PILDAT Monitor on Inter-Institutional Relations in Pakistan | October 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. Mr. Nawaz Sharif accuses Security Establishment for ouster of his government
  2. COAS announces inquiry into Sindh IG’s abduction
  3. Criticism of the Foreign Minister by Former Speaker National Assembly
  4. Opposition’s real problem is with the ISI: Prime Minister
  5. Prime Minister acquitted in Parliament House attack case
  6. Pakistan Remains on FATF grey list
  7. Interior Minister’s Comments Anger Opposition Parties
  8. Acceptance of Resignation of Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting
  9. Army help will not be sought for Gilgit Baltistan elections
  10. Sindh High Court asks Army to retrieve Forests Department Land
  11. Honourable Chief Justice Lahore High Court Questions induction of Army Officers in Civil Service
  12. Supreme Court issues notice to Prime Minister Imran Khan
  13. Supreme Court forms commission for Sindh projects
  14. Military Courts trial
  15. Justice Qazi Faez Isa Case
  16. COAS interactions with Foreign Dignitaries
  17. Corps Commanders’ Conference
  18. Prime Minister’s Interactions with COAS
  19. Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly meets Foreign Dignitaries
  20. Chairman Senate meets Foreign Dignitaries
  21. Afghanistan Peace Process
  22. Thailand Protests

Mr. Nawaz Sharif accuses Security Establishment for ouster of his government

Former Prime Minister Mr. Nawaz Sharif

While addressing another PDM jalsa in Gujranwala on October 16, in another unexpected move, former Prime Minister Mr. Nawaz Sharif accused the security establishment of being behind the ouster of his government and for “bringing Imran Khan into power.” [1]

He questioned who made the state above a state and who was responsible for creating multiple power centres and governments in Pakistan. He went on to name and blame the Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa for the bad governance under Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan.

“Imran Niazi ki iss na ehl hakumat ki tabahkaarion ka kon zimidaar hai? General Qamar Javed Bajwa sahab, yeh saughaat aap hi ki di hui hain. Aap hi iss musibat ki maari qaum ki pareshaanion ka mujib hain. General Qamar Javed Bajwa Sahab, aap ne humari achi bhalli chalti hakumat ko rukhsat karaya aur mulk aur qaum ko apni khwahishat ki bheent charhaya. Memberaan e Parliament ki khareed o farokht jis se hum arsa daraz se jaan chura chukke thay dubara aap ne shuru karwayi. Judgon se zor zabardasti ke faislay aap ne likhwaye. Insaaf karne ke jurm mein Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui aur Qazi Faez Isa ke khilaf tamaam iqdamaat aapke eema per kiye gaye. Aap ne electionon mein awaam ke intikhab ko rad kar ke apni marzi ka na ehl tola iss qaum par musallat kiya. Nateeje mein hone wali barbaadi ke bhi aap hi zimedaar hain.” [2]

In the same speech, former Prime Minister also named Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed, for orchestrating everything.

Aur General Faiz, General Faiz yeh sab kuch aap ke haathon se hua hai. Jawab bhi aap ko dena hoga.”

COAS announces inquiry into Sindh IG’s abduction

Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressing press conference

On October 20, the ISPR announced that Chief of the Army Staff has taken notice of and ordered an immediate inquiry into the “Karachi incident” minutes after Chairman Pakistan Peoples’ Party, Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, demanded that COAS and DG ISI investigate “who were the people who surrounded” the IG Sindh’s residence and took him to an unspecified location before PML-N leader retired Capt. (Retd.) Mohammad Safdar, husband of Ms. Maryam Nawaz, was arrested in Karachi.

I demand of DG ISI Faiz Hameed and Chief of Army Staff Gen Bajwa to investigate your institution [and] how it is operating in this province,” said Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari while addressing a press conference. He also said that Sindh provincial government will also carry out its own inquiry. He said that a number of top Sindh Police officers were “resigning or going on leave because the incident had become a “question of their honour.” “If there is no respect left for my police, how will they do their jobs? This is unacceptable,” he said. “There should be some red lines which are not to be crossed” and, “I think many red lines were crossed in this incident which should not become a precedent,” said the PPP leader.

Following Capt. (Retd.) Mohammad Safdar’s arrest, PML-N leader and former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair alleged that Sindh IG of Police was kidnapped and forced to register the First Information Report (FIR) against Ms. Maryam Nawaz Sharif and her husband, Capt. (Retd.) Mohammad Safdar and 200 others for violating the sanctity of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s mausoleum. The claim got credence as media reports showed that IG Sindh and senior police officials requested to go on leave for two months as the IG’s letter stated that ridiculing and manhandling of the police high command shocked and demoralized all ranks of the Sindh. Police and he was unable to discharge his duties in this stressful situation. [3]

Reportedly, the Chief of Army Staff also held a telephonic conversation with Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and assured him that an impartial inquiry would be carried out within 10 days. In a brief statement by the ISPR, it was communicated that the COAS had directed Karachi Corps Commander to conduct an inquiry into the circumstances and report back as soon as possible.[4]

Criticism of the Foreign Minister by Former Speaker National Assembly

Former Speaker NA Sardar Ayaz Sadiq addresses a press conference in Lahore

Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly on October 28, former speaker of the National Assembly and senior PML-N leader, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq alleged that Pakistan had released captured Indian Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman under fear of retaliation from the Indian Armed Forces. He also claimed that Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Mr. Shah Mahmood Qureshi had, at the time, requested the opposition parties to send Abhinandan back or India would attack.

“Abhinandan ki kya baat karte hain. Mujhe yaad hai Shah Mahmood Qureshi ke saath uss meeting mein thay jis mein Prime Minister Sahab ne aane se inkaar kar diya aur Chief of Army Staff tashreef laaye. Payr kaanp rahe thay, paseene maathay pe thay, aur hum se Shah Mahmood Sahab ne kaha, Foreign Minister sahib ne, ke Khuda ka waasta hai ab isko waapis jaane dou, kyunke 9 baje raat ko Hindustan Pakistan par attack kar raha hai. Woh koi Hindustan ne attack nahin karna tha kuch nai hona tha. Siraf ghutne taik ke Abhinandan ko wapis bhejna tha, jo inhon ne kiya.”[5]

The unfortunate remarks by the former Speaker criticising Pakistan’s Foreign Minister by quoting from an in-camera meeting was found inappropriate by many. The remarks by Sardar Ayaz Sadiq gained traction in the Indian media also. On October 29, the Foreign Office of Pakistan too released a statement categorically rejecting that Wing Commander Abhinandan had been released under any pressure.[6] Director General of the Inter Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar also held a presser in which he tried to correct the record regarding the events surrounding India’s violation of Pakistani airspace.[7]

A day after speaking on the floor of the house, Mr. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq released a video message where he said that the Indian media had taken what he had said out of context. The former Speaker went on to say that it was actually Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Imran Khan had himself called the meeting to discuss Abhinandan’s detention but did not show up.

“Imran Khan Prime Minister of Pakistan ne jab parliamentary leaders ki meeting bulayi tou jo civil leadership thi, jis mein Shah Mahmood Qureshi Sahab aur Imran Khan Sahab thay. Imran Khan Sahab ke paas tou itni himmat nai hui kyunke maathe pe itna paseena tha aur pareshaan thay. Kis ke kehne pe yeh kar rahe thay, kya pressure tha un ke uper woh unhon ne hum se share nahin kiya kyunke woh meeting mein nai tashreef laaye. Aur Shah Mahmood Qureshi Sahab ne yeh kaha ke hum unko wapis karna chah rahe hain. National interest ki khaatir hum ne yeh kiya, aur civil leadership ka yeh faisla tha jis se hum agree nahin karte thay. Koi jaldi nahin thi Abhinandan ko dene ki aap zra sa intezaar kar lete magar national interest ke liye kiya. Magar weakness civil leadership ki iss mein nazar aayi jo ke faisla Imran Khan Sahab ne kiya tha”[8]

Through the video message, former Speaker seemed to be dispelling the impression that his previous speech had targeted the establishment and instead focused the blame on PTI leaders’ Mr. Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan for releasing the Indian pilot and making Pakistan appear weak.

Opposition’s real problem is with the ISI: Prime Minister

Prime Minister Imran Khan addresses the Insaf Lawyer’s Forum

On October 9, Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan said that the opposition leaders’ real issue was that they were unable to control the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).[9] The Prime Minister went on to say that former Prime Minister Mr. Nawaz Sharif was unable to withstand pressure from former Director General ISI Lt. General (Retd.) Zaheer ul Islam because the ISI was aware of his corruption. The Prime Minister said that the reason why he had no problem with the Army was because he had a ‘clean record.’

In a separate interview on October 1, Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan said that PML-N Quaid Mr. Nawaz Sharif’s relationship with the Army always remained sour because he tried to ‘control the army.’[10] The Prime Minister made the comment in an interview with journalist Mr. Nadeem Malik on Samaa TV. Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan said that moral authority mattered in a democracy but since Mr. Nawaz Sharif lacked it the Army did not support him.

Prime Minister acquitted in Parliament House attack case

Mr. Imran Khan addressing a 2014 Sit-in

On October 29, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) acquitted Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan in a case related to the attack on the Parliament House during the PTI sit-in held in Islamabad in 2014.

The counsel for Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan informed the court that the prosecution was no longer interested in pursuing the case so it was a fit case for acquittal.[11] However, other leaders of the PTI including Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Mr. Asad Umar, Federal Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Mr. Shafqat Mahmood, Defence Minister Mr. Pervez Khattak, Senior Minister of Punjab Mr. Aleem Khan and Prime Minister’s former aide Mr. Jehangir Tareen are summoned by the court on November 21.[12]

Pakistan Remains on FATF grey list

President FATF Dr. Marcus Pleyer addresses a virtual press conference

On October 23, President of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Dr. Marcus Pleyer, announced that Pakistan would continue to remain on the Global Watchdog’s grey list for another four months.[13]

The declaration was made at the conclusion of a three-day plenary held in Paris. According to a statement by the watchdog, Pakistan had made progress on 21 of the 27 action items recommended by the FATF. Dr. Marcus Pleyer, however, stressed that the remaining 6 items were very serious issues and needed to be addressed.

The Government termed the move a ‘diplomatic victory’ for Pakistan. However, leaders of the Pakistan People’s Party alleged that the move was a failure and a result of ‘slipshod’ law drafting and lack of homework by the Government.[14] A senior leader of the PPP Senator Sherry Rehman blamed the governing PTI of bulldozing laws and disrespecting the Parliament. The PPP leader asked the Government to explain why the FATF action items could not be complied with despite the passage of two years.[15]

Interior Minister’s Comments Anger Opposition Parties

Minister for Interior Brigadier (Retd.) Ijaz Shah

On October 31, Minister for Interior Brigadier (Retd.) Ijaz Shah while speaking at a ceremony in his hometown said that the Awami National Party’s (ANP) leaders had been targeted by the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for their stance against terrorism. The Interior Minister then said that he was praying for the safety of the people following PML-N’s anti-establishment narrative.[16]

The statement by the Interior Minister elicited a strong response from ANP President Mr. Asfandyar Wali Khan who said the ANP had stood by the security forces during the war on terror and had sacrificed hundreds of its workers.[17] Mr. Asfandyar Wali asked the government to explain if the sacrifices were for the protection of the State or against it.

The Spokesman for PPP Chairman, Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar termed the Interior Minister’s statement a violation of the National Action Plan (NAP) and asked that the Interior Minister to apologize to the nation and the workers of the political parties killed by terrorist attacks.

Acceptance of Resignation of Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting

Lt. General (Retd.) Asim Saleem Bajwa

On October 12, Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan accepted the resignation of Lt. General (Retd.) Asim Saleem Bajwa from the position of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting.

The former Commander Southern Command had submitted his resignation in September after allegations were made regarding his family’s assets and offshore businesses.[18] The retired General will continue to hold his portfolio as Chairman of the CPEC Authority.[19]

Army help will not be sought for Gilgit Baltistan elections

Caretaker Chief Minister of Gilgit Baltistan Mr. Mir Afzal addresses a press conference

On October 2, the caretaker Chief Minister of Gilgit Baltistan Mir Afzal said that the Army would not be called out in the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections in Gilgit Baltistan.[20] Chief Minister Mir Afzal said that the caretaker Government was neutral and would investigate if any efforts at rigging were discovered. The Pakistan Rangers, police personnel and the Gilgit Baltistan scouts would provide security for the elections.[21]

Sindh High Court asks Army to retrieve Forests Department land

On October 1, the Sukkur bench of the Sindh High Court issued directives to the Corps Commander Karachi to retrieve thousands of acres of land illegally occupied by land grabbers. The Court remarked that the illegally acquired land remained under the occupation of influential people because the Forest Department officials and police were hand in glove with them.[22] Despite the Court’s past orders and the release of Rupees 110 million by the Sindh Government, the Forest Department had so far failed to retrieve its land.

Honourable Chief Justice Lahore High Court Questions induction of Army Officers in Civil Service

Lahore High Court building

On October 15, Honourable Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court Justice Muhammad Qasim Khan questioned the procedure through which former Army officers were placed in the civil service.[23] The Honourable Chief Justice was listening to a petition regarding appointment of former Chief Secretary (Retd.) Major Azam Suleman Khan as Punjab Ombudsman. It is pertinent to mention that Major Azam Suleman Khan had been inducted into the Civil Service through the quota reserved for the Armed Forces.

The petitioner had stated that the Ombudsman’s position was reserved for a person with legal knowledge and thus a former Judge should occupy the slot. The Chief Justice asked about the transparency of the law, inquiring ‘if the retired army officers were nominated by the Army Chief on the basis of a criteria or by personal liking.’ The Chief Justice asked for clarification regarding the law asking the Federal Deputy Attorney General to cite the law being exercised for nomination of Army Officers into the Civil Service.

Supreme Court issues notice to Prime Minister Imran Khan

Supreme Court of Pakistan building

On October 12, the Supreme Court issued a notice to Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan for utilising a public building for a private function. The Prime Minister had attended a convention of the Insaf Lawyer’s Forum (ILF), the lawyer’s wing of the PTI, in the Convention Centre in Islamabad.

A two-member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice Qazi Faez Isa took notice of the use of the Convention Centre for the event and referred the matter to the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Gulzar Ahmed, for constitution of an appropriate bench to hear the case.[24]

The notice stated that the Prime Minister had utilized the public building for an event that had no concern with the ‘exercise of powers and performance of function’ of his office under Article 248 of the Constitution. Notices were also issued to the authority which operates the Convention Centre to inquire who granted permission for use of the Centre for the private function and whether or not a payment was made and by whom for the use of the public building.[25]

Supreme Court forms commission for Sindh projects

Bahria Town Karachi

On October 20, the Supreme Court of Pakistan constituted a committee to utilise the funds amounting to Rs. 460 billion paid as a fine by Bahria Town Private Limited for its Karachi Super Highway Project (commonly referred to as Malir Cantt project of Bahria Town).[26]

The implementation bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice Faisal Arab noted that all decisions made by the Commission would be subject to approval by the Supreme Court implementation bench. The committee will be empowered to make all decisions regarding the expenditure of the total amount paid by Bahria Town Private Limited for development projects within the province of Sindh.

The bench was continuing hearing of the Karachi Super Highway Project in which Bahria Town Private Limited had been blamed for acquiring land illegally to build a project in Karachi. On March 21, 2019 a three member Supreme Court Bench had accepted the Rs. 460 million settlement offered by Bahria Town Private Limited as penalty for acquiring the land illegally. The settlement amount had become subject of a dispute between the Sindh Government and the Federal Government with both laying claim to the settlement amount. The Supreme Court had, however, ordered that the money will be deposited with the Supreme Court.[27]

Military Courts trial

Peshawar High Court building

On October 15, the Peshawar High Court issued a stay order suspending the trial of a human rights defender Mr. Idress Khattak by a military court.

Mr. Idress Khattak had been in detentions since November 13, 2019. The petitioner claimed that his trial by the Field General Court Martial (FCGM) was illegal since Mr. Khattak was not a member of the Armed forces and could not be tried under the Army Act.[28]

The Peshawar High Court bench headed by Chief Justice Waqar Ahmed Seth issued a notice to the Defence Ministry to respond to the petition against the trial.

Justice Qazi Faez Isa Case

Honourable Justice Qazi Faez Isa

On October 23, a 10-member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice Umar Ata Bandial released the detailed judgement on the Justice Qazi Faez Isa case.[29]

A case against Justice Qazi Faez Isa was launched after a Presidential reference was sent to the Supreme Judicial Council in 2019 stating that the Honourable Judge had failed to declare properties owned by his family in London. On June 19 2020, the Supreme Judicial Council had quashed the reference in a short order.[30]

In its detailed judgement, the Court held that the Presidential reference ‘suffered with multiple defects’.[31] The detailed judgement noted the President’s failure to form a considered opinion. Additionally, the judgement points out that the consent of the President or the Prime Minister was not taken in the filing of the reference. Instead, the Law Minister Dr. Farogh Naseem approved the filing of the reference.

Separately on October 22, Honourable Justice Qazi Faez Isa and his wife Mrs. Sarina Isa voluntarily released their tax documents as well as information about their assets.[32] The disclosure was made in response to a Right to Information request made under Article 19-A of the Constitution by the Women’s Action Forum (WAF). The WAF had also asked for declarations to be made by other public office holders and senior members of the Army and the Judiciary.

COAS interactions with Foreign Dignitaries

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad meets Chief of Army Staff

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, called on the Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters on October 8.[33] Matters related to regional security were discussed with special emphasis on the on-going Afghan peace process.

Chief of Defence Staff of the United Kingdom calls on Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa

General Sir Nicholas Patrick Carter, Chief of Defence Staff of the United Kingdom, met Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the GHQ on October 19.[34] Matters of mutual interest including strengthening of bilateral security and cooperation ties were discussed in the meeting. General Sir Nicholas Patrick Carter acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts for Afghanistan peace process.[35]

COAS meets Turkey’s Minister for National Defence

Turkey’s Minister for National Defence retired General Hulusi Akbar met the Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on October 26.[36] The Turkish Minister commended Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism and maintaining security in the region.

Corps Commanders’ Conference

COAS chairs the Corps Commanders’ Conference

The 236th Corps Commanders’ Conference was held at the General Headquarters on October 20. The Conference undertook a review of the recent surge in terrorist incidents in the tribal districts and Balochistan.[37]

The meeting discussed the geostrategic, regional and national security environment of the country. Tributes were paid to martyrs of the security forces. The Chief of Army Staff said that peace had been achieved in the region after long concerted efforts of the security forces and would not be compromised at any cost. “We have paid a very heavy price to achieve this peace and stability and any attempt to destabilise the country will be responded firmly.”

Prime Minister’s Interactions with Chief of Army Staff

Prime Minister Imran Khan addresses a seminar at NDU

During October 2020, Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan met and interacted with Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa 3 times.

  1. The Prime Minister addressed a seminar at the National Defence University (NDU) on skills enhancement of young population on October 7.[38]
  2. The Chief of Army Staff met Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Prime Minister Office in a meeting to discuss the internal and external security situation of the country on October 29.[39]
  3. The Prime Minister chaired a meeting of the Federal Cabinet to discuss provision of services to underdeveloped areas of Southern Balochistan on October 29.[40]

Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly meets Foreign Dignitaries

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EU Ambassador meets Honourable Speaker Mr. Asad Qaiser

On October 6, Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Asad Qaiser, met the European Union Ambassador to Pakistan, Ms. Androulla Kaminara, at the Parliament House.

The Honourable Speaker Mr. Asad Qaiser stressed on the vast opportunities for investment in Pakistan. He also said that the Improving Parliament Project was a useful project that had helped enhance the capacity of the Parliamentarians and the Secretariat.[41]

Engineer Hekmatyar calls on Honourable Speaker of the NA

On October 20, Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Asad Qaiser, met the leader of the Hizb-i-Islami Afghanistan, Engineer Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, at the Parliament House. Mr. Asad Qaiser said that a peaceful Afghanistan was essential for the development of the region. Engineer Gulbuddin Hekmatyar commended on Pakistan’s efforts for peace and said that the Afghan nation was thankful to Pakistan for hosting Afghan refugees.[42]

Chairman Senate meets Foreign Dignitaries

EU Ambassador meets Senate Chairman Mr. Sadiq Sanjrani

On October 22, European Union Ambassador to Pakistan, Ms. Androulla Kaminara, called on Chairman Senate Mr. Sadiq Sanjrani at the Parliament House, Islamabad. The Chairman Senate termed the cooperation between Pakistan and the EU as significant and expressed a desire to further broaden collaboration in different sectors.[43]

Senate Chairman Mr. Sadiq Sanjrani meets Afghan Delegation

On October 24, an Afghan Parliamentary delegation led by Speaker of Afghan Wolesi Jirga (House of People), Mir Rehman Rehmani, met Chairman Senate Mr. Sadiq Sanjrani.[44] Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani said that establishing trade and economic ties between the two countries would help in bringing people of the two countries close.

Afghanistan Peace Process

Foreign Minister Mr. Shah Mahmood Qureshi meets Afghan Delegation

On October 19, Foreign Minister Mr. Shah Mahmood Qureshi urged all parties to honour their respective commitments and work for reduction in violence to achieve peace in Afghanistan. Foreign Minister made the comment while meeting a delegation of Afghani politicians led by Hezb-i-Islami Chief Gulbuddin Hekmatyar.[45] During the meeting, Mr. Shah Mahmood Qureshi highlighted the historic ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan and reaffirmed Islamabad’s support for the peace process.

On October 3, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Mr. Zalmay Khalilzad also highlighted the important role Pakistan had played in bringing the Afghan Taliban to the negotiation table.[46] Mr. Zalmay Khalilzad made the comments in an interview with the foreign media. The US Special Representative also expressed hope that Afghanistan and Pakistan would sign a side agreement to maintain peace within the region.[47]

Thailand Protests

Police fire water cannons to disperse protestors in Bangkok

On October 15, the Thai Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha imposed an emergency decree banning gatherings of more than four people. Ignoring the decree, around 10,000 protestors gathered in Bangkok to protest. Police resorted to using water cannons to disperse the protestors.[48] The protestors used umbrellas to protect themselves from the water cannons.

Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha revoked the emergency decree on October 22 in an effort to defuse tensions in the country’s capital. However, a Government statement on the same day stated that the decree had been lifted because the political situation had improved.[49] Meanwhile protests continued as the student-led protest movement continued to gather thousands of demonstrators around major intersections in Bangkok. The protestors have called for the Premier to step down and for a review of laws protecting the monarchy.

References

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  22. Dawn (2020) Court asks Army to retrieve forest land from grabbers. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1582682/court-asks-army-to-retrieve-forest-land-from-grabbers. (Accessed 02 October 2020)
  23. Dawn (2020) CJ questions criteria for inducting army officers into civil service. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1585247/cj-questions-criteria-for-inducting-army-officers-into-civil-service. (Accessed 16 October 2020)
  24. Khan, S. (2020) Supreme Court issues notice to PM Imran Khan for attending ILF event. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/728387-sc-notice-to-pm-for-attending-ilf-event. (Accessed 13 October 2020)
  25. Hussain, R. (2020) Supreme Court issues notice to PM Imran Khan for attending ILF event. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/728387-sc-notice-to-pm-for-attending-ilf-event. (Accessed 13 October 2020)
  26. Rao, S. (2020) SC forms commission to spend Rs 460b on Sindh projects. Available at: https://nation.com.pk/21-Oct-2020/sc-forms-commission-to-spend-rs460b-on-sindh-projects. (Accessed 21 October 2020)
  27. The News (2020) Super Highway land settlement: SC accepts Bahria Town’s Rs. 460b offer. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/447312-super-highway-land-settlement-sc-accepts-bahria-town-s-rs460b-offer. (Accessed 29 October 2020)
  28. Dawn (2020) Trial of rights activist by military court stayed. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1585287/trial-of-rights-activist-by-military-court-stayed. (Accessed 16 October 2020)
  29. Khan, S. (2020) Justice Faez Isa case: Supreme Court adjourns review pleas on petitioner’s request. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/736205-justice-faez-isa-case-supreme-court-adjourns-review-pleas-on-petitioners-request. (Accessed 29 October 2020)
  30. Iqbal, N. (2020) SC ruling highlights ‘holes’ in case against Isa. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1586722/sc-ruling-highlights-holes-in-case-against-isa. (Accessed 24 October 2020)
  31. Dawn (2020) Justice Isa case. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1587045/justice-isa-case. (Accessed 26 October 2020)
  32. Iqbal, N. (2020) Justice Isa, wife release income tax, assets detail. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1586565/justice-isa-wife-release-income-tax-assets-details. (Accessed 23 October 2020)
  33. Khan, I. (2020) Khalilzad discusses Afghan peace process with Bajwa. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1584052/khalilzad-discusses-afghan-peace-process-with-bajwa. (Accessed 09 October 2020)
  34. ISPR (2020) General Sir Nicholas Patrick Carter, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) UK called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa , today. Available at: https://ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=5896. (Accessed 19 October 2020)
  35. Dawn (2020) Pakistan Army’s efforts for peace lauded. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1585993/pakistan-armys-efforts-for-peace-lauded. (Accessed 20 October 2020)
  36. Dawn (2020) Turkish Minister meets Gen Bajwa. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1587243/turkish-minister-meets-gen-bajwa. (Accessed 27 October 2020)
  37. Khan, I. (2020) Commanders review surge in terrorist incidents. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1586162/commanders-review-surge-in-terrorist-incidents. (Accessed 21 October 2020)
  38. Wasim, A. (2020) PM for skills enhancement of young population. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1583888/pm-for-skills-enhancement-of-young-population. (Accessed 08 October 2020)
  39. PMO (2020) Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa called on Prime Minister Imran Khan at Islamabad today. Available at: https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=3643. (Accessed 29 October 2020)
  40. PMO (2020) Against the backdrop of the National Development Council meeting on July 24, 2020, a high-level meeting on development projects for the backward areas of South Balochistan was held today under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Imran Khan. Available at: https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=3641. (Accessed 29 October 2020)
  41. Yasin, A. (2020) EU envoy meets NA speaker, parliamentary cooperation discussed. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/725797-eu-envoy-meets-na-speaker-parliamentary-cooperation-discussed. (Accessed 07 October 2020)
  42. The Nation (2020) Pakistan wants peaceful, stable Afghanistan: Qaiser. Available at: https://nation.com.pk/21-Oct-2020/pakistan-wants-peaceful-stable-afghanistan-qaiser. (Accessed 21 October 2020)
  43. Senate (2020) Pakistan EU agree to boost collaboration work for development. Available at: http://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=3735. (Accessed 22 October 2020)
  44. Senate (2020) Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani has said that trade and economic links between Pakistan and Afghanistan will help bring people of the two sides more closer. Available at: http://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=3738. (Accessed 24 October 2020)
  45. Khan, I. (2020) Qureshi urges Afghan parties to work for ceasefire. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1585985/qureshi-urges-afghan-parties-to-work-for-ceasefire. (Accessed 20 October 2020)
  46. The News (2020) US admits Pakistan convinced Taliban to hold talks. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/724377-us-admits-pakistan-convinced-taliban-to-hold-talks. (Accessed 04 October 2020)
  47. Dawn (2020) US hopeful of Islamabad-Kabul ‘side’ agreement. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1583882/us-hopeful-of-islamabad-kabul-side-agreement. (Accessed 08 October 2020)
  48. Dawn (2020) Thai police use force to disperse defiant protestors. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1585487/thai-police-use-force-to-disperse-defiant-protesters. (Accessed 17 October 2020)
  49. Dawn (2020) Thai PM revokes emergency decree. Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1586534/thai-pm-revokes-emergency-decree. (Accessed 23 October 2020)

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