This monitor is meant to identify key developments during the month on Inter-Institutional Relations in Pakistan with selected high-profile international developments included occasionally. For the purpose of this monitor, the institutions are meant to be the Legislature, Judiciary and Executive.

In this Issue:

1. Prime Minister Convenes 42^nd Meeting of Council of Common Interests
2. Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Phone Call with Mr. Bill Gates
3. Federal Government releases its 2-Year Performance Report
4. Another FATF-related Law
5. SC Directs NDMA to Clean Karachi
6. Navy Sailing Club remains Sealed
7. Senate Defence Committee Visits NCOC
8. Supreme Court Questions NAB
9. Un-elected Advisors can not Perform Executive Functions: IHC
10. Corps Commanders’ Conference
11. COAS Interactions with Foreign Dignitaries
12. COAS Visits KSA
13. New CEO PSM
14. New Secretary Defence
15. Egypt Court slaps 15 Years Prison Sentence for Criticizing Al-Sisi
16. Thailand Pro-Democracy Protests

Prime Minister Convenes 42^nd Meeting of Council of Common Interests

[caption id="attachment_16172" align="aligncenter" width="1379"] Prime Minister chairing 42nd CCI Meeting[/caption]

On August 6, Prime Minister convened 42^nd meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) where the CCI has set the deadline of one month for fair apportionment of water according to the Water Accord 1991. ^[1]

The CCI meeting was informed that based on the recommendations of the Attorney General for Pakistan, a committee comprising technical experts of federal and provincial governments has been notified to look into the issue of fair distribution of water among provinces. The CCI directed the committee to complete its work in one month. The CCI was also apprised on progress of installation of Telemetry System.

In discussing other matters relating to water distribution, the CCI referred the issue of appointment of chairman of the Water and Power Development Authority and other officers to the federal cabinet. ^[2]

The CCI also agreed to the request of the Government of Punjab for handing over control of lower portion of Chashma Right Bank Canal from Ministry of Water Resources to the Government of the Punjab. The CCI constituted a committee comprising representatives of IRSA, Government of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in this regard to work out modalities and finalize bilateral agreement between the two provinces in this regard.

Reportedly, the CCI unanimously approved Alternative & Renewable Energy Policy 2019. ^[3]

The CCI also deliberated on the amendments proposed by the Government of Sindh in the Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority Ordinance 2002, and the Ministry of Petroleum was tasked to explore the possibility of providing provinces with a suitable mechanism to give their input to the regulatory body. On another agenda item, it was agreed by the CCI that fifty per cent (50%) share of the receipts collected under the head Windfall Levy on Crude oil, condensate & natural gas under Petroleum Policy, 2012, will be shared with the concerned province.

In a related development, in a detailed presentation on annual demand and supply situation of gas with special reference to future requirements and dwindling domestic gas reserves, the CCI was informed that the country would face major gas shortage by winter 2021-2022. It was recommended that a national consensus needs to be built for major push for new exploration and production, conservation of domestic gas and rationalization of price mechanisms to avoid impending crises. The meeting was informed that Federal Government is organizing a summit of industry experts to discuss various options to meet this impending challenge and requested the provinces for their active participation

Another agenda under consideration at the CCI was the future role and functioning of National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) and Basic Education Community Schools (BECS). According to the PMO, it was decided, in principle, to transfer the existing NCHD and BECS schools, teachers and students from Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training to Education Departments of respective Provinces/Regions. It was also agreed that this process will be completed before closing of the current financial year, by June 30, 2021. The CCI also directed that that a transition and integration plan should be prepared in this regard to be placed before the next CCI meeting.

Implementation status of decisions of 41st meeting of CCI was reviewed during the meeting. The PMO reported that the Government’s strategy to Combat Covid-19 was appreciated by the CCI.

It was in the August 2020 meeting that the CCI finally approved placement of Annual Reports for the years 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 before the Senate and National Assembly. ^[4]

[caption id="attachment_16173" align="aligncenter" width="1378"] Prime Minister with Chief Ministers of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh[/caption]

On the sidelines of the CCI Meeting, Prime Minister also met with 4 Chief Ministers.

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Phone Call with Mr. Bill Gates

The PMO reported that on August 11, Prime Minister Imran Khan spoke to Mr. Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to discuss the latest situation on COVID-19 response and resumption of Polio vaccination campaigns in Pakistan. ^[5]

Acknowledging the Gates Foundation’s continued support to Pakistan, including on COVID-19 response, Prime Minister noted that the “re-purposing of Polio infrastructure played an important role in COVID-19 response.” The two also discussed “how using existing structures that are supporting COVID-19, such as the National Command Operation Center, could help support Polio eradication efforts.”^[6]

On August 15, the DG ISPR tweeted that Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Mr. Bill Gates also spoke on the phone where Mr. Gates conveyed appreciation for Pakistan Army for supporting national polio drive and ensuring proper reach and coverage. ^[7]

Federal Government releases its 2-Year Performance Report

[caption id="attachment_16174" align="aligncenter" width="1315"] Information Minister Senator Shibli Faraz presenting Performance Report to Prime Minister[/caption]

The PTI-led Federal Government under Prime Minister Imran Khan completed two of its 5-year term on August 17, 2020. While many independent analyses evaluating performance of the government were shared widely on media and social media, the Federal Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a Performance Report of 2 years of Prime Minister’s Government on August 18. This initiative towards self-transparency was acknowledged and appreciated widely.

Progress on National Security and National Action Plan

The 208 pages report, available on the website of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting ^[8] provides ministry-wise overview of initiatives taken and their progress during the two years. Even though Editor’s Note of the report states that “All Ministries and Divisions of Federal Government have contributed in development of this report,” the report includes progress from 43 Ministries, Divisions and Boards, overview of the National Security Division is conspicuous by its absence from the report. It must be noted that only in December 2019, Prime Minister has appointed Dr. Moeed W. Yusuf as Special Assistant to Prime Minister on National Security Division and Strategic Policy Planning, with the status of Minister of State. ^[9] It must also be noted that during his second year in office, Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan has convened and chaired just one (1) meeting of the National Security Committee, which is a sharp decline of 83% in contrast to his first year in office when he had convened and chaired six (6) meetings of the NSC. The National Security Division (NSD) was formed in 2013 to serve as the secretariat of the NSC.

The report also does not include any progress from the crucial National Counter-Terrorism Authority (NACTA) which has been assigned and entrusted with the role of monitoring body of the National Action Plan (NAP). The administration of NACTA has been oscillating between Ministry of Interior and the Prime Minister Office since 2009 when it was created as an Administrative Wing within the Ministry of Interior. However, in 2013, NACTA was granted administrative and financial autonomy answerable to a Board of Governors (BOG) headed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan.^[10] In March 2020, the PTI government has spearheaded another amendment to the NACTA Act 2013 from the Parliament according to which the Minister of Interior, instead of the Prime Minister, is to be the Chairman, Board of Governors of NACTA ^[11] bringing the Authority to be answerable to Ministry of Interior again. Despite this change, there is no mention of NACTA in the section dealing with progress from the Ministry of Interior, though the Ministry has shared holding of a Seminar on National Action Plan in its key Initiatives during the two years. ^[12]

In the section devoted to progress from Ministry of Defence, completion of fencing of Pak-Afghan Border - 1496 Km of 2354 Km and completion of 89 Km out of 909 Km on the Pak -Iran Border has been reported. In a detailed section on Awareness and Outreach of its various Initiatives in 2 years, Ministry of Defence has reported some of the following as performance:

• Free flow of authentic information through regular press briefs/ releases, media interaction etc. to avoid speculative reporting
• Positive projection of Armed Forces efforts in combating terrorism highlighted through coverage of ongoing operations/ sacrifices, documentaries, songs, movies
• Development by Armed Forces in FATA to be given due coverage to complement efforts of Government in mainstreaming FATA
• Curb on glorification of extremism/ terrorism/ sectarian violence etc through denial of media space to such motives
• Assist media in adequate coverage of issues of vital national interest/ security (Kashmir, Siachen, Western Border Fencing, CPEC) ^[13]

In the section on Testimonials, Ministry of Defence has quoted Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence, Senator Waleed Iqbal, who in his Senate speech on 15 July, 2020 “lauded the efforts of Armed Forces on completion of three (03) years of Operation Raddul Fasaad.” It adds that “to recount a few instances of the successful outcome of the Armed Forces operation, the House was informed that International Sports events have been held in the form of PSL matches in Pakistan. In January 2020, British High Commissioner, Dr. Christian Turner issued a travel advisory whereby the restrictions on British citizens travelling to Pakistan were relaxed. The British High Commissioner remarks were quoted that, “Credit goes to the hard work of the Government of Pakistan in delivering improved security over the past 05 years since 2015.” It was informed that in 2018 the British Backpacker Society (which promotes adventure travel in tourism markets and aims to bring the developmental benefits of travel to countries with untapped tourism potential) has ranked Pakistan as the World’s top Adventure Travel Destination “... with mountain scenery beyond anyone’s wildest imagination”. Another positive development was that Forbes ranked Pakistan amongst ’10 Coolest Places to Visit in 2019’. Besides the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report places Pakistan in the top 25 percent of global destinations for its World Heritage sites, which range from the Mangroves in the Indus Delta, to the Indus Valley Civilization sites including Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. The Senator praised the sacrifices and efforts of Pakistan Armed Forces and stressed that sacrifices of Pakistan Armed Forces need to be acknowledged and they should not go unnoticed or unappreciated.” ^[14]

Progress on Law/Judiciary

The progress section from Ministry of Law talks briefly about the PTI Government appointing “many Judges/ Members” against “many seats of Presiding Officers of Special Courts/Tribunals which were vacant for last few years …causing huge backlog of cases and delays in administering justice to public at large,” it does not provide a number of these appointments.

Progress on Parliamentary Affairs

Other than mentioning that “legislative work has been processed in the light of Article 70 of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973 and Parliamentary Rules of Procedures/Rules of Business 1973 and Secretariat Instructions,” under Legislative Policy Framework, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has not shared any statistics or data on progress in two years. ^[15]

Another FATF-related Law

[caption id="attachment_16176" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Parliament of Pakistan[/caption]

During the month, Parliament has passed another FATF-related law called the Mutual Legal Assistance (Criminal Matter) Act, 2020. ^[16] The law is related to exchange of information and criminals with countries and was passed after the PTI government agreed to a set of amendments proposed by the opposition. ^[17]

On August 27, in an interview, Prime Minister Imran Khan blamed opposition parties for thwarting attempts for FATF-related legislation in the Parliament. He said that that the opposition will be responsible if the country is placed on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)'s blacklist and the economy collapses.^[18]

SC Directs NDMA to Clean Karachi

[caption id="attachment_16177" align="alignnone" width="1377"] Supreme Court of Pakistan[/caption]

On August 12, Supreme Court ordered the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) with the cleaning of all storm-water drains in Karachi and removal of encroachments from them in a period of three months. Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Gulzar Ahmed, remarked that it was the failure of the provincial government as the basic rights and facilities had not been provided to the people and the federal authorities were coming to their aid. ^[19]

In a statement, senior PPP leader Senator Taj Haider expressed the party’s disappointment over remarks of the chief justice of Pakistan. His statement said that “it is the failure of the federal government in collecting and transferring tax resources to provinces that remains the major handicap in the development of the provinces. It is sad that the Honourable Chief Justice has raised the possibility of the failed federal government correcting the problems faced by the Sindh government. It is also very unfortunate that the Attorney General, who belongs to Karachi, seconded this move instead of briefing the Honourable Court about problems faced by the Sindh government due to the failure of the federal government and its step-motherly treatment of Sindh.” ^[20]

On August 26, DG ISPR tweeted that Chief of Army Staff has directed Karachi Corps to step up flood relief operations to assist affected people due to rains in interior Sindh and Karachi. “Troops must reach out to affected population in distress and extend all necessary care,” the COAS said reportedly. ^[21]

Reporting on Army’s Relief and rescue efforts to help flood victims in various parts of Karachi, the ISPR reported that the work of Army Engineers is in progress to stop water flow from Malir Nadi by refilling the breached area. In addition, cooked meals are also provided to affected population struck due to heavy rains. ^[22]

Navy Sailing Club remains Sealed

[caption id="attachment_16178" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Navy Sailing Club[/caption]

On August 19, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) extended the stay order against commercial activities in the Navy Sailing Club till Sept 9, though it allowed the naval officials to resume repair and maintenance of boats.^[23]

In the August 22 hearing on the petition filed against the ‘illegal’ construction of Pakistan Navy Sailing Club at the bank of Rawal Lake, a written response by Chief of the Naval Staff defended the construction of a ‘luxury club’, terming it a sports facility that had been established on the federal government’s directive after obtaining approval of environmental experts. ^[24]

Senate Defence Committee Visits NCOC

[caption id="attachment_16179" align="aligncenter" width="1379"] Senate Defence Committee at the NCOC[/caption]

On August 7, the Senate Standing Committee on Defence, led by Chairman Senator Walid Iqbal, visited the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) and lauded the joint efforts of the NCOC and federating units against COVID-19.

The committee was briefed by Chairman NCOC, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Mr. Asad Umar.

Reportedly, Senator Walid Iqbal extended his gratitude to the NCOC and the armed forces for their all-out support to the civil administration in coping with the pandemic.

The committee members visiting the NCOC included Senator Abdul Qayyum, Senator Anwar Ul Haq Kakar, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Senator Sajjad Hussain Turi, Senator Abdul Rehman Malik and Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan. Joining the meeting from the NOCOC were National Coordinator NCOC Lieutenant General Hamood Uz Zaman, Federal Minister for Interior, Brig (Retd.) Ejaz Ahmed Shah, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan, Chairman NDMA Lieutenant General Muhammad Afzal.

Supreme Court Questions NAB

A two-member Supreme Court bench comprising Justice Mushir Alam and Justice Qazi Faez Isa sought complete record of appointments of different directors general posted at various regional directorates of NAB. The bench was hearing a bail plea of Mr. Mohammad Nadeem, who is facing allegations of blackmailing and fleecing people by impersonating a NAB officer and questioned the appointment of NAB’s Rawalpindi Director General, Mr. Irfan Naeem Mangi. ^[25]

During another hearing on August 7, the bench questioned if NAB can bypass constitutional provisions in making appointments in the bureau under a subordinate legislation.^[26]

Un-elected Advisors can not Perform Executive Functions: IHC

Disposing of the petition challenging the appointment of Mirza Shahzad Akbar, Prime Minister’s Advisor on Accountability and Interior, Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court, Justice Athar Minallah declared that unelected advisers and special assistants to Prime Minister cannot exercise executive or administrative powers in the functioning of the government and only elected representatives chosen by people have the privilege to run the affairs of ministries.

The court also ruled that any executive function performed by any unelected member of the Prime Minister’s team would deem to have been taken illegally, without any lawful authority and hence void. “Appointing an Adviser with the status of a Minister does not empower him/her to act or function as a Minister or to perform functions under the Rules of Business 1973,” the Court verdict stated.

The Court observed that it is the Prime Minister’s exclusive prerogative to choose a person for rendering him advice. ^[27]

Corps Commanders’ Conference

[caption id="attachment_16182" align="aligncenter" width="1335"] A view from the Corps Commanders Conference[/caption]

In the 2334^th Corps Commanders Conference held on August 11, matters relating to Geo-strategic and national security were discussed including the situation at the Line of Control, Pak-Afghan Border and internal security environment.

Reportedly, Chief of the Army Staff expressed satisfaction on operational preparedness of formations and appreciated efforts in aid of civil administration to contain COVID-19 pandemic and Locust threat. COAS also directed corps commanders to ensure necessary measures for public safety and security during upcoming Muharram in concert with civil administration with due cognizance to COVID-19 guidelines and protocols. COAS also lauded timely and effective response of troops to recent floods in Balochistan and Sindh, especially the mitigation efforts against urban flooding in #Karachi. COAS emphasised to exercise vigilance and take proactive measures in the wake of ongoing flood situation. ^[28]

COAS Interactions with Foreign Dignitaries

[caption id="attachment_16183" align="aligncenter" width="698"] Gen. Bajwa and Japanese Defence Minister[/caption]

On August 6, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) had a video conversation with Defence Minister of Japan, Mr. Kono Taro. ^{[29] [30]}

[caption id="attachment_16184" align="aligncenter" width="1001"] Ambassador of KSA with COAS[/caption]

On August 10, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Mr. Nawaf Saeed Al-Malkiy, called on COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Reportedly, matters of mutual interest, regional security situation and bilateral defence relations were discussed during the meeting.^[31]

[caption id="attachment_16185" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Outgoing Afghan Ambassador with COAS[/caption]

On August 12, H.E. Shukrullah Atif Mashal, Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan, paid a farewell call on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff, at the GHQ. The ISPR reported that the outgoing Ambassador thanked COAS for support to Afghanistan and Afghan peace process during his tenure. ^[32]

[caption id="attachment_16186" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Outgoing US Charge d’Affaires with COAS[/caption]

On August 19, Ambassador Paul W. Jones, US Charge d’Affaires to Pakistan met with Chief of Army Staff for a farewell call. Reportedly, the COAS thanked him for his services and contributions in Pakistan. ^[33]

[caption id="attachment_16187" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Ambassador of Jordan with COAS[/caption]

On August 20, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Major General (Retd.) Ibrahim Yali Muhammad (Osta Almadani), called on the COAS.^[34]

COAS Visits KSA

[caption id="attachment_16188" align="aligncenter" width="800"] COAS arrives in KSA on August 17[/caption]

On August 17, COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff travelled to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) on an official visit.^[35] DG ISI, Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed, accompanied the COAS. ^[36]

On August 6, Foreign Minister, Mr. Shah Mehmood Qureshi had said that the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) should stop dilly-dallying on the convening of a meeting of its Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) on Kashmir.^[37]

The ISPR reported that military to military ties including training exchanges were focus of the meetings of the COAS with His Excellency General (Staff) Fayiadh bin Ha’med Al-Rowaily, Chief of General Staff, and His Royal Highness Lieutenant General (Staff) Fahad bin Turki Al Saud, Commander Joint Forces, KSA. On August 18, General Bajwa met with His Royal Highness, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Defence KSA. ^[38]

Terming his visit to have calmed the hype, a commentary by Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) credits the Chief of Army Staff for making Pakistan-KSA relationship institutional as opposed to the previous model. “Bajwa has steered the institutional relationship away from personalities and one-man shows. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman has done much the same.” “This means that close military cooperation has been developed into a broader corporate relationship on a more equitable basis, rather than being characterised by aid and dependence.” ^[39]

New CEO PSM

On August 7, Federal Government appointed Brig (Retd.) Shujah Hassan as the new CEO of the Pakistan Steel Mills. A notification issued by the Establishment Division says the appointment of Shujah Hassan will be for one year with immediate effect. ^[40]

Reportedly, the PSM board of directors had recommended to the federal government the names of three shortlisted candidates for the CEO post. Priority was given to the candidate who could help restructure the PSM and promote public-private partnership. ^[41]

New Secretary Defence

Federal government has appointed Lt. Gen. (Retd) Mian Muhammad Hilal Hussain, (HI)(M) as Secretary Defence. He has replaced Lt. Gen. (Retd) Ikram Ul Haq as Secretary Defence. ^[42]

Egypt Court slaps 15 Years Prison Sentence for Criticizing Al-Sisi

[caption id="attachment_16191" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Mr. Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi[/caption]

On 25 August 2020, Egypt’s Cairo Criminal Court has sentenced Mr. Bahey eldin Hassan, Director and co-founder of the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS), over his tweets on which he is charged for “publishing false news” and “insulting the judiciary.” The Human Rights Watch has termed this “as a new low for the Egyptian judiciary.” ^[43]

The ruling cites several of Mr. Hassan’s tweets in which he criticized torture and lack of judicial independence in Egypt.

The Human Rights Watch believes that under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Egyptian authorities have been cracking down on human rights organizations and activists in an unprecedented fashion. Dozens have faced arrest, enforced disappearance, torture, ill-treatment, and judicial harassment, including abusive investigations, travel bans, and asset freezes.

Writing in the Washington Post, academician Elisa Massimino, Robert F. Drinan, S.J., Chair in Human Rights at Georgetown University Law Center and senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, and Neil Hicks, Senior Director for advocacy at the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, echo this perspective by stating that “in the six years since Abdel Fatah al-Sissi assumed the presidency in Egypt, the country has devolved into the deepest human rights crisis it has experienced in decades. In the face of this downward spiral, …many in the West have stopped paying attention.” ^[44]

Appointed as Defence Minister in 2012 by Mr. Mohammad Morsi, Egypt's first democratically elected President, and later as Commander-in-Chief of Egyptian Armed Forces, Al-Sisi carried out a military coup to overthrow President Mohamed Morsi from office on July 3, 2013. In March 2014, he stepped down from his military commander role and through a dubious election was sworn in as President of Egypt in June 2014. His rule, since the overthrow of Mr. Morsi, has been marked by the worst crackdowns on both the Muslim Brotherhood and later on liberal opponents of his administration.

Al-Sisi’s government has “crossed a dangerous new threshold in its crackdown on peaceful dissent, one that all who care about the global struggle against authoritarianism should note and condemn,” ^[45] as under a new cybercrime law, Egypt’s special counterterrorism courts sentenced Mr. Bahey eldin Hassan to maximum penalty of 15 years in prison for criticizing the Sisi regime. The law criminalizes insulting state institutions, such as the judiciary, and includes a provision outlawing the dissemination of “fake news.”

“Criminalizing peaceful criticism of the government is already outrage enough. But bringing Hassan before the counterterrorism court, rather than the ordinary penal court, is a clear signal from the Sisi regime that it is revving up its efforts to discredit and intimidate the human rights movement as a whole by publicly linking it to terrorism.” ^[46]

Thailand Pro-Democracy Protests

[caption id="attachment_16192" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Thailand protests[/caption]

On August 10, what is termed as the largest ever anti-government protest against Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha, a former military chief who led the 2014 coup and his pro-establishment administration, thousands of people from all walks of Thai society came out to Thammasat University in the outer edges of Bangkok waving rainbow flags, and critical signs and posters of missing pro-democracy activists. ^[47]

This has meant a rise after weeks of near-daily student-led protests denouncing Prayut’s military-aligned administration.

Reportedly, Thai police started arresting people in a sweep targeting activists involved in anti-government protests.^[48]

References

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2. Raza, I. (2020) CCI agrees on distribution of water resources in a month. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1573050 (Accessed 02 September 2020). ↑
3. PMO (2020, Prime Minister Imran Khan today chaired 42nd meeting of Council of Common Interests. Available at: https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=3564 (Accessed 31 August 2020). ↑
4. PMO (2020, Prime Minister Imran Khan today chaired 42nd meeting of Council of Common Interests. Available at: https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=3564 (Accessed 31 August 2020). ↑
5. PMO (2020) Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Phone Call with Bill Gates. Available at: https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=3575 (Accessed 31 August 2020). ↑
6. PMO (2020) Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Phone Call with Bill Gates. Available at: https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=3575 (Accessed 31 August 2020). ↑
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13. MOIB (2020). “Ministry of Defence,” 2 Years Performance Report: August 2018-2020. pp 47-48. Available at: http://www.demp.gov.pk/2-years-performance-of-pti-government/#dflip-df_2559/1/ (Accessed 02 September 2020). ↑
14. MOIB (2020). “Ministry of Defence,” 2 Years Performance Report: August 2018-2020. pp 47-48. Available at: http://www.demp.gov.pk/2-years-performance-of-pti-government/#dflip-df_2559/1/ (Accessed 02 September 2020). ↑
15. MOIB (2020). “Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs,” 2 Years Performance Report: August 2018-2020. pp 160-161. Available at: http://www.demp.gov.pk/2-years-performance-of-pti-government/#dflip-df_2559/1/ (Accessed 02 September 2020). ↑
16. National Assembly (2020) The Mutual Legal Assistance (Criminal Matter) Act, 2020. Available at: http://na.gov.pk/uploads/documents/1597653825_608.pdf (Accessed 07 September 2020). ↑
17. Wasim, A. (2020) Parliament okays another FATF-related law. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1573051/parliament-okays-another-fatf-related-law (Accessed 02 September 2020). ↑
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19. Tanoli, I. (2020) Irked by Sindh govt’s performance, SC hands over cleaning of all Karachi drains to NDMA. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1574066/irked-by-sindh-govts-performance-sc-hands-over-cleaning-of-all-karachi-drains-to-ndma (Accessed 07 September 2020). ↑
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24. Asad, M. (2020) Navy chief defends building club, terms it ‘sports facility’. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1575968/navy-chief-defends-building-club-terms-it-sports-facility (Accessed 07 September 2020). ↑
25. Iqbal, N. (2020) SC seeks appointments record of NAB DGs. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1572855/sc-seeks-appointments-record-of-nab-dgs (Accessed 07 September 2020). ↑
26. Iqbal, N. (2020) Can NAB bypass Constitution in making appointments, asks SC. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1573213/can-nab-bypass-constitution-in-making-appointments-asks-sc (Accessed 07 September 2020). ↑
27. Asad, M. (2020) IHC says unelected aides to PM can’t run ministries. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1576640 (Accessed 07 September 2020). ↑
28. DG ISPR 11 August. Available at: https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR/status/1293198059166404609 (Accessed 02 September 2020). ↑
29. The Nation (2020) Japan Defence Minister, COAS seek bilateral military cooperation. Available at: https://nation.com.pk/07-Aug-2020/japan-defence-minister-coas-seek-bilateral-military-cooperation (Accessed 04 September 2020). ↑
30. MoD (2020) Video Teleconference between Defense Minister Kono and Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan. Available at: https://www.mod.go.jp/e/d_act/exc/area/docs/2020/20200806_j-pak-en.html (Accessed 04 September 2020). ↑
31. Anis, M. (2020) Saudi envoy calls on COAS. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/699113-saudi-envoy-calls-on-coas (Accessed 04 September 2020). ↑
32. ISPR (2020) H.E. Shukrullah Atif Mashal, Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan, paid a farewell call on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff at the GHQ. Available at: https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5808 (Accessed 02 September 2020). ↑
33. ISPR (2020) Ambassador Paul W. Jones, US Charge d’Affaires to Pakistan, met General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), on his farewell visit today. Available at: https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5817 (Accessed 02 September 2020). ↑
34. ISPR (2020) Major General Ibrahim Yali Muhammad (Osta Almadani), Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) today. Available at: https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5819 (Accessed 02 September 2020). ↑
35. ISPR (2020) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) reached Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) on an official visit. Available at: https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5814 (Accessed 02 September 2020). ↑
36. Dawn (2020) COAS Bajwa meets Saudi counterpart in Riyadh, discusses prospects of military cooperation. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1574915 (Accessed 02 September 2020). ↑
37. Dawn (2020) Qureshi asks OIC to stop dragging feet on Kashmir meeting. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1572857 (Accessed 04 September 2020). ↑
38. ISPR (2020) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) met His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salaman bin Abdulaziz Deputy Minister of Defence KSA. Available at: https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5815 (Accessed 02 September 2020). ↑
39. Alam, K. (2020) Saudi Arabia and Pakistan: Unease and Reassurance Amid Changing Regional Realities. Available at: https://rusi.org/commentary/saudi-arabia-and-pakistan-unease-and-reassurance-amid-changing-regional-realities (Accessed 07 September 2020). ↑
40. Dawn (2020) Ex-serviceman appointed PSM chief. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1573218/ex-serviceman-appointed-psm-chief (Accessed 07 September 2020). ↑
41. Dawn (2020) Ex-serviceman appointed PSM chief. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1573218/ex-serviceman-appointed-psm-chief (Accessed 07 September 2020). ↑
42. Niaz, T. (2020) Lt Gen (r) Hilal Hussain made Secretary Defence. Available at: https://nation.com.pk/28-Aug-2020/lt-gen-r-hilal-hussain-made-secretary-defence (Accessed 07 September 2020). ↑
43. HRW (2020) Egypt: Veteran Human Rights Defender Bahey el-Din Hassan Sentenced to 15-Years in Prison. Available at: https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/08/28/egypt-veteran-human-rights-defender-bahey-el-din-hassan-sentenced-15-years-prison (Accessed 02 September 2020). ↑
44. Massimino, E. & Hicks, N. (2020) It’s official: In Egypt, you can now get 15 years in jail for a tweet. Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/08/31/its-official-egypt-you-can-now-get-15-years-jail-tweet/ (Accessed 02 September 2020). ↑
45. Massimino, E. & Hicks, N. (2020) It’s official: In Egypt, you can now get 15 years in jail for a tweet. Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/08/31/its-official-egypt-you-can-now-get-15-years-jail-tweet/ (Accessed 02 September 2020). ↑
46. Massimino, E. & Hicks, N. (2020) It’s official: In Egypt, you can now get 15 years in jail for a tweet. Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/08/31/its-official-egypt-you-can-now-get-15-years-jail-tweet/ (Accessed 02 September 2020). ↑
47. Dawn (2020) Thailand pro-democracy protest draws thousands as tensions rise. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1574858/thailand-pro-democracy-protest-draws-thousands-as-tensions-rise (Accessed 07 September 2020). ↑

48. BBC (2020) Thai protests: Lawyer Anon Nampa among nine arrested in sweep against activists. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-53844232?intlink_from_url=https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/c77jz3md4vdt/thailand&link_location=live-reporting-story (Accessed 07 September 2020). ↑