Update on The Performance of Democratic Institutions | October 2023

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

  1. SC upheld the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act 2023
  2. Nawaz Sharif returns to Pakistan
  3. Military Trials of Civilians declared Unconstitutional
  4. 6th Apex Committee Meeting of the SIFC
  5. PTI Chairman indicted in the Cipher Case
  6. Federal Government forms fact finding panel to implement the Faizabad Verdict
  7. ECP Invites International Observers to Monitor GE
  8. SJC Show-Cause Notice to Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi
  9. Intra-court appeal against SC Judgment on amended NAO
  10. Meeting of the Apex Committee of the National Action Plan
  11. Petition moved in SC against enforced disappearances
  12. President Alvi reaffirms loyalty to PTI Chairman
  13. NAB includes intelligence agencies in anti-white-collar crime task force
  14. COAS addresses Participants of the National Security Workshop
  15. 260th Corps Commanders Conference held
  16. Speaker National Assembly meets Foreign Dignitaries
  17. Chairman Senate meets Foreign Dignitaries
  18. Interactions of COAS with Foreign Dignitaries
  19. Caretaker Prime Minister’s Interactions with COAS

SC upheld the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act 2023

Justice Qazi Faez Isa, Chief Justice of Pakistan

On October 11, the Supreme Court upheld the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act 2023 though it stated that the right to appeal provided against a decision taken under Article 184(3) will not be applicable retrospectively. The verdict was announced through a full court headed by CJP Qazi Faez Isa where a majority of ten to five rejected all the petitions and sustained the act as constitutional. The judges who dissented with the verdict included Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Ayesha A. Malik, and Justice Shahid Waheed.[1]

Earlier, hearing petitions against the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act 2023 CJP Justice Qazi Faez Isa had expressed concerns over the numerous legal challenges to laws enacted by the Parliament. He mentioned that there is often intense scrutiny and nit-picking when it comes to laws passed by the Parliament.[2]

Nawaz Sharif returns to Pakistan

Former PM, Mr. Nawaz Sharif addressing a rally at Minar-e-Pakistan, Lahore

On October 21, former Prime Minister, Mr. Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan after four years of exile in London. He addressed party workers and leaders at the Minar-e-Pakistan Lahore. During his speech, focused on the need to rebuild Pakistan and called for good relations with neighbouring countries as well as harmony among constitutional institutions and political players for the betterment of the country. Mr. Nawaz Sharif expressed his willingness to forgive all those who had wronged him and said that he would not seek revenge against those allegedly involved in his ouster in 2017. He emphasized the importance of following the constitution and working together to address the challenges facing the country. He also denounced the brutalities in Gaza by Israeli forces.

Mr. Sharif received an official protocol from Lahore’s civil administration when he arrived to address the public meeting at Minar-e-Pakistan. High-ranking officials, including the Lahore Commissioner and the Capital City Police Officer also greeted him upon his arrival in Lahore. [3]

Before arriving in Lahore, he stopped over at the Islamabad International Airport to sign applications to restore pending appeals against his convictions in the Avenfield Apartments and Al-Azizia references. His biometric verification at the Islamabad International Airport sparked controversy on social media with some alleging preferential treatment for him by the Caretaker government. However, an IHC senior officer clarified that biometric verification was overseen by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to ensure the authenticity of the petitioner, addressing past issues where unauthorized persons filed replies. [4]

Mr. Nawaz Sharif secured an extension in his protective bail from the Islamabad High Court for the Al-Azizia and Avenfield Apartments references. This occurred as the Punjab Caretaker Government suspended his sentence in the Al-Azizia case under Section 401 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Additionally, an Accountability Court Judge, Mr. Mohammad Bashir, revoked the perpetual arrest warrants issued for Mr. Nawaz Sharif after his surrender in the Toshakhana Case and granted him bail against surety bonds of Rs. 1 million.[5] On October 26, the IHC also restored the appeals of Mr. Nawaz Sharif against his 2018 convictions in the Avenfield Apartments and Al-Azizia cases. As an IHC division bench comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb accepted the petitions seeking the revival of these appeals, the NAB Prosecutor General said that the NAB had no objections on the revival of the petitions and that the NAB would not arrest Mr. Nawaz Sharif since he had voluntarily surrendered.[6]

Earlier on October 12, Caretaker Prime Minister Mr. Anwaarul Haq Kakar had denied any deal with PML-N leader Mr. Nawaz Sharif stressing that Mr. Sharif would have to face legal challenges after his return to Pakistan.[7]

Military Trials of Civilians declared Unconstitutional

On October 23, the Supreme Court declared military trials of civilians for their alleged role in attacks on army installations as unconstitutional. A five-member bench, led by Justice Ijazul Ahsan, included Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Ayesha Malik, Justice Yahya Afridi and Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi. The judgement emphasized that the cases of the accused involved in the May 9 riots would proceed before criminal courts and stated that “the trials of civilians and accused persons, being around 103 persons who were identified in the list provided to the apex court by the attorney general for Pakistan (AGP), and all other persons who are now or may at any time be similarly placed in relation to the events arising from and out of May 9 and 10, 2023, shall be tried by criminal courts of competent jurisdiction established under the ordinary and/or special law of the land in relation to such offenses of which they may stand accused.”

The short order also declared any action or proceedings under the Pakistan Army Act (PAA) 1952 regarding these persons or any others to be tried by court-martial of no legal effect. Justice Yahya Afridi, however, reserved his ruling on a point related to Section 2(1)d(i) and 2(1)(d)(ii) and Section 59(4) of the PAA, which the majority of four judges held to be ultra vires. [8]

6th Apex Committee Meeting of the SIFC

On October 4, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar convened and chaired the 6th meeting of the SIFC Apex Committee to review initiatives spearheaded through the SIFC forum. According to the PMO, the meeting was attended by Chief of the Army Staff, members of the Federal Cabinet, Provincial Chief Ministers and high level government officials. The Committee reviewed major macro-economic issues affecting the investment climate including inordinate delays in restructuring/ privatisation of cash bleeding State Owned Enterprises (SOEs). The Committee also resolved with consensus on fast-tracking the privatisation process and to reduce recurring losses to the national exchequer. [9]

Addressing a meeting of the Balochistan’s Apex Committee on October 10, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar addressed emphasized that the initiatives taken by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) at the federal level would have a positive and far-reaching impact on each province.

The meeting was also attended by Balochistan Chief Minister, Chief of the Army Staff Federal Interior Minister, cabinet members, and other senior officials.

The meeting also included briefings on the revised National Action Plan (NAP), law enforcement operations, anti-smuggling and anti-narcotics efforts in Balochistan. Additionally, discussions revolved around the security of foreign workers engaged in projects related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), non-CPEC projects, and private initiatives, as well as measures related to repatriation of illegal immigrants and the regularization of foreign currency.

During the meeting, the COAS emphasized the military’s commitment to providing support in coordination with law enforcement agencies and government departments to combat illegal activities effectively and prevent resource pilferage, which had led to economic losses for the country.[10]

PTI Chairman indicted in the Cipher Case

On October 23, former Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan and former Foreign Minister Mr. Shah Mehmood Qureshi were indicted in the cipher case. The Special Court Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain conducted the hearing at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail though both Mr. Khan and Mr. Qureshi pleaded not guilty. [11]

On October 27, the IHC declined bail to Mr. Khan in cipher case observing that he apparently committed the offence which might carry the death penalty or up to 14 years of imprisonment. The court also rejected another petition filed by the PTI chief in which he had asked the court to cancel the FIR in the cipher case. The court’s final verdict stressed that Mr Khan’s failure to safeguard the classified document and subsequent public dissemination could lead to severe legal repercussions.[12]

Federal Government forms fact finding panel to implement the Faizabad Verdict

On October 27, the Federal Government informed the Supreme Court that it has constituted a three-member special fact-finding committee to ensure compliance with directions included in the February 6, 2019 judgement[13] announced against the 20-day Faizabad sit-in staged by the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) in 2017. A three-page application moved by AGP sought approval from the Supreme Court for filing the committee’s report after the body completed its task.

The fact-finding committee comprising additional secretaries of the ministries of defence, interior and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) held its first meeting on October 26 and was expected to furnish its final report to the Defence Ministry by December 1, 2023. Headed by the CJP, a three-judge SC bench is expected to take up a set of nine review petitions in which the petitioners have expressed willingness to withdraw their challenge to the ruling. [14]

ECP Invites International Observers to Monitor GE

On October 25, 2023, the ECP announced that it has an open-door policy for the accreditation of any national and international observer subject to the fulfilment of codal formalities. It announced the process for international observers and media to obtain accreditation cards and visas, as defined under Section 238 of the Elections Act, 2017. Observers will need to go through a scrutiny process, including security clearance, before they are allowed to monitor the polls. The visa application process can be completed online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ portal, and the accreditation application form is available on the ECP’s website. [15]

The ECP also extended the deadline for voters’ registration until October 28, 2023. [16] Earlier on October 13, the ECP clarified that the data entry for 800,000 voters who were initially out of the electoral rolls was in progress and that all of these voters would have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote in the next general election. [17]

SJC Show-Cause Notice to Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi

Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Supreme Court Judge

On October 27, the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) decided to issue a show-cause notice to Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi over complaints of alleged misconduct and assets beyond means. In a 3-2 decision, the SJC directed Justice Naqvi to submit a reply to the SJC within two weeks. CJP Isa, Justice Masood and CJ Afghan voted to issue the notice, while Justice Ahsan and CJ Bhatti requested more time to consider the complaints. On October 28, the council took up 29 complaints, of which 19 were dismissed. The earlier SJC meeting had taken place on July 12, 2021 under Justice Gulzar Ahmed as the CJP. [18]

The SJC, however, dismissed references against the former chairman of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Justice (Retd.) Javed Iqbal as inadmissible.[19]

Intra-court appeal against SC Judgment on amended NAO

On October 17, the federal caretaker government filed an intra-court appeal against the Supreme Court’s judgment which had declared the amendments to the NAO illegal. The government also requested 15 days to submit additional documents, asserting that the majority decision was contrary to the facts of the case and the law.

The Supreme Court’s decision on September 15, with a majority of two to one, had ruled that public representatives who benefited from the amendments made to the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) by the previous government would have to face corruption references once more. The three-member bench was headed by then-Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial and included Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan. [20]

On October 30, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, who had dissented from the September 15 judgement, issued his detailed dissenting note and emphasized that members of the armed forces and judges are also accountable under the country’s accountability laws. He stated that during over 50 dates of hearings in the case, the question had arisen as to whether judges of the constitutional court and members of the armed forces enjoyed exemptions from the NAB Ordinance. Justice Shah rejected this notion. He also highlighted the importance of courts deciding cases in accordance with the law and the Constitution, even if public sentiment is against them. He stressed the principle of the trichotomy of power stating that no State organ can claim superiority over the others. In response to objections raised by the PTI Chairman Imran Khan in his appeal regarding the amendments, Justice Shah noted that the right to accountability of elected holders of public offices through criminal prosecution under the NAO is not an integral part of fundamental rights like life, dignity, property, and equality.[21]

On October 18, the Supreme Court clarified that the NAB cannot threaten, coerce, or put individuals being probed for corrupt practices under duress regarding their commitment to voluntary return. The judgement written by Justice Hasan Rizvi emphasized that voluntary return as stipulated under Section 25(a) of the NAO is essentially an offer made by the individual being investigated. If the NAB accepts this offer, it forms a valid contract. [22]

Meeting of the Apex Committee of the National Action Plan

On October 3, Caretaker PM convened and chaired apex Committee of the National Action Plan (NAP). Chief of the Army Staff, concerned caretaker federal and provincial ministers, provincial caretaker chief ministers, and heads of other relevant civil and military agencies were part of the meeting.

According to the PMO, decisions made during the meeting included withdrawal of illegal foreign nationals residing in Pakistan, formalizing border movement procedures to require passports and visas for border crossings, taking action against illegal immigration, cracking down on the trade and property of illegal foreigners, and enhancing ongoing operations against various illegal activities such as drug trafficking, hoarding, food and currency smuggling, illegal remittances, and power theft. [23]

The Apex Committee emphasized that the use of force is solely the jurisdiction of the State, and no person or group would be allowed to use coercive force. It was made clear that there is no place for any political armed group or organization in the country, and those involved in such activities would be dealt with firmly.[24]

Petition moved in SC against enforced disappearances

On October 25, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court by Advocate Sardar Latif Khosa on behalf of Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan against enforced disappearances and sought the SC’s direction to Provincial Governments to submit a list of missing persons in the custody of state authorities and to seek a report identifying law enforcement agencies involved in these disappearances. It requested the court to expedite the hearing of the case and sought a writ of habeas corpus for the release of all disappeared persons in state custody and the production of these individuals within a month before the respective high courts.[25]

President Alvi reaffirms loyalty to PTI Chairman

In a televised interview on October 25, President Dr. Arif Alvi reaffirmed his loyalty to Mr. Imran Khan stating that he still considers him his leader, even if there were reports of alleged displeasure between them. He also expressed his trust in the PTI Chairman Mr. Imran Khan describing him as financially honest and a patriot. When asked about PTI defections after the May 9 riots, Dr. Alvi also acknowledged that he had condemned the violence but wanted an open way forward. [26]

He also raised concerns about the timing of the upcoming general election and alluded to the caretaker government that it might be behind the spate of defections from the PTI.

On October 26, the ECP brushed aside President Alvi’s doubts regarding the timing of the GE and reiterated that the GE will not go beyond the last week of January 2024.[27]

NAB includes intelligence agencies in anti-white-collar crime task force

On October 16, Chairman NAB Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nazir Ahmad approved the inclusion of intelligence agencies to form an anti-white-collar crime task force for technical support for investigations. The task force would also seek technical services from the State Bank of Pakistan, the FBR and the FIA.

The NAB has three FBR, SBP and Intelligence Bureau officers on deputation while officers from DMG, Information, Administration and Police Departments are already working on deputation. To speed up the accountability process, the Establishment Division had on October 21 notified the posting of four military officers to different NAB departments.[28] 

COAS addresses Participants of the National Security Workshop

On October 25, participants of the National Security Workshop were addressed by the Chief of Army Staff during their visit to the GHQ.

General Syed Asim Munir emphasized the exemplary manner in which the Armed Forces of Pakistan and its security and intelligence setups have combatted the menace of terrorism. He also stressed that intelligentsia and civil society have a significant responsibility to ensure that the people, especially the youth, remain aware and steadfast against the hostile propaganda launched through a soft offensive against State institutions in Pakistan. [29]

260th Corps Commanders’ Conference

Corps Commanders Conference

On October 16, General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, presided over the 260th Corps Commanders’ Conference held at the GHQ. The Conference paid tribute to the supreme sacrifices made by the Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) in defence of Pakistan while combating the menace of terrorism. The participants reiterated their resolve to deal with all terrorists, their facilitators, and abettors who work on behalf of hostile forces to destabilize Pakistan. The State is determined to address these threats with unflinching resolve.

The conference was also briefed on the prevailing geo-strategic environment, challenges to national security, and Pakistan’s strategy in response to evolving threats. The forum reaffirmed the Pakistan Army’s commitment to defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan against all direct and indirect threats.

The COAS expressed concern about the developments in the Gaza-Israel conflict and the significant human cost imposed on innocent civilians due to the disproportionate use of force by Israel. Pakistan pledged its diplomatic, moral, and political support for the Palestinian people and their quest for a lasting resolution to the Palestinian issue and the end of unlawful occupation. Participants vowed to fully support the strategic initiatives planned by the Government of Pakistan for the revival of the economy, with a focus on the overall well-being of the people of Pakistan. The forum resolved to support the Federal Government’s decision to repatriate and deport all illegal foreigners starting from November 1, 2023. COAS directed all relevant authorities to support and facilitate the smooth, respectful, and safe repatriation or deportation of all illegal foreigners.[30]

Speaker National Assembly meets Foreign Dignitaries

Raja Pervez Ashraf, Speaker, National Assembly of Pakistan
  1. On October 20, Raja Parvez Ashraf, Speaker, National Assembly, met with Mr. Ahmed Jawad Rabei at Embassy of Palestine, Islamabad to express solidarity with the people of Palestine. [31]

Chairman Senate meets Foreign Dignitaries

Senator Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani, Chairman Senate of Pakistan
  1. On October 06, Mr. Andreas Ferrarese, Ambassador of Italy to Pakistan, called on Chairman Senate at the Parliament House, Islamabad.[32]
  2. On October 12, Mr. Issa Bin Muhammad Al Dasam Al-Kubaisi, the Chargé d’affaires of the Qatar Embassy, called on the Chairman Senate at the Parliament House, Islamabad.[33]
  3. On October 16, Mr. Hamid Abbas Lafta, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq, called on the Chairman Senate at the Parliament House.[34]
  4. On October 16, Indonesian Ambassador to Pakistan, Mr. Adam M. Tugio, called on the Chairman Senate.[35]
  5. On October 20, Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ms. Leslie Scanlon, called on the Chairman Senate.[36]
  6. On October 23, a high-level delegation from the China Metallurgical Group Corporation held a meeting with the Chairman Senate in Beijing, China.[37]
  7. On October 25, Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani, along with the Pakistani delegation, witnessed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony between TGOOD, a leading Chinese company, and the ReC Group of Pakistan in Beijing, China.[38]
  8. On October 25, Mr. Luo Zhaohui, Executive Director, China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) met Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani at CIDCA Headquarters, Beijing, China.[39]

Interactions of COAS with Foreign Dignitaries

General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff

During October 2023, there were four interactions of General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) with foreign dignitaries:

  1. On October 03, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III telephoned Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff to discuss regional peace.[40]
  2. On October 12, Lieutenant General (Pilot) Salem Hamad Eqail Al-Nabet, Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces, called on the Chief of Army Staff at the GHQ, Rawalpindi.[41]
  3. On October 16, Major General Matar bin Salim bin Rashid Al-Balushi, Commander Royal Army of Oman, called on the Chief of Army Staff at the GHQ, Rawalpindi.[42]
  4. On October 24, Ambassador of Palestine to Pakistan, His Excellency Ahmad Jawad Rabei, called on the Chief of Army Staff at the GHQ, Rawalpindi.[43]

Caretaker Prime Minister’s Interactions with COAS

Caretaker Prime Minister Mr. Anwar ul Haq Kakar and Chief of the Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir met thrice during the month of October 2023:

  1. On October 03, Chief of the Army Staff joined the Apex Committee meeting on the National Action Plan in Islamabad which was chaired by the Caretaker PM. [44]
  2. On October 04, Chief of the Army Staff was part of the 6th apex Committee meeting of the SIFC chaired by Caretaker PM in Islamabad. [45]
  3. On October 10, Chief of the Army Staff joined the 6th Provincial Apex Committee meeting held in Quetta, Balochistan which was addressed by Caretaker PM. [46]

References

  1. Nasir Iqbal, “SC upholds ‘contested’ law regulating its affairs,” Dawn online, October 12, 2023, accessed November 07, 2023. https://www.dawn.com/news/1780647. ↑

  2. Nasir Iqbal, “Much ado over legislation, but capitulation before martial law,” Dawn online, October 04, 2023, accessed October 17, 2023. https://www.dawn.com/news/1779209. ↑

  3. Zulqernain Tahir, “Nawaz ‘shuns revenge’ as another stint in exile ends,” Dawn online, October 22, 2023, accessed October 23, 2023. https://www.dawn.com/news/1782790/nawaz-shuns-revenge-as-another-stint-in-exile-ends. ↑

  4. Malik Asad, “Nawaz moves to restore appeals against convictions,” Dawn online, October 22, 2023, accessed October 23, 2023. https://www.dawn.com/news/1782740/nawaz-moves-to-restore-appeals-against-convictions. ↑

  5. Nasir Iqbal, “Nawaz’s legal hurdles fall like dominoes,” Dawn online, October 25, 2023, accessed October 25, 2023. https://www.dawn.com/news/1783492/nawazs-legal-hurdles-fall-like-dominoes ↑

  6. Malik Asad, “IHC restores Nawaz’s appeals in Avenfield, Al-Azizia cases,” Dawn online, October 27, 2023, accessed October 27, 2023. https://www.dawn.com/news/1784080/ihc-restores-nawazs-appeals-in-avenfield-al-azizia-cases. ↑

  7. Syed Irfan Raza, “PM Kakar dismisses ‘deal’ rumours ahead of Nawaz’s return,” Dawn online, October 13, 2023, accessed October 19, 2023. https://www.dawn.com/news/1780787/pm-kakar-dismisses-deal-rumours-ahead-of-nawazs-return. ↑

  8. Nasir Iqbal, “SC strikes down ‘military justice’ for civilians,” Dawn online, October 24, 2023, accessed October 24, 2023. https://www.dawn.com/news/1783244/sc-strikes-down-military-justice-for-civilians ↑

  9. “6th Apex Committee Meeting of SIFC,” PMO online, October 04, 2023, accessed October 30, 2023. https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=4870. ↑

  10. Saleem Shahid, “‘SIFC initiatives must trickle down to each province’,” Dawn online, October 11, 2023, accessed October 20, 2023. https://www.dawn.com/news/1780453/sifc-initiatives-must-trickle-down-to-each-province ↑

  11. Malik Asad, “Special Court indicts Imran, Qureshi in cipher case,” Dawn online, October 24, 2023, accessed October 24, 2023. https://www.dawn.com/news/1783241/special-court-indicts-imran-qureshi-in-cipher-case. ↑

  12. Malik Asad, “Imran ‘fears for his life’ after relief denied in cipher case,” Dawn online, October 28, 2023, accessed October 29, 2023. https://www.dawn.com/news/1784400/imran-fears-for-his-life-after-relief-denied-in-cipher-case. ↑

  13. Usama Khawar, “Analysis: Revisiting the Faizabad Dharna case,” Dawn online, September 28, 2023, accessed November 07, 2023. https://www.dawn.com/news/1778309. ↑

  14. Hasnaat Malik, “Enforcing Faizabad sit-in verdict could have prevent Jaranwala: CJP,” Express Tribune online, September 28, 2023, accessed September 29, 2023. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2438229/sc-takes-up-review-pleas-against-faizabad-sit-in-verdict. ↑

  15. Iftikhar A. Khan, “ECP invites international observers to monitor polls,” Dawn online, October 26, 2023, accessed October 26, 2023. https://www.dawn.com/news/1783781/ecp-invites-international-observers-to-monitor-polls. ↑

  16. “ECP asks FO to invite foreign observers to monitor polls,” Dawn online, October 04, 2023, accessed October 17, 2023. https://www.dawn.com/news/1779216. ↑

  17. Iftikhar A. Khan, “ECP rules out massive disenfranchisement in polls,” Dawn online, October 14, 2023, accessed October 19, 2023. https://www.dawn.com/news/1780999/ecp-rules-out-massive-disenfranchisement-in-polls ↑

  18. Nasir Iqbal, “Supreme Judicial Council notice to Justice Naqvi on misconduct complaints,” Dawn online, October 28, 2023, accessed October 29, 2023. https://www.dawn.com/news/1784396/supreme-judicial-council-notice-to-justice-naqvi-on-misconduct-complaints. ↑

  19. “SJC dismisses references against former NAB chief as inadmissible,” 24 News online, October 27, 2023, accessed October 29, 2023. https://www.24newshd.tv/27-Oct-2023/sjc-dismisses-references-against-former-nab-chief-as-inadmissible- ↑

  20. Nasir Iqbal, “Govt set to appeal verdict in NAB tweaks case,” Dawn online, October 13, 2023, accessed October 19, 2023. https://www.dawn.com/news/1780837/govt-set-to-appeal-verdict-in-nab-tweaks-case ↑

  21. Maryam Nawaz, “Military officers, judges accountable under NAB law: Justice Shah,” Geo News online, October 30, 2023, accessed October 30, 2023. https://www.geo.tv/latest/516725-military-officers-judges-accountable-under-nab-law-justice-shah ↑

  22. Nasir Iqbal, “NAB cannot coerce ‘voluntary return’, SC holds,” Dawn online, October 19, 2023, accessed October 20, 2023. https://www.dawn.com/news/1782002/nab-cannot-coerce-voluntary-return-sc-holds ↑

  23. نگران وزیراعظم انوارالحق کاکڑ کی زیر صدارت نیشنل ایکشن پلان کی ایپکس کمیٹی کا اجلاس”,” PMO online, October 03, 2023, accessed October 30, 2023. https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=4869. ↑

  24. “NAP Apex Committee vows to address all security threats in befitting manner,” Radio Pakistan online, October 03, 2023, accessed November 08, 2023. https://www.radio.gov.pk/03-10-2023/nap-apex-committee-vows-to-address-all-security-challenges-in-befitting-manner ↑

  25. Nasir Iqbal, “Apex court asked to put an end to ‘enforced disappearances’,” Dawn online, October 26, 2023, accessed October 26, 2023. https://www.dawn.com/news/1783796/apex-court-asked-to-put-an-end-to-enforced-disappearances ↑

  26. “President Alvi casts doubt on polls in January,” Dawn online, October 26, 2023, accessed October 26, 2023. https://www.dawn.com/news/1783786/president-alvi-casts-doubt-on-polls-in-january ↑

  27. “ECP disputes president’s ‘doubts’, says polls on for January,” Dawn online, October 27, 2023, accessed October 27, 2023. https://www.dawn.com/news/1784074/ecp-disputes-presidents-doubts-says-polls-on-for-january. ↑

  28. Asim Yasin, “NAB to form task force on white-collar crime,” The News International online, October 17, 2023, accessed October 29, 2023. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1120036-nab-to-form-task-force-on-white-collar-crime ↑

  29. “Participants of National Security Workshop – 25 visited GHQ,” ISPR online, October 26, 2023, accessed October 27, 2023. https://ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=6658 ↑

  30. “General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) presided over the 260th Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) held at GHQ.,” ISPR online, October 17, 2023, accessed October 27, 2023. https://ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=6647. ↑

  31. Speaker-National Assembly of Pakistan @NASpeakerPK Twitter, October 20, 2023, 12: 32 pm, accessed October 27, 2023: https://twitter.com/NAofPakistan/status/1715269828037021915. ↑

  32. “Mr. Andreas Ferrarese, Ambassador of Italy to Pakistan Calling on Chairman Senate, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani at Parliament House, Islamabad, “ Senate of Pakistan online, October 06, 2023, accessed October 27, 2023: https://senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NTE4NQ== ↑

  33. “Chairman Senate, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani Exchanging Views with Charge D Affairs of Embassy of The State of Qatar, Mr. Issa Bin Muhammad Al-Dasam Al-Kubaisi, At Parliament House Islamabad,” Senate of Pakistan online, October 12, 2023, accessed October 27, 2023. https://senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NTE5Nw== ↑

  34. “Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq, Mr. Hamid Abbas Lafta, Calling on Chairman Senate, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani at Parliament House Islamabad,” Senate of Pakistan online, October 16, 2023, accessed October 27, 2023. https://senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NTIwMw== ↑

  35. “Ambassador of Indonesia Mr. Adam M. Tugio, Calling on Chairman Senate, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani at Parliament House Islamabad,” Senate of Pakistan online, October 16, 2023, accessed October 27, 2023. https://senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NTIwMQ== ↑

  36. “High Commissioner of Canada, Ms. Leslie Scanlon Calling on Chairman Senate, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani at Parliament House Islamabad,” Senate of Pakistan online, October 20, 2023, accessed October 27, 2023. https://senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NTIxMg== ↑

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  40. “US defense secy discusses regional security with COAS Asim Munir,” The Nation online, October 04, 2023, accessed October 27, 2023. https://www.nation.com.pk/04-Oct-2023/us-defense-secy-discusses-regional-security-with-coas-asim-munir ↑

  41. “Lieutenant General (Pilot) Salem Hamad Eqail Al-Nabet, Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces called on General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), COAS at GHQ,” ISPR online, October 12, 2023, accessed October 27, 2023. https://ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=6643. ↑

  42. “Major General Matar bin Salim bin Rashid Al-Balushi, Commander Royal Army of Oman called on General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), COAS at General Headquarters,” ISPR online, October 16, 2023, accessed October 27, 2023. https://ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=6645. ↑

  43. “General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) met the Ambassador of Palestine to Pakistan, His Excellency Ahmad Jawad Rabei at General Headquarters,” ISPR online, October 24, 2023, accessed October 27, 2023. https://ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=6656. ↑

  44. نگران وزیراعظم انوارالحق کاکڑ کی زیر صدارت نیشنل ایکشن پلان کی ایپکس کمیٹی کا اجلاس”,” PMO online, October 03, 2023, accessed October 30, 2023. https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=4869. ↑

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  46. “Caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar along with General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) visited Quetta,” PMO online, October 10, 2023, accessed October 30, 2023. https://pmo.gov.pk/press_release_detailes.php?pr_id=4872. ↑