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THOSE SPREADING FAKE NEWS FOR ‘VESTED INTEREST’ NEED TO BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE: MILITARY LEADERSHIP Friday, 6 December, 2024 I 03 Jumada Al-Akhirah, 1446
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COAS GEN ASIM MUNIR CHAIRS 84TH FORMATION COMMANDERS CONFERENCE AT GHQ IN RAWALPINDI
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FORUM EMPHASIZES STRINGENT LAWS AND REGULATIONS TO ‘CHECK UNFETTERED AND UNETHICAL’ USE OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
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REITERATES COMMITMENT TO GUARD NATION AGAINST ALL EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL THREATS WITHOUT ANY BIAS AND POLITICAL AFFILIATION
FORUM ALSO EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT UNABATED USE OF AFGHAN SOIL AGAINST PAKISTAN BY TERRORISTS RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
HE top military brass on Thursday expressed concern over the spread of “propaganda and disinformation” against the armed forces, stating that those responsible must be brought to justice. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir and high-ranking officers revisited these concerns during the 84th Formation Commanders Conference at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Thursday, the military’s media wing said. According to a statement from the InterServices Public Relations (ISPR), the participants were briefed on the current internal and external security environment and reviewed the Army’s operational readiness to address evolving threats. The top military brass expressed concern about propaganda spread following the deployment of military personnel in Islamabad to secure key government buildings and provide a safe environment for visiting foreign delegations. Over the past couple of years, social media campaigns against the army have escalated, reflecting broader tensions within the country’s political and social fabric. The government, often in tandem with the military, has
responded with stringent measures aimed at controlling the narrative and stifling dissent. “This pre-planned coordinated and premeditated propaganda reflects the continuity of a sinister design by certain political elements as an attempt to drive a wedge between the public & Armed Forces and institutions of Pakistan,” the statement read. “This futile attempt, fuelled and abetted by external players, will never be successful,” the statement added. According to the ISPR, the forum em-
Saudi Crown Prince launches National Red Sea Sustainability Strategy RIYADH
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Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, introduced the National Red Sea Sustainability Strategy. This initiative is designed to safeguard the Red Sea, empower local communities, and facilitate a shift towards a blue economy, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and the newly established national priorities for research, development, and innovation (RDI), particularly focusing on sustainable environmental practices and essential needs. During the announcement, the Crown Prince highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to harnessing its extensive economic, geographical, and cultural resources while promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship. He characterized the strategy as crucial for integrating the blue economy into the Kingdom’s diversified economic framework. “The Kingdom aims for the Red Sea region to serve as a global benchmark for leading blue economy initiatives and reaffirms its dedication to a sustainable future for the Red Sea,” he stated, urging collaborative efforts to protect the Red Sea coastline and the communities dependent on it. The Red Sea spans 186,000 square kilometers and features a coastline of 1,800 kilometers, making it one of the most biodiverse areas globally. It hosts the fourth-largest barrier reef system, accounts for 6.2% of the world’s coral reefs, and includes numerous islands. The strategy presents a detailed framework for the preservation and regeneration of these natural assets while ensuring their sustainable enjoyment for future generations. This transition is expected to generate investment opportunities across various marine sectors, including ecotourism, fisheries, renewable energy, water desalination, shipping, and industry. A fundamental aspect of the strategy is its ambitious vision for the year 2030. The objective is to increase marine and coastal protected areas from 3% to 30%, elevate the share of renewable energy to 50% of the overall energy mix, and generate thousands of new employment opportunities associated with blue economy initiatives.
phasised the need for the federal government to enact stringent laws and regulations to “check unfettered and unethical use of freedom of expression to spew venom, lies and sow the seeds of polarisation”. “Those spreading fake news for vested political/financial interests need to be identified and brought to justice,” the statement read. The two-day forum lauded the martyrs of the Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies and citizens of Pakistan who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s security and sover-
eignty. The forum also paid tribute to law enforcement personnel who embraced martyrdom during the recent violent protests in Islamabad. Counterterrorism operations to continue According to the ISPR, the formation commander also conducted a comprehensive analysis of ongoing counterterrorism operations and expressed their resolve to continue neutralising terrorists and their facilitators aiming to destabilise Pakistan. The forum decided to focus on operations against terrorists active in Balochistan, including the BLA’s Majeed Brigade. “The Army remains committed to serving the nation & public and guard against all external and internal threats without any bias and political affiliation, and any attempt to pitch innocent people against each other and use of violence as an instrument for vested gains can never be tolerated,” the ISPR’s statement added. The forum also expressed concern about the “unabated” use of Afghan soil against Pakistan by terrorists, “especially [those] belonging to Fitna Al Khwarij”, the term adopted by authorities to designate terrorists. “It is in the interest of both neighbouring Islamic countries to rather focus on mutually beneficial engagements and IAG needs to take visible measures to prevent [the] use of its soil by the terrorists,” the statement read. The country has grappling with a sharp rise in attacks targeting security forces, other
‘May 9 Riots’: Imran among 100 PTI leaders indicted in GHQ attack case RAWALPINDI
Pakistan reaffirms desire for cooperative relations with all neighbours ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
STAFF REPORT
The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Thursday indicted former prime minister Imran Khan among over 100 other PTI leaders in the attack on the General Headquarters (GHQ) case of May 9, riots. Protests erupted across the country following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan from the Islamabad High Court on May 9, 2023. Various properties, including sensitive military installations were vandalised by protestors like the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, PAF air base in Mianwali and Corps Commander House (Jinnah House). ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah presided over the hearing of the GHQ attack case at a makeshift court setup in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. Over 100 individuals, including Sheikh Rashid, Omar Ayub, Sheikh Rashid Shafiq, Raja Basharat, Zartaj Gul were also indicted in the case. Following the court’s decision, opposition leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub, was arrested, while former Punjab law minister Raja Basharat was taken into custody from outside the jail. Subsequently, the court adjourned the case until December 10. Earlier, several PTI leaders, including Omar Ayub, Zartaj Gul, Shekh Rashid, Rashid Shafiq, Sadaqat Abbasi, Waseem Qayyum Abbasi, Javed Kausar, Sajid Qureshi, Musarrat Jamshed
law enforcement agencies, and security checkpoints, particularly in Balochistan and KP. At least 245 people, including 68 security personnel, were killed in a string of terrorist attacks and clashes across Pakistan in November. The fatalities included 127 terrorists, and 50 civilians, according to data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), an Islamabadbased think tank, on Sunday. November was the second deadliest month after August, when 254 people lost their lives, including 92 civilians, 108 militants, and 54 security forces personnel. However, in terms of casualties involving security personnel, it is the deadliest month this year compared to October when 62 soldiers were killed. On socio-economic development Additionally, the military top brass at forum noted the need for continued support to socioeconomic and development projects in Khyber-Pakhtunkhawa and Balochistan by the federal and provincial government for the well-being of citizens “who continue to stand tall against [the] scourge of terrorism”. Highlighting the Army’s commitment to socioeconomic progress, the forum would continue to “support government efforts in fostering economic growth, cracking down on the illegal spectrum and eradicating terror-crime nexus”, the statement read.
Cheema, Mohammad Ahmed Chatha, and Usman Dar, had arrived at Adiala Jail for the hearing. The court had summoned all accused in the GHQ attack case, with charges expected to be formally brought against 120 individuals, including PTI’s founder Imran Khan. In addition, the court had ordered the appearance of former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi from Lahore Jail. The court also instructed that arrests be made for several PTI leaders, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Shibli Faraz, Shireen Mazari, Zartaj Gul, Zain Qureshi, and Tayyaba Raja. Furthermore, arrest warrants were issued for 45 absconding accused, with the court warning that legal proceedings would begin to declare them fugitives if they fail to appear. Earlier this year, Imran Khan was arrested in the GHQ attack case, soon after his release warrant
was issued in the cypher case. The GHQ attack case report outlines 27 severe charges against Imran Khan and other accused individuals. The report alleges that, under the leadership of former Provincial Law Minister Raja Basharat, the accused stormed the GHQ gate, causing significant property damage despite being warned by military personnel to stop. The accused are also alleged to have broken into sensitive areas of GHQ, set fires, threw petrol bombs, and created chaos within the premises. According to the report, chants such as “No Pakistan without Khan” and “Behind this terrorism is the uniform” were allegedly raised, targeting military personnel and attacking the reputation of Pakistan’s armed forces. The investigation report states that attacks were also made on sensitive ISI and GHQ offices, characterizing the protest as a criminal conspiracy.
Pakistan on Thursday reaffirmed its desire for cooperative relations with all its neighbours, including India. At her weekly news briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan has consistently advocated constructive engagement and result oriented dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues including Jammu and Kashmir dispute. She, however, said the political will to resolve disputes and differences through dialogue seems lacking on India’s part. She said Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence, emphasizing it wants peace and stability in the region. She said Pakistan has been acting in a responsible manner notwithstanding the difficulties in bilateral relations. She said the eastern neighbour should create conducive environment for advancement of peace and dialogue, and resolution of longstanding disputes. The FO Spokesperson voiced concerns over the continuing seizure of properties of Kashmiri people in Indian illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. She said the Indian actions are part of an ongoing drive to confiscate Kashmiri lands and properties to harass and intimidate the Kashmiri people and punish them for their dissenting political views. She urged the Indian authorities to end the ongoing campaign of seizing the properties and abide by its international obligations as an occupying power. Expressing deep concerns over latest developments in Syria, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said we believe that the ongoing situation will further destabilize the region and embolden terrorist groups. She said it is critical to promote peace and security in Syria for regional stability. She called for international efforts to deescalate the situation and for upholding unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria.
APC calls for ‘head-on measures’ to address worsening situation in KP PESHAWAR
STAFF REPORT
All Parties Conference (APC) called by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Thursday raised serious concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the province, blaming both the federal and provincial governments for their failure to maintain law and order. During press conference following the APC, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi criticised the provincial government’s inaction, saying it had failed to hold a debate on the security issues in the assembly or cabinet. Leaders of different political parties, including Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Qaumi Watan Party’s (QWP) Aftab Sherpao, ANP’s Mian Iftikhar Hussain, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Prof Ibrahim and JUI-F’s Maulana Lutfur Rehman among others figures participated in the APC
“Holding this [APC] was important right now because people also question us that why political parties are silent. Because unfortunately our provincial government has not held a discussion on this in the provincial assembly, nor in cabinet, so all of us here decided that we will hold an All Parties Conference to make a declaration on peace, on our resources,” said Kundi. The KP Governor said the chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur should have hosted APC but instead preparing an action plan, and presenting it to the federal, the PTI declined an invitation to join APC forum. “They refused to accept the invitation because they may not be able to face the public and the political leadership, or maybe they don’t want to work for peace,” he said. “Till date, since this PTI government has come to power, its performance has not been audited, its performance should be audited,” Kundi added. “When it comes to the peace and resources of the province, then everyone
should get together, forgetting their political differences.” “The way in which violence has unfolded in this province, and the way this violence has taken our province in its grips, that is in front of everyone,” he concluded. On the other hand, KP spokesperson Barrister Saif criticised the APC, claiming that the forum was convened for “political point scoring” against the PTI and to create a negative narrative about the party. The APC statement highlighted that more than 70 security personnel were martyred last month alone, and over 200 lives were lost due to sectarian clashes in Kurram. It also condemned the government’s inability to address the growing instability in the region. In addition to security concerns, the APC issued a series of political demands. The leaders called for the immediate release of the 11th National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, as the 7th NFC Award has been ineffective for the past two and a half years.
Barrister Saif takes jibe at Governor over APC, lauds Gandapur’s actions for Kurram peace
PESHAWAR: Advisor to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Information Barrister Dr Saif on Thursday criticized Governor Faisal Karim Kundi for holding an All-Parties Conference (APC) at the Governor House in Peshawar, emphasizing he (governor) must not violate his constitutional limits. “Governor Kundi should not behave like the chief executive of the province as constitution does not mandate him to indulge any such activity”, Barrister Said stated in a statement on Thursday. Reacting to the APC, which brought together various political groups, Dr Saif called it a meeting of the province’s “re-
jected group” and labeled it a failed attempt to score political points and undermine the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The advisor stressed that it was not the governor’s role to organize such a meeting, as the responsibility lay with the elected provincial government. “The APC is not the mandate of the governor but of the elected government,” Dr Saif emphasized. He further suggested that instead of hosting the APC, the governor should focus on addressing issues related to arrears from the central government, in his capacity as a representative of the federation. STAFF REPORT