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
September 2020
CONTENT Paradigm Shift in the PML-N Stance Nawaz Sharif bars party leaders from meeting army, agencies Opposition Parties trying to create a wedge between Government and Army: Prime Minister Speaker National Assembly meets PM National Assembly Defence committee visits Miranshah Financial Action Task Force Legislations COAS Meets Business Leaders in Karachi CJP addresses NDU delegation Local Government System in Sindh has broken down: CJP Military Court Convictions IHC concerned about missing persons cases in Islamabad Contempt of Court notices issued in Musharraf High Mr. Nawaz Sharif addressing the PDM APC via Video Link Treason case APS Commission Report becomes Public Army Land Allotment case Paradigm Shift in the PML-N Stance Dr. Moeed Yusuf to head Economic Outreach Apex Committee
2 Railways Minister discloses Chief of Army Staff In a rst for the PML-N, Mr. Nawaz Movement (PDM). meeting with Opposition Leaders Sharif named the current Chairman Corps Commanders' Conference C P E C A u t h o r i t y a n d f o r m e r Mr. Nawaz Sharif alleged that prior to COAS Interactions with Foreign Dignitaries Commander Southern Command, Lt. the 2018 Senate election, a plot had Prime Minister's Interactions with Chief of Army Staff General (Retd.) Asim Saleem Bajwa, been hatched that he wanted to bring accusing him of being behind a to the attention of the gathering. The Belarus Protests conspiracy to remove the PMLN-led PML-N-led Balochistan Provincial Mali Opposition Rejects pro-junta transition Provincial Government of Balochistan Government was changed according Thailand pro-democracy protests continue prior to the Senate election in 2018.1 to the plot. Mr. Nawaz Sharif alleged Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Asim Saleem Bajwa that Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Asim Saleem This monitor is meant to identify key developments during the month on Inter-Institutional Relations in also holds the portfolio of Special Bajwa was part of the plot. He added Pakistan with selected high-prole international Advisor to the Prime Minister on that the public had already found out developments included occasionally. For the purpose of this monitor, the institutions are meant to be the Information and Broadcasting. about the business empire run by Lt. Legislature, Judiciary and Executive. Gen. (Retd.) Asim Saleem Bajwa. Mr. Nawaz Sharif was addressing the All Parties Conference organised by “2018 ki senate ke intekhabaat se the joint opposition parties which kuch arsa pehle, khawateen o hazrat, have come together under an alliance aik mazmoom saazish ki gayi, mein Pakistan Institute of Legislative named as the Pakistan Democratic aap ki tawajoh mabzool kara raha Development And Transparency
1. YouTube (2020) Live: Opening remarks of opposition leaders at the PPP hosted APC in Islamabad. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJRDyXuEKzc. (Accessed 19 October 2020) 2. Wasim, A. (2020) Opposition moot to devise anti-govt strategy today. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1580646/opposition-moot-to-devise-anti-govt-strategy-today. (Accessed 20 September 2020) 2 September 2020
the rst time that he named a serving General at the time for allegedly sabotaging Senate election. The former Prime Minister also adopted a belligerent tone directly blaming military establishment for the loss suffered by the PML-N in the 2018 election. In another veiled reference, the former Prime Minister went on to say that their ght was not against Prime Minister Imran Khan, but was against the people who had selected him as the Prime Minister. “Humara muqabla Imran Khan se nai hai, aaj humari jad-o-jahad Imran Khan ko laane walon ke khilaf hai.”
Mr. Nawaz Sharif said that a 'state above the state' existed in the country and the existence of this parallel government was DG ISI and Chief of Army Staff unacceptable and against democratic norms. He ended his speech by stating that institutions such as the media, judiciary and the bureaucracy had all been compromised hun. Uss mazmoom sazish ke zariye, Balochistan ki subayi and there was need for a change in the system and not just a hakumat gira di gayi. Uska maqsad kya tha maloom hai change in the party in power. aapko? Uska asal maqsad Senate ke intekhabaat mein saamne aaya. Uss saazish ke kirdaaron mein Lt General A day after the APC, senior ministers of the PTI-led Federal Asim Saleem Bajwa, jo wahan ke corps commander thay, Government including Mr. Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Mr. Southern Command ke Commander thay, unka naam bhi Fawad Chaudhry, Mr. Asad Umar and Senator Shibli Faraz, aata hai. Yeh wohi General Asim Saleem Bajwa hain jin ke in a press conference, termed Mr. Nawaz Sharif's speech as khandaan ki be-panah daulat aur dunya bhar mein phele “anti-Pakistan”5 and said that he had furthered India's hue asaason ki tafseelaat poori qaum ke saamne aa chuki agenda.6 hai.” Nawaz Sharif bars party leaders from Former Prime Minister also said that no one had the courage to question the retired General or his family on how he had meeting army, agencies managed to accumulate assets during his service.3 Mr. Nawaz Sharif said that Prime Minister Imran Khan had given On September 29, the PML-N issued a directive barring all a clean chit to the former General and no details were asked party members from meeting representatives of Pakistan of him, no Joint Investigation Team was formed and no Army and Intelligence Agencies without permission from Mr. investigation took place. Nawaz Sharif, Quaid PML-N.
It is pertinent to note here that Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Asim Saleem The move came about as a result of a disclosure made by the Bajwa tendered his resignation from his position as Special Railways Minister Mr. Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, that Mr. Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Muhammad Zubair, former Governor Sindh and a senior Broadcasting on September 4. Prime Minister Imran Khan, leader of the PML-N, had held secret meetings with the Chief 7 however, did not accept the resignation stating that he was of Army Staff. satised with the evidence and explanation provided by Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Asim Saleem Bajwa.4 In a paradigm shift for the PML-N, Quaid PML-N, Mr. This move signals a paradigm shift for Mr. Nawaz Sharif, Nawaz Sharif directly named military ofcials involved in who, since his ouster from power in July 2017, has chosen meddling in the Senate election in Balochistan to bring not to directly name the military or a particular personality in down the elected PML-N Government in the province. the military, choosing instead to question why was he ousted Former Prime Minister Mr. Nawaz Sharif also said that a and that 'khalai makhlooq' was responsible behind his ouster 'state above the state' existed in the country and its and PML-N's defeat in 2018 General Election. It is, therefore, existence was against democratic norms.
3. Wasim, A. (2020) Nawaz takes “parallel government” head-on. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1580796/nawaz-takes-parallel-govt-head-on (Accessed 21 September 2020) 4. PMO (2020) Special Assistant Lieutenant General (retd) Asim Saleem Bajwa today tendered his resignation to Prime Minister Imran Khan which was not accepted by the Prime Minister. Available at: https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=3601. (Accessed 04 September 2020) 5. Raza, S. (2020) Govt terms Nawaz's speech 'anti-Pakistan'. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1580983/govt-terms-nawazs-speech-anti-pakistan. (Accessed 22 September 2020) 6. Alvi, M. (2020) Opposition and India towing same agenda: Opposition criticism illogical, says PM Imran Khan. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/718093-opposition-india- towing-same-agenda-opp-criticism-illogical-says-pm. (Accessed 22 September 2020) 7. Chaudhry, A. (2020) Nawaz asks party members to get approval before meeting military leadership. Available on: https://nation.com.pk/25-Sep-2020/nawaz-asks-party-members-to-get- approval-before-meeting-military-leadership. (Accessed 24 September 2020) September 2020 3
On September 23, Director General Inter Services Public Relations, Major General Babar Iftikhar, also disclosed that Mr. Muhammad Zubair had met the Chief of Army Staff twice on the request of Mr. Zubair and that DG ISI was also present in these meetings. The DG ISPR went on to say that the issues facing Mr. Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Ms. Maryam Nawaz Sharif were discussed in both meetings.8 He shared this during an interview given to journalist Mr. Arshad Sharif on ARY News.
“Zyada detail mein tou nai jaon ga magar Chief of Army Staff ki mulaqat ke hawaale se mein yeh zarur waazeh kar doon ke Muhammad Zubair Sahab ne dou martaba Chief of Army Staff se mulaqat ki. Aik dafa August ke aakhri haftay mein aur Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan dusri martaba 7 September ko unki Chief of Army Staff se mulaqat hui jis mein DG ISI bhi maujood thay. Aur dono mulaqaatein unki darkhwast pe hi huin, aur dono mulaqaton Opposition Parties trying to create a wedge mein unhon ne Mian Nawaz Sharif Sahab aur Maryam between Government and Army: Prime Nawaz Sahiba ke hawaale se hi baat cheet ki. Inn mulaqaaton mein jo bhi baat cheet hui hai Army Chief ne un Minister pe waazeh kar diya ke jo bhi inn ke legal masail hain woh Pakistan ki adaalton mein hal hon ge aur jo siaasi masail On September 25, Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan said that hain unka hal parliament mein hoga. Inn maamlaat se fauj the opposition parties were trying to drive a wedge between ko dur rakha jaye”9 the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Government and the Pakistan Army. In response, Mr. Muhammad Zubair claimed that the meetings were indeed held but only because he had close Reportedly, he was talking to a group of directors of leading personal ties with the Chief of Army Staff. “Qamar Javed television channels. He also termed the relationship between 11 Bajwa is an old friend and not only have I met him many the current government and the Pakistan Army as historic. times as a friend but our families have also been meeting cordially over dinners etc. In my most recent meeting with Prime Minister also reportedly said that he was informed of him, economy, politics and, of course, Nawaz Sharif and all the backdoor meetings held between the Army and Maryam Nawaz, all came under discussion. No relief was opposition leaders. He said that the Pakistan Army followed ever requested.”10 the manifesto of ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) because its leadership was not corrupt. However, he rejected the impression that the PTI Government came into power with the army's help. However, he added, “Whereas the army had laid foundations of both PML-N and PPP.”12
DG ISPR has said that former Governor Sindh and PML-N Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan has said that the Pakistan leader Mr. Muhammad Zubair met the Chief of Army Staff Army and the PTI Government are on the same page and twice on the request of Mr. Zubair and discussed issues the Pakistan Army follows the manifesto of the PTI facing Mr. Nawaz Sharif and his daughter, Ms. Maryam because the PTI leadership is not corrupt. Prime Minister Nawaz . Mr. Muhammad Zubair has maintained that his also said that the Army follows his decisions. He also said meetings with the COAS were due to personal relations he is aware of all the meetings held between the with COAS and not to request any relief for PML-N leaders. Opposition and the Army top brass.
8. Niaz, T. (2020) PML-N's Zubair met COAS twice to discuss cases, reveals DG ISPR. Available at: https://nation.com.pk/24-Sep-2020/pml-n-s-zubair-met-coas-twice-to-discuss-cases- reveals-dg-ispr. (Accessed 24 September 2020) 9. Dawn (2020) DG ISPR says PML-N's Zubair met COAS twice to discuss Maryam, Nawaz. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1581232. (Accessed 24 September 2020) 10. Wasim, A. (2020) Nawaz bars party leaders from meeting army, agencies people. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1581499/nawaz-bars-party-members-from-meeting-army- agencies-people. (Accessed 24 September 2020) 11. The Nation (2020) Opposition wants wedge between army and govt: PM. Available at: https://nation.com.pk/26-Sep-2020/opposition-wants-wedge-between-army-and-govt-pm. (Accessed 25 September 2020) 12. Raza, S. (2020) Opposition trying to cause army-govt rift: Imran. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1581623/opposition-trying-to-cause-army-govt-rift-imran. (Accessed 26 September 2020) 4 September 2020
Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly with the Prime Minister
Earlier on September 4, reporting on an interview of Prime Standing Committee on Defence visited Miranshah district in Minister with Al-Jazeera, Dawn said that Prime Minister was North Waziristan.16 The committee was given a brieng on “visibly upset” when the interviewer asked him why “senior progress of fencing at the Pak Afghan border and on-going military ofcers” were being given responsibilities of major intelligence based operations in the region.17 The delegation government departments when he should have been putting was also briefed on on-going projects to uplift the socio- more “civilian faces” for the country's international image. 13 economic conditions of the area. The Committee is headed Rejecting the allegation, the Prime Minister responded that by PTI MNA Mr. Amjid Ali Khan. the PTI Government was democratically elected through fair elections and had a harmonious relationship with the Financial Action Task Force Legislations Army.14 On September 16, a joint sitting of the Parliament passed Speaker National Assembly meets PM three bills related to the Financial Action Task Force.18 The three bills passed by the Parliament include the Anti-Money On September 25, Honourable Speaker, National Laundering (Second Amendment) Bill, the Islamabad Assembly, Mr. Asad Qaiser met Prime Minister Mr. Imran Capital Territory Waqf Properties Bill and the Anti-Terrorism Khan. The meeting was held after the opposition parties Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020. staged a walk out from the National Assembly during a sitting held on September 16.
Reportedly, the Prime Minister asked the Honourable Speaker that opposition parties should be engaged in the passage of bills in the future. Issues of legislation, measures of public interest and welfare were discussed in the meeting.15
National Assembly Defence committee visits Miranshah Members of Standing Committee on Defence visit Miranshah On September 29 twenty members of the National Assembly
13. Ashfaque, A. (2020) Military fully backs govt policies, says Imran. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1577820/military-fully-backs-govt-policies-says-imran. (Accessed 04 September 2020) 14. Youtube (2020) Pakistan's PM: Our economic affairs is now linked to China | Talk to Al Jazeera. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aTMY-aefjg. (Accessed 03 September 2020) 15. Dawn (2020) PM for taking parliamentary parties on board in lawmaking. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1581661/pm-for-taking-parliamentary-parties-on-board-in- lawmaking. (Accessed 26 September 2020) 16. Express Tribune (2020) NA Defence committee members reach Miranshah. Available at: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2266194/na-defence-committee-members-reach-north-waziristan. (Accessed 29 September 2020) 17. ISPR (2020) Members of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Defence headed by Mr Amjad Ali Khan, Chairman of the Committee visited North Waziristan today. Available at: https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5870. (Accessed 29 September 2020) 18. Wasim, A. (2020) 3 FATF –related bills passed in joint session marred by opposition protests. Available on: https://www.dawn.com/news/1580007. (Accessed 17 September 2020) September 2020 5
National Assembly of Pakistan Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa
The session of the National Assembly remained chaotic as problems in exports and production. The COAS assured the the opposition members strongly rejected the result of business leaders of the Pakistan Army's support and said that counting of votes and almost came to blows with the treasury the Army would extend all help to the government to solve benches. The opposition also staged a walkout after which the issues facing Karachi.22 eight bills were passed in quick succession including the three bills related to the Financial Action Task Force.19 CJP addresses NDU delegation
Addressing the Parliament after the passage of the bills, On September 3, the Honourable Chief Justice of Pakistan Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan thanked the lawmakers who Justice Gulzar Ahmed addressed a delegation of the voted in favour of the legislations. The Prime Minister went National Security and War-2021 Course of the National on to say that the opposition interests were the “opposite of Defence University. The delegation comprised faculty Pakistan's interests” and the opposition did not want the FATF 20 members of the National Defence University, ofcers of laws to pass. He criticized the opposition for attempting to Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air Force and Civil use the FATF to protect their interests. Service, including military ofcers from the friendly countries.23 At a press conference held after the joint session, President PML-N Mr. Shahbaz Sharif and Chairman PPP Mr. Bilawal Honourable Chief Justice briefed the participants about the Bhutto Zardari criticized the government terming the day a judicial system in Pakistan, as well as about the Supreme “black day in the history of democracy.” The JUI-F leader Mr. Court, the High Courts of the provinces and the Islamabad Saadur Rehman said that the bills that were passed had “no Capital Territory and other courts created by law.24 constitutional or legal value.”
COAS Meets Business Leaders in Karachi
Speaking in the National Assembly, Prime Minister Mr. During a visit to Karachi on September 2, Chief of Army Staff Imran Khan has claimed that opposition parties' interests met Karachi-based business leaders at the Corps are opposite to the interest of Pakistan. He said that the Commander house Karachi.21 opposition wanted to delay legislation required for FATF to get concessions from the government. The joint session Reportedly, business leaders raised various issues facing of parliament passed three FATF related legislations on Karachi with the COAS including the Gas Infrastructure September 16. Development Cess, high cost of land in Karachi and
19. Mehboob, A (2020) Disturbing trends in Legislation. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1581864/disturbing-trends-in-legislation. (Accessed 27 September 2020) 20. Khan, I. (2020) Stringent laws to curb child abuse, rape on the cards. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1580060/stringent-law-to-curb-child-abuse-rape-on-the-cards. (Accessed 18 September 2020) 21. Khan, A. (2020) COAS assures Karachi businessmen of help to resolve problems. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1577839/coas-assures-karachi-businessmen-of-help-to- resolve-problems (Accessed 02 September 2020). 22. The News (2020) Army to help Centre, Sindh to address Karachi's problems. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/709075-army-to-help-centre-sindh-to-address-problems-of- karachi (Accessed 02 September 2020). 23. Rao, S (2020) SC can adjudicate disputes between Centre, provinces. Available at: https://nation.com.pk/04-Sep-2020/sc-can-adjudicate-disputes-between-centre-provinces. (Accessed 04 September 2020) 24. The News (2020) Supreme Court has right to solve disputes among Federation, provinces: CJP. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/709873-sc-has-right-to-solve-disputes- among-federation-provinces-cjp. (Accessed 04 September 2020) 6 September 2020
Honourable Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Gulzar Ahmed Supreme Court of Pakistan
Local Government System in Sindh has Military Court Convictions broken down: CJP On September 8, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) adjourned On September 23, Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Gulzar the hearing of 3110 petitions against the conviction of Ahmed, remarked that the local government system in suspected militants by military courts. The court asked the Karachi seemed to have broken down. The Chief Justice Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Attorney General Mr. Shumail Ahmad passed these remarks while hearing a petition on Butt and the Additional Attorney General of the Federal empowering local governments. Government Qazi Babar Irshad to produce relevant records to be able to proceed with the case.27 'Where did the 20,000 employees of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation disappear in the recent debacle The High Court in an earlier judgement had stated that when the citizens of Karachi braved rain and sewage relevant provisions of the Pakistan Army Act and Rules were gushing into their houses and had to remain stranded on the violated in the convictions of these prisoners, as they were roads for days,' Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed remarked.25 not given the opportunity to appoint their own counsel.
Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan commented that when in power, no IHC concerned about missing persons party wants to devolve powers to the local governments. cases in Islamabad However, when any party became part of the opposition, it 26 starts calling for devolution of powers and funds. The On September 5, Chief Justice Islamabad High Court, Supreme Court commented that devolution in Karachi Justice Athar Minallah expressed serious concern about the seemed to have created more problems for the people with rise in missing person cases in Islamabad. He made these the Chief Justice commenting that whatever system was comments while hearing a habeas corpus petition led by given to Karachi or the province, would be mismanaged. the mother of missing Securities and Exchange Committee of
Chief Justice of Pakistan has criticized the Local The Islamabad High Court has expressed consternation Government system in Sindh and has questioned the at the rising number of missing person cases in performance of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad. While hearing a habeas corpus petition in the stating that its workers were not available to full their case of missing Securities and Exchange Commission of duties during the torrential rains in Karachi that caused Pakistan ofcial Mr. Sajid Gondal, the IHC maintained people to remain stranded on the roads for days. The CJP said that the Federal Government has failed to protect its also commented that whatever system is given to Karachi citizens as 50 cases of missing persons remain in or the province, would be mismanaged. Islamabad.
25. Iqbal, N. (2020) SC questions performance of Karachi city government. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1581338/sc-questions-performance-of-karachi-city-government (Accessed on 23 September 2020) 26. Khan, S. (2020) Devolving LB powers to Federal, provincial governments unlawful: SC. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/719311-devolving-lb-powers-to-Federal-provincial- governments-unlawful-sc (Accessed on 23 September 2020) 27. Dawn (2020) Records sought over military court convictions. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1578682/record-sought-over-military-court-convictions. (Accessed 09 September 2020) September 2020 7
Peshawar High Court building Islamabad High Court building
Pakistan (SECP) ofcial, Mr. Sajid Gondal.28 Mr. Sajid contempt of court to Federal Law Minister Dr. Farogh Gondal, a joint director at the SECP went missing from Naseem, former Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Islamabad on September 3 and later released by unknown Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan, persons on September 8. Chief Justice Athar Minallah Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Mr. Fawad summoned Advisor to the Prime Minister on Accountability Chaudhry, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Accountability and Interior Mr. Mirza Shahzad Akbar along with senior and Interior Mr. Shahzad Akbar and former attorney general police and capital administration ofcers on September 21 Mr. Anwar Mansoor Khan.32 to address the rising number of missing person cases.29 The notices were issued in response to comments made by In a similar petition about another missing person Mr. Abdul the respondents against the special court verdict against Qadoos, Islamabad High Court Justice Mohsin Akhtar former dictator General Pervez Musharraf. The petitioners Kayani said that under the law only the police, the Federal stated that Article 204 of the Constitution gave the Court Investigation Agency (FIA) and the counterterrorism powers to punish anyone who scandalized the court. By department (CTD) were empowered to arrest people. He making comments against the special court president, added that the Federal Government would be responsible if Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth, the respondents had tried to any other agency made an arrest.30 Justice Kayani also scandalize the court's proceedings.33 remarked that the Federal Government had failed to protect its citizens as 50 cases of missing persons remained pending in Islamabad.31 The Additional Attorney General Tariq Mehmood Khokhar informed the court that Mr. Abdul Qadoos had been released. The Additional Attorney General also told the court that the Prime Minister had been apprised of the situation of missing persons and had set up a committee headed by Law Minister Dr. Farogh Naseem to examine the issue of missing persons in Islamabad.
Contempt of Court notices issued in Musharraf High Treason case
On September 9, the Peshawar High Court issued notices of Ministers issued contempt notices
28. Raza, S. (2020) Missing SECP official back home after five days. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1578637/missing-secp-official-back-home-after-five-days. (Accessed 09 September 2020) 29. Asad, M. (2020) IHC summons adviser, police officials over deteriorating law, order in Islamabad. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1580214/ihc-summons-adviser-police- officials-over-deteriorating-law-order-in-islamabad. (Accessed 18 September 2020) 30. Asad, M. (2020) IHC concerned at rise in missing persons' cases. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1579766/ihc-concerned-at-rise-in-missing-persons-cases. (Accessed 15 September 2020) 31. The News (2020) People also being kidnapped in vehicles with green number plates: IHC. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/711779-people-also-being-kidnapped-in- vehicles-with-green-number-plates-ihc. (Accessed 09 September 2020) 32. Kheshgi, K. (2020) Remarks on verdict in Musharraf case: PHC issues contempt notice to ministers, adviser. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/712737-remarks-on-verdict-in- musharraf-case-phc-issues-contempt-notices-to-ministers-adviser. (Accessed 10 September 2020) 33. Dawn (2020) PHC seeks replies of ministers, other in contempt petitions. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1578865/phc-seeks-replies-of-ministers-others-in-contempt-petitions. (Accessed 10 September 2020) 8 September 2020
2014 vigil held for APS victims in Lahore Chief Minister Punjab Mr. Usman Buzdar
APS Commission Report becomes Public Army Land Allotment case
On September 25, a three judge Supreme Court bench The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has launched an headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Gulzar Ahmed, investigation into alleged irregularities in the allotment of ordered the Federal Government to make public the report land meant for families of martyrs. Chief Minister of Punjab of a one-member judicial commission on the 2014 Army Mr. Usman Buzdar approved the allotment of the land, Public School (APS) Peshawar carnage. The report was located in South Punjab, to bureaucrats.35 completed on June 26.34 The NAB Islamabad has written a letter to the Chief Secretary Taking suo moto notice of the grievances of the families of Punjab to inquire under which laws the land was allotted to the victims, the Commission was set up two years ago by bureaucrats.36 then Chief Justice Saqib Nisar. The court had appointed a one-man commission comprising Justice Ibrahim Khan of Dr. Moeed Yusuf to head Economic the Peshawar High Court on October 5, 2018 to hold inquiry Outreach Apex Committee into the incident.
The report highlights that the security forces could have On September 23, the Federal Government announced prevented some of the loss of lives by responding quicker setting up of an Economic Outreach Apex Committee to and engaging the attackers sooner. Due to the promote economic diplomacy. Special Assistant to the Prime mismanagement of the security perimeter, the attackers managed to climb the back walls of the school and take positions inside which allowed them to inict a lot more damage.
On September 25, a three judge Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice ordered the Federal Government to make public the report of the judicial commission on the 2014 Army Public School (APS) Peshawar carnage. The report maintains that locals of the area aided the attackers of the APS and security forces could have prevented some of the loss of lives by responding quicker and engaging the attackers sooner. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Security Division and Strategic Policy Planning Dr. Moeed Yusuf
34. Iqbal, N. (2020) Porous borders, residents' support behind APS tragedy: probe body. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1581631/porous-border-residents-support-behind-aps- tragedy-probe-body (Accessed on 25 September 2020) 35. Tahir, Z. (2020) Buzdar govt faces NAB inquiry over army land allotment. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1578889/buzdar-govt-faces-nab-inquiry-over-army-land-allotment. (Accessed 10 September 2020) 36. The News (2020) NAB opens another corruption case against CM Usman Buzdar. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/712816-nab-opens-another-corruption-case-against- cm-usman-buzdar. (Accessed 11 September 2020) September 2020 9
Railways Minister Mr. Sheikh Rashid at press conference 235th Corps' Commanders' Conference
Minister on National Security Division and Strategic Policy Minister, Mr. Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, shared the news that the Planning Dr. Moeed Yusuf has been appointed as head of opposition leaders had met the Chief of Army Staff General the committee.37 Qamar Javed Bajwa. The meeting was said to have taken place a few days before the All Parties Conference (APC). It must be noted that in December 2019, Dr. Moeed Yusuf was appointed as Special Assistant to Prime Minister on The disclosure was made a day after Mr. Nawaz Sharif's National Security Division which serves as the secretariat of speech at the All Parties Conference. 40 the National Security Committee.38 Since his appointment, only one meeting of the NSC was convened in March 2020 Pakistan People's Party Chairman Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on the emerging public health threat of coronavirus said that the meeting with the Army leadership was held only pandemic.39 Since the formation of the much-needed NSC to discuss the status of Gilgit-Baltistan and it was in-camera in 2013, the biggest concern surrounding the body has been and off the record.41 He also regretted that the Prime Minister an almost willful neglect towards its institutionalization in key did not attend the meeting stating that the Prime Minister had national issues by almost all governments except the one failed to work with the opposition. Senior PPP leader Senator headed by Prime Minister Mr. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. Sherry Rehman echoed the party chairman's sentiment and said that it was a shame that the meeting was not held at the Railways Minister discloses Chief of Army Prime Minister's ofce in the presence of the Prime Minister.42 Staff meeting with Opposition Leaders The Chief of Army Staff reportedly called the meeting to form consensus on the provision of provincial status to Gilgit- On September 21, a controversy arose when the Railways Baltistan.
Corps Commanders' Conference The disclosure of a secret meeting between the Chief of
Army Staff and Opposition leaders caused controversy in th the media with many people questioning the Pakistan The 235 Corps Commanders' Conference was held at the Democratic Movement's commitment to Mr. Nawaz General Headquarters on September 9. The conference was Sharif's strong anti-establishment stance. Pakistan briefed about developments along the Line of Control (LOC), operation Radd-ul-Fasad, fencing on the Western People's Party Chairman Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari 43 regretted that news about the in camera meeting had border and the army's Covid-19 relief efforts. been leaked. The COAS stressed on the need to enhance combat
37. Dawn (2020) PM wants action plan for agriculture sector. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1581328/pm-wants-action-plan-for-agriculture-sector. (Accessed 24 September 2020) 38. Dawn (2019) Dr Moeed Yusuf appointed special assistant to PM on national security. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1524136 (Accessed 15 August 2020). 39. PMO (2020) Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired the National Security Committee meeting, especially called to review the current status of and Pakistan's response to the Coronavirus (COVID- 19) pandemic. Available at: https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=3344 (Accessed 15 August 2020). 40. Syed, B. (2020) Opposition leaders told not to drag Army into politics. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1580984/opposition-leaders-told-not-to-drag-military-into-politics. (Accessed 22 September) 41. Ali, I. (2020) Bilawal warns against making national security issues controversial. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1581348/bilawal-warns-against-making-national-security- issues-controversial. (Accessed 24 September 2020) 42. Wasim, A. (2020) Consensus on GB's provisional status as province. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1580980/consensus-on-gbs-provisional-status-as-province. (Accessed 23 September) 43. ISPR (2020) 235th Corps Commanders' Conference presided by General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of army Staff (COAS) held at GHQ. Available at: https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release- detail.php?id=5839 (Accessed 10 September 2020) 10 September 2020
Outgoing Chinese Ambassador with COAS US CENTCOM meets Chief of Army Staff readiness levels in response to increasing ceasere Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Mr. Zalmay violations across the LOC.44 The COAS lauded the efforts of Khalilzad called on the COAS at the GHQ. Pakistan's Special the armed forces in carrying out relief duties in Karachi as Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Muhammad well as praising the work to maintain peace during Sadiq was also present during the meeting. Afghanistan's Muharram. The increasing rise in violence in Afghanistan ongoing reconciliation process was discussed during the prior to the start of the Doha talks was discussed as the ISPR meeting and Khalilzad appreciated Pakistan's role in said it affected Pakistan's security dynamics.45 facilitating the peace process in Afghanistan.47 The COAS said that Prime Minister Imran Khan had played a vital role in COAS Interactions with Foreign Dignitaries the start of intra Afghan talks.48
On September 17, General Qamar Javed Bajwa hosted a On September 11 General Kenneth F. McKenzie Junior, farewell dinner in honour of outgoing Chinese Ambassador Commander of the US Central Command paid a visit to to Pakistan, Ambassador Yao Jing. Matters of mutual interest General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the GHQ. The issue of were discussed in the meeting. The COAS appreciated the resumption of peace talks with the Taliban was discussed at Chinese envoy's support towards defence and security the meeting. Regional security, the geo strategic cooperation.46 environment and Pak US military cooperation were also discussed at the meeting.49 On September 14, a delegation headed by the US Special On September 10 Deputy Prime Minister for Investment and
US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Chief of Army Staff meets Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Zalmay Khalilzad meets with Chief of Army Staff Uzbekistan
44. Anis, M. (2020) Combat readiness needs enhancing: General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/712677-combat-readiness-needs-enhancing-coas. (Accessed 09 September 2020) 45. Syed, B. (2020) COAS orders troops to boost combat readiness. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1578891/coas-orders-troops-to-boost-combat-readiness. (Accessed 09 September 2020) 46. The News (2020) Outgoing Chinese envoy meets General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/716498-outgoing-chinese-envoy-meets-gen-bajwa (Accessed 17 September 2020) 47. The News (2020) Zalmay Khalilzad calls on COAS. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/715184-zalmay-khalilzad-calls-on-coas (Accessed 14 September 2020) 48. Dawn (2020) Pakistan's efforts made Afghan talks possible, says Bajwa. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1579768/pakistans-efforts-made-afghan-talks-possible-says-bajwa (Accessed 15 September 2020) 49. ISPR (2020) General Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr, Commander US CENTCOM, called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Available at: https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press- release-detail.php?id=5846 (Accessed 12 September 2020) September 2020 11
the capital city of Minsk. The protests resulted in the arrest of more than 600 people.
Ms. Svetlana Alexievich, Ms. Maria Kolesnikova and Mrs. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who formed the National Coordinating Council to negotiate with the government, are leading the protests.55 Maria Kolesnikova is the only member of the Council who still remains in Belarus with the other two having been forced out or exiled. On September 13, she was arrested and driven to the border with Ukraine in an effort to Prime Minister Imran Khan chairs a meeting on September deport her. The opposition leader however tore her passport 17 so she could not cross the border. She remains in jail in Belarus. Foreign Trade of Uzbekistan Mr. Sardor Umurzakov called on Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the Mr. Lukashenko has turned down offers from the German GHQ. Matters of mutual interest were discussed with a focus 50 Chancellor Angela Merkel to hold talks to mediate the crisis. on the regional security situation. Instead, the Belarusian President continues to hold talks with Mr. Putin. Russia has long supported neighbouring Belarus Prime Minister's Interactions with Chief of with which it shares a common market. While Mr. Army Staff Lukashenko refuses to negotiate with the opposition, the Russian Premier has also warned the West from interfering in During September 2020, Prime Minister Imran Khan met the affairs of Belarus. The warning has worked with France and interacted with Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar and Germany staying out of the dispute. However, Poland Javed Bajwa, 3 times. and the Baltic States have imposed sanctions on Mr. Lukashenko. Mr. Putin has pushed hard for the unication of 1. The Chief of Army Staff met the Prime Minister at the Belarus with Russia, with offers of military and economic aid Prime Minster Ofce in a meeting to discuss the accompanied with calls for tighter integration. security situation of the country on September 21. 51 2. Prime Minister's inauguration of the newly built Surgical and Allied Services Block at Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar on September 28.52 3. Meeting chaired by PM Imran Khan to discuss establishment of markets along the borders with Iran and Afghanistan on September 17.53
Belarus Protests
More than 100,000 people were estimated to have taken to the streets on September 13 as protests continued over the disputed presidential election result of August 9.
Mr. Alexander Lukashenko who enjoys the support of Russian President Vladmir Putin claimed a landslide victory in the elections.54 The election results were considered Thousands protest in Minsk dubious by the opposition that launched massive protests in
50. ISPR (2020) H.E Mr Sardor Umurzakov, Deputy Prime Minister for Investment and Foreign Trade of Uzbekistan 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=5843 (Accessed on 10 September 2020) 51. The News (2020) PM Imran Khan, General Qamar Javed Bajwa discuss country's security situation. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/718091-pm-coas-discuss-country-s- security-situation. (Accessed 22 September 2020) 52. Yusufzai, A. (2020) Health reforms to continue despite resistance: PM. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1582188/health-reforms-to-continue-despite-resistance-pm. (Accessed 29 September 2020) 53. Dawn (2020) 18 markets to be set up along borders with Iran, Afghanistan. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1580291/18-markets-to-be-set-up-along-borders-with-iran- afghanistan. (Accessed 18 September 2020) 54. Dawn (2020) Tens of thousands rally in Belarus despite mass arrests. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1579512/tens-of-thousands-rally-in-belarus-despite-mass-arrests. (Accessed 14 September 2020) 55. The Economist (2020) Will Putin save Lukashenko? Available at: https://www.economist.com/leaders/2020/09/12/will-putin-save-lukashenko. (Accessed 12 September 2020) 12 September 2020
Junta spokesman Ismael Wague addresses a press Anti-government protestors hold a demonstration near the conference Grand Palace in Thailand
Mali Opposition Rejects pro -junta prisoners arrested during the coup. transition Thailand pro-democracy protests continue On September 13, Mali's Opposition movement rejected a charter for a transition government backed by the military On September 19, the protests against Premier Prayut ofcers who mounted a coup d'état against former President Chan-O-Cha continued with thousands of protestors 58 Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on August 18. gathering in Bangkok. The protests that had been halted due to Covid-19 have restarted since August, with thousands of people gathering in the capital. The charter was presented after talks were held between the junta, political parties and representatives of the civil The September 19 protests were said to have been the 59 society.56 The June 5 Movement (M5), a leading political largest mass gatherings since the protests started in June. party who participated in the talks stated that the agreement The student led protests started as a reaction against the role reached during the talks had not been respected. A former of the military establishment in elections held earlier in the Minister and M5 member, Mrs. Sy Kadiatou Sow said the year. Over time the protestors have included demands for nal version of the charter had been “butchered.” the dissolution of parliament, end of harassment of government critics and for changes to the military backed 60 While other members of the June 5 Movement also criticized constitution. the text of the agreement, Mr. Moussa Mara, a former Prime Minister has urged the political parties to commit to the Major protests have continued in Belarus against the agreement in an effort to start the transition period. controversial election of President Mr. Alexander Lukashenko. Mr. Lukashenko enjoys the support of The August 18 coup was mounted after sustained protests Russian Premier Mr. Vladmir Putin who has warned other against corruption, mismanagement of the economy and Western leaders from staying out of the affairs of Belarus. disputed legislative elections.57 There has been international More than 100,000 people turned out in the streets of the pressure on the junta to reinstate the former President with capital to protest the results of the disputed elections. the United Nations also calling for the release of all political
56. Dawn (2020) Mali opposition rejects pro-junta transition charter. Available on: https://www.dawn.com/news/1579511/mali-opposition-rejects-pro-junta-transition-charter. (Accessed 14 September 2020) 57. BBC News (2020) Mali coup: Military junta seeks transitional president. Available on: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-53854372. (Accessed 21 August 2020) 58. BBC News (2020) Thailand protests: Thousands join huge rally demanding reforms. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-54217284. (Accessed 19 September 2020) 59. McCargo, D. (2020) Can Thailand's Protest Movement Broaden its Appeal. Available at: https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/09/25/thailand-protest-regional-class-generation-divides/. (Accessed 25 September 2020) 60. Ratcliffe, R. (2020) Thailand protests: everything you need to know. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/22/thailand-protests-everything-you-need-to-know. (Accessed 22 September 2020)
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