INTER-INSTITUTIONAL RELATIONS IN PAKISTAN
A P I L D A T M O N T H L Y M O N I T O R
APRIL 2020
CONTENT
Na onal Command NCOC formed with Commander Army Air Defence and Opera on Command as Coordinator Centre (NCOC) Prime Minister Visits ISI Headquarters
Na onal Meetings of the Parliamentary Committee on COVID-19 Coordina on Commi ee (NCC Supreme Court Criticises Federal and Provincial Government on COVID-19 Preparedness
Prime Minister Appoints Former DG ISPR as Special Assistant on Information and Broadcasting
Na onal Security Peshawar High Court and Military Court Convictions Commi ee (NSC)
231st Corps Commanders' Conference
Pakistan Can't Afford Indenite Lockdown: DG ISPR
Prime Minister's Interactions with Parliament's Presiding Ofcers
Premier-COAS Interactions Structures formed within structures to manage COVID-19 US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation calls on COAS NCOC Formed with Commander Army Air Defence Armed Services on COVID-19 Command as Coordinator Bangladesh 'Avenges' Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rehman after 4 Decades In an ISPR press release on April 01, it was March 13 to deal with COVID-19. It must announced that a National Command be noted that NCOC is the second Lesotho Premier calls Army to Restore Order and Operation Centre (NCOC) has been structure that has been created to manage established to work as a “nucleus for one- COVID-19 at the federal level since the window operation to synergise and middle of March. This monitor is meant to identify key articulate national effort against COVID- developments during the month on 19, optimize informed decision making According to the ISPR, in the rst NCOC Inter-Institutional Relations in and ensure implementation of decisions meeting chaired by the Chief of Army Staff Pakistan with selected high-prole of National Security Committee and on April 1, those who attended, in international developments included National Coordination Committee addition, included Federal Ministers of occasionally. For the purpose of this (NCC).” Commander Army Air Defence F o r e i g n A f f a i r s , P l a n n i n g a n d monitor, the institutions are meant to Command, Lt. Gen. Hamood Uz Zaman Development, Interior, Economic Affairs, Khan, has been designated as a Chief Communications and Postal Services, be the Legislature, Judiciary and Coordinator NCOC. Aviation, National Food Security, Executive. Maritime Affairs, Advisor to PM on Reportedly, the decision to set up the Finance and Revenue and Special NCOC was taken at a meeting of the A s s i s t a n t s t o Pr i m e M i n i s t e r o n Pakistan Institute of Legislative National Coordination Committee Information, Health, National Security Development And Transparency 1 2 (NCC), a body created after a meeting of and Poverty Alleviation. Pakistan Institute of Legislative the National Security Committee on Development And Transparency Islamabad Office: P. O. Box 278, F-8, Postal Code: 44220, Islamabad, Pakistan Lahore Office: P. O. Box 11098, L.C.C.H.S, Postal Code: 54792, Lahore, Pakistan 1. Dawn.com, [Website], 2020, https://www.dawn.com/news/1545740/bajwa-calls-for-national-unity-to-fight-covid-19' (accessed May 07, 2020) E-mail: [email protected] | Website: www.pildat.org 2. Twitter.com, [Website], 2020, https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR/status/1245344582029713411 (accessed May 04, 2020) 2 APRIL 2020
Prime Minister Imran Khan chairing a meeting at the Chief of the Army Staff chairing a meeting of the NCOC on NCOC on April 3 April 22, 2020
Interestingly, a meeting of NCC was also held on April 1 which was suggesting the calibrated and measured response paradigm with chaired by the Prime Minister in which Chief of Army Staff was also the evolving scenario in the wake of COVID-19. present. Prime Minister also visited the Cantt General Hospital in Rawalpindi on April 1 where he addressed doctors and paramedics Prime Minister Imran Khan, while appreciating the establishment of staff. the National Command and Operation Centre and progress made by NCOC so far, said that we need to render untiring efforts for As reported by Prime Minister's Ofce, Prime Minister Imran Khan effective enforcement of the decisions through NCOC to contain visited the NCOC on April 3, where he was briefed by Federal the outbreak of COVID-19 across the country. The Prime Minister Minister, Mr. Asad Umar and Major General Asif Mehmood reiterated that there must be no compromise on availability of Goraya, DG Operations and Planning NCOC, on the latest essential food items and sustainability of supply lines throughout situation of COVID-19. Reportedly, Chief of Army Staff, General the country. Prime Minister Imran Khan stressed on the need to Qamar Javed Bajwa, was also present during the visit. Prime prioritise the efforts and enforce the decisions of the NCOC Minister's cabinet colleagues who were part of the brieng included through regular and timely meetings under the leadership of Mr. Muhammad Hammad Azhar, Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, Dr. Federal Minister Mr. Asad Umer.4 Hoarders and smugglers will be Firdous Ashiq Awan, Dr. Zafar Mirza, and Dr. Moeed Yousuf.3 made an example, the Prime Minister warned.
According to the PMO, in addition to the visit to NCOC, Prime Reportedly, the decision to set up NCOC was taken at a Minister Imran Khan chaired several meetings during April to meeting of the National Coordination Committee (NCC), oversee the government's initiatives and efforts to manage COVID- 19. These meetings were held on April 01, April 02, April 3, April 4 a body which was created to deal with COVID-19 in a (Lahore), April 06, April 8, April 09, April 10 (Peshawar), April 12, meeting of the National Security Committee. It must be April 13, April 14, April 16, April 20, April 24, April 27 and April 30 noted that NCOC is the second structure that has been and were held in addition to individual meetings relating to created to manage COVID-19 at federal level since COVID-19.5 March 2020 Once again during the month, on April 22, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited the NCOC where he was received by Lieutenant General Hamood Uz Zaman Khan, Press release by the Prime Minister's ofce noted that the NCOC “is Commander Army Air Defence Command and National nerve centre to synergize and articulate unied national effort Coordinator NCOC.6 Major General Asif Mehmood Goraya, DG against COVID-19, and to implement the decisions of National operations & planning NCOC briefed COAS on multi sectoral Coordination Committee on COVID-19. The centre is one window situation, implementation of National Coordination Committee for operation to collate, analyse and process information based on COVID-19 (NCC)7 decisions, projections about likely spread of the digital input and human intelligence across Pakistan through all Provinces, AJ& K, GB & ICT dedicated representatives and centres.” It also noted that “recommendations based on information/ data is then processed including health, nance, and all matter related to Once again during the month, on April 22, Chief of Army COVID-19 to NCC for real time projections and timely Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, again visited the interventions by NCC headed by PM.” NCOC where he was briefed on multi sectoral situation, implementation of the NCC decisions, projections about Reportedly, the Prime Minister also directed the NCOC to focus on likely spread of the disease in Pakistan and support being Health Management, Financial Impact, Socio-economic and Food extended to civil administration against the pandemic Security, Strategic Communication and awareness while
3. PMO.gov.pk [Website], 2020, https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=3360 (accessed May 07, 2020) 4. It is unclear whether Mr. Asad Umer is the head or coordinator of the NCC or NCOC. In the press release issued after the NSC meeting of March 13 by the PMO, SAPM on National Health Services, Dr. Zafar Mirza, was announced as a Convener of the NCC. For details, please see: https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=3344 (accessed May 07, 2020) 5. PMO.gov.pk, [Website] 2020, https://pmo.gov.pk/press_releaseGetByMonth.php (accessed May 07, 2020) 6. ISPR.gov.pk, [Website] 2020, https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5697 (accessed May 04, 2020) 7. Pildat.org, [Website] 2020, https://pildat.org/civil-military-relations1/pildat-monitor-on-inter-institutional-relations-in-pakistan-march-2020 (accessed May 04, 2020) APRIL 2020 3
Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed, DG ISI, calling on Prime Minister Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed, DG ISI, calling on Prime Minister Imran Khan on April 15, 2020 Imran Khan on April 15, 2020
disease in Pakistan and support being extended to civil 19 pandemic, precautionary arrangements for the forthcoming administration against pandemic. The Army Chief reportedly holy month of Ramazan and Indian aggression against innocent lauded remarkable efforts of NCOC for formulating & people of occupied Kashmir.” 11 implementing COVID-19 response despite resource and time constraints. While complimenting civil-military components of Meetings of the Parliamentary Committee NCOC, COAS emphasised the need for continued stratied risk assessment, managing trinity of health crisis, economic slide and on COVID-19 psycho-social impact through efcient resource management. The 26-member Parliamentary Committee on COVID-19 which Prime Minister Visits ISI Headquarters was formed under the chairpersonship of Speaker, National Assembly, met 4 times during April. The committee also nalised its terms of reference. On April 23, Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Headquarters of the Inter Services Intelligence. The meetings, held partly-online, took place on April 6, April 9, April 20 and April 27 respectively. A PMO Press release shared that “Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, along with Federal Although the periodicity of the committee meetings is reasonably Ministers and Advisors” visited the ISI Headquarters. Prime Minister frequent, it is somewhat alarming that on the average more than was received by Lieutenant General Faiz Hamid, Director General 40% committee members were absent from the meetings despite Inter Services Intelligence. A comprehensive brieng covering the fact that the facility to attend via video link was also available. entire spectrum of internal and external challenges was given to the 8 Since the meetings are held in-camera, the key activities of the Prime Minister including impact of COVID-19. committee regarding oversight of the actions or inactions by the Government to manage COVID-19 are not known. A more Reportedly, Prime Minister emphasized that no effort would be detailed and effective communication by the committee through its spared for security, integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan. Prime Chair or one or two of the designated spokespersons will go a long Minister appreciated the sacrices and contributions of Inter way in projecting the image of activism of the Parliament in the time Services Intelligence being a superior State intelligence agency of this crisis. Dawn also reported that on April 15, ISI chief, Lt. Gen. Faiz Hamid met Prime Minister at the Prime Minister's Ofce where “matters pertaining to national security were discussed.” 9 A photo of the meeting held between the two has also been released by the PMO.10 Prime Minister visited the NCOC on April 3, where he was An earlier meeting between the two was reportedly held on the briefed by Federal Minister, Mr. Asad Umar, and Major sidelines of the meeting of National Coordination Committee on General Asif Mehmood Goraya, DG Operations and Covid-19 on April 13. Planning NCOC, on the latest situation of COVID-19. Reportedly, Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed On April 20, Prime Minister met with President Dr. Arif Alvi where DG ISI also joined the meeting. The three reportedly discussed Bajwa, was also present during Prime Minister's visit to the “various domestic and international issues, including the COVID- NCOC
8. PMO.gov.pk, [Website] 2020, https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=3414 (accessed May 07, 2020) 9. Dawn.com, [Website] 2020, https://www.dawn.com/news/1549614/isi-chief-pm-discuss-issues-of-national-security (accessed May 07, 2020) 10. Pmo.gov.pk, [Website], 2020, https://pmo.gov.pk/image_galleryGetByMonth.php (accessed May 07, 2020) 11. Dawn.com, [Website] 2020, https://www.dawn.com/news/1550977/president-pm-isi-chief-discuss-covid-19-indian-aggression (accessed May 07, 2020) 4 APRIL 2020
No Date Members Present Members Present Members Key Highlights in Person Via Video link Absent 1 April 6, 202012 14 3 9 Briengs by:
- Special Assistant to Prime Minister on National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, Dr. Zafar Mirza
- Chairman NDMA, Lt. Gen. Muhammad Afzal
- Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh
- Advisor to Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment, Mr. Abdul Razak Dawood
2 April 9, 202013 12 4 10 - Committee approved TORs
- Briengs by:
- Special Assistant to Prime Minister on National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, Dr. Zafar Mirza
- Chairman NDMA, Lt. Gen. Muhammad Afzal
- Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh
- Advisor to Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment, Mr. Abdul Razak Dawood
3 April 20, 202014 13 1 12 Briengs by:
- Special Assistant to Prime Minister on National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, Dr. Zafar Mirza
- Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Social Protection & Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Sania Nishtar
- Provincial Minister for Primary & Secondary Health, Punjab, Dr. Yasmin Rashid
- Provincial Minister for Health and Population Welfare, Sindh, Dr. Azra Afzal Pechuho
- Provincial Minister for Health and Finance, KP, Mr. Taimur Saleem Khan Jhagra
- Ministers-in-Charge of the Health Department of AJK, Dr. Muhammad Najeeb Naqi Khan Chairman Standing Committee on Health, Balochistan, Dr. Rubaba Khan
12. Na.gov.pk, [Website], 2020, http://na.gov.pk/uploads/documents/1585996728_782.pdf (accessed May 07, 2020) 13. Na.gov.pk, [Website], 2020, http://na.gov.pk/uploads/documents/1586254380_277.pdf (accessed May 07, 2020) 14. Na.gov.pk, [Website], 2020, http://na.gov.pk/uploads/documents/1586782868_697.pdf (accessed May 07, 2020) APRIL 2020 5
No Date Members Present Members Present Members Key Highlights in Person Via Video link Absent 4 April 27, 202015 12 3 11 Briengs by:
- Federal Minister for Industries and Production, Mr. Muhammad Hamad Azhar
- FPCCI President, Mr. Anjum Nisar
- Small Traders Association President, Mr. Ajmal Baloch
Meeting of April 06, 2020: In its meeting held on April 6, Speaker National Assembly announced the formation of a sub- Prime Minister, COAS, along with Federal Ministers and committee to formulate comprehensive terms of reference (ToR) Advisors, visited the ISI Headquarters. Prime Minister was and draft rules of procedure for the parliamentary committee. The received by Lieutenant General Faiz Hamid, Director sub-committee included Senator Azam Swati and Shibli Faraz of General ISI. A comprehensive brieng covering entire ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), Senator Muhammad Ali Saif of spectrum of internal and external challenges was given to the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM), Ms. Shahida Akhter Ali of the Prime Minister including the impact of COVID-19 the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Raja Pervez Ashraf of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Senator Mushahidullah Khan of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Senator Anwarul Haq Kakar of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP).16 Muslim League-Nawaz Senator Mushahidullah Khan boycotted the meeting when National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, who was presiding over the meeting as the committee's head, did not give Meeting of April 09, 2020: In addition to briengs by 18 Government Ministers, reportedly the opposition members in the him the oor despite his repeated requests. committee criticised the government for its decision to establish a “Tiger Force” and for handing over key affairs to non-elected Meeting of April 27, 2020: Parliamentary Committee on people.17 COVID-19 recommended the release of arrested traders and invited the business community to share their concerns caused by Meeting of April 20, 2020: Opposition members in the the lockdown. Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Dr Fehmida Mirza said that there was a dire need to formulate a committee reportedly criticised the “ambiguous government 19 stance” on lockdown as well as statements issued by Federal unanimous policy regarding lockdown in the country. Ministers against the Sindh government over handling of the COVID-19. Reportedly, Parliamentary leader of the Pakistan Supreme Court Criticises Federal and Provincial Government on COVID-19 Preparedness
Supreme Court of Pakistan continued to question and criticise the preparedness of Federal and Provincial Governments on dealing with COVID-19.
“One person is sitting in a room giving directions, while others are saying something else. There must be harmony among the state institutions and stakeholders to deal with the calamity,” Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Gulzar Ahmed, was reported to have remarked during the hearing.20
While hearing a suo motu case about measures taken by the Federal and Provincial governments to combat COVID-19 on April 13, the Supreme Court specially criticized Federal and Sindh Hall of the National Assembly of Pakistan governments. “The situation of this magnitude demands consensus
15. Na.gov.pk, [Website], 2020, http://na.gov.pk/uploads/documents/1587984650_963.pdf (accessed May 07, 2020) 16. Dawn.com, [Website] 2020, https://www.dawn.com/news/1547072/input-from-provinces-urged-for-parliamentary-panel-on-covid-19 (accessed May 07, 2020) 17. Dawn.com, [Website] 2020, https://www.dawn.com/news/1548001/opposition-slams-govt-over-creation-of-tiger-force (accessed May 07, 2020) 18. Dawn.com, [Website] 2020, https://www.dawn.com/news/1550982/opposition-calls-for-stricter-more-uniform-lockdown (accessed May 07, 2020) 19. Dawn.com, [Website] 2020, https://www.dawn.com/news/1552803/parliamentary-committee-urges-release-of-arrested-traders (accessed May 07, 2020) 20. Thenews.com.pk, [Website], 2020, https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/640714-centre-provinces-doing-nothing-about-corona-cjp (accessed May 07, 2020 6 APRIL 2020
Supreme Court building, Islamabad Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Asim Saleem Bajwa, former DG ISPR and currently Chairman, CPEC Authority, now appointed as SAPM on Information and Broadcasting and uniformity, but the provincial governments are going in a different direction, while the central government on the other,” getting information about how the Zakat and Baitul Mal funds are Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed reportedly observed. deducted and how the needy are provided the funds,” said the Chief Justice, adding that the court was not satised with the Specially criticising Special Assistant to Prime Minister National distribution of funds.23 Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, Dr. Zafar Mirza, the Court reportedly appeared set to remove SAPM but possibly because of the pleading by the Attorney General avoided dictating Prime Minister Appoints Former DG ISPR as the directive to remove him eventually. Special Assistant on Information and Broadcasting Honourable Chief Justice also reportedly questioned the large size of Prime Minister Imran Khan's Federal Cabinet and remarked that even a 10-member cabinet could have been effective.21 He also On April 27, Prime Minister Imran Khan appointed former DG reportedly remarked that there was an entire army of unelected ISPR, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Asim Saleem Bajwa, as his Special Assistant on special assistants and advisers who had taken over the entire Information and Broadcasting, replacing Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan. cabinet making the body completely redundant. “What is the justication of keeping such a large cabinet?” the Chief Justice Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Asim Saleem Bajwa, who, in November 2019, was wondered, adding that many members of the cabinet did not have appointed by the Prime Minister as Chairman of the newly-formed a clean past rather had criminal record. “We are not even sure CPEC Authority, has served as DG ISPR from June 2012 to whether Dr Mirza is clean or not.” December 2016, and is often credited for revamping the ISPR and running an effective PR campaign for the then COAS Raheel Sharif. Chief Justice also questioned the role of Parliament and said that Reportedly, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Asim Saleem Bajwa has taken up the despite earlier directives, neither any legislation was made to post as an honorary position without pay and benets, perhaps as streamline preventions in the wake of coronavirus nor had the he is already serving on a paid position of MP-I scale as Chairman 24 Parliament ever met to take up this serious issue when many CPEC Authority for a period of four years. countries had done this.22 Prime Minister has also appointed Senator Syed Shibli Faraz as the The ve-member bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting. Justice Gulzar Ahmed continued hearing of suo moto notice after issuing a detailed directive to the Federal Government. In another hearing on April 20, the Court sought opinion of religious authorities whether Zakat and Baitul Mal funds could be used for administrative purposes of paying salaries and meeting day-to-day Although Parliamentary Committee on COVID-19 met expenses. The bench sought a report explaining the criteria for reasonably frequently, more than 40% of its members selecting families and the breakdown of the amount paid to them, were absent from meetings despite the facility to attend as well as administrative expenses incurred for the purpose. How via video link. A more detailed & effective communication the amount collected through people's contribution could be used by committee through Chair or designated spokespersons for foreign trips, TA/DA or salaries, the court wondered, adding that will go a long way in projecting activism of the Parliament there should be transparency in distribution of funds. “We are not
21. Twitter.com, [Website] 2020, https://twitter.com/Pildat/status/1255455035393179648 (accessed May 07, 2020) 22. Dawn.com, [Website], 2020, https://www.dawn.com/news/1549000/sc-annoyed-at-lack-of-vision-to-battle-coronavirus (accessed May 07, 2020) 23. Dawn.com, [Website] 2020, https://www.dawn.com/news/1550968/zakat-baitul-mal-funds-come-under-sc-scrutiny (accessed May 07, 2020) 24. Dawn.com, [Website] 2020, https://www.dawn.com/news/1519047 (accessed May 07, 2020) APRIL 2020 7
Peshawar High Court's earlier judgments in military court cases with the Supreme Court.
The bench, however, maintained that the petitions had been pending decision for many months due to delay on part of the government, and if the government would have had any grievance against the order, it has the option to move the Supreme Court for relief once again.
231st Corps Commanders' Conference
A 231st Corps Commanders' Conference, held via Video link on April 7 and chaired by Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Prime Minister Imran Khan with his new media team on Bajwa, “reviewed geo strategic, regional and national security April 28, 2020 environment with particular emphasis on latest situation arising from COVID-19,” the ISPR reported. 27
This is the 3rd Top Media Management Team in less than 2 years According to the ISPR, the forum was apprised on functioning of since assuming ofce. In August 2018, Mr. Fawad Ahmed NCOC established to synergise & articulate National effort for Chaudhry, MNA was appointed as Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting. He was replaced by Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan as Supreme Court questioned and criticised preparedness of Special Assistant to PM on Information and Broadcasting in August Federal and Provincial Governments on dealing with 2019. Eight months on, Prime Minister has yet again reshufed his 25 COVID-19. The CJP reportedly said that: One person is media team. sitting in a room giving directions while others are saying Peshawar High Court and Military Court something else. There must be harmony among the State institutions and stakeholders to deal with the calamity Convictions
The Peshawar High Court bench consisting of Chief Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth and Justice Mohammad Nasir Mehfooz, which in March 2020 had postponed announcing its decision on petitions challenging the conviction of suspected militants by military courts, continued its hearings through April and on April 29 adjourned its hearing to May 12, reportedly observing that it will not delay any more the disposal of these cases over any government excuse.26
The bench also allowed the counsel for convicts to formally seek the suspension of sentences and the release of their clients on bail. However, both the KP Provincial Advocate General and Additional Attorney General for the Federal Government requested the court to adjourn these hearings on the basis of pending appeals against
Peshawar High Court building Glimpses from the 231st Corps Commanders' Conference
25. Youtube.com, [Website] 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHvGoVKJftU (accessed May 07, 2020) 26. Dawn.com, [Website] 2020, https://www.dawn.com/news/1553018/phc-adjourns-cases-against-military-court-convictions (accessed May 07, 2020) 27. Twitter.com, [Website], 2020, https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR/status/1247522423135588352 (accessed May 07, 2020) 8 APRIL 2020
sufferings of people in far ung areas including GB, AJ&K, interior Sindh & Balochistan.28
Pakistan Can't Afford Indenite Lockdown: DG ISPR
Addressing a press conference on April 3 together with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Babar Iftikhar, reportedly said that based on the information provided to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), the country could not afford an indenite lockdown and we will have to keep our essential services Major General Babar Iftikhar, Director General Inter- functioning as well.” 29 Services Public Relations In another press conference held on April 24, DG ISPR also said that the gures of conrmed cases of COVID-19 are so far below containment of COVID-19. projection, but they could peak in next couple of weeks. He urged everyone to exercise caution, both individually and communally.30 The COAS reportedly directed all commanders to extend maximum assistance in moving critical resources & reaching out to mitigate Prime Minister's Interactions with PM appointed Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Asim Saleem Bajwa as Parliament's Presiding Ofcers SAPM on Information and Broadcasting. In November 2019, he was appointed by PM as Chairman of the newly- During April 2020, Prime Minister, Mr. Imran Khan reportedly met formed CPEC Authority. As DG ISPR from June 2012- twice with the Honourable Speaker, National Assembly of Pakistan December 2016, he is often credited for revamping the and once with Chairman Senate of Pakistan. ISPR and running an effective PR campaign for the then According to the PMO, Honourable Mr. Asad Qaiser, MNA, COAS Raheel Sharif Speaker, National Assembly of Pakistan, met with Prime Minister
Speaker National Assembly with Prime Minister
28. Dawn.com, [Website], 2020, https://www.dawn.com/news/1547337/commanders-asked-to-help-govt-in-supplying-essentials (accessed May 07, 2020) 29. Thenews.com.pk, [Website], 2020, https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/639247-country-can-t-afford-indefinite-lockdown (accessed May 07, 2020) 30. Dawn.com, [Website], 2020, https://www.dawn.com/news/1552086/indian-army-using-people-of-held-kashmir-as-human-shields-ispr (accessed May 07, 2020) 31. Pmo.gov.pk, [Website] 2020, https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=3394 (accessed May 8, 2020) APRIL 2020 9
Prime Minister meeting Chairman Senate on April 02
Imran Khan on April 17 and on April 24, 2020. Honourable Speaker National Assembly, Mr. Asad Reportedly, during the meeting held on April 17, Mr. Asad Qaiser Qaiser, briefed Prime Minister on progress about briefed Prime Minister on progress about meetings of meetings of Parliamentary Committee on COVID-19. Parliamentary Committee on COVID-19. The two also discussed Reportedly, Prime Minister stressed on keeping the possibility of holding virtual session of the National Assembly as Parliament active and effective during coronavirus crisis. well as facilitation to Standing Committees to meet virtually. He also appreciated the efforts by Mr. Asad Qaiser to Reportedly, Prime Minister stressed on keeping Parliament active promote religious harmony and effective during the COVID-19 crisis. He also appreciated the efforts by Mr. Asad Qaiser to promote religious harmony. 31
In the meeting held between the two on April 24, Mr. Asad Qaiser also informed Prime Minister that an all-party committee has been reportedly shared with Prime Minister the positive contributions set-up under Syed Fakhar Imam to convene the session of the made by parliamentary leaders on how to manage COVID-19. He Assembly in near future. Prime Minister appreciated the efforts and stressed that Parliament is representative of the collective thinking of the nation and its role is critical to overcoming the menace of COVID-19 in Pakistan. 32
Chairman Senate, Honourable Senator Sadiq Sanjrani, called on Prime Minister on April 02, 2020. No details of the meeting have been provided by the PMO except a photo of the meeting. 33
Premier-COAS Interactions
Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa met and interacted 4 times during April 2020: Prime Minister Imran Khan chairing a meeting of NCC in Islamabad on April 1 where Chief of Army Staff is also in 1. On April 1, as Prime Minister chaired a meeting of the NCC attendance where COAS was also present
32. Pmo.gov.pk, [Website] 2020, https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=3416 (accessed May 8, 2020) 33. Pmo.gov.pk, [Website] 2020 https://pmo.gov.pk/image_galleryGetByMonth.php (accessed May 8, 2020) 10 APRIL 2020
at the GHQ.35
The ISPR reported that matters of mutual interest, overall regional security situation including Afghan refugees issue / Afghan reconciliation process were discussed in the meeting.
Reportedly, COAS emphasised that amidst COVID-19 situation, we should not lose track of hard-earned achievements for Afghan Peace Process and Peace and stability in the region.
Armed Services on COVID-19
In addition to continuing its work in aid of civil power to manage (L to R) General Austin Scott Miller, General Qamar Javed COVID-19, following activities were reported by the ISPR during Bajwa and Mr. Zalmay Khalilzad April 2020:
1. On April 25, ISPR, in a press release, announced that 2nd sortie of Medical Emergency Relief items from Peoples 2. On April 3, when Prime Minister visited NCOC Republic of China reached Pakistan. These included PCR testing Kits, surgical masks, protective cover-all suits, N95 36 3. On April 13, Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa called masks and ventilators. on Prime Minister Imran Khan. DG ISI was also part of the meeting reportedly 34 The ISPR also reported that a Chinese medical team, headed by Major General Huang Qingzhen and comprising 4. On April 23, when Prime Minister Imran Khan visited specialists including Disease control, pulmonologists, ICU, Headquarters of the Inter Services Intelligence. infectious disease and control, testing and nursing experts, arrived in Pakistan on April 24 and would stay in Pakistan for Defence Minister was not reported to be part of any of these two months to provide expertise/guidance to doctors and meetings.
US Special Representative for Afghanistan On April 14, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation calls on COAS Reconciliation, Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, and Commander Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, General Austin Scott Miller, called on Chief of Army Staff, On April 14, US Special Representative for Afghanistan General Qamar Javed Bajwa, to discuss the Afghan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, and Commander Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, General Austin Scott reconciliation process, Afghan refugees issue and Miller, called on Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, regional security
ISPR Building
34. Thenation.com.pk, [Website], 2020, https://nation.com.pk/14-Apr-2020/army-chief-dg-isi-call-on-pm-khan (accessed May 4, 2020) 35. ISPR [Website] 2020, https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5693 (accessed May 4, 2020) 36. ISPR [Website] 2020, https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5698 (accessed May 07, 2020) APRIL 2020 11
military ofcers who had assassinated Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rehman and a number of his family members on August 15, 1975 in Dhaka. These ofcers were later convicted by courts and several of them were executed. Captain Majeed had been absconding since his conviction. He recently returned to Bangladesh from India and was apprehended.
Lesotho Premier calls Army to Restore Order
On April 18, Prime Minister of Lesotho, the African landlocked country encircled by South Africa, who is accused of murdering his estranged wife, ordered the deployment of army on the streets of Sheikh Hasina Wajid, Prime Minister of Bangladesh 39 Lesotho to restore order.
According to international media, Prime Minister Thomas Thabane paramedics for COVID-19 treatment at various hospitals accused unnamed law enforcement elements of seeking to across the country. undermine democracy. He had earlier suspended parliament, a move which was struck down by the country's constitutional court. 2. On April 29, in a press release, ISPR shared that Pakistan army troops are continuing to assist civil administration in Reportedly, Prime Minister Thomas Thabane was involved in bitter containment efforts of COVID-19 across the country. These divorce proceedings with his estranged wife Lipolelo when she was include relief efforts and distribution of more than 350,000 shot dead three years ago in 2017. Two months later, Mr. Thabane Army assistance packages (containing basic food items) married his current wife Maesaiah, with whom he was living at the purchased through contributions of Army's announced salary time of the murder. Mr. Thabane was charged in connection with donation for COVID-19 affected people in various areas of the killing in February and has since been released on bail. His Pakistan to daily wagers, handicapped, labourers, widows & lawyers have argued that as a prime minister he cannot be charged needy people including far ung areas. The ISPR press release with murder. The case has been referred to the High Court, which also carried area-wise details of relief packets distribution in 37 will be sitting as the Constitutional Court when it decides whether AJK, GB, Balochistan, Sindh, Punjab and KP. the case against Mr. Thabane can proceed. Bangladesh 'Avenges' Sheikh Mujib-ur-
Captain Abdul Majeed was part of a group of military ofcers who assassinated Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rehman and a number of his family members on August 15, 1975 in Dhaka. Several of these ofcers were convicted and executed; Captain Majeed, absconding since conviction, was apprehended as he recently returned to Bangladesh from India
Rehman after 4 Decades
Bangladesh government has claimed to have avenged its independence leader and father of the current Prime Minister, Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rehman, 4 decades after his assassination during a military coup in 1975.
According to a Minister in Bangladesh Government, Bangladesh, on April 12, executed a military captain, Abdul Majeed, less than a week after he was arrested. He was hanged in the capital Dhaka Prime Minister of Lesotho Mr. Thomas Thabane with his 38 after his appeal for presidential clemency was rejected. current wife
Reportedly, Captain Abdul Majeed was a part of the group of
37. ISPR [Website] 2020, https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5703 (accessed May 07, 2020) 38. BBC.com, [Website] 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-52258557 (accessed May 07, 2020) 39. BBC.com, [Website], 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-52338495 (accessed May 07, 2020)