The questions are appended below with their answers:

1.    How would they legislate when they will have no representation in senate?

No doubt for any legislation senate has to pass the bill but my argument here is that to bring change we do not need any new legislation at all; if we only implement the existing legislation in its true spirit and in the interest of country, that is more than enough. PTI talks about ‘Accountability’ across the board; legislation already exists on it and doesn’t need to be re-invented only a few changes in rules of business can be notified through cabinet division and problem stands resolved. I would like to quote the recent instance of what happened at Anti-Narcotics Force; legislation is there but on the behest of Prime Minister the powers of its Director General were transferred to Secretary of Anti-Narcotics Ministry. Obviously the legislation was not touched, yet the interests of some individuals were safe guarded over the institution or country at the end.

Finance Bills are not required to be passed by senate since Budget is a finance bill too so senate won’t be able to hinder any functions or allocations of funds by the government. Power generation, distribution of gas, increasing trade, production, adopting investor friendly policies or enhancing economic activity are purely governance issues which everyone has realized now that previous government was handling better.

Talking about the reforms PTI talks about the most are:

1. Police Reforms which is entirely a provincial subject so senate doesn’t come in at all;

2. Local Bodies/ Government system is yet another provincial domain that doesn’t need senate’s approval;

3. Health sector recently been made provincial subject;

4. The Land Records/ Revenue commonly known as Patwari System it is yet another provincial subject; senate again doesn’t have much of role.

If we take the argument that what if PTI fails to form government in a province; let us be optimistic that even if PTI forms a government in one province only, the change itself would not take long to reach other provinces on the public and civil society pressure.

Independence of judiciary Alhamdulillah has already been achieved. What difference PTI would make then, is obeying and implementing courts’ decisions in true letter and spirit. Further Judicial reforms would also take effect as advised and decided by the higher judiciary again senate has a very lesser role.

Further if senate doesn’t pass bills like domestic violence etc., then parties sitting in senate will only expose themselves and their menial approach.

Lastly, no one asks the same questions from PMLN although they have representation in senate but still don’t enjoy the majority; but yes PMLN and PPP can join hands anytime like they did for 18th, 19th or 20th amendment.

2.    How would they end corruption in 9 or 90 days?

Hassan Nisar, in the most recent episode of his show, said that corruption will end as soon the Imran Khan takes oath as Prime Minister; yes I agree with him. When the Prime Minister will not be a corrupt person it will pass on to cabinet and from ministers to secretaries and it goes on till end. All the tenders, contracts or any other deals awarded through any ministry are approved by Prime Minister Secretariat; so corruption is eliminated at the ministries level at least within a matter of days. What Imran Khan says mean the corruption at the highest levels; it is more of symbolic statement that doesn’t mean corruption will end at the very basic units of government institutions but eventually it will one day.

3.    How would they bring change with the old faces?

I would like to ask how many old faces have joined PTI? A few. And how many need to be elected to form a government? Hundreds. I assert that change comes from the leadership. I would like to quote India’s example here as it is clearly more democratic than Pakistan and is a booming economy of this region. How has Man Mohan Singh been able to transform India to a regional power with the highest ever growth rate in their history? He had same old party and same old faces; it is only the will and vision of a leader. Likewise we can compare the performance of Laloo Prasad Yadev as Chief Minister of a state and then the same person transformed the largest Rail network of the world into the most profitable one, while being innovative and modern at the same time. Has anyone asked about the team in Punjab Government; is there any?? I see only Shahbaz Sharif, whether its health, highways, housing, education or any other provincial department. I would also like to question then, that how old faces like Zardari, Gilani, Nawaz and Shahbaz can change our direction towards a progressive Pakistan? We desperately need one Erdogan and Imran is the best option to take that role in Pakistan.

4.    How will PTI solve the power crisis and the circular debt issue?

I believe that our National Grid has the capacity to meet the current demand but sheer mismanagement of affairs has led us to this crisis. The entire crisis revolves around the Circular Debt which has risen to an amount of RS 649 billion. Though PTI has already held an Energy Seminar but a layman solution is to have an effective accountability for the projects started in last four years to recover the amounts disbursed for projects which never started production, decreasing the line losses which have risen abnormally high during the current regime will also help reducing load shedding. Further all programs like BISP and all other unnecessary expenses have to be curtailed by adopting austerity and provincial governments also contribute. With an effective management this giant can be come over within a year.

5.    How will PTI generate the revenues instead of relying on foreign aid?

Reliance on foreign aid cannot be called off all at once but gradually can be controlled. I have a question; How many times have we stopped dealing with IMF in past? How was that possible? Only FBR was revived by just putting the people capable enough of handling affairs. Tax net needs to be increased. Tax reforms bringing more people in to tax net and I am a firm believer that Pakistanis will volunteer themselves when they will see the loot and plunder has gone and they are getting the benefit against each rupee paid as tax. Introducing Tax reforms; I agree need legislation and if such legislation is blocked by senate this will be a politics of harming Pakistan and I am sure no party would like that.

To conclude I would say that PTI has already brought the change by the trends of rallies, interaction with youth over the social media, by introducing seminars and conference on core issues and latest by announcing electoral reforms with in party on the concept of basic democracies and rural governance vision for the first time ever in the history of Pakistan.

Reblogged from ProudPakistani:

People mostly say about Shuhada that they sacrificed their lives for their country, their religion, for a cause. But I disagree. I don't think they JUST sacrificed their lives.
Every person on this planet have wishes, ambitions, people that he love and care about, some promises to fulfill , I mean so much to do! Just look at yourself, are you ready to leave this world?

Read more… 138 more words

Reblogged from PTI Supporters:

The acclaimed largest democrat parties could not demonstrate democratic values and ensure an atmosphere deemed necessary to hold free and fair elections. All day the fire arms were not only carried along but used freely and unnecessarily by the influential supporters of various candidates. One person lost his life due to shots fired in to air to celebrate win of sitting Prime Minister’s son. It was clearly a violation of rule of law under the nose of democratic elected governments both at the provinces and Centre. Why should one not assume that unchecked use of fire arms was aimed to divert the opinion of poor and under privileged vote bank?

Media through its regular bulletins did cover the incidents with a good airtime but the independent anchors holding talk shows who always talk of rules and upholding of democratic culture remained less vocal or least interested. It may be because of weekend and most of these shows were not scheduled but coming week will still bring an opportunity to them. Let us see how they uphold their years long preaching.

The worst incident reported and covered in Sindh where a candidate for the provincial assembly Waheeda Shah physically assaulted the election staff. This candidate did not belong to a new party but to a party widely known as largest and widely supported by liberal opinion makers across the media.

The particular incident of manhandling of election staff has left a lot of questions on the independence of election commission and rule of law. First question arises what would have happened at the far-flung polling station where media was not present? Even if we believe that all was well everywhere then coming back to this specific incident; How come a contesting candidate Waheeda Shah was allowed entry in to a polling booth? She then attacks Assistant Presiding Officer and a polling agent in the presence of a Police Inspector. Why did Police Inspector not intervene by calling lady police and arresting the violent candidate instead of mere watching. Where was the Presiding Officer? Why did he/ she not exercise his or her magisterial powers and ordered immediate arrest of the culprit then and there.

The above mentioned measures were the legal options available at the spot to authorities but let us discuss the moral obligations of the all concerned; being largest Democratic Party what action has been initiated against their candidate at its level? If party claims to be law-abiding and the most liberal political force of country; they should apologize publicly and withdraw the candidature of this woman.

Where are the other political parties who voted to pass the 20^th amendment along with treasury benches; their silence over the issue is heinous? Did they pass the amendment for all this to happen and just political scoring by claiming to have paved the way for autonomous election commission? They need to stand by-election commission on this disgrace at the hands of candidate from ruling party. The gesture of Mr. Zahid Khan of ANP for at least apologizing publicly the incident involving his party is appreciated.

Where is the provincial administration; what action has been taken against the Police Inspector present there who failed to carry out his duties and became party himself? Why provincial or federal governments remained unmoved; waiting for another suo moto action from judiciary?

It was yet of some relief to hear that Election Commission Secretary took the notice hours later incident had taken place. I pray to Election Commission to take the strictest possible action even if the lady has to be disqualified and jailed; put aside any influence comes your way as this is the time to establish the long-awaited independence of your institution. This should set the precedent for the coming General Elections where no party should have the courage to bully or influence the election process and country gets its elected parliament which will lead to a better Pakistan.

Jews have gained much influence in American economic, cultural, intellectual and political life. Jews played a central role in American finance during the 1980s, and they were among the chief beneficiaries of that decade’s corporate mergers and reorganizations.

Jews are only three percent of the nation’s population and com­prise eleven percent of what this study defines as the nation’s élite. However, Jews constitute more than 25 percent of the elite journalists and publishers, more than 17 percent of the leaders of important voluntary and public interest organiza­tions, and more than 15 percent of the top ranking civil ser­vants. During the last three decades they have made up 50 percent of the top two hundred intellectu­als… 20 percent of professors at the leading universities … 40 percent of partners in the leading law firms in New York and Washington … 59 percent of the directors, writ­ers, and producers of the 50 top-grossing motion pictures from 1965 to 1982, and 58 percent of directors, writers, and producers in two or more primetime television series.

Jewish economic influence and power are disproportionately concentrated in Hollywood, television, and in the news industry. The chief executive officers of the three major television networks and the four largest film studios are Jews, as are the owners of the nation’s larg­est newspaper chain and the most influential single newspaper, the New York Times… The role and influence of Jews in Ameri­can politics is equally marked…

The most effective part of the Jewish connection is probably that of media control … Jews, toughened by centuries of persecution, have risen to places of prime importance in the business and financial world… Jewish wealth and acumen exerts unprecedented power in the area of finance and investment banking, playing an important role in influencing U.S. policy toward the Middle East … In the larger metropolitan areas, the JewishZionist connection thoroughly pervades affluent financial, commercial, and social, entertainment, and art circles.”

After several decades of growth in size and sophistication, the leading pro-Israel lobby in Washington, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, AIPAC, has become a major force in shaping United States policy in the Middle East. The organization has gained the power to influence a Presidential candidate; 16 months before the 1988 elections, nearly all the Presidential candidates have already met with AIPAC officials to be interviewed about their positions on the Middle East and to be presented with AIPAC’s positions. It also influences President’s choice of staff, to block practically any arms sale to an Arab country and to serve as a catalyst for intimate military relations between the Pentagon and the Israeli Army. Its leading officials are consulted by State Department and White House policy makers, by Senators and generals.

The committee, known by its acronym AIPAC, is an American lobby, not an Israeli one — it says its funds come from Americans — and it draws on a broad sympathy for the cause of Israel in the Administration, Congress and the American public. As a result, it has become the envy of competing lobbyists and the bane of Middle East specialists who would like to strengthen ties with pro-Western Arabs.

The intricate relationships that have evolved between AIPAC and Administration officials derive from its political clout, the overlapping Israeli and American strategic interests in the Middle East and the ability of AIPAC’s staff. Pro-Israel lobbyists are aided by their unusual access to official information, including some that is supposedly restricted. A classified list of proposed arms sales that the United States regularly compiles is provided by the Administration each year — at least orally — to AIPAC officials, to test their reaction to various plans.

To sum up: Jews wield immense power and influence in the United States. The “Jewish lobby” is a decisive factor in US support for Israel. Jewish-Zionist interests are not identical to American in­terests. In fact, they often conflict. As long as the “very powerful” Jewish lobby remains entrenched, there will be no end to the Jewish-Zionist domination of the US polit­ical system and the American media, the Zionist oppression of Palestinians, the Israeli threat to peace, and the bloody con­flict between Jews and non-Jews in the Middle East.

Their claim of being an important player in restoring democracy and of a watchdog on government performance doesn’t impress me much. Let me remind them the Pakistan Movement and Quaid-e-Azam who lead against all odds and won this country for us didn’t had them at all. They have failed in the capacity of a watchdog too as Musharraf Regime had to bow due to their own mistakes and current government is still in power besides all their mismanagement and bad governance.

The anchors talk about moral values and ethics for almost every one else in the society but they have forgotten their own. This attitude unfortunately prevails in entire society i.e. after the successful lawyers’ movement some lawyers thought they were above the law. Someone joins Police thinks he has the immunity against both criminal and civil proceedings. Constitution allows every citizen to take part in politics but when an anchor sits in front of a camera with a mike on hand or collar his role changes altogether but it is unfortunate that some anchors forget this. Further to it the camera or mike doesn’t give the right to insult others in simple words camera and mike doesn’t make you a super human.

I will not name anyone personally but would definitely refer to shows on a lighter note;

Kharri Baat doesn’t mean to be rude, disrespectful and putting your words in to other’s mouth.

Bolta Pakistan where only two persons roar and entire Pakistan remains silent, if someone dares to call is given a shut up call immediately.

Aapas ki Baat should stay as Aapas ki Baat why do they take calls but have anyone watched them announcing the number to call on or even the number displayed on-screen even if someone then for how many fractions of seconds?

Capital Talk impressive as far as promo video is concerned.

Aaj Kamran Khan Ke Saath sounds like a trailer full of thrill instead of end day news review.

Kal Tak yeah all is well but why so artificial expression at the start of show and where does it go during conversation?

Lekin has too many lekins lekin someone needs to prepare well before maligning or favoring someone.

In Session is where everybody else seems to be in session except the host.

Cross Fire starts and one has to find the remote to reduce the volume and it is not a Cross Fire at all but single sided fire to be exactly.

ShahidNama the name says it all, when its Nama why are other participants invited?

Meray Mutabiq is so confusing; I still have to figure out that actually “Kis ke Mutabiq.”

Policy Matters lacks the policy itself.

To the point; the one watching it from start till end remains clueless about what was the point.

News Night with Talat as name suggests needs some news not a topic or a particular situation only.

Nukta e Nazar but shouldn’t it be told once and for all?

Off the record how ridiculous it shows all the shit thrown around and still is off the record.

Besides all the news talk shows the morning shows Jagta Pakistan, Ba Khabar Sawera, Subha Saweray etc. though I am not a regular on these but watched a video on YouTube where a host is running after couples in public parks violating the basic rights of citizens but no one is there to challenge.

Who is responsible for all this mess? Media House Owners, Anchors, PEMRA or ones who watch them? Is there any code of conduct? Is there any check on the biased reporting or ethics to converse? In print media is there check on plagiarism? Does any journo have the courage to clarify allegations of plagiarism, getting plots, houses or other unlawful privileges during different regimes against him or if he cannot then leave journalism forever? Do they have tolerance to be questioned or they are the only ones to have the right to question?

1. Provision of social security for unemployment, health issues, old age and disability.
2. Provision of free or subsidized education and medical services.
3. Social justice through fair distribution of income and wealth among all citizens by through effective system of taxation.
4. Provision of full-time employment to everyone as per his education and skills.
5. Public ownership of utility services to make sure uninterrupted supply on affordable rates and even further subsidized rates for low-income groups.

 Welfare State in Islam aims at achieving the total welfare of mankind, the Islamic concept of the Welfare State is based not only on the manifestation of economic values but also on moral, spiritual,   social and political values of Islam.  Islamic welfare state ensures socio-economic welfare of its citizens. Its functions for material welfare of its people include provision of basic necessities of life for all, ensuring of a comprehensive social security system, establishment of social justice, etc., since its functions for the spiritual well-being of its people include the establishment of  Islamic system of life for the Muslims and full religious freedom for the non-Muslims.

1. The Islamic welfare will make sure the share of revenues for the poor and the needy; it is the responsibility of state to give basic needs to its citizens. Islam has made no distinction between the Muslims and non-Muslims. Caliph Umar once found a Zimmi begging alms. He granted him pension and absolved him from payment of Jizyah. Khalid, the famous general of Islam, concluded a treaty with the non-Muslims of Hira which made a provision for financial help to the poor and destitute of non-Muslims.
2. The Prophet of Islam Peace be upon him has also defined the least necessities of life. He is reported to have said: “The son of man has no better right than that he would have a house wherein he may live, and a piece of cloth whereby he may hide his nakedness, and a piece of bread and some water”-(Tirmizi). From this tradition of the Prophet also, the barest necessities of human life include food, water, clothes and a house.
3. Every person living in the Islamic state is entitled to these basic needs, but if he is unable to procure them for himself or for his family then the Islamic state is duty bound to provide him the same. Many Muslim jurists have held that Islamic state is responsible to give minimum standard of living, in the form of basic necessities of life, to all those persons who being poor, needy, sick, disabled, old or unemployed, are somehow unable to do the same.
4. The economic philosophy of an Islamic state is based on the concept of social justice. An Islamic state provides equal opportunities to all its citizens to earn their livelihood. In order to meet social justice, Islam takes two major steps: Firstly it discourages rather condemns concentration of wealth in few hands; secondly it ensures fair and equitable distribution of wealth through effective measures. To check concentration of wealth in few hands, unlawful and unfair means of acquiring wealth like interest, games of chance, bribery, business malpractices such as short measuring, short weighing, hoarding, embezzlement, theft and robbery have been strictly prohibited. Fair and equitable distribution of wealth has been ensured by Islam through Zakat and charity, through taxes and compulsory contributions levied by the Islamic state, and last of all through the laws of inheritance and will. In order to meet its ideal of socio-economic justice, Islam imposes social rights over personal wealth such as rights of the poor relatives for financial support, rights of the needy neighbors for assistance, rights of the slaves and servants for help, rights of the wayfarers, friends and general Muslims who need financial aid. Since afore mentioned social rights of others are to be fulfilled and payment of Zakat may not be enough for the same, the Prophet of Islam is reported to have said: “In one’s wealth there are other rights to besides Zakat”. Thus the followers of Islam are required to fulfill the needs of the poor and if Zakat revenues are insufficient, the Islamic welfare state can ask them to give more so that the needs of the poor can be met.
5. Islamic welfare state is also duty-bound to protect the weak against the strong. For this purpose many steps have been taken by Islam. Usury which is a strong instrument of human exploitation has been totally abolished. Unfair means to acquiring wealth and exploiting the weak such as bribery, usurping the wealth of orphans, gambling, speculative business, embezzlement, spurious weights and measures, fraudulent business practices have been banned in the Islamic state. Rights of the weak like orphans, women, slaves and servants, laborers and workers, tenants, consumers, etc., are also protected in the Islamic welfare state from the onslaught of the usurpers, oppressors, capitalists, feudal lords, industrialists, etc., as discussed in the previous chapter.
6. Education and health play very vital role in the welfare of the people as well as in the development of a nation. So a welfare state to achieve its socio-economic goals cannot ignore these two sectors. Therefore, to provide education and healthcare to all of its citizens free or at heavily subsidized rates is one of the foremost duties of the Islamic welfare state. Islam’s emphasis on education can be understood from the very fact that the first verses of the Holy Qur’an which were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) laid stress on reading. The Prophet of Islam has made it obligatory upon every Muslim, whether male or female, to acquire education and knowledge. Islam also lays much stress on health and the Prophet of Islam has enjoined upon his followers to look after the sick. Providing healthcare and medical aid to the sick is thus another onerous duty of the Islamic welfare state.
7. The last, but not the least, important duty of the Islamic welfare state is to look after the spiritual welfare of its citizens. To discharge this duty, the Islam welfare state establishes the Islamic system of government as contained in the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Muslim citizens are enabled to lead their lives in accordance with the teachings of Islam; because non-Muslim citizens are provided with full religious freedom so that they may do their religious practices in their places of worship without any restriction. The Islamic state is obliged to work for the spread of Islam because the salvation of humanity ultimately lies in Islam. But this is done through preaching, persuasion and not through coercive measures or exercise of pressure which has been strictly prohibited by Islam.

Constitution of Pakistan has been amended seventeen times since its promulgation in 1973; however the ninth and eleventh amendment bills were not passed. The importance of legislation is incontestable; it is the prerogative of parliament to set the rules of business but does it make any difference for a commoner either President has more power or Prime Minister. What matters for him is good governance, availability of basic needs with in affordable price. 

Below are all amendments in a summarized form 1974 onwards…

First Amendment May 04, 1974

• Article 1 – Amendment revised units, provinces and territories of the federation
  
• Article 17 – Amendment allowed citizens other than those in service of Pakistan to form political party and every political party to account for the source of its funds by law.
  

This amendment had become necessary as East Pakistan had emerged as a new independent state “Bangladesh” and Pakistan had officially recognized it.

Second Amendment September 17, 1974

• Article 106 – Quadiani group or the Lahori group (who call themselves ‘Ahmadis’)” was declared minorities.
  
• Article 260 – the definition of a Muslim was made part of constitution which is, ” A person who does not believe in the absolute and unqualified finality of The Prophet hood of MUHAMMAD (Peace be upon him), the last of the Prophets or claims to be a Prophet, in any sense of the word or of any description whatsoever, after MUHAMMAD (Peace be upon him), or recognizes such a claimant as a Prophet or religious reformer, is not a Muslim for the purposes of the Constitution or law.”
  

Third Amendment February 13, 1975

• Article 10, 232 – the amendment addressed the issues of preventative custody by curtailing the rights of detainee and by conferring more powers for detaining authority.
  

Fourth Amendment November 21, 1975

• Articles 8, 17, 19, 51, 54, 106, 199, 271, 272, 273, First schedule and Fourth Schedule. The amendment added 6 reserved seats in National Assembly, curtailed the powers of High Courts for cases related to preventative detainment, Land reforms, economic reforms and several regulations promulgated by President prior to Constitution were made part of constitution.
  

Fifth Amendment September 16, 1976

• Articles 101, 160, 175, 179, 180, 187, 192, 195, 196, 199, 200, 204, 206, 212, 260, 280 and First Schedule. The amendment established the rules for appointment of Governors, Chief Justices and the discretionary powers of the High Courts and Supreme Courts, abolished joint High Court of Sind and Baluchistan, constituted separate high court for each province.
  

Sixth Amendment December 13, 1976

• Articles 179, 195, 246, 260 – The Amendment extended the appointment of the Chief Justices of Supreme Courts and High Courts beyond their retirement age limit for when they have not completed the term of office.
  

Seventh Amendment May 16, 1977

• Articles 101, 245 – New Article 96 A inserted which was supposed to stay in force till September 30, 1977 Amendment suggested to hold a referendum to seek vote of confidence for the Prime Minister by General Public.
  

Eighth Amendment November 9, 1985

• Articles 48, 51, 56, 58, 59, 60, 75, 91, 101, 105, 106, 112, 116, 130, 144, 152 A, 270 A and addition of new Schedule, the Sixth Schedule, The constitution restored to the position of July 5, 1977 with amendment which conferred the powers upon the President to nominate Prime Minister, appointing the services chiefs, other key state positions and dissolve the National Assembly and Governors could dissolve provincial assemblies.
  

Ninth Amendment Bill 1985 (It was not passed and still remains a bill)

• In consonance with the provisions of Article 2 and 227 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which respectively offer that Islam shall be the State religion of Pakistan and that all laws shall be brought in conformity with the Injunctions of Islam, as also the Objectives Resolution, this Bill seeks to amend Articles 2, 203B and 203D of the Constitution so as to provide that the Injunctions of Islam shall be the supreme law and source of guidance for legislation and policy making and to empower the Federal Shariat Court to make recommendations for bringing the fiscal laws and laws relating to the levy and collection of taxes in conformity with the said injunctions.
  

Tenth Amendment March 25, 1987

• Articles 54 and 61 Amendment curtailed the working days of National Assembly and the Senate from 160 to 130 per year.
  

Eleventh Amendment Bill 1989 (It was withdrawn by the movers.)

• Article 51 the amendment bill was moved in Senate suggesting the restoration of 20 Women Seats in the National Assembly. It was withdrawn by the movers after government assurance.
  

Twelfth Amendment July 28, 1991

• New Article inserted: 212 B Provisions amended: Fifth Schedule. Amendment allowed constitution of special courts for heinous crimes as well as increase the salaries of Judges.
  

Thirteenth Amendment April 3, 1997

• Article 58, 101, 112, 243 – Amendment was to withdraw Eighth Amendment powers of the President and Governors to dissolve National and Provincial assemblies, the Prime Minister was conferred the powers to appoint Services Chiefs and other key position.
  

Fourteenth Amendment July 3, 1997

• New Article inserted 63A Amendment to provide disqualification of a member of Parliamentary party on the ground of defection, floor crossing, abstaining or refraining from vote or voting against the party policy.
  

Fifteenth Amendment August 28, 1998

• Insertion of Article 2B in view of the fact that the Objectives Resolution is now substantive part of the Constitution, it is necessary that Quran and Sunnah are declared to be the supreme law of Pakistan, and the Government is empowered to take necessary steps to enforce Shariah.

Sixteenth Amendment August 5, 1999

• Insertion of Article 27 which safeguards against discrimination in services, Quota system was extended till 2013.
  

Seventeenth Amendment August 21, 2002

• New Article Inserted 41, 58, 112, 152A, 179, 195, 243, 268 and 270AA Amendments were made to the constitution for the approval of Gen. Musharraf to stay President in uniform, his coup on October 12, 1999 and inclusion of the Legal Framework Order (LFO) into the constitution which empowered President again.
  

Eighteenth Amendment April 19, 2010

• Articles amended or substituted 1, 6, 17, 25, 27, 29, 38, 41, 46, 48, 51, 58, 59, 61, 62, 63, 63A, 71, 73, 75, 89, 90, 91, 92, 99, 100, 101, 102, 104, 105, 106, 112, 116, 122, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 139, 140, 142, 143, 144, 147, 149, 154, 155, 156, 157, 160, 161, 167, 168, 170, 171, 172, 175, 177, 193, 194, 198, 199, 200, 203, 203D, 209, 213, 215, 216, 218, 219, 221, 224, 226,228, 232, 233, 234, 242, 243, 260, 268, 270A, 270AA, 270B
  
• Articles inserted 10A, 19A, 25A, 140A, 175A, 267A, 267B, 270BB
  
• Articles omitted 71 and Omission of sixth and seventh schedule
  
• Summary: Parliament declared the 17th Amendment to the Constitution and the Legal Framework Order (LFO) given by a dictator as without any legal authority. NWFP renamed as ‘Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa’. Good Governance by restricting the size of the Cabinet in to 11 per cent of the members of Parliament and respective Provinces. Four seats, one from each province, to be allocated in the Senate for the minorities to increase their strength. Education to each child up to the age of 16 years made compulsory. Formation of the council of common interests revised with prime minister as its chairman. The council should meet at least once in 90 days besides abolition of the Concurrent List. Prime Minister shall keep the president informed on all matters of internal and foreign policy and on all legislative proposals the federal government intends to bring before the Majlis-e-Shoora (parliament). President could use the power of dissolution of the National Assembly when a vote of no-confidence having been passed against the prime minister, no other member of the National Assembly commands the confidence of the majority of the members of the National Assembly, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, as ascertained in a session of the National Assembly for the purpose. For the determination of his civil rights and obligations or in any criminal charge against him, a person shall be entitled to a fair trial and due process. Under-representation of any class or area in the service of Pakistan may be redressed in such manner as may be determined by an act of Majlis-e-Shoora (parliament). Restriction imposed on the attorney general for doing private practice. Inexpensive and expeditious justice should be ensured to the people as also the right of access to information without any hurdle. The prime minister shall, in consultation with the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, forward three names for appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner to a parliamentary committee for hearing and confirmation of any one person. The parliamentary committee, to be constituted by the speaker, shall comprise 50 per cent from the opposition parties, based on their strength in Parliament to be nominated by the respective parliamentary leaders. In case there is no consensus between the prime minister and the leader of the opposition, each shall forward separate lists to the parliamentary committee for consideration, which may confirm one name. The total strength of the parliamentary committee shall not exceed 12 members out of which one-third shall be from the Senate. Provided that when the National Assembly is dissolved and a vacancy occurs in the office of the chief election commissioner, the parliamentary committee shall comprise the members of the Senate only. There shall be no restriction on the number of terms for the offices of the prime minister and chief ministers. Prime minister would advise the president on appointment of the chairman of the chiefs of staff committee and chiefs of three armed forces. The Senate shall consist of 104 instead of 100 members with the addition of one minority member from each province. Working days of the Senate have been increased from 90 to 110. Restriction on a person who has been dismissed from the service of Pakistan, service of a corporation or office set up or controlled by the federal government or the provincial government on ground of misconduct has been lifted. According to this amendment, a person could be elected as MP, three or five years after dismissal from the service. A person shall be disqualified from being elected or chosen as, and from being, a member of parliament if he has been dismissed from the service of Pakistan or service of a corporation or office set up or, controlled, by the federal government, the provincial government or a local government on ground of misconduct, unless a period of five years since his removal or dismissal; or unless a period of three years has elapsed since his removal or compulsory retirement. The restriction on a person being elected as member of parliament, who has been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction for propagating any opinion, or acting in any manner, prejudicial to the ideology of Pakistan, or the sovereignty, integrity or security of Pakistan, or integrity or independence of the judiciary of Pakistan, or which defames or bring into ridicule the judiciary or the armed forces of Pakistan, unless a period of five years has elapsed since his release. Chairman of the Federal Public Service Commission would be appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister. Similarly, chairmen of the provincial public service commissions would be appointed by the governors on the advice of chief ministers. Proclamation of emergency in the province due to internal disturbances would require a resolution from the provincial assembly. If the president acts on his own, the proclamation of emergency shall be placed before both houses of parliament for approval by each house within 10 days. On dissolution of the assembly or completion of its term, or in case it is dissolved under Article 58 or Article 112, a caretaker shall be selected by the president in consultation with the prime minister and the leader of the opposition in the outgoing National Assembly. Similarly, a caretaker chief minister will be appointed in consultation with the chief minister and the leader of the opposition in the outgoing provincial assembly. Proclamation of emergency of the fourteenth day of October, 1999, the Provisional Constitution Order (PCO) No 1, the Oath of Office (Judges) Order, 2000, Chief Executive Order No 12 of 2002, Chief Executive Order No 19 of 2002, the amendments made in the Constitution through LFO, 2002, (Chief Executive Order No 24), the LFO (Amendment) Order, 2002, Chief Executive’s Order No 29 of 2002) and the LFO (Second Amendment) Order, 2002 (Chief Executive Order No 32 of 2002), notwithstanding any judgment of any court, including the Supreme Court or a High Court, are hereby declared as having been made without lawful authority and of no legal effect. Judges of the Supreme Court, High Courts and Federal Shariat Court who were continuing to hold the office of a judge or were appointed as such, and had taken oath under the Oath of Office (Judges) Order 2000, shall be deemed to continue to hold the office as judge or appointed as such as the case may be, under the Constitution and such continuance or appointment, shall have effect accordingly. Appointment of judges to the Supreme Court, there shall be a judicial commission. For appointment of judges of the Supreme Court, the commission, headed by the chief justice of Pakistan, shall also consist of two most senior judges of the apex court, a former chief justice or a former judge of the Supreme Court to be appointed by the chief justice in consultation with two member judges for a period of two years, federal minister for law and justice, Attorney General for Pakistan, and a senior advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan to be nominated by the Pakistan Bar Council for a period of two years. The judicial commission for the appointment of High Court judge, headed by the chief justice of the High Court, would also include two most senior judges of the High Court, provincial law minister, a senior advocate to be nominated by the provincial bar council. For appointment of judges of the Federal Shariat Court, the judicial commission shall also include the chief justice of the Shariat Court and the most senior judge of that court as its members. Article 58-2(b) should be repealed and substituted with “Dissolution of the National Assembly”. The substitution clause says that the president shall dissolve the National Assembly if so advised by the prime minister, and the National Assembly shall, unless sooner dissolved, stand dissolved at the expiration of forty-eight hours after the prime minister has so advised. Notwithstanding anything contained in Clause 2 of Article 48, the president may also dissolve the National Assembly in his discretion where, a vote of no-confidence having been passed against the prime minister, no other member of the National Assembly commands the confidence of the majority of the members of the National Assembly in accordance with the provision of the Constitution, as ascertained in a session of the National Assembly summoned for the purpose. Passing of the bills: Recommended substitution in Article 70 with “introduction of passing of bills”, adding that a bill with respect to any matter in the Federal Legislative List may originate in either house and shall, if it is passed by the house in which it originated, be transmitted to the other house and if the bill is passed without amendment by the other house also, it shall be presented to the president for assent. Bills presented in the house but not passed within 90 days of lying in the House shall be considered in a joint sitting of parliament. Islamabad High Court established and the judges of the Islamabad High Court should be taken from the federal capital and four provinces.
  

Nineteenth Amendment January 1, 2011

• Articles 81, 175, 175A, 182, 213, 246 – Amendment introduced a new system for appointments in the superior courts; the amendment also raised the number of senior judges as members of the Judicial Commission to four. Under the amendment, recommendations for the appointments of ad hoc judges in the superior courts will be made by the Chief Justice of Pakistan in consultation with the Judicial Commission. Moreover, in case of the National Assembly’s dissolution, members of the parliamentary committee will be from the Senate only.
  

Yousaf Raza Gilani

The other day Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani thundered over the conspiracies being hatched against his democratic elected government but a common Pakistani wants to ask Prime Minister why did he stay inaudible over several machinations on his side of camp which have maligned the democracy like never before. All the below mentioned proceedings are compiled upon the media reports and I invite all readers to add if I have missed some.

1. The report of UN Commission on Mohatarma Benazir Bhutto‘s assassination states that government did not conduct investigations in a convincing way. It remained limited to low rank security officials and they did not track down the real conspirators or possibly involved high ranking officials.
   
2. The same report further reveals that Rehman Malik had not ensured proper security measures.
   
3. What took two years to restore the Chief Justice which Mohatarma Benazir Bhutto had promised in her life?
   
4. Number of Multibillion Corruption Scams by the democratic elected ministers in 4 years.
   
5. Federal Minister Makhdoom Amin Faheem found involved in multibillion scam and some amount recovered from his personal account too.
   
6. Media Coordinator to Prime Minister, Khurram Rasul commits 600 Million fraud, escapes and remains untraceable so far.
   
7. Federal Minister Hamid Saeed Kazmi even did not spare Hajis.
   
8. Further he revealed that Shakeel Rao had gifted a 9.9 Million worth car to Prime Minister’s son just to get appointed as Director Hajj Operations.
   
9. Asian Bank declared the rental power projects were not a workable option.
   
10. Faisal Saleh Hayat Federal Minister produced evidence in rental power corruption case.
    
11. Raja Pervez Ashraf Federal Minister kept on lying for 2 years about end of load shedding.
    
12. Gas and Electricity load shedding while having the required production capacity but failure of production and distribution mechanism due to mismanagement.
    
13. Finance Minister and two Governors of State Bank resigned due to reckless conduct of government.
    
14. Internal and external debt reached its highest in the history of country.
    
15. State Bank reported country failed to meet growth forecast by 2.5%.
    
16. PIA suffered a record loss of 9.7 billion.
    
17. Railways reached a record deficit of 6 billion.
18. Pakistan Steel lost 5 billion in last four years.
19. Dollar rose to Rs. 90 from Rs. 60
20. Pensioners died waiting for pension payment and youths committed suicide for not being able to find a job.
21. Raza Rabbani a long time People’s Party loyalist also resigned as Federal Minister on going in to alliance with PMLQ which once was declared Qatil League by Co-Chairperson.
22. Resignation of Information Minister Sherry Rahman over the freedom of Media.
23. The size of Federal Cabinet and its performance.
24. Imposition of Governor Rule in Punjab by a democratic elected Federal Government.
25. Failure of the Sindh Government to maintain law and order in the city of Karachi.
26. Appointment of Adnan Khawaja a matric pass person as Chairman of OGDC.
27. PM promoted 54 officers to grade 22 putting aside the merit. 
28. PM sacked a DG FIA just for exposing the misappropriation and fraudulent conduct of a Federal Minister.
29. Number of U-Turns and withdrawn notifications from Government.
30. The supremacy of Parliament was denied by putting aside its resolutions.
31. Government’s arrogance towards Supreme Court and its decisions.
32. PM promised to send DG ISI for investigation by Indian Authorities after Mumbai attack.
33. How come General James Jones became more reliable to PM than his own COAS and DG ISI?

It would have been great to see Prime Minister showing some concern on all these issues. May Allah show the right path to our ruling élite…