INTER-INSTITUTIONAL RELATIONS IN

A P I L D A T M O N T H L Y M O N I T O R

October 2020

CONTENT Mr. accuses Security Establishment for ouster of his government

COAS announces inquiry into IG's abduction

Criticism of the Foreign Minister by Former Speaker National Assembly

Opposition's real problem is with the ISI: Prime Minister

Prime Minister acquitted in Parliament House attack case Pakistan Remains on FATF grey list

Interior Minister's Comments Anger Opposition Parties

Acceptance of Resignation of Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting

Army help will not be sought for Gilgit Baltistan elections Sindh High Court asks Army to retrieve Forests Department Land

Honourable Chief Justice High Court Former Prime Minister Mr. Nawaz Sharif Questions induction of Army Ofcers in Civil Service Supreme Court issues notice to Prime Minister Mr. Nawaz Sharif accuses Security Establishment for ouster Supreme Court forms commission for Sindh projects of his government Military Courts trial Justice Qazi Faez Isa Case COAS interactions with Foreign Dignitaries While addressing another PDM jalsa bad governance under Prime Minister Corps Commanders' Conference in Gujranwala on October 16, in Mr. Imran Khan. another unexpected move, former Prime Minister's Interactions with COAS Prime Minister Mr. Nawaz Sharif “Imran Niazi ki iss na ehl hakumat ki Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly meets accused the security establishment of tabahkaarion ka kon zimidaar hai? Foreign Dignitaries being behind the ouster of his General Qamar Javed Bajwa sahab, Chairman Senate meets Foreign Dignitaries government and for “bringing Imran yeh saughaat aap hi ki di hui hain. Afghanistan Peace Process 1 Khan into power.” Aap hi iss musibat ki maari qaum ki Thailand Protests pareshaanion ka mujib hain. General He questioned who made the state Qamar Javed Bajwa Sahab, aap ne This monitor is meant to identify key developments during the month on Inter-Institutional Relations in Pakistan with selected a b o v e a s t a t e a n d w h o w a s humari achi bhalli chalti hakumat ko high-prole international developments included occasionally. responsible for creating multiple rukhsat karaya aur mulk aur qaum ko For the purpose of this monitor, the institutions are meant to be the Legislature, Judiciary and Executive. power centres and governments in apni khwahishat ki bheent charhaya. Pakistan. He went on to name and Memberaan e Parliament ki khareed o blame the Chief of Army Staff, farokht jis se hum arsa daraz se jaan

General Qamar Javed Bajwa for the chura chukke thay dubara aap ne Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development And Transparency

1. Mirza, I. (2020) Nawaz accuses security establishment of orchestrating his ouster, bringing Imran to power. Available at https://www.dawn.com/news/1585386. (Accessed 18 November 2020) 2 October 2020

said that a number of top Sindh Police ofcers were “resigning or going on leave because the incident had become a “question of their honour.” “If there is no respect left for my police, how will they do their jobs? This is unacceptable,” he said. “There should be some red lines which are not to be crossed” and, “I think many red lines were crossed in this incident which should not become a precedent,” said the PPP leader.

Following Capt. (Retd.) Mohammad Safdar's arrest, PML-N leader and former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair alleged that Sindh IG of Police was kidnapped and forced to register the First Information Report (FIR) against Ms. Maryam Nawaz Sharif and her husband, Capt. (Retd.) Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressing press conference Mohammad Safdar and 200 others for violating the sanctity of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah's mausoleum. The claim got credence as media reports showed that IG Sindh shuru karwayi. Judgon se zor zabardasti ke faislay aap ne and senior police ofcials requested to go on leave for two likhwaye. Insaaf karne ke jurm mein Justice Shaukat Aziz months as the IG's letter stated that ridiculing and Siddiqui aur Qazi Faez Isa ke khilaf tamaam iqdamaat aapke manhandling of the police high command shocked and eema per kiye gaye. Aap ne electionon mein awaam ke demoralized all ranks of the Sindh. Police and he was unable intikhab ko rad kar ke apni marzi ka na ehl tola iss qaum par 3 to discharge his duties in this stressful situation. musallat kiya. Nateeje mein hone wali barbaadi ke bhi aap hi zimedaar hain.”2 Reportedly, the Chief of Army Staff also held a telephonic conversation with Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and assured In the same speech, former Prime Minister also named him that an impartial inquiry would be carried out within 10 Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence, Lt. Gen. days. In a brief statement by the ISPR, it was communicated Faiz Hameed, for orchestrating everything. that the COAS had directed Corps Commander to conduct an inquiry into the circumstances and report back as “Aur General Faiz, General Faiz yeh sab kuch aap ke 4 soon as possible. haathon se hua hai. Jawab bhi aap ko dena hoga.” Criticism of the Foreign Minister by Former COAS announces inquiry into Sindh IG's Speaker National Assembly abduction Speaking on the oor of the National Assembly on October On October 20, the ISPR announced that the Chief of Army 28, former speaker of the National Assembly and senior Staff has taken notice of and ordered an immediate inquiry PML-N leader, Sardar alleged that Pakistan had into the “Karachi incident” minutes after Chairman Pakistan released captured Indian Wing Commander Abhinandan Peoples' Party, Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, demanded that Varthaman under fear of retaliation from the Indian Armed COAS and DG ISI investigate “who were the people who Forces. He also claimed that Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Mr. surrounded” the IG Sindh's residence and took him to an had, at the time, requested the unspecied location before PML-N leader retired Capt. (Retd.) Mohammad Safdar, husband of Ms. Maryam Nawaz, was arrested in Karachi. Former Prime Minister Mr. Nawaz Sharif named Army “I demand of DG ISI Faiz Hameed and Chief of Army Staff Chief blaming him for bringing the ruling PTI Government Gen Bajwa to investigate your institution [and] how it is into power. Mr. Nawaz Sharif also said that the Army operating in this province," said Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Chief was responsible for the bad governance under the while addressing a press conference. He also said that Sindh present government set up and insinuated that the COAS provincial government will also carry out its own inquiry. He had orchestrated everything through DG ISI.

2. Youtube (2020) Nawaz Sharif Full Speech at Gujranwala PDM Jalsa. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acRb518_-aQ. (Accessed 17 October 2020) 3. Dawn (2020) Army chief orders immediate inquiry into 'Karachi incident.' Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1586087/army-chief-orders-immediate-inquiry-into-safdar-arrest- episode-ispr. (Accessed 23 October 2020) 4. Dawn (2020) Army chief orders immediate inquiry into 'Karachi incident.' Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1586087/army-chief-orders-immediate-inquiry-into-safdar-arrest- episode-ispr. (Accessed 23 October 2020) October 2020 3

ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar also held a presser in which he tried to correct the record regarding the events surrounding India's violation of Pakistani airspace.7

A day after speaking on the oor of the house, Mr. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq released a video message where he said that the Indian media had taken what he had said out of context. The former Speaker went on to say that it was actually Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Imran Khan himself who had called the meeting to discuss Abhinandan's detention but did not show up.

“Imran Khan Prime Minister of Pakistan ne jab parliamentary leaders ki meeting bulayi tou jo civil leadership thi, jis mein Former Speaker NA Sardar Ayaz Sadiq addresses a press Shah Mahmood Qureshi Sahab aur Imran Khan Sahab thay. conference in Lahore Imran Khan Sahab ke paas tou itni himmat nai hui kyunke maathe pe itna paseena tha aur pareshaan thay. Kis ke opposition parties to send Abhinandan back or India would kehne pe yeh kar rahe thay, kya pressure tha un ke uper woh attack. unhon ne hum se share nahin kiya kyunke woh meeting mein nai tashreef laaye. Aur Shah Mahmood Qureshi Sahab ne “Abhinandan ki kya baat karte hain. Mujhe yaad hai Shah yeh kaha ke hum unko wapis karna chah rahe hain. National Mahmood Qureshi ke saath uss meeting mein thay jis mein interest ki khaatir hum ne yeh kiya, aur civil leadership ka yeh Prime Minister Sahab ne aane se inkaar kar diya aur Chief of faisla tha jis se hum agree nahin karte thay. Koi jaldi nahin thi Army Staff tashreef laaye. Payr kaanp rahe thay, paseene Abhinandan ko dene ki aap zra sa intezaar kar lete magar maathay pe thay, aur hum se Shah Mahmood Sahab ne national interest ke liye kiya. Magar weakness civil leadership ki iss mein nazar aayi jo ke faisla Imran Khan kaha, Foreign Minister sahib ne, ke Khuda ka waasta hai ab 8 isko waapis jaane dou, kyunke 9 baje raat ko Hindustan Sahab ne kiya tha” Pakistan par attack kar raha hai. Woh koi Hindustan ne attack nahin karna tha kuch nai hona tha. Siraf ghutne taik ke Through the video message, former Speaker seemed to be Abhinandan ko wapis bhejna tha, jo inhon ne kiya.” 5 dispelling the impression that his previous speech had targeted the establishment and instead focused the blame The unfortunate remarks by the former Speaker criticising on PTI leaders' Mr. Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Prime Pakistan's Foreign Minister by quoting from an in-camera Minister Mr. Imran Khan for releasing the Indian pilot and meeting was found inappropriate by many. The remarks by making Pakistan appear weak. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq gained traction in the Indian media also. On October 29, the Foreign Ofce of Pakistan too released Opposition's real problem is with the ISI: a statement categorically rejecting that Wing Commander Prime Minister Abhinandan had been released under any pressure.6 Director General of the Inter Services Public Relations (DG On October 9, Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan said that the

Chief of Army Staff ordered an inquiry into the alleged Speaking in the National Assembly, Former Speaker abduction of the Sindh Inspector General of Police after Sardar Ayaz Sadiq alleged that the PTI Government had Chairman PPP Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called a press released captured Indian pilot Abhinandan under fear of conference demanding that the culprits behind the Indian retaliation. The former Speaker later stated that alleged abduction be held accountable. The COAS the decision taken by Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan and directed Corps Commander Karachi to furnish a report in the Foreign Minister had made Pakistan appear weak on 10 days the global stage.

5. Youtube (2020) Ayaz Sadiq Speech in National Assembly About Imran khan and India || Pakistan News. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uDyMwg9lnY. (Accessed 29 October 2020) 6. The News (2020) 'Abhinandan not freed under pressure'. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/736684-abhinandan-not-freed-under-pressure. (Accessed 30 October 2020) 7. Dawn (2020) I stand by my stance, have never made irresponsible statements: Ayaz Sadiq. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1587845. (Accessed 31 October 2020) 8. Express Tribune (2020) Ayaz Sadiq accuses Indian media of 'misquoting' him on Abhinandan release. Available at: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2270369/ayaz-sadiq-says-misquoted-on- abhinandan-na-statement-by-indian-media. (Accessed 29 October 2020) 4 October 2020

Prime Minister Imran Khan addresses the Insaf Lawyer's Forum opposition leaders' real issue was that they were unable to The counsel for Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan informed the control the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).9 The Prime court that the prosecution was no longer interested in Minister went on to say that former Prime Minister Mr. Nawaz pursuing the case so it was a t case for acquittal.11 However, Sharif was unable to withstand pressure from former other leaders of the PTI including Foreign Minister Shah Director General ISI Lt. General (Retd.) Zaheer ul Islam Mahmood Qureshi, Federal Minister for Planning, because the ISI was aware of his corruption. The Prime Development and Special Initiatives Mr. , Federal Minister said that the reason why he had no problem with the Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Mr. Army was because he had a 'clean record.' , Defence Minister Mr. , Senior Minister of Punjab Mr. and Prime In a separate interview on October 1, Prime Minister Mr. Minister's former aide Mr. Jehangir Tareen are summoned by Imran Khan said that PML-N Quaid Mr. Nawaz Sharif's the court on November 21.12 relationship with the Army always remained sour because he tried to 'control the army.'10 The Prime Minister made the comment in an interview with journalist Mr. Nadeem Malik on Samaa TV. Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan said that moral authority mattered in a democracy but since Mr. Nawaz Sharif lacked it the Army did not support him.

Prime Minister acquitted in Parliament House attack case

On October 29, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) acquitted Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan in a case related to the attack on the Parliament House during the PTI sit-in held in Islamabad in 2014. Mr. Imran Khan addressing a 2014 Sit-in

9. Asad, M. (2020) Opposition's real issue is with ISI, says PM. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1584239/oppositions-real-issue-is-with-isi-says-pm. (Accessed 10 October 2020) 10. Dawn (2020) Nawaz maligning Army at India's behest: PM. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1582774/nawaz-maligning-army-at-indias-behest-pm. (Accessed 02 October 2020) 11. Asad, M. (2020) Imran acquitted in Parliament House attack case. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1587745/imran-acquitted-in-parliament-house-attack-case. (Accessed 30 October 2020) 12. Khan, Obaid. (2020) Attack on Parliament, PTV case: ATC acquits Imran Khan. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/736589-attack-on-parliament-ptv-case-slug-atc-acquits- imran-khan. (Accessed 30 October 2020) October 2020 5

Minister for Interior Brigadier (Retd.) Ijaz Shah

Pakistan Remains on FATF grey list why the FATF action items could not be complied with despite the passage of two years.15 On October 23, President of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Dr. Marcus Pleyer, announced that Pakistan would Interior Minister's Comments Anger continue to remain on the Global Watchdog's grey list for Opposition Parties another four months.13 On October 31, Minister for Interior Brigadier (Retd.) Ijaz The declaration was made at the conclusion of a three-day Shah while speaking at a ceremony in his hometown said plenary held in Paris. According to a statement by the that the 's (ANP) leaders had been watchdog, Pakistan had made progress on 21 of the 27 targeted by the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for their action items recommended by the FATF. Dr. Marcus Pleyer, stance against terrorism. The Interior Minister then said that however, stressed that the remaining 6 items were very he was praying for the safety of the people following PML-N's serious issues and needed to be addressed. anti-establishment narrative.16

The Government termed the move a 'diplomatic victory' for The statement by the Interior Minister elicited a strong Pakistan. However, leaders of the Pakistan People's Party response from ANP President Mr. Asfandyar Wali Khan who alleged that the move was a failure and a result of 'slipshod' said the ANP had stood by the security forces during the war 14 law drafting and lack of homework by the Government. A on terror and had sacriced hundreds of its workers.17 Mr. senior leader of the PPP Senator Sherry Rehman blamed the Asfandyar Wali asked the government to explain if the governing PTI of bulldozing laws and disrespecting the sacrices were for the protection of the State or against it. Parliament. The PPP leader asked the Government to explain

An Anti Terrorism Court acquitted Mr. Imran Khan in a The Financial Action Task Force has announced that case related to the attack on the Parliament House during Pakistan would remain on the FATF grey list for another the 2014 PTI sit-in in Islamabad. However, the Court four months, having made progress on 21 of the 27 action summoned several other PTI leaders including the serving items recommended by the global watchdog. The Foreign Minister, Federal Minister for Planning, Government termed the move a diplomatic victory while Development and Special Initiatives and the Defence the opposition criticised the Government for 'slipshod' Minister drafting of legislations

13. Kiani, K. (2020) Pakistan to stay on FATF grey list till February. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1586726/pakistan-to-stay-on-fatf-grey-list-till-february. (Accessed 24 October 2020) 14. Wasim, A. (2020) PPP, govt in war of words over FATF outcome. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1586896/ppp-govt-in-war-of-words-over-fatf-outcome. (Accessed 25 October 2020) 15. Wasim, A. (2020) PPP seeks govt explanation over FATF issue. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1587326/ppp-seeks-govt-explanation-over-fatf-issue. (Accessed 28 October 2020) 16. Wasim. A, (2020) Minister slammed over Taliban attack remarks. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1588127/minister-slammed-over-taliban-attack-remarks. (Accessed 01 November 2020) 17. Dawn (2020) Govt asked to explain minister's statement. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1587906/govt-asked-to-explain-ministers-statement. (Accessed 01 November 2020) 6 October 2020

Lt. General (Retd.) Asim Saleem Bajwa Sukkur Bench of the Sindh High Court

The Spokesman for PPP Chairman, Senator Mustafa Nawaz businesses.18 The retired General will continue to hold his Khokhar termed the Interior Minister's statement a violation portfolio as Chairman of the CPEC Authority.19 of the National Action Plan (NAP) and asked that the Interior Minister apologize to the nation and the workers of the Army help will not be sought for Gilgit political parties killed by terrorist attacks. Baltistan elections

Acceptance of Resignation of Special On October 2, the caretaker Chief Minister of Gilgit Baltistan Assistant to Prime Minister on Information Mir Afzal said that the Army would not be called out in the and Broadcasting upcoming Legislative Assembly elections in Gilgit Baltistan.20 Chief Minister Mir Afzal said that the caretaker Government On October 12, Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan accepted was neutral and would investigate if any efforts at rigging the resignation of Lt. General (Retd.) Asim Saleem Bajwa were discovered. The Pakistan Rangers, police personnel from the position of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister and the Gilgit Baltistan scouts would provide security for the 21 on Information and Broadcasting. elections.

The former Commander Southern Command had Sindh High Court asks Army to retrieve submitted his resignation in September after allegations Forests Department land were made regarding his family's assets and offshore On October 1, the Sukkur bench of the Sindh High Court issued directives to the Corps Commander Karachi to retrieve thousands of acres of land illegally occupied by land

Opposition parties condemned the Interior Minister for implying that the opposition ANP had been targeted by the TTP for the former's strong stance against terrorism. ANP President Mr. Asfandyar Wali demanded an explanation from the Government for the remarks while the PPP asked the Interior Minister to apologise to the nation and the workers of ANP killed due to terrorist Caretaker chief Minister of Gilgit Baltistan Mr. Mir Afzal addresses a press conference attacks

18. Dawn (2020) Under-fire SAPM quits after resignation accepted. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1584727/under-fire-sapm-quits-after-resignation-accepted. (Accessed 13 October 2020) 19. The News (2020) Asim Bajwa's resignation accepted: ' No bar on opposition's public rallies.' Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/728388-asim-bajwa-s-resignation-accepted- no-bar-on-opp-public-rallies. (Accessed 13 October 2020) 20. The News (2020) No army deployment for GB elections: caretaker CM. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/723863-no-army-deployment-for-gb-elections-caretaker-cm. (Accessed 03 October 2020) 21. Nagri, J. (2020) GB won't seek Army's help for Nov 15 polls. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1582934/gb-wont-seek-armys-help-for-nov-15-polls. (Accessed 03 October 2020) October 2020 7

Lahore High Court building Supreme Court of Pakistan building grabbers. The Court remarked that the illegally acquired Supreme Court issues notice to Prime land remained under the occupation of inuential people Minister Imran Khan because the Forest Department ofcials and police were hand in glove with them.22 Despite the Court's past orders and the release of Rupees 110 million by the Sindh On October 12, the Supreme Court issued a notice to Prime Government, the Forest Department had so far failed to Minister Mr. Imran Khan for utilising a public building for a retrieve its land. private function. The Prime Minister had attended a convention of the Insaf Lawyer's Forum (ILF), the lawyer's wing of the PTI, in the Convention Centre in Islamabad. Honourable Chief Justice Lahore High Court Questions induction of Army Ofcers A two-member bench of the Supreme Court headed by in Civil Service Justice Qazi Faez Isa took notice of the use of the Convention Centre for the event and referred the matter to the Chief On October 15, Honourable Chief Justice of the Lahore Justice of Pakistan, Justice Gulzar Ahmed, for constitution of 24 High Court Justice Muhammad Qasim Khan questioned the an appropriate bench to hear the case. procedure through which former Army ofcers were placed in the civil service.23 The Honourable Chief Justice was The notice stated that the Prime Minister had utilized the listening to a petition regarding appointment of former Chief public building for an event that had no concern with the Secretary (Retd.) Major Azam Suleman Khan as Punjab 'exercise of powers and performance of function' of his ofce Ombudsman. It is pertinent to mention that Major Azam under Article 248 of the Constitution. Notices were also Suleman Khan had been inducted into the Civil Service issued to the authority which operates the Convention Centre through the quota reserved for the Armed Forces. to inquire who granted permission for use of the Centre for the private function and whether or not a payment was made 25 The petitioner had stated that the Ombudsman's position and by whom for the use of the public building. was reserved for a person with legal knowledge and thus a former Judge should occupy the slot. The Chief Justice asked about the transparency of the law, inquiring 'if the retired The Caretaker Chief Minister of Gilgit Baltistan Mir Afzal army ofcers were nominated by the Army Chief on the basis said that the Army would not be called to provide security of a criteria or by personal liking.' The Chief Justice asked for during the Legislative Assembly elections scheduled for clarication regarding the law asking the Federal Deputy November 15. He said that the caretaker Government Attorney General to cite the law being exercised for was neutral and any efforts at rigging would be nomination of Army Ofcers into the Civil Service. investigated.

22. Dawn (2020) Court asks Army to retrieve forest land from grabbers. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1582682/court-asks-army-to-retrieve-forest-land-from-grabbers. (Accessed 02 October 2020) 23. Dawn (2020) CJ questions criteria for inducting army officers into civil service. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1585247/cj-questions-criteria-for-inducting-army-officers-into- civil-service. (Accessed 16 October 2020) 24. Khan, S. (2020) Supreme Court issues notice to PM Imran Khan for attending ILF event. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/728387-sc-notice-to-pm-for-attending-ilf-event. (Accessed 13 October 2020) 25. Hussain, R. (2020) Supreme Court issues notice to PM Imran Khan for attending ILF event. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/728387-sc-notice-to-pm-for-attending-ilf-event. (Accessed 13 October 2020) 8 October 2020

Bahria Town Karachi Peshawar High Court building

Supreme Court forms commission for Sindh suspending the trial of a human rights defender Mr. Idress projects Khattak by a military court. Mr. Idress Khattak had been in detention since November On October 20, the Supreme Court of Pakistan constituted a 13, 2019. The petitioner claimed that his trial by the Field committee to utilise the funds amounting to Rs. 460 billion General Court Martial (FCGM) was illegal since Mr. Khattak paid as a ne by Bahria Town Private Limited for its Karachi was not a member of the Armed forces and could not be tried Super Highway Project (commonly referred to as Malir Cantt under the Army Act.28 project of Bahria Town).26 The Peshawar High Court bench headed by Chief Justice The implementation bench of the Supreme Court headed by Waqar Ahmed Seth issued a notice to the Defence Ministry to Justice Faisal Arab noted that all decisions made by the respond to the petition against the trial. Commission would be subject to approval by the Supreme Court implementation bench. The committee will be empowered to make all decisions regarding the expenditure Justice Qazi Faez Isa Case of the total amount paid by Bahria Town Private Limited for development projects within the province of Sindh. On October 23, a 10-member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice Umar Ata Bandial released the detailed 29 The bench was continuing hearing of the Karachi Super judgement on the Justice Qazi Faez Isa case. Highway Project in which Bahria Town Private Limited had been blamed for acquiring land illegally to build a project in A case against Justice Qazi Faez Isa was launched after a Karachi. On March 21, 2019 a three member Supreme Presidential reference was sent to the Supreme Judicial Court Bench had accepted the Rs. 460 million settlement Council in 2019 stating that the Honourable Judge had offered by Bahria Town Private Limited as penalty for failed to declare properties owned by his family in London. acquiring the land illegally. The settlement amount had On June 19 2020, the Supreme Judicial Council had become subject of a dispute between the Sindh Government and the Federal Government with both laying claim to the settlement amount. The Supreme Court had, however, A two-member bench of the Supreme Court issued a ordered that the money will be deposited with the Supreme notice to Prime Minister Imran Khan for attending an Court.27 event at the Convention Centre in Islamabad where the Prime Minister addressed the Insaf Lawyer's Forum. The Military Courts trial Supreme Court also sent notices to the Authority governing the Convention Centre to inquire why a public building was utilised to hold a private function On October 15, the Peshawar High Court issued a stay order

26. Rao, S. (2020) SC forms commission to spend Rs 460b on Sindh projects. Available at: https://nation.com.pk/21-Oct-2020/sc-forms-commission-to-spend-rs460b-on-sindh-projects. (Accessed 21 October 2020) 27. The News (2020) Super Highway land settlement: SC accepts Bahria Town's Rs. 460b offer. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/447312-super-highway-land-settlement-sc- accepts-bahria-town-s-rs460b-offer. (Accessed 29 October 2020) 28. Dawn (2020) Trial of rights activist by military court stayed. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1585287/trial-of-rights-activist-by-military-court-stayed. (Accessed 16 October 2020) 29. Khan, S. (2020) Justice Faez Isa case: Supreme Court adjourns review pleas on petitioner's request. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/736205-justice-faez-isa-case-supreme- court-adjourns-review-pleas-on-petitioners-request. (Accessed 29 October 2020) October 2020 9

Honourable Justice Qazi Faez Isa COAS meets Turkey's Minister for National Defence quashed the reference in a short order.30 COAS interactions with Foreign Dignitaries

In its detailed judgement, the Court held that the Presidential 31 US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, reference 'suffered with multiple defects'. The detailed Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, called on the Chief of Army judgement noted the President's failure to form a considered Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General opinion. Additionally, the judgement points out that the Headquarters on October 8.33 Matters related to regional consent of the President or the Prime Minister was not taken security were discussed with special emphasis on the on- in the ling of the reference. Instead, the Law Minister Dr. going Afghan peace process. Farogh Naseem approved the ling of the reference. General Sir Nicholas Patrick Carter, Chief of Defence Staff of Separately on October 22, Honourable Justice Qazi Faez Isa the United Kingdom, met Chief of Army Staff General and his wife Mrs. Sarina Isa voluntarily released their tax 34 32 Qamar Javed Bajwa at the GHQ on October 19. Matters documents as well as information about their assets. The of mutual interest including strengthening of bilateral disclosure was made in response to a Right to Information security and cooperation ties were discussed in the meeting. request made under Article 19-A of the Constitution by the General Sir Nicholas Patrick Carter acknowledged Pakistan's Women's Action Forum (WAF). The WAF had also asked for efforts for Afghanistan peace process.35 declarations to be made by other public ofce holders and senior members of the Army and the Judiciary. Turkey's Minister for National Defence retired General

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Chief of Defence Staff of the United Kingdom calls on Chief Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad meets Chief of Army Staff of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa

30. Iqbal, N. (2020) SC ruling highlights 'holes' in case against Isa. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1586722/sc-ruling-highlights-holes-in-case-against-isa. (Accessed 24 October 2020) 31. Dawn (2020) Justice Isa case. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1587045/justice-isa-case. (Accessed 26 October 2020) 32. Iqbal, N. (2020) Justice Isa, wife release income tax, assets detail. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1586565/justice-isa-wife-release-income-tax-assets-details. (Accessed 23 October 2020) 33. Khan, I. (2020) Khalilzad discusses Afghan peace process with Bajwa. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1584052/khalilzad-discusses-afghan-peace-process-with-bajwa. (Accessed 09 October 2020) 34. ISPR (2020) General Sir Nicholas Patrick Carter, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) UK called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa , today. Available at: https://ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5896. (Accessed 19 October 2020) 35. Dawn (2020) Pakistan Army's efforts for peace lauded. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1585993/pakistan-armys-efforts-for-peace-lauded. (Accessed 20 October 2020) 10 October 2020

COAS chairs the Corps Commanders' Conference Prime Minister Imran Khan addresses a seminar at NDU

Hulusi Akbar met the Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Prime Minister's Interactions with Chief of 36 Javed Bajwa on October 26. The Turkish Minister Army Staff commended Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorism and maintaining security in the region. During October 2020, Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan met and interacted with Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Corps Commanders' Conference Javed Bajwa 3 times.

th The 236 Corps Commanders' Conference was held at the 1. The Prime Minister addressed a seminar at the General Headquarters on October 20. The Conference National Defence University (NDU) on skills undertook a review of the recent surge in terrorist incidents in enhancement of young population on October 7.38 37 the tribal districts and Balochistan. 2. The Chief of Army Staff met Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Prime Minister Ofce in a meeting to The meeting discussed the geostrategic, regional and discuss the internal and external security situation of national security environment of the country. Tributes were the country on October 29.39 paid to martyrs of the security forces. The Chief of Army Staff 3. The Prime Minister chaired a high-level meeting to said that peace had been achieved in the region after long discuss provision of services to underdeveloped concerted efforts of the security forces and would not be areas of Southern Balochistan on October 29.40 compromised at any cost. “We have paid a very heavy price to achieve this peace and stability and any attempt to destabilise the country will be responded rmly.”

The detailed judgement on the Justice Qazi Faez Isa case The Peshawar High Court issued a stay order suspending noted that the Presidential reference sent against the the trial of human rights defender Mr. Idress Khattak. The Supreme Court Judge suffered from multiple deciencies. petitioner for the defendant stated that Mr. Khattak had It also noted that the Prime Minister and President's assent been tried in the Field General Court Martial which was was not taken in the ling of the reference and approval illegal since he was not a member of the Armed Forces. was only sought from Law Minister. notice to the Defence Ministry to respond to the petition

36. Dawn (2020) Turkish Minister meets Gen Bajwa. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1587243/turkish-minister-meets-gen-bajwa. (Accessed 27 October 2020) 37. Khan, I. (2020) Commanders review surge in terrorist incidents. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1586162/commanders-review-surge-in-terrorist-incidents. (Accessed 21 October 2020) 38. Wasim, A. (2020) PM for skills enhancement of young population. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1583888/pm-for-skills-enhancement-of-young-population. (Accessed 08 October 2020) 39. P M O ( 2 0 2 0 ) C h i e f o f A r m y S t a f f G e n e r a l Q a m a r J a v e d B a j w a c a l l e d o n P r i m e M i n i s t e r I m r a n K h a n a t I s l a m a b a d t o d a y . A v a i l a b l e a t : https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=3643. (Accessed 29 October 2020) 40. PMO (2020) Against the backdrop of the National Development Council meeting on July 24, 2020, a high-level meeting on development projects for the backward areas of South Balochistan was held today under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Imran Khan. Available at: https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=3641. (Accessed 29 October 2020) October 2020 11

EU Ambassador meets Senate Chairman Mr. Sadiq Sanjrani

Honourable Speaker of the National efforts for peace and said that the Afghan nation was 42 Assembly meets Foreign Dignitaries thankful to Pakistan for hosting Afghan refugees.

On October 6, Honourable Speaker of the National C h a i r m a n S e n a t e m e e t s F o r e i g n Assembly, Mr. , met the European Union Dignitaries Ambassador to Pakistan, Ms. Androulla Kaminara, at the Parliament House. On October 22, European Union Ambassador to Pakistan, Ms. Androulla Kaminara, called on Chairman Senate Mr. The Honourable Speaker Mr. Asad Qaiser stressed on the Sadiq Sanjrani at the Parliament House, Islamabad. The vast opportunities for investment in Pakistan. He also said Chairman Senate termed the cooperation between Pakistan that the Improving Parliament Project was a useful project and the EU as signicant and expressed a desire to further that had helped enhance the capacity of the broaden collaboration in different sectors.43 Parliamentarians and the Secretariat.41 On October 24, an Afghan Parliamentary delegation led by On October 20, Honourable Speaker of the National Speaker of Afghan Wolesi Jirga (House of People), Mir Assembly, Mr. Asad Qaiser, met the leader of the Hizb-i- Rehman Rehmani, met Chairman Senate Mr. Sadiq Islami Afghanistan, Engineer Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, at the Sanjrani.44 Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani said that Parliament House. Mr. Asad Qaiser said that a peaceful establishing trade and economic ties between the two Afghanistan was essential for the development of the region. countries would help in bringing people of the two countries Engineer Gulbuddin Hekmatyar commended on Pakistan's close.

Engineer Hekmatyar calls on Honourable Speaker of the Senate Chairman Mr. Sadiq Sanjrani meets Afghan National Assembly Delegation

41. Yasin, A. (2020) EU envoy meets NA speaker, parliamentary cooperation discussed. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/725797-eu-envoy-meets-na-speaker-parliamentary- cooperation-discussed. (Accessed 07 October 2020) 42. The Nation (2020) Pakistan wants peaceful, stable Afghanistan: Qaiser. Available at: https://nation.com.pk/21-Oct-2020/pakistan-wants-peaceful-stable-afghanistan-qaiser. (Accessed 21 October 2020) 43. Senate (2020) Pakistan EU agree to boost collaboration work for development. Available at: http://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=3735. (Accessed 22 October 2020) 44. Senate (2020) Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani has said that trade and economic links between Pakistan and Afghanistan will help bring people of the two sides more closer. Available at: http://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=3738. (Accessed 24 October 2020) 12 October 2020

Foreign Minister Mr. Shah Mahmood Qureshi meets Afghan Police re water cannons to disperse protestors in the Delegation capital of Thailand.

Afghanistan Peace Process Thailand Protests

On October 19, Foreign Minister Mr. Shah Mahmood On October 15, the Thai Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha Qureshi urged all parties to honour their respective imposed an emergency decree banning gatherings of more commitments and work for reduction in violence to achieve than four people. Ignoring the decree, around 10,000 peace in Afghanistan. Foreign Minister made the comment protestors gathered in Bangkok to protest. Police resorted to while meeting a delegation of Afghani politicians led by using water cannons to disperse the protestors.48 The Hezb-i-Islami Chief Gulbuddin Hekmatyar.45 During the protestors used umbrellas to protect themselves from the meeting, Mr. Shah Mahmood Qureshi highlighted the water cannons. historic ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan and reafrmed Islamabad's support for the peace process. Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha revoked the emergency decree on October 22 in an effort to defuse tensions in the country's On October 3, US Special Representative for Afghanistan capital. However, a Government statement on the same day Reconciliation, Mr. Zalmay Khalilzad also highlighted the stated that the decree had been lifted because the political important role Pakistan had played in bringing the Afghan situation had improved.49 Meanwhile protests continued as Taliban to the negotiation table.46 Mr. Zalmay Khalilzad the student-led protest movement continued to gather made the comments in an interview with the foreign media. thousands of demonstrators around major intersections in The US Special Representative also expressed hope that Bangkok. The protestors have called for the Premier to step Afghanistan and Pakistan would sign a side agreement to down and for a review of laws protecting the monarchy. maintain peace within the region.47

45. Khan, I. (2020) Qureshi urges Afghan parties to work for ceasefire. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1585985/qureshi-urges-afghan-parties-to-work-for-ceasefire. (Accessed 20 October 2020) 46. The News (2020) US admits Pakistan convinced Taliban to hold talks. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/724377-us-admits-pakistan-convinced-taliban-to-hold-talks. (Accessed 04 October 2020) 47. Dawn (2020) US hopeful of Islamabad-Kabul 'side' agreement. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1583882/us-hopeful-of-islamabad-kabul-side-agreement. (Accessed 08 October 2020) 48. Dawn (2020) Thai police use force to disperse defiant protestors. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1585487/thai-police-use-force-to-disperse-defiant-protesters. (Accessed 17 October 2020) 49. Dawn (2020) Thai PM revokes emergency decree. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1586534/thai-pm-revokes-emergency-decree. (Accessed 23 October 2020)

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