court. The special court declared Musharraf a proclaimed offender and ordered the confiscation of his property owing to his no-show. Later, on orders of the Supreme Court, Musharraf's passport and national identity card were also cancelled. Musharraf ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008. A conviction for high treason carries the death penalty or life imprisonment.

Musharraf to lose defence right in treason case if he fails to appear on May 2: Pak SC

In a landmark decision, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-supreme-court-reserves-verdict-in-case-concerning-constitutional-status-of-gilgit-baltistan-in-pok-189091">Pakistan's Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Saturday imposed a levy of Re 1 for every litre of surface water extracted by companies selling mineral water and beverages, according to a media report.

The judgement was issued on a suo moto case pertaining to selling by the companies of water extracted from underground sources without any charge as well as the quality and fitness of the same for human consumption, Dawn newspaper reported.

The revenue so collected will be used for the construction of the Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams.

Authored by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, the judgement also required the provincial governments as well as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-police-arrest-5-baloch-separatists-for-chinese-consulate-attack-in-karachi-189676">the Islamabad Capital Territory administration</a> to set up separate and distinct accounts to receive the amounts collected under the water charges, the report said.

The amounts will then be deposited in the dams fund already created by the apex court.

The apex court made it clear that the funds so collected would not be diverted in any circumstances to any other purpose other than construction of dams and water-related activities.

However, once the dams are constructed, the provincial governments, subject to the order of the apex court, will be at liberty to utilise the funds collected in the accounts, the judgement said.

The apex court also constituted a special committee, headed by Prof Dr Mohammad Ahsan Siddiqui and comprising representatives of the provincial chief secretaries, director generals of the federal and provincial environmental protection agencies (EPAs) and others, to devise a mechanism for calculation, collection and monitoring of the recovery of water charges from all major industries consuming surface or groundwater.

The industries include the energy sector, pulp and paper, cement, sugar, ethanol refineries, textiles, garments, tanneries, petroleum refineries, petrochemical industries, and fertilisers.

A similar levy has already been imposed on the cement industry.

The committee after consultations will suggest imposing water tariff on these industries, the order said.

The apex court directed the federal and provincial governments to ensure installation of a foolproof and state-of-the-art metering mechanism at every extraction unit within a period of 30 days.

Close-circuit cameras will also be installed at the respective premises of the companies involved in the extraction of groundwater or utilisation of surface water for their business. The extraction will be monitored closely by the respective EPA on a daily basis, the verdict said.

In order to counter environmental impact, the Supreme Court ordered the mineral water and beverage companies to start tree plantation programmes to fulfil their corporate social responsibility.

"We expect each company to plant/arrange the plantation of 10,000 trees per annum," the court said, adding that a comprehensive programme would also be put in place to gradually phase out plastic bottles.

In the meantime, it said, it would be ensured that the plastic used for making bottles was certified by competent laboratories as being fit for human consumption.

The bottled water companies are also required to provide a chart highlighting milestones for meeting all the objectives spelt out in the order and will furnish monthly compliance/progress reports with the implementation bench being constituted under the judgement for its perusal and appropriate orders.

"The respective food authorities and the special committee also enjoy the authority to conduct surprise inspections at any time of the factory premises and water bottling/beverage facilities to ensure strict and faithful compliance of this order," the Supreme Court said.

The implementation bench will take up the matter on January 31.

The revenue so collected will be used for the construction of the Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams.

In a landmark decision, Pakistan's Supreme Court on Saturday imposed a levy of Re 1 for every litre of surface water extracted by companies selling mineral water and beverages, according to a media report. The judgement was issued on a suo moto case pertaining to selling by the companies of water extracted from underground sources without any charge as well as the quality and fitness of the same for human consumption, Dawn newspaper reported. The revenue so collected will be used for the construction of the Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams. Authored by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, the judgement also required the provincial governments as well as the Islamabad Capital Territory administration to set up separate and distinct accounts to receive the amounts collected under the water charges, the report said. The amounts will then be deposited in the dams fund already created by the apex court. The apex court made it clear that the funds so collected would not be diverted in any circumstances to any other purpose other than construction of dams and water-related activities. However, once the dams are constructed, the provincial governments, subject to the order of the apex court, will be at liberty to utilise the funds collected in the accounts, the judgement said. The apex court also constituted a special committee, headed by Prof Dr Mohammad Ahsan Siddiqui and comprising representatives of the provincial chief secretaries, director generals of the federal and provincial environmental protection agencies (EPAs) and others, to devise a mechanism for calculation, collection and monitoring of the recovery of water charges from all major industries consuming surface or groundwater. The industries include the energy sector, pulp and paper, cement, sugar, ethanol refineries, textiles, garments, tanneries, petroleum refineries, petrochemical industries, and fertilisers. A similar levy has already been imposed on the cement industry. The committee after consultations will suggest imposing water tariff on these industries, the order said. The apex court directed the federal and provincial governments to ensure installation of a foolproof and state-of-the-art metering mechanism at every extraction unit within a period of 30 days. Close-circuit cameras will also be installed at the respective premises of the companies involved in the extraction of groundwater or utilisation of surface water for their business. The extraction will be monitored closely by the respective EPA on a daily basis, the verdict said. In order to counter environmental impact, the Supreme Court ordered the mineral water and beverage companies to start tree plantation programmes to fulfil their corporate social responsibility. "We expect each company to plant/arrange the plantation of 10,000 trees per annum," the court said, adding that a comprehensive programme would also be put in place to gradually phase out plastic bottles. In the meantime, it said, it would be ensured that the plastic used for making bottles was certified by competent laboratories as being fit for human consumption. The bottled water companies are also required to provide a chart highlighting milestones for meeting all the objectives spelt out in the order and will furnish monthly compliance/progress reports with the implementation bench being constituted under the judgement for its perusal and appropriate orders. "The respective food authorities and the special committee also enjoy the authority to conduct surprise inspections at any time of the factory premises and water bottling/beverage facilities to ensure strict and faithful compliance of this order," the Supreme Court said. The implementation bench will take up the matter on January 31.

Pakistan Supreme Court imposes Re 1 per litre charge on mineral water, beverage firms

Pakistan SC to announce judgement on Asia Bibi's final appeal against execution

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Wednesday&nbsp;acquitted Asia Bibi,&nbsp;a Christian woman who had been sentenced to death over allegations of blasphemy.

Asia Bibi was the first woman to be sentenced to death under Pakistan's draconian blasphemy laws. Her case had drawn global attention and condemnation.

A mother of four, Asia Bibi was convicted for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Islam after neighbours objected to her drinking water from their glass because she was not Muslim.

She had been living on death row since 2010.&nbsp;

A special three-person bench headed by Pakistan's top judge, Chief Justice Saqib Nasir,&nbsp;delivered the verdict today.

Insulting Islam's prophet is punishable by death under Pakistani law, and blasphemy accusations stir such emotions that they are almost impossible to defend against. Dozens have been killed following blasphemy claims, sometimes by mobs of men.

Rights groups say the blasphemy law is increasingly exploited by religious extremists as well as ordinary Pakistanis to settle personal scores. The law does not define blasphemy and evidence might not be reproduced in court for fear of committing a fresh offence.

Bibi had always denied blaspheming and her representatives had claimed she was involved in a dispute with her neighbours and that her accusers had contradicted themselves.

(With inputs from Reuters)

&nbsp;

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Wednesday acquitted Asia Bibi, a Christian woman who had been sentenced to death over allegations of blasphemy. Asia Bibi was the first woman to be sentenced to death under Pakistan's draconian blasphemy laws.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Wednesday acquitted Asia Bibi, a Christian woman who had been sentenced to death over allegations of blasphemy. Asia Bibi was the first woman to be sentenced to death under Pakistan's draconian blasphemy laws. Her case had drawn global attention and condemnation. A mother of four, Asia Bibi was convicted for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Islam after neighbours objected to her drinking water from their glass because she was not Muslim. She had been living on death row since 2010. A special three-person bench headed by Pakistan's top judge, Chief Justice Saqib Nasir, delivered the verdict today. Insulting Islam's prophet is punishable by death under Pakistani law, and blasphemy accusations stir such emotions that they are almost impossible to defend against. Dozens have been killed following blasphemy claims, sometimes by mobs of men. Rights groups say the blasphemy law is increasingly exploited by religious extremists as well as ordinary Pakistanis to settle personal scores. The law does not define blasphemy and evidence might not be reproduced in court for fear of committing a fresh offence. Bibi had always denied blaspheming and her representatives had claimed she was involved in a dispute with her neighbours and that her accusers had contradicted themselves. (With inputs from Reuters)

Pakistan SC acquits Asia Bibi, Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy

The Supreme Court of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Pakistan">Pakistan</a>&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=SCP">SCP</a>) has ordered a ban on the sale, import and export of &quot;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Chinese%20salt">Chinese salt</a>&quot; (Monosodium Glutamate) across the country, calling it as &quot;dangerous to health.&quot;

The salt, popularly known as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Ajinomoto">Ajinomoto</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Pakistan">Pakistan</a>, is used in various dishes and frozen foods to enhance the taste. The salt is made in China and is manufactured in the country.

A three-member bench headed by the Chief Justice of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Pakistan">Pakistan</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Mian%20Saqib%20Nisar">Mian Saqib Nisar</a>, while hearing a case against the usage of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Ajinomoto">Ajinomoto</a>&nbsp;salt ordered the top authorities to implement the court&#39;s orders soon.

Justice Nisar urged&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Pakistan">Pakistan</a>&nbsp;Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Shahid%20Khaqan%20Abbasi">Shahid Khaqan Abbasi</a>&nbsp;to take up the issue in the cabinet.

The apex court was told that the country&#39;s three provinces including eastern&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Punjab">Punjab</a>, northwestern&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Khyber%20Pakhtunkhwa">Khyber Pakhtunkhwa</a>&nbsp;and southern&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Sindh">Sindh</a>&nbsp;have already banned the condiment and are taking measures against its selling. It also took a suo motu notice of the issue after reports about its hazardous effects on human health were surfaced, The Dawn reported.

In January, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Punjab">Punjab</a>&nbsp;Food Authority had recommended banning the &quot;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Chinese%20salt">Chinese salt</a>&quot; after tests found that the condiment was hazardous to its health by its scientific panel.

According to the findings of the panel, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Ajinomoto">Ajinomoto</a>&nbsp;salt is extremely hazardous for pregnant women and it can cause headaches, fatigue, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, sweating, flushing and numbness of the face and hypertension.

The SCP ordered a ban on the sale, import and export of the Chinese salt

The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) has ordered a ban on the sale, import and export of "Chinese salt" (Monosodium Glutamate) across the country, calling it as "dangerous to health." The salt, popularly known as Ajinomoto in Pakistan, is used in various dishes and frozen foods to enhance the taste. The salt is made in China and is manufactured in the country. A three-member bench headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar, while hearing a case against the usage of Ajinomoto salt ordered the top authorities to implement the court's orders soon. Justice Nisar urged Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to take up the issue in the cabinet. The apex court was told that the country's three provinces including eastern Punjab, northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and southern Sindh have already banned the condiment and are taking measures against its selling. It also took a suo motu notice of the issue after reports about its hazardous effects on human health were surfaced, The Dawn reported. In January, the Punjab Food Authority had recommended banning the "Chinese salt" after tests found that the condiment was hazardous to its health by its scientific panel. According to the findings of the panel, the Ajinomoto salt is extremely hazardous for pregnant women and it can cause headaches, fatigue, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, sweating, flushing and numbness of the face and hypertension.

Pakistan SC bans 'Ajinomoto' salt

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