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Tag: army

  • Suggestions are being made to govt to let COAS Bajwa continue

    Suggestions are being made to govt to let COAS Bajwa continue

    Suggestions are being made to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the leadership of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) by “certain elements” to convince Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa to continue as the head of the armed forces, reports The News.

    According to the newspaper’s sources, a suggestion was given to the government to give an extension to the incumbent army chief, and dissolve the government so that an interim government could form which would then continue for six to seven months.

    However, it has been reported that the party has said “no” to these options. PM Shehbaz and his senior party leadership insist on completing the term of the present assemblies and holding the next elections in October-November 2023. According to the party, the appointment of the COAS is at the discretion of the Premier and key military appointments would be made as per the law and Constitution.

    It is pertinent to mention that COAS Bajwa is set to retire by the end of November, a time frame that he has reportedly verbally confirmed multiple times.

    It was also reported a few weeks ago that Imran Khan, former Prime Minister and Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has been seeking the continuation of the incumbent army chief until the new elections are called.

    In an interview with Kamran Khan on Dunya News, Khan suggested that COAS Bajwa, be given an extension in his tenure of service.

    Talking about the possibility of appointing a new Army Chief, Khan said, “There can be a provision in relevance to the selection of the new COAS. When the next government comes, they can appoint a new COAS.”

  • ‘No one will be allowed to defame us’: Army lashes out at Imran Khan

    ‘No one will be allowed to defame us’: Army lashes out at Imran Khan

    Former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has named PM Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and an army officer, Major General Faisal Naseer, as the conspirators behind the assassination attempt on him in Wazirabad.


    The Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has also demanded resignations from all three.

    Following the accusations, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) condemned the allegations and said: “The baseless and irresponsible allegations by chairman PTI against the institution and particularly a senior army officer are absolutely unacceptable and uncalled for.”

    Calling PTI chief Imran Khan’s allegations regrettable, the ISPR said honour and safety of its rank and file were being “tarnished by vested interests”. The institution will safeguard its officers and soldiers no matter what, the statement read.

    “No one will be allowed to defame the institution or its soldiers with impunity. Keeping this in view, the government of Pakistan has been requested to investigate the matter and initiate legal action against those responsible for defamation and false accusations against the institution and its officials without any evidence whatsoever,” added the army’s military wing in the statement.

    From the government’s side, federal ministers also called out Khan for accusing institutions without any evidence.

    Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said, “Not only was Imran Khan making false accusations without any evidence, but the fact is that the attacker was in Punjab police’s custody and investigation was the responsibility of the Punjab government, not the federal government.”

    “For Almighty’s sake, I plead not to play the religion card. This is a dangerous path and could lead to serious consequences,” she stressed.

    Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that Khan is a compulsive liar and said his whole media talk on Friday was nothing more than “baseless allegations”.

    In a press conference, the minister also said it is “very saddening” that Khan has named people for his attempted assassination without any investigation or proof.

    The minister added that the attack on the PTI march is an incident of religious extremism. However, he was of the view that, “PTI’s attitude towards the incident is also regrettable and condemnable.”

  • Social media hater? You could go to prison for seven years

    Social media hater? You could go to prison for seven years

    The federal cabinet has approved an amendment seeking seven-year imprisonment for those who spread hateful content on social media.

    Under the amendment, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been authorised to take action against such people. The final approval of the amendment will be taken by Parliament.

    However, Federal Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah decided to consult journalists and other stakeholders on the amendment. The minister said that if the amendment leads to restrictions on people’s freedom of expression, then the government will withdraw the bill

    The interior minister also stressed that if the bill is against the freedom of expression then “we won’t pass it”.

    Sanaullah said people’s private lives are being affected due to social media which is a “serious matter”.

    He further added that the issue is an important one, therefore, the government is hoping that the amendments will not create hurdles in the way of people’s right to freedom of expression.

    Earlier this year, during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) tenure, President Arif Alvi approved an ordinance of a similar nature proposing amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, (PECA) 2016. It proposed a five-year sentence for criticising state institutions, including the Pakistan Army and judiciary on electronic media

    At the time, Islamabad High Court (IHC) declared the ordinance “unconstitutional” and directed the federal government to probe abuse of the law and submit a report. The law also faced backlash from the media fraternity.

  • DG ISPR and 11 others promoted to lieutenant general

    DG ISPR and 11 others promoted to lieutenant general

    Director General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Babar Iftikhar, has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant general, the ISPR announced on Tuesday (today).

    Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar is presently serving as the ISPR Director General, a post he has held since January 2020.

    Major General Inam Haider Malik, Major General Fayyaz Hussain Shah, Major General Nauman Zakria, Major General Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, Major General Ayman Bilal Safdar, Major General Ahsan Gulrez, Major General Syed Aamer Raza, Major General Shahid Imtiaz, Major General Muhammad Munir Afsar, Major General Yousaf Jamal, and Major General Kashif Nazir have also been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General.

    In August, Lt Gen Faiz Hameed was appointed the Corps Commander, Bahawalpur. Lt Gen Sardar Hassan Azhar Hayat replaced him as the new Corps Commander, Peshawar.

    The same month, Lt Gen Asif Ghafoor was appointed as the Commander XII Corps (Quetta), replacing Lt Gen Sarfraz Ali, who was martyred in a helicopter crash during flood relief operations in Balochistan.

  • Process for appointment of next COAS will start from Oct-end or November: Khawaja Asif

    Process for appointment of next COAS will start from Oct-end or November: Khawaja Asif

    Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, has revealed that the process for the appointment of a new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) will either start by the end of this month or the beginning of the next and that it will be done in line with the law and constitution.

    In a press conference on Wednesday (today), the minister stressed that it is the discretion of the sitting prime minister to pick any name which has been recommended by GHQ (General Headquarters).

    He stated that anyone from among the five nominated names could be appointed as the next chief of army staff. However, he pointed out that in the past, names other than the five suggested have also been chosen for the military chief’s position.

    Speaking about the appointment of the army chief on the basis of seniority, the defence minister said: “All three-star generals are eligible for this post”.

    During the conference, the minister said that the army is currently fighting against terrorism and the nation should support it.

    Taking a jibe at PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s apprehension over the appointment of COAS, Asif said that he is anxious as November is approaching.

    The present COAS, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, will be completing his extended term in November this year. He was appointed to this position in 2016.

    Recently, COAS Bajwa — who is currently in the US— reiterated his promise to leave office after completing his second three-year term in November.

  • ‘Jhoot mein bolna nahi chahta, sach mein bol nahi sakta’: Imran Khan avoids confirming his meeting with COAS Bajwa

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan responded to speculation about his meeting with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, as was reported by some journalists recently.

    On ARY News’ programme “Sawal Yeh Hai” with Maria Memon, when asked about the meeting, he said, “Jhoot mein bolna nahi chahta, sach mei bol nahi sakta”, (I don’t want to lie and I can’t tell the truth). However, he was of the view that negotiations should be held.

    Earlier, there was speculation that Khan had a meeting with COAS last month. The meeting was arranged by President Arif Alvi and was held at the President’s House in Islamabad. Reportedly, Khan and the COAS could not reach an agreement, but Khan toned down his rhetoric pertaining to the establishment after the meeting.

    About his recent audio leaks, Khan revealed that the first audio leak between him and his then-principle secretary Azam Khan was a telephonic conversation. According to him, he hasn’t listened to the second audio leak. “I can’t comment on it”, he responded.

    However, when asked that in this second audio leak he [Khan] insisted his party members use the word “letter” instead of “cipher”, the PTI Chairman said that there is nothing wrong with it as the general public wouldn’t have been able to understand the word cipher.

    About the controversial cipher, Khan said he had not made the cipher public at once because at the time, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting was in progress in the capital and it would have been inappropriate to share the cipher then.

    He said that these leaks are a security breach as the secure line Prime Minister’s (PM) Office got leaked.

    During the interview, Khan said that he is always ready to be arrested. “These people don’t have democracy and morality in them”, he added.

    According to the former PM, when he gets disqualified, the government will hold elections.

    He termed his Toshkhana case as “open and shut”. He said he did nothing wrong in the case which is pending against him in the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP.)

    It is pertinent to mention here that Khan is accused of selling state gifts and failing to disclose their value in his annual tax returns.

    Speaking about the upcoming long march, Khan said the date would be announced within a week. He said Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Pervaiz Elahi is an ally of the PTI and he would support the party in its march.

    About the departure of for­­mer premier Nawaz Sha­rif to London during the PTI government on medical grounds, Imran Khan commented that when Nawaz Sharif went out of the country, he came to realise that “Everything is possible” in Pakistan.

    “Unfortu­na­tely our justice system is weak due to which these people are benefitting,” he said in a comment on the cases agai­nst his political opponents.

  • ‘Don’t bypass me’: IK warns party members against meeting the establishment without his knowledge

    ‘Don’t bypass me’: IK warns party members against meeting the establishment without his knowledge

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has warned his party members to not “bypass” him to meet the establishment.

    His remarks came during the PTI core committee meeting, in which he said that he is aware that some PTI members are in contact with the establishment and issued the warning that no one should bypass him.

    It has been reported that Imran Khan was visibly angry at the meeting, lashing out at the unnamed party members.

    He instructed his party members to clearly inform and get approval from him before establishing any contact.

    The PTI chairman directed core committee members to tweet according to PTI policy. He gave charge of implementing party policy to senior leader and former minister Shireen Mazari.

    “People are more active in the campaign against the government than party’s bodies,” Imran Khan said adding that there is a possibility that people may outpace the efforts of PTI bodies.

    He instructed core committee members to play an effective role in the upcoming long march in Islamabad.

  • ‘Tomorrow jalsa will be last of our present phase of Haqiqi Azadi Movement’: Imran Khan

    ‘Tomorrow jalsa will be last of our present phase of Haqiqi Azadi Movement’: Imran Khan

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan announced on Friday that he will share the “next critical phase” of his party’s “haqiqi azadi movement” (movement for real freedom) during his Gujranwala rally tomorrow.

    “Tomorrow our Gujranwala jalsa will be last of our present phase of Haqiqi Azadi Movement. I will announce the next critical phase at the jalsa,” tweeted Khan.

    Khan claimed that the incumbent government and “its handlers” are “petrified that nation is standing firmly behind PTI” which is why they are moving on a “minus 1 formula”.

    Prior to Khan’s tweet, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry in a press conference said, “There are attempts being made to knock out Imran Khan politically. FIRs are being registered against him at a time when there are floods in the country,” said Fawad, claiming that the incumbent government does not have a “public mandate”.

    Chaudhry said that the government wants to push Imran Khan out of the “political arena”.

    “This government is a dummy and real decisions are being made somewhere else. There is only one political party that is in the opposition,” said Fawad, adding that the ECP delayed the elections when there were no floods.

  • ‘Mainay dekha, suna nahi’: Shah Mahmood Qureshi denies having heard Khan on army

    ‘Mainay dekha, suna nahi’: Shah Mahmood Qureshi denies having heard Khan on army

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi, distancing from party Chairman Imran Khan’s anti-establishment remarks has said that he hasn’t seen or heard Khan’s controversial remarks.

    “Mainay bayaan ko suna nahi hai, mainay dekha nahi hai. Main apsay sun raha hon. [I have not heard or seen his comments. I am listening to them from you]. Once I know the background of the story I will be able to comment on this,” he said on a news show. The remark earned him a few smiles from the program host.

    “However, I know he [Imran Khan] knows the importance of this institution. He has always protected this institution as well,” he added.

    Khan on September 4, alleged that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and Zardari wanted to appoint their favourite as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) because if a “strong and patriotic army chief” was appointed, they would be questioned about their corruption.

    Earlier today, Khan has said that he has had enough of the Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) “cabal of crooks” who are trying to launch propaganda against him.

    In a tweet, the PTI chairman said, “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,” said Khan.

    President of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi has also said that the chairman of his party, Khan “apne bayaan ki khud wazahat karey ke in ka kya maqsad tha”. (Imran Khan should himself clarify what he meant.)

  • Who are all the Nishan-e-Haider recipients?

    Who are all the Nishan-e-Haider recipients?

    Pakistan is observing Defence Day today to pay tribute to the martyrs of the country and to their sacrifices in defending its borders.

    Nishan-e-Haider is the highest military gallantry award in Pakistan. It is conferred upon soldiers who perform acts of great heroism in circumstances of extreme danger and to those who demonstrate the bravery of the highest order.

    Here is the list of eleven recipients of Nishan-e-Haider.

    Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed

    Captain Sarwar was the first person to receive Nishan-e-Haider in the history of Pakistan. He served as a Company Commander in the Uri Sector in Kashmir. He was awarded Nishan-e-Haider for laying down his life during the first Pakistan-India war in 1948.

    Naik Saif Ali Janjua Shaheed

    Born in 1922 in Khandbaz Tehsil Nakial (Azad Jammu & Kashmir), Naik embraced martyrdom during a battle on 26 October 1948 for which the Defence Council of Azad Jammu & Kashmir adorned him with Hilal-e-Kashmir (posthumous) the next year. In1995, the government of Pakistan declared his Hilal-e-Kashmir equivalent to Nishan-e Haider.

    Major Tufail Muhammad Shaheed

    In 1958, the Indian Army troops occupied the Lakshmipur area in East Pakistan. Major Tufail was tasked with recapturing the occupied area. In the line of his duty, the Major launched an attack on Indian infiltrated troops and set an example of bravery and leadership. During the operation, he embraced martyrdom.

    Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed

    Born in 1928 in Hong Kong, Major Raja embraced martyrdom while defending the country during the 1965 war with India.

    Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed

    He was commissioned as a pilot in Pakistan Air Force in 1971. The same year Pilot Officer Minhas stopped his plane from entering Indian territory. He tried to regain control of the plane but was unable to do so. Knowing that it meant certain death, he damaged the controls and forced the aircraft to crash thirty-two miles short of the border for which he was awarded Nishan-e-Haider.

    Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed

    Major Shabbir Sharif embraced martyrdom fifty years ago on December 6 at Sulemanki Sector during the 1971 war.

    Sowar Muhammad Hussain Shaheed

    During the 1971 war, Sowar took an active part in every battle with the unit. During the battle, he was hit in the chest with machinegun fire and embraced martyrdom on 10 December 1971.

    Major Muhammad Akram Shaheed

    Major Akram was leading an anti-tank party in front of the forward defended locations and destroyed three tanks of the enemy. During the battle, he was hit in the chest and embraced martyrdom on 5 December 1971.

    Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfuz Shaheed

    During the 1971 war, Naik participated in the famous Pul Kunjry operation and captured the area. He was stabbed with bayonets and embraced martyrdom on the night of 17 December 1971. The next morning ceasefire was ordered and the enemy commander himself praised the Lance Naik while handing over his dead body wrapped in the Pakistani flag.

    Captain Karnal Sher Shaheed

    During Kargil War, the Captain set up personal examples of bravery and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy. He also chased the enemy and conducted many raids in the enemy area. During one of those raids, he went inside the enemy camp where he inflicted heavy losses. During the battle, he was hit in the chest and embraced shahadat (martyrdom) on 5 July 1999.

    Havaldar Lalak Jan Shaheed

    Like Captain Karnal Shaheed, the Havaldar embraced martyrdom during Kargil War. On 7 July 1999, he sustained serious injuries as enemies pounded the area with heavy mortar shells. But despite being injured, he retained his position and frustrated the Indian assault.