Pakistan PM says army chief’s collaboration with government ‘role model’ for the future

Short Url
Updated 08 August 2024
Follow

Pakistan PM says army chief’s collaboration with government ‘role model’ for the future

Pakistan PM says army chief’s collaboration with government ‘role model’ for the future
  • Army has historically wielded extraordinary influence in politics, economy and national security even during civilian rule
  • Military says no longer interferes in politics but has come under criticism for its treatment of Imran Khan and his party

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday publicly praised Army Chief General Asim Munir, saying his collaboration with the government “in the best interests of Pakistan” should serve as a “role model” for future administrations. 

Pakistan has a history of coups and extended periods of direct military rule, with the army wielding extraordinary influence in the domains of politics, economy and national security even with civilian governments in office. However, in recent years, the army’s role has come under unprecedented criticism, especially as it has been seen as working to vanquish the popular former prime minister Imran Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party. The military says it no longer interferes in political affairs. 

During this year’s February 8 general election, independent analysts and critics of the military said it backed the election commission in denying a level-playing field to the PTI, whose candidates still ended up winning the most number of seats but did not have the numbers to form government, which was made by a fragile coalition of parties led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. 

The Sharif administration is widely seen as lacking mass public support and considered close to the currently military set-up.

“There may be examples in the past but what I have seen is that the army chief’s collaboration with the government, in the best interests of Pakistan, is worth watching,” Sharif said as he addressed a ceremony in Islamabad on Thursday. 

“I have not witnessed such strong cooperation between the government and constitutional institutions during my entire 40-year political career. The existing relationship between General Munir and the political government should serve as a role model for the future.”

Sharif’s closeness to the military is not new in Pakistani politics. Khan too was also widely believed to have been brought to power in 2018 with the backing of the army, but fell out with top generals and by April 2022 was ousted from the PM’s office in a parliamentary vote of no-confidence. He has since led a defiant campaign against the army, which he accuses of working with his political rivals to unseat him. Both deny the charge. 

Tensions between Khan and the army reached a crescendo on May 9 last year when alleged supporters of the PTI attacked and damaged government and military installations. Hundreds of PTI supporters and leaders were arrested following the riots and some continue to remain behind bars as they await trial. The army has also initiated military court trials of at least 103 people accused of involvement in the violence. Many close Khan aides have since deserted him, due to what is widely believed to be pressure from the army, which denies the charge.

Khan has been in jail since last August, though all four convictions handed down to him ahead of a parliamentary election in February have either been suspended or overturned. Khan says all legal cases against him are politically motivated. 

Last week, Khan offered to hold “conditional negotiations” with the South Asian nation’s military — if “clean and transparent” elections were held and “bogus” cases against his supporters were dropped. 

“We prefer negotiations with the real decision-makers, the military leadership, instead of this puppet government,” Khan said in a statement from prison shared with the media by the PTI.


Pakistan reaffirms support for Beijing after reports of interior minister attending anti-China event

Pakistan reaffirms support for Beijing after reports of interior minister attending anti-China event
Updated 9 sec ago
Follow

Pakistan reaffirms support for Beijing after reports of interior minister attending anti-China event

Pakistan reaffirms support for Beijing after reports of interior minister attending anti-China event
  • News outlets reported last week Mohsin Naqvi met members of political group opposed to Chinese state 
  • Pakistan’s FO says One-China position “consistent cornerstone” of its foreign policy that remains unchanged

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson reiterated support for the One-China Policy on Monday, days after news reports claimed Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi attended a meeting by a group in Washington opposed to the Chinese state. 

Local and international news outlets reported last week that Naqvi had attended an event in Washington by the New Federal State of China (NFSC), a political movement opposed to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The Pakistani interior minister is in the United States to engage American lawmakers on issues of mutual concern, including militancy. 

Naqvi denied the allegations while speaking to reporters on Sunday, describing them as “propaganda.” The minister said he had attended an event by US-based public relations firm Gunster Strategies in Washington, categorically stating that it was not opposed to the Chinese state. 

Pakistan has always backed the One-China Policy, which is the diplomatic acknowledgment of Beijing’s stance that there is only one Chinese government. China uses this policy to form the basis of its ties with other countries regarding the status of Taiwan. 

“Responding to media speculations, the spokesperson categorically rejected baseless and unfounded allegations to target Pakistan-China friendship,” the foreign office spokesperson said. “He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the foundational principle of the One-China Policy which is a consistent cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and remains unchanged.”

The spokesperson described China as Pakistan’s “all-weather strategic partner,” saying their bilateral relations are based on mutual trust, shared values, support on issues of core concern and a commitment to regional and global stability.

China, a major ally and investor in Pakistan, has pledged over $65 billion in investment in road, infrastructure and development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. CPEC is a part of the Belt and Road Initiative, a massive China-led infrastructure project that aims to connect various countries around the globe through trade.
 


Pakistan court sentences four men to death for ‘online blasphemy’

Pakistan court sentences four men to death for ‘online blasphemy’
Updated 5 min 15 sec ago
Follow

Pakistan court sentences four men to death for ‘online blasphemy’

Pakistan court sentences four men to death for ‘online blasphemy’
  • Many of the online blasphemy cases are being brought to trial by private “vigilante groups” led by lawyers
  • National Commission for Human Rights says 767 people jailed, awaiting trial for blasphemy allegations 

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistan court has sentenced four men to death for posting blasphemous content online, a member of a group of “vigilante” private lawyers that brought the prosecution said on Monday.
The four men were sentenced in Rawalpindi, the garrison city that neighbors the capital Islamabad, Rao Abdur Raheem, a lawyer from the Legal Commission on Blasphemy Pakistan (LCBP), told AFP.
Blasphemy is an incendiary charge in Muslim-majority Pakistan, where even unsubstantiated accusations can incite public outrage and lead to lynchings.
Pakistan has witnessed a sharp increase in the prosecution of “online blasphemy” cases, with private groups bringing charges against hundreds of young individuals for allegedly committing blasphemy.
“They were sentenced to death... on Friday for spreading blasphemous content online against the Prophet Muhammad and the Qur’an,” Raheem told AFP on Monday.
“Our case was supported by forensic evidence from the devices used in this heinous act,” he said of one of the LCBP’s latest prosecutions.
Despite the conviction, Pakistan has never executed anyone for blasphemy.
A member of a support group formed by the families confirmed the sentence to AFP and said the group would challenge the conviction.
“The pattern of arrests and prosecutions in this case is consistent with previous ones,” said the support group member, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns.
“We urge the government to establish a commission to investigate the rise in these cases before these young individuals spend the best years of their lives behind bars.”
Many of the online blasphemy cases are being brought to trial by private “vigilante groups” led by lawyers and supported by volunteers who scour the Internet for offenders, rights groups and police say.
The LCBP is the most active of those groups in Pakistan.
Sheraz Ahmad Farooqi, one of the group’s leaders, told AFP in October that “God has chosen them for this noble cause.”
A report published by the government-run National Commission for Human Rights in October last year said there were 767 people, mostly young men, in jail awaiting trial over blasphemy allegations.
“In these cases, due process was notably disregarded, with significant procedural violations observed at multiple stages,” the report said.
“Arrests were often carried out by private individuals rather than law enforcement.”
Cases can drag through the courts for years, although death penalties are often commuted to life in prison on appeal at the Supreme Court.
A special court was formed in September to expedite the dozens of pending cases.


Pakistan’s Shahzeb Rind successfully defends lightweight title at Karate event in Florida 

Pakistan’s Shahzeb Rind successfully defends lightweight title at Karate event in Florida 
Updated 44 min 21 sec ago
Follow

Pakistan’s Shahzeb Rind successfully defends lightweight title at Karate event in Florida 

Pakistan’s Shahzeb Rind successfully defends lightweight title at Karate event in Florida 
  • Rind, 26, defeats three-time world champion Edgars Skivers 7-0 
  • Rind boasts a combined Wushu and Kickboxing record of 75-4

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Karate fighter Shahzeb Rind successfully defended his lightweight title against former three-time world champion Edgars Skrivers, defeating him 7-0 at the Karate Combat (KC) 52 event in Miami, the Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation (PMMAF) announced on Sunday.

The KC52, a professional full-contact karate league, is part of a global karate MMA series featuring skilled fighters in action-packed competitions. 

Rind, who hails from the impoverished southwestern Balochistan province, won his first martial arts title in 2011 after claiming victory in a provincial-level competition. His first national title came in 2019 when he triumphed at the National Games in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

During the two and half years of an undefeated Karate Combat career, Rind has fought fighters from North America, Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, France and India.

“In a stunning display of skill and determination, Rind has claimed his second championship title after a hard-fought victory against Edgars Skrivers,” the PMMAF said. 

“The intense showdown unfolded on Friday in Miami, captivating audiences with its electrifying energy and showcasing the best of competitive spirit.”

The statement said Rind delivered an “extraordinary” performance that kept his fans excited throughout the match, adding that his “dedication, relentless training, and remarkable skill” had solidified his position as one of the top contenders.

“Rind’s triumph is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work,” the sports body said. “As fans celebrate this incredible achievement, they eagerly await what the future holds for this rising star.”

The Pakistan Embassy in New York congratulated Rind on defending his title.

“Heartfelt congratulations to MMA fighter Shahzaib Rind, the brave son of Pakistan who hails from Balochistan, on defending his lightweight title in Miami, Florida, USA and becoming the world champion for the second time,” the embassy said on X. “Shahzaib Rind dedicated his victory to the people of Pakistan.”

Rind boasts a combined Wushu and Kickboxing record of 75-4, the majority of which was attained while training himself by watching YouTube videos. He is currently training under Asim Zaidi at the renowned Goat Shed gym in Miami.

Zaidi is the president of Karate Combat, a brand that promotes the first professional full-contact karate league, hosting worldwide events since April 2018.


Pakistan sacks 18% railways employees in bid to implement IMF reforms in state entities

Pakistan sacks 18% railways employees in bid to implement IMF reforms in state entities
Updated 27 January 2025
Follow

Pakistan sacks 18% railways employees in bid to implement IMF reforms in state entities

Pakistan sacks 18% railways employees in bid to implement IMF reforms in state entities
  • Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chairs review meeting on Pakistan Railways performance
  • IMF has pressed Pakistan to improve governance in state-owned assets for financial bailouts

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways has sacked 18% of its “unnecessary staff” in a bid to improve the state-owned asset’s performance, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was briefed on Monday according to a statement from his office, as Islamabad moves to implement ambitious reforms mandated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in exchange for a financial bailout. 

Improving governance in loss-making state-owned enterprises (SOEs) has long been on the IMF’s list of recommendations for Pakistan, which has turned to the international lender for frequent financial bailouts, the latest of which was a $7 billion loan last year. Pakistan’s prolonged economic crisis has forced the country to implement an ambitious reforms program designed by the IMF, which includes privatizing public sector organizations and laying off unnecessary staff to enhance their revenue.

Pakistan’s SOEs have accumulated losses in the billions over the years due to mismanagement, operational challenges, high debt loads, inefficiencies and alleged corruption. Pakistan’s railways sector has also been poorly managed over the years, with the country witnessing several train accidents over the past few years due to decades-old signal systems and tracks.

Sharif chaired a meeting to review the railway sector’s performance on Monday which was attended by senior cabinet ministers and officials, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement. 

“As part of the Pakistan Railways rightsizing process, 18% of unnecessary staff has been laid off,” Sharif was briefed during the meeting, according to the PMO. 

Sharif issued instructions to Pakistan Railways to attract passengers in a competitive manner, calling on the organization to provide better travel services to passengers through public-private partnerships. 

He also instructed railways to hire professional and capable manpower, and replace its old system with modern technology that is more in line with today’s age, the PMO said. 

Sharif was briefed that the railways suffered losses of Rs10 billion during the devastating floods of 2022, during which most of its tracks remained underwater for 35 days. 

“Pakistan Railways improved its performance through various measures after the 2022 floods and has so far earned a profit equal to the initial cost of its freight operations,” the PM was told. 

The Pakistani premier urged railways to use its land for business activities in collaboration with the private sector, directing it to formulate a strategy to increase trade in the region, especially with Central Asian countries. 


‘Completely untrue,’ Beijing says on media report quoting Chinese official critical of Pakistan security challenges 

‘Completely untrue,’ Beijing says on media report quoting Chinese official critical of Pakistan security challenges 
Updated 16 min 38 sec ago
Follow

‘Completely untrue,’ Beijing says on media report quoting Chinese official critical of Pakistan security challenges 

‘Completely untrue,’ Beijing says on media report quoting Chinese official critical of Pakistan security challenges 
  • Guardian quoted China’s political secretary to Islamabad, Wang Shengjie, expressing “serious concerns” over CPEC’s future due to security 
  • Chinese spokesperson says rhetoric and wording used in Guardian story “not credible, lacking the basic understanding of China’s position”

ISLAMABAD: Beijing’s embassy in Islamabad on Monday refuted a story in the Guardian newspaper quoting a top Chinese official criticizing Pakistan’s “false rhetoric” around projects that are part of a joint multi-billion-dollar economic corridor and expressing “serious concerns” over the scheme’s future due to security challenges.

Beijing has pledged to build energy, infrastructure and other projects as part of the over $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) scheme launched in 2015 as a flagship of President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative to grant China access to trade routes in Asia and Africa. 

Recent attacks, including one in October 2024 in which two Chinese workers were killed in a suicide bombing in the Pakistani port city of Karachi, have forced Beijing to publicly criticize Pakistan over security lapses and media has widely reported in recent months that China wants its own security forces on the ground to protect its nationals and projects, a demand Islamabad has long resisted.

Progress on the economic corridor has been slow, particularly in the restive southwestern Balochistan province where China is building a deep-sea port and last week opened Pakistan’s largest airport in the coastal town of Gwadar, among other mega projects. Ethnic separatist groups target Chinese interests in the area, blaming both the governments in Pakistan and China of exploiting the province’s natural resources and neglecting the local population, allegations both Beijing and Islamabad deny. Gwadar residents have held intermittent protests for months, saying Chinese projects in the area have not improved the lives of the local population. 

In a report published on Sunday, the Guardian quoted China’s political secretary to Islamabad, Wang Shengjie, speaking about enduring security challenges in Pakistan. 

“We have noted that the recent article in The Guardian, allegedly quoted the remarks of a Chinese diplomat, which is completely untrue. The rhetoric and wording imposed is obviously not credible, lacking the basic understanding of China’s position,” the Chinese embassy said in a statement, adding that the report violated “professional ethics and breaches basic respect for the common understanding.”

The Guardian article had reported Shengjie as accusing the Pakistani government of using “false rhetoric” around CPEC projects, which had given unrealistic expectations to locals.

 “We don’t work in rhetoric like Pakistan – we just focus on development,” he was quoted as saying. “If this kind of security situation persists, it will hamper development.”

The report said the Chinese official expressed “serious concerns” over the future of CPEC due to security challenges. 

“If the security is not improved, who would come and work in this environment? There is hatred against the Chinese in Gwadar and Balochistan,” Shengjie was quoted as saying. “Some evil forces are against the CPEC, and they want to sabotage it.”

Pakistan has repeatedly assured China it would protect its nationals in the country from militant outfits and has tightened security protocols for Chinese investors and nationals. Islamabad says attacks on Chinese nationals are an “international conspiracy” to sour ties between the two longtime allies.

“China has always supported the construction of Gwadar Port and the development of Balochistan,” the Chinese embassy statement said, refuting the Guardian report and listing development efforts in Balochistan in recent months.

“In March last year, we provided $100,000 in emergency cash assistance for disaster relief work in Balochistan,” the statement said. 

“In May, China transported 10,000 sets of solar lighting equipment to be distributed in Balochistan. In June, we handed over the Gwadar China-Pakistan Friendship Hospital and Gwadar desalination plant.”

In July, China organized a media delegation from Balochistan to visit China while in August, 20,000 sets of health kits were distributed to Balochistan. 

“In October, the new Gwadar International Airport was successfully completed. In November, we organized delegations from all walks of life in Gwadar to visit China. In December, outstanding Pakistani staff of the CPEC project, including those in Balochistan were awarded.”

The embassy said it would soon award “Chinese Ambassador Scholarships” to students in Balochistan University, Sardar Bahadur Khan University and Gwadar University. 

“Those tangible achievements represent China’s determination and confidence for the development of Gwadar and Balochistan,” the embassy concluded. “We sincerely hope that China-Pakistan practical cooperation and livelihood projects can better benefit the local people.”