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
MAY 2020
CONTENT
Parliament Meets to Review Coronavirus Situation
Supreme Court Orders Opening Malls
Army Ofcers Appointed in 'Naya Pakistan Housing and Development Authority'
Cases against Military Court Convictions
Youm-e-Takbeer 2020
Senate Chairman calls on Prime Minister
Prime Minister's Meetings with National Security Team
Mr. Zalmay Khalilzad calls on COAS
COAS receives Chinese Ambassador
COAS calls Iranian Counterpart to Express Concern Parliament Meets to Review Coronavirus Situation Chinese Military Medical Team visits NCOC
Increased Military Inuence in Civilian Sphere feared Parliament Meets to Review Coronavirus Situation as new normal in Sri Lanka
The National Assembly of situation and maintained that all decisions in ghting coronavirus pandemic were Pakistan taken with consensus from the platform of the National Coordination Committee During May, the National Assembly of (NCC) and the National Command and This monitor is meant to identify key Pakistan met for 3 days during May 11-15 Operation Centre (NCOC).2 developments during the month on for a combined time of twelve hours and thirty-eight minutes, in a session that was On a point of order, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Inter-Institutional Relations in requisitioned to debate and review the MNA, urged that Pakistan Television Pakistan with selected high-prole coronavirus situation in Pakistan. should televise the speeches of the international developments included opposition leaders as well. It later occasionally. For the purpose of this In its sitting held on May 11, the house transpired that the PTV Parliament monitor, the institutions are meant to mainly discussed the COVID -19 channel, which is a cable channel carried 1 be the Legislature, Judiciary and pandemic laying bare the difference of by only a few Cable Distributers, Executive. approach between the centre and Sindh continued to broadcast the speeches live Province over managing the pandemic. but the widely-covered and relatively While opposition parties blamed the more popular terrestrial PTV News Federal government for creating channel stopped showing the speeches confusion and leaving the provinces alone after PTI Parliamentary Leader and to ght the pandemic, federal ministers Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Pakistan Institute of Legislative blamed the opposition parties for trying to Qureshi's speech. Development And Transparency achieve political mileage from the Pakistan Institute of Legislative 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. National Assembly of Pakistan (2020) 1st Bulletin of the Assembly (21st Session). Available at: http://www.na.gov.pk/uploads/documents/1589277380_343.pdf (Accessed 8 June 2020). E-mail: [email protected] | Website: www.pildat.org 2. Wasim, A. (2020) Barbs fly in NA over fight against Covid-19. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1556480/barbs-fly-in-na-over-fight-against-covid-19 (Accessed 8 June 2020). 2 MAY 2020
According to the National Assembly, a total of 223 members cause deaths due to hunger.” 11 attended the rst day's sitting. Reportedly, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs, In its second sitting held on May 13, the session lasted for six hours Mr. Babar Awan ruled out the possibility of the powers of NAB being and twenty minutes while 208 members attended it.3 The sitting curtailed or a deadlock occurring in the accountability process. He saw further heated debate between government and opposition on said that 26 and 14 private member bills moved by the opposition management of coronavirus. While disagreeing on a strategy to were pending in the National Assembly and the Senate, manage the pandemic, government and opposition parties took respectively. turns criticizing the absence of Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition from the house.4 Continued absence of Prime Minister from Parliament was questioned again in the Senate and members felt that Prime In its 3rd sitting held on May 15, the session was held for two hours Minister Imran Khan should have attended the Parliament sessions and fty minutes and 195 members attended the session. 5 on coronavirus. However, as reported in the media, the third and last day of the session also concluded without any constructive outcome or The Senate unanimously adopted a resolution moved by Senator consensus on how Pakistan, as a country, should deal with Raja Muhammad Zafar ul Haq to acknowledge and appreciate coronavirus pandemic in a unied manner.6 China's timely support for Pakistan to ght coronavirus. It also rejected the baseless propaganda against China from certain The session also saw an un-announced walk-out by the Opposition quarters, which stems from geopolitical rivalry and is more an MNAs on the rst day when the oor was given by the presiding attempt to divert attention from their own internal failings as it has ofcer to Mr. Murad Saeed, the Federal Minister for no factual basis. Communication. In presenting a policy statement on Kashmir in the Senate, Foreign The Senate of Pakistan Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, said that India was continuously committing violations along the Line of Control to divert the attention of the world and give a wrong impression to it that there A 2-day session of the Senate was also held on May 12 and 14. The was an inltration going on in India from launching pads from rst sitting on May 12 lasted for two hours and fteen minutes and 7 across the borders. These violations have increased to an alarming was attended by Fifty-Four Senators. The second sitting, on May proportion and since January 2020, India has committed 975 14, was attended by 54 Senators while its duration was Six hours 8 violations [along the LoC] in which six civilians were martyred and and Thirty-Five minutes. 69 critically injured. He also said that coronavirus-related lockdowns were making the world realise about the restrictions of On May 12, the house mainly discussed Government's policy on fundamental freedoms being faced by the people of India-held Coronavirus pandemic in Pakistan. Responding to various queries, Kashmir. He said that international media and international Foreign Minister, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, MNA, said observers should be allowed to visit IHK, India should immediately that, to the PTI government, all the 'positive' features of the 18th withdraw its 900,000 occupation forces from held Kashmir and constitutional amendment were acceptable, but there is a need to reverse its step of annexation of the disputed region and that revisit the 'weak' parts. However, since the PTI alone does not enjoy Pakistan will continue to highlight state terrorism of India at a two-thirds majority in the Parliament, “the opposition therefore 9 international forums and stand by the wishes of the people of need not worry.” In response to questions regarding PM Khan's Kashmir about their right to self-determination. absence from the parliament, he said that the Prime Minister was in Islamabad and chaired a meeting on virus-related issues daily. “In a parliamentary democracy, the importance of the parliament cannot be eschewed,” he added.10 Responding to a question in the Senate of Pakistan, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi The issue of disconnect between the Federal and Sindh said that all 'positive' features of the 18th constitutional Governments remained a topic of controversy in the Senate sitting amendment are acceptable to the PTI Government but held on May 14 also. On the management of coronavirus, there is a need to revisit the 'weak' parts. However, since Information Minister Senator Shibli Faraz said that if violation of the PTI alone does not enjoy a two-thirds majority in the standard operating procedures (SOPs) on COVID-19 continue, Parliament, “the opposition therefore need not worry.” “we will have to revert to strict lockdown — something which may
3. National Assembly of Pakistan (2020) 2nd Bulletin of the Assembly (21st Session). Available at: http://www.na.gov.pk/uploads/documents/1589539414_257.pdf (Accessed 8 June 2020). 4. Wasim, A. (2020) Lawmakers play blame game in NA over Covid-19. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1556948/lawmakers-play-blame-game-in-na-over-covid-19 (Accessed 8 June 2020). 5. National Assembly of Pakistan (2020) 3rd Bulletin of the Assembly (21st Session). Available at: http://www.na.gov.pk/uploads/documents/1589539445_170.pdf (Accessed 8 June 2020). 6. Dawn (2020) NA debate on virus remains inconclusive. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1557435/na-debate-on-virus-remains-inconclusive (Accessed 8 June 2020). 7. Senate of Pakistan (2020) Senate of Pakistan Daily Journal 298th Session. Available at: http://www.senate.gov.pk/1web/DailyJournal/298/12-05-2020.pdf (Accessed 8 June 2020). 8. Senate of Pakistan (2020) Senate of Pakistan Daily Journal 298th Session. Available at: http://www.senate.gov.pk/1web/DailyJournal/298/14-05-2020.pdf (Accessed 8 June 2020). 9. Khan, A. I. (2020) No plan to scrap 18th Amendment, FM Qureshi assures Senate. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1556720/no-plan-to-scrap-18th-amendment-fm-qureshi- assures-senate (Accessed 08 June 2020). 10. Ibid 11. Khan, A. I. (2020) Govt, opposition trade graft charges in Senate. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1557198/govt-opposition-trade-graft-charges-in-senate (Accessed 08 June 2020). MAY 2020 3
18 and 25 of the Constitution and thus declared to be illegal and accordingly set aside.”
The bench, reportedly, expressed the hope that the government would not divert all resources to prevention of the coronavirus pandemic alone. The country should not be made dysfunctional because of this disease, said the chief justice.
The following day, as the Attorney General pleaded the Supreme Court to seek an opinion from a team of epidemiologists for gauging real threat level of pandemic and amend its order of May 18, the court order said that the SC, for the time being, did not nd this essential as the government functionaries were alive and could do whatever they could in accordance with the law. 14
Upholding its decision, a written order issued by the Supreme Court on May 20 stated that there was no readiness of the government to deal with coronavirus while the government is required to provide to the people of Pakistan safe and healthy living conditions.15
Termed as a fresh reminder of the possible alleged encroachment of the executive domain by the judiciary, the Supreme Court order was largely received with fear that playing down the impact of a pandemic may carry disastrous consequences for the country's population and their access to a health system which is likely to be inundated as cases grow. The judgment was termed as particularly embarrassing for the Sindh provincial government which, with the largest number of conrmed cases among the provinces and territories of Pakistan, had been forcefully advocating a stricter lockdown. 16
Army Ofcers Appointed in Naya Pakistan Logo of the Supreme Court of Pakistan Housing and Development Authority
According to a notication issued by the Establishment Division, the Supreme Court Orders Opening Malls Federal government has appointed two military ofcers in the Naya Pakistan Housing and Development Authority.17
As coronavirus cases surged past 41,000 across Pakistan with over 1,570 new cases reported on May 1712 and a total death toll across the country at 924 at the time, a 5-member Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan, passed the order to set aside the federal government's decision to close shops, markets and businesses on Saturdays and Sundays.13
The Court ordered all provincial governments to open all shopping malls during a suo motu examining governmental steps to manage coronavirus. The Chief Justice, reportedly, said that “coronavirus, apparently is not a pandemic in Pakistan.” “We nd no reason why so much money is being spent on this coronavirus, for that, Pakistan is not the country which is seriously affected by it.” The Court observed that the “restriction put in the minutes of May 7 meeting of Prime Minister with Chief of Army Staff the National Coordination Committee was contrary to Articles 4,
12. Junaidi, I. (2020) 30,000 tests per day sufficient, says Asad. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1557914 (Accessed 10 June 2020). 13. Iqbal, N. (2020) SC orders opening of all shopping malls. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1558179/sc-orders-opening-of-all-shopping-malls (Accessed 10 June 2020). 14. Iqbal, N. (2020) 'SC ignores plea to get experts views on pandemic. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1558424/sc-ignores-plea-to-get-experts-views-on-pandemic (Accessed 10 June 2020). 15. Rao, S. (2020) Safe, healthy living conditions to citizens is right to life: SC. Available at: https://nation.com.pk/21-May-2020/safe-healthy-living-conditions-to-citizens-is-right-to-life-sc (Accessed 10 June 2020). 16. Mehboob, A. B. (2020) Questions of judicial overreach and governance in Pakistan. Available at: https://www.arabnews.pk/node/1680251 (Accessed 10 June 2020). 17. Sahi, N. (2020) Maj Gen Amer Aslam appointed Deputy Chairman Naya Pak Housing Authority. Available at: https://nation.com.pk/13-May-2020/maj-gen-amer-aslam-appointed-deputy- chairman-naya-pak-housing-authority (Accessed 10 June 2020). 4 MAY 2020
Reportedly, Major General Amer Aslam Khan has been appointed as Deputy Chairman in BS-21, while Brigadier Nasir Manzoor A Peshawar High Court bench that has been hearing Malik has been appointed as Executive Director (Admin) in BS-20. petitions against the conviction of suspected militants by Both the ofcers have been appointed with immediate effect. military courts has been asked by the Supreme Court to not grant bail to appellants convicted by military courts on Cases against Military Court Convictions terrorism charges. The bench consists of Chief Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth, and Justice Mohammad Nasir Mehfooz A day after the Peshawar High Court adjourned hearing of nearly 300 petitions against the conviction of suspected militants by military courts,18 Supreme Court asked the Peshawar High Court that while it can proceed on merits of the cases of military courts, it not wait for production of remaining records and would start cannot issue interlocutory orders, which include grant of bail to hearing bail petitions led by some convicts. appellants convicted by military courts on terrorism charges.19 The Supreme Court bench comprising Justice Mushir Alam and A Peshawar High Court bench, consisting of Chief Justice, Justice Justice Qazi Mohammad Amin Ahmed, which restrained Peshawar Waqar Ahmad Seth, and Justice Mohammad Nasir Mehfooz, has High Court from granting bails to those convicted by military courts, been hearing these petitions and has earlier been asking was hearing Federal Government's plea through 71 appeals Government for case records. However, on May 12, as against the November 2018 order of the Peshawar High Court that representative of the Pakistan Army's judge advocate general had set aside military courts' convictions. branch produced sealed records in 78 cases and asked for more time for producing remaining records, the bench said that it would
Supreme Court of Pakistan Building
18. Dawn (2020) Cases against military court convictions adjourned. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1556757/cases-against-military-court-convictions-adjourned (Accessed 10 June 2020). 19. Iqbal, N. (2020) PHC stopped from issuing orders in cases of military courts convicts. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1556949/phc-stopped-from-issuing-orders-in-cases-of- military-courts-convicts (Accessed 10 June 2020). MAY 2020 5
On May 28, 2020, DG ISPR, Major General Babar Iftikhar, tweeted that “On 28 May 1998, Pak successfully established credible min nuclear deterrence & restored balance of power in the region. AFs salute all those involved from conceptualisation to actualisation especially scientists & engineers who made this possible. Long Live Pakistan. #YoumeTakbeer.20
Responding immediately to his tweet, many twitter users objected to his tweet and pointed out that his tweet appeared to reect Armed Forces' inability to give credit to civilian leaders who initiated the programme and saw to its successful culmination.
Federal Minister of Science and Technology, on appreciating DG ISPR's message of congratulations especially to scientists & engineers who made this possible behind Pakistan's nuclear Chaghi mountain in Balochistan as the site of Pakistan's 21 nuclear tests capability, tweeted his appreciation by writing “On the dot.” His tweet stirred the controversy further as another twitter user mocked his message by writing that22 “[I pay] tribute to architects, Youm-e-Takbeer 2020 builders and doctors of Shaukat Khanum hospital” (Shaukat Khanum ke architect, mistry, mazdooron aur doctron ko salaam). Since the fateful 28th day of May in 1998 when Pakistan became a nuclear power through testing its rst nuclear bombs, May 28 is Famous writer Mr. Anwar Maqsood satirically tweeted that the celebrated nationally every year as “Youm-e-Takbeer.” Minister of Science and Technology plans to invent time machine, take Prime Minister Imran Khan back in time for 22 years where he Pakistan's nuclear programme is generally understood to have will remove Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and test nuclear weapons been initiated by Prime Minister Zulkar Ali Bhutto and followed himself. (Jald hi Pakistan mein time machine bana kar wazir-e-azam through since by every government as a national programme Imran Khan kau bayees (22) saal peeche bhaijain ge jahan who above any partisan political or civil-military considerations. It Nawaz Sharif ko hata kar khud aitami dhamake karwayain ge: culminated in Pakistan testing its nuclear bomb on May 28, 1998 Fawad Choudhry.)23 after India preceded by testing its nuclear weapons on May 11, 1998. It is also understood that the decision to test at the time was made by Prime Minister, Mr. Nawaz Sharif, after a detailed consultation.
20. DG ISPR (2020) 28 May. Available at https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR/status/1265985677600206850 (Accessed: 04 June 2020). 21. Ch Fawad Hussain (2020) 28 May. Available at https://twitter.com/fawadchaudhry/status/1266000327653953536 (Accessed: 04 June 2020). 22. iAmmaraaaa (2020) 28 May. Available at: https://twitter.com/iAmmaraaaa/status/1266028718268518400 (Accessed: 04 June 2020). 23. Anwar Maqsood (2020) 29 May. Available at: https://twitter.com/AnwarMaqsoodPk/status/1266226488099196928 (Accessed: 04 June 2020). 6 MAY 2020
On May 28, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed had tweeted that the decision to test its nuclear weapons on May 28 was Pakistan's The inability to commemorate a national milestone above “nest hour. It offers a good lesson in crisis decision-making, done partisan politics and considerations became more with full consultation & consensus: all political parties & Services apparent when Federal Minister for Railways claimed that Chiefs were consulted, although they had varying views, they put it former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was against 24 to PM Nawaz Sharif to decide in 'national interest.” conducting nuclear tests in 1998 in response to India's tests and indicated that it was done at the orders of the The inability to commemorate a national milestone above partisan military politics and considerations became more apparent when Federal Minister for Railways, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad, claimed on May 30 that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was against conducting the nuclear tests in 1998 in response to India's tests and indicated test was taken by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in consultation with that it was done at the orders of the military.25 the national civil and military leadership at the time.
Responding to this, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed tweeted on Senate Chairman calls on Prime Minister June 1 that the “decision to respond in kind to India's May 11 explosions was taken by the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a timely, decisive & courageous manner.”26 He also tweeted On May 4, Chairman Senate, Senator Sadiq Sanjrani, called on Prime Minister, Mr. Imran Khan. Reportedly, matters of mutual a TV commentary by senior journalist Mr. Mazhar Abbas and an 28 article by Mr. Hamid Mir27 as historical evidence that the decision to interest were discussed in the meeting.
Senator Sadiq Sanjrani, Chairman Senate, with Mr. Imran Khan, Prime Minister
24. Mushahid Hussain Sayed (2020) Available at: https://twitter.com/Mushahid/status/1265970618224316416 (Accessed: 04 June 2020). 25. Live Mint (2020) Nawaz Sharif was against Pakistan's nuclear tests: Sheikh Rashid. Available at: https://www.livemint.com/news/world/nawaz-sharif-was-against-pakistan-s-nuclear-tests- sheikh-rashid-11590849466144.html (Accessed: 04 June 2020). 26. Mushahid Hussain Sayed (2020) 1 June. Available at: https://twitter.com/Mushahid/status/1267412832104206336 (Accessed: 04 June 2020). .(Available at: https://jang.com.pk/news/777603 (Accessed: 04 June 2020 ا د ؟ (Hamid Mir. (2020 .27 28. Business Recorder (2020) Chairman Senate meets PM. Available at: https://www.brecorder.com/2020/05/05/594347/chairman-senate-meets-pm/ (Accessed: 10 June 2020). MAY 2020 7
Prime Minister of Pakistan in conversation with COAS, DG Director General ISI, Lt. Gen. Faiz Hamid, with Prime ISI and members of the Cabinet Minister, Imran Khan
Prime Minister's Meetings with National On May 6, Director General ISI, Lt. Gen. Faiz Hamid, called on Prime Minister. Reportedly, national security issues were discussed Security Team in the meeting.31
On May 20, Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa On May 4, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General called on Prime Minister Imran Khan. The Prime Minister's Ofce Nadeem Raza, called on Prime Minister. According to the PMO, reported that Foreign Minister, Makhdoom Shah Mehmood professional matters of Armed Forces of Pakistan were discussed Qureshi, MNA; Planning Minister, Mr. Asad Umar, MNA and DG during the meeting.32 ISI, Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed were also present during the meeting. Dawn also reported that Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Accountability, Mr. Shahzad Akbar was also part of the meeting and 29 On May 20, COAS called on Prime Minister. Foreign termed it as “unusual.” Minister, Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, MNA; According to the PMO, matters relating to “internal security, current Planning Minister, Mr. Asad Umar, MNA and DG ISI, Lt. situation vis-a-vis COVID-19 pandemic, relief efforts and the Gen. Faiz Hameed were also present during the meeting. overall regional situation” were discussed at the meeting.30 Dawn reported that presence of Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Accountability in the meeting was “unusual”
Federal Minister of Defence was not part of any of the above meetings held between Prime Minister and members of his national security team.
Mr. Zalmay Khalilzad calls on COAS
On May 08, Mr. Zalmay Khalilzad, US Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation, called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS). 33
The ISPR reported that “issues of mutual interest and overall regional security situation including Afghan reconciliation process” were discussed between the two. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee with the Prime Minister, Imran Khan The COAS also reportedly said that “Our support towards peace process is a manifestation of our goodwill towards the cause.”34
29. Raza, S. I. (2020) PM makes a strong case for debt relief at WEF. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1558649/pm-makes-a-strong-case-for-debt-relief-at-wef (Accessed 10 June 2020). 30. PMO (2020) Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa called on Prime Minister Imran Khan. Available at: https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=3458 (Accessed 10 June 2020). 31. PMO (2020) Director General ISI Lt. Gen. Faiz Hamid called on Prime Minister Imran Khan. Available at: https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=3432 (Accessed 10 June 2020). 32. P M O ( 2 0 2 0 ) C h a i r m a n J o i n t C h i e f s o f S t a f f C o m m i t t e e G e n e r a l N a d e e m R a z 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 v a i l a b l e a t : https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=3431 (Accessed 10 June 2020). 33. ISPR (2020) Mr Zalmay Khalilzad, US Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), today. Available at: https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5715 (Accessed: 04 June 2020). 34. Syed, B. (2020) Pakistan backs Afghan talks, Bajwa tells US special envoy. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1555705/pakistan-backs-afghan-talks-bajwa-tells-us-special-envoy (Accessed: 10 June 2020). 8 MAY 2020
Chief of Army Staff with US Special Representative for H.E. Mr. Yao Jing, Ambassador of China to Pakistan, called Afghan Reconciliation on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff
COAS receives Chinese Ambassador of the Armed Forces of Iran, Maj Gen Bagheri to express “concerns on recent terrorist attack on Pakistan security forces resulting in 36 On May 12, H.E. Mr. Yao Jing, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, shahadat of 6 security personnel near Pak-Iran border. called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), The ISPR reported that the two discussed “matters of Reportedly, General Qamar Javed Bajwa informed his Iranian mutual interest including regional security issues and COVID- counterpart that while Pakistan has started fencing its side of the 19.”35 border with Iran, it will require mutual bilateral cooperation to ensure border security and stem smuggling activity which is also COAS expressed gratitude for China's support related to immediate medical supplies and all other assistance including visit of Chinese medical experts to help Pakistan ght the pandemic. Chief of Army Staff called Chief of the Armed Forces of Iran to express “concerns on recent terrorist attack on COAS calls Iranian Counterpart to Express Pakistan security forces resulting in shahadat of 6 security Concern personnel near Pak-Iran border. Pakistan will require mutual bilateral cooperation to ensure border security The ISPR reported that on May 12, Chief of Army Staff called Chief and stem smuggling activity also used by terrorists
Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa called Chief of the Armed Forces of Iran, Major General Bagheri to express "concerns on recent terrorist attack on Pakistan security forces"
35. ISPR (2020) H.E Mr Yao Jing, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), today. Available at: https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release- detail.php?id=5718 (Accessed: 04 June 2020). 36. ISPR (2020) COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa called Chief of the Armed Forces of Iran Maj Gen Bagheri. Available at: https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5717 (Accessed: 04 June 2020). MAY 2020 9
Chinese Military Medical Team at the NCOC used by terrorists and Narco trafckers for covering their movement. The COAS also “reiterated Pakistan's desire for regional peace and stability on basis of mutual respect, non-interference and equality.”
The two also reportedly discussed COVID-19 and the need to improve border terminals to address such issues.
Chinese Military Medical Team visits NCOC
On May 19, A ten-members Chinese Military Medical team, headed by Major General Huang Qingzhen, visited National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) where it shared Chinese experiences of early identication, early isolation and early treatment which helped China to contain the coronavirus pandemic.37
The team was in turn briefed about Pakistan's efforts against the pandemic so far, by the NCOC ofcials.
37. The News International (2020) Chinese military medical team visits NCOC. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/661291-chinese-military-medical-team-visits-ncoc (Accessed 10 June 2020). 10 MAY 2020
President of Sri Lanka Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Increased Military Inuence in Civilian Sphere feared as new normal in Sri Lanka
In an analysis of Asian politics and culture, from Banyan columnist and other correspondents, the Economist, in its May 14 edition, has discussed that the Sri Lankan President, Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, is putting soldiers in charge of everything, which is dangerous for the national reconciliation of Sri Lanka after a long civil war.38
The Sri Lankan President, himself a former lieutenant-colonel, has earlier served as a controversial defence chief, who played a leading role in crushing Tamil rebels in a bloody civil war.39
Very few Sri Lankans predicted the extent to which under President Rajapaksa rule military types would move into senior positions in government, development and even health, ghting the covid-19 epidemic. Quoting a compilation by the International Truth and Justice Project, the Economist says current or former ofcers in Sri Lankan government appointed by President Rajapaksa now include the president's chief-of-staff, heads of national intelligence, prisons and prisoner rehabilitation. Generals, past or present, are in charge of customs, the port authority, development, agriculture and poverty eradication. The army commander, General Shavendra Silva, runs the coronavirus task- force. Top brass are also expected to be named to plum ambassadorships. The Economist argues that while there is not much reason to believe that military men do a better job, the main question is accountability as positions lled by ofcers have little civilian oversight.
On May 19, another development occurred appearing to reinforce what the Economist calls, quoting Kanishka Jayasuriya of Australia's Murdoch University, the “normalisation” of military inuence in the civilian sphere, as informal networks become formal under Mr. Rajapaksa.
Marking the 11th anniversary of the 'National War Heroes Day' celebrated to commemorate forces and civilians killed in the 37-year-long civil war in Sri Lanka, President Rajapaksa promoted 117 Army Ofcers to their next ranks. The Military Secretariat Branch termed the promotions as one of the largest segments of promotions made in recent times.40 Those promoted also included Brigadier Priyanka Fernando, who was convicted in UK after he was lmed threatening a Tamil activist outside the Sri Lankan High Commission in 2018.41 Criticising in particular the
38. The Economist (2020) Sri Lanka's new president is putting soldiers in charge of everything. Available at: https://www.economist.com/asia/2020/05/14/sri-lankas-new-president-is-putting- soldiers-in-charge-of-everything (Accessed 10 June 2020). 39. Ethirajan, A. (2019) Gotabhaya Rajapaksa: Sri Lanka's controversial ex-defence chief eyes power. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-48592714 (Accessed 10 June 2020). 40. ITJP (2020) PRESS RELEASE: Sri Lanka's Militarisation of COVID-19 Response. Available at https://itjpsl.com/assets/press/English-ITJP_COVID-19-press-release-Merged-copy.pdf (Accessed 10 June 2020). 41. JDS (2020) Latest Sri Lanka military promotions “reeks of brazen impunity.” Available at: http://www.jdslanka.org/index.php/news-features/politics-a-current-affairs/949-latest-sri-lanka- military-promotions-reeks-of-brazen-impunity (Accessed 10 June 2020). MAY 2020 11
Sri Lanka's Militarisation of COVID-19 Response captured by the ITJP 42
promotion of ve ofcers with questionable records, the ITJP has said that they should have been vetted and screened out of any ofcial position in accordance to Sri Lanka's commitments under UN resolution 30/1 to security sector reform. The ITJP has also said that these promotions come against a backdrop of increased militarisation and civilian jobs being given to retired and serving ofcers close to the President.43
42. Tiwari, V. (2020) Sri Lankan Army Officer, Who Was Convicted In UK, Got Promoted On War Anniversary. Available at: https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/rest-of-the-world- news/controversial-sri-lankan-army-officer-rewarded-with-promotion.html (Accessed 10 June 2020). 43. ITJP (2020). Press Release: No vetting for Sri Lanka's New Major Generals. Available at: https://itjpsl.com/assets/press/English-press-release-22-May-2020.pdf (Accessed 10 June 2020).