Update on INTER-INSTITUTIONAL RELATIONS IN

November 2020

CONTENT Pakistan Democratic Movement Presents 'Charter of Pakistan

Multan PDM Rally goes ahead despite ban

PML-N Leaders Condemn leadership's anti-state narrative

ISI, Rangers Ofcials Suspended over Incident

Former Army Chief asked for extension

Possibility of an inter-institutional dialogue still exists

Nawaz Sharif shocked me: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Prime Minister orders setting up of new border management body

New body set up for intelligence coordination

PILDAT hosts Virtual Forum on role of NSC Chief of Army Staff interactions with Foreign Dignitaries

Corps Commanders' Conference PDM President Maulana Fazlur Rehman addresses a press conference with other PDM leaders Prime Minister's Interactions with Chief of Army Staff Prime Minister Mr. meets Director General ISI Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan visits ISI Headquarters

Pakistan Democratic Movement Presents 'Charter of Honourable Speaker National Assembly meets Prime Pakistan' Minister Honourable Speaker National Assembly meets Foreign Dignitaries On November 17, the Pakistan intelligence agencies from politics, Supreme Court Issues Contempt Notice to Chief Democratic Movement (PDM) e s t a b l i s h i n g a n i n d e p e n d e n t Minister announced a 'Charter of Pakistan' judiciary, reforms for free and fair PHC orders treatment of ailing military court convicts listing the main goals and principles elections, protection of the public's 1 Supreme Court on Local Government Elections in of the opposition alliance. Jamiat-e- basic and democratic rights, Ulema Islam (Fazl) Chief and PDM protection of provincial rights and the th New President of the Supreme Court Bar Association President Maulana Fazlur Rehman 18 amendment, establishment of an comments on state of affairs in the country announced the 12 goals identied by effective mechanism for local Justice Qazi Faez Isa Case the PDM after a meeting of the governments, protection of freedom alliance in . The goals of expression and independent Afghan peace process listed by the PDM President include media, elimination of extremism and Myanmar Opposition rejects election results ensuring supremacy and protection of t e r r o r i s m , p r o t e c t i o n a n d This update is meant to identify key federal, democratic, parliamentary implementation of Islamic sections of developments during the month on Inter- and Islamic constitution. Other goals the Constitution and the introduction Institutional Relations in Pakistan with selected highlighted by the PDM include the of an emergency package to high-prole international developments Pakistan Institute of Legislative independence of Parliament, eliminate poverty, ination and included occasionally. For the purpose of this Development And Transparency update, the institutions are meant to be the distancing establishment and unemployment. Legislature, Judiciary and Executive. Islamabad Office: P. O. Box 278, F-8, Postal Code: 44220, Islamabad, Pakistan Office: P. O. Box 11098, L.C.C.H.S, Postal Code: 54792, Lahore, Pakistan E-mail: [email protected] | Website: www.pildat.org 1. Hussain, J. (2020) PDM announces 12-point 'Charter of Pakistan,' rejects GB election outcome. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1590896/pdm-announces-12-point-charter-of- pakistan-rejects-gb-election-outcome. (Accessed 18 November 2020) 2 November 2020

Several PDM leaders and workers were arrested in order to prevent the rally in Multan. Mr. Ali Musa Gillani, son of former Premier Mr. was also arrested on November 25 while protesting for the release of PDM workers.5 Meanwhile police and District Authorities placed containers around the Qila Kohna Qasim Bagh Stadium to prevent PPP and PDM workers from reaching the venue of the planned rally.

Meanwhile, on November 28, enthusiastic workers of the PPP removed barriers on the way to the Qila Kohna Qasim Bagh Stadium in order to make arrangements for holding of the PDM rally.6 On November 29, the police and District Capt. (Retd.) Safdar Administration again managed to gain control of the venue by sending in heavy contingents of police and arresting

2 several political workers of the PDM. Mr. Ali Qasim Gillani, Separately on November 22, the PDM held a rally in another son of former Prime Minister Mr. Yousaf Raza Gillani Peshawar despite a ban placed on gatherings by the was arrested on November 29 as well and shifted to Multan government and warnings of a possible terrorist attack if the jail for a period of 30 days.7 rally was held. At the Peshawar rally, President PDM Maulana Fazlur Rehman also warned that any institution found It was the Multan bench of the Lahore High Court which interfering in the political set up of the country would be directed the administration to remove all the obstacles named openly. placed around the public gathering venue and ordered the release all the arrested workers of PDM which paved the way “Hum fauj aur idaaron ka ehteraam karte hain agar woh for the PDM to hold the jalsa.8 humara difayi idaara hai. Agar difayi idaara hai, humaare sar aankhon pe. Lekin agar woh siyaasi idaara ban-ne ki Federal Minister for Water Resources Mr. and koshish karre ga tou phir tanqeed bardasht karni ho gi. Phir Federal Minister for Science and Technology Mr. Fawad yeh matt kahein ke humara naam na liya karro. Phir tumhara 3 Chaudhry criticised the Punjab Government on handling of naam bhi liya jaye ga, phir tum pe tanqeed bhi ki jaye gi.” the rally stating that the Government had given more hype to the PDM by arresting leaders and placing barricades and Multan PDM Rally goes ahead despite ban still allowing the rally to go forward.

In the backdrop of rising political temperature and increasing polarisation between government and opposition, on November 30, the Pakistan Democratic Movement managed to hold a rally in Multan despite the District Administration's efforts to prevent it. Two requests The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) announced a were submitted by former Premier Mr. Yousaf Raza Gillani to 'Charter of Pakistan' listing the main goals and principles the District Administration to hold the rally in Multan on of the opposition alliance. Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam (Fazl) November 24. The Deputy Commissioner refused to allow Chief and PDM President Maulana Fazlur Rehman holding of the rally citing the ban on large gatherings announced the 12 goals identied by the PDM after a imposed by the government to prevent spread of Covid-19.4 meeting of the alliance in Islamabad. The goals listed by The Deputy Commissioner also cited what he thought was the PDM President include ensuring supremacy and the ban imposed by the National Command and Control protection of federal, democratic, parliamentary and Centre (NCOC) on such occasions. Islamic constitution.

2. Kheshgi, K. (2020) Permission protocol disregarded: PDM holds power show in Peshawar. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/747505-disregards-permission-protocol-slug- pdm-holds-power-show-in-peshawar. (Accessed November 23 2020 3. Youtube (2020) Maulana Fazlur Rehman Speech at PDM Peshawar Jalsa | 22 November 2020 | ARY NEWS. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCAY_rCW5tI. (Accessed 22 November 2020) 4. Shah, N. (2020) Request for Multan Jalsa rejected. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/749954-request-for-multan-jalsa-rejected. (Accessed 27 November 2020) 5. Ahmad, S. (2020) Gilani's son held during protest against PDM workers' 'arrest'. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1592404/gilanis-son-held-during-protest-against-pdm- workers-arrest. (Accessed 26 November 2020) 6. Ahmed, S. (2020) PPP workers cross hurdles to enter Multan stadium. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1592996/ppp-workers-cross-hurdles-to-enter-multan-stadium. (Accessed 29 November 2020) 7. Ahmed, S. (2020) PDM, govt head for showdown as police gets rally venue vacated. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1593163/pdm-govt-head-for-showdown-as-police-get- rally-venue-vacated. (Accessed 30 November 2020) 8. Ahmed, S. (2020) PDM holds Multan rally against all odds. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1593359/pdm-holds-multan-rally-against-all-odds. (Accessed 01 December 2020) November 2020 3

Ms. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and Ms. Maryam Former leaders of the PML-N Mr. Sanaullah Zehri and Lt. Gen. pictured at Multan PDM rally (Retd.) conference in Quetta

PML-N Leaders Condemn leadership's ISI, Rangers Ofcials Suspended over anti-State narrative Karachi Incident

On November 1, Pakistan -Nawaz (PML-N) On November 10, the removed members of leaders of Attock District distanced themselves from what the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) Agency and the Pakistan they termed as the “leadership's anti-state narrative,” citing Rangers Sindh involved in the abduction of Sindh Inspector the speeches of PML-N Quaid Mr. Nawaz Sharif and the General of Police, Mr. Mushtaq Mahar. In a statement speech of Mr. given at the oor of the National released by the ISPR, it was stated that the Ofcials of the ISI Assembly.9 At separate press conferences held in different and Rangers Ofcials were experienced enough to have towns and cities of Attock, PML-N Member of Provincial acted more prudently and based on the recommendations Assembly (MPA) Mr. Jehangir Khanzada, former MPA Mr. of the Court of Inquiry it was decided that the ofcers would Shahwaiz Khan and former Member of National Assembly be removed from their current posting for further (MNA) Malik Itabar Khan criticised the hard stance taken by departmental proceedings and disposal at the General the leadership against the Armed Forces. Malik Itabar Khan Headquarters. termed the narrative presented by Mr. Nawaz Sharif and Mr. Ayaz Sadiq as 'anti-national.' The ISPR explained that the Court of Inquiry had established that on the night of the incident, Ofcers from the Pakistan In a similar development, on November 7, senior leaders of Rangers and the ISI sector headquarters Karachi were the PML-N Balochistan Chapter quit the party over the considerably seized with the fallout of the desecration of the leadership's narrative against the Army and the Inter- Mausoleum of Quaid. Assessing the police response to be 11 Services Intelligence Agency Chiefs.10 PML-N Balochistan too slow, the Ofcers acted 'over zealously.' President, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Abdul Qadir Baloch, formally resigned from the party. Former Chief Minister of -Nawaz (PML-N) leaders of Balochistan, Mr. Sanaullah Zehri, also announced quitting Attock District distanced themselves from what they the PML-N's Central Executive Committee. termed as the “leadership's anti-state narrative,” citing the speeches of PML-N Quaid Mr. Nawaz Sharif and the General Secretary PML-N Mr. and Provincial speech of Mr. Ayaz Sadiq given at the oor of the General Secretary of Balochistan Mr. Jamal Shah Kakar said National Assembly. At separate press conferences held in that the loss of the two leaders would not affect the party's different towns and cities of Attock, PML-N Member of organisational structure in Balochistan. Provincial Assembly (MPA) Mr. Jehangir Khanzada, former MPA Mr. Shahwaiz Khan and former Member of National Assembly (MNA) Malik Itabar Khan criticised the hard stance taken by the leadership against the Armed Forces

9. Dawn (2020) PML-N leaders condemn leadership's 'anti-state' narrative. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1588138/pml-n-leaders-condemn-leaderships-anti-state-narrative. (Accessed 02 November 2020) 10. Shahid, S. (2020) Tumult hits PML-N in Balochistan over 'narrative'. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1589195/tumult-hits-pml-n-in-balochistan-over-narrative. (Accessed 08 November 2020) 11. Ayub, I. (2020) ISI, Rangers men removed over IG issue. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1589728/isi-rangers-men-removed-over-ig-issue. (Accessed 11 November 2020) 4 November 2020

Former COAS General Raheel Sharif with Mr. Nawaz Sharif PML-N Vice President Ms. Sharif

The inquiry, that had been initiated after a telephonic soldieraana tareeke se woh challa jaye ga extension conversation between Army Chief General Qamar Javed wagheira woh nahin maange ga.”15 Bajwa and Chairman PPP Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, was welcomed by the PPP Chairman. Speaking at a jalsa in Former Chief of Army Staff General (Retd.) Raheel Sharif Gilgit, Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that such actions said that no message was conveyed to Mr. Nawaz Sharif enhance the prestige of institutions.12 However, PML-N about an extension. Instead, some PML-N leaders wanted to Quaid Mr. Nawaz Sharif termed the inquiry a cover up give the extension, which the former COAS refused. Senior shielding the real culprits and said that the report was PML-N leaders also purportedly offered the former COAS “rejected.” 13 the position of Field Marshall, which he again refused to accept.16 Some PML-N leaders in the past had claimed that Former Army Chief asked for extension the refusal to grant an extension led to scandals such as the Dawn leaks and the Panama Papers, which eventually led to On November 8, former PML-N leader Lt. Gen. (Retd.) the ouster of former Prime Minister Mr. Nawaz Sharif from Abdul Qadir Baloch revealed that former Chief of Army his position. Staff, General (Retd.) Raheel Sharif, asked for an extension from former Prime Minister Mr. Nawaz Sharif three times. 14 Possibility of an inter-institutional The estranged PML-N leader made these comments on dialogue still exists journalist Mr. Muhammad Malick's show on Hum Tv. Responding to a question regarding extension of Gen. On November 12, Vice President of the Pakistan Muslim (Retd.) Raheel Sharif, Lt. Gen (Retd.) Abdul Qadir Baloch said: The Pakistan Army removed members of the Inter Services “Mujhe bohat mayoosi hui jab baad mein Raheel Sharif Intelligence (ISI) Agency and the Pakistan Rangers Sindh Sahab ko extension bhi nai di gayi aur woh retire ho gaye tou involved in the abduction of Sindh Inspector General of phir Mian Nawaz Sharif Sahab ne mujhe kaha ke jee woh tou Police, Mr. Mushtaq Mahar. In a statement released by mera peecha chore nai rahe thay. Aur he was asking time the ISPR, it was stated that the Ofcials of the ISI and and again. Balke yahan takk kaha ke General Sahab jab Rangers Ofcials were experienced enough to have acted aapke logon ko aik martaba bataya jata hai dusri teesri more prudently and based on the recommendations of martaba kyun kehte hain. Raheel Sharif Sahab tou mere the Court of Inquiry it was decided that the ofcers would peeche parr gaye thay extension ke liye. That was a great be removed from their current posting for further disappointment for me, Raheel Sharif mere Staff Ofcer rahe departmental proceedings and disposal at the General thay barri meri uss se umeedein theen mera barra aik Headquarters expectation uss se yeh tha ke woh aik soldier hai aur aik

12. The News (2020) General 's action on Karachi incident: Bilawal accepts, Nawaz Sharif rejects. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/742004-coas-action-on- karachi-incident-bilawal-accepts-nawaz-rejects. (Accessed 11 November 2020) 13. The News (2020) General Qamar Javed Bajwa's action on Karachi incident: Bilawal accepts, Nawaz Sharif rejects. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/742004-coas-action-on- karachi-incident-bilawal-accepts-nawaz-rejects. (Accessed 11 November 2020) 14. Dawn (2020) Army inquiry report on Karachi incident 'rejected': Nawaz Sharif. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1589662/army-inquiry-report-on-karachi-incident-rejected- nawaz-sharif. (Accessed 10 November 2020) 15. Nayadaur (2020) Former COAS Raheel Sharif Repeatedly Asked Nawaz Sharif For Extension: Nawaz Sharif. Available at: https://nayadaur.tv/2020/11/former-coas-raheel-sharif- repeatedly-asked-nawaz-sharif-for-extension-abdul-qadir/. (Accessed 09 November 2020) 16. YouTube (2020) Program Breaking Point with Malick | 08 Nov 2020 | Hum News. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmsclTi8c3s&list=PLlUji1n9-fQfjC6zOt4Pfw- tpnP6G0ZW8&index=21. (Accessed 09 November 2020) November 2020 5

however President of the PDM Maulana Fazlur Rehman had spoken against the option of a dialogue with the establishment.18 Reportedly the establishment too is willing to engage in a dialogue to address the wrongs committed by all sides in the past.19

Nawaz Sharif shocked me: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

On November 6, Chairman Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said he was shocked when PML-N Quaid named Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Chairman PPP Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at the BBC DG ISI Lt. General Faiz Hameed directly at the rst PDM rally interview 20 in Gujranwala.

In an interview given to BBC Urdu, the Chairman of the PPP League-N (PML-N) Ms. Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that said that the decision to name the top brass of the Army was there was still a chance for the Pakistan Democratic taken by the PML-N Quaid independently and had not been Movement to hold talks with the security establishment. discussed prior to the event.21 However, the talks would be predicated on the ouster of the ruling PTI Government.17 PPP Chairman Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also claried that the resignation of the Army leadership was not amongst the These comments were made by her in an interview to BBC demands of the PDM. He termed the statement by the PML-N Urdu. The PML-N Vice President also added that the talks Quaid Mr. Nawaz Sharif as a 'personal and party' decision of would have to be in front of the public and not behind closed the PML-N. Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that at the All doors. Ms. Maryam Nawaz Sharif claimed that some Parties Conference held prior to the Gujranwala rally, it was members of the establishment were already in contact with agreed that institutions would not be singled out and the senior PML-N leaders. term establishment will be used instead. The statement by the PML-N leader was lent further credence Meanwhile, on November 7, Vice President of the PML-N in an interview by the PML-N leader, Mr. Shahid Khaqan Ms. Maryam Nawaz said that the statement given by Mr. Abbasi, to The News in which he said that PML-N Quaid Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was deliberately being misconstrued Nawaz Sharif was not opposed to a dialogue with all and that the Government was trying to create cracks in the relevant stakeholders, including the Chief of Army Staff and Pakistan Democratic Movement.22 the DG ISI, despite the belligerent stance adopted by him in PDM rallies. Mr. Shahid said that naming individuals was not meant to humiliate anyone but was done Prime Minister orders setting up of new in an effort to identify the problems and x them. Other PDM border management body leaders such as Mr. Asif Ali Zardari are also reportedly not averse to possibility of talks with the security establishment, On November 30, Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan ordered

Vice President of the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) Ms. Former PML-N leader Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Abdul Qadir Baloch Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that there was still a chance for the revealed that former Chief of Army Staff, General (Retd.) Raheel Pakistan Democratic Movement to hold talks with the security Sharif, asked for an extension from former Prime Minister Mr. establishment. However, the talks would be predicated on the Nawaz Sharif three times. The estranged PML-N leader made ouster of the ruling PTI Government these comments on journalist Mr. Muhammad Malick's show on Hum TV.

17. Dawn (2020) Maryam says open to dialogue with security establishment, but no behind closed doors. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1590004. (Accessed 12 November 2020) 18. Abbasi, A. (2020) What made Maryam soften her stance? Situationer. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/743138-what-made-maryam-soften-her-stance. (Accessed 13 November 2020) 19. Abbasi, A. (2020) Establishment not averse to inter-institutional dialogue. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/742106-establishment-not-averse-to-inter-institutional-dialogue- idea. (Accessed 11 November 2020) 20. Javed, F. (2020) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari: 'Nawaz Sharif's personal decision to name military leadership, waiting to see when he will present evidence.' Available at: https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan-54834300. (Accessed 06 November 2020) 21. Hussain, J. (2020) Bilawal says was 'shocked' by Nawaz's address at PDM Gujranwala rally. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1588943. (Accessed 06 November 2020) 22. Wasim, A. (2020) Bilawal's interview being misinterpreted on purpose: Maryam. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1589166/bilawals-interview-being-misinterpreted-on-purpose- maryam. (Accessed 08 November 2020) 6 November 2020

information since the risk of leaks taking place increased with the sharing of information. He expressed the fear that the NICC would fail because of this reason. The former DG IB proposed a system where the ISI and Military Intelligence (MI) were coordinated by the ISI, while all the civilian intelligence agencies would be coordinated by NACTA, as it was NACTA which was charged with intelligence coordination. These bodies should then report to the National Security Advisor (NSA) who should be a politician, a technocrat or a retired civilian or military ofcial. Prime Minister chairs a meeting on establishing new border management system PILDAT has carried out analysis of coordination systems in some countries. In the case of the , the ofce of the Director of National Intelligence serves a similar role of the setting up of a special division under the supervision of coordinating intelligence agencies. The Director of National an Additional Secretary from the Interior Ministry to make the 23 Intelligence (DNI) is appointed by the President and may be a border management system more effective. retired member of the Armed forces, or a retired technocrat. The DNI coordinates all the intelligence agencies in the Reportedly, no central body existed which gathered data United States. regarding border management that could serve as a security threat. The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Similarly in India, the two main intelligence agencies; the Aviation, Federal Minister for Interior, Federal Minister for Research and Analysis Wing and the Intelligence Bureau are Maritime Affairs and Director General ISI. both headed by civilians. These two bodies report to the National Intelligence Coordination Committee, which is New body set up for intelligence headed by a retired civilian ofcer and reports to the Prime coordination Minister of India.

On November 23, Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan approved PILDAT hosts Virtual Forum on role of NSC the setting up of the National Intelligence Coordination Committee (NICC) to coordinate all intelligence related 24 On November 24, PILDAT hosted a virtual forum on the role activity in the country. The NICC will coordinate the of the National Security Committee in Pakistan. President activities of the 26 intelligence agencies present in Pakistan PILDAT Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, former National Security currently and the Director General of the Inter-Services Advisor of Pakistan Mr. and former National Intelligence Agency will serve as the Chairman. Security Advisor of Britain Sir Mark Lyall Grant addressed the forum. Ms. Aasiya Riaz, Joint Director PILDAT moderated the Reportedly, discussions about setting up of a forum to forum. coordinate intelligence activities in the country have been going on for a long time and multiple meetings of all the Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob raised some important points intelligence agencies were held before the proposal was regarding the National Security Committee (NSC) in presented to the Prime Minister.

However, the decision that the coordination committee should be chaired by one of the heads of intelligence agencies has been criticised. Former Director General of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) Mr. Shaukat Javed has said that while setting up of a national coordination body was needed for intelligence coordination, the head of one intelligence agency to chair the NICC would be problematic. Intelligence agencies by nature operate in a clandestine manner and do not want to share information with other agencies. In order for intelligence agencies to be effective, they could not share Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan with COAS and DG ISI

23. Raza, S. (2020) PM orders special body to oversee border management. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1593360/pm-orders-special-body-to-oversee-border-management. (Accessed 01 December 2020) 24. Syed, B. (2020) PM okays creation of liaison body for spy agencies. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1592030/pm-okays-creation-of-liaison-body-for-spy-agencies. (Accessed 24 November 2020) November 2020 7

Pakistan. Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob commented on how the Sartaj Aziz, in his overview of the National Security NSC in Pakistan's case could serve as an ideal forum for the Committee also said that the NSC had not been utilized as top leaderships of the civilian government and the military to envisioned and expressed disappointment at the role the discuss the state of civil-military relations in Pakistan. Committee was playing. Expressing his views, Mr Ahmed Bilal Mehboob said that: “In any society, in any country the National Security Committee “Its not been used for the kind of functions that in essence the or the National Security Council assumes a very important Security Committee would have had…. It continues to be position in decision making. Despite the fact, even in dormant in terms of achieving its basic objective. When I Pakistan it's a very important institution, we have seldom overview this subject, I am disappointed in a way that my very found this in our national policy discourse. The mention of long-standing mission to create an effective National national security committee and we have not seen this Security Committee has not been fullled… The research committee meeting as frequently as it should be meeting capacity, which it needed has not come about. The given the national security challenges Pakistan is facing, has processing of options, and you see the result of this less been facing over the past many years. In the Pakistani effectiveness in the security system is before us. And the basic context the National Security Committee is even more aw is that there is a very wide gap on security issues; in important than many other countries because we have a very threat perceptions, in policy options and what we need to do. peculiar kind of civil-military relations in Pakistan. And NSC And this gap between military and civilian elected set up has provides us a platform where civil and military can sit been one of the causes of political instability in the country.”25 together and discuss the issues, which had been probably faced by the country over the past many years. Where the top In his talk, Sir Mark Lyall Grant highlighted some key leadership of the civil and the top leadership of the military features of the National Security Council in Britain and are present. And that was probably the idea when this talked about how it had helped formalize decision-making. institution was put together. ” “A unique feature of Pakistan's Sir Mark Lyall Grant mentioned that the National Security NSC is that it's a decision making body… if the NSC can Council's creation came about as a result of intelligence make decisions independent of the decision making of the failure. Federal Cabinet, then what would be the real value or legal value of the decision?, he questioned. “The National Security Council in the UK was born out of failure. It was established by David Cameron when he Mr. Sartaj Aziz, who was the architect of the National Security became Prime Minister in 2010, in a deliberate attempt to Committee in its current composition in Pakistan, raised signal a move away from so called sofa government several important points. He gave a brief historical practiced by his predecessor Tony Blair. During his time as background of the NSC in Pakistan, stating that he had given Prime Minister, Tony Blair had engaged the United Kingdom the proposal for such a body to multiple governments since in a series of overseas interventions.” 1999, but only got the opportunity to set it up in 2013. Mr.

25. YouTube (2020) PILDAT Virtual Forum on Role of National Security Committee. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVceoQUtVLI&t=296s. (Accessed 24 November 2020) 8 November 2020

US Special Representative for Reconciliation United States Charge d' Affaires to Pakistan Ms. Angela Aggeler Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad meets Chief of Army Staff meets COAS

Further on, Sir Mark Lyall Grant said that it was yet to be seen Headquarter on November 2.26 The meeting focused on if the NSC was a successful organization. However, the NSC pushing for a reduction in violence and expediting the Doha had served as an effective tool for decision making. peace process between the Afghan Government and the Taliban. Pakistan's efforts at facilitating the peace process “In terms of substance or outcomes, has the quality of the were lauded by the visiting dignitary.27 decisions (by the NSC) improved as a result. And I think frankly, time would tell. Is it true that the decisions taken on The Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina British military intervention in say Libya and Syria, which were Mr. Sek Dzaferovic met Chief of Army Staff General Qamar taken by the National Security Council have they led to any Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters on November 5.28 better outcomes than those taken on Afghanistan, Bosnia Matters of mutual interest, regional security and Pak-Bosnia and Iraq which were before the National Security Council? and Herzegovina relations were discussed at the meeting. Certainly, the process has been better, the audit trail is better, The possibility of enhancing defence cooperation between but in terms of outcomes of course that is a question that can the two countries was also discussed at the meeting. be debated.” On November 9, incoming Chinese Ambassador, Mr. Nong A video account of the complete forum is available at PILDAT Rong, called on the Chief of Army Staff General Qamar website. Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters.29 The Chinese Ambassador appreciated Pakistan's role in preventing COAS interactions with Foreign Dignitaries conicts in the region. Both sides expressed a desire to further improve bilateral relations. US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, called on the Chief of Army On November 11, Foreign Minister of Iran Dr. Mohammad Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Javad Zarif met Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed

Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina lays Foreign Minister of Iran Dr. Mohammad Javad Zarif meets oral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada to pay homage to martyrs COAS at GHQ

26. ISPR (2020) Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at GHQ, today. Available at: https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5911. (Accessed 02 November 2020) 27. Syed, B. (2020) Khalilzad discusses Afghan peace with Bajwa. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1588301/khalilzad-discusses-afghan-peace-with-bajwa. (Accessed 03 November 2020) 28. Syed, B. (2020) Pakistan, Bosnia discuss enhanced defence cooperation. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1588888/pakistan-bosnia-discuss-enhanced-defence-cooperation. (Accessed 06 November 2020) 29. Dawn (2020) COAS, Chinese envoy discuss regional security. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1589588/coas-chinese-envoy-discuss-regional-security. (Accessed 10 November 2020) November 2020 9

Afghanistan Ambassador Mr. Najibullah Alikhil meets COAS Chinese Ambassador Mr. Nong Rong meets COAS at the GHQ

Bajwa at the General Headquarters.30 Pak-Iran border revolved around Pakistan's Covid-1934 response and management and border markets were discussed at the resumption of the polio vaccination campaign in Pakistan. meeting.31 The visiting dignitary also appreciated Pakistan's According to a press release by the ISPR, Mr. Bill Gates role in maintaining regional security especially in assisting conveyed his appreciation for the Pakistan Army for the Afghan peace process. supporting the national polio drive. Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa said that credit for the effective On November 12, the new Ambassador of Afghanistan to response went to the grassroots workers, law enforcement Pakistan, Mr. Najibullah Alikhil, called on the Chief of Army agencies and health representatives. Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters.32 Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed On November 19, US Charge d' Affaires to Pakistan Ms. Bajwa expressed hopes for better relations between Pakistan Angela Aggeler met Chief of Army Staff General Qamar and Afghanistan. The regional security situation, on-going Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters.35 US Charge d' Afghan peace process, border management and defence Affaires to Pakistan Ms. Angela Aggeler appreciated and security cooperation were also discussed in the Pakistan's relentless support for the Afghan peace process meeting.33 and assured of continued assistance for the common cause of peace in Afghanistan. On November 12, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa spoke telephonically to co-chair of Bill and On November 20, Egyptian Ambassador Mr. Tarek Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr. Bill Gates. The conversation Mohamed Dahroug called on COAS General Qamar Javed

Mr. Bill Gates and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Egyptian Ambassador Mr. Tarek Mohamed Dahroug meets Bajwa COAS

30. ISPR (2020) H.E Dr Mohammad Javad Zarif, Foreign Minister of Iran called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at GHQ, today. Available at: https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5920. (Accessed 12 November 2020) 31. Syed, B. (2020) Iran to open another border point for trade. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1589951/iran-to-open-another-border-point-for-trade. (Accessed 12 November 2020) 32. ISPR (2020) Mr. Najibullah Alikhil, Afghanistan 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=5922. (Accessed 13 November 2020) 33. Dawn (2020) Army Chief sees better relations with Afghanistan. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1590108/army-chief-sees-better-relations-with-afghanistan. (Accessed 13 November 2020) 34. (2020) Gen Bajwa, Bill Gates discuss Pakistan's COVID-19 response, resumption of polio campaign. Available at: https://nation.com.pk/13-Nov-2020/gen-bajwa-bill-gates- discuss-pakistan-s-covid-19-response-resumption-of-polio-campaigns. (Accessed 13 November 2020) 35. Dawn (2020) US diplomat lauds Pakistan role in Afghan peace process. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1591363/us-diplomat-lauds-pakistan-role-in-afghan-peace-process. (Accessed 20 November 2020) 10 November 2020

Javed Bajwa twice:

1. On November 26, Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan chaired a meeting on the Karachi Transformation Plan (KTP) where it was informed that over 100 projects were planned under the KTP on which over 1.1 trillion rupees would be spent. The meeting was attended by the Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Railways Minister Mr. Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Mr. , Federal Minister for Water Resources Mr. Faisal Vawda and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Dr. 40 General Qamar Javed Bajwa chairs 237th Corps Commanders . Conference 2. On November 29, Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan visited the headquarters of Inter-Services Intelligence Agency 36 Bajwa at the General Headquarters. Ambassador Mr. and expressed his satisfaction at the professional Tarek Mohamed Dahroug appreciated Pakistan's efforts for preparedness of the agency.41 regional peace and stability. COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa said that Pakistan and Egypt enjoyed brotherly Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan meets relations and stressed on the need to enhance bilateral cooperation in all spheres.37 Director General ISI

Corps Commanders' Conference On November 19, Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence Agency Lt. General Faiz Hameed met Prime 42 th Minister Mr. Imran Khan at the Prime Minister Ofce. The 237 Corps Commanders' Conference was held at the Reportedly, matters pertaining to national security were General Headquarters on November 24. The Corps discussed at the meeting. Commanders' Conference reviewed the geostrategic, regional and national security environment of the country.38

The Corps Commanders' Conference expressed concern about Indian sponsorship of terrorism in Pakistan. Discussion was held on internal security of the country, situation along borders, Line of Control (LOC), atrocities in Indian Occupied Kashmir and the positive progress in the Afghan peace process.39 The forum also discussed the COVID-19 situation and the Chief of Army Staff directed all commanders to ensure measures to support the national effort.

Prime Minister's Interactions with Chief of Army Staff

During November 2020, Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan met and interacted with Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan chairs meeting

36. ISPR (2020) H.E Mr. Tarek Mohamed Dahroug, Egypt 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=5935. (Accessed 21 November 2020) 37. Dawn (2020) Egyptian envoy, COAS discuss defence ties. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1591529/egyptian-envoy-coas-discuss-defence-ties. (Accessed 21 November 2020) 38. The News (2020) India funding, training terrorists to foment unrest: General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/748643-india-funding-training-terrorists- to-foment-unrest-coas. (Accessed 25 November 2020) 39. Dawn (2020) Top brass vows to thwart misadventure by India. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1592211/top-brass-vows-to-thwart-misadventure-by-india. (Accessed 25 November 2020) 40. Raza, S. (2020) More than 100 projects planned for Karachi, PM told. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1592644/more-than-100-projects-planned-for-karachi-pm-told. (Accessed 27 November 2020) 41. Dawn (2020) PM lauds ISI efforts for national security. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1593170/pm-lauds-isi-efforts-for-national-security. (Accessed 30 November 2020) 42. Khan, S. (2020) DG ISI calls on PM Imran to discuss national security matters. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1517644/dg-isi-calls-on-pm-imran-to-discuss-national-security- matters. (Accessed 20 November 2020) November 2020 11

Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly with the Prime Honourable Speaker NA meets Chairman of the Presidency of Minister Bosnia and Herzegovina

Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan visits ISI Khan at the Prime Minister's Ofce. The meeting took place Headquarters two days after the Honourable Speaker cancelled a parliamentary leaders' meeting, he had convened for November 11 for a brieng by military ofcials regarding On November 29, Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan visited the current issues of national security. Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Headquarters. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Foreign Minister and Minister The opposition parties had announced a boycott of all for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives. meeting under the Honourable Speaker of the National Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee, Services Chiefs 43 Assembly due to his alleged biased conduct during a joint and Chief of General Staff also attended the meeting. This sitting of parliament held on September 16. 45 was Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan's fourth visit to the Directorate General of the ISI since assuming ofce. Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan appreciated the tireless efforts of Honourable Speaker National Assembly the ISI for national security and expressed his satisfaction at meets Foreign Dignitaries the professional preparedness of the intelligence agency.44 On November 5, Honourable Speaker of the National Honourable Speaker National Assembly Assembly, Mr. , met with the Chairman of the meets Prime Minister Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Mr. Sec Dzaferovic. Mr. Asad Qaiser proposed the establishment of a On November 12, Honourable Speaker of the National parliamentary moot in Islamabad to discuss areas of Assembly, Mr. Asad Qaiser, met Prime Minister Mr. Imran possible cooperation. Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Mr. Sec Dzaferovic said his country attached importance to its relationship with Pakistan and agreed that there was a need to further boost trade activities between the two countries.46

On November 11, Chinese Ambassador Mr. Nong Rong called on the Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly Mr. Asad Qaiser.47 Mr. Asad Qaiser said that Pakistan was proud of its close relationship with China and that the present government was committed to taking that relationship to exemplary heights. Chinese Ambassador Mr. Nong Rong said that completion of the rst phase of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would open new PM Mr. Imran Khan in a meeting with DG ISI

43. Dawn (2020) PM lauds ISI efforts for national security. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1593170/pm-lauds-isi-efforts-for-national-security. (Accessed 30 November 2020) 44. The News (2020) Civil and military leadership visit ISI HQ. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/751144-civil-and-military-leadership-visits-isi-hq. (Accessed 30 November 2020) 45. Dawn (2020) NA Speaker calls on Imran. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1590078/na-speaker-calls-on-imran. (Accessed 13 November 2020) 46. Yasin, A. (2020) Asad Qaiser discusses bilateral ties, cooperation with Sefik Dzaferovic. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/739702-asad-qaiser-discusses-bilateral-ties- cooperation-with-sefik-dzaferovic. (Accessed 06 November 2020) 47. The News (2020) Chinese envoy meets NA speaker. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/742607-chinese-envoy-meets-na-speaker. (Accessed 12 November 2020) 12 November 2020

Chinese Ambassador Mr. Nong Rong meets Honourable Saudi Ambassador meets Honourable Speaker National Speaker NA Assembly avenues for development for the people of the region. Court headed by Honourable Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed issued a contempt notice to Sindh Chief Minister Mr. Murad On November 26, the Ambassador for Mr. Ali Shah.49 Nawaf bin Saad Al-Maliki, called on Honourable Speaker National Assembly Mr. Asad Qaiser at the Parliament The court was hearing a suo moto case relating to the delays House. In the meeting, it was decided that a joint in the construction of the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR). The parliamentary committee would be set up between the two contempt notice was issued to the Chief Minister of Sindh for countries to resolve issues faced by Pakistani expatriates in delays in approving the design of development work for the Saudi Arabia.48 Mr. Asad Qaiser said that the two countries KCR project. shared historic bonds of religion, culture and history. The Saudi Ambassador said that Pakistani expatriates in Saudi Director General of the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) Arabia were playing a vital part in the development of Saudi Major General Kamal Azfar informed the Court that the Arabia. delay in constructing under passes for the project were caused due to delays in awarding the contract by the Sindh 50 Supreme Court Issues Contempt Notice to Government. Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Gulzar Ahmed also observed that the FWO was not a private Chief Minister Sindh organization and should not be concerned about making prots and therefore the project cost should be brought On November 26, a three-member bench of the Supreme down.

In a previous hearing of the case on November 10, the three-member bench of the Supreme Court had already issued contempt notices to Federal Railways Secretary Mr. Habibur Rehman Gillani and Chief Secretary Sindh Syed Mumtaz Ali Shah. On November 26, the Honourable Chief Justice said that the project should have only taken two months to complete, since only some underpasses and bridges needed to be completed.

The KCR, which started operations in 1964, was shut down in 1999 due to massive losses incurred by the organization. In February 2020, the Supreme Court had taken notice of the project and directed that it should be made operational within six months. The Court directed Sindh Chief Minister Mr. Murad Ali Shah to submit a reply within two weeks to the Chief Minister Sindh Mr. Murad Ali Shah contempt of Court notice.

48. Yasin, A. (2020) Pak-Saudi joint parliamentary body to address expat issues. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/749918-pak-saudi-joint-parliamentary-body-to-address- expats-issues. (Accessed 27 November 2020) 49. Khan, S. (2020) Delay in completion of KCR project: SC issues contempt notices to Sindh CM. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/749946-delay-in-completion-of-kcr-project- sc-issues-contempt-notices-to-sindh-cm. (Accessed 27 November 2020) 50. Iqbal, N. (2020) SC issues contempt notice to Sindh CM over KCR delay. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1592639/sc-issues-contempt-notice-to-sindh-cm-over-kcr-delay. (Accessed 27 November 2020) November 2020 13

Peshawar High Court building Supreme Court of Pakistan

PHC orders treatment of ailing military During the course of the hearing, it transpired that Local court convicts Government elections had not taken place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since August 29 2019. Despite a delay of 14 months, the provincial government had not held elections. On November 26, the (PHC) accepted a petition jointly led by 25 military court convicts kept in In its four-page order issued on November 24, the Court Mardan Central Jail, asking for provision of proper medical noted that to abide by the Constitution was 'not optional but treatment for convicts suffering from chronic diseases. A obligatory'. Justice Qazi Faez Isa also expressed annoyance two-member bench of the PHC headed by acting Chief at the absence of the Advocate General of Khyber Justice Qaiser Rashid Khan and Justice Mohammad Nasir Pakhtunkhwa, stating that law ofcers were paid by the Mahfooz directed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home taxpayers' money but they did not feel that it was their Department and Prison authorities to provide treatment to responsibility to appear before the Court. The Supreme the convicts and also to provide them with visitation rights to 51 Court issued notices to the Advocate General of Khyber meet their family members after every fortnight. Pakhtunkhwa and the Attorney General of Pakistan to advise their respective governments to abide by the law and to stop The lawyer for the petitioners, Mr. Shabbir Hussain Gigyani depriving people of their democratic right to elect local informed the Court that the prisoners in question had been government representatives. convicted by military courts but were later acquitted by the High Court. They continued to be behind bars because of a stay order issued by the Supreme Court against the acquittal. New President of the Supreme Court Bar The petition also asked for the installation of a public call Association comments on state of affairs in ofce in their barrack for communication with families. the country

Supreme Court on Local Government On November 1, the newly elected President of the Supreme Elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Court Bar Association (SCBA) Mr. Abdul Latif Afridi, said that in the past all political parties had looked to the army for On November 18, a two-member bench of the Supreme power and should apologize to the nation. Mr. Abdul Latif Court headed by Justice Qazi Faez Isa warned the Khyber Afridi also termed the practice of declaring politicians as traitors deplorable and said that this practice needed to Pakhtunkhwa Government of initiating contempt of court 54 proceedings if Local Government elections were not held in end. The SCBA President also said that Prime Minister Mr. the province. 5 2 Hearing a petition moved by the Imran Khan was helpless, powerless and due to administrator of a municipal corporation, the Court inexperienced handling of the government, the masses were regretted that neither the Chief Minister nor his cabinet suffering. members were abiding by the KP Local Government Act 2013.53 To a question regarding the political crisis in the country, Mr. Abdul Latif Afridi said that the SCBA was willing to act as a

51. Dawn (2020) PHC orders treatment of ailing military court convicts. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1592560/phc-orders-treatment-of-ailing-military-court-convicts. (Accessed 27 November 2020) 52. Iqbal, N. (2020) SC assails KP for not holding LG elections. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1591185/sc-assails-kp-for-not-holding-lg-elections. (Accessed 20 November 2020) 53. Iqbal, N. (2020) Apex court orders govt to abide by KP LG Act. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1592220/apex-court-orders-govt-to-abide-by-kp-lg-act. (Accessed 25 November 2020) 54. Malik, A. (2020) SCBA Chief says ready to mediate between govt, opposition. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/737924-scba-chief-says-ready-to-mediate-between-govt- opposition. (Accessed 02 November 2020) 14 November 2020

President of the Supreme Court Bar Association Mr. Abdul Latif Afridi Justice Qazi Faez Isa mediator between the opposition parties and the independent judge and his integrity was beyond doubt. government, provided both sides agreed to the mediation. Mr. Abdul Latif Afridi also said that the National Justice Qazi Faez Isa Case Accountability Bureau (NAB) had been declared an institution of political engineering by the Supreme Court and On November 4, the dissenting note regarding the Justice it was the job of the Government to amend the NAB Law. He Qazi Faez Isa case was released by Honourable Supreme also stressed on the need for the Army to abide by its Court Judge, Justice Maqbool Baqar. The detailed dissenting Constitutional role in order to avoid a negative image being note deplores that the Prime Minister bypassed the Cabinet formed of the institution. The SCBA President made these in sending the reference against Justice Qazi Faez Isa to the comments in an interview with Jang Panel for the Sunday Supreme Judicial Council (SJC). 57 Magazine. Justice Baqar observes that turning the Cabinet into a mere Later, speaking at journalist Mr. Saleem Sa's show on Geo rubber stamp in pursuit of decision-making by the Prime Tv, Mr. Abdul Latif Afridi also said that he was not surprised Minister to the exclusion of his cabinet would violate the spirit about the belligerent stance taken by Mr. Nawaz Sharif in his of the constitution of Pakistan. speeches. In the past the Muslim League had called other leaders traitors and was now facing the same situation. Mr. “If we treat the ofce of the Prime Minister as being Abdul Latif also said that he had been termed as a traitor in equivalent to that of the Cabinet, it would follow that the the run up to the SCBA elections and that Law Minister Dr. Prime Minister, by himself, as a single individual, becomes Farogh Naseem had done illegal things to try to stop his the Federal Government. This is simply inconceivable.it is the election. antithesis of a constitutional democracy and would amount to a reversion to a monarchical form of Government “Farogh Naseem Sb ne sab kuch kiya woh wazeer-e-qanoon reminiscent of King Louis XIV's famous claim that “I am the thay aur humara supreme court bhi qanoon se wabasta hai, State” (literally “L'etat, c'est moi”). It is most emphatically not isliye mein yeh samajhta hun ke jo kuch ghair qanooni woh the function of this Court to surrender the hard won liberties kar sakta tha usne kiya. Kyunke qanoon se mutaliq baat thi. of the people of Pakistan to such a fanciful interpretation of Yahan tou rasm yehi challi hai ke qanooni kaam ko rukwaane the Constitution which would be destructive of all democratic ke liye ghair-qanooni hathkande istimaal kiye jaayein.”55

On November 2, the newly elected SCBA President addressed a press conference after his visit to the Lahore The dissenting note regarding the Justice Qazi Faez Isa case High Court Bar Association. Mr. Abdul Latif Afridi urged the was released by Honourable Supreme Court Judge, Justice Maqbool Baqar. The detailed dissenting note deplores that the judiciary to stay away from political matters and stick to its 56 Prime Minister bypassed the Cabinet in sending the reference role of protecting the Constitution. Commenting on the against Justice Qazi Faez Isa to the Supreme Judicial Council Justice Qazi Faez Isa case, Mr. Abdul Latif Afridi said that (SJC) Justice Qazi Faez Isa was known for being an upright and

55. YouTube (2020) Jirga | Guest – Abdul Latif Afridi | 1st November 2020. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVxR-BE2dlo. (Accessed 01 November 2020) 56. Dawn (2020) SCBA Chief wants judiciary to stay away from politics. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1588300/scba-chief-wants-judiciary-to-stay-away-from-politics. (Accessed 03 November 2020) 57. Iqbal, N. (2020) PM bypassed cabinet over reference against Isa: SC judge. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1589192/pm-bypassed-cabinet-over-reference-against-isa-sc- judge. (Accessed 08 November 2020) November 2020 15

Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan with Afghan President Mr. Ashraf Opposition leader Mr. Nyan Win Htike addresses a press Ghani conference principles.”58 Afghan President Mr. Ashraf Ghani in Kabul. At the meeting, Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan reafrmed Pakistan's support In the dissenting note, Justice Maqbool Baqar also states that for the Afghan peace process and urged both sides to take Law Minister Dr. Farogh Naseem and Assets Recovery Unit necessary steps to reduce violence in the region. 61 Chairman Mirza Shahzad Akbar are liable under the Income Tax Ordinance (ITO) 2001 as well as the NADRA ordinance The Prime Minister also said that a drop in violence in for the hasty institution of the Presidential reference against Afghanistan would benet the tribal areas of Pakistan. He Justice Qazi Faez Isa.59 Justice Maqbool Baqar also observed also said that he had always believed that a political that Dr. , Former Special Assistant to the dialogue was needed to resolve the Afghanistan issue and Prime Minister on Information was liable for contempt of had campaigned against a military solution in the past.62 court for her uncalled for and disrespectful comments made at a press conference. Myanmar Opposition rejects election Separately, Honourable Supreme Court Judge, Justice results Mansoor Ali Shah noted in his dissenting note that unlawful procurement of information about three London properties On November 11, Myanmar's military-backed opposition of Justice Qazi Faez Isa's family was a matter of concern. party, Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), Justice Mansoor Ali Shah states in his dissenting note that the rejected the results of the general elections in Myanmar. unlawful surveillance was deeply worrying and shakes the Unofcial results showed that Ms. Aang San Suu Kyi's foundation of a democratic society based on rule of law. 60 National League for Democracy (NLD) had won 361 seats in The dissenting note also expresses consternation at the the combined upper and lower house, exceeding the 322 63 constitutional violation committed by the Assets Recovery seats needed for control. Unit (ARU) and its head Mirza Shahzad Akbar. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah also notes that Law Minister Dr. Farogh Addressing a press conference in Yangon, Myanmar's Naseem and Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan were largest city, USDP leaders demanded that the Union Election responsible for undue haste in processing the reference Commission hold another vote and work with the military so against Justice Qazi Faez Isa, and as the Prime Minister in a that the election can be free and unbiased. Commenting on constitutional parliamentary democracy, the major burden the elections, the non-partisan global election watchdog, the of the malicious actions falls on Prime Minister Mr. Imran Carter Centre, said that while voters were able to freely Khan. express their will and choose their elected representatives, the quality of democracy in Myanmar continued to suffer Afghan Peace Process from deciencies in the legal framework including the reserved seats for military appointees, and by exclusion of more than 2 million people from the voting process due to On November 20, Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan visited violence or discrimination.

58. Baqar, M. (2020) Constitution petition 17_2020_dissenting note. Available at: https://www.supremecourt.gov.pk/downloads_judgements/const.p._17_2020_dissenting_note_hj4.pdf. (Accessed 04 November 2020) 59. Dawn (2020) PM, minister, ARU head liable for Isa reference: SC judge. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1588684/pm-minister-aru-head-liable-for-isa-reference-sc-judge. (Accessed 05 November 2020) 60. Iqbal, N. (2020) Judge decries illegal data procurement in Isa case. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1588736/judge-decries-illegal-data-procurement-in-isa-case. (Accessed 05 November 2020) 61. Dawn (2020) PM assures Kabul of help to end bloodshed. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1591362/pm-assures-kabul-of-help-to-end-bloodshed. (Accessed 20 November 2020) 62. Dawn (2020) Drop in Afghanistan violence to benefit tribal areas: PM. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1591552/drop-in-afghanistan-violence-to-benefit-tribal-areas-pm. (Accessed 21 November 2020) 63. Dawn (2020) Military-backed party rejects Myanmar elections as unfair. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1589944/military-backed-party-rejects-myanmar-election-as-unfair. (Accessed 12 November 2020)