Update on The Performance of Democratic Institutions | August 2024

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. Former ISI Chief arrested
2. Army has not changed it stance on May 09
3. Non-implementation of SC judgements would breach the concept of separation of powers: Justice Mansoor Ali Shah
4. Minority Judgement on Case of Reserved Seats
5. “Unprecedented Cooperation” between Political Government and National Institutions a “role model” for future administrations
6. Provincial Apex Committee Meeting of the National Action Plan
7. COAS blames foreign powers for wave of digital terrorism
8. SC ends controversy on Mubarak Sani case
9. Harvard Business School delegation calls on COAS
10. Youth is Pakistan’s biggest asset: COAS
11. Speaker National Assembly meets Foreign Dignitaries
12. Chairman Senate meets Foreign Dignitaries
13. Interactions of COAS with Foreign Dignitaries
14. Prime Minister’s Interactions with COAS

Former ISI Chief arrested

The ISPR announced on August 12 that former DG ISI, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Faiz Hameed, was taken into the military custody and the “process of Field General Court Martial has been initiated” against him. The ISPR stated that “complying with the orders of Supreme Court of Pakistan, a detailed court of inquiry was undertaken” by the Pakistan Army, “to ascertain correctness of complaints in Top City Case made against” him. The ISPR also added that “multiple instances of violation of Pakistan Army Act post retirement have also been established” against former DG ISI prompting “appropriate disciplinary action” ..under provisions of Pakistan Army Act.” ^[1] This is the first time in Pakistan’s history that a former DG of the ISI has been arrested.

After his arrest, Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif claimed that the Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Faiz Hameed played a significant role in the political developments after his retirement in November 2022. When asked whether former DG ISI’s alleged involvement in the May 9 incidents, Khawaja Asif suggested that if the rumours were accurate, the former ISI chief was likely not acting alone added that he might have provided logistics and used his experience to guide actions aimed at causing greater damage adding its possible he served as a strategic adviser during the May 9, 2023. Khawaja Asif added that while he could not say this with absolute certainty, the evidence and circumstances suggest former DG ISI’s involvement.^[2] In another interview a day later, Khawaja Asif also claimed that Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Faiz Hameed had made relentless efforts to become the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) until the very last moment. Khawaja Asif also claimed that former COAS Bajwa was also in continuous contact with the PML-N leadership seeking their support in this regard. While in service, Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed had also personally reached out in this regard as well. Khawaja Asif also stated that Gen. Bajwa had also mentioned stepping back if Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed’s name was proposed as COAS.^[3]

Commenting on the arrest of former DG ISI on August 13, 2024, former PM Imran Khan said that his relationship with former DG ISI was strictly professional. He also suggested that if Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Hameed had any involvement in the events of May 9, 2023 as some ministers have claimed, a judicial commission should be established. He also added that his association with former DG ISI had ended in October 2021 when he was replaced as the ISI chief. Former PM also alleged that Gen. (Retd.) Bajwa had removed Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Hameed from his position as the ISI chief to secure his own extension in a deal with former Prime Minister Mr. Nawaz Sharif.^[4]

On August 14, deputy superintendent of Punjab prisons, Mr. Muhammad Akram, who was transferred out of Central Jail Adiala in June 2023, was taken into custody by law-enforcement agencies on charges of ‘facilitating the PTI founder as a messenger.’ The arrest was considered an important development two days after the arrest of Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Faiz Hameed. Reportedly Mr. Muhammad Akram was picked up from jail colony and is said to have been facing an inquiry regarding ‘facilitating the PTI founder.’ The Punjab Home Department, through a notification had removed Mr. Muhammad Akram from his post and directed him to report to the Inspectorate of Prisons Punjab, Lahore on June 20, 2024.^[5]

On August 17, the federal government accused Mr. Imran Khan of masterminding a political conspiracy in collaboration with Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Faiz Hameed and others, to create anarchy and disharmony in the country. Federal Information Minister, Mr. Attaullah Tarar suggested that the scope of investigation into Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Faiz Hameed and his “co-conspirators” would be expanded in coming days.^[6]

On August 19, Mr. Imran Khan alleged that former DG ISI chief, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Faiz Hameed was being pressured to turn approver against him, potentially paving the way for Mr. Khan’s trial in a military court related to the May 9 incidents. Mr. Imran Khan alleged suggested that Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Faiz Hameed’s arrest was a tactic to falsely implicate him in these cases as the charges against him in civil courts lacked substance. Mr. Imran Khan dismissed any claims that Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Faiz Hameed had been taking instructions from his wife, Bushra Bibi, rejecting such allegations as baseless. Mr. Khan once again accused former army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa of betraying him.^[7] Later, Mr. Imran Khan also asked that any future charges of mutiny against him should be tried in public.^[8]

On August 21, Khawaja Muhammad Asif announced that Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Faiz Hameed will not have an open trial.^[9]

On August 21, amid an impression that former Chief Justice of Supreme Court Saqib Nisar will be held accountable over his alleged links with the events of May 9, former CJP Saqib Nisar said that he would return to Pakistan on September 6 or 7 and was ready to face the “propaganda” being unleashed against him. Justice (Retd.) Saqib Nisar also played down his relationship with Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Faiz Hameed saying the latter was “very respectable” towards him and they enjoyed cordial ties.^[10]

On August 24, Barrister Aqeel Malik, federal government’s spokesperson for legal affairs, suggested that Mr. Imran Khan might be tried in military courts for his alleged involvement in the violence on May 9, 2023.^[11]

Renowned analyst, anchor and columnist, Mr. Javed Chaudhry, in his two columns published on August 20 and 22 claimed that Mr. Imran Khan had become PM with the help of CJP at the time Justice Saqib Nisar and ISI’s DG-C Maj. Gen. Faiz Hameed. He also claimed that it was Faiz Hameed, who, through a conspiracy, got Lt. Gen. Asim Munir removed from the post of DG ISI. Due to his association with PM Imran Khan, Maj. Gen. Faiz Hameed became the government himself and started running PM, cabinet and parliament. He also influenced first lady Ms. Bushra Bibi who started trusting him blindly. Maj. Gen. Faiz Hameed also hatched another plan as he convinced Gen. Bajwa for extension so he could be in running for the post of COAS after three years. He convinced Mr. Imran Khan that he will destroy the PPP and the PML-N by getting their top leadership disqualified and ensure Mr. Imran Khan gets elected as PM in 2024. In turn, as PM, Mr. Imran Khan will give General Faiz extension and he will impose martial law after disqualifying PM in 2028 and will become like President Putin of Russia.^[12]

Mr. Javed Chaudhry also claimed that even when Mr. Imran Khan was attacked on November 3, 2022, it was the most difficult period for Mr. Khan but that day PTI workers did not manage a massive protest. However, after six months of the attack, May 09, 2023 happened, round 200 army installations came under attack and martyrs statues were desecrated and burnt. Since appointment of new COAS was still in play in November 29, 2022, Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed’s plan of becoming COAS was still in play. In order to become COAS, he also sent Mr. Munir (a distant relative of Mr. Nawaz Sharif) to Mr. Nawaz Sharif to appoint Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed as COAS and he would rectify all past mistakes but Mr. Sharif refused.

Mr. Javed Chaudhry also claimed that PM Shehbaz Sharif and Mr. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also wanted to give extension to Gen. Bajwa but Mr. Nawaz Sharif did not concur with that proposal and instead favoured appointing General Syed Asim Munir as COAS.^[13]

Army has not changed it stance on May 09

DG ISPR Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry held a press briefing on August 05 and emphasized that military has reiterated its firm stance of not engaging with the PTI unless the party formally apologized for its alleged involvement in the May 9 violence. He emphasized that no dialogue with the PTI will occur until the specified conditions are met.

Earlier, DG ISPR had laid out conditions for any future dialogue with the PTI asking for a sincere public apology from the party, a commitment to abandoning “politics of anarchy,” and embracing “constructive politics.”

DG ISPR also expressed disappointment over the inadequate legal response to what the military terms ‘digital terrorism’ and called for the effective application of the law as the primary means to combat digital terrorism.

DG ISPR also said that the army is prepared to take legal action against any individual, whether inside Pakistan or abroad, who engages in anti-army propaganda, incites divisions between the public and the military, or spreads false information.

The ISPR chief also criticized former military officers residing abroad, accusing them of engaging in propaganda against Pakistan and its institutions for minor financial gain, labelling them as “unprincipled sell outs.”

Lt. Gen. Chaudhry acknowledged awareness of the orchestrators and facilitators behind the recent US House resolution critical of Pakistan. He alleged that significant funds were used to engage lobbying firms and advance specific political propaganda against Pakistan. ^[14]

Non-implementation of SC judgements would breach the concept of separation of powers: Justice Mansoor Ali Shah

On August 10, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah said that non-implementation of Supreme Court judgements would breach the concept of separation of powers, which is a core component of democracy as enshrined in the Constitution. The separation of powers assigns distinct roles to the executive, legislature, and judiciary, and this structure should not be disturbed at any cost. Justice Shah warned that disregarding constitutional duties, including the implementation of court judgements, has serious consequences. He reiterated that the structure of the Constitution mandates that the Supreme Court judgements must be followed without question by the executive institutions adding implementing court decisions is not merely a courtesy but a constitutional obligation on the part of the executive. ^[15]

Earlier on August 09, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah emphasized that the Supreme Court’s orders were not just recommendations or advisories, but legally binding mandates that must be followed. He cautioned that ignoring or delaying the implementation of such verdicts challenges the very framework of the legal system.^[16]

Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah is expected to take oath as next Chief Justice of Pakistan in October 2024.

Minority Judgement on Case of Reserved Seats

Issuing a dissenting verdict regarding the Supreme Court’s July 12 judgment on reserved seats for women and non-Muslims, Justices Aminuddin Khan and Naeem Akhtar Afghan said that arguing that the majority verdict went beyond the court’s constitutional jurisdiction and created a “superstructure” that does not align with the Constitution. A majority verdict authored by Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah had earlier granted relief to the PTI.

Justices Aminuddin Khan and Naeem Akhtar Afghan criticized the majority’s decision by stating that it effectively created a new parliamentary party in the National Assembly and three provincial assemblies, which was not an issue before the Supreme Court. They argued that this relief for the PTI could not be granted without suspending key constitutional articles (Articles 51, 106, and 63) and amending the Constitution.^[17]

“Unprecedented Cooperation” between Political Government and National Institutions a “role model” for future administrations

On August 08, Prime Minister Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir highlighted the “unprecedented cooperation” between the political government and national institutions, calling it a “role model” for future administrations. They both addressed the Ulema and Mashaikh Conference.

PM emphasized that the coalition government and institutions are working in harmony to serve national interests and overcome the country’s challenges. He stressed the need for unity and national harmony more than ever before to address the country’s issues. He urged clerics to counter disinformation and extremism, and to promote tolerance and unity instead of discrimination within society. He also linked the May 9 violence in Pakistan to events in Bangladesh following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government, comparing it to the historical context of the 1971 ‘Fall of Dhaka.’

Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir warned that social media was being used to spread “anarchy” and emphasized the Army’s firm stance against it. He stated that no power in the world can harm Pakistan and vowed to stand against any attempts to create chaos. General Syed Asim Munir also urged scholars and clerics to promote moderation, tolerance, and unity within society, rejecting extremism and discrimination. He called for the rejection of corruption and twisted ideologies that seek to divide the nation. Gen. Syed Asim Munir described the khawarij as a “great fitna” and condemned their inhumane tactics and senseless killings. He also mentioned that Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees for four decades and emphasized the need to discourage them from opposing Pakistan for the sake of the khawarij fitna. On the topic of protests, Gen. Syed Asim Munir stated that while people have the right to protest, they should do so peacefully.^[18]

Provincial Apex Committee Meeting of the National Action Plan

On August 29, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif visited the provincial capital of Balochistan and pledged the government’s unwavering resolve to root out the menace of terrorism with collective efforts at a high-level meeting of National Action Plan’s provincial Apex Committee at CM Secretariat, Quetta. PM visited Quetta after the bloodshed where 50 people, including 14 security personnel, were martyred in different terrorist attacks in Balochistan.

The meeting was attended by Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, Deputy PM Senator Ishaq Dar, Balochistan Governor Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and key Federal Ministers. ^[19]

COAS blames foreign powers for wave of digital terrorism

Speaking at Independence Day Parade in Kakul on August 13, General Syed Asim Munir attributed the recent wave of digital terrorism to foreign powers aiming to create a divide between State institutions and the people of Pakistan.

The Army Chief highlighted the importance of anti-terrorism efforts under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam as crucial for the country’s stability. General Munir addressed several pressing issues, including the situation on the Western border with Afghanistan and the threat posed by the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He criticized the use of social media for spreading false information and anarchy, particularly targeting the armed forces. He acknowledged that the Constitution allows freedom of speech, but it also imposes clear limits on what constitutes free speech. He asserted that regardless of the nature of threats, whether traditional or non-traditional, dynamic or proactive, Pakistan’s response would be swift and severe. ^[20]

On August 19, Pakistan’s Information Technology Minister, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, in a press conference stated that the government was upgrading its “web management system” to address cybersecurity threats, but denied allegations of deliberately throttling the internet saying Pakistan did not block the internet or slow it down.^[21] Earlier, Ms. Khawaja had defended decision to enforce an internet firewall terming it a cybersecurity measure “that every country in the world takes.”^[22]

During a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on IT, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) chairman, Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Hafeez ur Rehman attributed slow internet speeds to a “faulty submarine cable” and denied the installation of any firewalls. He also clarified that it was the government’s web management system, and not a firewall, which was being upgraded. The business community and internet service providers (ISPs) had alleged that the government’s efforts to monitor internet traffic — including a so-called firewall— had caused the slowdown of digital services, resulting in economic losses.^[23]

On August 26, controversy over sluggish internet speeds and the rumoured installation of a firewall stirred a debate in the National Assembly with opposition criticising the government and accusing it of fearing the youth and resorting to the installation of a firewall to control internet access. Responding to these concerns, Law Minister took to the floor, neither confirming nor denying the firewall claims but assured that efforts were underway to iron out the kinks in the nation’s IT infrastructure.^[24]

On August 26, the Amnesty International also urged Pakistani authorities to be more transparent about the recent nationwide internet slowdown and the use of monitoring and surveillance technologies. The Amnesty International expressed concern over the lack of clarity from Pakistan’s government about the cause of these disruptions and emphasized that any use of such technologies must align with international human rights laws.

SC ends controversy on Mubarak Sani case

On August 22, 2024, the Supreme Court attempted to resolve the controversy surrounding the Mubarak Sani case by expunging contentious paragraphs from its previous decisions dated February 6 and July 24, 2024.

A meeting was held between religious clerics and the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP). Later the Supreme Court, in a brief order, declared that the disputed paragraphs would not be cited as legal precedents in the future. Following the meeting, a three-member bench, comprising Justice Aminuddin Khan and Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan, announced the judgement in Courtroom No. 1.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who was attending the court, expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court and the Parliament, announcing a “Youm-i-Tashakkur” (Thanksgiving Day) to celebrate the judgement.

The July 24, 2024, judgement on review petitions against the February 6 decision had sparked controversy, leading to protests against the CJP. On August 19, protesters even reached the Supreme Court premises to demonstrate against the judgement.^[25]

Harvard Business School delegation calls on COAS

On August 22, a delegation of 44 students from the Harvard Business School (HBS) Trek-2024, representing 9 different countries, met General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff at the GHQ.

According to the ISPR, the interactive session provided a platform to share perspectives on Pakistan’s pivotal role in promoting regional peace and stability, its unwavering efforts against terrorism, and its commitment to upholding democratic values. General Syed Asim Munir emphasized the significance of education, critical thinking, and innovation in addressing contemporary security challenges. He highlighted Pakistan’s vast potential and encouraged the attendees to form their own opinions based on personal experiences. The Army Chief also cautioned against the perils of misinformation and fake news in the digital age, urging the students to navigate this landscape with discernment.^[26]

Youth is Pakistan’s biggest asset: COAS

During his speech at the Youth Convention held on August 21, Chief of the Army Staff said that the youth are the country’s most valuable resource, and it was crucial to ensure that this potential was not wasted under any circumstances.

General Syed Asim Munir expressed optimism about the future of Pakistan citing the enthusiasm and sparkle in the eyes of the youth as evidence that the country’s future is in safe hands.

He said that it was the responsibility of the State to protect the public from the harmful effects of confusion and sedition spread through social media. He stressed that a strong and positive relationship between the people, the government, and the army is essential for Pakistan’s security and development.

General Syed Asim Munir also questioned the whereabouts of those who had previously spread narratives of Pakistan’s economic default. He pointed out the importance of a free state by referencing the situations in Libya, Syria, Kashmir, and Gaza, reminding the youth that, as Muslims, they are prohibited from falling into despair. COAS reminded the youth that life is a test, quoting a verse from the Qur’an: “Do people think that they will be left alone for saying, ‘We believe,’ and they will not be tested?”

The Army Chief also recited a poem by Allama Iqbal emphasizing the power of individuals in shaping the destiny of nations, reinforcing the idea that each person plays a critical role in determining the nation’s future.

During the question-and-answer session, the COAS addressed various concerns, including the position of the Pakistan Army on national issues.

In response to a question about the riots in Parachinar, he encouraged tribal communities to come together and resolve disputes related to land and sub-district divisions. He praised the people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa for their steadfast resistance against terrorism alongside the Pakistan Army for over 22 years. He expressed his belief that with the help of Allah Almighty, Pakistan will achieve victory over terrorism.^[27]

Speaker National Assembly meets Foreign Dignitaries

1. On August 09, Imam Al-Sheikh of Masjid Nabawi (Peace Be Upon Him) called on Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker, National Assembly at the Parliament House, Islamabad.^[28]
2. On August 21, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker, National Assembly called on the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko in Minsk, Belarus.^[29]

Chairman Senate meets Foreign Dignitaries

1. On August 01, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Chairman, Senate of Pakistan met with UK Minister of State for South Asia Mr. Hamish Falconer, MP at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London.^[30]
2. On August 08, H.E. Sheikh Dr. Salah Mohammed Al-Bdeer, Imam of Masjid Nabawi (P.B.U.H) called on Chairman Senate, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.^[31]
3. On August 13, Secretary General of Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) Dr. Jeth Sirathranout met with Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani at Parliament House, Islamabad. ^[32]
4. On August 29, Mr. Mitsuhiro Wada, Ambassador of State of Japan, called on Chairman Senate, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani at the Parliament House, Islamabad.^[33]

Interactions of COAS with Foreign Dignitaries

During August 2024, there were three (3) meetings of General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of the Army Staff with foreign dignitaries.

1. On August 09, His Excellency Dr. Salah bin Mohammad Al-Budair, Imam Masjid-i-Nabvi (PBUH) called on General Syed Asim Munir, at the General Headquarters, Rawalpindi.^[34]
2. On August 15, a delegation of 44 students from the Harvard Business School (HBS) Trek-2024 called on Chief of Army Staff at the GHQ.^[35]
3. On August 25, General Li Qiaoming, Commander of the People’s Liberation Army Ground Forces, called on General Syed Asim Munir at the GHQ.^[36]

Prime Minister’s Interactions with COAS

Prime Minister Mr. Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Chief of the Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir met thrice during August 2024:

1. On August 08, Prime Minister Mr. Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff met during the Ulema and Mashaikh Conference. ^[37]
2. On August 20-21, Prime Minister and Chief of Army Staff were together at the Pakistan National Youth Convention 2024.^[38]
3. On August 29, Prime Minister and Chief of Army Staff were together during the Provincial Apex Committee meeting of the National Action Plan. ^[39]

References

1. Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Faiz first ex-spymaster to face court martial,” Dawn online, August 13, 2024, accessed August 21, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1851970/faiz-first-ex-spymaster-to-face-court-martial. ↑

2. “Khawaja Asif alleges Faiz Hameed’s involvement in May 9 riots,” Express Tribune online, August 13, 2024, accessed September 02, 2024. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2487564/khawaja-asif-alleges-faiz-hameeds-involvement-in-may-9-riots. ↑

3. ‘Gen Faiz Hameed fought for army chief’s position until the last moment’,” Express Tribune online, August 13, 2024. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2487748/gen-faiz-hameed-fought-for-army-chiefs-position-until-the-last-moment. ↑

4. “After Faiz’s arrest, Imran plays down their relationship,” Dawn online, August 14, 2024, accessed August 23, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1852173/after-faizs-arrest-imran-plays-down-their-relationship. ↑

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9. “Faiz Hameed Will Not Have An Open Trial | Khawaja Asif Message To Imran Khan | Breaking News,” BOL News online, August 22, 2024, accessed September 02, 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIapr0l7dbk. ↑

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12. “General Faiz Hameed Kya Kya Karte Rahe? (1),” Daily urdu columns online, August 20, 2024, accessed September 03, 2024. https://dailyurducolumns.com/column/javed-chaudhry/general-faiz-hameed-kya-kya-karte-rahe-1.aspx ↑

13. “General Faiz Hameed Kya Kya Karte Rahe? (2),” Daily Urdu Columns online, August 22, 2024, accessed September 03, 2024. https://dailyurducolumns.com/column/javed-chaudhry/general-faiz-hameed-kya-kya-karte-rahe-2.aspx ↑

14. Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Military hasn’t changed its mind about May 9,” Dawn online, August 06, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1850396/military-hasnt-changed-its-mind-about-may-9 ↑

15. Nasir Iqbal, “Executive must follow SC orders: Justice Mansoor,” Dawn online, August 11, 2024, accessed August 22, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1851534/executive-must-follow-sc-orders-justice-mansoor. ↑

16. Nasir Iqbal, “SC orders not mere suggestions, must be followed: judge,” Dawn online, August 10, 2024, accessed August 21, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1851266/sc-orders-not-mere-suggestions-must-be-followed-judge. ↑

17. Nasir Iqbal, “Reserved seats judgement beyond jurisdiction: judges,” Dawn online, August 04, 2024, accessed August 20, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1850003/reserved-seats-judgement-beyond-jurisdiction-judges. ↑

18. Syed Irfan Raza, “PM boasts of ‘exemplary institutional harmony’,” Dawn online, August 09, 2024, accessed August 21, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1851052/pm-boasts-of-exemplary-institutional-harmony. ↑

19. “After high-level security huddle, PM Shehbaz pledges to eradicate terrorism from Balochistan,” The News International online, August 29, 2024, accessed August 29, 2024. https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1225067-after-high-level-security-huddle-pm-shehbaz-pledges-to-eradicate-terrorism-from-balochistan. ↑

20. “Army chief General Asim Munir sees foreign hand in ‘digital terrorism’,” Dawn online, August 14, 2024, accessed August 23, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1852174/army-chief-general-asim-munir-sees-foreign-hand-in-digital-terrorism. ↑

21. “Amnesty seeks transparency on surveillance tech use,” Dawn online, August 27, 2024, accessed August 28, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1855002/amnesty-seeks-transparency-on-surveillance-tech-use. ↑

22. “Govt blames VPN use for internet slowdown,” The News International online, August 19, 2024, accessed August 31, 2024. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1221384-it-minister-blames-vpn-use-for-internet-slowdown. ↑

23. “PTA chairman says ‘faulty submarine cable’ causing countrywide slow internet,” Dawn online, on August 21, 2024, accessed September 2, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1853744/pta-chairman-says-faulty-submarine-cable-causing-countrywide-slow-internet. ↑

24. “Firewall stirs NA debate as internet crawls,” Express Tribune online, August 27, 2024, accessed September 31, 2024. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2491314/firewall-stirs-na-debate-as-internet-crawls. ↑

25. Nasir Iqbal, “SC amends controversial order on ulema’s advice,” Dawn online, August 23, 2024, accessed August 21, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1854088/sc-amends-controversial-order-on-ulemas-advice. ↑

26. “A delegation of 44 students from Harvard Business School (HBS) Trek-2024, representing 9 different countries, met General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), at the General Headquarters today,” ISPR online, August 22, 2024, accessed August 30, 2024. https://ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=6961. ↑

27. “COAS chides peddlers of default narrative,” Express Tribune online, August 22, 2024, accessed August 23, 2024. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2490039/coas-chides-peddlers-of-default-narrative. ↑

28. “Imam Al-Sheikh of Masjid Nabawi (Peace Be Upon Him),” National Assembly online, August 09, 2024, accessed August 25, 2024. https://www.na.gov.pk/en/pressrelease.php?content=101#6210. ↑

29. “NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq met with President of Republic of Belarus: delineated Kashmir, Palestine, and Climate issues – August 22, 2024,” National Assembly online, August 21, 2024, accessed August 25, 2024. https://www.na.gov.pk/en/pressrelease.php?content=101#6249. ↑

30. “Chairman, Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani met UK Minister of State for South Asia Hamish Falconer MP at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London,” Senate of Pakistan online, August 01, 2024, accessed August 19, 2024. https://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NTU4Mg==. ↑

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32. “Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Addressing the Delegates of Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) at Parliament House, Islamabad,” Senate of Pakistan online, August 13, 2024, accessed August 19, 2024. https://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NTYwMQ==. ↑

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35. “A delegation of 44 students from Harvard Business School (HBS) Trek-2024, representing 9 different countries, met General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), at the General Headquarters today,” ISPR online, August 15, 2024, accessed August 27, 2024. https://ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=6961. ↑

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