Update on The Performance of Democratic Institutions | September 2024

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. PM thanks COAS for IMF deal
  2. Army hints at military trial of former PM
  3. AGP highlights financial irregularities within various formations of the Defence services
  4. New DG ISI
  5. Corps Commanders Conference
  6. PM attends concluding session of War Game
  7. Federal Cabinet approves enhanced powers to LEAs in Balochistan
  8. SC overturns amendment on NAB amendments
  9. Flip-flop on 26th Constitutional Amendment
  10. LEAs encroach Parliament, arrest MPs
  11. CM KP lock horns with establishment
  12. SC orders immediate implementation of its July 12 verdict
  13. COAS vows not to let the “nefarious objectives” weaken the national harmony
  14. COAS inaugurates Innovista Indus IT Park
  15. Speaker National Assembly meets Foreign Dignitaries
  16. Senate Chairman meets Foreign Dignitaries
  17. Interactions of COAS with Foreign Dignitaries
  18. Prime Minister’s Interactions with COAS

PM thanks COAS for IMF deal

PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif with US President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr Jill Jacobs Biden during the reception in New York.—PPI Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif thanked General Syed Asim Munir for playing “a key role” in the approval of the IMF programme for Pakistan. PM said that the Chief of the Army Staff himself went to a brotherly country to tell them that Pakistan’s IMF time was coming soon and asked for their support. Prime Minister made these remarks at a press conference held at the Churchill Hotel in London during a stopover after attending the UN General Assembly session in New York. PM also expressed the hope this would be the last time Pakistan would be going to the IMF.[1]

Army hints at military trial of former PM

ISPR chief Maj Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry promoted to lieutenant general rank
Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR)

During a press conference on September 5 Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry hinted at the possibility of a military trial for former PM Imran Khan under the Pakistan Army Act, but added that the matter was sub judice and hypothetical. He said that “under military law, anyone who uses individuals subject to the Army Act for personal or political gain and evidence of such actions exists, will be subject to the law taking its course.” He outlined conditions under which civilians can be tried under military law, referencing Section 2(d)(i) of the Army Act, which applies to civilians compromising the duty or allegiance of military personnel. [2] When asked about the involvement of former DG ISI Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Naveed Mukhtar and former COAS Gen. (Retd.) Qamar Javed Bajwa in the promotion and appointment of Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Faiz Hameed as DG ISI, DG ISPR placed the responsibility on the former PM Imran Khan implying that the appointment was made at his discretion. DG ISPR emphasized the Army’s internal accountability mechanisms, stating that any officer or individual in the Army working for personal interests or promoting a political agenda will face legal action. He reiterated that the army is apolitical, professional, and does not support or oppose any political party. On September 3, former PM Imran Khan approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to prevent a possible court martial. [3] The court took up Mr. Khan’s petition, seeking to clarify whether a military trial was being considered. On September 11, the IHC sought clarification from the federal government regarding the potential military trial of former PM Imran Khan for his alleged role in the May 9, 2023 protests.[4] On September 16, the federal government informed the IHC that former PM Imran Khan’s trial by military court was not under its consideration. [5] On September 26, the IHC disposed of a petition of former PM.[6]

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AGP highlights financial irregularities within various formations of the Defence services

Auditor-General of Pakistan (@SAI_Pakistan) / X On September 1, the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) published its audit report on the accounts of the Defence Services for the audit year 2023-2024 and highlighted significant financial irregularities, non-transparent procurements, and unauthorized expenditures within various military formations. The report called for improved internal controls and urged the relevant authorities to initiate inquiries to fix responsibility for these lapses. The audit flagged non-compliance with Defence Services Regulations, particularly in areas like advance payments before work completion, splitting of financial powers, non-recovery of rent and charges, non-deduction of taxes, violation of public procurement rules, and unauthorized work. The Defence Services were initially allocated Rs1.563 trillion for the financial year 2022-2023, which was later increased to Rs. 1.592 trillion through supplementary grants. The report highlighted procurement violations, including splitting contracts to favour certain contractors and bypassing transparent bidding processes. Some procurements were classified as “defence work of secret nature” to justify bypassing public advertisement requirements on the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) website, although auditors noted that no formal exemption was granted by the defence secretary, as required by law. Furthermore, in many cases, bids were not invited, citing the emergent nature of the procurement. Despite auditors’ insistence, relevant authorities failed to provide documentary evidence of compliance. The report highlighted that the Ministry of Defence complied with only 659 out of 1,974 directives issued by the PAC over the past 40 years, reflecting a poor compliance rate. Similarly, the Ministry of Defence Production showed inadequate performance, complying with only 109 out of 372 PAC directives. (The data was not available to readily compare the compliance rate of other institutions under various ministries with those of the Ministry of Defence) The AGP urged the principal accounting officers to expedite compliance with the PAC directives. The Departmental Audit Committee (DAC) recommended holding courts of inquiry or fact-finding inquiries to determine responsibility for these violations. It also called for the regularization of expenditures by competent authorities, though these directives remained unimplemented for months.[7]

New DG ISI

Profile: Lt Gen Asim Malik, Pakistan's new ISI chief
Lt. Gen. Asim Malik Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)

On September 23, Lt. Gen. Asim Malik was appointed as the new Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) effective from September 30, 2024. He replaces Lt. Gen. Nadeem Anjum who is retiring. Dawn reported that although such appointments typically come through a notification from the Prime Minister’s Office, no official word was issued in this regard. The development was reported by state broadcasters PTV and Radio Pakistan.[8]

Corps Commanders Conference

https://ispr.gov.pk/archive_images/13909.jpeg
The ISPR reported that a Corps Commanders Conference was held on September 3 presided by the Chief of Army Staff.

“In assessing the inimical forces, malicious actors, subversive proxies, and the facilitators of Pakistan’s external and internal adversaries, particularly those active in Balochistan and KPK, the forum deliberated on a range of measures to neutralize these threats,” stated the ISPR. [9]

PM attends concluding session of War Game

https://ispr.gov.pk/archive_images/13911.jpg Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif attended concluding session of the Army War Games at Rawalpindi on September 5. The ISPR reported that Prime Minister was briefed on the wargame and operational readiness of the Pakistan Army across the full spectrum of threat. Federal Ministers of Defence, Finance and Information joined the PM alongside Chief of the Army Staff and senior military officials. According to the ISPR, PM expressed his “complete satisfaction on the operational preparedness of Pakistan Army, acknowledging the pivotal role of our Armed Forces in maintaining strategic stability in the region and preserving the delicate balance of power essential for peace in nuclearized South Asia.” [10]

Federal Cabinet approves enhanced powers to LEAs in Balochistan

Pakistan Army soldiers martyred, terrorists killed in Balochistan IBO: ISPR On September 5, the federal cabinet approved an amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997 to grant special powers to security forces in Balochistan. The amendment was approved by circulation following a summary submitted by the Ministry of Interior.[11] The decision was criticised in the Senate especially by those belonging to Balochistan terming the amendment as a potential permission to allow security personnel to enter homes without search warrants and fearing that it would be misused. Senators also highlighted that such reliance on force had historically failed to resolve earlier issues and that there was a need for dialogue with disillusioned Baloch youth.[12]

SC overturns amendment on NAB amendments

/var/folders/24/x_dgx6g555q0n29wjdc1qgfc0000gp/T/com.microsoft.Word/Content.MSO/656ABC1E.tmp On September 6, a five-member bench headed by CJP Qazi Faez Isa and including Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi heard the federal government’s Intra-Court Appeal (ICA) against the September 15, 2023 majority judgement which had declared amendments to the NAO illegal, and overturned the earlier ruling that required public representatives who had benefited from amendments to the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) during the PDM coalition government to face renewed corruption charges. [13] Justice Athar Minallah agreed with overturning the earlier ruling but dissented in his reasoning arguing that the government’s appeal should have been dismissed as it was not filed under the appropriate legal provision. Justice Isa emphasized the judiciary’s responsibility to uphold laws passed by the Parliament unless they clearly violate the Constitution. [14]

Flip-flop on 26th Constitutional Amendment

What the federal government so persistently denied earlier came out in the open in the form of a draft bill for the proposed 26th Amendment to the Constitution though a formal bill was never passed by the cabinet and introduced in Parliament contrary to earlier announcement to introduce the bill in the parliament on September 16, apparently due to lack of required numbers for its passage. In the end, it was the resistance by JUIP led by Maulana Fazlur Rehman despite repeated unsuccessful efforts by the government. As the 9th session of the National Assembly was prorogued on September 16 without laying of the bill, government leaders clarified that the circulated draft was not the final version but merely a working paper and efforts to create consensus on the subject would continue before the final bill was laid.[15] The draft in circulation aimed to abolish the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in relation to constitutional petitions allowing all such cases to go to a proposed Federal Constitutional Court to be headed by a chief justice appointed by the President on the advice of the prime minister. Remaining judges of the proposed constitutional court would be hand-picked by the President with equal representation of all the provinces. after consulting with the newly-appointed chief justice. The amendment also included the proposal that no court would have the power to examine the actions of officials acting under “national security” laws while any high court judges or cases would be transferred, without consent, from one high court to another. Retirement age for constitutional court judges shall be 68 (or a fixed tenure of three years if the fresh appointees are already judges of the SC). The rationale given by the government for these proposed amendments included that the superior courts have become too politically partisan necessitating reform so as to depoliticise courts, the solution forward would be creation of a constitutional court to hear all constitutional cases by judges appointed by PM. The second argument was to lessen the load of an overburdened judicial system. [16] Earlier on September 09, CJP Qazi Faez Isa had reaffirmed his position of not accepting any extension to his tenure despite speculation of the constitutional package that could amend Article 179 to extend the retirement age of chief justices.[17]

LEAs encroach Parliament, arrest MPs

PTI leader Barrister Gohar Ali Khan is bundled into a vehicle by police personnel following his arrest, outside the Parliament House on Monday night.—Mohammad Asim / White Star On September 09, following the planned PTI rally near Islamabad, law enforcement agencies launched a crackdown on the party’s leadership and apprehended various legislators outside the Parliament House. LEAs in plain clothes stormed the Parliament House disconnecting the power supply and entered the Services Branch to arrest PTI MNAs with a well-equipped police contingent surrounding the building. MNAs locked themselves in offices and rooms, eventually hiding in the Services Branch of the building to evade arrest. The arrested MNAs were first taken out of the building, then “rearrested” after being brought through the Cabinet Division gate and transferred to the CIA Centre for further legal action.[18] The reported raid by police inside the Parliament House got widespread condemnation across the political spectrum prompting the Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, MNA ordering a full investigation into the police raid and the arrests.[19] Later, the Speaker suspended the security in charge of the National Assembly and four other officials ‘for not resisting’ the entry of unauthorised people. Besides the security staff, which was suspended for four months, Speaker also transferred five officials of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), serving in the assembly on deputation, for disconnecting the building’s power during the ‘raid.’ [20]

CM KP locks horns with the establishment

Gandapur asks govt to release Imran Khan within two weeks - Pakistan - Dunya News
Ali Amin Gandapur KP Chief Minister

On September 8, leading a PTI public rally in Sangjani near Islamabad KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur demanded immediate release of former PM Imran Khan and warned that if Mr. Khan was not released within two weeks, the PTI would shift from a “verbal struggle” to a “bloody struggle.” Addressing the military, CM KP said that the PTI would not accept a military trial for Mr. Imran Khan and said that neither the military nor anyone else could prevent the PTI from securing Mr. Khan’s release. Distancing the PTI from the former DG ISI Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Faiz Hameed, CM KP called on the military to “keep their house in order” and asserted that the events of May 9, 2023 were used as a pretext to target Mr. Imran Khan. CM KP also issued a veiled threat telling the rally attendees to prepare for a call that might require a “bloody sacrifice” in pursuit of what he termed “real freedom.” [21] On September 09, remarks by CM KP attracted condemnation prompting PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, MNA to tender an unconditional apology for the language used by CM KP. However, a day later, former PM Imran Khan threw his weight behind CM KP and derided all those in the PTI who distanced themselves from his hard-hitting speech. Speaking to reporters at Adiala jail, former PM also announced that he was closing the doors of the dialogue with the establishment, saying that they had deceived the PTI.[22] Later, he also claimed that CM KP had been “picked up” by the military after the Sangjani rally and that CM KP was “showing grace” by not speaking out about what had happened to him. [23] On September 26, former PM Imran Khan made another statement ruling out any further talks with the military establishment, calling such discussions a “futile exercise.”[24] On September 12, KP Chief Minister first urged the federal government to send a jirga to Kabul to establish lasting peace in the region and following his earlier threats to lead his own peace negotiations with the Afghan Taliban also met with the Afghan Taliban Consul General in Peshawar discussing regional peace, trade, and Afghan refugees. In a speech to lawyers and MPs, Mr. Gandapur accused the establishment of being indifferent to the bloodshed caused by terrorism in KP. He emphasized the need for serious efforts for lasting peace, highlighting that both Pakistan and Afghanistan had suffered due to terrorism. In response, Pakistan’s Foreign Office reiterated that conducting diplomatic negotiations with foreign governments remained the sole domain of the federal government.[25]

SC orders immediate implementation of its July 12 verdict

Supreme Court declares PTI eligible for reserved seats with 8-5 majority verdict - Media Bites On September 14, the SC reprimand the ECP over its failure to implement the July 12 judgment concerning PTI’s reserved seats. The court warned that the ECP’s continued failure or refusal to fulfil its legally binding duty could result in consequences. [26] On July 12, in a majority judgement the Supreme Court had declared that the PTI was eligible to receive reserved seats for women and non-Muslims in the National and Provincial Assemblies. The majority verdict was affirmed by Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and supported by seven other judges including Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Ayesha A Malik, Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Shahid Waheed, and Justice Irfan Saadat Khan.[27] However, on August 7, the ECP had petitioned the court to review the July 12 order, claiming that the order erroneously granted relief to the PTI since neither the party nor its candidates had approached the ECP for reserved seats. This request was dismissed by the SC which called it a “contrived device” to delay the order’s implementation. Within the order, court took judicial notice of the ECP’s alleged anti-democratic and unlawful actions, warning of potential legal repercussions, including unconstitutional conduct and contempt of court. Putting the internal differences with the SC out in the open, the Supreme Court office on September 16, questioned the uploading of a clarification order on SC website on September 14 where the note signed by the Deputy Registrar Judicial (DRJ) wondered how the September 14 clarification order could have been uploaded, when neither any cause list was issued by the Supreme Court nor notices were issued by the office to the parties involved.[28] The ECP, however, has not implementated the July 12 verdict so far. [29] On September 19, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, MNA wrote a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner criticizing the SC’s July 12 verdict and claimed that allowing candidates to switch political parties contradicted the recently amended Elections (Second Amendment) Act 2024 signed into law on August 7, 2024 which reiterated that independent candidates could not switch parties after declaring their affiliation. Speaker also urged the ECP to apply the amended Elections Act fully when making decisions arguing that the amended law superseded the SC ruling.[30] A day later, the National Assembly Secretariat released an updated list of party positions that excluded the PTI members and instead classified them as part of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC). This move further disregarded the SC July 12 verdict and a subsequent ECP notification which had recognized certain members as PTI lawmakers. [31] Based on this, on September 21, PTI Chairman, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, MNA approached the Supreme Court seeking a direction that letters from the National and Punjab Assembly speakers did not reflect the correct constitutional and legal position.[32] Even after the release of the detailed judgement on September 24, the ECP did not implement the verdict.[33] On September 26, the ECP filed a set of petitions with the Supreme Court seeking clarification and a review of the September 14 clarification order concerning the allocation of reserved seats to the PTI.[34]

COAS vows not to let the “nefarious objectives” weaken the national harmony

Pakistan Army Chief Stresses Unity On Defence, Martyrs Day - WE News English
General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) while addressing a special ceremony at GHQ

On September 6, 2024, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir delivered a powerful address during a special ceremony held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi to commemorate Defence and Martyrs Day, honouring the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces during the 1965 war with India. General Munir emphasized the importance of national unity and solidarity in the face of any attempts to weaken Pakistan’s stability. He called on the nation to embrace togetherness, tolerance, and harmony to preserve the country’s peace and integrity. He highlighted the deep connection between the armed forces and the people of Pakistan, stating that it is a bond of the heart. The sacrifices made by the martyrs, especially those fighting against terrorism, have contributed significantly to the country’s stability and security. COAS mentioned the ongoing Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, clarifying that it is not a new counter-terrorism operation but part of the National Action Plan (NAP) aimed at eliminating terrorism and extremism. He assured that no civilian population displacement would occur under this initiative, and the battle against militancy would continue until the last terrorist is eradicated from Pakistan. COAS emphasized the success of Paigham-e-Pakistan, a narrative against the extremist ideology of Fitna al-Khawarij, the merger of tribal areas and development efforts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan and Efforts to promote tolerance and safeguard the rights of minorities, in line with the Constitution of Pakistan. COAS reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering stance on the Kashmir issue, stating that it is not only a national issue but also a regional and global concern. The COAS stressed that lasting peace in South Asia could only be achieved through a fair resolution of the Kashmir dispute. Similarly, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also addressed the ceremony, paying tribute to the martyrs and reiterating the importance of national security. He emphasized that all Pakistanis, irrespective of their professions, share a common goal: the development, security, and defence of the nation. PM, further highlighted that with its nuclear, defence, and technological capabilities, Pakistan plays an essential role in promoting global peace.[35]

COAS inaugurates Innovista Indus IT Park

https://ispr.gov.pk/archive_images/13930.jpeg On September 27, General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, inaugurated Innovista Indus IT Park in Karachi alongside Chief Minister Sindh. According to the ISPR, COAS also interacted with the business community of Karachi and appreciated the contributions of business community and entrepreneurs towards the country’s economic growth. The ISPR also stated that participants “expressed confidence and praised SIFC for its role towards achieving the positive economic indicators, which are providing an enabling environment for further economic growth.” COAS commended the efforts of Federal and Provincial Governments towards supporting all initiatives and “remarked that naysayers who made failed efforts towards creating despair and despondency in the society have been defeated through the collective efforts of all stakeholders.” He also appreciated the praiseworthy role performed by brotherly and friendly countries especially China, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and UAE in the economic recovery of Pakistan.” [36]

Speaker National Assembly meets Foreign Dignitaries

National Assembly of Pakistan
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker, National Assembly of Pakistan
  1. On September 13, Ambassador Frans Van Daele, Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion and Belief along with Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan Dr. Riina Kionka, called on Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker, National Assembly at the Parliament House, Islamabad.[37]
  2. On September 13, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker, National Assembly met with Ambassadors of more than 25 Islamic Countries at the Calligraphic Exhibition of Names of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and Opening of the Seerat Mahal Book Corner in the Library of National Assembly in Connection with Eid Milad ul Nabi (PBUH) at the Parliament House, Islamabad.[38]

Chairman Senate meets Foreign Dignitaries

Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Chairman, Senate of Pakistan
  1. On September 12, Senator Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Chairman, Senate of Pakistan met European Union Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion of Belief (FORB), Mr. Frans Van Daele, at the Parliament House, Islamabad. [39]
  2. On September 24, 21 Member Chinese Business Delegation called on Chairman Senate, Senator Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, at the Parliament House, Islamabad.[40]
  3. On September 25, Ambassador of Russia to Pakistan, Mr. Albert Khorev, called on Chairman Senate, Senator Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani at the Parliament House, Islamabad. [41]

Interactions of COAS with Foreign Dignitaries

COAS pick: Lt Gen Asim Munir — a brief profile
General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff

During September 2024, General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff met with H.E. Alexey Overchuk, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, who called on the COAS on September 18 at the General Headquarters, Rawalpindi. [42]

Prime Minister’s Interactions with COAS

Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir met twice during September 2024.

  1. On September 05, Prime Minister and Chief of Army Staff met at the Concluding Session of Army War Game. [43]
  2. On September 06, Prime Minister and Chief of Army Staff met at a special ceremony in connection with Defence and Martyrs Day at the GHQ, Rawalpindi.[44]

References

  1. Atika Rehman, “Shehbaz lauds army chief for role in securing IMF deal,” Dawn online, September 29, 2024, accessed September 30, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1861872/shehbaz-lauds-army-chief-for-role-in-securing-imf-deal. ↑
  2. Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Army hints at military trial for Imran,” Dawn online, September 06, 2024, accessed September 21, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1857256/army-hints-at-military-trial-for-imran. ↑
  3. Malik Asad, “Rumours swirl after Imran moves IHC against ‘possible military trial’,” Dawn online, September 4, 2024, accessed September 18, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1856811/rumours-swirl-after-imran-moves-ihc-against-possible-military-trial. ↑
  4. Umer Mehtab, “IHC seeks clarity from govt about possibility of Imran’s military trial,” Dawn online, September 12, 2024, accessed September 21, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1858514/ihc-seeks-clarity-from-govt-about-possibility-of-imrans-military-trial. ↑
  5. Malik Asad, “Imran’s military trial not on the cards, govt tells IHC,” Dawn online, September 17, 2024, accessed September 25, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1859480/imrans-military-trial-not-on-the-cards-govt-tells-ihc. ↑
  6. Malik Asad, “Imran won’t be tried in military court, govt tells IHC,” Dawn online, September 25, 2024, accessed September 27, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1860955/imran-wont-be-tried-in-military-court-govt-tells-ihc. ↑
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  8. Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Gen Asim Malik named new ISI chief,” Dawn online, September 24, 2024, accessed September 26, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1860806/gen-asim-malik-named-new-isi-chief. ↑
  9. “General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), presided over the Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) held at GHQ’,” ISPR online, September 03, 2024, accessed September 17, 2024. https://ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=6976. ↑
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  13. Malik Asad, “Imran seeks acquittal under NAB tweaks he contested,” Dawn online, September 08, 2024, accessed September 21, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1857647/imran-seeks-acquittal-under-nab-tweaks-he-contested. ↑
  14. Nasir Iqbal, “SC overturns its order on NAB amendments,” Dawn online, September 07, 2024, accessed September 21, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1857413/sc-overturns-its-order-on-nab-amendments. ↑
  15. Syed Irfan Raza, “‘Constitutional Package’ goes into cold storage,” Dawn online, September 17, 2024, accessed September 24, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1859488/constitutional-package-goes-into-cold-storage. ↑
  16. Salahuddin Ahmed, “Constitutional Package — judicial overhaul or national suicide?” Dawn online, September 17, 2024, accessed October 4, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1859376. ↑
  17. Nasir Iqbal, “CJP Isa ‘not inclined towards an extension’,” Dawn online, September 10, 2024, accessed September 11, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1858073/cjp-isa-not-inclined-towards-an-extension. ↑
  18. Munawar Azeem, “PTI top brass swooped up after Sangjani power show,” Dawn online, September 10, 2024, accessed September 17, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1858075/pti-top-brass-swooped-up-after-sangjani-power-show. ↑
  19. Iftikhar A. Khan | Munawer Azeem, “‘Raid’ on National Assembly gives rivals some common ground,” Dawn online, September 11, 2024, accessed September 18, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1858274/raid-on-national-assembly-gives-rivals-some-common-ground. ↑
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  26. Nasir Iqbal, “SC assails ECP for ‘dilatory tactics’ over reserved seats,” Dawn online, September 15, 2024, accessed September 24, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1859067/sc-assails-ecp-for-dilatory-tactics-over-reserved-seats. ↑
  27. “Update on the Performance of Democratic Institutions | July 2024,” PILDAT, August 9, 2024, accessed October 4, 2024. https://pildat.org/inter-institutional-relations/update-on-the-performance-of-democratic-institutions-july-2024. ↑
  28. Nasir Iqbal, “SC wonders how reserved seats order appeared online,” Dawn online, September 17, 2024, accessed September 24, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1859486/sc-wonders-how-reserved-seats-order-appeared-online. ↑
  29. Iftikhar A. Khan, “ECP still in a fix over SC verdict on reserved seats, “ Dawn online, September 19, 2024, accessed September 25, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1859716/ecp-still-in-a-fix-over-sc-verdict-on-reserved-seats. ↑
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