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‘MASSIVE, ILLEGAL POLITICAL MAFIA’ COMPROMISING COUNTERTERRORISM OPERATION: DG ISPR Tuesday, 23 July, 2024 I | 16 Muharram, 1446
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SAYS A STRONG LOBBY DOES NOT WANT NATIONAL ACTION PLAN TO SUCCEED
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ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
agencies empowered through effective legislation. He questioned the interpretation that the original announcement pointed to past military operations, reiterating, “We make every important issue a joke because of our politics.” Lt. Gen. Sharif also addressed a “very strong lobby” opposed to the National Action Plan’s objectives due to high stakes and monetary interests. He accused this “illegal, political mafia” of trying to make the operations controversial through false arguments. He pointed to the National Action Plan’s 14 points, praising ongoing kinetic operations but highlighting deficiencies in other areas. He mentioned the plan to establish provincial Counter-Terrorism Departments responsible for leading anti-terrorism operations, a decision made in 2014 and reaffirmed in 2021. The DG ISPR also discussed the registration and regularization of religious seminaries, with only a bit over 16,000 registered, leaving the status of 50% unknown. “Does the army have to do this?” he questioned,
emphasizing that all political parties had agreed to end the “illegal spectrum,” which fuels a major illegal economy sustaining criminal and terrorist activities. Lt. Gen. Sharif asserted that eliminating the illegal spectrum, which thrives on a “soft state,” would benefit society overall, not just curb terrorism. He highlighted vested interests opposing such measures due to financial gains. Discussing Operation Azm-i-Istehkam, he noted its potential to eliminate terrorism and uplift society and the nation. When questioned about violence during a peace rally in Bannu and alleged firing by security forces, Lt. Gen. Sharif referenced a recent terrorist attack on Bannu Cantonment that killed eight military personnel. He explained that locals had requested a peace march, which was agreed upon with the condition of no anti-state slogans. However, “negative elements” joined the march, chanting against the army and state and pelting stones, leading to armed individuals opening
Cabinet meeting with PTI ban on agenda ‘postponed’
ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
A meeting of the federal cabinet set to give approval for ban on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was postponed on late Monday, sources said. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was scheduled to chair the meeting
CLARIFIES AZM-E-ISTEHKAM NOT MILITARY OPERATION BUT ANTI-TERROR CAMPAIGN
PTI terms DGISPR’s presser ‘indictment’ of federal govt
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
N Monday, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif addressed a press conference in Rawalpindi, denouncing what he called a “massive, illegal political mafia” attempting to undermine the state’s Azm-i-Istehkam operation for personal gain. Lt. Gen. Sharif emphasized that his briefing aimed to “clarify the army’s stance on some important topics,” noting an uptick in “organized propaganda, false, wrong news, and concocted news” against the armed forces. Highlighting the year’s counter-terrorism efforts, he revealed that 22,409 intelligence-based operations had been carried out against terrorists and their facilitators. He stated that over 112 operations were conducted daily by the military and law enforcement agencies to combat terrorism. Responding to inquiries about potential displacement due to the government’s new Azm-i-Istehkam (Resolve for Stability) operation, Lt. Gen. Sharif clarified that it is a “comprehensive counter-terrorism campaign” built on national consensus, not a mere military operation. He criticized political exploitation of important issues, citing Azm-i-Istehkam as an example. “Our problem is that we are sacrificing even very important issues on the altar of politics,” he said, debunking the narrative that the operation aimed to displace people and stressing its goal to “reinvigorate the already in-place National Action Plan.” The DG ISPR noted that kinetic efforts would be “augmented” by law enforcement
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on Tuesday, July 23, when the cabinet members were likely to nod the ban on the political party. The cabinet was also expected to give approval for pursuing cases under Article 6 of the Constitution against former President Arif Alvi, PTI founder Imran Khan, and Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri.
On July 15, Information Minister Atta Tarar said that the ruling coalition had decided to move for a ban on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Addressing a press conference, he said the federal government will file a case to ban the PTI. The government would keep the current situation in mind before taking a step in this regard, he added. “The PTI and the country cannot go together,” he categorically stated. He claimed that the government was trying to stabilise the country politically and economically, while efforts were being made to thwart its efforts. Tarar also announced that the PML-N led government has decided to file a review appeal against the decision of the Supreme Court granting reserved seats to the PTI. Earlier, it was reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had called a federal cabinet meeting for tomorrow to discuss the potential ban on the PTI. Informed sources claim that the cabinet will seek approval for the ban and deliberate on the current political climate in the country.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General and Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan criticized the current government, labelling the Director-General of the Inter-Services Public Relations’ (DG ISPR) recent press briefing as indictment of the federal government. Speaking alongside PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar on Monday, Ayub addressed the media in Islamabad, emphasizing the dire economic situation and the alleged misuse of power by the authorities. “DG ISPR’s press briefing is a clear indicator of the political government’s failure,” Ayub asserted. He highlighted a police raid aimed at collecting affidavits from PTI members, accusing intelligence agencies of unfairly targeting the party. Ayub pointed out that under PTI’s leadership, the economy was growing at six per cent, while under the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government, it had declined. “ When PTI left office, the economy was growing at six percent. Under the PDM government, the growth went negative,” he stated. Ayub further criticized the current gov-
fire and causing injuries. He stated that the army’s response followed standard operating procedures, including aerial firing after clear warnings. He
ernment for its handling of agriculture and smuggling issues, mentioning Punjab’s wheat import under Mohsin Naqvi and ongoing smuggling activities. “In Punjab, wheat was imported during Mohsin Naqvi’s tenure, but local farmers were ignored,” he said. He questioned the smuggling at the borders of Balochistan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, asking, “Who is responsible for smuggling at these borders? Are the border officials turning a blind eye?” He also mentioned the press briefing by DG ISPR, who compared Pakistan’s situation to Iraq, Libya, and Syria. Ayub accused the DG of overstepping his role, saying, “The DG ISPR gave examples of Iraq, Libya, and Syria. He spoke as if he were the finance minister rather than the military spokesman.” Ayub raised concerns about corruption, citing unexplained wealth in the properties of General Bajwa’s relative and the rise of drug trafficking in Pakistan. “Where did General Bajwa’s relative Sabir Mithu get his billions? Drug trafficking is rampant. Who are these people behind it?” he questioned. Highlighting the PTI’s stance on terrorism, Ayub claimed that incidents had decreased during their tenure.
criticized the legal and judicial system for granting leniency to May 9 perpetrators and facilitators, which he said increases discord, mob mentality, and fascism in the country.
Imran claims he may be sent to military jail RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supremo Imran Khan on Monday expressed concerns that he and his wife, Bushra Bibi, might be sent to a military jail in connection with the 9 May cases. Speaking to the media during a hearing of the £190 million reference, Khan stated, “They plan to send me to a military jail for the 9 May incidents.” He clarified that he had called for peaceful protests outside General Headquarters (GHQ) if arrested but never authorised any violent actions. Khan accused Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of stealing CCTV footage related to the May 9 events and condemned the arrest of party spokesperson Raoof Hasan. Addressing Attaullah Tarar’s claims about his VIP jail conditions, Khan invited the media to visit his cell, stating, “If Tarar is telling the truth, he should meet me. Let the media see my cell for two minutes.” He lamented the biased treatment of PTI workers detained in military
jails, suggesting a plan to also incarcerate him under similar charges. He also mentioned that the Toshakhana reference had been politicized, with selective action against him while ignoring cases against Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari. Detailing alleged judicial attacks and police misconduct against him, Khan recounted incidents on February 8, March 14, and March 18, asserting his calls for peaceful protests if detained. He criticised the treatment of PTI members and the
role of certain political figures in manipulating judiciary processes. Khan attributed the country’s economic crisis to mismanagement by previous governments, highlighting the significant current account deficit left by the PML-N government. The former prime minister asserted that democracy is being undermined and questioned the Chief Election Commissioner’s alignment with the PML-N. He further criticised General (retd) Faiz’s appointand mentioned an ment international interview based on points he communicated from jail. Khan concluded by rejecting the notion of a technocrat setup as a solution to Pakistan’s crises, advocating for transparent elections as the only remedy for the country’s challenges. He accused Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi of being a fraud acting under higher authority and refused to apologise for his actions, demanding an apology from others instead. He also called for a judicial commission to investigate the attack on Bannu peace march.
Israel’s war on Gaza: 70 killed in Israeli assault on Khan Younis KHAN YOUNIS AGENCIES
At least 70 Palestinians have been killed and over 200 wounded following the launch of a new Israeli assault on eastern Khan Younis, according to health officials in Gaza. The air attacks and artillery shelling come minutes after the military ordered the evacuation that Palestinian Civil Defence in Gaza says affects more than 400,000 people. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is travelling to the US, says Israel will dispatch negotiators to restart stalled captive exchange talks on Thursday. He did not specify the delegation’s destination. At least 39,006 people have been killed
and 89,818 injured in Israel’s war on Gaza. The death toll in Israel from Hamas-led attacks on October 7 is estimated at 1,139 with dozens of people still held captive in Gaza. The Gaza Health Ministry says at least 70 bodies have arrived at the Nasser Medical Complex since this morning after Israeli forces renewed their attacks on the city in the southern Strip. The ministry added that more than 200 injured people, including serious cases, have arrived at the medical facility, which is located in Khan Younis. Palestinians have offered prayers on the grounds of Nasser Hospital after Israeli tank shelling and air raids killed at least 57 people near Khan Younis.
The victims were killed by tank salvoes in the town of Bani Suheila and other towns just east of the southern city of Khan Younis, with the area also bombarded by air, according to medics. The Health Ministry in Gaza said the dead included several women and children and that dozens of other people had been injured by Israeli fire. Some 400,000 people are living in the targeted areas and dozens of families have begun to leave their houses, Palestinian officials said, adding that they were not given time to evacuate before the Israeli strikes began. At Nasser Hospital, some people stood outside the morgue to bid farewell to dead relatives before burials. “We are tired, we are tired in Gaza, every day our children are martyred, every day, every moment. This is the blood of our children, it has not yet dried,” said Ahmed Sammour, who lost several relatives in the Israeli bombing. “No one told us to evacuate. They brought four floors crashing down on civilians … and the bodies they could reach, they brought to the refrigerator [morgue],” Sammour told Reuters. Hamas denounces Israeli assault on Khan Younis: The group says the attack, which has killed and wounded dozens of people and displaced many families, will not deter Palestinians from remaining “steadfast in their land”. “We call upon the international community and the United Nations to urgently intervene to
stop the systematic Zionist killing of our people, who are facing a genocide,” Hamas said in a statement on its Telegram channel. “We affirm that our people will remain steadfast, and the resistance will remain committed to confronting this criminal enemy that seeks to expel our people and obliterate our national cause. “Gaza will remain unbreakable until the occupation is defeated on the path to freedom, return, and self-determination,” it said. All US political parties serve ‘Israel’s interest’ Palestinians in Khan Younis say Biden’s withdrawal from the US presidential election will not make a difference to those living in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Their comments came after Biden’s decision to end his campaign and endorse his vice president, Kamala Harris, as his Democratic Party’s candidate. One man, Abdel Nasser Mahmoud, told Reuters that all political parties in America “want Israel’s interest – nothing more, nothing less”. “We have seen during the war America’s support to Israel with weapons. We have seen the massacres conducted by Israel with American weapons. We have seen how America used the right to veto [in the UN Security Council] in every decision that is supportive of the Palestinian people,” Mahmoud said.
ISLAMABAD
as a mockery of humanity according to . The prime minister stated that it had become clear that the Israeli forces had been pursuing a genocidal agenda against Palestinians, noting that unarmed Palestinians had been denied the opportunity to evacuate. The prime minister emphasized that the Pakistani nation stands in solidarity with its Palestinian brothers and sisters. He called upon the United Nations to fulfill its responsibility in addressing the issue of Palestine.
PM Shehbaz condemns Israeli attack on Khan Younis, calls it ‘inhumane act’ STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday vehemently condemned the Israeli forces’ violent attack on Khan Younis in Gaza, describing it as an inhumane act, particularly following the evacuation of refugees. The prime minister, in a statement issued by PM Office, described the aggressive attack on the Khan Younis area of Gaza shortly after the instructions to the unarmed Palestinian refugees to evacuate