Update on The Performance of Democratic Institutions | August 2023

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This update is meant to identify key developments during the month on Performance of Democratic Institutions in Pakistan with selected high-profile international developments included occasionally.

  1. Dissolution of the 15th National Assembly
  2. CCI Approves Results of Population Census 2023
  3. Federal Caretaker Cabinet
  4. SIFC “Ray of Hope”: Caretaker PM
  5. Indefinite Postponement of Proceedings on Trials of Civilians under Military Courts
  6. Pakistan has had ‘similar’ hybrid models in the past: PM Shehbaz Sharif on his Federal Government
  7. Arrest of the PTI Chairman
  8. Controversy on Notifying Date of General Election
  9. Publishing of Alleged Text of Controversial Cipher
  10. US Ambassador meets CEC
  11. Full Court to hear the NAB Amendment case?
  12. Supreme Court rejects the ECP request to Revisit April 4 Verdict
  13. PM Shehbaz visits the GHQ for Farewell Visit
  14. Speaker National Assembly meets Foreign Dignitaries
  15. Chairman Senate meets Foreign Dignitaries
  16. Interactions of COAS with Foreign Dignitaries
  17. Prime Minister’s Interactions with COAS

Dissolution of the 15th National Assembly

On August 09, Prime Minister Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif advised the President to dissolve the 15th National Assembly 3 days before the completion of its 5-year term. The 15th National Assembly was elected on July 25, 2018 and its early dissolution pushed forward the general election by an additional thirty days.

Towards the end its tenure, the Federal Government used the National Assembly for a legislative spree in indecent haste. From August 4 to 9, the date of the dissolution of the Assembly, 11 laws were passed including the Pakistan Civil Aviation Bill, 2023, Toshakhana (Management and Regulation) Act, 2023, The Pakistan Airports Authority Bill, 2023, The Pakistan International Airline Corporation (Conversion) (Amendment) Bill, 2023, The Trade Organizations (Amendment) Act, 2023, The Federal Public Service Commission (Amendment) Act, 2023, The Trade Dispute Resolution Act,2022, The Official Secrets (Amendment) Act, 2023, The Federal Urdu University of Arts, Sciences and Technology, Islamabad (Amendment) Act, 2023, The Higher Education Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and The Pakistan Electronic Media Regularity Authority (Amendment) Act, 2023.

Of these, the Official Secrets(Amendment) Act, 2023 was introduced through a supplementary agenda on August 01 and passed the same day despite protests by members that the bill, alongside the two other bills including Toshakhana (Management and Regulation) Act, 2023 and The Pakistan Airports Authority Bill, 2023, were not received earlier and members did not have a chance to read those.

The Official Secrets (Amendment) Act, 2023 has granted broad powers to intelligence agencies while expanding the scope of the law to include digital and modern means of communication. The law also expanded the definitions of military installations and documents to encompass a wider range of information, including electronic and digital data related to military procurements and capabilities.[1]

Upon introduction of the bill in the Senate, it was referred to the Standing Committee for further consideration despite demands from various Senators to reject the bill through a vote. [2] The bill was passed by the Senate on August 6 after some modifications including removal of clause that initially granted intelligence agencies the power to arrest suspects or conduct searches without warrants.[3] Prime Minister maintained that the law was aimed at protecting the lives and identities of security officials who investigate terrorists and not to curtail civil liberties.[4]

While the National Assembly website showed that the Official Secrets (Amendment) Act, 2023 as well as the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Act, 2023 were “deemed to have been assented by the President with effect from 17th August, 2023,” on August 20, President Dr. Arif Alvi, through a tweet, denied having assented to the two laws and stated that since he disagreed with both laws, he had asked his staff to return the bills unsigned within the stipulated time and despite assurance from his staff, he learnt that his staff undermined his will and command. [5]

On August 22, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court seeking that the SC ask the Federal Government of its opinion about the legal status of the Official Secrets Act and the Pakistan Army Act in view of President’s statement.[6]

Earlier, President had also returned a number of laws passed by the Parliament. [7]

CCI Approves Results of Population Census 2023

Group Photo of the participants of the 50th meeting of the CCI

On August 5, the Council of Common Interests (CCI) ‘unanimously’ approved results of the 2023 population census. The 50th meeting of the CCI was chaired by Prime Minister Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, which was his lone CCI meeting as PM, and was attended by Provincial Chief Ministers including the Caretaker Chief Ministers of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. [8]

The PMO reported that the CCI meeting was also attended on special invitation by Dr. Khalid Magsi of the BAP, Syed Amin ul Haq of the MQMP, Maulana Asad Mahmood of the JUI-P and Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira of the PPP. [9]

The approval of the Population Census 2023 held significant implications for the timing of the General Election due to the possibility of fresh delimitation process. On August 17, the ECP issued a schedule of delimitation according to which its exercise of delimitation would conclude by the middle of December 2023. [10]

On August 09, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution urging the ECP to ensure holding the General Election “within the stipulated time under Article 224 of the Constitution and take immediate steps in this regard.”[11]

Despite its approval of the 2023 Census, the Peoples Party said that fresh delimitation should not delay the next General Election. [12] The PPP stance suggested that the party had only approved the results of the 2023 Population Census at the CCI after assurances that it would not delay General Election. [13] Its position was reiterated in a meeting with the Election Commission on August 29 after which the ECP indicated that it would announce the schedule of election before the conclusion of the fresh delimitation.

The ECP continued to hold consultations with various political parties including with that of the PTI and JUI-P separately on August 24. While the PTI pressed the ECP to hold General Election within the constitutionally mandated 90-day period, the JUI-P acknowledged the constitutional requirement to hold elections within 90 days but emphasized the completion of the delimitation process in light of the recently notified census results.[14] A similar position was maintained by the PML-N in meeting with the ECP on August 25 [15] and reiterated by the MQMP in its meeting with the ECP on August 28. [16] The Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) delegation, however, criticized the ECP’s decision to initiate the consultative process after announcing the delimitation schedule and suggested that an election schedule should have been announced simultaneously with the delimitation schedule to avoid any misgivings.[17] The JI also filed an application in the SC seeking a date for holding General Election within 90 days of the dissolution of the National Assembly.[18] The ECP also held consultation with the ANP on August 30 where the ECP assured the party of holding General Election latest by mid-February 2024. The BAP supported the ECP’s decision to conduct fresh and transparent delimitation while the BNP raised concerns about the undercounting of Balochistan’s population in the recent census and questioned the meaningfulness of fresh delimitation based on what they considered a flawed census.[19] On August 31, the ECP held separate consultations with the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) where the parties emphasized holding of General Election within 90 days even if fresh delimitation was required.[20]

Subsequently, the ECP announced a reduction in the delimitation schedule by about two weeks to complete it by November 30. [21]

Federal Caretaker Cabinet

Caretaker Prime Minister, Mr. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, taking oath of office

On August 14, President Dr. Arif Alvi administered oath of office to Caretaker Prime Minister, Mr. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar. [22] Mr. Kakar had been serving as a Senator belonging to the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) though he resigned from his party and the Senatorship after his appointment was announced as Caretaker PM. [23]

Consensus on appointment of Mr. Kakar emerged after weeks of deliberations between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition on August 12. While the PTI welcomed the nomination, the PPP expressed concern as their proposed names did not make final selection. [24] Mr. Akhtar Mengal of the Balochistan National Party (BNP) expressed his disappointment over Mr. Kakar’s appointment and in a letter to Mr. Nawaz Sharif criticized his exclusion from the consultation adding that political consultation, instead of reliance on the establishment for solutions, would have served the purpose better. [25]

A 16-member Caretaker Cabinet was administered oath on August 17 [26] while PM Mr. Kakar has also appointed 3 Advisors [27] and 6 Special Assistants.[28] It became the second largest caretaker cabinet since the system of caretaker governments was introduced in the Constitution by General Zia-ul-Haq in 1985.

Provincial Caretaker Chief Ministers in Sindh and Balochistan were also appointed on August 15 and August 18 respectively as Justice (Retd.) Maqbool Baqar took oath as Sindh Caretaker Chief Minister [29] and Mir Ali Mardan Domki was sworn in as Caretaker Chief Minister of Balochistan. [30]

SIFC “Ray of Hope”: Caretaker PM

In his maiden briefing on working of key Federal Ministries, Caretaker Prime Minister Mr. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on August 15 emphasised that enhancement of foreign investment under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) was among the top priorities of the Federal Caretaker government.[31] He reiterated the priority during his meeting with the Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan on August 16. [32]

On August 28, Mr. Kakar chaired the 4th meeting of the Apex Committee of the SIFC, his first as Caretaker Prime Minister, where he appreciated the “efficient functioning of SIFC through a collaborative “Whole of Government Approach” for achieving horizontal and vertical synergy,” according to the PMO. The meeting was attended by Chief of Army Staff, entire Federal Cabinet, Chief Ministers, Provincial Ministers and high-level government officials. The PMO presser stated that the COAS “reaffirmed Pakistan Army’s all out support to Caretaker Government for continuity of policies in a bid to revive country’s economy and steer Pakistan towards progress and prosperity.” [33]

A new website of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) carries ‘Messages from Leadership’ starting with a message from Caretaker Prime Minister Mr. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar followed by ‘Message From Chief of the Army Staff’ General Syed Asim Munir, HI(M) on its home page. Its Leadership Page [34] also lists Caretaker PM and COAS followed by listing under the title of ‘Our Team’ including Provincial Leadership, Federal Cabinet and Provincial Cabinet Members.

On August 17, the SIFC website announced that Caretaker Prime Minister termed the SIFC as a ‘ray of hope’ for Pakistan and ensured full use of the forum of the SIFC to carry forward the development agenda.[35]

Indefinite Postponement of Proceedings on Trials of Civilians under Military Courts

On August 3, during a hearing related to petitions against the trial of civilians in military courts, Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Umar Ata Bandial, despite requests from the petitioners to expedite the proceedings and make a decision, postponed further proceedings indefinitely. The CJP explained that while some judges were working during their vacations, others had reasons for requesting leave due to health concerns or personal matters. [36]

In his remarks during the hearing CJP Bandial expressed concern about the possibility of the Pakistan Army using force against civilians. He added that the primary role of the Army is to defend the country and its people and should not engage in actions that violate constitutional norms. He also indicated the court’s intention to prevent the Pakistan Army from taking any unconstitutional steps.

The Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP), Mr. Mansoor Usman Awan, highlighted that soldiers had demonstrated restraint during a period of unrest and protest on May 9. He emphasized that the Pakistan Army did not retaliate by shooting the attackers to avoid setting a dangerous precedent for the future. The AGP also assured the court that no trials of the 102 suspects would commence without informing the apex court.

Earlier, on August 2, the CJP had declined a fresh request to form a full court to hear the petitions.[37]

Pakistan has had ‘similar’ hybrid models in the past: PM Shehbaz Sharif on his Federal Government

PM during interview with Mr. Mir

In an interview to Mr. Hamir Mir at Geo TV on August 10, Prime Minister Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif admitted that his government was similar to previous hybrid models of governments in Pakistan.

In response to the role of Chief of the Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, in the SIFC, Prime Minister Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif defended it by saying that there were earlier similar hybrid models in Pakistan adding that Mr. Imran Khan’s government was a hybrid model too.

“Mein samajhta hoon ke maazi mein bhi iss tarah ke hybrid model banay hain; kya Imran Khan ka model hybrid nahi tha?” [38]

Arrest of the PTI Chairman

Imran says he doesn't 'need' establishment, will talk to everyone except 'thieves' - DAWN.COM

On August 5, Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister, Mr. Imran Khan was arrested from his Lahore residence and taken to Attock jail following his sentencing to three years in prison in the Toshakhana case. A Trial Court in Islamabad sentenced Mr. Khan to imprisonment. [39] He was subsequently disqualified for five years by the ECP on August 8 following the conviction.[40]

Mr. Khan’s conviction was eventually suspended by an IHC division bench consisting Chief Justice IHC Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri on August 29 and ordered his release on bail. However, his release from jail did not materialise due to the pending cipher case against him. [41] Earlier, a Supreme Court bench headed by the CJP and consisting Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel hearing Mr. Khan’s challenge to the IHC’s August 3 order, acknowledged what were termed as “procedural defects” in the August 5 conviction of the PTI Chairman in the Toshakhana reference by the Trial Court. The SC, however, had opted to wait for the IHC decision on the plea seeking the suspension of Mr. Khan’s sentence.[42]

Mr. Khan was granted B-Class facilities by the Punjab Prisons Department in the Attock Jail while Mr. Khan’s lawyers and the party claimed that they were not allowed to meet him initially, and the prison administration had turned the jail into a “no-go” area for his lawyers and local people. Federal Minister for Law, Senator Azam Nazir Tarar stated that Mr. Khan still had the right to appeal the verdict, and his punishment in the Toshakhana reference was in accordance with the law.[43]

On August 19, PTI Vice Chairman Mr. Shah Mehmood Qureshi was also arrested in an ongoing investigation into the cipher case. The FIR registered against him alleged that Mr. Khan and Mr. Qureshi communicated information contained in a secret classified document to unauthorized persons (the public) with the intention of achieving personal gains and motives that were detrimental to state security.[44]

On August 23, an Anti-Terrorism Court granted permission for a Joint Investigation Team lead by DIG investigation to interrogate and arrest PTI Chairman in connection with the case involving an attack on the Corps Commander’s House in Lahore during the May 9 riots. [45] On August 24, the ATC granted permission for the Police to interrogate Mr. Khan in six more cases related to the May 9 riots.[46]

Controversy on Notifying Date of General Election

A fresh controversy emerged on the Constitutional or legal authority to appoint the date of next General Election after the dissolution of the 15th National Assembly.

On August 23, President Dr. Arif Alvi extended an invitation to the CEC for a meeting to discuss and set a date for General Election. [47] His invitation for consultation was, however, publicly rebuffed by the CEC who took the position that after the passage of the Election (Amendment) Act, 2023 (XXXV of 2023), to which President had himself assented on June 26, 2023, it was now the duty of the Election Commission to notify a date for General Election. [48]

Earlier (before the recent amendment), Section 57 of The Elections Act, 2017 (Act No. XXXIII of 2017), had mandated the President to announce the date of General Elections after consultation with the Election Commission.

On August 30, Ministry of Law and Justice informed the President Arif Alvi that powers to appoint date of General Election rested with the ECP, not the President.[49]

Publishing of Alleged Text of Controversial Cipher

On August 9, The Intercept, a US-based news organization, published what it claimed to be the text of a diplomatic cable sent to Islamabad in 2022 by Pakistan’s Former Ambassador to the US which was allegedly cited previously by former Prime Minister, Mr. Imran Khan as proof of a US conspiracy to remove his government in April 2022.

The alleged cipher claims that the US State Department, through its representative, indeed conveyed to the Pakistani Ambassador at the time that “All will be forgiven if the no-confidence vote against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan succeeds” and that this was done in relation to Prime Minister Khan’s ‘neutrality’ on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. [50]

In response to publication of the alleged cipher, the US State Department, while refraining from confirming the authenticity of the cable, stated that its contents did not indicate the US taking a position on who should lead Pakistan. Instead, it expressed concern about the policy choices of the then-Prime Minister Imran Khan. The US spokesperson, Mr. Matthew Miller, confirmed that Washington had privately expressed concern to the Pakistani government about Mr. Khan’s policies, particularly his visit to Moscow on the day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.[51]

Prime Minister Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, in an interview on August 10, said that “If the contents of the message are published in an international newspaper and prove to be true, it would indeed be a ‘massive crime’. [52]

SC Strikes Down the Supreme Court (Review of Judgements and Orders) Act 2023

Two days after the dissolution of the 15th National Assembly, the Supreme Court, on August 11, struck down the Supreme Court (Review of Judgements and Orders) Act, 2023 (Act No.XXIII of 2023) declaring that the Parliament had gone beyond its legislative competence through its enactment. The law had received Presidential assent on May 26, 2023 to become an act of Parliament.

Earlier, a 3-member bench headed by the CJP and comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Ijazul Ahsan had reserved its verdict on June 19 with an observation that decision on the case would determine the fate of the ECP’s review petition on the SC verdict of fixing May 14 as the date for holding Punjab Assembly election. [53]

The judgement stated that the law aimed to restructure the Constitutional framework related to the Judiciary, potentially undermining the power and jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. The Act was challenged as it attempted to merge two distinct jurisdictions and introduce a right of appeal against judgments made under Article 184(3) of the Constitution, allowing the Supreme Court to review its own judgments. The judgement added that the authority to legislate regarding the review jurisdiction of Article 188 was limited by other constitutional provisions and the overall scheme of the Constitution which safeguards the independence of the judiciary. Since the Supreme Court had already framed rules under Article 191 to regulate its practice and procedure in 1980 (Supreme Court Rules 1980) and these rules had been the subject of judicial precedent, any legislation relying on Entry No 55 of the Federal Legislative List of the Constitution, under the guise of “enlarging the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court,” would intrude upon judicial independence, particularly when it sought to provide a right of appeal that did not exist in the Constitution. [54]

On August 19, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, relating to the proceedings of cases instituted under Article 184(3) of the Constitution, proposed that the CJP should temporarily halt proceedings in such cases.[55]

US Ambassador meets CEC

On August 24, US Ambassador to Pakistan, Mr. Donald Blome met with the CEC, Mr. Sikander Sultan Raja.

According to a US Embassy press release quoted in the media, the US ambassador reaffirmed that Pakistan’s leaders are the people’s choice, underscoring commitment to enhancing US-Pakistan ties regardless of the chosen leadership.[56]

Full Court to hear the NAB Amendment case?

SC intends to early conclude NAB amendment case : CJP

On August 29, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, once again requested the CJP to consider constituting a full court to hear the NAB amendment case or to wait for a decision on the validity of the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act 2023. The case pertains to amendments made to the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) in 2022. [57]

Justice Shah is part of the three-member bench headed by the CJP alongside Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan that has taken up challenges to the August 2022 amendments to the NAO.

On August 30, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah expressed his opinion that the fate of the NAB law should be left to the incoming Parliament.[58] On August 31, Justice Shah expressed concerns about attributing malice or a “colourable exercise of jurisdiction” to Parliament in amending NAB laws and questioned whether the Rs. 500 million threshold, which determines when the NAB can investigate corruption allegations, should be seen as allowing those involved in corruption below that limit to go unpunished.[59]

Supreme Court rejects the ECP request to Revisit April 4 Verdict

On August 31, a three-member bench of the Supreme Court headed by the CJP rejected the ECP request to revisit its April 4 verdict that set May 14 as the election date for the Punjab Assembly Election.[60]

On August 4, 2023, the SC issued a judgment regarding the ECP and its authority to hold fair elections. Justice Munib Akhtar authored the detailed judgment that emphasized the ECP’s authority to hold fair elections and its ability to seek relief from the Supreme Court if executive authorities were reluctant to assist it in fulfilling its duties under Article 220 of the Constitution.

The judgment clarified an earlier short order issued on April 4 where a three-judge bench led by the CJP had set May 14 as the date for the Punjab Assembly election, disregarding the ECP’s appointed date of October 8. However, for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) elections, the SC had stated that the matter had not been adjudicated upon, allowing the petitioner to approach any appropriate forum for relief. In the April 4 order, the SC had also declared the ECP’s March 22 notification, which had delayed the elections until October 8, as unconstitutional.[61]

PM Shehbaz visits the GHQ for Farewell Visit

https://ispr.gov.pk/archive_images/13384.jpeg

On August 07, Prime Minister Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif visited the GHQ for his farewell visit. He was the Chief Guest at a ceremony organised to pay tribute to the Shuhadas and Ghazis. Prime Minister was received by General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of the Army Staff, upon his arrival at the GHQ and was presented with the Guard of Honour. He also laid a floral wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada. Prime Minister paid rich tribute to the Shuhadas, Ghazis and their families for their countless sacrifices and contributions made for the defence of the motherland and appreciated the role of Armed Forces in protecting the territorial integrity of the country and robustly fighting the menace of terrorism across Pakistan. The ISPR also reported that Prime Minister said those who desecrated monuments of Shuhada, their faces will remain blackened in the history of this country and proud people of Pakistan will never forget them.[62]

Speaker National Assembly meets Foreign Dignitaries

Raja Pervez Ashraf, Speaker, National Assembly of Pakistan
  1. On August 01, UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator to Pakistan Mr. Julien Harneis, called on Raja Parvez Ashraf, Speaker, National Assembly, at the Parliament House, Islamabad. [63]
  2. On August 01, Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan, H.E. Dr Reza Amiri Moghaddam, called on Raja Parvez Ashraf, Speaker, National Assembly, at the Parliament House, Islamabad.[64]
  3. On August 03, Foreign Minister of Iran, H.E. Dr. Hossein Amirabdollahian, led delegation which called on Raja Parvez Ashraf, Speaker, National Assembly, at the Parliament House, Islamabad.[65]

Chairman Senate meets Foreign Dignitaries

Senator Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani, Chairman Senate of Pakistan
  1. On August 01, Eng. Khalid Saleh Almodaifer, Vice Minister of Industry and Production of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, called on Chairman Senate, Senator Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani at the Parliament House, Islamabad.[66]
  2. On August 03, HE Hossein Amir Abdollahian, Foreign Minister of Republic of Iran, called on Chairman Senate, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani at the Parliament House, Islamabad.[67]
  3. On August 22, Ms. Jane Marriot, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, called on Chairman Senate, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani at the Parliament House, Islamabad.[68]
  4. On August 22, Mr. Reza Amiri Moghaddam, Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Iran, called on Chairman Senate, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani at the Parliament House, Islamabad.[69]
  5. On August 23, a delegation from the United States including; Darin LaHood, US Ambassador in Pakistan H.E Donald Blome accompanied by Mr. Adam Howard, Mr. John Laufer, Mr. Rocco DiCicco, held a meeting with Chairman Senate, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani in Islamabad. [70]
  6. On August 30, Dr. Carsten Klein (Regional Director, FNF South Asia), Ms. Birgit Lamm (Head of Country Office, FNF Pakistan), and Ms. Rebea Firdous (Communication Officer, FNF Pakistan Office), called on Chairman Senate, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani at the Parliament House, Islamabad.[71]

Interactions of COAS with Foreign Dignitaries

General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff

During August 2023, General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of the Army Staff, held two meetings with foreign dignitaries:

  1. On August 01, Lieutenant General Alfonas Mais, Chief of German Army, called on Chief of the Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, at the GHQ, Rawalpindi.[72]
  2. On August 02, Her Excellency Ms. Pang Chunxue, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Major General Wang Zhong, Defence Attaché and other Chinese Embassy officials, met with the Chief of the Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, at the GHQ, Rawalpindi on the occasion of the 96th Anniversary of the founding of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China. [73]

Prime Minister’s Interactions with COAS

General Syed Asim Munir with PM, Mr. Shehbaz Sharif

Prime Minister Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of the Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir met and interacted for following activities during the month of August 2023:

  1. On August 01, COAS and PM were together at the CMH Peshawar while visiting injured of the Bajaur Blast. Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif was not present during the visit.[74]
  2. On August 1, Prime Minister addressed the Minerals Summit in Islamabad. The summit was also addressed by Chief of the Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir. [75]
  3. On August 4, Prime Minister inaugurated the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park established at the PAF Base Nurkhan, Rawalpindi. Chief of the Army Staff was also part of the ceremony. [76]
  4. On August 7, Prime Minister Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired the 3rd apex committee meeting of the SIFC. COAS was also part of the meeting. [77]
  5. On August 08, Prime Minister launched several developmental projects for Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Chief of the Army Staff also attended the ceremony. [78]
  6. On August 08, COAS received the PM at the GHQ during Prime Minister’s farewell visit at the GHQ. Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif was part of the visit.[79]

Caretaker Prime Minister’s Interactions with COAS

Care taker Prime Minister, Mr. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and Chief of the Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir met thrice during the month of August 2023:

  1. On August 15, Chief of the Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir was present at the Oath taking Ceremony of the Caretaker PM at Aiwan-e-Saddar. [80]
  2. On August 28, Chief of the Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir called on the Caretaker PM at the PM House, Islamabad.[81]
  3. On August 28, Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir joined the fourth apex committee meeting of the SIFC chaired by the Caretaker Prime Minister.[82]

References

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  8. Syed Irfan Raza, “Election delay ‘certain’ as CCI ratifies latest census,” Dawn online, August 06, 2023, accessed August 28, 2023. https://www.dawn.com/news/1768622/election-delay-certain-as-cci-ratifies-latest-census. ↑

  9. “مشترکہ مفادات کونسل (سی سی آئی ) نے ساتویں مردم شماری کی متفقہ طور پرمنظوری دے دی” PMO online, August 05, 2023, accessed September 10, 2023. https://www.pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=4797. ↑

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