Update on INTER-INSTITUTIONAL RELATIONS IN PAKISTAN
December 2020
CONTENT Need for National Dialogue: President
Prime Minister says no Government should Assume Power without Homework
Ms. Maryam Nawaz Sharif terms PTI as Political Garbage put together by Military
“All parties must ensure the sanctity of Parliament and adherence to democratic values,” says Prime Minister
Pakistan Information Commission asks Defence Ministry for Data on Income and Assets of Military ofcers
COAS, DG ISI call on Prime Minister
PM Approves Civil Servants (E&D) Rules-2020
Supreme Court terms NAO provision of detention of accused as “Cruel”
Chief Justice of Pakistan calls for Timely Disposal of Cases
Supreme Court disappointed with Government's approach towards Plantation
IHC Chief Justice questions Framing of Social Media Rules
PM re-shufes Federal Cabinet President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi PM Conversation with Mr. Bill Gates
National Assembly Speaker told to Accept Resignations of Opposition Legislators Need for National Dialogue: President Speaker National Assembly calls for cooperation among Muslim countries
President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi, has Issues that must come under Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan calls on Chairman Senate said that there is a need for a national discussion in a national dialogue, UAE Ambassador calls on Chairman Senate dialogue but it is the Prime Minister of according to the President, should be Pakistan who will decide to hold such election reforms, a discussion on the COAS condoles the death of Former Prime Minister a dialogue and with whom.1 role of the National Accountability High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan calls on COAS Bureau (NAB) and elimination of Ambassador of KSA calls on COAS 2 The President expressed these views in corruption from the country. British High Commissioner calls on COAS a meeting with senior journalists on Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan calls on COAS
December 28. Reportedly, he also Federal Minister for Information and Military Involvement in Private Sector “Unacceptable” says termed the opposition's demand for Broadcasting, Senator Shibli Faraz Sudan PM Prime Minister's resignation as also said that Prime Minister Mr. unjustied and expressed the hope Imran Khan was ready for dialogue This update is meant to identify key developments during the month on Inter-Institutional Relations in that the current National Assembly with serious-minded opposition Pakistan with selected high-prole international and the Federal Government will leaders on public issues minus JUI-F developments included occasionally. For the complete their ve-year constitutional chief Fazlur Rehman and PML-N Vice purpose of this update, the institutions are meant 3 to be the Legislature, Judiciary and Executive. Pakistan Institute of Legislative term. President Maryam Nawaz. Development And Transparency
1. Wasim, A. (2020) Demand for PM's resignation termed 'unjustified.' Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1598434/demand-for-pms-resignation-termed-unjustified (Accessed 01 January 2021). Islamabad Office: P. O. Box 278, F-8, Postal Code: 44220, Islamabad, Pakistan 2. Wasim, A. (2020) Demand for PM's resignation termed 'unjustified.' Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1598434/demand-for-pms-resignation-termed-unjustified (Accessed 01 Lahore Office: P. O. Box 11098, L.C.C.H.S, Postal Code: 54792, Lahore, Pakistan January 2021). E-mail: [email protected] | Website: www.pildat.org 3. Alvi, M (2020): PM Imran Khan to decide on dialogue, says President Arif Alvi. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/765756-pm-to-decide-on-national-dialogue. (Accessed 01 January 2021). 2 December 2020
were performing very well and then sometimes some other gure showed we were not performing that well. So, I am giving my assessment that never a new government should come to power without homework and without getting briengs.”6
Prime Minister believed that the PTI government did not get enough time to understand the issues confronting the country after the July 25, 2018 election as all their efforts till August 18 were aimed at arranging the required number of seats Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan to form a coalition government. In United States, believed Prime Minister, a US President-elect gets On December 24, Central Secretary General of Pakistan two and a half months to prepare for governance, Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) Mr. Muhammad Ali select team and get briengs from bureaucrats, Durrani had met Mr. Shahbaz Sharif, PML-N President in jail indicating such a system helps an incoming and conveyed a message from Pir Pagara, Syed Sibghatullah Rashadi, on the launch of grand dialogue in government to prepare itself. the country. After meeting Mr. Shahbaz Sharif, Mr. Durrani told media that the PDM decision to resign from assemblies Ms. Maryam Nawaz Sharif terms PTI as was a major threat to democracy and that the PML-F is ready Political Garbage put together by Military to initiate a national dialogue. He said that such a dialogue would have to be held ultimately, so why not now and in On December 27, Ms. Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Vice meeting Mr. Shehbaz Sharif, PML-F wanted to initiate such a President, PML-N, while addressing the Pakistan Democratic dialogue. "What I am saying is better for the establishment, 4 Movement (PDM) rally at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, Larkana at the government and the opposition too," said Mr. Durrani. the death anniversary of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, criticized Mr. Imran Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan, for being Prime Minister says no Government should imposed on Pakistan by the 'Selectors' and also asked the Assume Power without Homework Army to stop supporting Mr. Imran Khan.
On December 22, Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan She said that when Pakistan Peoples Party government was said that a new government should never come to formed in the centre in 2008, many asked Mr. Nawaz Sharif to work towards removing the government but he quelled power without homework and without getting that thinking within PML-N. However, when elected briengs. He was addressing a ceremony governments began completing their term, powers that evaluating performance of Federal Government. 5 believe in political divide and rule gathered political garbage to create PTI and imposed a leader like Mr. Imran Mr. Imran Khan reportedly said that “When I Khan, who was in political wilderness for 22 years, on Pakistan. review my performance, we took three months only to understand [issues as] everything that we had been looking at from outside was altogether On December 24, Central Secretary General of Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) Mr. Muhammad Ali different after we came to power….“And then, I Durrani had met Mr. Shahbaz Sharif, PML-N President in must also share, for one and a half years, we jail and conveyed a message from Pir Pagara, Syed remained unable to even know the actual gures of Sibghatullah Rashadi, that the PDM decision to resign different sectors, particularly the power sector. from assemblies was a major threat to democracy and From one ministry at times the gures indicated we that the PML-F is ready to initiate a national dialogue.
4. The News (2020) Durrani meets Shahbaz in jail, stresses 'grand dialogue'. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/764048-durrani-meets-shahbaz-in-jail-stresses-grand-dialogue. (Accessed 03 January 2021). 5. Dawn (2020) Never come to power without homework, says PM. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1597328 (Accessed 30 December 2020). 6. Dawn (2020) Never come to power without homework, says PM. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1597328 (Accessed 30 December 2020). December 2020 3
hoon aur ye bhi keh raha hai ke tyari ke baghair hakoomaton mein nahi aana chahiye. bhai tumhain ye kehna chahiye ke tayari ke baghair hakoomaton mein nahi laana chahiye.”
Lamenting that it has always been the politicians in Pakistan who are subjected to political, judicial and criminal witch- hunt while those who sell the interests of Pakistan, violate the Constitution and have amassed assets beyond means while being in service are considered blameless in the system. However, she said, this system can hang politicians or put them in jail, it cannot hang ideologies.
“Koi Kashmir ka muqadma haar baithay tab bhi masoom, koi apna halaf taur ke siasat mein dakhl-andazi karay tab bhi masoom, koi apne mukhalfeen ko qatl kara de tab bhi masoom, koi apne siasi mukhalif ko jail mein daal de aur maut ke dehanay mein daal puhanchay tab bhi masoom, koi Ms. Maryam Nawaz Sharif at Garhi Khuda Bux arbaun rupay ki corruption karey, Pizza waley ko jantey ho na….koi sarkari mulazim ho ke arbaun aur kharbaun rupay “Jab siasi jama'atein apni hakoometein puri karne lagain, ke asasay bana lay tab bhi masoom. Lekin phansian hon tau jab hakoomatein panapne lagein, tu kuch quwaton ko, jin ko siasat danon ko hon, golian utrain tau siasat danon ke divide and rule suit karta tha, takleef honey lagi, tou phir hum seenay aur saron pe utrain, 100-100, 200 paishian bhugtain ne dekha ke siasi koora akatha kar ke, General Pasha ne aik tau siasat daan bhugtain, jail ki kaal kothrion pe maut ke jama'at banai jis ka naam hai Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. Aur dehaney pohoncha diye jaayain tau siasat daan puhncha phir uss jama'at ko aap ki muntakhib hakoomaton ke khilaf diyay jayain, bahoo betion ko ghaseeta jayay adalaton mein dharnon aur sazishon mein istemal kia gya, aur phir ussi aur jailon mein tau siasat danon ki bahoo aur betion ko siyasi jama'at mein se, aik shakhs jo 22 saal dar-badar ki ghaseeta jayay, media pe circus lagay tau siasat danon ke thokrain khata raha, lekin phir ussi ko utha kar, 22 crore khilaf lagay, kirdr-kushi hau tu sirf siasat danon ki ho, lekin awam me chun kar, uss nalyaq aur na-ehl ko, hum pe yaad raho nazriye ko phaansi nahi lag sakti. Nazriye ko jila- musallat kar dia gya.”7 watni nahi ho sakti aur ye inhi nazriyat ka faiz hai ke aaj tumhara naam lewa bhi koi nahi hai lekin Pakistan ke konay She said that Mr. Imran Khan himself has admitted that he konay mein Nawaz Sharif aur Benazir Bhutto ke naam lewa was unprepared for governance. She said that those who hain. Nawaz sharif ko tau tum ne ishtihari qarar de diya, lekin brought him should not have imposed him on Pakistan tumhari na itni jurrat hai na tum mein itni ghairat hai ke tum without his preparedness for democratic governance. Benazr Bhutto ke qatil Musharaff ko Pakistan laana tau dur ki baat hai, tum tau baat bhi nahi kar sakte itne darpok aadmi “PDM ne kya kehna hai Imran Khan ko, woh Imran Khan ho, jis adalat ko Muharraf ne aayin rondne ki, jo uss ne woh khud aaj cheekh cheekh ke keh raha hai ke mujhe kuch nahhi gunah kia tha, tau uss adalat ne Musharraf ko phansi ki saza aata, woh khud dhhai saal ke baad jab woh 3 saal puray sunai, tau larkana walo uss adalat ko, jiss ne kamal bahadri karnay ja raha hai, aaj woh bari dhitai se TV pe ye kehta hai dikhate huay, Benazir Bhutto ke qatil aur aayin-e-Pakistan ke ke mujhe kaam karna nahi aata. Woh khud apney mun se qatil Musharraf ko phansi ki saza sunai thi uss saza sunane aiteraf kar raha hai ke mein nalayaq bhi hoon, naa-ehl bhi wali adalat ko hi phansi charha dia gia.”
Maryam Nawaz said that when PPP government was Pakistan Bar Council Vice Chairman Mr. Abid Saqi, as formed in the centre in 2008, many asked Mr. Nawaz amicus curiae in the case, had said that “The CJ has Sharif to work towards removing the government but he rightly observed that the best manner to ensure quelled that thinking within PML-N. However, when accountability in a democracy is to let people have access elected governments began completing their term, to information. In my opinion, access to information is a powers that believe in political divide and rule gathered sine qua non for meaningfully exercising the other political garbage to create PTI and imposed a leader like democratic rights, like elections of a democratic Mr. Imran Khan. government, voting, etc.
7. Youtube (2020) Maryam Nawaz Speech From PDM Jalsa in Larkana | 27th December 2020. Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bCvsBISNr0 (Accessed 06 January 2021). 4 December 2020
Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan COAS, ISI Chief call on PM Imran Khan
She said that it is Mr. Imran Khan who is asking for NRO from Parliamentary system is important for legislation and PDM and just sent his messenger to Mr. Shahbaz Sharif in jail continuity of democracy, he believed. People look to the who was able to see him swiftly while Mr. Sharif's family has elected representatives to solve their issues, he said. “The to wait for weeks to get permission to see him. real power of Parliament is to serve the people and uphold the Constitution.” 8 “Aik hara hua shakhs, aik shikast-kurda shakhs, aik nakam shakhs, awam ka mujrim shakhs, PDM se NRO ki bheek Pakistan Information Commission asks mangta hua nazr aa raha hai… Iss liye kisi ko apna koi Defence Ministry for Data on Income and message bhejta hai, kabhi koi apna messenger bhejta hai, Shahbaz Sharif se milne ke liye khandaan walon ko hafta Assets of Military ofcers hafta ijazat leni parti hai, lekin inn ka messenger jo NRO ki bheek maangne aata hai tau jailon ke darwaze khol diye In responding to 34 appeals received, Pakistan Information jaate hain, ijazat ki bhi zaroorat nahi parti.” Commission (PIC) has asked the Ministry of Defence to provide data on income, income tax, assets, perks, “All parties must ensure the sanctity of privileges, post-retirement benets and plots allotted to ofcers of the Pakistan armed forces, terming that this is Parliament and adherence to democratic 9 'public information' and not sensitive information. values,” says Prime Minister Reportedly, majority of the appeals were made to the PIC by Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan has asked all political parties the Women's Action Forum (WAF) who had earlier requested to safeguard the sanctity of the Parliament and adhere to Ministry of Defence to provide this data but their request was democratic values. He reportedly expressed this in a meeting declined. with Honourable Speaker Mr. Asad Qaisar, MNA on December 21. The PIC has asked Ministry of Defence that it is the
The PIC has asked Ministry of Defence that it is the responsibility of the ministry's designated public information ofcer to respond to the requests led by citizens under Rule 3 of the Right of Access to Information Rules, 2019 within 10 working days and warned that in case on non-cooperation, penalty could be imposed on the relevant ofcer. Pakistan Information Commission
8. Alvi, M. (2020) PM Imran Khan asks all parties to ensure sanctity of Parliament. Available at https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/762538-pm-asks-all-parties-to-ensure-sanctity-of- parliament. (Accessed 22 December 2020). 9. Ali, K (2020) Ministry asked to provide data on income, assets of senior military officers. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1594786/ministry-asked-to-provide-data-on-income- assets-of-senior-military-officers (Accessed 09 December 2020). December 2020 5
Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan Supreme Court of Pakistan responsibility of the ministry's designated public information Under the new rules, inquiry against government ofcials ofcer to respond to the requests led by citizens under Rule will have to be decided within 90 days. Plea bargain and 3 of the Right of Access to Information Rules, 2019 within 10 voluntary return have been included in the denition of working days and warned that in case on non-cooperation, misconduct and the civil servants can be proceeded against. penalty could be imposed on the relevant ofcer. The rules allow Government to prematurely let go of incompetent or average-performing civil servants. Inquiry COAS, DG ISI call on Prime Minister case will be heard by the 'authority', 'inquiry ofcer' or a 'committee' instead of any 'authorised ofcer' within 30 days.
On December 24, Chief of Army Staff, alongside Director 13 General Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) called on the Prime According to the new rules, in case of Pakistan Minister.10 Administration Service and Police Service of Pakistan, in the case of ofcers posted in provinces, a two-month timeline According to the Prime Minister Ofce (PMO), “professional has been provided to each Chief Secretary to submit fact- matters pertaining to Pakistan Army and external and nding report, failing which the Establishment Division can internal security situation was discussed” at the meeting. “It proceed on its own. Around 10 to 14 days will be given to the was resolved that defence of the motherland will be ensured accused ofcer to respond to the charges while the with the support of entire nation at all cost.” 11 committee or an inquiry ofcer to be assigned by the authority will have to complete investigations in 60 days whereas the authority will have to decide the case within 30 PM Approves Civil Servants (E&D) Rules- days. 2020 The procedural issues relating to provision of record, On December 11, Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan approved laziness on part of departmental representatives, suspension the Civil Servants (Efciency and Discipline) Rules, 2020.12 and proceedings against ofcers on deputation/ leave/scholarship have been clearly provided in the new
On December 3, Justice Umar Ata Bandial described NAB The Federal Government, reportedly, also took a number powers of detaining an accused for 90 days as cruel and of other important decisions, among them granting unjust. He was heading a three judge Supreme Court approval to the NAB to sign a MoU with the Federal bench that had taken up 25 appeals moved by the NAB Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the US for sharing and clubbed together against a February 15, 2017 information on money and other assets of Pakistanis judgment of Peshawar High Court hidden in the US
10. Syed, B. S. (2020): PM, COAS vow to go all out for repelling aggression. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1597693. (Accessed 25 December 2020). 11. PMO (2020) Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa called on PM of Pakistan at Islamabad today. Director General ISI Lt. Gen. Faiz Hamid was also present on the occasion. Available at https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=3705 (Accessed 25 December 2020). 12. Raza, I, S. (2020): Rules okayed to improve bureaucracy performance. Available at https://www.dawn.com/news/1593681. (Accessed 03 December 2020). 13. E s t a b l i s h m e n t . g o v. p k ( 2 0 2 0 ) C a b i n e t S e c r e t a r i a t N o t i f i c a t i o n o n C i v i l S e r v a n t s ( E f f i c i e n c y a n d D i s c i p l i n e ) R u l e s , 2 0 2 0 . A v a i l a b l e a t http://www.establishment.gov.pk/SiteImage/Misc/files/EandDrules2020.pdf (Accessed 09 January 2021). 6 November 2020
evidence.
Chief Justice of Pakistan calls for Timely Disposal of Cases
On December 23, Justice Gulzar Ahmed, Chief Justice of Pakistan, directed the High Courts to take necessary steps for timely disposal of cases. He issued the directive at a meeting of the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (NJPMC) at the Supreme Court joined by Chief Justices of the High Courts and Judges of the Federal Shariat Court. 15
Reportedly, the Supreme Court is facing a backlog of CJP chairing a meeting of National Judicial (Policy Making) 377,380 cases whereas lower judiciary has 1.8 million cases Committee (NJPMC) at the Supreme Court as pending. 16
On lling vacant posts at all levels of the judiciary, including rules. The rules further state that the Establishment Division the special courts, Justice Gulzar has said that efforts should has been authorised to issue subsidiary instructions to avoid be made for placing the special courts under administrative any delay in nalising the inquiries. control of the High Courts.
Supreme Court terms NAO provision of On December 29, Dawn reported that Prime Minister detention of accused as “Cruel” Imran Khan while chairing the meeting of the Federal Cabinet asked National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaisar On December 3, Justice Umar Ata Bandial described NAB to accept resignations of opposition legislators, as and powers of detaining an accused for 90 days as cruel and when they come unjust. He was heading a three judge Supreme Court bench that had taken up 25 appeals moved by the NAB and clubbed together against a February 15, 2017 judgment of Supreme Court disappointed with Peshawar High Court.14 G o v e r n m e n t ' s a p p r o a c h t o w a r d s Plantation Section 24 (d) of the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) empowers NAB to detain any accused in its custody On December 6, in a nine-page order issued at a suo motu for the purpose of inquiry and investigation for a period not exceeding 90 days, but the court concerned can remand the accused to custody not exceeding 15 days at a time and for every subsequent remand, the court will have to record reasons in writing, the copy of which will have to be sent to the High Court concerned.
Justice Mazhar Akbar Naqvi highlighted that in criminal cases only physical remand of 14 days could be given but 90-day remand was provided in the NAO only to allow the NAB to complete its investigation against the accused.
Justice Bandial said the NAB should not harass the accused and should exercise its authority while remaining within the four corners of the laws and further elaborated that what Chief Justice of Pakistan needed against a white collar crime is documentary
14. Iqbal, N. (2020): SC alarm over 90 day detention of accused in NAB cases. Available at https://www.dawn.com/news/1593903. (Accessed 03 December 2020). 15. Dawn (2020): CJP asks high courts for timely disposal of cases. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1597509#:~:text=ISLAMABAD%3A%20Chief%20Justice%20of%20Pakistan,cases%20to%20eliminate%20their%20backlog. (Accessed on December 24, 2020) 16. Dawn (2020): CJP asks high courts for timely disposal of cases. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1597509#:~:text=ISLAMABAD%3A%20Chief%20Justice%20of%20Pakistan,cases%20to%20eliminate%20their%20backlog. (Accessed on December 24, 2020) December 2020 7
IHC Chief Justice questions Framing of Social Media Rules
Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Athar Minallah has questioned the framing of rules for social media and observed that such rules would discourage criticism and would affect accountability in the country. 18
Taking up a petition led against the ban on video-sharing social networking service TikTok, Justice Minallah asked the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to review the rules in the light of objections raised by the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC). PBC Vice Chairman Mr. Abid Saqi, as amicus curiae in the case, had said that “The CJ has rightly observed that the best manner to ensure accountability in a democracy is to let people have access to information. In my opinion, access to information is a sine qua non for meaningfully exercising the other democratic rights, like elections of a democratic government, voting, etc.” 19
Mr. Minallah has said that “Social media rules framed by PTA are prima facie not in consonance with Articles 19 and 19A of the Constitution. The best manner to ensure accountability in a democracy is to let people have access to information.”20
IHC CJ Justice Athar Minallah PM re-shufes Federal Cabinet
In responding to the Islamabad High Court ruling that hearing on the pricing mechanism and management of unelected advisers and special assistants cannot head water use in the country, Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed and government ministries and committees, Prime Minister, on Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan have termed lack of interest by December 11, appointed Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh as respective forest and irrigation departments in the plantation Federal Minister for Finance.21 of trees and forestation of the country as disappointing. The Supreme Court has directed Federal and Provincial governments and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) functionaries to take immediate steps.17
The Supreme Court, in its earlier direction, had asked the provincial governments to come up with comprehensive strategies and plans for large-scale forestation in the riverine areas, canal banks, around lakes and other water bodies. But, none of the secretaries had been able to share any reliable information indicating that serious steps had been taken to undertake proper implementation of forestation across the country.
Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed and Mr. Hafeez A. Shaikh
17. Iqbal, N. (2020) SC irked at govt's approach towards plantation. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1594232. (Accessed 06 December 2020). 18. Asad, M. (2020): IHC chief justice questions new social media rules. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1594080/ihc-chief-justice-questions-new-social-media-rules. (Accessed 05 December 2020). 19. Asad, M. (2020): IHC chief justice questions new social media rules. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1594080/ihc-chief-justice-questions-new-social-media-rules. (Accessed 05 December 2020). 20. Asad, M. (2020): IHC chief justice questions new social media rules. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1594080/ihc-chief-justice-questions-new-social-media-rules. (Accessed 05 December 2020). 21. Khan, S. (2020): Hafeez made finance minister, Rashid gets interior in yet another cabinet shakeup. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1595191. (Accessed on December 12, 2020) 8 December 2020
building Pakistan's emergency management capacity for polio eradication. Mr. Gates also acknowledged Pakistan's efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.
National Assembly Speaker told to Accept Resignations of Opposition Legislators
On December 29, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Imran Khan, from the platform of the Federal Cabinet asked National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaisar to accept resignations, as and when they come.” 24
The Federal Government, reportedly, also took a number of PM holds telephonic conversation with Mr. Bill Gates other important decisions, among them granting approval to the NAB to sign a MoU with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the US for sharing information on According to the Constitution, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh can money and other assets of Pakistanis hidden in the US. remain Federal Minister for 6 months only from the date of appointment unless he is elected to the Parliament. On December 23, Justice Gulzar Ahmed, Chief Justice of In a wider cabinet reshufe, fourth in less than 3 years of the Pakistan, directed the High Courts to take necessary steps PTI Federal Government, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed has for timely disposal of cases. He issued the directive at a replaced Brigadier (Retd.) Ijaz Shah as Interior Minister, Mr. meeting of the National Judicial (Policy Making) Muhammad Azam Khan Swati has been appointed as Committee (NJPMC) at the Supreme Court joined by Chief Minister for Railways, while Brigadier (Retd.) Ijaz Shah has 22 Justices of the High Courts and Judges of the Federal been appointed as Minister for Narcotics Control. Shariat Court PM Conversation with Mr. Bill Gates Speaker National Assembly calls for On December 9, Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a telephone cooperation among Muslim countries conversation with Mr. Bill Gates, Co-Chair of Bill and Malinda Gates Foundation, discussed Covid-19 situation On December 12, Honourable Mr. Asad Qaiser, Speaker and polio eradication efforts in Pakistan and appreciated National Assembly of Pakistan, while meeting Seyed Foundation's continued support for the Ehsaas Mohammad Ali Hosseini Ambassador to Pakistan, 23 Programme. expressed that Pakistan and Iran are brotherly Islamic countries and both nations would trigger regional Reportedly, Prime Minister re-afrmed that eradication of development. Speaker National Assembly emphasized that polio remained a key priority of the government and both nations for their mutual benet should cooperate in the thanked the Gates Foundation for its critical support in elds of trade, commerce and energy and trade volume
Prime Minister Imran Khan chairing the meeting of Federal Ambassador of Iran with Speaker National Assembly of Cabinet Pakistan
22. Na.gov.pk (2020) Federal Ministers. Available at http://na.gov.pk/en/fmins_list.php (Accessed 14 January 2021). 23. Dawn (2020): PM discusses covid situation with Bill Gates. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1594919. (Accessed on December 10, 2020) 24. Raza, I. R. (2020): NA Speaker told to accept resignations. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1598620. (Accessed 03 January 2021). December 2020 9
Ambassador of China to Pakistan H.E. Nong Rong with Ambassador of United Arab Emirates with Chairman Senate, Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani
between both countries can increase with special focus on Both dignitaries exchanged views on the prevailing COVID- trade activities at Pak-Iran border. 25 19 pandemic, the regional and global situation, institutional cooperation and views on the bilateral relations between Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan calls on Pakistan and UAE and ways to enhance it at the 27 Chairman Senate Parliamentary levels.
On December 8, H.E. Nong Rong, Ambassador of China to COAS condoles the death of Former Prime Pakistan, called on Senator Sadiq Sanjrani, Chairman Minister Senate of Pakistan, to discuss bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest between the two countries.26 On December 2, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff, expressed heartfelt condolences on the death of Reportedly, Chairman Senate said that exemplary relations former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mir Zafarullah Khan between the two countries would set a new dimension of Jamali. social and economic development in the region and also urged for parliamentary diplomacy and strengthening According to the ISPR, COAS, in his remarks, said that “May institutional relations between the two nations. Allah bless his soul & give strength to the bereaved family to
UAE Ambassador calls on Chairman Senate
On December 24, Ambassador of United Arab Emirates, H. E. Mr. Hamad Obaid Alzaabi, held a meeting with the Chairman Senate, Senator Sadiq Sanjrani.
Sudanese Prime Minister, Mr. Abdalla Hamdok also said that “all the world's armies are involved in investments ... in military manufacturing.” “But for the military to invest in the productive sector, and to displace the private sector, is unacceptable.” “You cannot manage resources belonging to the Sudanese people without transparency or accountability. There's no wavering on this,” he added Former Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali
25. The Nation (2020) Co-op among Muslim countries imperative: Qaiser. Available at: https://nation.com.pk/12-Dec-2020/co-op-among-muslim-countries-imperative-qaiser (Accessed 25 December 2020). 26. The Nation (2020): Chinese envoy discusses bilateral ties with Sanjrani. Available at: https://nation.com.pk/09-Dec-2020/chinese-envoy-discusses-bilateral-ties-with-sanjrani. (Accessed 25 December 2020). 27. Mati (2020) UAE Envoy meets Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani. Available at: https://dnd.com.pk/uae-envoy-meets-chairman-senate-sadiq-sanjrani/208298. (Accessed on 29 December 2020). 10 December 2020
High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan with COAS KSA Ambassador with COAS bear this irreparable loss, Ameen.”28 British High Commissioner calls on COAS
High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to On December 17, H.E Dr. Christian Turner, British High Pakistan calls on COAS Commissioner to Pakistan, called on the COAS at the GHQ. Reportedly, matters of mutual interest and overall regional 31 On December 15, H.E. Vice Admiral (Retired) Mohan security situation were discussed. Wijewickrama, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan, called on COAS. Matters of mutual interest, regional security Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan calls on and enhanced bilateral cooperation were discussed during COAS the meeting.29 On December 21, H.E. Mr. Nong Rong, Chinese Ambassador of KSA calls on COAS Ambassador to Pakistan, called on the COAS at the GHQ. Reportedly, he appreciated Pakistan's role for peace in the On December 15, H.E. Mr. Nawaf Saeed Al Malkiy, region. Referring to recent visit of Chinese Defence Minister Ambassador of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to Pakistan, to Pakistan, COAS said “it will further strengthen our time- called on the Chief of Army Staff at the GHQ. Reportedly, tested relations with our 'Iron Brother.' 32 matters of mutual interest, regional security situation and bilateral defence relations were discussed.30
British High Commissioner with COAS Chinese Ambassador with COAS
28. ISPR (2020) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, COAS, expresses heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali. Available at https://ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5953. (Accessed 25 December 2020). 29. ISPR (2020) Vice Admiral Mohan Wijewickrama (Retired), High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), today. Available at: https://ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5971 (Accessed 25 December 2020). 30. ISPR (2020) H.E Mr Nawaf Saeed Al Malkiy, Ambassador of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), today. Available at: https://ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5970 (Accessed 25 December 2020). 31. ISPR (2020) H.E Dr. Christian Turner, British High Commissioner called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), today. Available at: https://ispr.gov.pk/press-release- detail.php?id=5974. (Accessed 25 December 2020). 32. ISPR (2020) H.E Mr Nong Rong, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at GHQ, today. Available at: https://ispr.gov.pk/press- release-detail.php?id=5978. (Accessed 25 December 2020). December 2020 11
Sudanese Prime Minister, Mr. Abdalla Hamdok also said that “all the world's armies are involved in investments ... in military manufacturing.” “But for the military to invest in the productive sector, and to displace the private sector, is unacceptable.” “You cannot manage resources belonging to the Sudanese people without transparency or accountability. There's no wavering on this,” he added.36
Prime Minister of Sudan
Military Involvement in Private Sector “Unacceptable” says Sudan PM
On December 14, Prime Minister of Sudan, Mr. Abdalla Hamdok, stated that the involvement of Sudan's military in the private sector is “unacceptable,” and such enterprises should be turned into public companies.33
He was speaking at news conference regarding Sudan's removal from a US list of state sponsors of terror the same day which is expected to bring-in much-needed nancial assistance and foreign investment to Sudan. He was responding to a question about a law passed by the U.S. Congress requiring nancial transparency and civilian control over Sudan's state-owned enterprises as a condition for US assistance to Sudan.
Sudan's military, which rules with a civilian coalition over a transitional period following the ouster of Omar al-Bashir in 2019, controls numerous businesses in the agriculture, mining, and energy sectors. Sudan's ruling Transitional Military Council serves under chairman Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan since April 2019. Lt-Gen Burhan has been accused of involvement in atrocities during military operations against non-Arab civilians in Darfur in 2003, when he was chief of ground forces.34 The Transitional Military Council and civilian opposition had signed a deal to form an 11-member civilian-dominated Sovereign Council, with a rotating presidency, to govern the country during a 39-month transitional period.35
33. Reuters (2020) Sudan's PM calls military involvement in private sector 'unacceptable.' Available at: https://www.reuters.com/article/sudan-usa-hamdok-int-idUSKBN28O2YA (Accessed 03 January 2021). 34. BBC (2019) Sudan Country Profile. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-14094995 (Accessed 03 January 2021). 35. EiU (2021) Sudan. Available at: https://country.eiu.com/sudan (Accessed 13 January 2021). 36. Reuters (2020) Sudan's PM calls military involvement in private sector 'unacceptable.' Available at: https://www.reuters.com/article/sudan-usa-hamdok-int-idUSKBN28O2YA (Accessed 03 January 2021).