Update on The Performance of Democratic Institutions | September 2022

Share:
     

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. Islamabad High Court (IHC) acquits Ms. Maryam Nawaz of Avenfield corruption charges
  2. Audio leak of Former PM Mr. Imran Khan surfaces
  3. Audio Leaks from PM House signifies ‘cyber security’ risk
  4. ISPR reacts strongly to former PM Mr. Imran Khan’s statement about appointment of Army chief
  5. PM assures Islamabad High Court (IHC) of leaving no stone unturned in finding Missing persons
  6. Punjab Assembly passed the Local Government Bill of 2021
  7. PTI chairman apologizes in Judge Threat case
  8. NAB announces not to take up corruption cases involving amount less than Rs500 million
  9. Security officials inform Senate panel that security situation in Swat is under control
  10. National Security Committee Meeting
  11. Islamabad High Court (IHC) grants post arrest bail to PTI leader
  12. 251st Corps Commanders Conference
  13. Speaker National Assembly meets Foreign Dignitaries
  14. Chairman Senate meets Foreign Dignitaries
  15. Interactions of COAS with Foreign Dignitaries
  16. Prime Minister’s Interactions with COAS

Islamabad High Court (IHC) acquits Ms. Maryam Nawaz of Avenfield corruption charges

Ms. Maryam Nawaz, Vice-President PML-N

On September 28, 2022, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) accused Ms. Nawaz of aiding her father, former PM Nawaz Sharif. Justice Aamer Farooq ruled that the prosecution’s case may be genuine but failed to substantiate the charges. NAB Deputy Prosecutor General Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi said Mr. Tariq Shafi’s affidavit was placed on record; Mr. Shafi failed to show he was a partner in the firm. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani stated the investigative officer’s view cannot be used as proof and that the JIT didn’t present any facts, just information.[1]

Audio leak of Former PM Mr. Imran Khan surfaces

An image of audio leak between Mr. Imran Khan Khan and Mr. Azam Khan

On September 28, an audio clip of former prime minister Mr. Imran Khan reveals a conversation with former principal secretary Mr. Azam Khan about the cypher which is based on Former US Ambassador Mr. Asad Majeed’s meeting with US State Department official Donald Lu. In the footage, the former PM tells Mr. Azam Khan to ‘play up’ the cypher and transform it into a foreign plan to remove his administration, but added that no country’s name be taken. Former PM principal secretary urged Mr. Khan that they conduct a meeting on the cypher problem and release a demarche. He also asked Mr. Khan to call a meeting of the then foreign minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, and the foreign secretary, at which they will ask Former FM to read out the letter and whatever he says, they will type it and convert it into minutes, so that it becomes part of office record. Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said the PTI’s apparent scheme caused tremendous damage to Pakistan and pledged legal action against anyone engaged in the leak. [2]

Audio Leaks from PM House signifies ‘cyber security’ risk

Ms. Maryam Nawaz and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

On September 25, audio recordings of discussions between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Vice President Ms. Maryam Nawaz, and several federal cabinet members were revealed. Information Minister Ms. Marriyum Aurangzeb has not refuted or contested the substance of the recordings. Instead, she insists that they indicate “nothing criminal had transpired.” Off-the-record exchanges with authorities imply alarm bells have been rung about cyber security weaknesses. PM House sources informed the media the situation was “very severe” and was being examined on the PM’s directions, who was in London when the leaks were initially revealed.[3]Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah sought to downplay the incident, saying nothing could be stated until the leaks were examined. On September 27, PM called the audio leaks a’security failure’ and stated a high-powered committee will investigate. Mr. Sharif said foreign dignitaries would feel uneasy if government buildings were tapped.[4]

ISPR reacts strongly to former PM Mr. Imran Khan’s statement about appointment of Army chief

Former PM Imran Khan & Former COAS General (Retd) Bajwa

Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) criticised PTI Chairman Mr. Imran Khan’s statements concerning the future army chief in November 2022. [5] ISPR cautioned that politicising the army’s top leadership and scandalising the nomination process might harm the country and military. ISPR said the Constitution defines the mechanism for appointing an army commander and that the army would obey the constitution. On September 4, Mr. Khan lashed out at PPP and PML-N during a rally in Faisalabad, [6] claiming both parties oppose elections because they want to “appoint an army commander of their choosing” in November 2022 to terminate corruption allegations against them. In tweets, PM Shehbaz Sharif and PPP leader Asif Zardari called Khan’s comments “despicable words to damage institutions”.[7]

PM assures Islamabad High Court (IHC) of leaving no stone unturned in finding Missing persons

PM Shehbaz Sharif

On September 9, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif informed the Islamabad High Court (IHC) during the hearing of similar petitions connected to enforced disappearances that he would do all he could to reunite missing individuals with their families and handle the problem of Baloch students. Justice Minallah questioned the poor performance of the Panel of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances and the alleged disagreeable behaviour of its chairman, Mr. Javed Iqbal, adding that relatives of missing individuals have disclosed alarming facts about the commission and chairman. PM Sharif said he did not want to hide behind excuses and “accepted full responsibility for enforced disappearances,” adding that his mission was to find the missing and reconnect them with their loved ones. Attorney General Ashtar Ali Ausaf informed the court that the committee would submit its findings to the IHC within two months and that the chairman of the missing people commission’s actions would also be recorded. The court postponed until November 14, 2022.[8]

Former Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) chief judge disowns affidavit alleging CJP of influencing Nawaz Sharif’s trial

Former Gilgit Baltistan (GB) chief judge Rana Muhammad Shamim & Former CJP Saqib Nisar

Former Gilgit Baltistan (GB) chief judge Rana Muhammad Shamim renounced his infamous affidavit accusing former CJP Saqib Nisar of manipulating court proceedings to stall the release of Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz (IHC). On September 12, Mr. Shamim partly retracted his November 10, 2021 statement declaring that no current Islamabad High Court (IHC) judge was engaged in the matter and apologised to the high court. Mr. Shamim apologised in an affidavit in response to contempt of court proceedings started against him in November 2021. On September 12, 2022, IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah ordered Mr. Shamim to submit an affidavit apology. In a document filed on September 16, Mr. Shamim apologised, rejected his ‘controversial’ declaration, and retracted its contents.[9]

Punjab Assembly passed the Local Government Bill of 2021

The Punjab Assembly repealed the Local Government Act of 2022 on September 14. Parliamentary Minister Raja Basharat submitted the local government bill 2021 with resistance. The Local Government Minister said local bodies elections will be held on a party-basis in 25 district councils and 11 metropolitan councils of the province. Metropolitan corporation will be led by mayor who will be elected through a direct vote. All development authorities, WASA, and PHAs will be directly under the mayor’s administration. Rural and village regions will have union councils, eliminating tehsil councils and towns.[10]

PTI chairman apologizes in Judge Threat case

Mr. Imran Khan before additional district

On September 22, Mr. Imran Khan decided against further challenging contempt proceedings against him and offered to apologise before additional district and sessions judge (ADSJ) Zeba Chaudhry. Mr. Khan was handed a show-cause notice for threatening the judge at a party event on August 20, 2022. The former PM’s initial response was deemed “unsatisfactory” by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on September 7. Advocate Hamid Khan argued Mr. Imran Khan showed regret for his comments and attempted to explain his viewpoint during the previous hearing. He said he never intended to threaten the district court judge and that he meant to allude to legal action.[11]

NAB announces not to take up corruption cases involving amount less than Rs500 million

NAB declared on September 21 that it won’t take on corruption cases under Rs. 500 million. In a statement published following a meeting led by NAB Chairman Mr. Aftab Sultan, NAB stated it would avoid cases involving less than 100 persons. The cases returned back by accountability courts due to the new legislative modifications would be referred to appropriate venues, including anti-corruption courts. Referrals based on private complaints will be returned to the complainants for legal action. On August 3, 2022, the National Assembly had enacted a law that removed cases under Rs. 500m from NA’s jurisdiction.[12]

Security officials inform Senate panel that security situation in Swat is under control

On September 23, the Senate Defence Committee was told that security in Swat is under control and that rumours of the outlawed TTP re-establishing are overblown. After an in-camera briefing on security, the committee was assured that the state’s writ is supreme and law and order are under control. Lt. Gen. Hamood uz Zaman briefed Senator Mushahid Hussain. The latest Mingora bombing, in which eight individuals, including former peace committee member Mr. Idris Khan, died, fueled worries of a TTP resurgence in Swat. TTP’s reappearance has also affected other regions of KP. Sources privy to defence committee discussions stated security authorities, including Secretary defence, rejected TTP revival allegations as ‘exaggerated’.[13]

National Security Committee Meeting

National Security Committee (NSC) met on September 28

National Security Committee (NSC) met on September 28 to examine leaks of Prime Minister House discussions and agree on a cyber security “legal framework.” The NSC met after audio recordings of Mr. Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N leaders, and top officials leaked online. The revelations aroused worries about PM House’s security, which is generally excellent. NSC meeting approved a high-powered audio leaks committee. Key ministries, military chiefs, and spy agency officials attended the high-level meeting. Rana Sanaullah leads the committee. Senior intelligence personnel gave a presentation on PM House and other important locations’ cyber security measures. The meeting was told that emergency steps are being taken to safeguard the security of Prime Minister House and other significant sites, structures, and ministries. Ministry of Law and Justice was urged to create a cyber security legal framework.[14]

Islamabad High Court (IHC) grants post arrest bail to PTI leader

Dr Shahbaz Gill, former chief of staff of former PM Mr. Imran Khan

On September 15, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) released PTI leader Dr. Shahbaz Gill on Rs. 0.5 million bail. The PTI chairman’s chief of staff is accused of instigating rebellion in the armed services during a TV appearance. In the IHC, Mr. Gill’s lawyer contended that no crime was made out against his client and that the criminal prosecution was politically motivated and malafide. Section 131 of the PPC makes it a crime to abet an officer, soldier, sailor, or airman in the army, navy, or air force to commit mutiny or to seduce him from his loyalty or duty. The prosecutor presented Gill’s statement transcript.[15] On September 16, the Supreme Court summoned the investigating officer with the case record and notified the state on a plea by PTI leader Shahbaz Gill to assess whether physical custody is needed to conclude criminal charges.[16]

251st Corps Commanders Conference

General Qamar Javed Bajwa, former COAS

28 September was 251st Corps Commanders Conference. General Qamar Javed Bajwa, former COAS, urged soldiers to go after terrorists in collaboration with other LEAs since they have upped assaults on security personnel. External and internal security were discussed during the conference. ISPR said the meeting reviewed the security landscape, focusing on border security, internal security, and Army concerns. At the recent meeting, the military’s senior brass hinted at a harder stance against TTP due to rising public animosity towards returning terrorists from Afghanistan. The commanders also addressed the flood situation and continuing relief operations.[17]

Speaker National Assembly meets Foreign Dignitaries

Raja Pervez Ashraf, Speaker, National Assembly of Pakistan
  1. On Sep 05, Sheila Jackson Lee, Thomas Richard Suozzi, and American Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome met with National Assembly Speaker Raja Parvez Ashraf on September 5..[18]
  2. On September 07, Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong met with National Assembly Speaker Raja Parvez Ashraf in Islamabad.[19]
  3. On September 12, Portuguese MP Duarte Pacheco & Inter-Parliamentary Union President met with National Assembly Speaker Raja Parvez Ashraf in Islamabad.[20]
  4. On September 20, EU lawmakers met with National Assembly Speaker Raja Parvez Ashraf in Islamabad.[21]
  5. On September 20, Dr. Charles Reed met with Raja Parvez Ashraf, National Assembly Speaker, in Islamabad.[22]
  6. On September 26, Ambassador Suh Sangpyo met with National Assembly Speaker Raja Parvez Ashraf in Islamabad.[23]
  7. On September 27, Argentine Ambassador Leopold Francisco Sahores visited National Assembly Speaker Raja Parvez Ashraf in Islamabad.[24]
  8. On September 28, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin met with the National Assembly Speaker in Islamabad.[25]
  9. On September 30, Indonesian Ambassador Adam Mulawarman Tugio met with National Assembly Speaker Raja Parvez Ashraf in Islamabad.[26]

Chairman Senate meets Foreign Dignitaries

Senator Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani, Chairman Senate of Pakistan
  1. On September 05, Sheila Jackson Lee, Thomas Richard Suozzi, and American Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome met with Senate Chairman Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani in Islamabad.[27]
  2. On September 05, Kazakhstan’s ambassador met with the Senate chairman in Islamabad. [28]
  3. On September 11, IPU President Duarte Pacheco met with Senate Chairman Muhammad Sadiq Sanjarani in Islamabad. [29]
  4. On September 19, Saudi ambassador Nawaf Bin Said Al-Malki met with Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjarani in Islamabad.[30]
  5. On September 20, The EU delegation met with Senate Chairman Muhammad Sadiq Sanjarani in Islamabad.[31]
  6. On September 20, Neak Oknha Sear Rithy, Chairman & Board of Directors, World Bridge Group of Companies, Cambodia, on Senator Muhammad Sadiq Sanjarani, Chairman Senate, at Parliament House, Islamabad.[32]
  7. On September 23, Mr. Nawaf Bin Said Al-Malki, Saudi ambassador to Pakistan, met with Senate Chairman Muhammad Sadiq Sanjarani in Islamabad. [33]
  8. On September 28, MSF Head Mission XU WEIBING met with Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjarani in Islamabad. [34]
  9. On September 30, Kyrgyz Ambassador Ulanbek Totuiaev met with Senate Chairman Muhammad Sadiq Sanjarani in Islamabad. [35]

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, former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) during the month:

  1. On September 19, General Wei Fenghe, Chinese Defense Minister, met General Qamar Javed Bajwa, COAS, in Rawalpindi.[36]
  2. On September 20, Dr. Riina Kionka, EU Ambassador, visited General Qamar Javed Bajwa, COAS, in Rawalpindi. [37]
  3. On September 23, Japanese Ambassador Wada Mitsuhiro met General Qamar Javed Bajwa, COAS, in Rawalpindi.[38]
  4. On September 25, Dubai Port World Chairman Sheikh Ahmed Sultan Bin Sulayem met with COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa in Rawalpindi.[39]
  5. On September 26, Ms. Wendy Gilmour, Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan, bid General Qamar Javed Bajwa goodbye at GHQ, Rawalpindi.[40]

Prime Minister’s Interactions with COAS

PM Shehbaz Sharif and former COAS General (Retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa
  1. On September 29, PM and COAS convened at Prime Minister House for a meeting of the NSC.[41]

References

  1. Awais Yousafzai, “IHC exonerates Maryam Nawaz, Capt Safdar in Avenfield case,” The News International online, September 29, 2022. https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/995631-ihc-reserves-verdict-on-maryam-nawazs-appeal-in-avenfield-case ↑

  2. Syed Irfan Raza, “‘Play it up’: leaked clip ‘implicates’ Imran in cipher conspiracy,” Dawn online, September 29, 2022, accessed October 3, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1712525/play-it-up-leaked-clip-implicates-imran-in-cipher-conspiracy ↑

  3. Syed Irfan Raza, “Leaks reveal massive breach in security at PM Office,” Dawn online, September 26, 2022, accessed September 30, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1712044 ↑

  4. Syed Irfan Raza, “PM breaks silence over audio leaks, forms body for probe,” Dawn online, September 28, 2022, accessed September 30, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1712368 ↑

  5. Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Army livid over attempt to muddy chief’s selection,” Dawn online, September 06, 2022, accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1708682/army-livid-over-attempt-to-muddy-chiefs-selection. ↑

  6. Malik Asad, “Questioning patriotism of army officers irks IHC CJ,” Dawn online, September 06, 2022, accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1708690. ↑

  7. Khalid Hasnain, “PML-N, PPP want favourite COAS to escape graft cases: Imran,” Dawn online, September 05, 2022, accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1708525/pml-n-ppp-want-favourite-coas-to-escape-graft-cases-imran. ↑

  8. Malik Asad, “Won’t make excuses over missing persons cases, says PM,” Dawn online, September 10, 2022, accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1709326. ↑

  9. Malik Asad, “Ex-GB judge Rana Shamim disowns ‘controversial’ affidavit,” Dawn online, September 17, 2022, accessed September 20, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1710532. ↑

  10. “PUNJAB ASSEMBLY PASSES LOCAL GOVT BILL 2021; MAYORS EMPOWERED,” ARY News online, September 14, 2022, accessed September 20, 2022. https://arynews.tv/punjab-assembly-passes-local-govt-bill-2021-mayors-empowered/. ↑

  11. Malik Asad, “Imran apologises in judge threat case, finally,” Dawn online, September 23, 2022, accessed September 23, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1711535. ↑

  12. “NAB says won’t probe graft cases involving less than Rs500m,” Dawn online, September 23, 2022, accessed September 23, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1711341. ↑

  13. Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Situation in Swat under control, Senate panel told,” Dawn online, September 24, 2022, accessed September 29, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1711639. ↑

  14. Baqir Sajjad Syed, “NSC picks minister to lead panel probing audio leaks,” Dawn online, September 29, 2022, accessed September 30, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1712521/nsc-picks-minister-to-lead-panel-probing-audio-leaks ↑

  15. “Gill gets bail in sedition case,” Dawn online, October 16, 2022, accessed October 3, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1710354/gill-gets-bail-in-sedition-case. ↑

  16. Nasir Iqbal, “SC summons IO on Gill’s plea against physical custody,” Dawn online, September 17, 2022, accessed October 3, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1710528/sc-summons-io-on-gills-plea-against-physical-custody ↑

  17. Baqir Sajjad Syed, “NSC picks minister to lead panel probing audio leaks,” Dawn online, September 29, 2022, accessed October 2, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1712521/nsc-picks-minister-to-lead-panel-probing-audio-leaks. ↑

  18. Senate of Pakistan @SenatePakistan Twitter, September 05, 2022, 12: 06 pm, accessed October 03, 2022. https://twitter.com/SenatePakistan/status/1566503022611480576. ↑

  19. Speaker-National Assembly of Pakistan @NASpeakerPK Twitter, September 07, 2022, 1: 35 pm, accessed October 03, 2022. https://twitter.com/NAofPakistan/status/1567431420741668865. ↑

  20. Speaker-National Assembly of Pakistan @NASpeakerPK Twitter, September 12, 2022, 1: 35 pm, accessed October 03, 2022. https://twitter.com/NAofPakistan/status/1569243391929507845. ↑

  21. Speaker-National Assembly of Pakistan @NASpeakerPK Twitter, September 20, 2022, 12: 13 pm, accessed October 03, 2022. https://twitter.com/NAofPakistan/status/1572121797595697152 ↑

  22. Speaker-National Assembly of Pakistan @NASpeakerPK Twitter, September 20, 2022, 12: 51 pm, accessed October 03, 2022. https://twitter.com/NAofPakistan/status/1572131311019507713. ↑

  23. Speaker-National Assembly of Pakistan @NASpeakerPK Twitter, September 26, 2022, 2 32 pm, accessed October 03, 2022. https://twitter.com/NAofPakistan/status/1574331031632707585. ↑

  24. Speaker-National Assembly of Pakistan @NASpeakerPK Twitter, September 27, 2022, 10: 00 am, accessed October 03, 2022. https://twitter.com/NAofPakistan/status/1574625028930523138 ↑

  25. Speaker-National Assembly of Pakistan @NASpeakerPK Twitter, September 28, 2022, 11: 11 am, accessed October 03, 2022. https://twitter.com/NAofPakistan/status/1575005209910124545 ↑

  26. Speaker-National Assembly of Pakistan @NASpeakerPK Twitter, September 30, 2022, 2: 24 pm, accessed October 03, 2022. https://twitter.com/NAofPakistan/status/1575778691208122368. ↑

  27. Senate of Pakistan @SenatePakistan Twitter, September 05, 2022, 12: 06 pm, accessed October 03, 2022. https://twitter.com/SenatePakistan/status/1566503022611480576. ↑

  28. “AMBASSADOR OF KAZAKHSTAN, MR. YERZHAN KISTAFIN CALLING ON CHAIRMAN SENATE, MUHAMMAD SADIQ SANJRANI AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE ISLAMABAD ON SEPTEMBER 05, 2022.,” Senate of Pakistan online, September 05, 2022, accessed October 03, 2022. https://senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=4488. ↑

  29. Senate of Pakistan @SenatePakistan Twitter, September 11, 2022, 8: 29 pm, accessed October 03, 2022. https://twitter.com/SenatePakistan/status/1568985003589251072. ↑

  30. “Chairman Senate, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani Exchanging Views with Saudi ambassador to Pakistan,” Senate of Pakistan online, September 19, 2022, accessed October 03, 2022. https://senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=4539. ↑

  31. “Senate body tells EU delegates it is ‘doing too little’ for flood victims,” Senate of Pakistan online, September 21, 2022, accessed October 03, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1711201/senate-body-tells-eu-delegates-it-is-doing-too-little-for-flood-victims. ↑

  32. “Mr. Neak Oknha Sear Rithy, Chairman & Board of Directors, World Bridge Group of Companies, Kingdom of Cambodia Calling On Chairman Senate, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani at Parliament House Islamabad,” Senate of Pakistan online, September 20, 2022, accessed October 03, 2022. https://senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=4546. ↑

  33. “Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani attended the ceremony organized by Saudi Embassy in Islamabad to mark the National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,” Senate of Pakistan online, September 23 2022, accessed October 03, 2022. https://senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=4559. ↑

  34. “Mr. XU WEIBING, Head Mission, Medicines Sans Frontiers (MSF), China Calling On Chairman Senate, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani at Parliament House, Islamabad,” Senate of Pakistan online, August 29, 2022, accessed September 03, 2022. https://senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=4568 ↑

  35. “Mr. Ulanbek Totuiaev, Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Pakistan Calling on Chairman Senate, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani at Parliament House Islamabad,” Senate of Pakistan online, September 30, 2022, accessed October 03, 2022. https://senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=4573. ↑

  36. “Sino-Pak military cooperation hailed,” Dawn online, September 20, 2022, accessed October 03, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1711056/sino-pak-military-cooperation-hailed ↑

  37. “Her Excellency Dr Riina Kionka, Ambassador of European Union (EU) called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at GHQ,” ISPR online, September 20, 2022, accessed October 03, 2022. https://ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=6433. ↑

  38. “Japan envoy calls on army chief, expresses grief over flood losses,” APP online, September 23, 2022, accessed October 03, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1711503/japan-envoy-calls-on-army-chief-expresses-grief-over-flood-losses. ↑

  39. “Dubai Port chief meets COAS, donates $2.5m to relief fund,” APP online, September 25, 2022, accessed October 03, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1712032/dubai-port-chief-meets-coas-donates-25m-to-relief-fund. ↑

  40. “Her Excellency Ms Wendy Gilmour Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan paid a farewell call to General Qamar Javed Bajwa.,” ISPR online, September 26, 2022, accessed October 03, 2022. https://ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=6439. ↑

  41. Baqir Sajjad Syed “NSC picks minister to lead panel probing audio leaks,” Dawn online, September 29, 2022, accessed October 03, 2022. https://www.dawn.com/news/1712521/nsc-picks-minister-to-lead-panel-probing-audio-leaks. ↑