PILDAT Monitor on Inter-Institutional Relations in Pakistan | June 2020

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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. Pakistan was humiliated in the past in its relations with US: Prime Minister
  2. Provincial Chief Minister have powers like dictators under 18th Amendment: Prime Minister
  3. Prime Minister Visits ISI Headquarters
  4. Prime Minister Chairs Meetings of NCC and at NCOC
  5. Civilian Supremacy not possible with the quality of current Parliamentary and Provincial Leadership: Fawad Chaudhry
  6. Constitution of PIA Inquiry Commission termed Controversial
  7. Military Misusing Cantonment Land: MNA Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada
  8. Speaker National Assembly meets Prime Minister
  9. Presidential Reference against Qazi Isa termed Invalid
  10. Supreme Court restrains Sindh Government from utilising 4 billion budget allocation
  11. Supreme Court questions NDMA over preferential treatment to a private company
  12. SC asks Government for a Uniform National Legislation to Manage Coronavirus
  13. Political Discourse reduced to Mud-Slinging: Supreme Court
  14. Peshawar High Court sets aside 200 convictions by Military Courts
  15. COAS plays key role in promoting Afghan Peace Process
  16. Pakistan Army to help in combating Locusts
  17. Bajwa and Gates discuss polio-eradication plans in Pakistan
  18. COAS Receives Chinese Military Medical Team
  19. COAS receives Japanese Ambassador
  20. Corps Commanders’ Conference
  21. Prime Minister’s Interactions with Services Chiefs
  22. New Zealand Prime Minister Appoints Assistant Chief of Defence to Manage COVID-19 Quarantine
  23. “I should not have been there:” US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley

Pakistan was humiliated in the past in its relations with US: Prime Minister

Prime Minister Imran Khan in the National Assembly

Speaking in the National Assembly on June 25, Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan said that in Pakistan’s relations with United States in the past, Pakistan had to face a lot of humiliation. United States also blamed Pakistan for its failure in Afghanistan. Now, the PTI government has not only won US trust in Pakistan and restored its dented image, but also brought relations between the two nations on an equal footing. [1]

He said that despite supporting United States’ war on terror Pakistan was humiliated when our own ally, United States came to Abbottabad and martyred al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden. [2]

[America se jis tarah hum ne war on terror mein saath diya aur jo zillat uthani pari meray mulk ko… woh [USA) bura bhala bhi hamain kahain; kaamyab Afghanistan mein na hon toh woh bhi Pakisyan zimmedaar; mujhe kabhi nahin bhoolta aik woh bhi jis mein hum saaray Pakistani bohot sharminda huay. Aik hua ji Osama bin Laden ko inhon ne aa ke, Americans ne aa ke, Abbottabad mein maar diya; shaheed kar diya…uske baad saari dunya nein hamain gaaliyan nikalin, bura hamain kaha; yaani hamara ally hamaare hi mulk mein aa ke maar raha hai kisi ko aur hamain hi nahin bata raha. Aur 70,000 Pakistani mar chuke hain un ki jang ke liye…. Jidhar Pakistani bahir thay aap dekhain jo un pe guzri uss waqt.] [3]

Prime Minister said that second biggest humiliation faced by Pakistan was through US drone attacks in Pakistan. While Pakistan government condemned drone attacks on the face of it, United States officially maintained that drone attacks were carried out with the consent of Pakistan government. Prime Minister said that when a US senator asked the then US Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, in a US Senate Committee hearing, as to why drone attacks were being carried out despite objection of the Government of Pakistan, Admiral Mullen had reportedly replied that drone attacks were carried out with the permission of the Government of Pakistan.

[Drone attacks ho rahain hain Pakistan mein aur Pakistani government keh rahi hai hum kuch nahi kar rahay. Ya hum muzammat kar rahay hain. Senator Carl Levin Senate Foreign Relations Committee ki open hearing mein Amiral Mike Mullen se poochta hai ke ji aap yeh kiyun drone attacks kartay hain jab Pakistani government object karti hai; Admiral Mullen kehta hum Pakistan ki government ki ijazat se drone attacks ker rahay hain.] [4]

It must be noted that Prime Minister was referring to an exchange that reportedly took place between Chairman of the US Senate Armed Services Committee, Democratic Senator Carl Levin and Amiral Mullen in November 2009. [5]

It was only twice during the 26-day session of the National Assembly in June that the Prime Minister briefly attended and addressed the house.

Prime Minister also said Pakistan is the only country in the world where there was no confusion while adopting measures to control COVID-19. [6]

A day after the passage of the budget, Prime Minister again briefly attended the session on June 30. With a change in his tone from earlier speech, he said the night before passage of the budget, tongues were wagging about the future of his government. “Had you watched TV that night, you would have thought it was our last day.” [7] “Mafias” are running some institutions, he said. When the government started an inquiry into the sugar scam, “we came to know that a handful of people” were making windfall profits, he said. “Some elements” had asked him to suppress the report about PIA pilots possessing dubious licenses. But doing so would endanger lives and “the blood will be on my hands,” he added. [8]

Provincial Chief Minister have powers like dictators under 18th Amendment: Prime Minister

Prime Minister Imran Khan

During a visit to Karachi on June 17, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that under the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, all powers are enjoyed by Chief Ministers which is against the spirit of devolution. “Chief Minister has such power that dictator has,” he said. [9] [Chief Minister ke paas woh power aa gayi hai jo kisi dictator ke paas ho]. [10]

While in Karachi, Prime Minister also called for reviewing the 18th amendment alongside National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, which he said “carries anomalies.”

Dawn also reported that Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, was not invited to any official meetings that PM Khan held during his visit to the province. [11]

Prime Minister Visits ISI Headquarters

Prime Minister alongside COAS and DG ISI

On June 3, Prime Minister, Mr. Imran Khan, visited the headquarters of Inter-Services Intelligence where he was briefed on “encompassing complex regional and domestic challenges with special focus on Pakistan efforts for restoration of peace and stability.”[12]

The briefing was also attended by Chief of Army Staff, Foreign Minister, Planning Minister and Special Assistant to Prime Minister on National Security Division and Strategic Policy Planning. [13]

Prime Minister at the ISI Headquarters

Reportedly, Prime Minister also deeply appreciated ISI’s “sacrifices and tireless efforts.” [14]

Prime Minister Chairs Meetings of NCC and at NCOC

Prime Minister chairing a meeting of the NCC

In a meeting of the National Coordination Committee chaired by Prime Minister on June 1, it was decided to re-open tourism industry and allow overseas Pakistanis to return to Pakistan and practice self-quarantine at home. [15] In a press release of the meeting, Prime Minister’s office stated that “participants including all the Chief Ministers pledged their commitment in pursuing the decisions taken” at the meeting and “doing every bit to make the public aware of measures to deal with the COVID and fight it together at the national level.” [16]

According to the PMO, it was also agreed in the NCC meeting to issue a negative list of businesses that would remain suspended in the effort to check further spread of the disease. However, a recommended list of businesses and commercial activities, unanimously agreed upon by the federal government and the federating units, would be circulated to industry allowing them to resume their activities. [17]

In another meeting held at the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on June 18, Prime Minister was briefed on the gaps and measures taken for improvement in the healthcare system to cope with the challenge, capacity building of healthcare professionals, increased availability of beds for the patients, uninterrupted availability of crucial medicines and sufficient supplies of oxygen. Apart from federal ministers, prime minister of Azad Kashmir and chief ministers of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan joined the meeting via video link while Army Chief was also present at the meeting. [18]

Civilian Supremacy not possible with the quality of current Parliamentary and Provincial Leadership: Fawad Chaudhry

Mr. Suhail Warraich interviewing Mr. Fawad Chaudhry

In an interview with renowned journalist Suhail Warraich, Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Chaudhary Fawad Hussain, said that with the quality of current parliamentary and provincial leadership, there can be no civilian supremacy in Pakistan. [19]

In the interview posted online on June 24, Mr. Fawad Chaudhary said that while it is said that military’s role has increased in Pakistan and instead it should be civilian’s responsibility [to run the country], with the quality of existing civilian human resource available in Parliament and provincial leadership, it is not possible to do so. [hum kehtay tau hain ke military ka bara role ho gya hai aur civilian offices ko role daina chahiye, lekin aap zara Parliament ki apni leadership daikhain, uss ke baad aap apni provincial leaderships daikhain, koi dil pe haath rakh ke mujhe bataye ke iss leadership ke saath kaise civilian supremacy ho sakti hai? Ultimately tau aap ka human resource hai jis ne aap kau aagay karna hai, jis ne aap ki policy ki execution karni hai.] [20]

In response to a question whether Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government appears to be more presidential than parliamentary, Mr. Chaudhary said that with as many Advisors and Special Assistants to Prime Ministers in Prime Minister Imran Khan’s cabinet where elected representatives are not part of key decision-making, it obviously places a question mark on the ‘parliamentary’ form of the government. [21]

Constitution of PIA Inquiry Commission termed Controversial

Senator Raza Rabbani

In a key debate in the Senate during budget session [22] around the inquiry involving the PIA flight crash, Senators maintained that since the inquiry commission was controversial a free and fair inquiry was not possible.

Raising the issue of conflict of interest in the inquiry commission, Senator Raza Rabbani said that all members of the inquiry commission were from the Pakistan Air Force and were junior in rank to the CEO PIA. None of them was conversant with commercial flying and its procedures. He said the commission was devoid of any rated pilot or one having flown Airbus. [23]

Senator Rabbani also termed the appointment of the PIA CEO as “controversial from the very beginning” as a tailor-made advertisement had been released to accommodate him and the required qualification included irrelevant areas like war studies and combat flying. [24]

Military Misusing Cantonment Land: MNA Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada

PML-N MNA Mr. Riaz Hussain Pirzada

In a speech in the National Assembly on June 19, PML-N MNA Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada questioned what he called “misuse of cantonment land.”

“The land given for cantonments is being used for commercial purposes, like cinema houses, marriage halls and Defence Housing Authorities,” he added. He accused the military authorities of “forcibly occupying” land in Bahawalpur and Cholistan and peasants of the areas were not being allowed to move there with their tractors.

“People had given their lands for cantonments and if it is not used for military purposes, the law says that the land should be returned to their owners at the same rate which was given at the time of its purchase.” [25]

He also said that while politicians were blamed for problems confronting the country, it is not politicians who can be blamed for the issues facing Pakistan. He said that banned sectarian organisations such as Sipah-i-Sahaba was established by former ISI Chief retired Maj Gen Hameed Gul and his aide Khalid Khawaja. “The group not only killed hundreds of innocent people, but their creators as well.” He also said that while most of the army generals had fought for the country on borders, unfortunately many of them had lost respect. [26]

Speaker National Assembly meets Prime Minister

Honourable Speaker National Assembly with the Prime Minister

On June 11, Speaker National Assembly, Honourable Asad Qaiser, MNA, met with Prime Minister to discuss matters relating to the Federal budget session. [27]

Presidential Reference against Qazi Isa termed Invalid

Justice Qazi Faez Isa

On June 19, when the Supreme Court 10-member bench declared the presidential reference against Justice Faez Isa to “be of no legal effect” through the majority (9-1) short verdict [28] it was initially received as a good news by the lawyers and supporters of Justice Isa. The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) announced that all bar members will observe Youm-e-Tashakkur (day of gratitude) on June 22 and celebrate what the PBC termed a “landmark judgement and the victory of the cause of the rule of law, the constitutionalism and independence of the judiciary.” [29]

However, others believed there is “nothing to celebrate.” [30] “It’s a sugar coated bitter pill. While accepting QFI’s Petition in Para 1, the state is granted a second opportunity to improve & build a case to try & oust QFI,” tweeted Lawyer Babar Sattar. [31]

Hearing a petition filed by Justice Isa and others seeking the dismissal of a presidential reference against Justice Qazi Faez Isa, 7 of the 10 judges on the bench ordered the Inland Revenue Department and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to seek explanations from Justice Isa’s wife and children on the nature and source of funding for three properties in their names in the United Kingdom and submit a report to the SC registrar. Justice Afridi, Justice Maqbool Baqir and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah opposed the majority decision of an FBR inquiry. The commissioner is asked to complete the investigation within 60 days and issue an order within 15 days of the investigation’s conclusion. The FBR has been directed to submit a report to the Supreme Court Registrar within seven days of the commissioner’s order and upon receiving the report, registrar is to present it to the Chief Justice, as chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council, who will decide when to present it in the council. [32]

It must be noted that of the three judges dissenting Justice Yahya Afridi and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah are on track to assume office of Chief Justice in the future while Justice Maqbool Baqir is due to retire next year. [33]

During the hearing on June 10, Justice Maqbool Baqir had commented that “Please keep in mind that one of the democratically elected governments was sent packing on the charges of surveillance of judges.” One of the allegations by the petitioner’s side before the apex court was that the material against Justice Isa was collected through illegal means, including covert surveillance. [34]

Speaking to the media a week later, Barrister Farogh Naseem said that he has briefed the Prime Minister that “we have won the case.” Earlier, he said, the Prime Minister was wrongly briefed that the government had lost the case. [35]

Supreme Court restrains Sindh Government from utilising 4 billion budget allocation

Logo of the Sindh Government

In a highly significant order Supreme Court has restrained the Sindh government from utilising Rs. 4 billion it earmarked in its annual budget for 2020-2021 for importing 400 to 500 luxury vehicles. [36]

It is probably the first time in Pakistan (or world) history that an elected assembly has been restrained by a court from passing and executing an amount in the budget. [37]

The order issued on June 25 stated that the Sindh Government has “not allocated any funds for the development schemes in the province generally and for the city of Karachi particularly. Instead it has made an allocation of about Rs. 4 billion for purchase of luxury vehicles for the use of employees of the Sindh Government.”

The bench, in its order, stated that “we find that the allocation of funds of about Rs.4 billion for importing of luxury vehicles is not justifiable looking at the ground realities prevailing in the Province of Sindh. Thus, till the next date of haring we restrain the Government of Sindh from incurring from the budget, 2020-2021 expenses for the procurement of vehicles through import or local procurement.” [38]

Supreme Court questions NDMA over preferential treatment to a private company

Chairman NDMA Lt. Gen. Muhammad Afzal

In the short order issued by the Supreme Court on June 25, [39] the Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice has directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to explain why a private company was given special favour to import machinery for making N95 masks and why the NDMA chartered a special plane to airlift the machinery.[40]

“The report submitted by NDMA lacks some particulars… If NDMA was the purchaser of N-95 Masks produced by this company then NDMA could not have been the facilitator of this Company for the import of machinery. The documents indicate that NDMA itself chartered an aircraft for airlifting the machinery… Flight clearance was sought from the Chinese Government through the Pakistan Embassy, and whether the facilitation provided to this Company was also made available to other business entities in Pakistan by publication in newspapers, etc.,” the order stated. [41]

SC asks Government for a Uniform National Legislation to Manage Coronavirus

Supreme Court of Pakistan

During the hearing of the suo motu case on June 8, the Supreme Court bench headed by the Chief Justice, asked the Federal Government to take the health emergency seriously and come up with a uniform national legislation instead of passing executive orders to deal with the pandemic, which have “trampled and affected the fundamental rights of people.” [42]

It may be noted that despite the continued surge in coronavirus infections across the country during May 2020, a Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan, had passed the order to set aside the federal government’s decision to close shops, markets and businesses on Saturdays and Sundays.[43] However, in the June 8 hearing, the Supreme Court bench altered its earlier direction and allowed the Federal government to make policies in accordance with its strategies to meet the COVID-19 threat.

Instead of the five-judge bench, the Supreme Court bench hearing the case comprised only four judges seated at some distance from each other. “We are also feeling the heat in this court as two judges have tested positive,” observed the Chief Justice of Pakistan.[44]

The bench also questioned “why the legislatures cannot function when other institutions are functioning,” while recalling how China, followed by other countries, immediately made the law when the virus had started spreading. [45]

Political Discourse reduced to Mud-Slinging: Supreme Court

Parliament House, Islamabad

In the hearing held on June 25, the Supreme Court bench questioned the the inability of the Parliament to lead during this crisis. [46]

Reportedly, Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Gulzar Ahmed said that Parliament does not seem to be bothered about this state of affairs. Another member of the bench, Justice Qazi Amin Ahmed, also observed that ‘political discourse has been reduced to mere mud-slinging.’ [47]

Peshawar High Court sets aside 200 convictions by Military Courts

Peshawar High Court

On June 16, a Peshawar High Court bench comprising Chief Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth and Justice Mohammad Naeem Anwar pronounced a short order setting aside conviction of around 200 suspected militants by military courts, sentenced to death or different prison terms including life sentence, and ordered the relevant authorities to set them free if not required in any other case. [48]

In May 2020, the Supreme Court had stopped the Peshawar High Courts from issuing interlocutory orders such as grant of bail to appellants convicted by military courts on terrorism charges. [49] A Supreme Court bench comprising Justice Mushir Alam and Justice Qazi Mohammad Amin Ahmed has been hearing Federal Government’s plea through 71 appeals against the November 2018 order of the Peshawar High Court that had set aside military courts’ convictions.[50] During the course of hearing, the SC bench observed that the previous judgement of the PHC had been recognised by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav case after the federation of Pakistan had relied on that judgement. [51]

The Peshawar High Court bench, however, adjourned hearing of around 100 petitions where the Ministry of Defence has yet to produce the relevant record. [52]

COAS plays key role in promoting Afghan Peace Process

A US delegation led by US Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation in conversation with Chief of Army Staff and his team

In a meeting held between Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, US Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation, and General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff, both agreed to continue working towards ‘mutually agreed goals’ defined in the landmark peace deal between the US and Taliban in Doha in February.[53]

The meeting was held on June 7 to discuss “matters of mutual interest, overall regional security situation including Afghan refugees issue / Afghan Reconciliation Process and Pak-Afghan border management.”[54] The ISPR press release did not share names of delegates on the United States and Pakistan Army’s side. It is unclear whether a Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative was present during the meeting.

Chief of Army Staff in one-on-one meeting with President of Afghanistan, Mr. Ashraf Ghani

Later, on June 09, General Qamar Javed Bajwa undertook a one-day visit to Afghanistan where he held one-on-one meetings with President Ashraf Ghani and Chairman High Council for National Reconciliation of Afghanistan, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah. [55]

Chief of Army Staff in one-on-one meeting with Chairman High Council for National Reconciliation of Afghanistan, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah

According to the ISPR, the Chief of Army Staff was accompanied by Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Affairs, Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq. In addition, DG ISI, Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed, was also part of the delegation.

Reportedly, the two sides discussed current developments in Afghan Peace Process and necessary steps to be undertaken to facilitate an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process, [56] where Dr Abdullah also highlighted “Pakistan’s constructive role in this regard”. [57]

In its editorial, Dawn wrote that from a local standpoint, it seems odd that the Kabul sojourn was a “military-led initiative,”… leading to legitimate questions whether the elected government of the PTI is “disinterested in the Afghanistan file, or if it is being told to stay away.” [58]

On June 25, Ambassador of Afghanistan to Pakistan, Mr. Shukrullah Atif Mashal, also called on Chief of Army Staff, to discuss “matters of mutual interest and overall regional security situation.’ ‬[59]

Pakistan Army to help in combating Locusts

COAS receiving a briefing on NLCC efforts on managing Locust threat

On June 4, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff, visited the National Locust Control Centre (NLCC) in Rawalpindi. [60]

According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the COAS was briefed by Engineer in Chief, Lieutenant General Moazzam Ejaz, Chief Coordinator, NLCC, about the efforts being undertaken to counter locust threat.

Offering the help of the Pakistan Army, the COAS said that the “Army will make all possible resources available to help civil administration in combating locust threat.” [61]

He also appreciated the role of the NLCC role in synergizing national efforts in line with the National Action Plan. [62]

Bajwa and Gates discuss polio-eradication plans in Pakistan

Mr. Bill Gates and General Qamar Javed Bajwa

The ISPR reported that General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff, and Mr. Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), held a telephone conversation on June 10 in the context of polio eradication drive in Pakistan. [63]

In response to appreciation of Pakistan Army’s help in enabling the campaign through provision of security, monitoring and bridging of capacity gaps by Mr. Bill Gates, General Bajwa said that the Army has played a part in the significant initiatives undertaken by the Government of Pakistan and health care departments of provinces as ‘a national duty.’ He also said that despite COVID-19, Pakistan Army in support of Govt’s efforts, has already made preparations to restart anti polio campaign in coming weeks.

Reportedly, Gen. Bajwa and Mr. Gates discussed ‘challenges in face of current and future Pandemic threats and efforts to enhance the resilience of population through education, flexible healthcare management and use of technology.’ [64]

COAS Receives Chinese Military Medical Team

COAS with the Chinese Military Medical Team

Thanking China for its support to Pakistan in managing the coronavirus pandemic, Chief of Army Staff has said that multinational support and global cooperation is vital to boost national efforts to manage the disease and also its economic impact. He was meeting a ten member People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Medical Team which called on him on June 23.[65]

The ISPR also reported that during the meeting, ‘matters related to COVID containment and Pakistan’s comprehensive response against COVID-19 were discussed,’ as the Chinese team re-assured China’s continued support for Pakistan at all forums.

COAS receives Japanese Ambassador

COAS with Japanese Ambassador

On June 26, Chief of Army Staff received Ambassador of Japan for a meeting where matters of mutual interest, regional security situation and measures to enhance bilateral cooperation were discussed. Army Chief appreciated Japan’s contributions to Pakistan in fight against COVID-19. [66]

Corps Commanders’ Conference

Corps’ Commander Conference

In the Corps’ Commanders Conference held on June 17, the forum reportedly discussed Pakistan “Army’s ongoing support to Govt against COVID-19, Locust threat, Polio campaign & ways to improve the same within available resources.” [67]

In a series of tweets, Director General ISPR shared that the forum underscored the need for every individual to observe basic procedures and discipline as COVID-19 can only be fought as a ‘whole of nation approach.’ [68]

The conference also “expressed satisfaction on continued reduction in incidents of violence across the country, gradual positive effects of ongoing Afghan Peace Process along Western Border, and resolved to keep supporting the normalization process through national institutions. [69]

Prime Minister’s Interactions with Services Chiefs

Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan chairing a meeting at the NCOC

During June 2020, Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan met and interacted with Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, twice:

  1. Prime Minister’s visit to ISI Headquarter on June 3, where Army Chief was also part of the briefing [70]
  2. Prime Minister’s visit to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on June 18 [71]

On June 22, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, also called on the Prime Minister. During the meeting, matters pertaining to Pakistan Air Force were discussed. [72]

Minister of Defence was not part of any interactions between Prime Minister and the Services Chiefs.

New Zealand Prime Minister Appoints Assistant Chief of Defence to Manage COVID-19 Quarantine

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern

On June 17, New Zealand Premier Jacinda Ardern appointed Assistant Chief of Defence to take over management of New Zealand’s quarantine facilities. The change from management of quarantine facilities by New Zealand’s Ministry of Health to Assistant Chief of Defence was brought about after two new cases were reported in New Zealand on June 16, breaking a 24-day streak of no new COVID-19 cases in the country. [73]

The two cases emerged due to a reported lapse in the system as two travellers from the UK were given a special ‘compassionate exemption’ from Government-managed isolation to attend a funeral without being tested before leaving. [74]

Terming it as “an unacceptable failure of the system,” [75] Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said it should never have happened and it cannot be repeated. Our borders, and the control at our borders must be rigorous and disciplined, she said, adding that:

I am appointing the Assistant Chief of Defence, Air Commodore Digby Webb, to oversee all quarantine and managed isolation facilities including the processes around the exit of those who have been in these facilities. As the Assistant Chief of Defence, he can also seek access to our military’s logistics, operational expertise, and if needed, personnel to assist in the running of the facilities. Air Commodore Webb will undertake a start-to-finish-audit of existing systems and written protocols to ensure they are being fully implemented, and will make any changes needed to further strengthen our border defences.” [76]

Prime Minister Ardern also said that New Zealand’s Assistant Chief of Defence, Air Commodore Webb, “will regularly report to ministers.” [77]

After being declared COVID-19 free in the beginning of June 2020,[78] New Zealand has reported 22 new cases of COVID-19 within June 2020 comprising those citizens or residents who entered New Zealand from overseas. [79]

“I should not have been there:” US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley

General Mark Milley, US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman

“My presence in that moment and in that environment created a perception of the military involved in domestic politics,” said the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley in a pre-recorded video address at the National Defence University commemoration on June 10. [80]

“I should not have been there,” he said of his appearance at the politically charged event on June 1 when he had joined President Donald Trump as he walked from the White House to a nearby church for a photo opportunity after authorities cleared the way of protesters using tear gas and rubber bullets.

His remarks were made reportedly after what has been termed as a ‘rare outpouring of condemnation from retired U.S. generals and even former defence secretary Jim Mattis’ for taking part in the event’ as the U.S. military is meant to be apolitical and is sworn to defend the U.S. Constitution, which protects the right to peaceful protest. [81]

References

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  2. Anis, M. (2020) Americans ‘martyred, killed’ Osama: No confusion, contradiction in my policies, says PM Imran Khan. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/677779-americans-martyred-osama-no-confusion-contradictions-in-my-policies-says-pm (Accessed 6 July 2020)
  3. YouTube (2020) PM Imran Khan Live Speech in National Assembly | 25th June 2020. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5T1vOWs9Ok (Accessed 17 July 2020).
  4. YouTube (2020) PM Imran Khan Live Speech in National Assembly | 25th June 2020. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5T1vOWs9Ok (Accessed 17 July 2020).
  5. VoA News (2009) US Shares Drone Intelligence with Pakistan, But No Joint Control. Available at: https://www.voanews.com/archive/us-shares-drone-intelligence-pakistan-no-joint-control (Accessed 17 July 2020).
  6. Anis, M. (2020) Americans ‘martyred, killed’ Osama: No confusion, contradiction in my policies, says PM Imran Khan. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/677779-americans-martyred-osama-no-confusion-contradictions-in-my-policies-says-pm (Accessed 6 July 2020)
  7. Wasim, A. (2020) Imran rubbishes talk of ‘minus one’ formula. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1566243/imran-rubbishes-talk-of-minus-one-formula (Accessed 6 July 2020)
  8. Wasim, A. (2020) Imran rubbishes talk of ‘minus one’ formula. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1566243/imran-rubbishes-talk-of-minus-one-formula (Accessed 6 July 2020)
  9. Ayub, I. (2020) 18th Amendment needs to be ‘reviewed’: PM. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1564273 (Accessed 8 July 2020)
  10. The News (2020). 18th Amendment turned CMs into dictators: PM Imran Khan. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/674140-18th-amendment-turned-cms-into-dictators-pm-imran-khan (Accessed 8 July 2020)
  11. Ayub, I. (2020) 18th Amendment needs to be ‘reviewed’: PM. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1564273 (Accessed 8 July 2020)
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  13. Dawn (2020) No compromise on security, says Imran. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1561130/no-compromise-on-security-says-imran (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  14. PMO (2020) Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Headquarters Inter Services Intelligence along with Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Available at: https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=3471 (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  15. Raza, S. (2020) Imran lifts restrictions on tourism industry. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1560666/imran-lifts-restrictions-on-tourism-industry (Accessed 8 July 2020).
  16. PMO (2020) Prime Minister Imran Khan today chaired meeting of National Coordination Committee at Islamabad. Available at: https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=3467 (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  17. PMO (2020) Prime Minister Imran Khan today chaired meeting of National Coordination Committee at Islamabad. Available at: https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=3467 (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  18. Junaidi, I. (2020) Availability of drugs, beds in hospitals ordered. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1564457/availability-of-drugs-beds-in-hospitals-ordered (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  19. VoA (2020) ‘پارٹی کے اندرونی جھگڑوں سے حکومت کو نقصان پہنچا. Available at: https://www.urduvoa.com/a/fawad-chaudhry-says-party-internal-politics-damaged-pti-government-reputation-22jun2020/5472370.html (Accessed 8 July 2020).
  20. VoA (2020) ‘پارٹی کے اندرونی جھگڑوں سے حکومت کو نقصان پہنچا. Available at: https://www.urduvoa.com/a/fawad-chaudhry-says-party-internal-politics-damaged-pti-government-reputation-22jun2020/5472370.html (Accessed 8 July 2020).
  21. VoA (2020) ‘پارٹی کے اندرونی جھگڑوں سے حکومت کو نقصان پہنچا. Available at: https://www.urduvoa.com/a/fawad-chaudhry-says-party-internal-politics-damaged-pti-government-reputation-22jun2020/5472370.html (Accessed 8 July 2020).
  22. Senate of Pakistan (2020) Attendance of Members. http://senate.gov.pk/en/attendance.php?id=1&catid=261&subcatid=301&cattitle=Attendance%20of%20Members (Accessed 6 July 2020).
  23. Khan, I. (2020) Opposition puts no trust in air crash inquiry commission. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1562736/opposition-puts-no-trust-in-air-crash-inquiry-commission (Accessed 6 July 2020)
  24. Khan, I. (2020) Opposition puts no trust in air crash inquiry commission. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1562736/opposition-puts-no-trust-in-air-crash-inquiry-commission (Accessed 6 July 2020)
  25. Dawn (2020) Barbs fly in NA as opposition rejects budget. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1564678/barbs-fly-in-na-as-opposition-rejects-budget (Accessed 6 July 2020)
  26. Dawn (2020) Barbs fly in NA as opposition rejects budget. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1564678/barbs-fly-in-na-as-opposition-rejects-budget (Accessed 6 July 2020)
  27. Radio Pakistan (2020) NA Speaker calls on Prime Minister. Available at: https://www.radio.gov.pk/11-06-2020/na-speaker-meets-pm (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  28. Bhatti, H. (2020) SC throws out presidential reference against Justice Qazi Faez Isa, terms it ‘invalid’. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1564513 (Accessed 8 July 2020).
  29. Dawn (2020) (Accessed 7 July 2020). ‘The sword is still hanging’: Legal fraternity reacts to SC’s decision to quash reference against Justice Qazi Faez Isa. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1564526 (Accessed 8 July 2020).
  30. Babar Sattar (2020) 19 June. Available at: https://twitter.com/Babar_Sattar/status/1274040444708622337 (Accessed 8 July 2020).
  31. Babar Sattar (2020) 19 June. Available at: https://twitter.com/Babar_Sattar/status/1274040445472038914 (Accessed 8 July 2020).
  32. Bhatti, H. (2020) SC throws out presidential reference against Justice Qazi Faez Isa, terms it ‘invalid’. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1564513 (Accessed 8 July 2020).
  33. Rizvi, I. (2020) اب ایک نہیں چار قاضی ہیں. Available at: https://www.independenturdu.com/node/39586 (Accessed 8 July 2020).
  34. Dawn (2020) Govt once removed over surveillance, recalls SC judge. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1562986/govt-once-removed-over-surveillance-recalls-sc-judge (Accessed 8 July 2020).
  35. Daily Times (2020) Govt officials wrongly briefed PM on Justice Faiz case verdict: Farogh. Available at: https://dailytimes.com.pk/631891/govt-officials-wrongly-briefed-pm-on-justice-faiz-case-verdict-farogh/ (Accessed 8 July 2020).
  36. Dawn (2020) Social contract between State, subjects not being complied with: CJP. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1565267/social-contract-between-state-subjects-not-being-complied-with-cjp (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  37. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob (2020) 27 June. Available at: https://twitter.com/ABMPildat/status/1276887520777850881 (Accessed 8 July 2020).
  38. Supreme Court (2020) Order in Suo Moto Case No.1 of 2020 [SUO MOTO ACTION REGARDING COMBATING THE PANDEMIC OF CORONA VIRUS (COVID -19)]. Available at:https://www.supremecourt.gov.pk/downloads_judgements/s.m.c._1_2020_25062020.pdf (Accessed 8 July 2020).
  39. Supreme Court (2020) Order in Suo Moto Case No.1 of 2020 [SUO MOTO ACTION REGARDING COMBATING THE PANDEMIC OF CORONA VIRUS (COVID -19)]. Available at:https://www.supremecourt.gov.pk/downloads_judgements/s.m.c._1_2020_25062020.pdf (Accessed 8 July 2020).
  40. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob (2020) 27 June. Available at: https://twitter.com/ABMPildat/status/1276889549646581766 (Accessed 8 July 2020).
  41. Supreme Court (2020) Order in Suo Moto Case No.1 of 2020 [SUO MOTO ACTION REGARDING COMBATING THE PANDEMIC OF CORONA VIRUS (COVID -19)]. Available at:https://www.supremecourt.gov.pk/downloads_judgements/s.m.c._1_2020_25062020.pdf (Accessed 8 July 2020).
  42. Iqbal, N. (2020) SC tells govt to take Covid-19 seriously. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1562326/sc-tells-govt-to-take-covid-19-seriously (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  43. Iqbal, N. (2020) SC orders opening of all shopping malls. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1558179/sc-orders-opening-of-all-shopping-malls (Accessed 10 June 2020).
  44. Iqbal, N. (2020) SC tells govt to take Covid-19 seriously. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1562326/sc-tells-govt-to-take-covid-19-seriously (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  45. Iqbal, N. (2020) SC tells govt to take Covid-19 seriously. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1562326/sc-tells-govt-to-take-covid-19-seriously (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  46. Dawn (2020) Social contract between State, subjects not being complied with: CJP. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1565267/social-contract-between-state-subjects-not-being-complied-with-cjp (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  47. Dawn (2020) Social contract between State, subjects not being complied with: CJP. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1565267/social-contract-between-state-subjects-not-being-complied-with-cjp (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  48. Shah, W. (2020) PHC sets aside 200 convictions by military courts. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1564018/phc-sets-aside-200-convictions-by-military-courts (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  49. Iqbal, N. (2020) PHC stopped from issuing orders in cases of military courts convicts. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1556949/phc-stopped-from-issuing-orders-in-cases-of-military-courts-convicts (Accessed 10 June 2020).
  50. PILDAT (2020) Monitor on Inter-Institutional Relations: May 2020. Available at: https://pildat.org/civil-military-relations1/pildat-monitor-on-inter-institutional-relations-in-pakistan-may-2020 (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  51. Shah, W. (2020) PHC sets aside 200 convictions by military courts. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1564018/phc-sets-aside-200-convictions-by-military-courts (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  52. Shah, W. (2020) PHC sets aside 200 convictions by military courts. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1564018/phc-sets-aside-200-convictions-by-military-courts (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  53. Dawn (2020) Pakistan, US review Afghan peace process. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1562002/pakistan-us-review-afghan-peace-process (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  54. ISPR (2020) Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, US Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), today. Available at: https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5727 (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  55. ISPR (2020) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), held one-on-one meetings with President Ashraf Ghani and Chairman High Council for National Reconciliation of Afghanistan, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah during his visit to Kabul on Tuesday 09 June 2020. Available at: https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5734 (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  56. ISPR (2020) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), held one-on-one meetings with President Ashraf Ghani and Chairman High Council for National Reconciliation of Afghanistan, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah during his visit to Kabul on Tuesday 09 June 2020. Available at: https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5734 (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  57. Dawn (2020) COAS Kabul Visit. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1562770/coas-kabul-visit (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  58. Dawn (2020) COAS Kabul Visit. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1562770/coas-kabul-visit (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  59. ISPR (2020) Mr. Shukrullah Atif Mashal, Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), today. Available at: https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5752 (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  60. ISPR (2020) Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Qamar Javed Bajwa, visited National Locust Control Centre (NLCC) Rawalpindi today. Available at: https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5726 (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  61. Dawn (2020) Bajwa promises help in anti-locust measures. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1561434/bajwa-promises-help-in-anti-locust-measures (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  62. ISPR (2020) Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Qamar Javed Bajwa, visited National Locust Control Center (NLCC) Rawalpindi today. Available at: https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5726 (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  63. ISPR (2020) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Mr. Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) had a telephone conversation, today. Available at: https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5737 (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  64. Dawn (2020) Plan ready to restart polio eradication drive: army chief. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1562732/plan-ready-to-restart-polio-eradication-drive-army-chief (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  65. ISPR (2020) A ten member People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Medical Team led by Major General Doctor Zhou Feihu, Chief of ICU Department, PLA General Hospital, called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), today. Available at: https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5750 (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  66. ISPR (2020) Mr Kuninori Matsuda, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), today. Available at: https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5754 (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  67. Syed, B. S. (2020) Army vows to continue foiling Indian designs. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1564272/army-vows-to-continue-foiling-indian-designs (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  68. DG ISPR (2020) 17 June. Available at: https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR/status/1273248709476855812 (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  69. DG ISPR (2020) 17 June. Available at: https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR/status/1273248709476855812 (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  70. Dawn (2020) No compromise on security, says Imran. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1561130/no-compromise-on-security-says-imran (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  71. Junaidi, I. (2020) Availability of drugs, beds in hospitals ordered. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1564457/availability-of-drugs-beds-in-hospitals-ordered (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  72. PMO (2020) Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan called on Prime Minister Imran Khan at Islamabad. Available at: https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=3503 (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  73. Burrows, M. (2020) COVID-19: Two new coronavirus cases in New Zealand. Available at: https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/06/covid-19-two-new-coronavirus-cases-in-new-zealand.html (Accessed 17 June 2020).
  74. Ensor, J. (2020) Coronavirus: NZ has one new case of COVID-19. Available at: https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/06/coronavirus-nz-has-one-new-case-of-covid-19.html (Accessed 18 June 2020).
  75. Burrows, M. (2020) Coronavirus: PM Jacinda Ardern announces raft of changes after two new COVID-19 cases. Available at: https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/06/coronavirus-pm-jacinda-ardern-announces-raft-of-changes-after-two-new-covid-19-cases.html (Accessed 18 June 2020).
  76. Stuff (2020) Live: Jacinda Ardern tightens quarantine, as ministry tracks 320 Covid-19 close contacts. Available at: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/300036706/live-jacinda-ardern-tightens-quarantine-as-ministry-tracks-320-covid19-close-contacts (Accessed 17 June 2020).
  77. Ibid.
  78. BBC (2020) New Zealand lifts all Covid restrictions, declaring the nation virus-free. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-52961539 (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  79. Ministry of Health (2020) COVID-19 media update, 1 July. Available at: https://www.health.govt.nz/news-media/news-items/covid-19-media-update-1-july (Accessed 7 July 2020).
  80. Stewart, P. (2020) After rebuke, top U.S. general says joining Trump church walk during protests was ‘mistake’. Available at:https://www.reuters.com/article/us-minneapolis-protests-apology/top-u-s-general-regrets-joining-trump-church-walk-during-protests-idUSKBN23I264?feedType=RSS&feedName=domesticNews (Accessed 8 July 2020)
  81. Stewart, P. (2020) After rebuke, top U.S. general says joining Trump church walk during protests was ‘mistake’. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-minneapolis-protests-apology/top-u-s-general-regrets-joining-trump-church-walk-during-protests-idUSKBN23I264?feedType=RSS&feedName=domesticNews (Accessed 8 July 2020).


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