Update on The Performance of Democratic Institutions | October 2022

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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.

In this issue:

  1. DG ISI and DG ISPR historic press conference
  2. ECP disqualifies former prime minister Mr. Imran Khan in the Toshakhana case
  3. Senior supreme court judge requests citizens to condemn individuals not institutions
  4. Senior Anchor and Analyst, Mr. Arshad Sharif shot dead in Kenya
  5. COAS announces stepping down at the end of November 2022
  6. PM and Former CM Punjab acquitted in Money laundering case
  7. PTI Chairman terminates Faisal Vawda’s party membership
  8. Prime Minister’s Steering Committee on Peace decides to fully assist the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government over increase in TTP acts
  9. FATF takes Pakistan out of their Grey List
  10. PTI Chairman says that decision making powers did not rest with him during his PM tenure
  11. Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) manages to secure six out of eight National Assembly seats in the crucial by-election
  12. Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah said PTI chief Imran Khan should have taken part in a debate in parliament on the accountability law amendment bill
  13. PTI Senator accuses Intelligence officials of torturing him
  14. Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) unanimously approves recommendation to elevate Islamabad High Court (IHC) to Supreme Court
  15. PPP leader, Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan alleges establishment helped Sharif family get clear from the court cases
  16. ECP puts off indefinitely the local government elections scheduled in Karachi division
  17. PTI concedes President engaged in backdoor talks with government
  18. NSC affirms strong response to terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
  19. Government increases MNAs funds
  20. Former COAS clarifies that nobody will be allowed to create political and economic instability in the country
  21. 252nd Corps Commanders Conference
  22. Speaker National Assembly meets Foreign Dignitaries
  23. Chairman Senate meets Foreign Dignitaries
  24. Interactions of COAS with Foreign Dignitaries
  25. Prime Minister’s Interactions with COAS

DG ISI and DG ISPR historic press conference

ISPR, Lt General Babar Iftikhar and along with the ISI, Director General, Lt-Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum

ISPR, Lt General Babar Iftikhar and along with the ISI, Director General, Lt-Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum, held a press conference on October 27. Former Prime Minister, Mr. Imran Khan had offered General Qamar Javed Bajwa extension in his tenure for an indefinite period in March 2022 for helping him fail the opposition parties’ no-confidence motion against him, but the offer was turned down by COAS. DG ISPR made the comments during an unprecedented press briefing with DG ISI on the death of senior journalist late Mr. Arshad Sharif in Kenya. Lt-Gen Anjum was invited by the military spokesperson considering the “sensitivity of the matter”. He also shared that the members of his agency were deliberately removed from the inquiry committee as unnecessary fingers were being raised at the institution. ISPR shared that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government issued a threat alert regarding Mr. Arshad on August 5, 2022. The alert was issued on special directives of KP Chief Minister Mahmood Khan. Lt-Gen Iftikhar said several facts regarding the cipher had surfaced so far, which exposed the “hollow and fabricated story”. He added that the opinion of a Pakistani envoy was used by the former PM for his political interests.[1]

ECP disqualifies former prime minister Mr. Imran Khan in the Toshakhana case

Mr. Imran Khan, former PM of Pakistan

On October 21, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) disqualified Mr. Imran Khan for making a “false statement and incorrect declarations” in the Toshakhana case. The decision ignited a debate on the jurisdiction of the ECP and whether the commission had the authority to disqualify the former premier before his trial by a court or tribunal. The ECP has disqualified Mr. Imran Khan from being a member of the National Assembly for making a false declaration. The PTI leader did not disclose details of gifts in the statement of his assets and liabilities for the year 2018-19 and the sale proceeds. ECP directed legal proceedings against him and follow-up action under Section 190(2) of the elections law. Mr. Khan was de-seated even before the trial against him commenced.[2] On October 26, Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice, Mr. Athar Minallah removed administrative objections from the petition filed by former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan against his disqualification.[3]

Senior supreme court judge requests citizens to condemn individuals not institutions

Senior Supreme Court judge, Qazi Faez Isa said citizens have right to judge us but requested not to judge them as an institution because there is both good and bad. Mr. Qazi added that if we remove democracy from Pakistan, then you are the enemy of the people and the state. He expressed wonder over formation of joint investigation teams (JITs) in every other case, especially political, whereas the provision of such a team was available in the anti-terrorism law only.[4]

Senior Anchor and Analyst, Mr. Arshad Sharif shot dead in Kenya

On October 23, Arshad Sharif was killed at the hands of Kenyan police near Nairobi

On October 23, Arshad Sharif was killed at the hands of Kenyan police near Nairobi, Kenya while he was in a self imposed exile. A statement by the Kenyan police termed it a case of ‘mistaken identity’. It said Mr. Sharif was fatally wounded by a police officer while being a passenger in a motor vehicle and added that the police at the time had been on the lookout for a stolen car and an abducted person.[5] The United States administration also took notice of the journalist’s killing and urged the Kenyan authorities to hold a thorough investigation into the incident.[6] On October 26, Senior Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader, Mr. Faisal Vawda, during an explosive presser, said the military establishment is “not involved” in the tragic incident of Mr. Arshad Sharif. However, a number of PTI leaders reacted strongly to their fellow’s claims, accusing him of sabotaging the party’s long march.[7] On October 27, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has said that there is no need for further witnesses to come forward after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MP Arshad Vawda claimed he was murdered by the KP government. Interior Minister added that a “hoax” threat alert for the journalist was issued by the government in August 2022, which would be investigated.[8]

On October 27, DG Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt-Gen Babar Iftikhar along with DG-ISI, in an explosive presser said that ARY News Chief Executive Officer Salman Iqbal should be brought back to the country to interrogate him about the murder of Mr. Arshad Sharif. The Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DGISPR) said that international forensic experts, investigators even those under the umbrella of United Nations, should be made part of inquiry commission for which the Pakistan Army had requested the federal government. He also questioned as to what was the link of Mr. Arshad with Waqar Ahmed and Khurram Ahmed, who hosted him in Kenya, and who sent news of his death to them.[9]

On October 30, investigation into the murder of Pakistani journalist Mr. Arshad Sharif recorded statements of two witnesses to the killing in Nairobi. The inquiry committee met Mr. Khurram Ahmed, who was driving the vehicle carrying the slain journalist and his brother Mr. Waqar Ahmed. They described the shooting as one of “mistaken identity”, according to private TV channels.[10]

COAS announces stepping down at the end of November 2022

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Bajwa has announced that he will retire in November 2022. He was appointed army chief in 2016 for a three-year tenure, which was extended by three years after parliament legislated on the tenures of services chiefs on the orders of the Supreme Court. COAS is 61 years old and can technically stay on for another term, if government agrees to it.[11]

PM and Former CM Punjab acquitted in Money laundering case

PM Shahbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Sharif

On October 12, PM Shahbaz Sahrif and his son Hamza were acquitted in Rs16 billion money laundering case. The court had fixed almost eight hearings to indict PM and Mr. Hamza in the money-laundering case, but the process could not be completed due to different reasons. Finally, the father-son duo was acquitted, as they had moved applications seeking acquittal before regular trial and indictment under Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The judge reserved the verdict and later announced it in the evening, and acquitted PM Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza.[12]

PTI Chairman terminates Faisal Vawda’s party membership

Mr. Imran Khan & Mr Faisal Vawda

On October 29, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) terminated Mr. Faisal Vawda’s, Former Senator and senior leader party membership. He had claimed that journalist Arshad Sharif’s murder was “pre-planned” and “conspired” in Pakistan and claimed Mr. Sharif was shot dead from inside the car he was travelling in or at a close range.[13]

Prime Minister’s Steering Committee on Peace decides to fully assist the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government over increase in TTP acts

On October 12, Prime Minister’s Steering Committee on Peace meeting took place days after the interior ministry issued an alert over the increasing threat of attacks by the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The panel met two days after a school van was targeted in Swat’s Charbagh area, which left its driver dead and two students injured. All participants unanimously decided to provide full support to the KP government for eradication of terrorism from the province.[14]

FATF takes Pakistan out of their Grey List

On October 21, Pakistan has been removed from Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF’s) “grey list” of countries that do not take full measures to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. Pakistan worked through two concurrent action plans and completed 34 action points to remove strategic deficiencies in anti-money laundering and combating financing terror (AML/CFT) regime. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the decision adding that Pakistan exiting the FATF grey list is a vindication of our determined and sustained efforts over the years..[15]

PTI Chairman says that decision making powers did not rest with him during his PM tenure

PM Mr. Imran Khan at a rally

On October 12, former PM Mr. Imran Khan said that during his three-and-a-half-year tenure, decision-making powers did not rest with him, even though he was in charge of running the affairs of the country. Mr. Khan did not name the people he had to ‘share the power’ with, but he has made similar claims in the past.[16]

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) manages to secure six out of eight National Assembly seats in the crucial by-election

Voters casting their votes

On October 16, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) managed to clinch two NA-157 Multan and NA-237 Karachi which were bagged by the PTI in the 2018 general elections. Other major parties, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-P), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM-P) and the Awami National Party (ANP), could not manage to grab even a single NA seat. Mr. Imran Khan on seven seats emerged victorious against his rivals in six constituencies. Former PM Yousaf Raza Gillani’s son Ali Musa Gillani managed to defeat Meher Bano, daughter of PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Multan. A clash between the supporters of PPP and PTI left one of their MPA Bilal Ghaffar injured in Karachi. The election day remained largely peaceful except for a few clashes between supporters of political parties. Security personnel managed to control the violence and made a few arrests.[17]

Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah said PTI chief Imran Khan should have taken part in a debate in parliament on the accountability law amendment bill

On October 24, Supreme Court Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah said Mr. Imran Khan should have debated the accountability legislation reform bill in parliament instead of leaving. The court described a “filtration mechanism” in politics where a party gets voted out of government if it passes a poor legislation. Justice Shah questioned how the court could “second-guess” parliament, which may exclude any legislation, such as fiscal policy. Judge said lawmakers must have considered rewriting NAB legislation to improve the economy. Senior attorney Khawaja Haris Ahmed, defending the PTI president, called NAB legislation modifications an eyewash since they made it hard to establish corruption charges. Through mutual legal aid, Pakistan may contact any nation to obtain evidence of corruption against an accused, but evidentiary value or admissibility can only be done by choosing a different venue when the evidence is similarly excellent. Justice Shah stated the country’s legal system was ill-equipped to execute international agreements and asked whether the court might force the government to establish a statute to meet international treaties. Before the modification, Justice Shah questioned whether NAB legislation complied with international treaties. Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial said a local law might be worse than an international treaty. CJP: A treaty’s criteria must be met by making domestic law consistent with it.[18]

PTI Senator accuses Intelligence officials of torturing him

Senator Azam Swati addressing a press conference

Senator Azam Swati accused ISI Director General Faisal Naseer and Sector Commander Brigadier Faheem Raza of torturing him on October 28. He asked the authorities to dismiss the cops to prevent power abuse. Mr. Swati warned the FIA cybercrime wing he would reveal his torturers. He offered the FIA 24 hours to finish its investigation and divulge his torturers’ identities, or he would do it himself. The FIA had arrested the PTI leader in Islamabad on October 13. The agency’s cybercrime arm filed the complaint against Mr. Swati for his “controversial” tweets maligning the military and courts after the acquittal of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza in a money laundering case. Mr. Swati was released from police and court detention on October 21. Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah denied the charge on October 28, saying the FIA hadn’t turned him over.[19] The Supreme Court summoned Senate Opposition Leader Dr. Shahzad Waseem on October 30 for his letter on Azam Swati’s alleged abuse in jail. Dr. Waseem and Mr. Swati wrote to Pakistan’s chief judge on October 17 about the senator’s alleged mistreatment in FIA detention.

Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) unanimously approves recommendation to elevate Islamabad High Court (IHC) to Supreme Court

On October 24, JCP unanimously supported the request to raise IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah to the Supreme Court, gave split nods to two high court justices, and eliminated one nominee. The JCP, presided over by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial, approved the candidacies of Justice Shahid Waheed of the Lahore High Court and Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi of the Sindh High Court (SHC) with a majority of five to four. Both are fourth on their respective courts’ seniority lists. The Supreme Court now has 15 justices, two shy of a full bench. Bandial, Ijazul Ahsan, Sarmad Jalal Osmany, AGP Ashtar Ausaf, and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar backed the nominations. The meeting ended with unanimous approval of Justice Minallah. The Parliamentary Committee will take up the suggestions 14 days after JCP approval. Sindh Bar Council Vice Chairman Zulfiqar Jalbani rejected the nomination of “younger judges of the high courts” and urged the JCP examine their nominations after drafting criteria and changing JCP guidelines on judge promotion.[20]

PPP leader, Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan alleges establishment helped Sharif family get clear from the court cases

Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan talking to the media

On October 11, PPP leader Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan alleged that the establishment helped the Nawaz Sharif family get clear from corruption cases. He said it was unfortunate that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had been used for political engineering in Pakistan. In an obvious reference to the former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Qamar Javed Bajwa, said COAS has rescued the Sharif family from conviction in cases.[21]

ECP puts off indefinitely the local government elections scheduled in Karachi division

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) postponed Karachi LG elections on October 18. Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja decided to postpone the election for a third time. It happened hours after the federal administration refused to secure 5,000 ‘sensitive’ polling locations. In Karachi’s East, West, South, Central, Korangi, Keamari, and Malir districts, LG elections were scheduled. Because of flooding, the ECP didn’t schedule LG elections in nine districts of Hyderabad. The ECP questioned the interior ministry on October 17 whether it can provide security for the Karachi LG elections after the Sindh government said it lacked 16,000 officers. The ECP postponed the July 24 elections due to significant rain forecasts. Rains and urban floods postponed voting on August 24. ECP set October 23 as the voting date for Karachi LG elections on September 14.[22]

PTI concedes President engaged in backdoor talks with government

PTI admitted on Oct 19 that President Arif Alvi is in backdoor negotiations with the government. PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry said the government is negotiating elections. Media reports said President Alvi was trying to alleviate political tension through backchannels. He stated that the PTI was ready to meet with the government if it agreed to conduct early elections. In response to PML-N leader Mr. Ahsan Iqbal’s comments on polls, the PTI leader stated governing party officials aren’t on the same page since Iqbal says one thing and Sanaullah says another.

NSC affirms strong response to terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The National Security Committee (NSC) decided on a strategy to revitalise the counterterrorism system on October 14. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held the conference amid large-scale demonstrations in Swat over worsening insecurity. The shooting of a school van driver in Mingora on October 10 sparked demonstrations throughout Swat. Participants stated state institutions and people are united to defend life and property, preserve the country’’ integrity, and maintain the rule of law. These aims will be “achieved at any costs”, they said. The NSC also decided to restore the Nawaz Sharif-General Raheel Sharif period apex committee. Instead of the military, the National Counterterrorism Authority (NACTA) will spearhead the new counterterrorism policy. NACTA will engage with provincial counterterrorism departments (CTDs). Federal and provincial counterterrorism infrastructure will be enhanced, and law enforcement organisations will be provided with current technology and trained. NACTA will help secure China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.[23]

Government increases MNAs funds

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the federal cabinet approved a supplementary grant of Rs. 17 billion to increase parliamentarians’ discretionary spending to a record Rs. 87 billion. The increase in funds for development schemes to Rs. 87 billion would ensure that all 174 PDM members of the National Assembly would get Rs. 500 million worth of small schemes — sewage lines, gas, water, and electricity connections, and street repair and maintenance — in the name of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).[24]

Former COAS clarifies that nobody will be allowed to create political and economic instability in the country

On October 8, former Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa said nobody would be permitted to foment political and economic turmoil in the nation. General Bajwa said Pakistan’s sovereignty and integrity cost a lot in blood and treasure. COAS encouraged graduating cadets not to be diverted by false news and political squabbling and to respect democratic institutions and protect Pakistan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and Constitution with their life. COAS emphasised regional stability and building a system for amicably resolving any bilateral concerns. Pakistan is striving to break the political logjam that has prevented South Asian nations from moving ahead and resolving regional and bilateral concerns in a peaceful and dignified way, which can only happen with sustained economic growth, development, and enduring peace.[25]

252nd Corps Commanders Conference

Former COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa

On October 17, 252nd Corps Commanders’ Conference was held at GHQ. Forum was apprised on army’s assistance to civil administration for relief and rehabilitation efforts in flood affected areas and post flood situation particularly in Sindh and Balochistan. While expressing satisfaction over operational preparedness of the formations, former COAS reiterated Pakistan Army’s resolve to defend the motherland against all threats.[26]

Speaker National Assembly meets Foreign Dignitaries

Raja Pervez Ashraf, Speaker, National Assembly of Pakistan
  1. On October 03, Ambassador of Germany to H.E. Alfred Grannas called on Raja Parvez Ashraf, Speaker, National Assembly at Parliament House, Islamabad.[27]
  2. On October 03, Ambassador of Norway to Pakistan H.E. Per Albert Ilsaas called on Raja Parvez Ashraf, Speaker, National Assembly at Parliament House, Islamabad.[28]
  3. On October 03, Deputy Opposition Leader /Deputy Leader, Ms. Angela Rayner & Mr. Lord Wajid Khan, Member-House of Lords called on Raja Parvez Ashraf, Speaker, National Assembly at Parliament House, Islamabad.[29]
  4. On October 04, Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, H.E. Neil Hawkins called on Raja Parvez Ashraf, Speaker, National Assembly at Parliament House, Islamabad.[30]
  5. On October 04, Diplomats of African bloc of IPU called on Raja Parvez Ashraf, Speaker, National Assembly at Parliament House, Islamabad.[31]
  6. On October 05, Twelve Plus group of the Inter-parliamentary Union (IPU) called on Raja Parvez Ashraf, Speaker, National Assembly at Parliament House, Islamabad.[32]
  7. On October 07, Delegates of *Arab Group of IPU* called on Raja Parvez Ashraf, Speaker, National Assembly at Parliament House, Islamabad.[33]
  8. On October 12, H.E. Mr. Mitsuhiro Wada, Ambassador of Japancalled on Raja Parvez Ashraf, Speaker, National Assembly at Parliament House, Islamabad.[34]

Chairman Senate meets Foreign Dignitaries

Senator Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani, Chairman Senate of Pakistan
  1. On October 07, A group of Spouses of Diplomatic Corps called on Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani, Chairman Senate at Parliament House, Islamabad.[35]
  2. On October 11, Secretary General Muslim World League, Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Bin Abdul Karim Issa called on Chairman Senate at Parliament House, Islamabad. [36]
  3. On October 20, Mr. Borhene Ei Kamel, Ambassador of Tunisia to Pakistan called on Senator Muhammad Sadiq Sanjarani, Chairman Senate at Parliament House, Islamabad. [37]
  4. On October 20, Mr. Bela Fazekas, Ambassador of Hungry to Pakistan called on Senator Muhammad Sadiq Sanjarani, Chairman Senate at Parliament House, Islamabad. [38]
  5. On October 24, Senator Muhammad Sadiq Sanjarani, Chairman Senate Met with Leaders of The Islamic World at House of Representatives of Indonesia, Bandung, Indonesia. [39]
  6. On October 25, President of The House of Councillors, Morocco, Mr. Enaam Mayara Met with Senator Muhammad Sadiq Sanjarani, Chairman Senate at The Conference of World People’s Consultative Assembly forum at Bandung, Indonesia. [40]
  7. On October 25, Mr. Mouhamed Khouraichi Niass, Secretary General Parliamentary Union of The OIC Member States (PUIC) Met with Senator Muhammad Sadiq Sanjarani, Chairman Senate at Opening ceremony of The International Meeting of Speakers of Parliaments of The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member States in Bandung, Indonesia. [41]
  8. On October 26, Chairman of The People’s Consultative Assembly of Indonesia, Mr. Bambang Soesatyo Met with Senator Muhammad Sadiq Sanjarani, Chairman Senate at The Sidelines of The Conference of World People’s Consultative Assembly Forum at Bandung, Indonesia. [42]

Interactions of COAS with Foreign Dignitaries

General Qamar Javed Bajwa, former Chief of Army Staff

The following foreign dignitaries called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) during the month:

  1. On October 02, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) called on General Birame Diop (Senegal), United Nation’s (UN) Military Advisor to Secretary General during official visit to United States.[43]
  2. On October 05, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) called on General (Retd) Lloyd James Austin III, Mr. Lloyd J. Austin, Secretary of Defence, Mr. Jacob Jeremiah Sullivan, National Security Adviser and Ms. Wendy Ruth Sherman, Deputy Secretary of State at Pentagon. [44]
  3. On October 11, Dr Christian Turner, British High Commissioner on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at GHQ, Rawalpindi.[45]
  4. On October 12, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) called on Ms. Wendy Ruth Sherman, Deputy Secretary of State at Pentagon.[46]

Prime Minister’s Interactions with COAS

Meeting with Prime Minister Mr. Shahbaz Sharif

Prime Minister Mr. Shahbaz Sharif, and Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Qamar Javed Bajwa met once during the month of October 2022.

  1. On October 14, PM and COAS met at National Security Committee (NSC) meeting at Prime Minister House.[47]

References

  1. Muhammad Anees, “Bajwa offered extension for life to foil no-trust: ISI DG,” The News International online, October 28, 2022, accessed November 05, 2022. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1004205-bajwa-offered-extension-for-life-to-foil-no-trust-isi-dg ↑

  2. Iftikhar A. Khan, “Imran’s ‘ouster’ triggers uproar,” Dawn online, October 22, 2022, accessed November 04, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1716303/imrans-ouster-triggers-uproar ↑

  3. Malik Asad, “IHC removes objections from Imran’s petition against disqualification,” Dawn online, October 27, 2022, accessed November 04, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1717116/ihc-removes-objections-from-imrans-petition-against-disqualification ↑

  4. Wajih Ahmad Sheikh, “‘Judge us, not institutions’ — Justice Isa speaks inconvenient truths,” Dawn online, October 23, 2022, accessed November 1, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1716476/judge-us-not-institutions-justice-isa-speaks-inconvenient-truths. ↑

  5. Syed Irfan Raza, “Journalist’s killing in Kenya shocks nation, prompts probe demand,” Dawn online, October 25, 2022, accessed November 04, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1716808/journalists-killing-in-kenya-shocks-nation-prompts-probe-demand. ↑

  6. Syed Irfan Raza|Malik Asad, “Govt forms team of intelligence officials to probe Arshad’s killing,” Dawn online, October 26, 2022, accessed November 04, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1716900/govt-forms-team-of-intelligence-officials-to-probe-arshads-killing. ↑

  7. Syed Irfan Raza, “Killing of Arshad planned in Pakistan, says Vawda,” Dawn online, October 27, 2022, accessed November 05, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1717105/killing-of-arshad-planned-in-pakistan-says-vawda ↑

  8. Iftikhar A. Khan, “Imran, PTI leaders to be probed in Arshad’s killing case: Sana,” Dawn online, October 28, 2022, accessed November 05, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1717294/imran-pti-leaders-to-be-probed-in-arshads-killing-case-sana ↑

  9. “Salman Iqbal role suspicious, he must be brought back, grilled: ISPR,” The News International online, October 28, 2022. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1004207-arshad-sharif-murder-salman-iqbal-role-suspicious-he-must-be-brought-back-grilled-ispr ↑

  10. “Inquiry team records statements in Arshad murder probe,” Dawn online, October 31, 2022, accessed November 05, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1717885/inquiry-team-records-statements-in-arshad-murder-probe ↑

  11. Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Gen Bajwa to bid ‘farewell to arms’ in five weeks,” Dawn online, October 22, 2022, accessed November 1, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1716300/gen-bajwa-to-bid-farewell-to-arms-in-five-weeks. ↑

  12. Numan Wahab, “Shehbaz, Hamza acquitted in money-laundering case,” Dawn online, October 13, 2022, accessed November 1, 2022. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/999395-shehbaz-hamza-acquitted-in-money-laundering-case. ↑

  13. Ikram Junaidi, “PTI terminates Vawda’s party membership,” Dawn online, October 30, 2022, accessed November 03, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1717663/pti-terminates-vawdas-party-membership ↑

  14. Iftikhar A. Khan, “Centre to help KP curb terrorism amid alarm over TTP acts,” Dawn online, October 13, 2022, accessed November 04, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1714783/centre-to-help-kp-curb-terrorism-amid-alarm-over-ttp-acts ↑

  15. Khaleeq Kiani, “Pakistan sheds ‘grey list’ mantle,” Dawn online, October 22, 2022, accessed November 04, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1716301/pakistan-sheds-grey-list-mantle ↑

  16. Mansoor Malik|Syed Irfan Raza, “Orders came from ‘elsewhere’ while I was PM, says Imran,” Dawn online, October 12, 2022, accessed November 3, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1714785/orders-came-from-elsewhere-while-i-was-pm-says-imran ↑

  17. Syed Irfan Raza|Imran Ayub|Muhammad Ashfaq|Imran Gabol, “Imran stuns rivals, grabs six NA seats,” Dawn online, October 17, 2022, accessed November 03, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1715434/imran-stuns-rivals-grabs-six-na-seats ↑

  18. Nasir Iqbal, “Imran should have taken part in debate on NAB law: judge,” Dawn online, October 25, 2022, accessed November 04, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1716817/imran-should-have-taken-part-in-debate-on-nab-law-judge ↑

  19. Iftikhar A. Khan, “Swati alleges, govt denies torture by intel officers,” Dawn online, October 29, 2022, accessed November 04, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1717497/swati-alleges-govt-denies-torture-by-intel-officers ↑

  20. Nasir Iqbal, “JCP okays IHC CJ, two ‘junior’ judges for SC,” Dawn online, October 25, 2022, accessed November 2, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1716804/jcp-okays-ihc-cj-two-junior-judges-for-sc ↑

  21. “Aitzaz Ahsan sees establishment in Sharifs’ acquittal,” Dawn online, October 12, 2022, accessed November 3, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1714556/aitzaz-ahsan-sees-establishment-in-sharifs-acquittal ↑

  22. Iftikhar A. Khan, “Karachi local govt elections postponed indefinitely for want of security,” Dawn online, October 19, 2022, accessed November 04, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1715698/karachi-local-govt-elections-postponed-indefinitely-for-want-of-security ↑

  23. Syed Irfan Raza|Baqir Sajjad Syed, “National Security Committee vows firm response to resurging terrorism,” Dawn online, October 15, 2022, accessed November 2, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1715126/national-security-committee-vows-firm-response-to-resurging-terrorism ↑

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