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TTP PResenCe, CRoss-boRdeR aTTaCks bone of ConTenTIon wITh afghanIsTan: Coas Wednesday, 15 January, 2025 I 14 Rajabul Murajjab, 1446
GEN MUNIR STRESSES STATE'S EXISTENCE IS PARAMOUNT AND ‘IF THERE IS A STATE, THERE CAN BE POLITICS’
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SAYS FALSE NARRATIVE OF A GAP BETWEEN PEOPLE AND ARMY IS MAINLY DRIVEN BY A SPECIFIC AGENDA FROM ABROAD
abad repeatedly demanding Kabul take action against the TTP for using Afghan
soil to launch attacks in Pakistan. Kabul denies the allegations.
Last month, at least eight people were killed and 13, including civilians, were injured on the Afghan side during clashes. The two sides were exchanging fire since Pakistani fighter jets bombed alleged TTP camps in Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province. COAS Munir said that no largescale operation was being carried out in KP and nor was the TTP active in any area of Pakistan, adding that only targeted operations were carried out based on intelligence. The military chief said that everyone would have to stand together against terrorism without discrimination and prejudice as politics could only be conducted if there was a state. “If there is no state, then there is nothing,” he added. Gen Munir said the situation would improve if everyone worked together and cooperated.
RAWALPINDI
ing security dynamics in the region and explored further avenues for enhancing bilateral military cooperation. The COAS and the PSO underscored the importance of a stronger defence relationship, emphasizing that the enduring partnership between the two brotherly nations must remain resilient against external influences. COAS reiterated the significance of joint efforts to promote peace and stabil-
ity in South Asia and the broader region, while ensuring that both nations continue to contribute to regional security through collaborative defence initiatives. Lt Gen Kamrul Hassan commended the exceptional professionalism of the Pakistan Army and acknowledged the immense sacrifices made by the armed forces in their relentless fight against terrorism, noting that their efforts serve as a beacon of courage and determination.
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
HIEF of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir emphasized that Pakistan’s desire for positive relations with Afghanistan, but the bone of contention between the two countries is the presence of the banned militant Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan outfit there and the cross-border attacks, said the military’s media wing on Tuesday. COAS General Asim Munir made the remarks during his Peshawar meeting with politicians from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Addressing the issue in his talks with politicians, the army chief said Afghanistan was a “brotherly neighbour and an Islamic country” with which Pakistan “has always wanted” better relations. “The only difference with Afghanistan is the presence of Fitna alKhawarij in Afghanistan and the spread of terrorism in Pakistan from across the border, and it will remain so until they remove this issue,” the statement said quoting the army chief as saying. “Our policy is only Pakistan,” the army chief emphasized, stating that the state’s existence is paramount and “If there is a state, there can be politics.” Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been strained due to frequent border skirmishes and Islam-
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Bangladeshi General, COAS underscore stronger defence relationship STAFF REPORT
Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hassan, Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh, met with General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), at the General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi. During their meeting, both held extensive discussions on the evolv-
Normalcy returning as second convoy of goods reached Kurram: PM ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said that the situation in Kurram was “returning to normalcy,” expressing the hope that situation will further improved with arrival of 25 vehicles second convoy carrying relief goods in the restive district. Chairing the federal cabinet meeting on Tuesday, PM Shahbaz stated, “All stakeholders will maintain peace,” adding that such incidents will never happen again. He further said, “Bunkers, which were once established, have been demolished,” adding that food and other supplies were being delivered to the residents of the district. The decades-old land-turned-tribal disputes have claimed at least 130 lives since November last and have
caused severe shortage of food and medicine shortages in the area due to weeks-long road blockades. Following a peace agreement between the warring sides in Kurram district, security forces and the district administration began demolishing bunkers in Lower Kurram using explosives, while the residents of Parachinar observed a shutter-down strike on Monday to protest the prolonged closure of roads. Separately, a convoy of 45 vehicles carrying food and other necessities was dispatched to the district, according to Kurram Deputy Commissioner Ashfaq Ahmed. He said that various steps were underway to provide relief to the people, including the reopening of roads. According to Parachinar trade union leader Nazir Ahmed, 20 vehicles from the convoy were sent back while 25 vehicles reached central Kurram and were moving towards upper Kurram.
May 9 riots’ planners, mastermind to face military trial: Advocate Haris ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Defence Ministry’s counsel Khawaja Haris on Tuesday informed the Supreme Court’s Constitutional Bench that the alleged masterminds and conspirators of the May 9 “conspiracy” would be tried in military courts. Khawaja Haris made the remarks as the constitutional bench, comprising Justices Aminuddin Khan, Naeem Akhtar Afghan, Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Hassan Azhar Rizvi, Musarrat Hilali, and Shahid Bilal Hassan, resumed hearing the
intra-court appeals (ICAs) against the military trials of civilians for their role in attacks on army installations during May 9, 2023 riots. The bench members have already called into question the “specific” trial in military courts instead of anti-terrorism courts, in recent hearings. A day ago, Justice Hilali wondered whether the Pakistan Army Act (PAA), 1952, outlined any punishment for officers who suspend the Constitution. During hearing, Advocate Haris, who appeared as the defence ministry’s lawyer, while responding to a question, said that trials of the conspirators and masterminds would also be
Young Doctors Association leader Zulfiqar Ali said that medical stores and private hospitals had been closed due to a shortage of medicines. Meanwhile, Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWMP) MNA Hameed Hussain said in a statement that 45 trucks were not enough for millions of people, adding that “arrangements should be made to dispatch more than 100 vehicles.” Last week, a convoy of 40 vehicles carrying food and other necessities was dispatched to the district after being stalled in Thall for five days, according to government officials. KP government spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif emphasized that the restoration of peace and order in the region was a “top priority” for the provincial government and that all necessary measures were being taken to fulfill the needs of the affected people.
held in the military courts. At which Justice Rizvi enquired whether an army officer was tried for their involvement in the events on May 9. “How did the people reach the corps commander’s house without any weapons,” he asked, describing the intrusion a “security failure”. In his response, the lawyer said that the charge on the people was for damaging property, adding that no military personnel was tried in the events unfolded on May 9, 2023. However, Justice Mandokhail said that the court wanted to see the circumstances under which a civilian was tried in the Army Act, questioning its jurisdiction. “The extent to which you are expanding the scope of the Army Act, [means] anyone can be tried under it,” he said.
Cabinet approves revised agreements with 14 IPPs to slash electricity prices by Rs11 ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The federal cabinet on Tuesday approved revised agreements with 14 Independent Power Producers (IPPs), which could lead to a reduction in electricity prices by up to Rs11. The cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, approved the proposal to review the contracts with the 14 IPPs based on the recommendation of the Power Division. As a result of these revised agreements, a reduction of Rs802 billion in profits and costs for these IPPs was agreed upon, said a statement issued by PMO. According to the statement, an additional Rs35 billion will be deducted from the extra profits of these IPPs accrued over the past years. Ten of these IPPs are operating under the 2002 power policy, while four are part of the 1994 power policy. Furthermore, one of the IPPs under the 1994 policy had its contract cancelled. The revised agreements with these IPPs are expected to result in total savings of Rs1.4 trillion over the applicable term of the contracts, with an annual saving of Rs137 billion, benefiting consumers. PM Shehbaz hailed the revised agreements as a significant success, stating that they would not only save the national treasury but also help eliminate circular debt and reduce electricity prices. The cabinet also approved the merger of the Ministry of Narcotics Control with the Ministry of Interior, as part of the government’s right-sizing initiative. The Anti-Narcotics Division will now operate as a wing within the Ministry of Interior, while the AntiNarcotics Force (ANF) will be an attached department of the Ministry. This merger is expected to save the national exchequer Rs183.25 million annually in administrative matters, salaries, office maintenance, and other operational costs. Additionally, the cabinet approved the merger of the Aviation Division with the Defense Division. This decision follows the principle of fiscal austerity, as Civil Aviation Affairs were previously managed under the Ministry of Defense until 2013. The merger aims to improve airspace management and is projected to save Rs145 million annually in similar operational expenses. Other Agenda Point Approved Public Procurement Rules: The cabinet, based on a recommendation from the Cabinet Division, approved the addition of Section 45-A to the Public Procurement Rules, 2004. This section allows a procuring agency to delegate all or part of its procurement process to another agency. National Commission for Minorities: The cabinet also approved the National Commission for Minorities Act 2024, to be sent to Parliament for consideration, as per the recommendation of the Ministry of Human Rights. Extension of Service: The cabinet granted an extension of two years to Dr Muhammad Bashir’s contract as Member of the Technical Environment Tribunal, Islamabad, on the recommendation of the Ministry of Law and Justice.
WB pledges $40b to Pakistan under 10-Year Partnership Framework ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The World Bank (WB) has pledged to provide $40 billion to Pakistan under the 10-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF), according to sources in Ministry of Economic Affairs. The sources termed the commitment as a testament to the successful efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in securing international support for Pakistan’s economic growth, adding the joint efforts by PM and Army Chief,
General Asim Munir have started producing results. Out of the total $40 billion, $20 billion would be provided through International Development Association (IDA) and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). The CPF will focus on six key development areas, including reducing child stunting, mitigating climate change, improving learning outcomes, providing clean water, and promoting public resources and private investment for comprehensive development.