Stage set for major reshuffle in top military brass

[daytrader]

ISLAMABAD: It is almost time for the government to make what is likely to be one of the toughest calls of its tenure: who to appoint as the next chief of Pakistan’s Army.

A senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader — a member of the federal cabinet — hinted in background discussions that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif could initiate discussions on the appointment by the end of August, and pos*s*ibly take a decision by mid-September.

The general perception is that he will consult his allies in the ruling coalition before making a final call. A source in the Pakistan Peoples Party, however, suggested that the party may not want to get involved as it is the prime minister’s prerogative to make the decision.

According to Article 243(3) of the Constitution, the president appoints the services chiefs on the recommendation of the prime minister.

Four of the six top Lt-Gens at the time of Gen Bajwa’s retirement will be from the same batch, while a fifth is senior to almost the entire lot.

Schedule V-A of the Rules of Business, which elaborates the cases to be presented to the prime minister for his approval, states that: “[…] the appointment of, and above the rank of, lieutenant-general in the army and equivalent ranks in the other Defence Services will be made by the prime minister in consultation with the president.”

The manner in which this process plays out, however, is less clearly defined in the rule books. Nor have any specific criteria been laid down for consideration for elevation, except for the vague condition that the general chosen to lead the army should have commanded a corps.

The tradition is that General Headquarters (GHQ) sends a list of the four to five senior-most lieutenant-generals, along with their personnel files, to the Ministry of Defence, which then forwards them to the prime minister to pick the officer he finds best suited to the role.

Theoretically, the defence ministry can vet the names before presenting them to the prime minister, but that does not usually happen and the ministry acts merely as a post office.

The credentials of the generals are then deliberated either at Prime Minister’s Office or in the cabinet. The matter comes down to the prime minister’s ‘informal consultation’ with the outgoing army chief, his own perceptions and his discussions with his closest advisors.

Keen observers also talk about an ‘institutional recommendation’, which is given to the prime minister about a particular candidate. However, at least two former defence secretaries have rubbished this claim. They insist that it is only the outgoing army chief, during his ‘informal consultation’ with the prime minister, who provides personal input on who he thinks should succeed him.

Of the ten army chiefs the country has had since 1972, five were appointed by the incumbent’s elder brother, Mian Nawaz Sharif, in separate tenures as prime minister. The elder Sharif was repeatedly criticised for appointing officers he saw as an ‘apna banda’ (his man). Ironically, none of the appointments worked out very well for him.

The experience has reportedly left the Sharifs with the belief that they will never quite get it right. Some PML-N leaders said in background interviews that they have, therefore, more or less decided that instead of succumbing to the temptation of finding an ‘ideal’ candidate, they will make the appointment based on seniority alone.

“Then, no matter how things turn out, we will at least be content that no personal choices were involved,” one party leader said.

However, another group within the party speculates that PM Shehbaz Sharif may simply go along with the current chief’s advice.

Transitioning out

Appointed in 2016, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa is set to retire in the last week of November. The army chief’s appointment is meant to be for three years, but Gen Bajwa was given an additional three-year term in 2019 after a bit of political drama. Then-prime minister Imran Khan had given him an extension in August, but the Supreme Court later demanded legislation on the re-appointment of the services chiefs.

Parliament complied in January 2020, allowing the prime minister to extend the tenure of services chiefs at his discretion. The legislation had, however, fixed 64 as the age at which a service chief must be retired.

Gen Bajwa, still 61, can therefore be eligible for another term. This technicality had led to speculation that the incumbent may be seeking or interested in another extension. But according to a military source, Gen Bajwa has communicated to those around him that he will retire in November. Inter-Services Public Relations, too, has confirmed that the chief is, indeed, retiring.

The army chief’s is not the only four-star position that will fall vacant in November. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) Gen Nadeem Raza will also be retiring at the same time. The simultaneous appointment of two four-star generals gives the government a little bit of space to pick a commander for the army without causing too much consternation among the top brass.

Interestingly, four of the six senior lieutenant-generals at the time of Gen Bajwa’s retirement are from the same batch. The seniority of this lot is determined on a technical basis — ie, through the PA number assigned to them from their training days at the PMA — and may or may not be of consequence when the new CJCSC and COAS are chosen. Among the other two, one is senior to almost the entire lot, while the other one is relatively junior.

Lt-Gen Asim Munir

At the time when the decision to appoint the next CJCSC and COAS is made, Lt-Gen Asim Munir will be the senior-most among the lot. Although he was promoted to the rank of two-star general in September 2018, he took charge two months later. As a result, his four-year tenure as Lt-Gen will end on November 27, around the same time when the incumbent CJCSC and COAS will be doffing their army uniform. Since the recommendations and decisions for the appointment of the two four-star generals are to be made a little earlier, it would be for Gen Bajwa to decide if his name is to be included and for the prime minister to make the final call. He is an outstanding officer, but because of the technicalities involved, he may remain the proverbial dark horse.

Lt- Gen Munir entered the service via the Officers Training School (OTS) programme in Mangla, and was commissioned into the Frontier Force Regiment. He has been a close aide of the incumbent COAS ever since he commanded troops in the Force Command Northern Areas as a brigadier under Gen Bajwa, who was then Commander X Corps. He was later appointed DG Military Intelligence in early 2017, and in October next year was made the ISI chief. However, his stint as the top intelligence officer turned out to be the shortest ever, as he was replaced by Lt-Gen Faiz Hamid within eight months, on the insistence of then-PM Imran Khan. He was posted as Gujranwala Corps commander, a position he held for two years, before being moved to the GHQ as Quartermaster General.

Lt-Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza

In the current cohort, Lt-Gen Mirza is senior-most amongst the four candidates belonging to the same batch. He hails from the Sindh Regiment; the same parent unit as the outgoing CJCSC, Gen Nadeem Raza. He has had an impressive career in the army, particularly in senior leadership positions during the past seven years. Lt-Gen Mirza came to prominence as director-general military operations (DGMO) during the last two years of Gen Raheel Sharif’s tenure. In that role, he was part of Gen Sharif’s core team at GHQ, which supervised the military operation against the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militants in North Waziristan. Further, he was closely involved in the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) that brokered intra-Afghan talks involving Pakistan, China, Afghanistan and the United States. Besides, he was also a member of the Sartaj Aziz-led committee on reforms for Gilgit-Baltistan.

After his promotion to the three-star rank, he was appointed chief of general staff, effectively making him the second-most powerful person in the army after the COAS. In that role, he was closely engaged in crucial decision-making related to national security and foreign affairs. He also joined former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in strategic talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in 2021.

In October 2021, he was posted as Corps Commander Rawalpindi to enable him to acquire operational experience and become eligible to be considered for the top posts.

A military source, while commenting on his profile, said he was the clear frontrunner for either of the two posts of COAS and CJCSC.

Lt-Gen Azhar Abbas

Lt-Gen Abbas is most experienced in Indian affairs among the current brass. Currently, he is the chief of general staff (CGS), effectively running the army with direct oversight of both operations and intelligence directorates at GHQ. Prior to that, he commanded the Rawalpindi-based but Kashmir-centric and politically-significant X Corps, which indicates that he enjoys the complete trust of the present army chief. It was during his time as commander X Corps that the Indian and Pakistani armies reached an understanding on respecting the 2003 ceasefire agreement along the LOC, and it was Lt-Gen Abbas’s job to ensure compliance on it.

Previously, Lt-Gen Abbas served as commandant of the Infantry School, Quetta. He was the personal staff officer of the former army chief, Gen Raheel Sharif — a position which gave him a ringside view of the decision-making processes at the highest-level. That stint also enabled him to interact with the PML-N leadership as well as the top leadership of friendly countries. After that, he commanded the 12th Infantry Division based in Murree, from where he was responsible for Azad Jammu & Kashmir.

Lt-Gen Nauman Mehmood

Belonging to the Baloch Regiment, Lt-Gen Mehmood is currently president of the National Defence University. He also has extensive experience as chief instructor at the Command and Staff College, Quetta. He has commanded an infantry division based in North Waziristan. From there, he was posted as director-general (Analysis) at the ISI, playing a crucial role in foreign policy analysis from a national security perspective. That posting provided him with the opportunity of liaising with foreign intelligence agencies on behalf of the ISI.

On his promotion as a three-star general in 2019, he was appointed inspector-general of Communications & Information Technology, GHQ. In December 2019, he was sent to the Peshawar-based XI Corps. From there, he oversaw security along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and its fencing at a time when the US withdrew its forces.

In November 2021, he handed over command of the XI Corps to Lt-Gen Faiz Hamid.

Lt-Gen Faiz Hamid

Lt-Gen Hamid, too, belongs to the Baloch Regiment and is one of the most widely-discussed contenders among the competitors for the top office. Gen Bajwa and Lt-Gen Hamid have reportedly known each other for long. As brigadier, Lt-Gen Hamid served as chief of staff of the X Corps under Gen Bajwa, who was then commanding the corps.

At the time of Gen Bajwa’s appointment as COAS, Lt-Gen Hamid was a two-star general and was commanding an infantry division in Pano Aqil, Sindh. Soon after his promotion as army chief, Gen Bajwa posted him as director-general (Counter-Intelligence) at ISI, where he was not only responsible for internal security, but also political affairs.

After his promotion to the three-star rank, he was initially appointed adjutant-general at the GHQ in April 2019. But only two months later, in a surprise move, he was appointed DG ISI. In that role, Lt-Gen Hamid was active in supporting the government on issues as diverse as renegotiating contracts with power-sector IPPs, reforming governance, and reviving the economy etc, aside from traditional foreign policy issues and national security challenges.

In the last phase of his stint as head of the ISI, he became focus of a controversy between Imran Khan and the COAS as the latter had decided to post him as commander of the Peshawar Corps and the former was not willing to relieve him. He was ultimately posted out to Peshawar, where he served for less than a year before being moved to the Bahawalpur Corps.

Some political pundits say it might be difficult, if not impossible, for the PML-N leadership to consider him for the post of the next COAS due to the highly-publicised nature of his role as ISI chief during the last government’s tenure.

Lt-Gen Mohammad Amir

Lt-Gen Amir belongs to the Artillery Regiment and is, at present, commanding the XXX Corps in Gujranwala. He is considered a close confidant of Gen Bajwa. Previously, he was adjutant-general at the GHQ. As major-general, he commanded the 10 Infantry Division stationed in Lahore from 2017-18. He has also served as director-general Staff Duties at the COAS Secretariat, giving him considerable experience in both GHQ and command positions. Prior to that, he was military secretary to then President Asif Zardari from 2011-13. His career trajectory has brought him into close contact with the political decision-makers of today.

DAWN

 

[adi_62941]

Their fake and useless credentials does not matter. US will appoint whoever they like or who is more loyal to them. This is not an internal decision.

 

[daytrader]

Please review before posting

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/s...inciting-people-against-armed-forces)-and-138

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan fired a broadside at his political rivals on Sunday, alleging that Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari wanted to appoint the army of their choice because if a “strong and patriotic army chief” came, they would be questioned about their loot.

Addressing a public rally at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, the former prime minister asked the ruling coalition as to “why are they afraid of fresh elections”? He added that it was because they knew that they would be eliminated in transparent elections.

“The second reason is that the new army chief is coming in November. Zardari and Nawaz want to bring their favourite as the next an army chief because they have stolen public money,” he said. “They are afraid that when patriotic army chief comes, he will ask them about their loot,” he added.

Criticising the “imported rulers”, he claimed: “[Prime Minister] Shehbaz Sharif, his brother [PML-N supremo] Nawaz Sharif and [PPP Co-Chairperson] Asif Ali Zardari are involved in laundering public money abroad.”

The PTI chief maintained that when the country’s exports were booming, agricultural production was at its record level and the economy was performing well, his government was toppled through a foreign conspiracy.

“The situation has changed now as the people are witnessing a rise in unemployment, fuel cost and electricity tariffs,” he added. The PTI chairman announced that he would build big dams to curtail floods after coming into power.

He said his government’s flagship billion tree tsunami programme would minimise the impact of climate change. Imran further announced that he would hold another international telethon next Sunday to raise funds for the flood-hit citizens of the country.

“I will soon collect billions of rupees again for the flood victims through another telethon,” he added. He pointed out that to protect the country from floods in future, more dams needed to be constructed.

“Our government had constructed 10 dams after 50 years. There is a dire need to fix the country’s drainage system. The PTI government had planted 10 billion trees to reduce the negative impacts of climate change in Pakistan,” he maintained.

The former prime minister said the oil price was higher in the international markets during his regime. However, he claimed that he had provided relief to citizens by keeping fuel prices low.

“These ‘imported rulers' have multiplied the fuel cost, electricity tarrifs and the prices of commodities. The nation asks from them who imposed these ‘corrupt rulers’ in the country. They have to answer for this betrayal,” he added.

Imran claimed that the PTI government had provided subsidies to the people after the record collection of taxes during its tenure instead of increasing the financial burden on the nation.

He warned of another wave of inflation over the “directives” of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He reiterated that political instability in the country can only be ended through fresh elections.

He asked the youth to be prepared for his call to achieve real independence in the country.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2374871/nawaz-zardari-want-new-army-chief-of-their-choice-imran

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Imran Niazi’s despicable utterances to malign institutions are touching new levels every day. He is now indulging in direct mud-slinging & poisonous allegations against Armed Forces & its leadership. His nefarious agenda is clearly to disrupt & undermine Pakistan.</p>— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz/status/1566650344440041474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[daytrader]

Army 'aghast' at Imran's 'defamatory, uncalled for' statement on senior military leadership: ISPR

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Monday took strong exception to the recent remarks by PTI Chairman Imran Khan regarding the appointment of the new army chief, saying that it was “aghast at the defamatory and uncalled for” statement about the institution’s senior leadership.

“Regrettably, an attempt has been made to discredit and undermine [the] senior leadership of [the] Pakistan Army at a time when the institution is laying lives for the security and safety of the people of Pakistan every day.

Senior politicians trying to stir controversies on the appointment of the chief of army staff (COAS), the procedure for which is well defined in the constitution, is most unfortunate and disappointing, the ISPR said.

It went on to say that the army’s senior leadership had a decades-long, impeccable and meritorious service to prove its patriotic and professional credentials beyond any doubt.

“Politicising the senior leadership of Pakistan Army and scandalising the process of selection of [the] COAS is neither in the interest of the state of Pakistan nor of the institution. Pakistan Army reiterates its commitment to uphold the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan,” the statement concluded.

The development comes a day after Imran, at a rally in Faisalabad, alleged that the PPP and PML-N were opposing fresh elections, because they wanted to “appoint an army chief of their choice” in November to save their skin in corruption cases.

“They want to bring their own army chief…they are afraid that if a strong and patriotic army chief is appointed then he would ask them about the looted wealth,” the former prime minister said.

“They are sitting [in the government] because they want to bring in an army chief of their choice through joint efforts,” Imran claimed, adding that the army chief should be “appointed on merit … whoever is on the top of the merit list should be appointed” to head the institution.

COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, who was appointed in 2016, is set to retire in the last week of November. The army chief’s appointment is meant to be for three years, but Gen Bajwa was given an additional three-year term in 2019 after a bit of political drama.

Coalition govt slams Imran
Earlier today, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other coalition leaders castigated Imran for levelling “poisonous allegations” against the armed forces and “putting blots” on the appointment of the new army chief.

In a tweet, PM Shehbaz said Imran’s “despicable utterances to malign institutions” were touching new levels every day.

“He is now indulging in direct mud-slinging & poisonous allegations against armed forces & its leadership,” he said, adding that Imran’s “nefarious agenda” was aimed at disrupting and undermining Pakistan.

In a statement on Twitter, PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari said that the nation was now aware of the person spreading chaos in the country. “Today, everyone knows [who is the] man and the beast.

“This man is determined to weaken the country, but we won’t let that happen,” he alleged, vowing that the government won’t let the state institutions and generals fall prey to Imran’s “lust”.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also lashed out at Imran, saying the PTI chief’s statement was tantamount to disrespecting the armed forces whose personnel had been rendering sacrifices for the country for years.

He said it was not the army’s job to provide protection to political leaders. “Their only job, as per the Constitution, is to give security to borders and the country. It is not their oath or commitment to shelter any political leader and if they do so, it will be a deviation from their oath,” he said, adding that legal action was in the offing against Imran.

Army chief’s appointment
The next army chief’s appointment is at times mentioned as one of the major subplots in the ongoing political crisis engulfing the country.

Last month, a senior PML-N leader — a member of the federal cabinet — hinted in background discussions that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif could initiate discussions on the appointment by the end of August, and pos*s*ibly take a decision by mid-September.

The general perception is that he will consult his allies in the ruling coalition before making a final call. A source in the Pakistan Peoples Party, however, suggested that the party may not want to get involved as it is the prime minister’s prerogative to make the decision.

According to Article 243(3) of the Constitution, the president appoints the services chiefs on the recommendation of the prime minister.

Schedule V-A of the Rules of Business, which elaborates the cases to be presented to the prime minister for his approval, states that: “[…] the appointment of, and above the rank of, lieutenant-general in the army and equivalent ranks in the other Defence Services will be made by the prime minister in consultation with the president.”

The manner in which this process plays out, however, is less clearly defined in the rule books. Nor have any specific criteria been laid down for consideration for elevation, except for the vague condition that the general chosen to lead the army should have commanded a corps.

The tradition is that General Headquarters (GHQ) sends a list of the four to five senior-most lieutenant-generals, along with their personnel files, to the Ministry of Defence, which then forwards them to the prime minister to pick the officer he finds best suited to the role.

Theoretically, the defence ministry can vet the names before presenting them to the prime minister, but that does not usually happen and the ministry acts merely as a post office.

The credentials of the generals are then deliberated either at Prime Minister’s Office or in the cabinet. The matter comes down to the prime minister’s ‘informal consultation’ with the outgoing army chief, his own perceptions and his discussions with his closest advisors.

DAWN

 

[daytrader]

IHC irked by Imran's remarks on army chief selection
CJ Minallah warns PTI chief not to 'expect relief from courts', directs PEMRA to regulate speeches per SC orders

ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday ordered the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to regulate Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan's speeches according to the apex court's earlier ruling.

The IHC was hearing a case against Imran’s petition challenging a PEMRA notification banning live telecast of the former premier's speeches that was suspended by the court on August 29.

IHC Chief Justice (CJ) Athar Minallah, while hearing the plea challenging the ban, expressed displeasure over Imran’s statements, particularly the ones pertaining to the armed forces. “Do you want to destroy their morale?” questioned the CJ.

Justice Minallah while addressing Imran’s counsel said that “you say that someone should be allowed to freely speak when they say that a person is a patriot and [another] person is not”.

“Can anyone say that a general of the armed forces is not a patriot?” he questioned before adding “did you hear Imran Khan’s statements yesterday? The armed forces were rescuing the people while those statements were made. Can anyone justify those statements?”

Deploring the PTI chief’s comments as “irresponsible” CJ Minallah said that “do you want the to court to give them a free license?”

“Remember that when you give a statement, the impact is greater,” the judge furthered.

Addressing a public rally at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad yesterday (Sunday), the former prime minister alleged that Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari wanted to appoint the army chief of their choice because if a “strong and patriotic army chief” came, they would be questioned about their loot.

During the proceedings, the judge also questioned if the PTI lawyers were “suggesting that the Constitution should be violated”.

“You are well-aware that the impact of accusations by a political leader that has a large following is also greater,” he continued, “if they make such unconstitutional remarks and incite anger then that is not protected by [right to] freedom of speech," said the judge.

“Can it be justified,” the judge asked, “if someone makes such irresponsible comments?”

“Can the loyalty of an army general to his country be questioned? You want to make such statements and then wish that PEMRA does not even control it?” he continued.

CJ Minallah remarked that Imran “should first decide what he wants” and that he should not “expect that courts will give any relief after doing all this”. “You should also hold yourself accountable,” the court said referring to the PTI chief.

“Is this what political leadership is supposed to be,” the court remarked, “that everything is put at stake for a game of thrones?”

“The armed forces sacrifice their lives for us,” the court stated.

The IHC further stated that “every citizen is a patriot and no one has the right to issue a certificate of loyalty or the lack thereof. And how can such a thing be said about the armed forces who are sacrificing their lives?”

The judge, again referring to Imran, warned that “with such statements, you will create problems for yourself”.

“Are all generals not patriots?” questioned the court, “what message are you trying to convey to our enemies?”.

It is pertinent to note that the media regulatory authority had imposed a ban on the live broadcasting of speeches by the PTI chairman on all satellite TV channels with immediate effect on August 20.

While addressing a protest rally in Islamabad, Imran had warned the IG and DIG of Islamabad police, saying that he will not spare them and register a case against them for “torturing” party leader Shahbaz Gill during physical remand.

He had also called out Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Zeba Chaudhry for approving the police request for physical remand despite knowing that Gill was subjected to “torture”. “We will not leave you [Zeba] and will also file a case against her.”

Soon after Imran's speech, the coalition parties demanded action against the former premier. Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah had also vowed to take legal action against Imran for “threatening” the woman judge and police officials.

In relation to the allegations against the PTI leader, a contempt of court case is being heard at the IHC while a case against terrorism charges is also being pursued at an Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad.

Express Tribune

 

[Bewal Express]

Army 'aghast' at Imran's 'defamatory, uncalled for' statement on senior military leadership: ISPR

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Monday took strong exception to the recent remarks by PTI Chairman Imran Khan regarding the appointment of the new army chief, saying that it was “aghast at the defamatory and uncalled for” statement about the institution’s senior leadership.

“Regrettably, an attempt has been made to discredit and undermine [the] senior leadership of [the] Pakistan Army at a time when the institution is laying lives for the security and safety of the people of Pakistan every day.

Senior politicians trying to stir controversies on the appointment of the chief of army staff (COAS), the procedure for which is well defined in the constitution, is most unfortunate and disappointing, the ISPR said.

It went on to say that the army’s senior leadership had a decades-long, impeccable and meritorious service to prove its patriotic and professional credentials beyond any doubt.

“Politicising the senior leadership of Pakistan Army and scandalising the process of selection of [the] COAS is neither in the interest of the state of Pakistan nor of the institution. Pakistan Army reiterates its commitment to uphold the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan,” the statement concluded.

The development comes a day after Imran, at a rally in Faisalabad, alleged that the PPP and PML-N were opposing fresh elections, because they wanted to “appoint an army chief of their choice” in November to save their skin in corruption cases.

“They want to bring their own army chief…they are afraid that if a strong and patriotic army chief is appointed then he would ask them about the looted wealth,” the former prime minister said.

“They are sitting [in the government] because they want to bring in an army chief of their choice through joint efforts,” Imran claimed, adding that the army chief should be “appointed on merit … whoever is on the top of the merit list should be appointed” to head the institution.

COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, who was appointed in 2016, is set to retire in the last week of November. The army chief’s appointment is meant to be for three years, but Gen Bajwa was given an additional three-year term in 2019 after a bit of political drama.

Coalition govt slams Imran
Earlier today, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other coalition leaders castigated Imran for levelling “poisonous allegations” against the armed forces and “putting blots” on the appointment of the new army chief.

In a tweet, PM Shehbaz said Imran’s “despicable utterances to malign institutions” were touching new levels every day.

“He is now indulging in direct mud-slinging & poisonous allegations against armed forces & its leadership,” he said, adding that Imran’s “nefarious agenda” was aimed at disrupting and undermining Pakistan.

In a statement on Twitter, PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari said that the nation was now aware of the person spreading chaos in the country. “Today, everyone knows [who is the] man and the beast.

“This man is determined to weaken the country, but we won’t let that happen,” he alleged, vowing that the government won’t let the state institutions and generals fall prey to Imran’s “lust”.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also lashed out at Imran, saying the PTI chief’s statement was tantamount to disrespecting the armed forces whose personnel had been rendering sacrifices for the country for years.

He said it was not the army’s job to provide protection to political leaders. “Their only job, as per the Constitution, is to give security to borders and the country. It is not their oath or commitment to shelter any political leader and if they do so, it will be a deviation from their oath,” he said, adding that legal action was in the offing against Imran.

Army chief’s appointment
The next army chief’s appointment is at times mentioned as one of the major subplots in the ongoing political crisis engulfing the country.

Last month, a senior PML-N leader — a member of the federal cabinet — hinted in background discussions that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif could initiate discussions on the appointment by the end of August, and pos*s*ibly take a decision by mid-September.

The general perception is that he will consult his allies in the ruling coalition before making a final call. A source in the Pakistan Peoples Party, however, suggested that the party may not want to get involved as it is the prime minister’s prerogative to make the decision.

According to Article 243(3) of the Constitution, the president appoints the services chiefs on the recommendation of the prime minister.

Schedule V-A of the Rules of Business, which elaborates the cases to be presented to the prime minister for his approval, states that: “[…] the appointment of, and above the rank of, lieutenant-general in the army and equivalent ranks in the other Defence Services will be made by the prime minister in consultation with the president.”

The manner in which this process plays out, however, is less clearly defined in the rule books. Nor have any specific criteria been laid down for consideration for elevation, except for the vague condition that the general chosen to lead the army should have commanded a corps.

The tradition is that General Headquarters (GHQ) sends a list of the four to five senior-most lieutenant-generals, along with their personnel files, to the Ministry of Defence, which then forwards them to the prime minister to pick the officer he finds best suited to the role.

Theoretically, the defence ministry can vet the names before presenting them to the prime minister, but that does not usually happen and the ministry acts merely as a post office.

The credentials of the generals are then deliberated either at Prime Minister’s Office or in the cabinet. The matter comes down to the prime minister’s ‘informal consultation’ with the outgoing army chief, his own perceptions and his discussions with his closest advisors.

DAWN

This is rubbish from the neutrals. It is obvious to every man and child that the criminals want an army chief that alllows them freedom to be criminals. Has it rumbled their plans?

 

[Bewal Express]

IHC irked by Imran's remarks on army chief selection
CJ Minallah warns PTI chief not to 'expect relief from courts', directs PEMRA to regulate speeches per SC orders

ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday ordered the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to regulate Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan's speeches according to the apex court's earlier ruling.

The IHC was hearing a case against Imran’s petition challenging a PEMRA notification banning live telecast of the former premier's speeches that was suspended by the court on August 29.

IHC Chief Justice (CJ) Athar Minallah, while hearing the plea challenging the ban, expressed displeasure over Imran’s statements, particularly the ones pertaining to the armed forces. “Do you want to destroy their morale?” questioned the CJ.

Justice Minallah while addressing Imran’s counsel said that “you say that someone should be allowed to freely speak when they say that a person is a patriot and [another] person is not”.

“Can anyone say that a general of the armed forces is not a patriot?” he questioned before adding “did you hear Imran Khan’s statements yesterday? The armed forces were rescuing the people while those statements were made. Can anyone justify those statements?”

Deploring the PTI chief’s comments as “irresponsible” CJ Minallah said that “do you want the to court to give them a free license?”

“Remember that when you give a statement, the impact is greater,” the judge furthered.

Addressing a public rally at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad yesterday (Sunday), the former prime minister alleged that Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari wanted to appoint the army chief of their choice because if a “strong and patriotic army chief” came, they would be questioned about their loot.

During the proceedings, the judge also questioned if the PTI lawyers were “suggesting that the Constitution should be violated”.

“You are well-aware that the impact of accusations by a political leader that has a large following is also greater,” he continued, “if they make such unconstitutional remarks and incite anger then that is not protected by [right to] freedom of speech," said the judge.

“Can it be justified,” the judge asked, “if someone makes such irresponsible comments?”

“Can the loyalty of an army general to his country be questioned? You want to make such statements and then wish that PEMRA does not even control it?” he continued.

CJ Minallah remarked that Imran “should first decide what he wants” and that he should not “expect that courts will give any relief after doing all this”. “You should also hold yourself accountable,” the court said referring to the PTI chief.

“Is this what political leadership is supposed to be,” the court remarked, “that everything is put at stake for a game of thrones?”

“The armed forces sacrifice their lives for us,” the court stated.

The IHC further stated that “every citizen is a patriot and no one has the right to issue a certificate of loyalty or the lack thereof. And how can such a thing be said about the armed forces who are sacrificing their lives?”

The judge, again referring to Imran, warned that “with such statements, you will create problems for yourself”.

“Are all generals not patriots?” questioned the court, “what message are you trying to convey to our enemies?”.

It is pertinent to note that the media regulatory authority had imposed a ban on the live broadcasting of speeches by the PTI chairman on all satellite TV channels with immediate effect on August 20.

While addressing a protest rally in Islamabad, Imran had warned the IG and DIG of Islamabad police, saying that he will not spare them and register a case against them for “torturing” party leader Shahbaz Gill during physical remand.

He had also called out Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Zeba Chaudhry for approving the police request for physical remand despite knowing that Gill was subjected to “torture”. “We will not leave you [Zeba] and will also file a case against her.”

Soon after Imran's speech, the coalition parties demanded action against the former premier. Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah had also vowed to take legal action against Imran for “threatening” the woman judge and police officials.

In relation to the allegations against the PTI leader, a contempt of court case is being heard at the IHC while a case against terrorism charges is also being pursued at an Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad.

Express Tribune

Minullah sahib ask NS and Maryam about the patriotism of the Generals. Maryam has said the Faiz cant be army chief, NS called Bajwa a criminal.

 

[PakLFC]

Zaid Hamid

 

[MenInG]

The Pakistan Army is 'aghast' at the ‘defamatory and uncalled for statement’ by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan regarding the institution's senior leadership, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Monday.

The military's strong exception comes a day after the former premier, during a public gathering on Sunday, fired a broadside at his political rivals, alleging that Nawaz and Zardari wanted to appoint an army chief of their choice because a “strong and patriotic army chief” would question their “loot”.

According to the military’s media wing, a “regrettable” attempt was made to “discredit and undermine senior leadership” of the army at a time when “the institution is laying [down] lives for the security and safety of the people of Pakistan”.

The ISPR statement further said that it was “most unfortunate and disappointing” when senior politicians try to stir up controversies regarding the appointment of the chief of army staff, “the procedure for which is well defined in the Constitution”.

“The senior leadership of [the] army has decades-long impeccable meritorious service to prove its patriotic and professional credentials beyond any doubt,” it added.

The statement maintained that the politicizing of the senior leadership of the army and scandalizing of the process of selection of army chief was not in the interest of Pakistan nor of the institution.

“The Pakistan Army reiterates its commitment to uphold the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan”.

PTI leader Imran Khan, addressing a public rally at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad earlier, asked the ruling coalition why they were “afraid of fresh elections”? He added that it was because they knew that they would be eliminated in transparent elections.

“The second reason is that the new army chief is coming in November. Zardari and Nawaz want to bring their favourite as the next army chief because they have stolen public money,” he said. “They are afraid that when a patriotic army chief comes, he will ask them about their loot,” he said.

Govt condemns Imran’s comments

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other ruling coalition leaders condemned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan’s ‘poisonous’ allegations that Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari want to appoint the army chief of their choice.

Responding to Imran's statement, PM Shehbaz maintained that the PTI chief's “despicable utterances to malign institutions” were touching new heights “every day”.

In a statement on Twitter, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chair Asif Ali Zardari said that the nation could now see who the real “insurgent” was.

Without naming the ousted premier, Zardari stated that Imran was attempting to weaken the country which “could not happen” in the PPP leader's lifetime and that he will not allow state institutions to become a topic of controversy because of one man.

“From our soldiers to generals, everyone is brave and loves this country,” Zardari said.

Express Tribune

 

[MenInG]

A day after PTI chairman Imran Khan made controversial remarks against the top military leadership of the country, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that a “long legal battle” would be initiated against the former prime minister very soon.

“Some actions have already been taken while some are going to take place soon. Our legal experts are examining it and they will act accordingly,” he said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Monday.

The defence minister said the legal action against the former premier would be based on “cooked up cases” for political victimisation he had launched during his last tenure and added that the legal proceedings would not depict political vendetta or score settling on political grounds.

He also lashed out at the former premier for passing controversial remarks related to the appointment of new army chief, accusing him of attacking the country’s economy and defence institutions under the ‘inimical designs’ of the enemies of Pakistan.

The minister said after independence our perpetual enemy India attempted to weaken Pakistan by targeting our economy and armed forces.

“Yesterday in Faisalabad, Imran Khan made comments on COAS (Chief of Army Staff) appointment. In the past few months Imran Khan clearly targeted these two areas,” he remarked.

Asif said the PTI chairman during his tenure in October past year made the sensitive matter of appointments in armed forces a topic of public discussion.

Also read: Army 'aghast' at Imran's 'defamatory' allegations on COAS appointment

“We passed the no-confidence motion after his allies decided to leave him [Imran Khan]. But after that he started targeting forces and called them names like ‘neutrals’ and ‘animals’,” he said.

He emphasised that the pattern of past four months showed that he was targeting Pakistan’s economy and defence.

“Yesterday, Khan alleged that the senior generals next in line to be the COAS are going to provide illicit protection to the misappropriations of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) leadership.”

He underscored that it was not the job of the armed forces rather they had sworn in to defend the masses and the motherland.

“There’s no commitment in their oath to defend the politicians if they do so then they will violate their own oath. Imran Khan is on record for saying that they cannot be neutral and he demanded protection from them.”

The minister lambasted Imran for his accusations and said that it was not the PDM leadership rather he himself would need security for his corruption in prohibited funding, Tosha Khana and other cases.

“The armed forces will never do that and they will only defend the honour and security of the motherland for which they spill their blood. Imran Khan’s accusations are a disrespect of the sacrifices of the armed forces,” he maintained.

The defence minister underscored that the armed forces of Pakistan had a long tradition of sacrifices where officers and soldiers both embraced martyrdom in the war against terrorism.

Recently, he said three-star general, two star general and other officials embraced martyrdom in the Labella helicopter crash while serving the nation in crisis, adding, “Our history has a great number of sacrifices. Our armed forces are playing lead role in disaster relief efforts.”

After becoming the nuclear power, the priority of India was to destroy Pakistan economically and PTI and its leadership are becoming their tool for that cause, he alleged.

Also read: Nawaz, Zardari want new army chief of their choice: Imran

“The process of COAS appointment is due after three months but Imran Khan is already making it controversial and his statements are testament of enmity with the country aiming to tarnish the defence institution for political whims.”

He mentioned that the politicians should resolve their conflicts in the political arena, however the relationship of certain institutions was linked to the national security which should not be damaged by making controversial statements.

He reiterated that the media and public must avoid making COAS appointment a public discourse topic as it was the prime minister’s prerogative.

(With input from APP)

 

[MenInG]

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday ordered the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to regulate Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan's speeches according to the apex court's earlier ruling.

The IHC was hearing a case against Imran’s petition challenging a PEMRA notification banning live telecast of the former premier's speeches that was suspended by the court on August 29.

IHC Chief Justice (CJ) Athar Minallah, while hearing the plea challenging the ban, expressed displeasure over Imran’s statements, particularly the ones pertaining to the armed forces. “Do you want to destroy their morale?” questioned the CJ.

Justice Minallah while addressing Imran’s counsel said that “you say that someone should be allowed to freely speak when they say that a person is a patriot and [another] person is not”.

“Can anyone say that a general of the armed forces is not a patriot?” he questioned before adding “did you hear Imran Khan’s statements yesterday? The armed forces were rescuing the people while those statements were made. Can anyone justify those statements?”

Deploring the PTI chief’s comments as “irresponsible” CJ Minallah said that “do you want the to court to give them a free license?”

“Remember that when you give a statement, the impact is greater,” the judge furthered.

Addressing a public rally at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad yesterday (Sunday), the former prime minister alleged that Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari wanted to appoint the army chief of their choice because if a “strong and patriotic army chief” came, they would be questioned about their loot.

During the proceedings, the judge also questioned if the PTI lawyers were “suggesting that the Constitution should be violated”.

“You are well-aware that the impact of accusations by a political leader that has a large following is also greater,” he continued, “if they make such unconstitutional remarks and incite anger then that is not protected by [right to] freedom of speech," said the judge.

Can it be justified,” the judge asked, “if someone makes such irresponsible comments?”

“Can the loyalty of an army general to his country be questioned? You want to make such statements and then wish that PEMRA does not even control it?” he continued.

CJ Minallah remarked that Imran “should first decide what he wants” and that he should not “expect that courts will give any relief after doing all this”. “You should also hold yourself accountable,” the court said referring to the PTI chief.

“Is this what political leadership is supposed to be,” the court remarked, “that everything is put at stake for a game of thrones?”

“The armed forces sacrifice their lives for us,” the court stated.

The IHC further stated that “every citizen is a patriot and no one has the right to issue a certificate of loyalty or the lack thereof. And how can such a thing be said about the armed forces who are sacrificing their lives?”

The judge, again referring to Imran, warned that “with such statements, you will create problems for yourself”.

“Are all generals not patriots?” questioned the court, “what message are you trying to convey to our enemies?”.

Read Bilawal mocks Imran for holding ‘concerts’ amid flood devastation

It is pertinent to note that the media regulatory authority had imposed a ban on the live broadcasting of speeches by the PTI chairman on all satellite TV channels with immediate effect on August 20.

While addressing a protest rally in Islamabad, Imran had warned the IG and DIG of Islamabad police, saying that he will not spare them and register a case against them for “torturing” party leader Shahbaz Gill during physical remand.

He had also called out Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Zeba Chaudhry for approving the police request for physical remand despite knowing that Gill was subjected to “torture”. “We will not leave you [Zeba] and will also file a case against her.”

Soon after Imran's speech, the coalition parties demanded action against the former premier. Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah had also vowed to take legal action against Imran for “threatening” the woman judge and police officials.

In relation to the allegations against the PTI leader, a contempt of court case is being heard at the IHC while a case against terrorism charges is also being pursued at an Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad.

Express Tribune

 

[MenInG]

President Dr Arif Alvi distanced himself on Monday from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief and deposed prime minister Imran Khan’s remarks concerning the army chief and said that he should “clarify the comments himself”.

Speaking to journalists at the Governor House in Peshawar the president said that he “did not want to cause any confusion” as he urged Imran to offer an explanation for his statements.

Addressing a public rally at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad yesterday (Sunday), the former prime minister alleged that Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari wanted to appoint the army chief of their choice because if a “strong and patriotic army chief” came, they would be questioned about their loot.

Read Fawad denies reports of ‘behind-the-scenes contacts’ between Imran, Nawaz

Elaborating on his stance, President Alvi said “the entire military is patriotic including the army chief whose loyalty is beyond doubt”. At the same time, he said that “the one who makes the comments should be the one to explain himself”.

“I am not working towards building a national government, rather I hope to bring everyone to the same table,” he continued. “I meet the prime minister regularly. If we are not in communication then there is no distance either,” he added.

“If we achieve transparency then the mistrust between the provinces will also end,” he added.

The president also reiterated the coalition government’s stance that the country had managed to “escape economic pressures” and the deal with the international money lender – the IMF was “better”. He also remained optimistic that “the other institutions will cooperate now” and hoped “inflation will end soon”.

President Alvi further stated that the, “Social media is an animal that shouldn’t be given too much importance," but he nonetheless maintaned that it “cannot be regulated” and “we must learn to live with it”. However, “whoever speaks,” he said, “should speak carefully”.

In an apparent nod to the audio leak that stirred controversy over the PTI's alleged attempts to employ ‘hardball tactics’ to thrust the crucial loan into “jeopardy", the president said “tapping people’s phones is dangerous” but dismissed it as something that “happens all over the world”.

It may be noted here that PTI leader and former Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari had defended the leaked conversation saying that “there is nothing illegal or wrong in the conversation”.

She had instead criticised the “wiretapping” that made the audio leak possible in the first place.

PTI defends Imran

Meanwhile, other PTI leaders have jumped in to offer explanations on behalf of the party chief. Shireen Mazari in a tweet responding to criticism by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif defended Imran's statement for raising concerns over "merit" in the selection of the country's next army chief.

PTI senior leader Fawad Chaudhry also chimed in saying that "it is not correct to link this statement to the army or the leadership of the army" and argued that the party chief had only criticised the rival party heads.

Responding to Imran's statement, PM Shehbaz had maintained that the PTI chief's “despicable utterances to malign institutions” were touching new heights “every day”.

He claimed that the former premier was “indulging in direct mud-slinging and poisonous allegations against Armed Forces and its leadership”.

“His nefarious agenda is clearly to disrupt and undermine Pakistan,” PM Shehbaz said in a tweet.

On the other hand, Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Athar Minallah, while hearing the plea challenging a ban on live broadcasting of Imran's speeches, had expressed displeasure over the statements, particularly the ones pertaining to the armed forces.

Express Tribune

 

[Bewal Express]

The Pakistan Army is 'aghast' at the ‘defamatory and uncalled for statement’ by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan regarding the institution's senior leadership, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Monday.

The military's strong exception comes a day after the former premier, during a public gathering on Sunday, fired a broadside at his political rivals, alleging that Nawaz and Zardari wanted to appoint an army chief of their choice because a “strong and patriotic army chief” would question their “loot”.

According to the military’s media wing, a “regrettable” attempt was made to “discredit and undermine senior leadership” of the army at a time when “the institution is laying [down] lives for the security and safety of the people of Pakistan”.

The ISPR statement further said that it was “most unfortunate and disappointing” when senior politicians try to stir up controversies regarding the appointment of the chief of army staff, “the procedure for which is well defined in the Constitution”.

“The senior leadership of [the] army has decades-long impeccable meritorious service to prove its patriotic and professional credentials beyond any doubt,” it added.

The statement maintained that the politicizing of the senior leadership of the army and scandalizing of the process of selection of army chief was not in the interest of Pakistan nor of the institution.

“The Pakistan Army reiterates its commitment to uphold the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan”.

PTI leader Imran Khan, addressing a public rally at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad earlier, asked the ruling coalition why they were “afraid of fresh elections”? He added that it was because they knew that they would be eliminated in transparent elections.

“The second reason is that the new army chief is coming in November. Zardari and Nawaz want to bring their favourite as the next army chief because they have stolen public money,” he said. “They are afraid that when a patriotic army chief comes, he will ask them about their loot,” he said.

Govt condemns Imran’s comments

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other ruling coalition leaders condemned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan’s ‘poisonous’ allegations that Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari want to appoint the army chief of their choice.

Responding to Imran's statement, PM Shehbaz maintained that the PTI chief's “despicable utterances to malign institutions” were touching new heights “every day”.

In a statement on Twitter, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chair Asif Ali Zardari said that the nation could now see who the real “insurgent” was.

Without naming the ousted premier, Zardari stated that Imran was attempting to weaken the country which “could not happen” in the PPP leader's lifetime and that he will not allow state institutions to become a topic of controversy because of one man.

“From our soldiers to generals, everyone is brave and loves this country,” Zardari said.

Express Tribune

The plan was / is to give Bajwa an extension, Kaptaan has thrown down the gauntlet and said that the only guy acceptable to the mafia is the guy that gives an NRO. So now this has created panic in ranks because the public will know who were the guys that created this mess without Kaptaan saying anything.

 

[PakLFC]

IK the control freak is at it again. If he's not using Islam then he's questioning the loyalty of the military. To him the military must be PTI supporters if they are worthy off respect. The ISI should give ISI a very strict warning where he calls everyone else a traitor or western stooge. Now I dislike Shahbaz Sharif as much as anyone but IK will have a go at him for wearing a western suit.

 

[Gayle_Force]

I have a feeling that things are heading towards a very dangerous situation. I am hoping against hope that sense prevails and all parties can agree to sit and talk.

 

[MenInG]

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Am following intense propaganda launched by PDM cabal of crooks against me.This stems from their being petrified of PTI's soaring popularity. Today in Peshawar jalsa I will give proper reply to all those who have deliberately been distorting my words to malign me.Enough is enough</p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1567033915029716994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[cricketjoshila]

Seems like Imran Khan is taking on the Army leadership.

I am no fan of IK the politician but this is incredibly brave. RESPECT!

 

[Varun]

Seems like Imran Khan is taking on the Army leadership.

I am no fan of IK the politician but this is incredibly brave. RESPECT!

Where is he taking them on? He only fires bullets at the low hanging fruits and easy targets - Nawaz/Shehbaz Sharif and Zardari.

 

[daytrader]

Frivolous comments against institutions do not suit anyone: Asif
Miftah hints at slowing down the inflation rate from next month

Lashing out at former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, federal ministers Khawaja Asif and Miftah Ismail said on Wednesday that frivolous comments against the state institutions do not suit anyone.

"In Pakistan, the army chief has always been appointed on merit. Imran Khan should tell exactly when the army chief was not appointed on merit," Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad flanked by Finance Minister Miftah Ismail.

Talking about the process of army chief’s appointment, Asif said that the military leadership nominates four to five most senior officers from whom the prime minister appoints the next chief or army staff after due deliberation.

"Today, when Imran Khan is no longer in power, he is attacking the entire leadership of the army and deliberately creating doubts about the forthcoming military leadership," he added.

Asif said that relevant institutions are investigating the alleged corruption of Imran Khan and the probe into foreign funding and other cases have progressed considerably.

"All these things will come out and it won't be long before we will hold them accountable for their actions. We will take action once we have solid evidence," he added.

'Inflation rate to come down from next month'

Meanwhile, Miftah while terming the hike in electricity and petroleum prices a result of unwise policies of the previous government of PTI, hinted at slowing down the inflation rate from next month.

Read No unconditional apology in contempt case: PTI legal minds

“The nation would have to bear the higher rates for one more month,” he said.

Miftah said that Imran Khan did not follow the commitment made with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) especially with regards to subsidies on electricity, gas and petroleum products.

The finance minister said that the previous government had committed to the IMF that the government would not give any amnesty to the businessmen and subsidies on petroleum, gas and electricity but going against the commitment, the PTI government offered amnesty in February 2022. "This was the reason why the rates of electricity and petroleum products have skyrocketed now," he added.

The finance minister said the PTI government had put the country's economy on the verge of default and Pakistan was on fourth position of defaulting states.

Due to the prudent policies of the current coalition government, the country has come out of crisis, he added.

Miftah said the Imran Khan government did not work on renewable energy including solar. “Had he worked on the installation of solar energy, the rates of the electricity would be much lower now,” he said, adding that if the electricity load-shedding is reduced to zero, the prices would further increase which the government might not be able to afford.

To a question, the minister maintained that the prices of petroleum products were directly linked to the international market, therefore, he was unable to predict future prices.

He said due to floods, shortage of some commodities including tomatoes and onion was witnessed owing to which the prices increased but now they were coming down.

To another question, he said that the government was in contact with the IMF with respect to the devastation caused by the recent floods.

Replying to a question with respect to trade with India, the minister informed that the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) was asking the federal government to allow import of cotton from India. However, the minister added, the government had not taken any decision in this regard yet.

He said that vegetables such as tomatoes and onion were being imported from Afghanistan and if the market gets stable with this import, the government would not need to import the commodities from India.

Express Tribune

 

[Bewal Express]

IK the control freak is at it again. If he's not using Islam then he's questioning the loyalty of the military. To him the military must be PTI supporters if they are worthy off respect. The ISI should give ISI a very strict warning where he calls everyone else a traitor or western stooge. Now I dislike Shahbaz Sharif as much as anyone but IK will have a go at him for wearing a western suit.

Should NS be allowed to chose the next COAS?

 

[daytrader]

Should NS be allowed to chose the next COAS?

He's been choosing them all along. I think he has appointed at least 5 in his political career

 

[PakLFC]

Should NS be allowed to chose the next COAS?

All politicians should stay away from military affairs. This includes Imran Khan too.

 

[MenInG]

Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan on Wednesday accused the coalition government of hatching a new plot to topple the PTI government in Punjab, ARY News reported.

While addressing a public gathering in Chishtian today, Imran Khan revealed that a conspiracy is being hatched to have him declared ineligible to contest elections and overthrow the PTI government in Punjab province.

“The three stooges and fugitive know they cannot defeat me in elections. That’s why they are hatching conspiracies to get me disqualified by using the Election Commission of Pakistan,” he alleged.

The former prime minister maintained that efforts were being made to cause a clash between his party and the state institutions. “Current rulers are aware that they can’t win the elections so they are trying to create a situation to initiate a fight between the major political party and the institutions,” Khan alleged.

He went on to say that Chishtian was a stronghold of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) but now it belongs to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

The former prime minister said that he was not against the judiciary or other institutions and always talked about making state institutions stronger. “No society can progress without the rule of law,” he said and added that he had launched a movement for the independence of the judiciary 26 years ago.

Khan also thanked the people of Chishtian for coming in large numbers to support his struggle for real independence from “corrupt rulers”.

 

[Major]

All politicians should stay away from military affairs. This includes Imran Khan too.

According to the constitution, military comes under the civilian political govt.

Saying that politicians should stay away from military affairs is a very immature statement.

The extension that Bajwa got last time was because of the political parties MNA and Senate passed amendments to the constitution to allow it legally.

Army Chief will get appointed by the PM no matter what.

 

[daytrader]

All past military appointments on merit, save one or two: Asif
Defence minister says decision on next army chief on Nov 29; rules out favouritism

ISLAMABAD:
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday said that “barring one or two exceptions”, all prior appointments in the armed forces were made on merit.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Finance Minister Miftah Ismail, he said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would take the decision about the appointment of next army chief “within the ambit of the General Headquarters (GHQ)” around 29th of November.

He denied that the ruling coalition – the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) – had taken a decision on giving extension to incumbent Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

The two ministers levelled a slew of corruption charges against former prime minister Imran Khan.

They also went on to accuse Imran’s wife, their confidants, Farah Gogi and Syed Zulfikar Bukhari and the chief ministers of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), of corruption.

The ministers’ presser came after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman attempted to make the appointment of the next army chief controversial, inviting a strong reaction from the military itself.

The recommendations for the heads of the three military divisions – army, navy and air force – were sent to the prime minister, who made the decision after consultations with others, the defence minister said.

He said that there was no decision on Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Hamza Shehbaz becoming the chief minister of Punjab again, or the premier’s visit to London.

Read more: Imran says 'deeply regret' comments made against woman judge

In the past, Khawaj Asif said, the announcement of the next army chief was usually made during the last 24-48 hours, adding that there was no reason to deviate from the process this time around.

He said that Imran had given a “new meaning” to his comments in Tuesday’s rally in Peshawar. “This is done as part of a well-considered strategy that you first attack and make the institutions controversial and, upon seeing the reaction, say, ‘I talked about merit’.”

Imran triggered the controversy when he accused Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Zardari and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Quaid Nawaz Sharif of making all-out efforts to bring their “favourite” as the next army chief after the retirement of Gen Bajwa in November.

Subsequently, in a bid to clarify his remarks, the PTI chief claimed in Peshawar that his rivals were distorting his statements to pit him against the military and the judiciary.

Asif said that the situation was such for the PTI that even Imran’s confidants either remained silent on the matter or avoided it altogether when asked about their opinion on their leader’s comments.

“The president also disassociated himself from what Imran Khan had said,” he said, adding that the senior PTI leadership, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi, was distancing themselves from Imran’s comments.

He called on the PTI chief to tell when the appointments were not made on merit, challenging him to take names. In the last three years, he added, the last time, the decision about the army chief was taken by Imran Khan. At that time, he said, Imran had praised General Bajwa.

Read No unconditional apology in contempt case: PTI legal minds

The defence minister said that when Imran was in power, his confidence in the army chief was so high that he did not chair several important political meetings or security briefings himself and left them to General Bajwa to preside over.

Even if Imran’s point about merit was considered, he wondered, whether the appointments to the top slots of Punjab and K-P were made on merit or not. He then went on to accuse the former government of corruption, questioning whether merit was considered in those matters as well.

Asif alleged that Imran did not investigate various scandals during his tenure such as the shortage of sugar, medicines and wheat. He claimed that the people within the PTI were abandoning their leader as no one was defending him over his recent comments.

Responding to a question, Asif said that various agencies and departments were investigating corruption charges against Imran and the government would only nab him when the case was fully ripe, in order to avoid any element of political victimisation.

“I say on oath that if there is any lacking in an allegation against them, then the benefit of the doubt will be given to them,” he said.

The finance minister spoke about allegations of corruption against Farah Gogi and questioned whether her alleged actions were also on merit or were they in Imran’s knowledge.

He urged the former prime minister to come to the Press Information Department (PID) and provide simple answers in “yes or no” to these questions: “Did Farah take money for transfers and postings in Punjab? Did Imran know about these actions himself and could these acts have been done without his approval and sanction?”

Ismail also claimed that he knew people who had personally told Imran about Punjab’s former chief minister Usman Buzdar’s alleged corruption.

Express Tribune

 

[saeedhk]

For Pakistan to prosper, two things need to be shown the door : mullahs and military.

 

[PakLFC]

According to the constitution, military comes under the civilian political govt.

Saying that politicians should stay away from military affairs is a very immature statement.

The extension that Bajwa got last time was because of the political parties MNA and Senate passed amendments to the constitution to allow it legally.

Army Chief will get appointed by the PM no matter what.[/QUOTE]

So IK is not the PM. He should shut his mouth about there always being some conspiracy against him.

 

[PakLFC]

According to the constitution, military comes under the civilian political govt.

Saying that politicians should stay away from military affairs is a very immature statement.

The extension that Bajwa got last time was because of the political parties MNA and Senate passed amendments to the constitution to allow it legally.

Army Chief will get appointed by the PM no matter what.

So there is no conspiracy against like he always seems to think. There is nothing immature about anything here. First you say the military is bad then you are inviting them to poke their nose in political matters so which one is it?

 

[Bewal Express]

According to the constitution, military comes under the civilian political govt.

Saying that politicians should stay away from military affairs is a very immature statement.

The extension that Bajwa got last time was because of the political parties MNA and Senate passed amendments to the constitution to allow it legally.

Army Chief will get appointed by the PM no matter what.

A govt without a majority, an establishment and govt with no support and the whole criminal cabal wanting an appointment to save themselves isn't going to endear themselves to anyone. The army has lost its respect and no amount of arrests can change that until we have a legitimate govt

 

[Bewal Express]

According to the constitution, military comes under the civilian political govt.

Saying that politicians should stay away from military affairs is a very immature statement.

The extension that Bajwa got last time was because of the political parties MNA and Senate passed amendments to the constitution to allow it legally.

Army Chief will get appointed by the PM no matter what.[/QUOTE]

So IK is not the PM. He should shut his mouth about there always being some conspiracy against him.

Is PK under military rule?

 

[PakLFC]

Is PK under military rule?

No so the military should stay away from politics. Why do you want them involved?

 

[Bewal Express]

No so the military should stay away from politics. Why do you want them involved?

They are involved. There has been a millitary coup. When the PEMRA chair appeared in the IHC he was asked as to who shut ARY, he said he didn't know. So who made the decision? So who is arresting journalists like IRK, Jamil etc.Who is shutting the TV stations like Bol, who is making cases of terrorism against IK?

 

[PakLFC]

They are involved. There has been a millitary coup. When the PEMRA chair appeared in the IHC he was asked as to who shut ARY, he said he didn't know. So who made the decision? So who is arresting journalists like IRK, Jamil etc.Who is shutting the TV stations like Bol, who is making cases of terrorism against IK?

Lets stick to the fauj. Should they get involved with siasat or not. What you are saying is that they should only do so when it suits the PTI

 

[Bewal Express]

Lets stick to the fauj. Should they get involved with siasat or not. What you are saying is that they should only do so when it suits the PTI

No answer the question. Who is doing these things that I have named? Who are these hidden powers?

 

[IMMY69]

Also, better to be a fool who can differentiate between what is right and wrong then a corrupt imbecile who, by either their inaction or unerring support of certain people, thus becomes complicit in the deaths of innocent poor people

 

[IMMY69]

You don't even need to try for that!

Of course I don't need to try.
I am a fool and I'll be the first one to admit it.

But even a fool can see what is right and what is wrong

 

[Browncaps]

You need to be able to think objectively and maybe study something before mouthing off dross.

I'm not here to educate stupid and/or corrupt individuals and if you can't see what's happening in front of your eyes then nobody can.
A minority government formed by crooks using every tool it has to remain in power and to make decisions to protect itself is all one has to say.

Excellent post.

Not to mention proven traitors whose anti-Army statements are on the record being installed in government having Shehbaz Gill tortured for stating a fact that a big proportion of army personnel support PTI.

In any functioning country these real traitors would be hanged after being forced to return the money they looted and jailed for abusing their illegally obtained positions to attack PTI, true journalists and the Pakistani awaam.

Ganja is a fugitive who has never fought in a fair manner in his life, he has bought ECP and other institutions who are breaking their own countrys laws to favour him and his khandaan of janwars.

Even now haram khor ECP has cancelled the floods just 3 days before elections, as they received reports from intelligence that PTI will trash them in all seats.

 

[PakLFC]

This isn't about criticism of IK or not, this is about a plan to subvert the will of the people by criminals. If you can't see that then there is nothing to say to you.

Yes it is about criticizing IK too. He won votes under false promises too like bringing back Aafia Siddique that were never delivered. My point is that Nawaz and Shahbaz's governments are corrupt to the core that does not excuse PTI's own hypocrisy. I suggest you follow Ahmed Qureshi the journalist who has exposed IK many times.

 

[PakLFC]

Of course I don't need to try.
I am a fool and I'll be the first one to admit it.

But even a fool can see what is right and what is wrong

No IK followers are blind to the core. It is amazing how biased you lot are.

 

[MenInG]

Former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan, during his speech at a party rally in Gujranwala on Saturday, directly addressed the establishment and warned that it will be held responsible if the country and economy were to “plummet any further” under the incumbent government.

“I am addressing the people who have the power,” he said at the Jinnah Stadium. “I want to ask the establishment … the way this government is taking this country and economy down … I know that you call yourself neutral but this nation will hold you responsible for the way the country is going down. They will hold you responsible because you could have prevented the country getting mired in this swamp but you did not do anything.

“If the economy goes down, the national security will be effected because then we will be more helpless in front of foreign powers. There is still time. Save this country from plummeting any more.”

Imran reiterated his demand for free and fair elections, warning that failure to do so would see his supporters hold peaceful streets on his call and have their demands accepted “by force”.

“If they do not hold free and fair elections, then the people are ready to take to the streets of Pakistan to hold peaceful protests … or … we will hold elections by force,” he said. “We can see they are running away from the elections because they know they will lose even badly than before.”

Towards the start of the speech, he addressed his party’s Insaf Student Federation (ISF) and the youth in general, and said he would need them both in the light of “things I am going to say ahead”.

“The thing I am preparing this nation for … I would need the youth of this nation a lot for Haqeeqi Azadi (actual freedom),” he said.

He said that following his ouster from the top office, his political opponents had anticipated a wave of celebration among the public. “But instead the public took to the streets to protest instead.”

Imran said the government tried suppressing his support among the public through the use of force and tear gas shelling , thinking that “they will be scared and are mummy-daddy and won’t be able to take pressure.”

“They still did not succeed and people still came out in every rally. I’ve been holding rallies for six months now and the nation has come out in big numbers in every one of them.”

Imran alleged that in the Punjab by-polls as well, the system was rigged against him to fail through the help of a “dishonest” chief election commissioner and Mr X. “They lost despite all this and so now their wish is to disqualify Imran Khan.”

He claimed that his political opponents want him “to not play at all” and are attempting to have him disqualified through legal lawsuits. “They filed a case of disrespecting religion against me even though chants against them were raised in Medina.

“They were coming to get me and put me in jail and I was ready. My bags were packed. I’ve already told you that jail is a small thing. I am willing to give my life to get my country obtain Haqeeqi Azadi from them.”

‘I respect IHC chief justice, will accept whatever he decides’
Imran who is to be indicted in a contempt case in the Islamabad High Court for his controversial remarks against sessions judge Zeba Chaudhry for approving PTI leader Shahbaz Gill’s remand.

The PTI chairman, in his speech today, explained that he had merely spoken of “taking legal action” when informed of Gill’s torture through his lawyers. He said that his reaction was against the torture of a person who is not a terrorist but is actually an assistant professor at a US university.

“I wouldn’t comment on it because it’s sub judice but what was I supposed to say? He was my chief of staff. Was I not supposed to react?”

Imran commended IHC chief justice Athar Minallah for “giving brilliant verdicts in the past,” adding that “I am not saying this just because I have a case in his court now.”

“Whatever he decides I will accept. He did not let me speak but had he done so, I would have explained that under what circumstances I had made that statement [regarding the sessions judge].”

‘Nation needs to break shackles of slavery for Haqeeqi Azadi’
Earlier in his speech, he said no nation can progress until it breaks the shackles of slavery, adding that Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah had freed the nation from the slavery of the British but the nation was now plagued with a different type of slavery.

He reiterated his claim of him having been removed from the prime minister’s office at the behest of foreign powers and through local players.

After video clips of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s speech alongside United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres — where he had assured that any foreign aid would be spent transparently for rehabilitation of flood victims — was played on the big screen, Imran claimed the UN chief knew that 60 per cent of the PM’s cabinet was fighting corruption cases.

He said the nation was also plagued by two other kinds of slavery: poverty and mental limitation. He said he had tried to break the former of the two by bringing up the underprivileged through Single National Curriculum.

Prior to his arrival at the venue, local PTI leadership took turns to address the gathering of party workers and supporters.

The rally was the last one of the current phase of the PTI’s ‘Haqiqi Azadi Movement’ and the plan ahead was to be revealed tonight, as indicated by Imran himself in a tweet on Friday.

Ahead of Imran’s statement, PTI leader Asad Umar had urged the nation to take to the streets on Saturday evening in an expression of solidarity toward the PTI chairman. According to PTI’s twitter feed, its supporters had gathered in at least Islamabad and Karachi on the party’s call.

In a video message on Friday, Imran alleged that the “imported government and its handlers” were working on a “minus one formula”.

Ahead of the Gujranwala rally, the PTI’s official account tweeted its content with “#MinusOneNaManzoor”, indicating what the primary focus of Imran’s speech tonight could be.

Imran is the midst of a series legal wrangles. He is to be indicted in a contempt of court case, and if found guilty, he could be disqualified from holding a public office, which would dash his plan to reclaim the prime minister’s seat.

DAWN

 

[IMMY69]

No IK followers are blind to the core. It is amazing how biased you lot are.

When people like yourself run out of flimsy arguments you revert to the "IK supporters are blind", "fanatic", "cult worshippers" statements.

 

[PakLFC]

When people like yourself run out of flimsy arguments you revert to the "IK supporters are blind", "fanatic", "cult worshippers" statements.

Becasue it is true. You have not said one thing that makes sense other then condemning past governments which is true. This does not excuse the hypocrisy and double standards of IK.

 

[SalimBhai]

Pdm are corrupt as hell. To the core. Pti followers are blinder than Steve wonder. Both statements can be true.

 

[daytrader]

Imran amenable to COAS extension
PTI chief says Nawaz, Zardari lacks moral ground to appoint next army chief

ISLAMABAD:
In a dramatic somersault, former prime minister Imran Khan on Monday said the process to appoint the next army chief should be deferred till after the next general elections.

The suggestion effectively means granting another extension to the incumbent General Qamar Javed Bajwa, albeit for a short period.

“Only those countries prosper that pursue merit,” the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman said in an interview with a private TV channel.

“A cricket team whose selection is done on merit can only excel. If any institution is to succeed, meritocracy is paramount,” he added.

“I have stated that the position of the army chief is very important. The appointment has to be done on merit. I will repeat time and again that it should be done on merit,” Imran explained while building his case for the new army chief’s appointment after the elections.

He said neither Asif Ali Zardari nor Nawaz Sharif fulfilled the criteria of merit to appoint the new army chief, adding they both lacked the moral ground to be part of such an important decision-making process.

“One is an absconder and convicted; his wealth is stashed abroad; he is imposed on us through a foreign conspiracy,” he said.

“While Asif Zardari has been stealing money for 30 years. Their priority is not merit. Their priority is to secure their assets,” Imran claimed and then went on to ask what the qualification of Nawaz Sharif, an absconder sitting abroad, was to appoint a new army chief.

He, however, added that if the two parties win ‘free and fair’ elections, then they may appoint the army chief of their own choosing. “Hold fresh elections. If they [the coalition government] wins, they can choose their own army chief.”

He was asked to clarify if he was supporting the idea of granting an extension to the incumbent army chief since the elections -- even if they are announced today -- cannot take place before December, Imran said legal and constitutional experts could find a way out.

The PTI chief again said that he was willing to hold a dialogue with the incumbent government if it was ready to hold fresh elections. “The country is facing extraordinary circumstances […] in this time we need to think about what decisions to take.”

He said that his life and death were in Pakistan, hence, his interest was in the country’s improvement. “I’m always ready to talk if they want to talk about free and fair elections.”

General Qamar’s six-year tenure ends in late November and the chief military spokesperson had already clarified that the current army chief had no intention to seek further extension. There was no reaction so far from the military’s media wing about the latest statement by Imran.

Gen Qamar was given a three-year extension in November 2019 by Imran Khan, citing regional security environment and challenges. The extension in service became controversial when it was challenged before the Supreme Court.

The apex court had given parliament six months to amend the army act to allow room for extension. The amendment bill was unanimously passed by parliament with the support of current ruling parties.

The PTI chief already drew a strong reaction from the army when he recently accused both the Peoples Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz of seeking the appointment of an army chief of their choice in a bid to save their skin from corruption cases.

“They want to bring their own army chief…they are afraid that if a strong and patriotic army chief is appointed then he would ask them about the looted wealth,” he alleged.
Imran went on to add that both the parties were sitting in the government to bring the next army chief of their choice.

He demanded that the army chief should be appointed on merit. Imran’s statement implied that any army chief appointed by the current government might not be patriotic, something that really angered the army.

"Pakistan Army is aghast at the defamatory and uncalled for statement about the senior leadership of Pakistan Army by Chairman PTI during a political rally at Faisalabad," read a statement issued by the Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR
Imran also said he was ready for talks with the current government if they agree on a free and fair election.

“The country is passing through an extraordinary situation. The issue is how to pull the country out of the current quagmire,” he said adding if the current government stays in power the situation will get out of control completely. “No one will be able to handle that situation,” he warned, stressing the only way forward was to hold free and fair elections.

He also said many options including leaving the governments in Punjab and KP were on the table if the government does not agree for elections.
Imran insisted that the country might lead to ‘internal strife’ if elections were not held.

Contrary to earlier denials by PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry, Imran confirmed that he recently met former American diplomat Robin Raffale in Islamabad. He, however, played down his meeting with Robin Raffale saying she was not part of the US government but with a think-tank.

He insisted that he was not against the US rather he only wanted relationship based on “mutual respect.”

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif claimed on Monday Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan was desperate for “negotiation” with the establishment, just to take back the government.

In an interview with a private TV channel, the minister fired a broadside against PTI chief, calling him a man of “imperialist mindset” who knew nothing about democracy. He accused Imran of using pressure tactics to pursue his goal.

“On the one side, he [Imran] is attacking them [the establishment] and on other hand, he wants to open the doors of negotiations or dialogue as well,” Asif said. Referring to the PTI chief’s speeches, Asif said that those showed that he wanted to talk to the establishment at “gunpoint” and “by force”.

“He just wants to take his government back, whether it is in the right or wrong way … this is [his] desperation for power,” Asif claimed, adding that the PTI chief was using pressure tactics as “does not even know the spelling of democracy”.

Responding to a question, the defence minister said that now the establishment had adopted the constitutional role and urged the politicians to protect this role. “The establishment is standing with the Constitution, not with an individual or political party … and we will support it,” Asif added.

About the contempt of court proceedings against Imran, the minister said a legal course would be taken in that but accused the former prime minister of trying to disrupt the legal processes. “Even when it comes to courts, he [Imran] wants to get a decision of his choice.

Express Tribune

 

[Varun]

Imran amenable to COAS extension
PTI chief says Nawaz, Zardari lacks moral ground to appoint next army chief

ISLAMABAD:
In a dramatic somersault, former prime minister Imran Khan on Monday said the process to appoint the next army chief should be deferred till after the next general elections.

Sigh.

Imran Khan is just as complicit in this entire thing as anybody else.

 

[IMMY69]

Sigh.

Imran Khan is just as complicit in this entire thing as anybody else.

Really? Is this what you take from this article or are you just being facetious?

 

[Varun]

Really? Is this what you take from this article or are you just being facetious?

What's there to be facetious about? Imran Khan is in love with Pakistan's public enemy #1. He gave him an extension during his reign, and now wants him to remain as the overlord as he hopes to come back to power.

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan has clarified that he did not talk about the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s extension but urged to maintain merit and defer the appointment of the army chief until fresh elections, ARY News reported on Tuesday.

Imran Khan clarified his previous statement related to the new army chief’s appointment that he delivered during an interview with a private news channel yesterday.

 

[MenInG]

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Amir Sirajul Haq proposed on Tuesday to do away with the discretionary powers of the prime minister for appointing the head of “defence institution”, and suggested that the process of appointing the chief justice of Pakistan should be replicated here.

Talking to the media in Lahore, Haq said that both the ruling coalition partner Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), and the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) owed their politics to the establishment.

However, the JI chief stressed that the ruling parties should not use the defence institutions for politics, while the establishment should also stay away from politics. “If all the institutions remain within their limits, the country will move forward,” he said.

 

[MenInG]

Former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan has clarified that he did not talk about giving extension to the army chief but suggested deferring the new appointment till after the next general elections.

He said this on Tuesday while speaking to the journalists in Islamabad, a day after indirectly hinting at granting another extension to the incumbent COAS, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, albeit for a short period.
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“I have stated that the position of the army chief is very important. The appointment has to be done on merit. I will repeat time and again that it should be done on merit,” Imran has said during an interview with private TV channel while building his case for the new army chief’s appointment after the elections.

He had said neither Asif Ali Zardari nor Nawaz Sharif fulfilled the criteria of merit to appoint the new army chief, adding they both lacked the moral ground to be part of such an important decision-making process.

Also read: Govt rejects Imran’s proposal regarding COAS extension

“One is an absconder and convicted; his wealth is stashed abroad; he is imposed on us through a foreign conspiracy,” he had said.

In today’s conversation with journalists, Imran said that his proposal for the extension of the army chief's tenure is “subject to the announcement of the early elections”. “The appointment of the army chief should be delayed until the election of a new government,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, the PTI chief said that 'a few individuals have put the national security at stake for their own vested interests. “It is also possible that I will reveal the names of all those people,” he warned.

Imran said he had always talked about for the betterment of the country. “I am standing with the institutions that are standing with the national interests”.

He reiterated that no organisation can excel without merit and added that “the institution of army is strong because it follows merit”.

‘Final call’

On his much-hyped strategy to force the incumbent government to call early elections, Imran said he will give final call to the nation in this regard no later than September.

“They [government] are baffled by my in-swinging yorker,” he said while using a cricket analogy.

Imran said he was not in favour of delaying the early elections till March next year. “Whoever goes against the interest of Pakistan, I will stand against him. This ‘lame government’ is nothing without the establishment. I don't want anyone to harm the country under the guise of the establishment,” he added.

He also called upon the judiciary to create a merit-based mechanism for the appointment of judges.

Speaking about his controversial remarks involving military top brass, Imran said he did not understand why Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a statement as he only said that “army chief should be appointed on merit”.

The PTI ‘s chief statement had triggered a strong reaction from the army when he recently accused both the Peoples Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz of seeking the appointment of an army chief of their choice in a bid to save their skin from corruption cases.

 

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: As he came under intense scrutiny for making the appointment of the new army chief controversial after a ‘U-turn’ on his earlier stances, former prime minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said he had not sought an extension for Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, as he only proposed the deferment of the appointment till the general elections.

Mr Khan, in his interview with Kamran Khan on Dunya News, did not explicitly ask for an extension for the serving army chief, but a number of media outlets reported that the proposal floated by the former premier would translate into an extension in the army chief’s tenure.

“I have not thought about this issue in detail,” Mr Khan had told the anchorperson when he asked him about the extension to the incumbent COAS.


“I never talked about the extension of the army chief’s tenure; I just proposed deferment of the appointment of the army chief till the new elections,” Mr Khan was quoted as saying.

The PTI also issued an official statement which claimed that Mr Khan had said that both parties in power, i.e. PPP and PML-N, had a history of appointing their “favourites” and that was the reason he opposed the appointment of the new army chief by the current government.

Imran under fire

The clarification came after Mr Khan received flak from leaders of the PML-N and PPP, who took exception to his remarks about the army chief’s appointment and dubbed them as Mr Khan’s another ‘U-turn’ in an attempt to come back to power.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif tweeted that Mr Khan was so “desperate” to return to power that he was linking the appointment of the new chief with fresh elections. “The incumbent government will take a decision on the appointment of a new army chief keeping in view the Constitution and the tradition of the institution. We will not link national decisions with political interests,” Mr Asif said.

Talking to DawnNews, Mr Asif said the selection of the new army chief was the prerogative of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the government’s allies would be taken into confidence. “Consultations will be made with the institution as well, as it would forward the names of recommended officers for the new chief. So far no consultation has been started in this regard,” he added.

PML-N leader Pervaiz Rashid also took Mr Khan to the task over his remarks about the appointment of the new chief. “Now neutrals, traitors and Mir Jaffar have become the apple of his (Imran) eyes and Americans his favourites,” Mr Rashid said.

‘Another U-turn’

PPP leader and former senator Farhatullah Babar, in a series of tweets, lashed out at the PTI chief and said the “anti-establishment posture” of Mr Khan turned out to be mere eyewash.

“There were many, even outside PTI, who hoped that the anti-establishment posture of [MENTION=5335]imrankhan[/MENTION]PTI was real … Latest U-turn dashed all hopes; real, vague or vain,” Mr Babar said.

“Recently [MENTION=5335]imrankhan[/MENTION]PTI publicly said that giving extension to the chief in 2019 was his great blunder. Now he’s demanding an extension for the same chief. Why? Did he get a whiff of who @CMShehbaz has in mind as next chief?… Imran wanting the chief’s selection [to be] deferred until after polls means [Imran] pleading for [army chief’s] extension. Is it a change of heart or what?” he said in his tweet while opposing the extension.

The ex-senator wondered whether a change in the former prime minister’s stance meant Mr Khan was ready “to patch up” with the powers-that-be.

Calling the PTI chief out for his multiple ‘U-turns’, the PPP leader said first Mr Khan said that the COAS appointment was not his issue. “Then he said the senior most general should be made chief. Then, [Nawaz] Sharif and [Asif] Zardari shouldn’t appoint a chief. Now he’s pleading with Sharif and Zardari to give extension to Bajwa until after polls,” the PPP leader claimed.

Ex-senator Afrasiab Khattak tweeted: “The extreme politicisation of the COAS appointment epitomises the distortions/deviations brought in [the] governance system by usurpers/putschists to the detriment of the state system, including the military.”

‘Practical formula’

Meanwhile, PTI leaders came to the defence of their party chief. PTI stalwart Fawad Chaudhry termed Mr Khan’s proposal to withhold the appointment till elections a “practical formula” to restore democracy and save the political future of the country. “The current status quo of the establishment should be maintained to call fresh elections,” Mr Chaudhry demanded.

PTI leader Shireen Mazari blamed the “PML-N trolls” and anchorperson Kamran Khan, who conducted the interview wherein the remarks about the army chief were made, for “misquoting” the PTI chief on the issue of the extension. She added, “Problem here is when the anchor wants to assert his own view/agenda despite IK making his position clear on the same issue. Such anchors should do monologues instead!”

 

[daytrader]

PM Shehbaz Sharif to appoint next army chief in November
Khurram Dastagir said Shehbaz will take the decision on the appointment of the next army chief after consultations with party supremo Nawaz Sharif

GUJRANWALA/ISLAMABAD: Minister for Energy Khurram Dastagir on Saturday said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will take the decision on the appointment of the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) after consultations with party supremo Nawaz Sharif.

Addressing a press conference in Gujranwala, the energy minister, without mentioning PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s name, said that no matter how many times Khan meets with the army chief, the final decision will be taken by the prime minister.

On the other hand, Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif said that no process has been started to extend the army chief’s tenure nor has there been any suggestion under consideration in this regard.

He expressed these views while speaking during a press conference in Islamabad.

Earlier this week, the PTI chief suggested an extension in the tenure of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa till the next elections.

A day earlier, the former prime minister, while speaking during an interview with a private TV channel, suggested that the appointment of an army chief should be deferred until the government is elected and the incoming government should then choose the new military head.

Asif, while talking about the army chief’s appointment, said that the policy is as per the Constitution as any sitting prime minister in November would decide the nomination of the next army chief. “Nawaz Sharif did the process four times and this time Shehbaz Sharif will do it,” he said. “This issue had never become popular on media and Imran Khan played a very negative role in this regard,” Asif added.

The defence minister said that this is a constitutional procedure and should be done in due time. “The army chief has his loyalty to the state and its Constitution. No one should question it,” he said.

“He just wants to make the army chief’s appointment controversial,” he said, adding that no one has any doubt about the loyalty of the head of the army to the Constitution and the institutions. “Politics is separate but institutions should not be made controversial.”

Asif also said that Imran’s statements in recent days were against the country’s national security, stressing that action should be taken against them. “He (Imran) won’t hesitate in sabotaging Pakistan for his personal benefit.”

He alleged that there were persistent attacks on the national security and stature of the nation and that Khan was a national criminal for sabotaging relief efforts and barring international agencies to stop aid to Pakistan.

The defence minister said that the premier will convene the National Security Committee meeting after his return and “issues pertaining to Khan’s statements jeopardising national security” will be discussed.

The News PK

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry on Sunday said that how could a convicted person, referring to PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif, be consulted on the appointment of the army chief as institutions would have to think how to maintain their dignity.

Fawad’s comments come a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif went to London to attend Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral and offer his condolences. Federal Minister Khurram Dastgir on Saturday said that Premier Shehbaz would make the decision on the appointment of the army chief after consulting his brother, Nawaz, in London.

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa is set to retire on November 28.

Fawad said that the current situation will lead to elections or revolution, calling on the Punjab cabinet and parliamentary party to unite with the people for real freedom. “Elections are the most important issue of Pakistan.”

He said that skyrocketing inflation has broken the back of the people of the country and only political stability can tame it.

Also read: Traditional ‘pattern to be followed’ in COAS appointment: Asif

“A country is run according to the Constitution,” he said. “The Pakistan Democratic Movement asked to give six to seven months to the interim government to work things out, but a country cannot run like this.”

The PTI leader hoped that the matter would not reach long march, saying that conducting elections were more of an issue of Pakistan than the PTI. “The PDM should agree for elections, the rest of the framework will be decided.”

Fawad also said that it is in the interest of the institutions to reduce their role in politics, adding that the institutions had a huge political role at the moment. “It is important that the political parties and institutions are on the same page. Whether there is a negotiation or a discussion, it should be in front of the public or in front of the media as the time for decisions in closed rooms is over.”

 

[daytrader]

Some party members in contact with establishment, says Imran
The PTI chairman directs core committee members to tweet strictly in accordance with party policy

ISLAMABAD: The details of PTI core committee, which met the previous day with the party Chairman Imran Khan in the chair, have come to the surface.

According to sources, Imran was furious at some members during the meeting and directed them to strictly toe the party line.

Imran said he knew that some party members were in contact with the establishment and warned them against bypassing him.

The PTI chairman directed the core committee members to tweet strictly in accordance with the party policy. Shireen Mazari was made in-charge to ensure strict compliance of the chairman’s directives, reports Geo News.

Imran informed the committee that he was going to launch an appeal for protest and emphasised that all flanks of the party should be activated to realise the desired objectives.

He also directed the party members to arrange funds for organising the protest.

Meanwhile, amid speculations about a possible change in the Punjab government, Imran Khan Sunday chaired a meeting of the party’s members of the Punjab Assembly at the Punjab House here.

Imran told the cabinet members that people stood with them and they had to move towards early elections. He said immediate elections were the need of the country, not of the PTI.

“A revolution is knocking on our doorstep; the path should be provided through peaceful elections,” he emphasized.

Imran patiently listened to former chief minister Usman Buzdar, Punjab Assembly Speaker Sibtain Khan and other participants of the parliamentary party meeting separately, which took stock of the prevailing political scene with particular reference to the province, devastation caused by floods, relief and rehabilitation of flood victims besides other matters.

The meeting also witnessed a discussion on the need to further strengthen the coordination among the coalition partners in addition to greater interaction and cooperation among the ruling party members in the province, it was learnt.

Ban on the media, retaliatory tactics against the political opponents and brutal human rights violations allegedly by the federal government were also discussed.

Four resolutions were passed on this occasion. In the first resolution, the meeting expressed full solidarity with the flood victims across the country, especially Imran’s telethon was highly appreciated; the second resolution strongly condemned the ‘destruction of economy at the hands of the imported government, and the burden of inflation on the people’.

The third resolution expressed full confidence in the leadership of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, while the fourth resolution strongly condemned the alleged shameful propaganda based on religious hatred against the PTI chairman.

The meeting expressed confidence in the Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and appreciated his ‘excellent administrative measures and plans’.

The meeting also finalised a strategy to resolve the individual problems of the members of provincial assembly.

Separately, Imran met the Punjab MPs and they discussed the administrative and political issues of the province.

Imran congratulated the cabinet members on their spectacular victory in the provincial by-election. He said the victory in the Punjab by-elections was an expression of people’s faith in PTI, adding that Pervaiz Elahi was a practical politician and they had to fully support him.

Imran contended that the people were expecting ‘real freedom’ agenda to be fulfilled by the PTI in Punjab and noted that the Punjab cabinet and parliamentary party stood with the people on real freedom.

Presidents and general secretaries of important districts of PTI, including Bahawalpur, Faisalabad and Jhelum, held important meetings with Imran during which organisational matters and other important issues were discussed in detail. PTI Secretary General Asad Umar and other officials were also present.

Meanwhile, former finance minister and PTI Senator Shaukat Tarin claimed that the country’s economic situation had worsened even after the IMF’s release of funds. “They (rulers) came to abolish the NAB only for their own benefit and to reverse electoral reforms. The only solution to these problems is immediate election,” he said.

The News PK

 

[daytrader]

Consulting ‘absconder’ Nawaz over COAS choice a disgrace: Imran

GUJAR KHAN / ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Imran Khan on Monday castigated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for discussing the appointment of the next army chief with his elder brother, while the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf termed it a violation of the Official Secrets Act and a breach of the PM’s oath of office.

“We are seeing pictures [of Prime Minister] Shehbaz Sharif consulting Nawaz Sharif to appoint the next army chief,” the ex-premier said, adding that “what can be a bigger disgrace for our country that thieves are making decisions for us.”

Nawaz Sharif was a convict who had “lied to the nation and fled the country” as he had done during Musharraf’s regime, Mr Khan said, asking if “convicts and absconders” would be allowed to select the new army chief.

Referring to the chief of the military’s media wing, Mr Khan said he had questioned why they did not understand that ‘thieves’ should never select the army chief.

PTI leaders term PM’s meeting with Nawaz a violation of his oath and Officials Secrets Act

He said that he had only suggested that the next army chief be appointed on merit, but the Sharifs and Zardaris did not believe in merit.

If they did, “intellectuals like Aitzaz Ahsan would have been leading the PPP and seasoned politicians such as Chaudhry Nisar would not have parted ways with the PML-N,” he said.

Also on Monday, Fawad Chaudhry and Shireen Mazari chastised the PM for “violating his oath by consulting a convict and absconder” over such an important appointment. Mr Chaudhry said the PML-N ministers had admitted the meeting in London was pertaining to the appointment and that Nawaz Sharif decide who the new COAS would be.

He said that people held the Pakistan Army close to their hearts and allowing a convicted person to choose its head was against its dignity and respect. PTI strongly protests this grave legal violation, he added.

Dr Mazari, in her remarks, said: “Do those who brought crime minister and cabal of crooks to power realise that this lot is a security risk and threat to Pakistan because everything is discussed with convict sitting in London which is a violation of Official Secrets Act, including confidential matters?”

Shehbaz-Putin

While criticising Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the public meeting, Mr Khan showed a video clip of the premier, compiled by American comedian Jimmy Fallon, struggling to put on his earphones during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He said, “Kaampain taang rahi thin” [legs were shaking] when Shehbaz met Putin. “Those who imposed him on us, they did not do it for he would serve the people but would fulfil their orders,” he said.

He asked what PM Shehbaz would achieve by attending the United Nations session. He said if the Sharifs and Zardaris bring back half of the looted money, there would be no need to beg from other powers.

Mr Khan said “he may have many disagreements with Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, but he was a respectful leader and was hanged to death by the then Mir Jaffar and Mir Sadiq by hatching a conspiracy”.

He said that “Bhutto also talked of Azadi (freedom)”.

Mr Khan then criticised the Sharifs for begging money from the world on one hand and looting billions of rupees in the name of their servants on the other. He said three witnesses and an FIA investigator died of cardiac arrest as soon as Mr Sharif came to power.

He said that international community was not helping Pakistan in testing times, because they knew the real face of ‘thieves’. “Nobody gives money to thieves,” he said, recalling that he collected Rs14 billion during three telethons as people knew he did not own any foreign property or keep money abroad.

He also criticised the Sindh government for not building a canal along the Indus River that he said resulted in the flooding of the towns .

He condemned the government action against those TV channels and journalists who were pro-PTI and said graceful journalists like Arshad Sharif and Sabbir Shakir were “forced to leave” the country. He said his aide Shahbaz Gill was tortured in jail, and he was booked for terrorism when he asked for action against those involved in torturing Mr Gill.

Meanwhile, Mr Khan claimed work on the mega Ravi City Project, which would have the world’s largest waterfront, was steadily progressing.

In a tweet on Monday, he revealed that the work was progressing on Ravi City, which has a $40 billion investment portfolio.

DAWN

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Crime Minister discussing appt of COAS & any other state matter with convict Nawaz Sharif & Ministers declaring they will appt COAS after consulting Nawaz Sharif are all in contravention not only of the Official Secrets Act (section 5:1) but also of their oaths of office. <a href="https://t.co/bYH5ca971j">pic.twitter.com/bYH5ca971j</a></p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1572204086337933313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Bewal Express]

His speech yesterday was his most aggressive and the best one he has delivered. Bajwa is desperate for the extension and Kaptaan made the mistake the 1st time around, its time right the wrong. And unless the COAS is senior General, then Kaptaan must make it clear that he will sack whoever NS and AZ appoint. As he said let the establishment and mafia do their best, the public wont accept any crap from them

 

[MenInG]

amiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief and Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) President Maulana Fazlur Rehman said on Tuesday that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would appoint the next army chief on merit.

Speaking to the media in Larkana, during a visit to the flood-affected areas, Fazl fired a broadside against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, saying that the prime minister decision was “of no concern” for the former prime minister.
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“The one who is responsible [for appointing the army chief] as per the Constitution will fulfil this task on the basis of merit,” Fazl told reporters, when asked about the appointment of the next army chief, which due in the last week of November.

Fazl lambasted Imran for stirring chaos over the appointment of the chief of army staff. Who is he [Imran] to tell the government about who has to do this,” Fazl said. “You [Imran] can cry and scream all you want,” he added.

“Imran Khan is attacking all institutions, including the army,” he said, adding that the PTI chief could not be allowed to “interfere in any way” in the army chief’s appointment. “Imran Khan is finished. His politics have come to an end,” Fazl said.

Fazl’s comments came a day after Imran delivered a fiery speech at a public rally in which he castigated Prime Minister Shehbaz for allegedly discussing the matter with PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif in London.
When asked about the Punjab government registering cases against federal ministers Javed Latif and Marriyum Aurangzeb, Fazl said: “The Punjab government is itself weak and it may be toppled.”

Fazl also highlighted the level of destruction caused by floods in Sindh. He called for national unity in the wake of the calamity. “There is a pressing need for banding together and find ways out of this ‘distressing’ situation,” he said.

(WITH INPUT FROM NEWS DESK)

 

[daytrader]

Will PTI move SC to block new COAS appointment by Shehbaz?
Fawad Chaudhry says he has no information of any such consideration

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is considering legal options, including approaching the apex court, to block the new army chief’s appointment by the incumbent Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a senior party leader told The News.

PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry, however, when contacted, denied it and said he has no information of any such consideration. According to the senior PTI leader, the party does not want to give an opportunity to the Shehbaz Sharif-led coalition government to appoint a new Army Chief at end November. He said as has already been stated by PTI Chairman Imran Khan in a TV interview, appointment of new Army Chief should be deferred and left for the new government to decide.

On condition of not being named, the PTI leader confided that the party is considering legal options on how to delay this key military appointment till the new elections and arrival of the new government. He said the legal options include serious consideration of approaching the Supreme Court of Pakistan and such a move would only be made in November if things do not change.

Fawad Chaudhry, however, when asked whether the PTI is seriously considering approaching the top most court of the country to block Army Chief’s appointment by Shehbaz Sharif in November, said that to his information no such idea was discussed in any party meeting. When again asked if the party chairman had referred the matter of delaying the Army Chief’s appointment to his party’s legal minds, Chaudhry said no.

He said only discussion took place in the backdrop of PMLN leader and federal minister Khurram Dastgir’s statement that Nawaz Sharif will be consulted for the Army Chief’s appointment. He said in response to Dastgir’s statement, the PTI leaders issued statements on the subject, accordingly.

In his recent public meetings, Imran Khan has repeatedly said that the present government could not be given the right to appoint the Army Chief. In a private TV interview, Imran had said that though it is for the legal minds to see how it is legally possible, he wants the appointment of the new Army Chief to be deferred till next elections and the arrival of the new government. He also said that the new elected government should appoint the Army Chief.

A few weeks back, Imran had no issue with the appointment of a new Army Chief by the present government. In a TV interview, Khan had said that opposition has nothing to do with such appointments as the prime minister and the sitting government appoint Army Chief. There is no explanation what made Imran change his view on the Army Chief’s appointment and make it the focus of his new political agenda.

On the other side, the government is determined that it will use its constitutional authority for the appointment of COAS. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will make the appointment in November. While Imran Khan suggests delaying the appointment, the incumbent Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa is reportedly not willing to continue beyond November 2022.

Legally speaking, it is the authority and discretion of the sitting prime minister to appoint the Army Chief. There is no legal option available to delay the appointment or defer it for an indefinite period.

The News PK

 

[MenInG]

Amid rep*orts that ex-premier Imran Khan had met an important personality at the President House recently, the ******tan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chair*man on Saturday refused to confirm or deny the meeting.

“I don’t lie and cannot share the truth,” he said, in a cryptic response to a question posed to him by anchorperson Maria Memon during an interview aired on ARY News.

Earlier, there had been speculation that Mr Khan had a meeting with Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the Presid*ency last month. Reportedly, both personalities could not reach an agreement during the meeting, arranged by President Arif Alvi, but Mr Khan toned down his rhetoric pertaining to the establishment after the meeting.

Speaking about the upcoming march of the PTI towards Islamabad, Mr Khan said the date for the march would be announced within a week. He said Punjab Chief Minister Parvez Elahi was an ally of the PTI and he would support the party in its march on Islamabad.

About the controversial cipher, the ex-premier said he had not made the cipher public at once because at the time, the OIC meeting was in progress and it would have been inappropriate to share the cipher then.

Referring to the audio leaks featuring himself and PTI leaders, Mr Khan said it was strange that the prime minister’s conversations, which should be safe, were being made public. He also commented on the acquittal of Maryam Nawaz in the Avenfield case against her and called it a “joke”.

About the departure of for**mer premier Nawaz Sha*rif to London during his government on health grounds, Imran Khan commented that when Nawaz Sharif went out of the country, he came to realise that “everything was possible” in Pakistan. He said it was part of a “big game” to send Nawaz Sharif out of Pak**istan. “Unfortu*na*tely our justice system is weak due to which these people are benefitting,” he said in a comment on the cases agai*nst his political opponents.

To another question, he said he did nothing wrong in the Toshakhana case pending against him in the ECP. It merits mentioning that Mr Khan sold the state gifts and failed to disclose their value in his annual tax returns.

Published in Dawn, October 2nd, 2022

 

[daytrader]

Yousuf Raza Gilani, Fazl back constitutional powers of PM to appoint COAS

• JUI-F chief says Imran is ‘irrelevant’ in politics
• Claims changes to trans rights law meant to remove ‘loopholes’

LAHORE: Chief of the multi-party ******tan Demo*cratic Movement (PDM) and his own faction of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, Mau*lana Fazlur Rehman, said the Constitution would decide whether an extension could be given to the army chief’s service.

The Maulana said this while addressing a joint press conference with PPP Vice Chairman Senator Yousuf Raza Gilani at the latter’s residence in Multan on Monday. Federal minister and Fazl’s son, Maulana Asadur Rehman, PML-N Multan President Bilal Butt and PPP south Punjab Senior Vice President Khawaja Rizwan Alam were also present on the occasion.

The JUI-F chief said the important thing was what the Constitution said about the appointment of an army chief and the person who had the constitutional auth*ority to give an extension would decide whether to do so or not. The government would follow the Constitu*tion that had vested the authority in the prime minister to decide about an extension or make fresh appointment of an army chief.

His remarks came following former prime minister Imran Khan’s suggestion a few weeks ago to defer the appointment of the next army chief — due in November after the retirement of Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa — until the next general elections.

The Maulana said ******tan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Cha*irman Imran Khan sho*uld not be taken seriously as he was not relevant anymore. “We are making an issue out of nothing, as the PTI is not worth consulting.”

He further said the ruling coalition was able to get rid of Mr Khan after a long struggle and the nation was reeling from the aftershocks of his removal. “People should join hands and help the government in holding this fascist (Imran Khan) accountable. He should not be given much importance,” said the PDM chief.

Read: Who will be the next army chief?

He further said if Khan wanted to hold a sit-in then Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah was ready to handle it. “These PTI workers and leaders cannot face any hardships,” he commented.

Opposition leader in the Senate Mr Gilani said Mau*lana Fazl had announced his support for Ali Musa Gilani in the NA-157 Multan by-election later this month. He claimed the PTI, which had been proved to be an “imported party” in the prohibited funding case, was levelling allegations of an “imported government” on the incumbent rulers. “People accusing others of corruption should look into their own affairs,” he added.

Mr Gilani said during his tenure as the prime minister, only he and former president Asif Ali Zardari knew about the extension granted to the then army chief Ashfaq Pervaiz Kiyani, as opposed to how this important appointment was being discussed publicly now.

He questioned on what grounds Mr Khan was trying to dictate the government over the army chief’s appointment, calling it a futile exercise. “Imran Khan should not have discussed the extension of the army chief’s service in public gatherings. Our opponents have complicated the entire issue,” he added.

The PPP leader stressed it was the complete authority of a prime minister to appoint the army chief.

Regarding the tough conditions imposed by the International Monetary Fund to secure a loan, he said the ruling coalition parties took measures to save the country from default. “The masses would have suffered if we had violated the agreement that the previous government signed with the Fund,” he said, adding the government had decreased the prices of petroleum products and the masses would soon get relief in the electricity tariff.

The JUI-F chief also talked about the transgender rights law, saying there was a loophole in it regarding which they had proposed an amendment to the legislation. He claimed social media was being used for false reporting against their lawyer and parliament could fix the transgender bill if there was any ambiguity in it.

DAWN

 

[MenInG]

Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa assured the nation on Tuesday that the armed forces have distanced themselves from politics and want to remain so.

The army chief also reiterated his pledge to leave after the completion of his second three-year term in two months, saying that he would do as he promised earlier. He made these remarks at a lunch at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington.

According to the people who attended, Gen Bajwa addressed the gathering before the lunch and then also made informal remarks while talking to his guests. He reminded the nation that reviving the country’s ailing economy should be the first priority of all segments of society, adding that without a strong economy the nation would not be able to achieve its targets.

“There could be no diplomacy either without a strong economy,” said the army chief in his address to an audience which included a large number of Pakistani diplomats.

After the lunch, Gen Bajwa went to the Pentagon for a meeting with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin.

According to the ISPR, Gen Bajwa called on retired General Lloyd James Austin III, Secretary of Defence; Jacob Jeremiah Sullivan, National Security Adviser; and Wendy Ruth Sherman, Deputy Secretary of State.

During the meetings, matters of mutual of interest, regional security situation and bilateral cooperation in various fields were discussed.

The army chief thanked the US officials for their support and reiterated that assistance from “our global partners shall be vital for rescue/rehabilitation of the flood victims in Pakistan”.

Published in Dawn, October 5th, 2022

https://www.dawn.com/news/1713477/armed-forces-to-stay-out-of-politics-says-gen-bajwa

 

[MenInG]

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday claimed the former premier Imran Khan sent a message through President Arif Alvi to initiate discussions with the 'establishment'.

Addressing the media in the federal capital, the minister said the PTI chief was "losing his nerves" as November - and the much talked about appointment of a new army chief - draws closer.
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"Imran Khan has not been in his right mind and is fearful as November is fast approaching," said Asif, adding that things will pan out according to the law and Constitution in November.

Asif went on to add that the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s tenure is concluding by the end of this month and he should be allowed to spend time with the soldiers "respectfully".

The defence minister reiterated that the government has yet to decide on General Bajwa's replacement.

Read PM Shehbaz says Imran Khan 'biggest liar on earth'

Elaborating further, the minister said five names have come up, and according to tradition, any one of those general staff officers or someone not mentioned on the list can be appointed, adding that all three-star ranked officers were eligible for the post of army chief.

“Imran Khan acts hypocritically and lies about the security forces of Pakistan. But it is our duty to stand with the army,” he said.

He also mentioned during the media talk that general elections will be held as per schedule.

On Tuesday, PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz too had alleged that Imran is seeking an NRO-like deal in secret meetings at the President’s House, saying that when he does not get one he takes to the streets.

Maryam was referring to reports that Imran held a meeting with an “important personality” at the Aiwan-e-Sadr recently.

 

[daytrader]

Not bothered about who will be appointed COAS: Imran
I will not tell anyone the date when the long march will take place, says Imran Khan

LAHORE: Former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Wednesday said he does not care about who will be appointed the Chief of Army Staff but the army chief should be chosen on merit.

During a meeting with senior journalists at the Punjab Chief Minister’s House, the PTI chief, while taking a dig at Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, said that how a criminal could decide on such a major appointment.

On the missing cipher issue, Imran said that the cipher was not stolen from anywhere, adding that the original copy of the cipher was still in the Foreign Office. “I will not tell anyone the date when the long march will take place because our conversations are being recorded. I did not tell Shah Mehmood either,” Imran Khan added.

Rebuking the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), he said that he had never seen such a biased CEC, adding that he wanted to disqualify him. “I did not do anything illegal, and I want to challenge the ECP to hear Nawaz and Zardari’s cases simultaneously, then everything will become clear,” he added.

“Everything can be done through negotiations. In the end, things are settled only through dialogue,” he said. While lashing out at Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, Imran said how Rana Sanaullah will stop their long march, adding that they have governments all around Islamabad, and Rana is just threatening them.

Meanwhile, Imran Khan directed his organisation’s office holders to ensure that thousands of party’s workers assemble in Islamabad during the “Azadi March”. The PTI chairman — who became the first prime minister to be voted out of office in April — has held a series of protests against the incumbent government and he plans on staging a long march in the near future.

There has been no reconciliation between the PTI and the government so far despite the passage of more than six months. The PTI continues to demand fresh elections and refuses to return to the National Assembly.

Sources told Geo News that Khan’s directions came during a meeting with several district heads of Punjab — including Gujranwala, Narowal, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, and Gujrat. Khan, while delegating the responsibilities to the district-level officer bearers, said that the list of all PTI workers should be sent to him within two to three days.

The PTI chairman told the local leaders that 6,000 workers should come to the capital from Gujranwala, the same number from Sialkot and Gujrat, 5,000 from Mandi Bahauddin, and 4,000 each from Hafizabad and Narowal.

He also asked the leaders to draft a list of expenses that will be incurred during their stay in Islamabad, while directing them to begin funding for the anti-government march. “The local leadership will be responsible to bear the expenses of workers reaching Islamabad,” he told the officer bearers.

In a separate meeting with party leader Waseem Ramay, Khan said that he has directed every district to assemble 6,000 people for the long march. “I will decide from where the long march will begin and what will be its timing. I have kept details about the march close to my heart,” Khan added.

In his address to leaders and workers in Peshawar on Tuesday, the PTI chairman had said he was going to give the call for what he called the long march at any time.

The ousted prime minister said that everyone must take part in the long march, considering it a form of “jihad”. However, he didn’t give a date for the event. Following the development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman at the PM Office.

In the meeting, both leaders discussed the country’s overall political situation, including ways to thwart the PTI’s long march, sources informed Geo News.

The News PK

 

[daytrader]

No group or force will be allowed to politically, economically destabilise Pakistan: COAS
No one should make any mistake about our collective resolve to defend our core interests, motherland: army chief

KAKUL:
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Saturday said that the armed forces of Pakistan, with the support of its citizenry, will "never allow any country, group or force to politically or economically destabilize Pakistan".

“Respect the democratic institution and be always ready to defend the territorial integrity, sovereignty and Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan with your life," said General Bajwa while addressing a ceremony to mark the passing-out parade of the 146th PMA Long Course at Pakistan Military Academy.

He added that the newly-commissioned officers should “always remain alert and prepared to respond to and defeat all intrigues and conspiracies hatched against our country with an iron fist”.

The army chief also urged regional peace and supported developing a mechanism for resolving bilateral issues peacefully, as he cautioned that the “price of status quo will be devastating for all”.

“Moreover, as opposed to fighting each other, we should collectively fight hunger, poverty, illiteracy, population explosion, climate change and disease,” he added.

“The world has changed, and so should we because the price of status quo will be devastating for all of us,” the COAS advised, adding, however, that the desire for peace must not be misconstrued as weakness.

“No one should make any mistake about our collective resolve to defend our core interests and every inch of our motherland," warned the army chief.

General Bajwa maintained that in its quest for peace, Pakistan had extended sincere and “all-out efforts” to evolve good relations with all neighbours and regional countries.

“We are trying our best to break the political logjam which has denied the countries of South Asia to move forward and resolve all regional and bilateral issues in a peaceful and dignified manner,” he added.

He contended that the people of South Asia deserved prosperity and better living conditions, like the rest of the world, maintaining that better living conditions could only happen with “sustained economic growth, development and lasting peace”.

“Therefore, we must strive hard to keep the flames of war away from the region,” he advised the newly commissioned officers of the Pakistan Army.

During his speech, the COAS advised the graduates to not let themselves be distracted by “fake news and political wrangling” in the country.

Addressing the graduating cadets, General Bajwa congratulated them and stated that they were about to begin careers in a “professionally distinguished and a battle-hardened army, which has a long list of successful campaigns to its credits, both in conventional and sub-conventional domains”.

He highlighted that the Pakistan Army had “successfully turned the tide of the menace of terrorism in the last two decades and has ensured that organised terrorism is decisively rooted out from Pakistan”. He maintained that the force's accomplishment was “unique” and not one that many countries or armies could claim.

Recalling his time at the academy 42 years ago, General Bajwa said the day holds a “nostalgic significance” for him and added that they were set to tread a path that he trod for more than four decades.

“A part of selfless devotion to duty, patriotism, sacrifice and a unique privilege to lead the best offer in men both in peace and war.”

Highlighting the cardinal traits of military leadership, the army chief told the new officers that without which, they could "become an officer” but could not “command and become a successful leader of men in combat”.

“First, remember that no one is born with professional knowledge. It has to be acquired through constant pursuit. Without it, you cannot achieve professional competence which is the hallmark of successful military leadership,” he said, adding that the duty awaiting them was challenging yet exciting.

He maintained that the demands of professional military service would be higher as they went into service and underlined the importance of the cadets equipping themselves with “the lofty attributes of leadership with a sense of purpose to gain the respect and trust of your subordinates”.

“It is only through the development of your unwavering trust and confidence that you can instill a spirit in your under command which will hold you together in times of crisis,” he said.

“As a leader, you need to have courage and [the] ability to take difficult decisions and then accept full responsibility. Correct decision-making requires competence and confidence which can only be acquired through high-class military education, rigorous training and continuous study of military history”, he said.

Quoting famous British soldier and military theorist, Sir Basil Liddell Hart, Gen Bajwa said that “an officer who has not studied military history as a science is of little use beyond the rank of a captain”.

“The contagious energy that you will instil in your men when you lead them by example and not merely by words — remember when a lot of lead is flying in the air on the battlefield, an officer never says advance, he always says follow me,” he stated, adding that the wellbeing of ones troops was the hallmark of a successful military leader.

Gen Bajwa stated that members of the military had “paid both in blood and kind” to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and territory.

“Thousands of valiant sons have sacrificed their lives to enable us to reach the place where we stand today”, he said.

He stated that the passing-out students were entering the military at a time when the challenges facing the country were “complex and multifaceted”, thus increasing their responsibility more than that of their predecessors.

“You have chosen to serve and protect your motherland which demands the highest level of dedication, sense of purpose and sacrifice. This pledge must never be undermined as you have been amply equipped and prepared to immediately overpower future challenges and emerge victorious”, he said.

He said that he was highly optimistic and assured by the cadets’ exemplary display of discipline and professionalism that the prestige, security, and safety of the country were in safe hands.

“Once again, I congratulate you on your hard-earned and well-deserved commission in the army. My special felicitations to the champion company and those cadets who have earned distinctions for their outstanding performances,” he further said.

Concluding his speech, General Bajwa reminded the cadets that this was the beginning of a long journey and not “the end”.

Express Tribune

 

[Mamoon]

His speech yesterday was his most aggressive and the best one he has delivered. Bajwa is desperate for the extension and Kaptaan made the mistake the 1st time around, its time right the wrong. And unless the COAS is senior General, then Kaptaan must make it clear that he will sack whoever NS and AZ appoint. As he said let the establishment and mafia do their best, the public wont accept any crap from them

Mistake?

But I remember PTI supporters doing bhangra when Bajwa got the extension. We were told that PTI and the army were on the “same page”, and Bajwa’s extension was critical for geopolitical stability considering the sensitive relations with India at the time.

They ignored the fact that it made the army look weak as an institution and sent the message that the next in line was incapable of handling the situation.

This is nothing but humiliation for Imran and his supporters and it is well-deserved.

 

[Varun]

His speech yesterday was his most aggressive and the best one he has delivered. Bajwa is desperate for the extension and Kaptaan made the mistake the 1st time around, its time right the wrong. And unless the COAS is senior General, then Kaptaan must make it clear that he will sack whoever NS and AZ appoint. As he said let the establishment and mafia do their best, the public wont accept any crap from them

Too much talk, zero result is the problem with people like Imran. Come to think of it, I don't remember having heard people like Bajwa or XI Jinping even speak a word but they're at the top of the roost because they believe actions speak louder than words.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Too much talk, zero result is the problem with people like Imran. Come to think of it, I don't remember having heard people like Bajwa or XI Jinping even speak a word but they're at the top of the roost because they believe actions speak louder than words.

What did Bajwa achieve? How is XI Jinping relative here?

 

[Mamoon]

What did Bajwa achieve? How is XI Jinping relative here?

Bajwa conned Imran into giving him an extension and then booted him out. He did what he wanted to.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Bajwa conned Imran into giving him an extension and then booted him out. He did what he wanted to.

So Bajwa's worldwide achievement is booting Imran out?

 

[Mamoon]

So Bajwa's worldwide achievement is booting Imran out?

Yes. It is the most noble thing he has done in his life and he will always be remembered and cherished for this great service.

 

[Varun]

What did Bajwa achieve?

His quest of being Emperor of Pakistan.

How is XI Jinping relative here?

Because he too has achieved the same without a single tweet in anger or such.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Yes. It is the most noble thing he has done in his life and he will always be remembered and cherished for this great service.

Wasn't he in place before Imran was appointed by the army ( according to you)?

I don't remember you singing his praises then. Is the army only good or bad depending on whether they back Imran Khan?

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

His quest of being Emperor of Pakistan.



Because he too has achieved the same without a single tweet in anger or such.

Iranian mullahs executed a woman for not wearing hijab correctly, they achieved that without a single tweet in anger. Does that make them worthy of your admiration?

 

[Abstraction1]

Yes. It is the most noble thing he has done in his life and he will always be remembered and cherished for this great service.

Cherished by who? PDM, PDM family members and Indians like yourself?

 

[Bewal Express]

Yes. It is the most noble thing he has done in his life and he will always be remembered and cherished for this great service.

Or look it at another way- Kaptaan has around 80% of the population behind him( which he didnt have before) because of his poor attempt at a coup which has backfired spectacularly as he put in charge a bunch of morons whose only interest was to stop their cases and destroy the PK economy at the behest of their sponsors.

 

[Bewal Express]

Mistake?

But I remember PTI supporters doing bhangra when Bajwa got the extension. We were told that PTI and the army were on the “same page”, and Bajwa’s extension was critical for geopolitical stability considering the sensitive relations with India at the time.

They ignored the fact that it made the army look weak as an institution and sent the message that the next in line was incapable of handling the situation.

This is nothing but humiliation for Imran and his supporters and it is well-deserved.

IK has 80% of the population behind him. It has exposed all the moronic hypocrites that told us the army was the problem but were doing bhangra when the army instigated the coup and today cant come onto threads without facing humiliation after 6 months of total disaster. Tell us who is humiliated, you and your ilk or the guy with 80% of the support?