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. SC rules against Lifetime Disqualification
2. SC upholds ECP decision to deprive PTI of electoral symbol
3. Only those responsible for May 09 mayhem should be punished; not the entire party: Caretaker PM
4. Former PM and FM Sentenced
5. Another Sentence in Toshakhana reference
6. Improvement in Pakistan’s Corruption Perception Index
7. Resignation of Senior SC Judges
8. Imran Khan’s readiness to Talk
9. Media forced to censor coverage of PTI Chairman: Aljazeera
10. SC rejects review petition of former NA Deputy Speaker
11. Constitutional term does not give license to political governments to misgovern for five years: COAS
12. 8th Apex Committee meeting of the SIFC
13. 262nd Corps Commanders’ Conference
14. Chairman Senate meets Foreign Dignitaries
15. Interactions of COAS with Foreign Dignitaries
16. Caretaker Prime Minister’s Interactions with COAS

SC rules against Lifetime Disqualification

On January 08, Supreme Court of Pakistan ruled against lifetime disqualification for lawmakers under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution by overturning its earlier 2018 judgement when it had ruled that disqualification handed down under Article 62(1)(f) was supposed to be “permanent.”

A seven-member bench headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Musarrat Hilali dealt with the issue where a 6-1 majority verdict was given while Justice Yahya Afridi dissented from the verdict. ^[1]

SC upholds ECP decision to deprive the PTI of electoral symbol

On January 13, a Supreme Court bench headed by CJP Isa and comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Musarrat Hilali upheld the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) December 22, 2023 decision to deprive Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of its election symbol – a Cricket Bat. The decision was announced just before the expiry of the fifth extended deadline for the submission of party tickets by the candidates.

The bench was hearing an appeal by the ECP challenging the Peshawar High Court’s (PHC) decision regarding the restoration of PTI’s election symbol. On January 09, the PHC had ruled that the ECP had no jurisdiction to issue a decision on political parties’ intra-party elections. The PHC had ruled that a political party has the right to contest election under a common symbol and this constitutional right could not be denied to it on the basis of an “absurd provision of law.” ^[2]

The SC judgement stated that the ECP is a constitutional body with duties outlined in Article 219(e) of the Constitution, including those prescribed by law. It clarified that the ECP did not act malafide and did not discriminate against the PTI. It highlighted that 14 PTI members had complained to the ECP that the party’s internal elections were not held but their complaints were not adequately addressed. The judgment emphasized the lack of prima facie evidence to show that intraparty election had taken place. ^[3]

Only those responsible for May 09 mayhem should be punished; not the entire party: Caretaker PM

In an interview with Geo News aired on January 08, Caretaker Prime Minister Mr. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said that only those individuals responsible for the May 9 violence should be held accountable and not the entire PTI. He emphasized the need to deal with PTI leaders on a case-to-case basis to avoid unjust actions.

When asked about Mr. Imran Khan’s direct involvement in the May 9 violence, Caretaker PM said that he could not give any firm opinion unless it was determined by the courts. He called for action based on evidence and individual culpability.

Responding to a question regarding alleged involvement of military officials in the May 9 protests, he said that investigations into that were still underway and once those are completed, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) would share the findings with the public.

Caretaker PM also said that he was once a supporter of the PTI and voted for the party in the 2013 and 2018 election but his views have changed since as he now believed that the PTI lacked a team or vision to address the country’s problems. ^[4]

Former PM and FM Sentenced

On January 30, a special court established under the Official Secrets Act sentenced former Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan and former Foreign Minister Mr. Shah Mahmood Qureshi to 10 years in jail in the cipher case. This disqualified both from contesting election for the next five years.

The Special Court Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain announced the verdict after Mr. Imran Khan and Mr. Qureshi were given a questionnaire under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. After Mr. Khan recorded his statement, the court asked him about the whereabouts of the cipher, to which he replied he did not know as cipher was in his office and that the security of the Prime Minister’s House (PMO) rested with the military secretary, principal secretary and secretary protocol adding that cipher was the only document in his three and a half years stint in power that went missing. He said the military secretary should be asked adding that it was the only occasion when he expressed his displeasure with him. Mr. Khan also charged that one of his ADCs stole the cipher at the behest of General (Retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff at the time. He said the military secretary told him that the investigation into the missing document had not found any clue. Mr. Imran Khan also alleged that Gen. (Retd.) Bajwa “conspired” against his government for “extension” as he wanted another extension in his term as the COAS in November 2022. Mr. Khan said that incoming PM Mr. Shehbaz Sharif had promised him an extension adding that it was PML-N’s leader Mr. Nawaz Sharif which over-ruled that decision. Mr. Imran Khan further added that Mr. Husain Haqqani, former Ambassador of Pakistan to the US) was paid US $ 35,000 to lobby for Gen. (Retd) Bajwa and build an anti US image of Mr. Khan. He added that he had formed a three-member committee comprising Mr. Asad Umar, Mr. Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Mr. Pervez Khattak to meet then COAS Bajwa where Gen. (Retd.) Bajwa had warned the committee members to adjust their directions or they could face ten years in jail.^[5]

Mr. Imran Khan’s sister, Ms. Aleema Khan also claimed at the hearing that someone was giving instructions to the Judge during the hearing. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan said the verdict was announced hastily and not in accordance with the law. PTI’s counsel Barrister Ali Zafar also stated that they would file an appeal in the Islamabad High Court against the verdict. ^[6]

Another Sentence in Toshakhana reference

On January 31, former PM Mr. Imran Khan and his wife Ms. Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 14 years in jail in the Toshakhana reference. The court barred Mr. Imran Khan and Ms. Bushra Bibi from holding any public office for 10 years. A fine of Rs. 787 million each was imposed on both. Mr. Imran Khan was present during the hearing, while his wife did not appear before the court.

In December 2023, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had filed a reference against the two for retaining a jewellery set received from the Saudi crown prince against an undervalued assessment. ^[7]

Improvement in Pakistan’s Corruption Perception Index

On January 29, the Transparency International (TI) reported that Pakistan’s ranking on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) improved by seven spots, moving from 140 out of 180 countries in 2022 to 133 in 2023.

The CPI ranks countries and territories based on their perceived levels of public-sector corruption. It relies on 13 independent data sources and uses a scale of zero to 100, where zero indicates high corruption, and 100 indicates very clean.

In 2023, Pakistan’s CPI score was 29 out of 100, and its ranking was 133. This marks an improvement from the previous year when the country had a CPI score of 27 and a ranking of 140.

The report highlighted that neighbouring India’s CPI score dropped from 40 in 2022 to 39 in 2023. ^[8]

Resignation of Senior SC Judges

January 2024 saw the resignation of two senior judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

On January 11, Justice Ijazul Ahsan, the third senior-most judge in the Supreme Court who was expected to become the next Chief Justice in October 2024, also resigned. Justice Ahsan was defending Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi and had written a note to the SJC expressing concerns about the haste in proceedings against Justice Naqvi. Justice Ahsan was also allegedly involved in a controversy regarding a case involving his former client, M/s BNP (Private) Limited. ^[10]

There are demands for accountability for his role regardless of his resignation.

With Justice Ahsan’s resignation, the strength of the Supreme Court has been reduced to 14 out of the available 16 judges, against a sanctioned strength of 17. Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah is expected to benefit from Justice Ahsan’s resignation, becoming the next Chief Justice after CJP Isa’s retirement in October 2024.

Imran Khan’s readiness to Talk

Mr. Imran Khan on January 19 expressed his readiness for talks with other political parties, stating that a politician is always ready for dialogue. He was talking to journalists during the hearings of Toshakhana and £190 million corruption cases at Adiala Jail.

It was reported that Mr. Khan said that the PTI would prefer to join the opposition instead of forming a weak government. He also claimed that his previous government was under the influence of then COAS due to PTI’s slim parliamentary majority after 2018 General Election. He also asserted that the PTI lost multiple seats in the 2018 election due to rigging and alleged interference by intelligence officials. Mr. Khan also claimed that the PTI would secure a sweeping victory in the upcoming election. He also claimed that 90% of armed forces personnel would vote for the PTI, which will contest without a common election symbol for its candidates.

Mr. Khan also said that the country’s economy could only be revived through a stable government and that the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) could not bring investment without political stability.^[11]

On January 28, while talking to media persons during hearing of cipher case against him in the Adiala Jail, Mr. Khan said that while he wanted to have talks with the establishment, the establishment was not ready to talk to him as they placed a red line on him. ^[12]

Media forced to censor coverage of PTI Chairman: Aljazeera

In a news feature published on January 25, the Aljazeera claimed that the Pakistan media was being forced not to air speeches of former PTI Chairman, run PTI advertisements, or air anything glorifying the PTI for the past one and a half years. This was being done even though no official sanction or order was issued by the PEMRA to restrict coverage of any party or leader. ^[13]

The feature relied on statements by various journalists in different newsrooms who claimed that they received instructions effectively imposing near-blanket censorship on coverage of the PTI ahead of the February 8 General Election. The feature claimed that these instructions included not using the PTI flag, mentioning affiliation with candidates backed by the PTI, and to identify candidates only as independents.

The feature also quoted Pakistan’s caretaker information minister, Mr. Murtaza Solangi, to have denied any claim of issuing orders for censorship and restrictions on the PTI coverage.

After the May 9 mayhem, the PEMRA had issued a circular banning coverage of those involved in the riots and later imposed a ban on using Mr. Imran Khan’s name or image in broadcast coverage. Journalists from different TV and newspapers across Pakistan have claimed unprecedented media monitoring and censorship after May 9 violence.

SC rejects review petition of former NA Deputy Speaker

On January 29, a five-judge bench headed by Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah rejected the review petition jointly moved by former National Assembly speaker, Mr. Asad Qaiser and deputy speaker, Mr. Qasim Khan Suri. The bench upheld the Supreme Court’s April 4, 2022 judgment which had declared unconstitutional the ruling of the then-deputy speaker on the no-confidence motion against former PM Mr. Imran Khan.

Mr. Qasim Khan Suri, who was accused of proroguing the National Assembly session without conducting a vote on the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan in April 2022, was represented by Mr. Naeem Bukhari. The review petition claimed that the Supreme Court judgment did not adequately address the bar of jurisdiction contained in Article 69(2) of the Constitution which prohibited courts from inquiring into Parliament’s proceedings. The bench dismissed the plea, stating that the matter pertained to the deputy speaker’s ruling and not their conduct in the Assembly.

Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel remarked that the court could intervene in cases where constitutional violations were committed.^[14]

On January 23, the CJP had wondered why Mr. Suri should not be proceeded against for allegedly abrogating the Constitution. Justice Mazhar Alam Miankhel observed that the conduct reflected by the deputy speaker was unbecoming of such a prestigious position and noted that it was for the Parliament to consider whether the act by the deputy speaker attracts Article 6 (high treason) of the Constitution. CJP Isa, presiding over the three-judge bench, summoned Mr. Qasim Suri in person and directed him to file a concise statement in February 2024.^[15]

Constitutional term does not give license to political governments to misgovern for five years: COAS

On January 23, Chief of the Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir expressed concerns about what he termed as ‘negative propaganda’ on social media and said that such propaganda was aimed at creating uncertainty and hopelessness in the country. The COAS was speaking at the Pakistan National Youth Conference held in Islamabad.

In response to a question about why elected political governments were not allowed to complete their 5-year constitutional terms in office, the COAS was quoted as saying that their constitutional term does not give a license to any political government to misgovern for five years. “Should political parties be allowed to break Pakistan? Should people keep waiting for the end of the five-year term?” he reportedly responded to the question.

Expressing his opinion about the Constitutional scheme, he said that the “Constitution does not ensure the accountability of lawmakers before the end of their terms.” “If the Constitution is amended and more than 50% of the voters of a constituency can vote to unseat a sitting member, then you will see these politicians performing” the Army Chief was quoted as saying.

Addressing the young people on their responsibility to elect their representatives carefully. Chief of the Army Staff was quoted as saying that “election will be held on February 8. People should carefully choose their representatives without selling their votes for Rs5,000.” He also urged the youth to “carefully elect their future representatives without being influenced by the use of money or propaganda,” and described social media as “vicious media.” ^[16]

COAS also highlighted that proper research and positive thinking for the youth were essential to prevent chaos in society. He also said that the armed forces were fully prepared against any threat and conspiracy as Pakistan will not compromise on its sovereignty. He also encouraged the youth to trust their country, nation, culture, and civilization. ^[17]

In a separate statement issued by the PMO, it was stated that the COAS expressed confidence in the bright future of Pakistan. He noted the country’s abundant mineral resources, agriculture, and young human capital. He described the youth as the torchbearers of the country’s bright traditions and the true outcome of the dreams of Allama Iqbal and Quaid-i-Azam. He also highlighted that while armed forces can fight terrorists, they need cooperation and support from the entire nation. ^[18]

8th Apex Committee meeting of the SIFC

On January 3, 8th meeting of the Apex Committee of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) was convened and chaired by caretaker PM and was attended by the Chief of the Army Staff, Federal Cabinet, Provincial Chief Ministers, and high-level government officials. According to the PMO, the meeting was held to “review various projects and initiatives being pursued through the platform of SIFC.” ^[19]

The committee “showed satisfaction on overall progress achieved in the key sectors under SIFC” and “appreciated enhancing level of economic engagements with friendly countries including finalization of Bilateral Investment Treaty with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar as well as signing of MoUs and Framework Agreements with United Arab Emirates and State of Kuwait respectively.” According to the PMO, consensus was also developed in the meeting on “fast tracking the infrastructural development to facilitate the investors, especially in remote areas of the country.”

The Apex Committee also “showed firm resolve to take action against smugglers, hoarders and market manipulators, which have impacted the economic trajectory and to provide immediate relief to common citizens.”

Towards the end, Chief of the Army Staff “assured unwavering resolve of Pakistan Army to support government’s initiatives aimed at economic recovery of the country.” ^[20]

26 2nd Corps Commanders’ Conference

On January 31, General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), presided over the 262nd Corps Commanders’ Conference at GHQ, Rawalpindi. The forum paid tribute to the supreme sacrifices of Shuhadas (the martyrs), including Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies, and citizens, for ensuring peace and stability in Pakistan. The forum resolved to deal with terrorists, facilitators, and abettors, working to destabilize Pakistan, with the full might of the state. COAS emphasized Pakistan’s belief in peaceful co-existence with all states but stated there would be no compromise on the country’s sovereignty, national honour, and aspirations of the people. Briefing on India’s campaign of extra-territorial and extra-judicial killings, state-sponsored terrorism, and targeting Pakistani citizens. The forum agreed to expose India’s blatant violation of international laws to the world. COAS reiterated unequivocal support for Palestine and the people of Gaza. Reaffirmed support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) for their right of self-determination. Forum discussed the deployment of Pakistan Army to assist the ECP in the peaceful conduct of General Elections 2024. Pakistan Army will perform assigned duties as per the Constitutional mandate under the guidelines of ECP. Forum acknowledged and appreciated steps taken against a spectrum of illegal activities and criminal mafias, including smuggling, hoarding, money laundering, power theft, and illegal aliens.^[21]

Chairman Senate meets Foreign Dignitaries

1. On January 17, H.E Jiang Zaidong, the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, called on Chairman Senate, Senator Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani, at the Parliament House, Islamabad.^[22]
2. On January 18, a delegation headed by Resident Representative of His Highness Prince Agha Khan in Canada, His Excellency Mohamed Eboo, Called on Chairman Senate, Senator Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani, at the Parliament House, Islamabad.^[23]

Interactions of COAS with Foreign Dignitaries

During January 2024, there were seven meetings of General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) with foreign dignitaries:

1. On January 08-09, COAS called upon H.M The King, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, Crown Prince, H.R.H Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, H.E. Field Marshal Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander of Bahrain Defence Forces and H.H General Shaikh Mohammad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Commander of Bahrain National Guard during his two days official visit to Kingdom of Bahrain.^[24]
2. On January 22, Mr. Sun Weidong, Vice Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, called on General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), at the GHQ, Rawalpindi.^[25]
3. On January 29, Iranian Foreign Minister, Mr. Amir Abdollahian, called on General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), at the GHQ, Rawalpindi.^[26]

Caretaker Prime Minister’s Interactions with COAS

Caretaker Prime Minister Mr. Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar and Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir met twice during January 2024:

References

1. On January 03, 2024, Caretaker Prime Minister Mr. Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar and Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir were together during the 8th meeting of Apex Committee of the SIFC. ^[27]
2. On January 24, 2024, Caretaker Prime Minister Mr. Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar and Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir were together at the Pakistan National Youth Conference, Islamabad. ^[28]

1. Haseeb Bhatti, “SC rules against lifetime disqualification; Nawaz and Tareen eligible to contest polls,” Dawn online, January 08, 2024, accessed February 11, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1804198. ↑

2. Waseem Ahmad Shah, “ECP had no power to take away PTI’s ‘bat’: PHC,” Dawn online, January 14, 2024, accessed January 22, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1805668/ecp-had-no-power-to-take-away-ptis-bat-phc ↑

3. Nasir Iqbal, “PTI loses battle for ‘bat’ as ECP prevails in SC,” Dawn online, January 14, 2024, accessed January 22, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1805686/pti-loses-battle-for-bat-as-ecp-prevails-in-sc. ↑

4. Syed Irfan Raza, “Only May 9 perpetrators, not entire PTI, should face law: PM Kakar,” Dawn online, January 08, 2024, accessed January 20, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1804059/only-may-9-perpetrators-not-entire-pti-should-face-law-pm-kakar. ↑

5. Asim Javed & Khalid Iqbal, “Imran, Qureshi sentenced to 10 years’ hard labour in cipher case,” The News International online, January 31, 2024, accessed January 31, 2024. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1152974-imran-qureshi-handed-10-year-jail-each-in-cipher-case. ↑

6. Umer Burney, “Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi sentenced to 10 years in jail in cipher case,” Dawn online, January 30, 2024, accessed January 31, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1809793/imran-khan-shah-mahmood-qureshi-sentenced-to-10-years-in-jail-in-cipher-case. ↑

7. Umer Burney, “Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi sentenced to 14 years in Toshakhana reference,” Dawn online, January 31, 2024, accessed January 31, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1810025/imran-khan-bushra-bibi-sentenced-to-14-years-in-toshakhana-reference. ↑

8. Amin Ahmed, “Pakistan’s ranking on corruption perception index improves by 7 spots: report,” Dawn online, January 30, 2024, accessed January 31, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1809740/pakistans-ranking-on-corruption-perception-index-improves-by-7-spots-report. ↑

9. Nasir Iqbal, “Judge facing Supreme Judi­cial Council inquiry calls it a day,” Dawn online, January 11, 2024, accessed January 21, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1804890/judge-facing-supreme-judicial-council-inquiry-calls-it-a-day. ↑

10. Nasir Iqbal, “Judge who would’ve been next chief justice bows out,” Dawn online, January 12, 2024, accessed January 21, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1805154/judge-who-wouldve-been-next-chief-justice-bows-out. ↑

11. Malik Asad, “A politician is always ready for dialogue, says Imran,” Dawn online, January 20, 2024, accessed January 26, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1807232/a-politician-is-always-ready-for-dialogue-says-imran. ↑

12. Imran Asghar, “Imran wants talks, but ‘establishment is not ready’,” Dawn online, January 29, 2024, accessed January 31, 2024. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2454821/imran-wants-talks-but-establishment-is-not-ready. ↑

13. “Don’t cover Imran Khan’s PTI: Pakistan’s media told to censor popular ex-PM,” Al Jazeera online, January 25, 2024, accessed January 31, 2024. https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2024/1/25/dont-cover-imran-khans-pti-pakistans-media-told-to-censor-popular-ex-pm ↑

14. Nasir Iqbal, “SC upholds decision to declare Suri’s ruling unconstitutional,” Dawn online, January 30, 2024, accessed January 30, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1809699/sc-upholds-decision-to-declare-suris-ruling-unconstitutional. ↑

15. Nasir Iqbal, “CJP hints at action against Qasim Suri for ‘abrogating Constitution’,” Dawn online, January 24, 2024, accessed January 26, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1808158/cjp-hints-at-action-against-qasim-suri-for-abrogating-constitution. ↑

16. Shahbaz Rana, “Elected govt doesn’t get a free pass: COAS,” Express Tribune online, January 24, 2024, accessed January 31, 2024. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2454258/elected-govt-doesnt-get-a-free-pass-coas. ↑

17. “Youth, guardians of nation, country’s bright traditions : COAS, “ Associated Press of Pakistan online, January 23, 2024, accessed January 28, 2024. https://www.app.com.pk/national/youth-guardians-of-nation-countrys-bright-traditions-coas/. ↑

18. “Pakistan National Youth Convention 2024 was held today at the Jinnah Convention Centre, Islamabad,” PMO online, January 24, 2024, accessed January 31, 2024. https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=5024. ↑

19. “8th Meeting of Apex Committee of Special Investment Facilitation Council,” PMO online, January 03, 2024, accessed February 10, 2024. https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=5005. ↑

20. “8^th Apex Committee Meeting held on 3^rd January 2024,” SIFC online, January 03, 2024, accessed January 26, 2024. https://www.sifc.gov.pk/press-release. ↑

21. “General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) presided over the 262nd Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) held at GHQ.” ISPR online, January 31, 2024, accessed February 01, 2024. https://ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=6736 ↑

22. “Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E Jiang Zaidong Calling on Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani, at the Parliament House, Islamabad,” Senate of Pakistan online, January 17, 2024, accessed January 27, 2024: https://senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NTM0Ng==. ↑

23. “Delegation Headed by Resident Representative of His Highness in Canada, His Excellency Mohamed Eboo Calling on Chairman Senate, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani, at the Parliament House, Islamabad,” Senate of Pakistan online, January 18, 2024, accessed January 27, 2024: https://senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NTM1MQ==. ↑

24. “General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) is on a two days official visit to Kingdom of Bahrain,” ISPR online, January 08, 2024, accessed January 26, 2024. https://ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=6714. ↑

25. “Mr Sun Weidong, Vice Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China called on General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), at GHQ,” ISPR online, January 22, 2024, accessed January 26, 2024. https://ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=6731. ↑

26. “Pakistan, Iran vow to combat terrorism through enhanced cooperation,” Samaa online, January 29, 2024, accessed January 30, 2024. https://www.samaa.tv/208738903-pakistan-iran-vow-to-combat-terrorism-through-enhanced-cooperation. ↑

27. “8^th Apex Committee Meeting held on 3^rd January 2024,” SIFC online, January 03, 2024, accessed January 26, 2024. https://www.sifc.gov.pk/press-release. ↑

28. “‘Negative propaganda’ on social media aimed at creating uncertainty, hopelessness: COAS,” Dawn online, January 24, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1808278/negative-propaganda-on-social-media-aimed-at-creating-uncertainty-hopelessness-coas. ↑

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