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. Azm-e-Istehkam: a new counter-terrorism vision?
2. Parliament passes the controversial Federal Budget 2024-2025
3. To Live-Broadcast or Not?
4. Partial Relief for former PM and FM
5. Issue of the alleged Interference of Intelligence Agencies in Judiciary
6. Judiciary to blame for complications during the process of GE 2024: CEC
7. The issue of the Reserved Seats
8. Abolish NAB through political consensus: Bilawal
9. Apex Committee Meeting of the SIFC
10. Former President’s Proposal for Dialogue
11. Resolution by the US House of Representatives branded as “interference in Pakistan’s affairs,” “detrimental” to bilateral ties and “misinformed” about Pakistan’s political and electoral processes
12. Speaker National Assembly meets Foreign Dignitaries
13. Interactions of COAS with Foreign Dignitaries
14. Prime Minister’s Interactions with COAS
15. Thwarted Coup attempt in Bolivia

Azm-e-Istehkam: a new counter-terrorism vision?

On June 22, the Central Apex Committee of the National Action Plan chaired by Prime Minister announced the launch of a new counterterrorism operation named Azm-e-Istehkam aimed at defeating terrorism and extremism by employing the country’s full range of military, diplomatic, legislative, and socio-economic resources.

Meeting of the Central Apex Committee of the National Action Plan was convened by Prime Minister Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and was attended by key Federal Minister, Services Chiefs and Chief Ministers of all provinces and Gilgit-Baltistan.

According to the PMO, the operation was approved with the consensus of all stakeholders including four (4) provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The operation will “integrate and synergize multiple lines of effort to combat the menaces of extremism and terrorism in a comprehensive and decisive manner. In the politico-diplomatic domain, efforts will be intensified to curtail the operational space for terrorists through regional cooperation.” The PMO statement also added that “the fight against extremism and terrorism is Pakistan’s war and is absolutely essential for the nation’s survival and well-being.” It added that the Apex Committee also “reviewed measures to ensure fool-proof security for Chinese nationals in Pakistan.” ^[1]

The announcement of the operation, however, was met with criticism from the opposition parties including the PTI, the JUIP and the ANP. During the budget session, the opposition parties criticised the government for launching a new operation without taking the Parliament into confidence. The opposition parties raised slogans in the National Assembly including “FATA operation unacceptable” and “KP operation unacceptable.” MPs belonging to the PTI also met and interacted with Mr. Fazlur Rehman, MNA, chief of the JUIP, where they announced to form a combined political committee to sort out reservations against the new operation. ^[2] Chief Minister KP even denied that any such plan was discussed with him during the meeting of the Apex Committee. ^[3]

In a statement on June 24 clarifying the targets and objectives of the operation, PMO stated that operation Azm-e-Istehkam was being “erroneously misunderstood and compared with earlier launched kinetic operations like Zarb-e-Azab, Rah-e-Najaat etc.” which were “kinetic operations” conducted to “physically dislodge terrorists from their known locations which had become No-Go areas and compromised the writ of the state.” Those operations required mass displacement of the local population and systematic clearance of affected areas. Since, stated the PMO, there are “no such No-Go areas in the country since the ability of terrorist entities to carry out large scale organized operations inside Pakistan was decisively degraded by earlier kinetic operations, … no large scale military operation is being contemplated where displacement of population will be required.” ^[4]

The new operation, stated the PMO, would energize “already in place intelligence based kinetic operations so to decisively root out the nebulous and shadowy presence of remnants of terrorists, their facilitation due to crime-terror nexus, and rooting out violent extremism to ensure an overall secure environment in the country for its economic development and prosperity.”

The PMO statement further clarified that operation Azm-e-Istehkam is a “multi domain, multi-agency, whole of the system national vision for enduring stability in Pakistan,” and is “meant to reinvigorate and re-energise the ongoing implementation of revised National Action Plan.”

The operation would “include political, diplomatic, legal and information prongs apart from already continuing operations by all Law Enforcement Agencies,” clarified the PMO, adding that this should “address all the misunderstandings as well as settle unnecessary debate on the subject.”

On June 25, the Federal Cabinet approved “Vision Azm-e-Isthekam” re-branding of the national counter-terrorism campaign announced earlier. “Azm-e-Istehkam is an overall national vision of a multifaceted cooperation of various security agencies and the entire state system,” a statement quoted PM Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif as saying.^[5]

Parliament passes the controversial Federal Budget 2024-2025

On June 28, the National Assembly passed the controversial federal budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025 amid criticism from the opposition parties who termed the budget as “unrealistic, anti-people, anti-industry, and anti-agriculture.” ^[6]

Opposition parties also criticised the tax-laden budget terming it as the one dictated by the IMF, a fact that was earlier confirmed by the Prime Minister himself on June 25 on the floor of the National Assembly when he stated that the federal budget was prepared in collaboration with the IMF due to current economic challenges. ^[7] Later, PM also claimed that his government “saved the public from many more taxes through continuous discussions with his team and direct talks with the IMF team,” and said that he was optimistic that this would be Pakistan’s last agreement with the IMF after which people would get more relief.^[8]

To Live-Broadcast or Not?

As the Supreme Court has faced controversy recently on why some of its proceedings are broadcast live and some are not, the Supreme Court ruled on June 01 that live broadcasting or live streaming of court proceedings was within the court’s exclusive domain and each decision is made based on avoiding the potential for exploitation or misuse for ulterior or personal purposes.

A full-court meeting on September 18, 2023 had decided to start a pilot project of live telecasting the case before the full court bench regarding the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023. A committee was formed to consider future telecasts/streaming and work out modalities. The committee’s report on October 16, 2023 addressed the technical aspects of live streaming. The report suggested framing Rules or SOPs for live streaming, which have not yet been done. Justice Athar Minallah dissented from the majority opinion.^[9]

On June 05, Justice Athar Minallah issued a dissenting note on a Supreme Court decision regarding live-streaming proceedings in the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) amendment case. He argued that denying live-streaming violated principles previously upheld by the court and diminished public access to judicial processes. He stressed that there was no substantial reason or exceptional circumstance justifying the denial of live-streaming, asserting that public access to court proceedings is a fundamental right.^[10]

Partial Relief for former PM and FM

On June 03, Former PM Mr. Imran Khan and former FM Mr. Shah Mehmood Qureshi secured an acquittal in the ‘cipher case’ as the Islamabad High Court (IHC) set aside their sentence in the case that had seen two re-trials. Both were earlier sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment in the ‘cipher case’ under the Official Secrets Act, 1923 and section 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). The appeals of both were heard by an IHC division bench comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb.

Despite the acquittal, both could not be released immediately because Mr. Khan is serving a sentence in another case (‘Iddat case’) and Mr. Qureshi remains incarcerated due to other pending cases against him. On June 13, federal government moved two separate appeals before the Supreme Court challenging the IHC decision.^[11]

Following the partial relief given to Mr. Khan, former President Dr. Arif Alvi said while speaking to the news media in Lahore, that the military establishment was not ready to engage in a dialogue with the PTI. He said that the PTI should only talk to the real power in the country which is not ready for a dialogue. He added that the party will only talk to the “owner of the house,” elaborating that if one wants to rent a house, one has to talk to the owner, not the gardener or the guard. However, if the guard has decided to be the owner of the house, they can say so and we (the PTI) can talk. Dr. Alvi also expressed his disappointment with the process of accountability and said that the “regime change” operation has robbed people of their confidence in the country and its system.^[12]

On June 27, petitions of Mr. Imran Khan and his spouse, Ms. Bushra Bibi, seeking suspension of their jail term in the ‘iddat case’ were dismissed. The judgement observed that convicts were not entitled to bail unless strong grounds indicate that their conviction was not likely to be sustained.^[13]

Issue of the alleged Interference of Intelligence Agencies in Judiciary

On the issue of the alleged interference of intelligence agencies in Judiciary, the Lahore High Court (LHC) directed the PM Office on June 29, to instruct all the civil and military agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), not to contact any member of the judiciary. The interim order was written by Justice Shahid Karim in a case pertaining to the harassment of an anti-terrorism court (ATC) judge in Sargodha. In an earlier hearing Justice Karim had issued instructions to the PM to lay down guidelines for the security agencies.

Earlier on June 14, Chief Justice of the LHC, Malik Shehzad Ahmed Khan, disclosed that he had received complaints about interference in judicial matters by “state institutions,” and expressed hope that “external meddling” in the judiciary would soon come to an end. Recalling his personal experience, he shared that he had received letters, complaints, and oral reports from judicial officers about meddling in judicial affairs by certain state institutions but acknowledged the difficulty in addressing these complaints due to the lack of tangible evidence.^[14]

A day after the LHC CJ’s remarks however, Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court, (SHC) Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, said that he had not experienced any such pressure during his 15 years as a judge. He was responding to a reporter’s question and asserted that neither he nor the lawyers beside him had faced any pressure from the intelligence agencies. No one had attempted to approach him directly to influence his decisions, though he acknowledged that there had been indirect attempts or instances where individuals came and said something, but these were promptly addressed and dismissed as misunderstanding.^[15]

On June 27, former PM Mr. Imran Khan also filed a petition before the IHC alleging that the Rawalpindi Central Jail was under the control of two intelligence agency officials which must come to an end. Mr. Khan asserted that due to that control, the Adiala Jail superintendent did not adhere to IHC orders allowing him to consult with the PTI leadership and lawyers.^[16]

Judiciary to blame for complications during the process of GE 2024: CEC

On June 07, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Mr. Sikandar Sultan Raja indirectly blamed the judiciary for complications in the process of General Election 2024 as he mentioned his unsuccessful attempts to get judicial officers to serve as District Returning Officers (DROs) and Returning Officers (ROs) by approaching the then Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) and the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court.

While hearing applications filed by all three MNAs from Islamabad seeking transfer of petitions pending before the Election Tribunal against them, CEC Mr. Sikandar Sultan Raja said that he went to the then CJP and CJ LHC and requested them to spare judicial officers for performing duties as DROs and ROs, but to no avail. ^[17]

On June 13, the ECP challenged the LHC’s decision to appoint six tribunals to settle election disputes in Punjab. The ECP filed a petition in the Supreme Court questioning whether the ECP or the LHC has the final say in the appointment of tribunals. ^[18]

On June 20, the Supreme Court sought the formation of a five-judge larger bench to settle the controversy over whether the ECP or the high court should appoint tribunals to decide electoral disputes. The order was issued by a two-judge bench headed by the CJP Justice Qazi Faez Isa, which had taken up an ECP appeal that sought the overturning of the LHC order.^[19]

The Issue of the Reserved Seats

In the continuing full court hearing on the issue of reserved seats, the Supreme Court has been addressing various issues surrounding the PTI losing its election symbol due to its failure to conduct intra-party polls.

During the hearing on June 25, CJP Isa took exception to what he termed as “snide remarks” against the January 13, 2024 Supreme Court verdict and emphasized that the verdict was a result of PTI’s own actions. Justice Minallah questioned if the ECP had informed the bench that the decision on intra-party elections would affect PTI candidates’ ability to have a unified election symbol. Justice Munib Akhtar asked why the ECP did not use Section 240 of the Election Act 2017, which provided solutions for difficulties faced by the ECP and suggested that the ECP could have recognized the PTI as an enlisted political party to avoid disenfranchising it in the February 8, 2024 General Election. ^[20]

The ECP provided a detailed justification for its decision to deny the SIC reserved seats for women and non-Muslims. In a statement submitted to the Supreme Court by the ECP, the SIC did not meet the criteria to qualify as a political party under Articles 51(6)(d), 51(6)(e) and 106(3)(c) of the Constitution. The party failed to furnish a list of candidates’ priority (Form 66) for reserved seats in a timely manner, as required by the election programme. ^[21]

Abolish NAB through political consensus: Bilawal

On June 25, PPP Chairman Mr. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari proposed in the National Assembly that political consensus should be created to abolish NAB which has been working as an institution established for political engineering and tarnishing the image of politicians. He said that the NAB’s actions have led to businessmen fleeing the country and bureaucrats hesitating to sign documents due to fear of repercussions. He highlighted that abolition of NAB was a part of his party’s manifesto. He also suggested that if the NAB cannot be abolished, at least public-private partnership projects should be exempt from its purview, similar to exemptions given for the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

Mr. Bhutto-Zardari also referred to Prime Minister Mr. Shehbaz Sharif’s proposal for a ‘Charter of Economy’ to address Pakistan’s long-term economic issues, stressing the importance of consensus between the government and opposition.^[22]

Apex Committee Meeting of the SIFC

On June 22, Prime Minister Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif convened a meeting of the Apex Committee of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). The committee met to lend its endorsement to decisions on investment plans involving China and Gulf countries. ^[23]

Speaking via video link from Adiala Jail during a court hearing concerning the 190 million pounds case on June 21, former PM Mr. Imran Khan had criticized the SIFC for centralizing control.

He also criticised the government’s economic policies including heavy taxation in the federal budget and said that excessive taxation imposed on various sectors would stifle investment and economic growth. He asserted that only a government with a genuine public mandate could effectively implement these necessary reforms. ^[24]

Former President’s Proposal for Dialogue

On June 01, Dr Arif Alvi, former President, took to X (formerly Twitter) and presented his formula for a possible political and inter-institutional dialogue. ^[25]

Dr Arif Alvi, in his tweet, wrote that “today I have tried to present a 7-point possible path to a solution of the national political, economic, judicial & social crisis:

1. It is essential that all stakeholders should be on the table.
2. Zoom out, go to the balcony, have a bird’s eye view of the problem, understand the gravity of the situation.
3. Reduce emotions, anger and egos.
4. Look for and build a bridge to the other side. No body is an enemy. Forgive and move forward with guarantees.
5. Talk about each other’s fears and handle them.
6. Discuss the worst alternative to a negotiated settlement.
7. Zoom in and solve the problem.

Pehle dawa, phir dua ke Allah mehrabanii farmaye.”

(First medicine, then prayer so that Allah grants His blessings.

Resolution by the US House of Representatives branded as “interference in Pakistan’s affairs,” “detrimental” to bilateral ties and “misinformed” about Pakistan’s political and electoral processes

On June 28, the National Assembly passed a resolution with a majority vote terming the June 25 resolution adopted by the US House of Representatives as “an interference” in Pakistan’s internal affairs amid noisy protest by the opposition PTI members who voted against the resolution.^[26]

On June 26, the US House of Representatives passed Resolution HR 901 expressing “support for democracy and human rights in Pakistan” with basic purpose of support for democracy, human rights, and a thorough investigation into alleged irregularities in Pakistan’s February 8 General elections. The resolution was passed overwhelmingly with a 368-7 vote, showing bipartisan support. The resolution urged the US President to work with Pakistan to uphold democracy, human rights, and the rule of law and emphasized the importance of free and fair elections while calling for an independent investigation into claims of electoral interference or irregularities.

Pakistan has termed the resolution by the US House of Representatives to be “detrimental” to bilateral ties and “misinformed” about Pakistan’s political and electoral processes. This was stated by Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ms. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch who described the resolution as neither constructive nor objective and detached from the local context.

Federal Minister for Defence, Khawaja M. Asif took to his X (formerly Twitter) account citing the US history of electoral controversies and foreign interventions and accused the US of lacking moral authority to lecture Pakistan on human rights. He also suggested that the US should seek a UN investigation into its own electoral irregularities before criticizing Pakistan.^[27]

Speaker National Assembly meets Foreign Dignitaries

1. On June 05, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, MNA, Speaker, National Assembly, met with Ambassador of Iran, Mr. Reza Amiri Moghaddam, at the Embassy of Iran, Islamabad to offer condolence at the demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and other high-ranking officials in a helicopter crash.^[28]
2. On June 21, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, MNA, Speaker, National Assembly, met with Chinese dignitaries at the Pakistan-China Joint Consultative Mission (JCM) Session in Islamabad.^[29]

Chairman Senate meets Foreign Dignitaries

1. On June 11, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, HE Ms. Jane Marriott, called on Senator Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Chairman Senate of Pakistan, at the Parliament House, Islamabad. ^[30]
2. On June 25, High Commissioner of Australia to Pakistan, HE Mr. Neil Hakins, called on Senator Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Chairman Senate of Pakistan, at the Parliament House, Islamabad. ^[31]
3. On June 28, Senator Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Chairman Senate of Pakistan, met with Chinese dignitaries at the launching ceremony of Annual Sustainability Report 2023, jointly Organized by the SDPI and CCCPK at the Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS), Islamabad. ^[32]

Interactions of COAS with Foreign Dignitaries

There are no reported meetings and interactions of General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, with any foreign dignitaries during the month of June 2024.

Prime Minister’s Interactions with COAS

1. On June 21, Prime Minister and COAS joined the final rites of Sepoy Haroon William at the Saint Paul’s Church in Rawalpindi. ^[33]
2. On June 22, Prime Minister chaired the Central Apex Committee meeting on National Action Plan held in Islamabad which was also joined by the COAS. ^[34]
3. On June 22, Prime Minister chaired a meeting of the Apex Committee of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) held at Islamabad which was also attended by the COAS. ^[35]

Thwarted Coup attempt in Bolivia

On June 26, a day after Gen. Juan Jose Zúñiga was dismissed as commander of the Bolivian army, he was arrested by the police after he attempted to storm the presidential palace. He was accused of mounting a coup against the government.

The CNN reported that military units occupied the main square in the capital as armoured vehicles rammed the palace door and soldiers tried to break into government offices. Hours later, Bolivian President Mr. Luis Arce, who had called on the public to “organize and mobilize” in defence of democracy, was seen confronting Gen. Juan Jose Zúñiga in the crowded palace hallway, ordering the general to withdraw his soldiers and stand down.

Before his arrest, Gen. Juan Jose Zúñiga appeared in the main square location of the national executive and legislative offices surrounded by military soldiers and addressed news reporters saying that “we want to restore democracy,” as he spoke of the country’s economic woes. “The people have no future, and the army has the courage to look out for the future of our children, the well-being and progress of our people,” he said. He also vowed “to free all political prisoners” including former president Jeanine Anez, currently imprisoned for what the courts said was her role in deadly protests that erupted after her ascension to power in 2019.

The attempted coup was widely condemned by the Bolivian government and international leaders. ^[36]

References

1. “Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting of Central Apex Committee on National Action Plan in Islamabad,” PMO online, June 22, 2024, accessed July 02, 2024. https://www.pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=5219. ↑

2. Nadir Guramani, “In noisy NA session, Khawaja Asif assails opposition for opposing Operation Azm-i-Istehkam,” Dawn online, June 23, 2024, accessed July 2, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1841446/in-noisy-na-session-khawaja-asif-assails-opposition-for-opposing-operation-azm-i-istehkam. ↑

3. Ikram Junaidi, Saleem Shahid, Umer Farooq, “Azm-i-Istehkam is no ‘large-scale military op,’” Dawn online, June 25, 2024, accessed July 2, 2024, https://www.dawn.com/news/1841822/azm-i-istehkam-is-no-large-scale-military-op. ↑

4. “The recently announced vision for enduring stability named Azm-e-Istehkam is being erroneously misunderstood and compared with earlier launched kinetic operations like Zarb-e-Azab, Rah-e-Najaat etc.,” PMO online, June 24, 2024, accessed July 02, 2024. https://www.pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=5212. ↑

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6. Iftikhar A. Khan, “Parliament okays ‘controversial’ budget for FY25,” Dawn online, June 29, 2024, accessed July 2, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1842689/parliament-okays-controversial-budget-for-fy25. ↑

7. Khaleeq Kiani, “PM Shehbaz confirms IMF role in budget prep,” Dawn online, June 26, 2024, accessed June 27, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1841952/pm-shehbaz-confirms-imf-role-in-budget-prep. ↑

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9. Nasir Iqbal, “Live telecast plea rejected to prevent ‘misuse’: SC,” Dawn online, June 02, 2024, accessed June 20, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1837250/live-telecast-plea-rejected-to-prevent-misuse-sc. ↑

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11. Nasir Iqbal, “Govt moves SC against cipher acquittals,” Dawn online, June 14, 2024, accessed June 23, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1839771/govt-moves-sc-against-cipher-acquittals. ↑

12. “Establishment not ready for dialogue, says Alvi,” Dawn online, June 05, 2024, accessed June 20, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1837836/establishment-not-ready-for-dialogue-says-alvi ↑

13. Malik Asad, “No reprieve for Imran, Bushra in Iddat case,” Dawn online, June 28, 2024, accessed June 29, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1842383/no-reprieve-for-imran-bushra-in-iddat-case. ↑

14. Malik Asad, “‘Meddling’ by establishment to end soon, LHC CJ hopes,” Dawn online, June 15, 2024, accessed June 23, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1839984/meddling-by-establishment-to-end-soon-lhc-cj-hopes. ↑

15. “No attempt made to pressurise judiciary, says SHC chief justice,” Dawn online, June 16, 2024, accessed June 23, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1840142/no-attempt-made-to-pressurise-judiciary-says-shc-chief-justice. ↑

16. Malik Asad, “Imran asks IHC to end spy agency’s ‘involvement in jail affairs’,” Dawn online, June 28, 2024, accessed June 29, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1842409/imran-asks-ihc-to-end-spy-agencys-involvement-in-jail-affairs. ↑

17. Iftikhar A. Khan, “Chief election commissioner blames top judiciary for electoral complications,” Dawn online, June 08, 2024, accessed June 21, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1838554/chief-election-commissioner-blames-top-judiciary-for-electoral-complications. ↑

18. Nasir Iqbal, “ECP challenges LHC’s order on election tribunals in SC,” Dawn online, June 14, 2024, accessed June 22, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1839778/ecp-challenges-lhcs-order-on-election-tribunals-in-sc. ↑

19. Nasir Iqbal, “Apex court refuses to stay LHC order on election tribunals,” Dawn online, June 21, 2024, accessed June 24, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1840937/apex-court-refuses-to-stay-lhc-order-on-election-tribunals. ↑

20. Nasir Iqbal, “Top judge unimpressed by criticism of ‘bat’ verdict,” Dawn online, June 26, 2024, accessed June 27, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1841945/top-judge-unimpressed-by-criticism-of-bat-verdict. ↑

21. Nasir Iqbal, “ECP defends decision to deny SIC reserved seats,” Dawn online, June 23, 2024, accessed June 24, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1841391/ecp-defends-decision-to-deny-sic-reserved-seats. ↑

22. Amir Wasim, “Bilawal calls for political consensus to abolish NAB,” Dawn online, June 26, 2024, accessed June 27, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1841997/bilawal-calls-for-political-consensus-to-abolish-nab. ↑

23. “Prime Minister Shehbaz Calls an Urgent Meeting of SIFC to Review Projects,” Republic Policy online, June 22, 2024, accessed July 2, 2024. https://republicpolicy.com/prime-minister-shehbaz-calls-an-urgent-meeting-of-sifc-to-review-projects/. ↑

24. Nasir Iqbal, “Beset by crises, Pakistan needs surgery: Imran,” Dawn online, June 22, 2024, accessed June 27, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1841178/beset-by-crises-pakistan-needs-surgery-imran. ↑

25. Dr Arif Alvi @ArifAlvi, June 01, 2024, 10: 26 p.m, accessed July 02, 2024. https://twitter.com/ArifAlvi/status/1796945272687497616. ↑

26. Amir Wasim, “In majority vote, NA dismisses US resolution as ‘interference’,” Dawn online, June 29, 2024, accessed June 29, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1842686/in-majority-vote-na-dismisses-us-resolution-as-interference. ↑

27. Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Pakistan incensed by US resolution seeking poll probe,” Dawn online, June 27, 2024, accessed June 28, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1842268/pakistan-incensed-by-us-resolution-seeking-poll-probe. ↑

28. “Speaker Ayaz Sadiq Visits Iranian Embassy to Offer Condolence on Demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Other High Ranking Officials – June 5, 2024,” National Assembly online, June 05, 2024, accessed June 27, 2024. https://www.na.gov.pk/en/pressrelease.php?content=101#6106. ↑

29. “NA Speaker Highlights Unwavering Commitment to CPEC at Pakistan-China Consultative Meeting, The Parliament of Pakistan and all political parties are unanimous in their resolve to further strengthen Pak-China Friendship – June 21, 2024,” National Assembly online, June 21, 2024, accessed June 28, 2024. https://www.na.gov.pk/en/pressrelease.php?content=101#6118. ↑

30. “British High Commissioner calls on Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani at Parliament House,” Senate of Pakistan online, June 11, 2024, accessed June 27, 2024. https://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NTQ1OA==. ↑

31. “Chairman Senate, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in a Meeting with Australian High Commissioner Mr. Neil Hawkins at Parliament House Islamabad,” Senate of Pakistan online, June 25, 2024, accessed June 27, 2024. https://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NTUwOQ== . ↑

32. “Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani addressing as a Chief Guest at The Launching Ceremony of Annual Sustainability Report 2023, Jointly Organized by The SDPI and CCCPK at Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS), Islamabad,” Senate of Pakistan online, June 28, 2024, accessed June 29, 2024. https://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NTUxNw==. ↑

33. “PM Shehbaz Sharif, COAS Asim Muneer attend martyred soldier’s funeral,” SIFC online, June 21, 2024, accessed June 27, 2024. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2473069/pm-shehbaz-sharif-coas-gen-asim-muneer-attend-martyred-soldiers-funeral-at-church-in-rawalpindi. ↑

34. “Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting of Central Apex Committee on National Action Plan in Islamabad,” Khyber News online, June 22, 2024, accessed June 29, 2024. https://www.pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=5219. ↑

35. “PM Shehbaz Sharif Convenes SIFC Apex Committee Meeting Today,” Khyber News online, June 22, 2024, accessed June 27, 2024. https://khybernews.tv/pm-shehbaz-sharif-convenes-sifc-apex-committee-meeting-today/. ↑

36. Tara John, Abel Alvarado, Stefano Pozzebon, “Bolivian general arrested and accused of coup after dramatic showdown with president,” CNN online, June 27, 2024, accessed July 2, 2024. https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/26/americas/bolivia-coup-attempt-claims-intl-latam/index.html. ↑