A private bill seeking to punish those who intentionally defame, ridicule or bring disrepute to Pakistan military was introduced in country's parliament on Wednesday. The bill proposes a fine, imprisonment, or both for those found guilty of such acts.

The bill seeks&nbsp;to penalise those defaming military was introduced in the parliament in a hurry and was not even listed initially.

The bill has been moved by the head of the Standing Committee for Defence.&nbsp;

The latest bill comes amid alleged corruption case of&nbsp;Asim Bajwa, former Lieutenant General of Pakistan Army who is in focus for his alleged disproportionate assets. Asim Bajwa is also the chairperson of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) authority.&nbsp;

Asim Bajwa faced corruption allegations after an investigative report by Pakistani journalist Ahmed Noorani said that Bajwa and his family members owned properties and businesses worth crores in Pakistan and other countries.

Earlier this month, Bajwa announced that he will step down as the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Imran Khan on information and broadcasting following corruption allegations against him. 
&nbsp;

A private bill seeking to punish those who intentionally defame, ridicule or bring disrepute to Pakistan military was introduced in country's parliament on Wednesday.

A private bill seeking to punish those who intentionally defame, ridicule or bring disrepute to Pakistan military was introduced in country's parliament on Wednesday. The bill proposes a fine, imprisonment, or both for those found guilty of such acts. The bill seeks to penalise those defaming military was introduced in the parliament in a hurry and was not even listed initially. The bill has been moved by the head of the Standing Committee for Defence. The latest bill comes amid alleged corruption case of Asim Bajwa, former Lieutenant General of Pakistan Army who is in focus for his alleged disproportionate assets. Asim Bajwa is also the chairperson of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) authority. Asim Bajwa faced corruption allegations after an investigative report by Pakistani journalist Ahmed Noorani said that Bajwa and his family members owned properties and businesses worth crores in Pakistan and other countries. Earlier this month, Bajwa announced that he will step down as the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Imran Khan on information and broadcasting following corruption allegations against him.

Pakistan introduces bill on punishment for defaming military

A Pakistani journalist who has been a vocal critic of the military, government, and religious extremist groups, has been arrested on charges of defaming the country`s powerful army and spreading religious hatred, police said on Friday.

"Through his (social media) posts, Bilal Farooqi defamed the Pakistan Army and anti-state elements used these posts for their vested interests," said a police report seen by Reuters, which added that his online activity also spread religious hatred and incited mutiny against the military.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/culture-of-violence-in-pakistan-india-at-un-326744">Also read|&nbsp;‘Culture of violence’ in Pakistan: India at UN</a>

Farooqi's arrest is the latest in a spate of such moves against journalists who have been critical of the government and comes days after Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated that Pakistan has a free media.

Farooqi has now been released by the Pakistani government after huge&nbsp;criticism.

In July, another journalist, Matiullah Jan, also a critic of Pakistan`s military and government, was freed hours after being abducted after his disappearance sparked outcry amongst journalists and rights activists.

No explanation was given for Jan's abduction.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/paks-watershed-moment-two-horrific-rapes-and-social-media-outrage-326949">Also read|&nbsp;Pak's watershed moment: Two horrific rapes and social media outrage</a>

In the case of Farooqi, police cited the country`s cyber crime law, which critics say contains vague language that can be used to criminalise basic online activities with fines and long-term imprisonment.

Online criticism of religion, the country, its courts and armed forces are among subjects attracting prosecution.

Earlier this week, a former journalist returned home days after disappearing from Islamabad. He has given no details about what happened to him.

Farooqi had written a tweet about the man`s "enforced disappearance," saying: "The powerful are above the law in this country."

Last year, journalist Shahzeb Jilani was charged under laws relating to cyber terrorism, hate speech, electronic fraud, incitement, and defamation, but the case was thrown out of court due to lack of evidence.

At least four journalists and bloggers have been killed in connection with their reporting in the last year in Pakistan.

Earlier this week, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed increasing concern at instances of incitement to violence against journalists and human rights defenders.

"We have raised our concerns directly with the government and we have urged immediate, concrete steps to ensure the protection of journalists and human rights defenders who have been subjected to threats," UNHCR said in a statement.

A Pakistani journalist who has been a vocal critic of the military, government, and religious extremist groups, has been arrested on charges of defaming the country`s powerful army and spreading religious hatred, police said on Friday.

A Pakistani journalist who has been a vocal critic of the military, government, and religious extremist groups, has been arrested on charges of defaming the country`s powerful army and spreading religious hatred, police said on Friday. "Through his (social media) posts, Bilal Farooqi defamed the Pakistan Army and anti-state elements used these posts for their vested interests," said a police report seen by Reuters, which added that his online activity also spread religious hatred and incited mutiny against the military. Also read| ‘Culture of violence’ in Pakistan: India at UN Farooqi's arrest is the latest in a spate of such moves against journalists who have been critical of the government and comes days after Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated that Pakistan has a free media. Farooqi has now been released by the Pakistani government after huge criticism. In July, another journalist, Matiullah Jan, also a critic of Pakistan`s military and government, was freed hours after being abducted after his disappearance sparked outcry amongst journalists and rights activists. No explanation was given for Jan's abduction. Also read| Pak's watershed moment: Two horrific rapes and social media outrage In the case of Farooqi, police cited the country`s cyber crime law, which critics say contains vague language that can be used to criminalise basic online activities with fines and long-term imprisonment. Online criticism of religion, the country, its courts and armed forces are among subjects attracting prosecution. Earlier this week, a former journalist returned home days after disappearing from Islamabad. He has given no details about what happened to him. Farooqi had written a tweet about the man`s "enforced disappearance," saying: "The powerful are above the law in this country." Last year, journalist Shahzeb Jilani was charged under laws relating to cyber terrorism, hate speech, electronic fraud, incitement, and defamation, but the case was thrown out of court due to lack of evidence. At least four journalists and bloggers have been killed in connection with their reporting in the last year in Pakistan. Earlier this week, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed increasing concern at instances of incitement to violence against journalists and human rights defenders. "We have raised our concerns directly with the government and we have urged immediate, concrete steps to ensure the protection of journalists and human rights defenders who have been subjected to threats," UNHCR said in a statement.

Pakistani journalist,arrested for defaming military, released

The Pakistani Army is running two indoctrination camps built on the lines of Uyghurs re-education camps of China for Baloch fighters in a bid to control the situation in its restive southwestern province of Balochistan.

Pakistan Army develops Xinjiang style indoctrination camps in Balochistan

Baloch activists protested in New York, Toronto & London to mark the 'International day of victims of forced disappearances', demanding justice for the family of Hayat Baloch, youth killed by Pakistan frontier corps in front of his father.

Baloch activists protest across world to mark the international day of the disappeared

Protests were carried out across occupied Balochistan against the brutal murder of Hayat Baloch. 25 year old Hayat was shot in broad daylight by Pak frontier corps in front of his father. Baloch & Pasthun students demand justice for the 25 year old. Demonstrations call to end the extrajudicial killing.

Baluchistan seethes with anger against brutal murder of Hayat Baloch

In 2016, Pakistan was accused of dumping nearly one thousand dead bodies of activists and other Balochis.

Your Story: Baloch terrorists attack Pak army post

A Taliban terrorist has confessed that the Pak Army offered him to lead a death squad to kill dissidents.

Gravitas: Taliban terrorist exposes Pak Army

Pakistan has often been called as the ''Mecca of terrorism'' as it&nbsp;provides a safe haven and finacial support&nbsp;to terrorists.

With an aim to to calm diplomatic strains over Kashmir issue, Pakistan’s army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa will visit Saudi Arabia this weekend.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-chief-general-qamar-javed-bajwa-to-visit-saudi-arabia-in-quest-to-smooth-ties-320171" hreflang="en">Pakistan Army chief to visit Saudi Arabia in quest to smooth ties</a>

Former Pakistani Taliban spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan has said Pakistani authorities had given him a hit list of people who they would like to be killed in the north-western province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Ehsanullah claims&nbsp;that after some time of his surrender he was given the list of prominent voices in order to facilitate the Pakistani state in eliminating rogue elements.

According to an audio&nbsp;that is in the possession of WION,&nbsp;Eshan said, "I was asked to lead a death squad.. and the list included people from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and they were Pashtuns from all walks of life including journalists".&nbsp;

In the audio, he talked about his conversations with military intelligence and the parleys that took place.&nbsp;

Ehsanullah Ehsan, spokesman Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had escaped Pakistani custody earlier this year. Ehsan as spokesperson claimed the group was responsible for shooting Malala Yousafzai, 2014 Wagah border suicide attack and other terror attacks in the South Asian country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-government-trolls-target-female-journalists-cyber-harassment-allegations-against-imran-khans-party-320069" hreflang="en">Pak govt trolls target female journos; cyber harassment allegation against PTI</a>

The development comes even as more than 30 women journalists in Pakistan have in a joint statement highlighted the "vicious attacks" on them through social media.&nbsp;

Women journalists include Benazir Shah, Amber Shamsi, Munizae Jahangir, Gul Bukhari, Gulalai Ismail.&nbsp;

Last year saw the killing of Arooj Iqbal, a 27-year-old women journalist who was shot dead in Lahore. While the main suspect is her husband, Arooj's family told RSF Reporters Without Borders that, "Arooj was clearly targeted because of her journalism work".

Pakistan is ranked 145th out of 180 countries and territories in RSF's 2020 World Press Freedom Index.

Pakistan has often been called as the ''Mecca of terrorism'' as it provides a safe haven and finacial support to terrorists. With an aim to to calm diplomatic strains over Kashmir issue, Pakistan’s army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa will visit Saudi Arabia this weekend.

Pakistan has often been called as the ''Mecca of terrorism'' as it provides a safe haven and finacial support to terrorists. With an aim to to calm diplomatic strains over Kashmir issue, Pakistan’s army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa will visit Saudi Arabia this weekend. Also read: Pakistan Army chief to visit Saudi Arabia in quest to smooth ties Former Pakistani Taliban spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan has said Pakistani authorities had given him a hit list of people who they would like to be killed in the north-western province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Ehsanullah claims that after some time of his surrender he was given the list of prominent voices in order to facilitate the Pakistani state in eliminating rogue elements. According to an audio that is in the possession of WION, Eshan said, "I was asked to lead a death squad.. and the list included people from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and they were Pashtuns from all walks of life including journalists". In the audio, he talked about his conversations with military intelligence and the parleys that took place. Ehsanullah Ehsan, spokesman Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had escaped Pakistani custody earlier this year. Ehsan as spokesperson claimed the group was responsible for shooting Malala Yousafzai, 2014 Wagah border suicide attack and other terror attacks in the South Asian country. Also read: Pak govt trolls target female journos; cyber harassment allegation against PTI The development comes even as more than 30 women journalists in Pakistan have in a joint statement highlighted the "vicious attacks" on them through social media. Women journalists include Benazir Shah, Amber Shamsi, Munizae Jahangir, Gul Bukhari, Gulalai Ismail. Last year saw the killing of Arooj Iqbal, a 27-year-old women journalist who was shot dead in Lahore. While the main suspect is her husband, Arooj's family told RSF Reporters Without Borders that, "Arooj was clearly targeted because of her journalism work". Pakistan is ranked 145th out of 180 countries and territories in RSF's 2020 World Press Freedom Index.

Taliban terrorist Ehsanullah Ehsan confesses leading death squad on Pak Army's behest

PM Imran Khan had launched an austerity drive to solve Pakistan's financial woes in 2018.

He promised that his austerity measures will make Pakistan a more financially equal society. Its been two years and the common man in Pakistan is still cash-strapped and all promises of equality have been broken with the myth of austerity busted.

Now, Islamabad has decided to act a little transparent by making public the financial details and assets of several special assistants to the Pakistan prime minister.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pakistans-corrupt-coterie-exposed-314763/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The announcement was made by Shibli Faraz, the I&amp;B minister of Pakistan through a tweet.

According to the details, at least six advisors to the Pakistan PM have dual citizenships and most of the others own movable and immovable assets worth millions of dollars abroad starting with Nadeem Babar, minister of state and the special assistant to the Pakistan PM on petroleum.

He owns assets worth 2.1 billion Pakistani rupees. He has stakes in over two dozen companies based out of Pakistan. Babur also happens to be a dual national&nbsp; with an American passport.

Then there is Tania Aidrus, the special assistant to Imran Khan on digital Pakistan. She has four immovable properties outside Pakistan with two in the United States and two each in Britain and Singapore. Aidrus also happens to be a Canadian national and holds permanent residency in Singapore.

Next on the list is Zulfi Bukhari, the special assistant to Imran Khan on overseas Pakistanis. He has properties in the UK worth 5.2 million euros, gold worth 500,000 euros, four luxury vehicles and a British passport.

Shahzad Syed Qasim, the special assistant to Pakistan PM power division happens to hold a US nationality. Shahbaz Gill, the special assistant to Pakistan PM on political communication too holds permanent residency in the United States.

Now, retired Lieutenant General Asim Saleem Bajwa who is the current special assistant to Imran Khan on information &amp; broadcasting&nbsp;has proudly declared himself a billionaire. After all, the Pakistan army is known for its loot and plunder. The billionaire Lt. General is being trolled on social media&nbsp;not for this but for something more bizarre.

Asim Saleem Bajwa forged the price of a Toyota land cruiser in his declaration. The special assistant mentioned that he got a 2016 model of the car for&nbsp;just 3 million Pakistani rupees whereas another special assistant, Sayed Bukhari mentioned that he got a 2012 model of the same car for 200 million Pakistani rupees.

Asim Saleem Bajwa has undervalued the price of his car by 197 million. He was confronted but he gave no answers, so one can only imagine the kind of lies his colleagues are hiding behind.

PM Imran Khan had launched an austerity drive to solve Pakistan's financial woes in 2018. He promised that his austerity measures will make Pakistan a more financially equal society.

PM Imran Khan had launched an austerity drive to solve Pakistan's financial woes in 2018. He promised that his austerity measures will make Pakistan a more financially equal society. Its been two years and the common man in Pakistan is still cash-strapped and all promises of equality have been broken with the myth of austerity busted. Now, Islamabad has decided to act a little transparent by making public the financial details and assets of several special assistants to the Pakistan prime minister. The announcement was made by Shibli Faraz, the I&B minister of Pakistan through a tweet. According to the details, at least six advisors to the Pakistan PM have dual citizenships and most of the others own movable and immovable assets worth millions of dollars abroad starting with Nadeem Babar, minister of state and the special assistant to the Pakistan PM on petroleum. He owns assets worth 2.1 billion Pakistani rupees. He has stakes in over two dozen companies based out of Pakistan. Babur also happens to be a dual national with an American passport. Then there is Tania Aidrus, the special assistant to Imran Khan on digital Pakistan. She has four immovable properties outside Pakistan with two in the United States and two each in Britain and Singapore. Aidrus also happens to be a Canadian national and holds permanent residency in Singapore. Next on the list is Zulfi Bukhari, the special assistant to Imran Khan on overseas Pakistanis. He has properties in the UK worth 5.2 million euros, gold worth 500,000 euros, four luxury vehicles and a British passport. Shahzad Syed Qasim, the special assistant to Pakistan PM power division happens to hold a US nationality. Shahbaz Gill, the special assistant to Pakistan PM on political communication too holds permanent residency in the United States. Now, retired Lieutenant General Asim Saleem Bajwa who is the current special assistant to Imran Khan on information & broadcasting has proudly declared himself a billionaire. After all, the Pakistan army is known for its loot and plunder. The billionaire Lt. General is being trolled on social media not for this but for something more bizarre. Asim Saleem Bajwa forged the price of a Toyota land cruiser in his declaration. The special assistant mentioned that he got a 2016 model of the car for just 3 million Pakistani rupees whereas another special assistant, Sayed Bukhari mentioned that he got a 2012 model of the same car for 200 million Pakistani rupees. Asim Saleem Bajwa has undervalued the price of his car by 197 million. He was confronted but he gave no answers, so one can only imagine the kind of lies his colleagues are hiding behind.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan's team: Advisors with dual citizenship, assets worth millions of dollars

Pakistan police on Saturday arrested six militants of a Balochistan-based separatist group, who were planning a "major attack" in Karachi.

Speaking to the media, SSP Fida Hussain Janori said the terror plot was foiled and, along with the arrests, large amount of ammunition has been recovered.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-summons-senior-indian-diplomat-over-ceasefire-violations-314326">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan summons senior Indian diplomat over 'ceasefire violations'</a>

"These militants were planning a major terror act in Karachi and have confessed to have attacked security forces and police in Balochistan in the past," he said. The accused were not identified.

The police recovered five rocket launchers, Klashnikov rifles, rounds of ammunition, hand grenades and other explosives from the militants. Janori said the network was being operated from Afghanistan.

The arrests come after four armed militants, believed to be from a banned Baloch terror group, attacked the Pakistan Stock Exchange building in Karachi late last month.&nbsp;

Pakistan police on Saturday arrested six militants of a Balochistan-based separatist group, who were planning a "major attack" in Karachi. Speaking to the media, SSP Fida Hussain Janori said the terror plot was foiled and, along with the arrests, large amount of ammunition has been recovered.

Pakistan police on Saturday arrested six militants of a Balochistan-based separatist group, who were planning a "major attack" in Karachi. Speaking to the media, SSP Fida Hussain Janori said the terror plot was foiled and, along with the arrests, large amount of ammunition has been recovered. Also read: Pakistan summons senior Indian diplomat over 'ceasefire violations' "These militants were planning a major terror act in Karachi and have confessed to have attacked security forces and police in Balochistan in the past," he said. The accused were not identified. The police recovered five rocket launchers, Klashnikov rifles, rounds of ammunition, hand grenades and other explosives from the militants. Janori said the network was being operated from Afghanistan. The arrests come after four armed militants, believed to be from a banned Baloch terror group, attacked the Pakistan Stock Exchange building in Karachi late last month.

Six militants arrested in Pakistan

Pakistan Army said that five civilians including two boys and two elderly people were injured after firing along&nbsp;the Line of Control(LoC) in the Nikial sector.

The Pakistan Foreign Office said it has summoned a senior Indian diplomat to register Pakistan's "strong protest" at the "ceasefire violations" along the line of control (LoC).

"The Indian forces along the LoC and the Working Boundary (WB) have continuously been targeting civilian populated areas with artillery fire, heavy-calibre mortars and automatic weapons,"&nbsp;the Pakistan Army alleged.

The Pakistan Army claimed that 14 people have been killed and 121 others injured in 1,595 incidents of ceasefire violations this year.

The Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) said the incident at Nikial occurred due to "unprovoked ceasefire violations by Indian Army troops".

On Sunday, Pakistan had resorted to firing in the &nbsp;Balakote sector of Mendhar. Reports claimed at least two Pakistani soldiers were killed in&nbsp;Nikial sector with one Indian soldier being injured in the firing.

The Indian Army had said that the Pakistan army resorted to unprovoked firing in the Balakote sector and also targeted Indian troops with mortar fire.

Pakistan Army said that five civilians including two boys and two elderly people were injured after firing along the Line of Control(LoC) in the Nikial sector. The Pakistan Foreign Office said it has summoned a senior Indian diplomat to register Pakistan's "strong protest" at the "ceasefire violations" along the line of control (LoC).

Pakistan Army said that five civilians including two boys and two elderly people were injured after firing along the Line of Control(LoC) in the Nikial sector. The Pakistan Foreign Office said it has summoned a senior Indian diplomat to register Pakistan's "strong protest" at the "ceasefire violations" along the line of control (LoC). "The Indian forces along the LoC and the Working Boundary (WB) have continuously been targeting civilian populated areas with artillery fire, heavy-calibre mortars and automatic weapons," the Pakistan Army alleged. The Pakistan Army claimed that 14 people have been killed and 121 others injured in 1,595 incidents of ceasefire violations this year. The Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) said the incident at Nikial occurred due to "unprovoked ceasefire violations by Indian Army troops". On Sunday, Pakistan had resorted to firing in the Balakote sector of Mendhar. Reports claimed at least two Pakistani soldiers were killed in Nikial sector with one Indian soldier being injured in the firing. The Indian Army had said that the Pakistan army resorted to unprovoked firing in the Balakote sector and also targeted Indian troops with mortar fire.

Pakistan summons Indian diplomat over firing along LoC

Pakistan's top generals were briefed on the national and regional security situations on Wednesday, the army said. 
Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa chaired a meeting of the Corps Commanders' in Rawalpindi, wherein the generals were briefed on national and regional security situations, it said.

"Noting the Indian aggression, (the) forum resolved to continue thwarting Indian designs," the army said. 
The commanders also expressed satisfaction on the continued reduction in incidents of violence across the country, gradual positive effects of the ongoing Afghan peace process along the western border and resolved to keep supporting the normalization process through national institutions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-military-top-brass-visit-isi-headquarter-discuss-kashmir-306458">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan military top brass visit ISI headquarter, discuss Kashmir</a>

The forum also discussed the army's ongoing support to the government against COVID-19, the locust threat and polio campaign within the available resources.

Wednesday's meeting came a day after the spy agency - the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) - briefed the top military leadership about the situation on the Line of Control.

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Nadeem Raza, Army chief General Bajwa, Naval Chief Admiral Zafar Mehmood Abbasi and Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan were briefed by ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hamid at the agency's headquarters in Islamabad on Tuesday.

The powerful army, which has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its 70 plus years of existence, has hitherto wielded considerable power in the matters of security and foreign policy.

Pakistan's top generals were briefed on the national and regional security situations on Wednesday, the army said. Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa chaired a meeting of the Corps Commanders' in Rawalpindi, wherein the generals were briefed on national and regional security situations, it said.

Pakistan's top generals were briefed on the national and regional security situations on Wednesday, the army said. Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa chaired a meeting of the Corps Commanders' in Rawalpindi, wherein the generals were briefed on national and regional security situations, it said. "Noting the Indian aggression, (the) forum resolved to continue thwarting Indian designs," the army said. The commanders also expressed satisfaction on the continued reduction in incidents of violence across the country, gradual positive effects of the ongoing Afghan peace process along the western border and resolved to keep supporting the normalization process through national institutions. Also read: Pakistan military top brass visit ISI headquarter, discuss Kashmir The forum also discussed the army's ongoing support to the government against COVID-19, the locust threat and polio campaign within the available resources. Wednesday's meeting came a day after the spy agency - the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) - briefed the top military leadership about the situation on the Line of Control. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Nadeem Raza, Army chief General Bajwa, Naval Chief Admiral Zafar Mehmood Abbasi and Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan were briefed by ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hamid at the agency's headquarters in Islamabad on Tuesday. The powerful army, which has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its 70 plus years of existence, has hitherto wielded considerable power in the matters of security and foreign policy.

Top generals briefed on national and regional security situations: Pak army

Prime Minister Imran Khan's poor handling of the COVID-19 pandemic fallout has placed it in a confrontation path with the Army whose top brass is unhappy at the failure of the Government to deal with the Pandemic.

Wajid Shamsul Hasan, a former Pakistani diplomat, and journalist said that the total failure of Imran Khan government's anti-COVID-19 policies has justified the Generals to be back in the front seat in control in Pakistan -- though there is no official declaration of martial law.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pok-rights-activist-blames-pak-army-for-first-ever-negative-economic-growth-305578">Also read:&nbsp;PoK rights activist blames Pak army for first ever negative economic growth</a>

"Until last induction of officers up to the rank of Lt. Generals in the civilian cadre, there are now more than a dozen former and current military officials in prominent government posts such as running the state-owned PIA, the power regulator and the National Institute of Health, which is leading the country's pandemic response. Three of those appointments happened in the last two months."

Hasan believes that Imran Khan has failed to make up its mind to decide its best options for combating the pandemic COVID-19.

"Having opposed lockdown since the day Sindh government decide to use it to minimise the surge, the latest decision from Khan is so-called 'smart lockdown' in places where the surge is more severe. By the time of writing this piece, the death toll has nearly 3000 and the spread of infection has hit more than 130,000".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-struggles-to-contain-coronavirus-cases-surge-exponentially-since-lockdown-lifted-305704">Also watch:&nbsp;Pakistan struggles to contain Coronavirus, cases surge exponentially since lockdown lifted</a>

Since the situation has become more threatening, the World Health Organization has warned Pakistan of dire consequences.

In its latest directive WHO has asked Pakistan to implement "intermittent" lockdowns to counter the surge in coronavirus infections that has come as the country's Prime Minister opted for loosening restrictions pertaining to lockdown.

Ever since the discovery of COVID-19's presence with a pilgrim from Iran's presence and the start of the outbreak in Pakistan in March, Prime Minister Khan has been emphasising against lockdown measures adopted by Sindh government and other provinces arguing the impoverished country could not afford massive unemployment due to it four provinces ordered a patchwork of closures, and last week Khan said most of these restrictions due to lockdown would be lifted. That decision as such has come as Pakistan found the worsening of the surge across all of South Asia, which until recently had lagged Western nations in virus tolls.

WHO officials said last week they had recorded a total of 108,317 cases and 2,172 deaths - though with testing still limited, real rates are thought to be much higher.

"As of today, Pakistan does not meet any of the pre-requisite conditions for opening the lockdown", the WHO said in a letter to Punjab's provincial health minister Dr Yasmin Rashid recommending an intermittent lockdown cycle of two weeks on, two weeks off.

WHO believes that 25 per cent of tests in Pakistan come back positive for COVID-19, the WHO said, indicating high levels of infection in the general population. Hospitals across the country say they are at or near capacity, and some are turning COVID-19 patients away.In a panic reaction, the Health Authorities in Islamabad have identified and sealed off nearly 1,300 coronavirus hotspots across the country to contain the surging trajectory of new infections.

The sealing of high-risk areas comes as government's COVID-19 portal reported 6,472 new cases in the last 24 hours, the country's highest single-day total.Pakistan has reported 132,405 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, including 2,551 deaths since its first case emerged on Feb 26.

After initially imposing a countrywide lockdown, the government has now eased restrictions, saying it was necessary to save the country's economy, but it has caused a surge in infections.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has resisted demands from medical experts to reinforce the lockdown, citing its economy going bankrupt. Authorities, however, are now using the term coined as "smart lockdown" to close shops and markets and force people to stay home in areas where confirmed cases have increased in recent weeks.

Hasan believes that Imran Khan's influence has undermined due to the collapsing economy, galloping consumer prices, and grave law and order situation.

"He feels that his same page partners are stabbing it in the back on the quiet. Recent findings of anti-corruption investigations exposing mega corruption by his close aides is a clear indication that noose is tightening around his neck with Army's role as same page partners being rendered into a veneer", said Hasan.

The former diplomat believes that the Army's support was considered as the mainstay, critical together for a government that relies on several smaller coalition partners who are believed to be puppet on the Establishment's chain to stay afloat.

He said, "Developments as such are not new. One can find similarities now and the previous governments when powers that be took over gradually with subtle moves. It must be remembered that the military has always been Pakistan's most powerful institution and has directly ruled the country for most of the part of its seventy years independent existence."

Prime Minister Imran Khan's poor handling of the COVID-19 pandemic fallout has placed it in a confrontation path with the Army whose top brass is unhappy at the failure of the Government to deal with the Pandemic.

Prime Minister Imran Khan's poor handling of the COVID-19 pandemic fallout has placed it in a confrontation path with the Army whose top brass is unhappy at the failure of the Government to deal with the Pandemic. Wajid Shamsul Hasan, a former Pakistani diplomat, and journalist said that the total failure of Imran Khan government's anti-COVID-19 policies has justified the Generals to be back in the front seat in control in Pakistan -- though there is no official declaration of martial law. Also read: PoK rights activist blames Pak army for first ever negative economic growth "Until last induction of officers up to the rank of Lt. Generals in the civilian cadre, there are now more than a dozen former and current military officials in prominent government posts such as running the state-owned PIA, the power regulator and the National Institute of Health, which is leading the country's pandemic response. Three of those appointments happened in the last two months." Hasan believes that Imran Khan has failed to make up its mind to decide its best options for combating the pandemic COVID-19. "Having opposed lockdown since the day Sindh government decide to use it to minimise the surge, the latest decision from Khan is so-called 'smart lockdown' in places where the surge is more severe. By the time of writing this piece, the death toll has nearly 3000 and the spread of infection has hit more than 130,000". Also watch: Pakistan struggles to contain Coronavirus, cases surge exponentially since lockdown lifted Since the situation has become more threatening, the World Health Organization has warned Pakistan of dire consequences. In its latest directive WHO has asked Pakistan to implement "intermittent" lockdowns to counter the surge in coronavirus infections that has come as the country's Prime Minister opted for loosening restrictions pertaining to lockdown. Ever since the discovery of COVID-19's presence with a pilgrim from Iran's presence and the start of the outbreak in Pakistan in March, Prime Minister Khan has been emphasising against lockdown measures adopted by Sindh government and other provinces arguing the impoverished country could not afford massive unemployment due to it four provinces ordered a patchwork of closures, and last week Khan said most of these restrictions due to lockdown would be lifted. That decision as such has come as Pakistan found the worsening of the surge across all of South Asia, which until recently had lagged Western nations in virus tolls. WHO officials said last week they had recorded a total of 108,317 cases and 2,172 deaths - though with testing still limited, real rates are thought to be much higher. "As of today, Pakistan does not meet any of the pre-requisite conditions for opening the lockdown", the WHO said in a letter to Punjab's provincial health minister Dr Yasmin Rashid recommending an intermittent lockdown cycle of two weeks on, two weeks off. WHO believes that 25 per cent of tests in Pakistan come back positive for COVID-19, the WHO said, indicating high levels of infection in the general population. Hospitals across the country say they are at or near capacity, and some are turning COVID-19 patients away.In a panic reaction, the Health Authorities in Islamabad have identified and sealed off nearly 1,300 coronavirus hotspots across the country to contain the surging trajectory of new infections. The sealing of high-risk areas comes as government's COVID-19 portal reported 6,472 new cases in the last 24 hours, the country's highest single-day total.Pakistan has reported 132,405 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, including 2,551 deaths since its first case emerged on Feb 26. After initially imposing a countrywide lockdown, the government has now eased restrictions, saying it was necessary to save the country's economy, but it has caused a surge in infections. Prime Minister Imran Khan has resisted demands from medical experts to reinforce the lockdown, citing its economy going bankrupt. Authorities, however, are now using the term coined as "smart lockdown" to close shops and markets and force people to stay home in areas where confirmed cases have increased in recent weeks. Hasan believes that Imran Khan's influence has undermined due to the collapsing economy, galloping consumer prices, and grave law and order situation. "He feels that his same page partners are stabbing it in the back on the quiet. Recent findings of anti-corruption investigations exposing mega corruption by his close aides is a clear indication that noose is tightening around his neck with Army's role as same page partners being rendered into a veneer", said Hasan. The former diplomat believes that the Army's support was considered as the mainstay, critical together for a government that relies on several smaller coalition partners who are believed to be puppet on the Establishment's chain to stay afloat. He said, "Developments as such are not new. One can find similarities now and the previous governments when powers that be took over gradually with subtle moves. It must be remembered that the military has always been Pakistan's most powerful institution and has directly ruled the country for most of the part of its seventy years independent existence."

Imran Khan's relationship with Army on the rocks amid COVID-19 outbreak

A rights activist from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has blamed the Pakistan army for Pakistan's negative economic growth.

Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza blamed Pakistan army and its fear among the people in power. Talking about the budget, he expressed his concern about the power the Pakistan army holds on the approving the country's budget.

"This budget has Rs 650 Billion allocated for the development purpose, while the military has been allocated a sum of Rs 1.3 Trillion. This simply means that the budget has been presented after the approval of the army," said Mirza.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistans-shahid-afridi-tests-positive-for-covid-19-305565">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan's Shahid Afridi tests positive for COVID-19</a>

"Hammad Azhar, the minister who presented the budget expressed his government's gratitude to the army on the floor of the house. This simply means that this government is powerless and scared of the army," he continued.

He alleged the ministers of spending more than what the country could afford. He claims the legislators have been spending money on luxurious things, instead of spending it on the people of several areas that haven;t received proper funding for years.

"This is the first time in the history in Pakistan that the budget is showing negative growth. It`s -0.4 per cent this time. This is a dangerous situation because it requires a lot of things to be done to convert a negative growth into positive. First and foremost, you need to stop your expenses that do not yield dividends."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-stimulus-package-is-as-large-as-gdp-of-pakistan-india-tells-imran-khan-after-he-offers-help-305154">Also read|&nbsp;Our stimulus package is as large as GDP of Pakistan: India tells Imran Khan after he offers 'help'</a>

While this allegation was made on fund allocation and the overpowering army, he also accused the Prime Minister Imran Khan of hiding the actual figures of debt.&nbsp;"Pakistan's debt is equal to 88 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product. The total budget is of Rs 7,294.90 billion. They have also projected a deficit of Rs 3,500 billion but I feel they are trying to conceal the real numbers. The total deficit would be around Rs 4,500 billion and this could even go up to Rs 5,000 billion," he said.

Adding on, he said, "They might have said that this budget is for 2020-21 but I fell that they would have to come up with a rolling budget after three months. The crisis is so deep that they will have to reassess their budget every three months and will be forced to come up with a new budget."&nbsp;

He also accused the Pakistan government of handing over the area&nbsp;Gilgit Baltistan to China, as the country has not been allocating funds for the said area.

&nbsp;"I was expecting a separate allocation for the Bhasha dam but they didn't make an announcement regarding that and instead, they have made a general allocation of Rs 70 billion for the water projects. This could lead to a very dangerous situation as the dam in which China already has 70% will go under their control completely."&nbsp;

A rights activist from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has blamed the Pakistan army for Pakistan's negative economic growth. Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza blamed Pakistan army and its fear among the people in power.

A rights activist from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has blamed the Pakistan army for Pakistan's negative economic growth. Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza blamed Pakistan army and its fear among the people in power. Talking about the budget, he expressed his concern about the power the Pakistan army holds on the approving the country's budget. "This budget has Rs 650 Billion allocated for the development purpose, while the military has been allocated a sum of Rs 1.3 Trillion. This simply means that the budget has been presented after the approval of the army," said Mirza. Also read: Pakistan's Shahid Afridi tests positive for COVID-19 "Hammad Azhar, the minister who presented the budget expressed his government's gratitude to the army on the floor of the house. This simply means that this government is powerless and scared of the army," he continued. He alleged the ministers of spending more than what the country could afford. He claims the legislators have been spending money on luxurious things, instead of spending it on the people of several areas that haven;t received proper funding for years. "This is the first time in the history in Pakistan that the budget is showing negative growth. It`s -0.4 per cent this time. This is a dangerous situation because it requires a lot of things to be done to convert a negative growth into positive. First and foremost, you need to stop your expenses that do not yield dividends." Also read| Our stimulus package is as large as GDP of Pakistan: India tells Imran Khan after he offers 'help' While this allegation was made on fund allocation and the overpowering army, he also accused the Prime Minister Imran Khan of hiding the actual figures of debt. "Pakistan's debt is equal to 88 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product. The total budget is of Rs 7,294.90 billion. They have also projected a deficit of Rs 3,500 billion but I feel they are trying to conceal the real numbers. The total deficit would be around Rs 4,500 billion and this could even go up to Rs 5,000 billion," he said. Adding on, he said, "They might have said that this budget is for 2020-21 but I fell that they would have to come up with a rolling budget after three months. The crisis is so deep that they will have to reassess their budget every three months and will be forced to come up with a new budget." He also accused the Pakistan government of handing over the area Gilgit Baltistan to China, as the country has not been allocating funds for the said area. "I was expecting a separate allocation for the Bhasha dam but they didn't make an announcement regarding that and instead, they have made a general allocation of Rs 70 billion for the water projects. This could lead to a very dangerous situation as the dam in which China already has 70% will go under their control completely."

PoK rights activist blames Pak army for first ever negative economic growth

At least two Pakistani soldiers were killed in a roadside bomb blast triggered by unidentified militants in the country's restive North Waziristan district bordering Afghanistan, officials said on Thursday.

The terrorists targeted their patrolling vehicle through an improvised explosive device in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Miranshah city on Wednesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/who-urges-pakistan-to-return-to-lockdown-as-hospitals-grapple-with-covid-19-cases-304834">WHO urges Pakistan to return to lockdown as hospitals grapple with COVID-19 cases</a>

The Army said that two soldiers were killed while two others sustained injuries in the attack.

No group has so far claimed responsibility but the Taliban carry out such attacks in the areas along with the Afghan border which was once their stronghold.

The Taliban often target security forces in the restive Balochistan province where seven paramilitary troops were killed in two separate terrorist attacks last month.&nbsp;

At least two Pakistani soldiers were killed in a roadside bomb blast triggered by unidentified militants in the country's restive North Waziristan district bordering Afghanistan, officials said on Thursday.

At least two Pakistani soldiers were killed in a roadside bomb blast triggered by unidentified militants in the country's restive North Waziristan district bordering Afghanistan, officials said on Thursday. The terrorists targeted their patrolling vehicle through an improvised explosive device in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Miranshah city on Wednesday. Also read | WHO urges Pakistan to return to lockdown as hospitals grapple with COVID-19 cases The Army said that two soldiers were killed while two others sustained injuries in the attack. No group has so far claimed responsibility but the Taliban carry out such attacks in the areas along with the Afghan border which was once their stronghold. The Taliban often target security forces in the restive Balochistan province where seven paramilitary troops were killed in two separate terrorist attacks last month.

Two Pakistani soldiers killed in blast in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The Pakistan Army on Saturday claimed to have shot down an "Indian spying quadcopter" allegedly intruding across the Line of Control (LoC). Military spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar said that the mini copter violated the country's airspace in Khanjar sector of the LoC.

"The quadcopter had intruded 500 metres on Pakistan's side of the LoC,"&nbsp;he said in a statement.

The spokesman claimed that it was the eighth Indian quadcopter to be shot down by the Pakistan Army troops this year.

Last month, two such quadcopters were downed, the first on May 27 and the second on May 29 after they allegedly intruded deep inside the Pakistani territory, he said. India has dismissed previous such claims by the Pakistan Army.

The ties between the two nations strained following the Balakot strike when the Indian Air Force jets bombed a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan on February 26 last year to avenge the killing of 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14. Pakistan retaliated on February 27 by attempting to target Indian military installations.

The ties further nose-dived after New Delhi abrogated Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir in August last year. Pakistan downgraded diplomatic relations with India and expelled the Indian High Commissioner.

The Pakistan Army on Saturday claimed to have shot down an "Indian spying quadcopter" allegedly intruding across the Line of Control (LoC). Military spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar said that the mini copter violated the country's airspace in Khanjar sector of the LoC.

The Pakistan Army on Saturday claimed to have shot down an "Indian spying quadcopter" allegedly intruding across the Line of Control (LoC). Military spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar said that the mini copter violated the country's airspace in Khanjar sector of the LoC. "The quadcopter had intruded 500 metres on Pakistan's side of the LoC," he said in a statement. The spokesman claimed that it was the eighth Indian quadcopter to be shot down by the Pakistan Army troops this year. Last month, two such quadcopters were downed, the first on May 27 and the second on May 29 after they allegedly intruded deep inside the Pakistani territory, he said. India has dismissed previous such claims by the Pakistan Army. The ties between the two nations strained following the Balakot strike when the Indian Air Force jets bombed a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan on February 26 last year to avenge the killing of 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14. Pakistan retaliated on February 27 by attempting to target Indian military installations. The ties further nose-dived after New Delhi abrogated Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir in August last year. Pakistan downgraded diplomatic relations with India and expelled the Indian High Commissioner.

Pak army claims to shoot down 'Indian spying quadcopter' along LoC

The coronavirus pandemic has come as Pakistan's best excuse to keep seeking more money.

Prime Minister Imran Khan secured millions and millions in relief aid to fight the COVID-19 pandemic&nbsp;while complaining about his own salary.

His government used the money to fund ventures for self-promotion. In March, the government spent 42 million Pak rupees to set up a digital wing to defend itself on the Internet. The Pakistan army jumped in too - it sought pay hikes for its army generals, a 20 per cent pay hike during a pandemic!

Pakistan also kept diverting money from coronavirus funds to keep business going. A fortnight ago it used 10 billion Pak rupees to pay loan interests on electricity bills. The Imran Khan government thought it will go unnoticed and that nobody would question its splurge - its embezzlement in the name of healthcare.

But the International Monetary Fund(IMF) has ordered Pakistan to freeze all non-development expenditures. It has given Islamabad straight directives to stick to fiscal consolidation due to the high and unsustainable public debt.

The Pakistan government has been asked to undertake massive fiscal adjustments of up to 1,150 billion Pakistan rupees. The IMF says it is necessary to bring down the primary deficit at negative 0.4 per cent for this year's budget.

This directive is a part of IMF's $6 billion bailout for the debt-ridden Pakistan economy - a rescue act that Pakistan PM Imran Khan had whole-heartedly embraced. The IMF says that Pakistan will have to make major adjustments in its expenditures.

It has singled out Pakistan's defence expenditure. The IMF says that Pakistan must freeze salaries of government employees and also its defence budget.&nbsp;

The Pakistan army had sought a 20 per cent pay hike despite the massive economic crisis, they probably need the money to capture mountains as Imran Khan once famously said. The fact is Pakistan tried all it could - it obtained concessions, bailouts and debt relief but not once did it address predatory Chinese investments.

The result is for all to see as&nbsp;the soaring account deficit has become an existential threat and fulfilling conditions of the IMF bailout won't be an easy task.

The coronavirus pandemic has come as Pakistan's best excuse to keep seeking more money. Prime Minister Imran Khan secured millions and millions in relief aid to fight the COVID-19 pandemic while complaining about his own salary.

The coronavirus pandemic has come as Pakistan's best excuse to keep seeking more money. Prime Minister Imran Khan secured millions and millions in relief aid to fight the COVID-19 pandemic while complaining about his own salary. His government used the money to fund ventures for self-promotion. In March, the government spent 42 million Pak rupees to set up a digital wing to defend itself on the Internet. The Pakistan army jumped in too - it sought pay hikes for its army generals, a 20 per cent pay hike during a pandemic! Pakistan also kept diverting money from coronavirus funds to keep business going. A fortnight ago it used 10 billion Pak rupees to pay loan interests on electricity bills. The Imran Khan government thought it will go unnoticed and that nobody would question its splurge - its embezzlement in the name of healthcare. But the International Monetary Fund(IMF) has ordered Pakistan to freeze all non-development expenditures. It has given Islamabad straight directives to stick to fiscal consolidation due to the high and unsustainable public debt. The Pakistan government has been asked to undertake massive fiscal adjustments of up to 1,150 billion Pakistan rupees. The IMF says it is necessary to bring down the primary deficit at negative 0.4 per cent for this year's budget. This directive is a part of IMF's $6 billion bailout for the debt-ridden Pakistan economy - a rescue act that Pakistan PM Imran Khan had whole-heartedly embraced. The IMF says that Pakistan will have to make major adjustments in its expenditures. It has singled out Pakistan's defence expenditure. The IMF says that Pakistan must freeze salaries of government employees and also its defence budget. The Pakistan army had sought a 20 per cent pay hike despite the massive economic crisis, they probably need the money to capture mountains as Imran Khan once famously said. The fact is Pakistan tried all it could - it obtained concessions, bailouts and debt relief but not once did it address predatory Chinese investments. The result is for all to see as the soaring account deficit has become an existential threat and fulfilling conditions of the IMF bailout won't be an easy task.

Pakistan seeks millions in COVID-19 relief as army demands pay hike

Pakistan Army on Tuesday resorted to firing and shelling on forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district, drawing befitting retaliation from Indian soldiers, a defence spokesperson said.

"Pakistan army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by small arm firing with mortar shelling along LoC in Balakote sector in Poonch district early Tuesday morning", he said.

Indian Army retaliated befittingly, he said.

The cross-border shelling between the two sides was going on when last reports were received, the officials said.

However, there was no immediate report of any casualty during the shelling.

Pakistan Army on Tuesday resorted to firing and shelling on forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district, drawing befitting retaliation from Indian soldiers, a defence spokesperson said.

Pakistan Army on Tuesday resorted to firing and shelling on forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district, drawing befitting retaliation from Indian soldiers, a defence spokesperson said. "Pakistan army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by small arm firing with mortar shelling along LoC in Balakote sector in Poonch district early Tuesday morning", he said. Indian Army retaliated befittingly, he said. The cross-border shelling between the two sides was going on when last reports were received, the officials said. However, there was no immediate report of any casualty during the shelling.

Jammu and Kashmir: Pakistan army resorts to shelling along LoC in Poonch

The coronavirus pandemic may just have put a brake on an incessant arms expenditure globally but Pakistan army is untouched with this.

The armed forces of Pakistan are seeking a 20 per cent increase in the salaries of their personnel for the fiscal year 2020-21.

According to a Defense Ministry memorandum, this salary hike would cost Rs. 63.67 billion to cover all three services—the Air Force, the Army, and the Navy. 
 
WATCH:&nbsp;Pakistan army seeks salary hike&nbsp; 
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The memorandum stated that the increase in salaries during fiscal 2020-21 is needed because of various factors that have “affected the fiscal space and livelihood of armed forces personnel”.

Last year, Due to PM Imran Khan's austerity drive in the nation Pakistan’s military “voluntarily agreed” to cut expenses due to the “critical financial situation” facing the country, and skipped a routine increase in the defence budget.

The coronavirus pandemic may just have put a brake on an incessant arms expenditure globally but Pakistan army is untouched with this. The armed forces of Pakistan are seeking a 20 per cent increase in the salaries of their personnel for the fiscal year 2020-21.

The coronavirus pandemic may just have put a brake on an incessant arms expenditure globally but Pakistan army is untouched with this. The armed forces of Pakistan are seeking a 20 per cent increase in the salaries of their personnel for the fiscal year 2020-21. According to a Defense Ministry memorandum, this salary hike would cost Rs. 63.67 billion to cover all three services—the Air Force, the Army, and the Navy. WATCH: Pakistan army seeks salary hike × The memorandum stated that the increase in salaries during fiscal 2020-21 is needed because of various factors that have “affected the fiscal space and livelihood of armed forces personnel”. Last year, Due to PM Imran Khan's austerity drive in the nation Pakistan’s military “voluntarily agreed” to cut expenses due to the “critical financial situation” facing the country, and skipped a routine increase in the defence budget.

Pakistan Army seeks nearly 20% increase in salaries of personnel

The Balakot airstrike and the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution to bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir are the two significant events that will have a "lasting imprint" on the geopolitical situation of South Asia, according to Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

In an article in the 'Green Book 2020', a research journal of the Pakistan Army which is recognised by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan and published biennially, General Bajwa also describes Kashmir as a “nuclear flashpoint”.

General Bajwa being the Patron-in-Chief of the journal expressed his view in a “Note” at the first page of the publication.

"Year 2019 witnessed two significant events which will have lasting imprint on the geopolitics of this region; first, the unwarranted Balakot Strike by Indian Air Force on 26th February and second, the unilateral annexation of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, through abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, "the Pakistan Army chief said.

"Former was a coercive attempt to carve out space for war under nuclear overhang and enforce compellence; adroitly denied by Pakistan Air Force the very next day, through a calibrated and proportionate response – Indian craving for establishing a New Normal was stymied comprehensively.

"The latter, despite condemnation by the World at large, continues to haunt the lives of over eight million Muslims" of Kashmir..." he wrote.

General Bajwa goes on to say: “Kashmir is a nuclear flashpoint and in total disregard to international norms, Mr (Narendra) Modi has not only endangered the immediate neighbourhood, but has also raised the ante for the entire World.”

The powerful army, which has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its 70 plus years of existence, has hitherto wielded considerable power in the matters of security and foreign policy.

Pakistan and India were almost on the brink of a war following the Pulwama attack in Jammu and Kashmir in February 2019 that killed dozens of CRPF soldiers and prompted India to carry out air strikes on terror camps in Balakot city in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The strained ties between India and Pakistan further nose-dived following the abrogation of Article 370 in August to withdraw the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. The move angered Pakistan, which downgraded diplomatic ties with India and expelled the Indian High Commissioner stationed in Islamabad.

India has categorically told the international community that the scrapping of Article 370 was its internal matter. It also advised Pakistan to accept the reality and stop all anti-India propaganda.

In the 'Green Book 2020' editorial, Editor-in-Chief Lt Gen Sher Afgan made a case for the changing global order due to the impact of the latest technologies and revolutions in the military and strategic thoughts.

"New players like China &amp; Russia are pushing the US led International Liberal Order towards an era of more multipolar power centres. Regionalism is gaining currency, Populism sentiment is high and traditional power centres are grappling to remain atop,” he wrote.

He said that South Asia, due to its strategic location and role in world politics, is also under a great impact of this rapid transformation in the geo-politics and geo-economics and Pakistan armed forces had superbly tackled through cross-domain responses.

Former diplomat Shamshad Ahmad Khan in his article, 'India-Pakistan Relations: In Perspective', wrote that Pakistan has been living with a lingering suspicion that India had never reconciled to the subcontinent's partition and facing India’s hostility and belligerence.

He said that as one of the oldest unresolved international conflicts, Kashmir is today "a nuclear flashpoint."

There are other articles in the 'Green Book 2020' about the regional and global situation. However, disclaimer by the publisher reads that the view by authors do not imply the official policy of the Pakistan Army as an institution.

The Balakot airstrike and the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution to bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir are the two significant events that will have a "lasting imprint" on the geopolitical situation of South Asia, according to Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

The Balakot airstrike and the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution to bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir are the two significant events that will have a "lasting imprint" on the geopolitical situation of South Asia, according to Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. In an article in the 'Green Book 2020', a research journal of the Pakistan Army which is recognised by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan and published biennially, General Bajwa also describes Kashmir as a “nuclear flashpoint”. General Bajwa being the Patron-in-Chief of the journal expressed his view in a “Note” at the first page of the publication. "Year 2019 witnessed two significant events which will have lasting imprint on the geopolitics of this region; first, the unwarranted Balakot Strike by Indian Air Force on 26th February and second, the unilateral annexation of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, through abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, "the Pakistan Army chief said. "Former was a coercive attempt to carve out space for war under nuclear overhang and enforce compellence; adroitly denied by Pakistan Air Force the very next day, through a calibrated and proportionate response – Indian craving for establishing a New Normal was stymied comprehensively. "The latter, despite condemnation by the World at large, continues to haunt the lives of over eight million Muslims" of Kashmir..." he wrote. General Bajwa goes on to say: “Kashmir is a nuclear flashpoint and in total disregard to international norms, Mr (Narendra) Modi has not only endangered the immediate neighbourhood, but has also raised the ante for the entire World.” The powerful army, which has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its 70 plus years of existence, has hitherto wielded considerable power in the matters of security and foreign policy. Pakistan and India were almost on the brink of a war following the Pulwama attack in Jammu and Kashmir in February 2019 that killed dozens of CRPF soldiers and prompted India to carry out air strikes on terror camps in Balakot city in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The strained ties between India and Pakistan further nose-dived following the abrogation of Article 370 in August to withdraw the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. The move angered Pakistan, which downgraded diplomatic ties with India and expelled the Indian High Commissioner stationed in Islamabad. India has categorically told the international community that the scrapping of Article 370 was its internal matter. It also advised Pakistan to accept the reality and stop all anti-India propaganda. In the 'Green Book 2020' editorial, Editor-in-Chief Lt Gen Sher Afgan made a case for the changing global order due to the impact of the latest technologies and revolutions in the military and strategic thoughts. "New players like China & Russia are pushing the US led International Liberal Order towards an era of more multipolar power centres. Regionalism is gaining currency, Populism sentiment is high and traditional power centres are grappling to remain atop,” he wrote. He said that South Asia, due to its strategic location and role in world politics, is also under a great impact of this rapid transformation in the geo-politics and geo-economics and Pakistan armed forces had superbly tackled through cross-domain responses. Former diplomat Shamshad Ahmad Khan in his article, 'India-Pakistan Relations: In Perspective', wrote that Pakistan has been living with a lingering suspicion that India had never reconciled to the subcontinent's partition and facing India’s hostility and belligerence. He said that as one of the oldest unresolved international conflicts, Kashmir is today "a nuclear flashpoint." There are other articles in the 'Green Book 2020' about the regional and global situation. However, disclaimer by the publisher reads that the view by authors do not imply the official policy of the Pakistan Army as an institution.

'Kashmir a nuclear flashpoint': Pakistan army chief says India has endangered immediate neighbourhood

The Pakistan government has authorised the Pakistan army to take over if the public violates lockdown rules. The order has been issued specifically keeping in mind the&nbsp;business community and religious clerics. The decision has been taken by Prime Minister Imran Khan to contain the spread of coronavirus.

The decision came out after a meeting that took place at the ISI Headquarters in Rawalpindi on April 23. The meeting was attended by Imran Khan, COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, DG-ISI Lt. Gen Faiz Hameed, some of the Cabinet ministers and advisors. The motive of the meeting was to discuss the tense situation in the country and to plan counter measures in case of emergencies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-mosques-could-close-forever-due-to-coronavirus-lockdown-says-muslim-council-of-britain-294493">Also read:&nbsp;UK mosques could close forever due to coronavirus lockdown, says Muslim Council of Britain</a>

This is not the first time Imran Khan has been overpowered by the country's army. On March 22, Prime Minister addressed the nation and explained his reasons for not imposing a complete lockdown, stating that a lot of people would lose their jobs. However, few hours later&nbsp;Pakistan Army spokesperson Major General Babar Iftikhar announced a complete lockdown. Following the announcement, military was deployed in the country&nbsp;an was seen handling the COVID-19 response through the National Core Committee, a body set up to coordinate policy between the national and provincial governments.

However, business community and religious clerics have claimed they will continue to operate their day-to-day life normal.&nbsp;According to sources, it was agreed in principle during the meeting that police, rangers and even troops can be used to maintain law and order if the business community and religious clerics attempt to cross their limit and violate the lockdown instructions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ramzan-amitabh-bachchan-sonam-kapoor-others-wish-fans-urge-people-to-stay-at-home-294517">Also read:&nbsp;Ramzan: Amitabh Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor &amp; others wish fans, urge people to stay at home</a>

Ramazan is an important month for the Muslim community all over the world. While the community is doing its best to stay indoors and celebrate from their homes, the situation seems to be tense in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Several violators were reportedly arrested in Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Islamabad and other cities on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.

"The situation will worsen soon if the government would not ease its restrictions since poor people are very frustrated of not getting food and other basic amenities," the sources said, adding "government system is not effective".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-to-keep-mosques-open-during-ramadan-coronavirus-outbreak-294348">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan to keep mosques open during Ramadan | Coronavirus Outbreak</a>

Total number of reported positive coronavirus cases have risen to&nbsp;12,723 with a death toll of 269. However, several questions have been raised on whether the actual number is as reported. The Pakistan government, following the figures, extended the lockdown till May 09.

The health officials of the country have been staging protests for weeks claiming that the&nbsp;hospitals are suffering from acute&nbsp;shortage&nbsp;of safety gear.

"Overall circumstances are not short of civilian disobedience if the government does not relax its strict measures to maintain lockdown effectively, it will face a difficult position," sources said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-reject-afghan-ceasefire-offer-during-ramadan-294562">Also read:&nbsp;Taliban reject Afghan ceasefire offer during Ramadan</a>

Dismissing reports of having made a vaccine for coronavirus, Advisor on Health Zafar Mirza informed the media that there is no coronavirus vaccine presently

“Let me clarify that while there are several initiatives to develop vaccines across the world, there is no such initiative in Pakistan at the moment," he said.

However, he confirmed the reports of a Chinese and Japanese manufacturer contacting the country for developing a vaccine.&nbsp;“We have asked for more information from them," Mirza said.

The Pakistan government has authorised the Pakistan army to take over if the public violates lockdown rules. The order has been issued specifically keeping in mind the business community and religious clerics.

The Pakistan government has authorised the Pakistan army to take over if the public violates lockdown rules. The order has been issued specifically keeping in mind the business community and religious clerics. The decision has been taken by Prime Minister Imran Khan to contain the spread of coronavirus. The decision came out after a meeting that took place at the ISI Headquarters in Rawalpindi on April 23. The meeting was attended by Imran Khan, COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, DG-ISI Lt. Gen Faiz Hameed, some of the Cabinet ministers and advisors. The motive of the meeting was to discuss the tense situation in the country and to plan counter measures in case of emergencies. Also read: UK mosques could close forever due to coronavirus lockdown, says Muslim Council of Britain This is not the first time Imran Khan has been overpowered by the country's army. On March 22, Prime Minister addressed the nation and explained his reasons for not imposing a complete lockdown, stating that a lot of people would lose their jobs. However, few hours later Pakistan Army spokesperson Major General Babar Iftikhar announced a complete lockdown. Following the announcement, military was deployed in the country an was seen handling the COVID-19 response through the National Core Committee, a body set up to coordinate policy between the national and provincial governments. However, business community and religious clerics have claimed they will continue to operate their day-to-day life normal. According to sources, it was agreed in principle during the meeting that police, rangers and even troops can be used to maintain law and order if the business community and religious clerics attempt to cross their limit and violate the lockdown instructions. Also read: Ramzan: Amitabh Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor & others wish fans, urge people to stay at home Ramazan is an important month for the Muslim community all over the world. While the community is doing its best to stay indoors and celebrate from their homes, the situation seems to be tense in Pakistan. Several violators were reportedly arrested in Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Islamabad and other cities on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan. "The situation will worsen soon if the government would not ease its restrictions since poor people are very frustrated of not getting food and other basic amenities," the sources said, adding "government system is not effective". Also read: Pakistan to keep mosques open during Ramadan | Coronavirus Outbreak Total number of reported positive coronavirus cases have risen to 12,723 with a death toll of 269. However, several questions have been raised on whether the actual number is as reported. The Pakistan government, following the figures, extended the lockdown till May 09. The health officials of the country have been staging protests for weeks claiming that the hospitals are suffering from acute shortage of safety gear. "Overall circumstances are not short of civilian disobedience if the government does not relax its strict measures to maintain lockdown effectively, it will face a difficult position," sources said. Also read: Taliban reject Afghan ceasefire offer during Ramadan Dismissing reports of having made a vaccine for coronavirus, Advisor on Health Zafar Mirza informed the media that there is no coronavirus vaccine presently “Let me clarify that while there are several initiatives to develop vaccines across the world, there is no such initiative in Pakistan at the moment," he said. However, he confirmed the reports of a Chinese and Japanese manufacturer contacting the country for developing a vaccine. “We have asked for more information from them," Mirza said.

Imran Khan's government authorises army to take over in case of lockdown violations

To handle the situation of Coronavirus in Pakistan, Interior ministry issued a notification to deploy army for the first time in Pakistan

Army called for the first time in Pak, PM refuses to invoke lockdown

In an exclusive conversation with WION's Executive Editor Palki Shama Upadhyay, Gul Bukhari revealed she hasn't received any notice yet and if she does, she will fight against it in the Pakistan court. To know more about the conversation watch the video.

Wion Exclusive Talks with Pak Activist Gul Bukhari

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/Pakistan-news-update-breaking-Pakistan-army-threatened-to-kill-my-son-says-activist-Gul-Bukhari">Gul Bukhari</a> is a well known face in Pakistan and has been a strong critic of the Pakistan army. She has&nbsp;on several instances&nbsp;questioned the extra-constitutional influence that the army has had over the civilian government in the country. Pakistan's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/latest-south-asia-news-pakistani-activist-gul-bukhari-threatened-with-terror-charges-280220">anti-terror agency</a> recently summoned the London-based activist accusing her of harbouring "anti-Pakistan agenda".

In an exclusive conversation with WION's Executive Editor Palki Shama Upadhyay, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/im-a-terrorist-please-fear-me-says-pak-activist-gul-bukhari-after-anti-terror-wing-summon-280422">Gul Bukhari </a>revealed she hasn't received any notice as yet and if she does, she will fight against it in the Pakistan court.&nbsp;

WION: You've been accused of inciting violence, spreading hatred, maligning the government and creating divisions in Pakistan. What did you do to invite such serious charges?

Gul Bukhari: There was this news about an FIA notice against me in which they had said that, they've sent me a notice and that I will have to appear before them and if I don't they would bring charges of terrorism and cybercrime against me. The fact around that piece of news is that I have not received any notice.&nbsp;

The media report showed a letter in which these things were mentioned, the one you're talking about creating divisions and incitement to violence. This is a letter that the Pakistan government has indeed written to the home office of the UK and 10 Downing Street and the foreign office and to the police.&nbsp;

I have written to the home office to let me have a copy.&nbsp;

WION: So, the government is initiating some action against you. What do you propose to do in response?

Gul Bukhari: I will do something about it once I get a notice from them, the FIA or somebody. There is absolutely nothing that I can do unless I am served the notice. I will take them to court if they serve me the notice, I will not respond. I will challenge them in a court of law in Pakistan. That is my plan. I have asked for a copy of the letter from the British government and I have asked them to let me know how they plan to respond to this request from Pakistan.&nbsp;

WION: Are you prepared to travel to Pakistan to pursue this case?

Gul Bukhari: No, I will just get my lawyers to do it in Pakistan.&nbsp;

WION: Why are you being targeted?

Gul Bukhari: To be honest, I am not sure. I think they can't handle dissent. I think there's a lot that goes on within the military and they keep it hush-hush. I get news of it and let people know about what they want to keep as a secret. That could be it. Otherwise, there's nothing that I have done recently.&nbsp;

WION: You're saying the military is upset because you're telling the world the stories that they want to keep under wraps. Do you have any examples?

Gul Bukhari: Yes. A recent example is a story of General Sarfraz Sattar. They put it on the news that he has retired. I knew he hadn't, so I tweeted about that. His retirement date was September 2020 and they got it published at the end of November. There was no way he could retire, he could only resign. He had not resigned.

He was waiting around for his time to become the next, possibly COAS. Then he was put under house arrest. His entire family couldn't move around, they were home.

They pressured him into giving his resignation in December or January. I broke that news as well. It had come from his son who had missed his medical school and when his friends asked him he said he was under house arrest and that now his father has given the resignation and he is free to move around. &nbsp;

WION: Did you think it will come to this?

Gul Bukhari: I could have never imagined that it would come to this. From slapping charges and talking about the confiscation of property and involving the Interpol and charging me with terrorism... all this is crazy, absolutely unimaginable. Nobody could imagine that a government could stoop to this.&nbsp;

WION: How is your family taking these developments?

Gul Bukhari: They're worried. They are on my side and will fight alongside me.&nbsp;

WION: Any word of assurance from the government of the UK or any other agency?

Gul Bukhari: Not yet. I've literally just approached the government, I have approached them just a short while ago asking for the copy of the letter and I intend to approach them not just for the copy of the letter and also for how do they intend to protect me and respond to Pakistan. I will also register this with the local police after I found out that they were looking for my address as well.&nbsp;

WION: The only support you've received is online?&nbsp;

Gul Bukhari: Yes. The government did get involved a year and a half ago when they abducted me. The UK parliament and the foreign office, they reached out to me and took down my account and offered me all of the support and everything and advised me to come back to the UK. So since December 2018, I am here.

Gul Bukhari is a well known face in Pakistan and has been a strong critic of the Pakistan army. She has on several instances questioned the extra-constitutional influence that the army has had over the civilian government in the country.

Gul Bukhari is a well known face in Pakistan and has been a strong critic of the Pakistan army. She has on several instances questioned the extra-constitutional influence that the army has had over the civilian government in the country. Pakistan's anti-terror agency recently summoned the London-based activist accusing her of harbouring "anti-Pakistan agenda". In an exclusive conversation with WION's Executive Editor Palki Shama Upadhyay, Gul Bukhari revealed she hasn't received any notice as yet and if she does, she will fight against it in the Pakistan court. WION: You've been accused of inciting violence, spreading hatred, maligning the government and creating divisions in Pakistan. What did you do to invite such serious charges? Gul Bukhari: There was this news about an FIA notice against me in which they had said that, they've sent me a notice and that I will have to appear before them and if I don't they would bring charges of terrorism and cybercrime against me. The fact around that piece of news is that I have not received any notice. The media report showed a letter in which these things were mentioned, the one you're talking about creating divisions and incitement to violence. This is a letter that the Pakistan government has indeed written to the home office of the UK and 10 Downing Street and the foreign office and to the police. I have written to the home office to let me have a copy. WION: So, the government is initiating some action against you. What do you propose to do in response? Gul Bukhari: I will do something about it once I get a notice from them, the FIA or somebody. There is absolutely nothing that I can do unless I am served the notice. I will take them to court if they serve me the notice, I will not respond. I will challenge them in a court of law in Pakistan. That is my plan. I have asked for a copy of the letter from the British government and I have asked them to let me know how they plan to respond to this request from Pakistan. WION: Are you prepared to travel to Pakistan to pursue this case? Gul Bukhari: No, I will just get my lawyers to do it in Pakistan. WION: Why are you being targeted? Gul Bukhari: To be honest, I am not sure. I think they can't handle dissent. I think there's a lot that goes on within the military and they keep it hush-hush. I get news of it and let people know about what they want to keep as a secret. That could be it. Otherwise, there's nothing that I have done recently. WION: You're saying the military is upset because you're telling the world the stories that they want to keep under wraps. Do you have any examples? Gul Bukhari: Yes. A recent example is a story of General Sarfraz Sattar. They put it on the news that he has retired. I knew he hadn't, so I tweeted about that. His retirement date was September 2020 and they got it published at the end of November. There was no way he could retire, he could only resign. He had not resigned. He was waiting around for his time to become the next, possibly COAS. Then he was put under house arrest. His entire family couldn't move around, they were home. They pressured him into giving his resignation in December or January. I broke that news as well. It had come from his son who had missed his medical school and when his friends asked him he said he was under house arrest and that now his father has given the resignation and he is free to move around. WION: Did you think it will come to this? Gul Bukhari: I could have never imagined that it would come to this. From slapping charges and talking about the confiscation of property and involving the Interpol and charging me with terrorism... all this is crazy, absolutely unimaginable. Nobody could imagine that a government could stoop to this. WION: How is your family taking these developments? Gul Bukhari: They're worried. They are on my side and will fight alongside me. WION: Any word of assurance from the government of the UK or any other agency? Gul Bukhari: Not yet. I've literally just approached the government, I have approached them just a short while ago asking for the copy of the letter and I intend to approach them not just for the copy of the letter and also for how do they intend to protect me and respond to Pakistan. I will also register this with the local police after I found out that they were looking for my address as well. WION: The only support you've received is online? Gul Bukhari: Yes. The government did get involved a year and a half ago when they abducted me. The UK parliament and the foreign office, they reached out to me and took down my account and offered me all of the support and everything and advised me to come back to the UK. So since December 2018, I am here.

I let people know what the Army wants to keep a secret: Pakistan activist Gul Bukhari to WION

Pakistan activist Gul Bukhari who was summoned by Pakistan's anti-terror squad last week, said in a tweet that the Pakistan army threatened to kill her son.

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Pakistan army threatened to kill my son. Yes, this is how low this outfit is.
— Gul Bukhari (@GulBukhari) <a href="https://twitter.com/GulBukhari/status/1229146302430302208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Pakistan army threatened to kill my son. Yes, this is how low this outfit is," Bukhari said in a tweet.

The country's anti-terror agency had summoned the London-based activist accusing her of harbouring "anti-Pakistan agenda".

It alleged that Bukhari is part of a cyber-terrorism ring and is associated with the Haqqani network and the Balochistan Liberation army.

According to the summon, Bukhari's property can be confiscated if she does not respond in the next 30 days.

In a cryptic tweet later, Bukhari said "I’m a terrorist. Please fear me," while taking a dig at the Pakistan army.

Bukhari&nbsp;a well-known face in Pakistan has been a strong critic of the Pakistan army and on&nbsp;several instances questioned the extra-constitutional influence that the army has had over the civilian government in Pakistan.

Pakistan activist Gul Bukhari who was summoned by Pakistan's anti-terror squad last week, said in a tweet that the Pakistan army threatened to kill her son. Pakistan army threatened to kill my son.

Pakistan activist Gul Bukhari who was summoned by Pakistan's anti-terror squad last week, said in a tweet that the Pakistan army threatened to kill her son. Pakistan army threatened to kill my son. Yes, this is how low this outfit is. — Gul Bukhari (@GulBukhari) February 16, 2020 × "Pakistan army threatened to kill my son. Yes, this is how low this outfit is," Bukhari said in a tweet. The country's anti-terror agency had summoned the London-based activist accusing her of harbouring "anti-Pakistan agenda". It alleged that Bukhari is part of a cyber-terrorism ring and is associated with the Haqqani network and the Balochistan Liberation army. According to the summon, Bukhari's property can be confiscated if she does not respond in the next 30 days. In a cryptic tweet later, Bukhari said "I’m a terrorist. Please fear me," while taking a dig at the Pakistan army. Bukhari a well-known face in Pakistan has been a strong critic of the Pakistan army and on several instances questioned the extra-constitutional influence that the army has had over the civilian government in Pakistan.

Pakistan army threatened to kill my son, says activist Gul Bukhari

Asif Ghafoor the Director-General of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations was heavily trolled on Friday for sharing an announcement related to the opening of a Public Highway.&nbsp;

The public chooses twitter to express their anger and frustration over the military's involvement in the matter of civilians.

<img alt="Pakistan army" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ab81c537-40de-46ac-b14d-3424ae20f9d6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tweet1.JPG" />

The Spokesperson Pakistan Armed Forces, &nbsp;Major General Asif Ghafoor issued a statement on the opening a section of the Lahore-Sialkot motorway for the public. The announcement should have ideally come from the Ministry of Communications and Highways.

<img alt="Pakistan army" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a7f392e-a7ba-43c9-a73f-e733e1814f40" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/tweet.JPG" />

After the statement was issued and reported by the military, the public took it to twitter and trolled the ISPR by associating it with petty comments and attributing them. There was one tweet associated with ISPR with wedding attire rentals, another associated with the organisation with insignificant life advice and one even attributed them with advising to stop the cold weather.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-pakistan-army-trolled-on-social-media-for-civil-interference-274053/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Members of the civil society including journalists also mocked the ISPR's involvement in government matters. Maj General Asif Ghafoor in retaliation mocked senior journalist Sana Bucha himself, the tweet now stands deleted.

Asif Ghafoor the Director-General of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations was heavily trolled on Friday for sharing an announcement related to the opening of a Public Highway.

Asif Ghafoor the Director-General of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations was heavily trolled on Friday for sharing an announcement related to the opening of a Public Highway. The public chooses twitter to express their anger and frustration over the military's involvement in the matter of civilians. The Spokesperson Pakistan Armed Forces, Major General Asif Ghafoor issued a statement on the opening a section of the Lahore-Sialkot motorway for the public. The announcement should have ideally come from the Ministry of Communications and Highways. After the statement was issued and reported by the military, the public took it to twitter and trolled the ISPR by associating it with petty comments and attributing them. There was one tweet associated with ISPR with wedding attire rentals, another associated with the organisation with insignificant life advice and one even attributed them with advising to stop the cold weather. Members of the civil society including journalists also mocked the ISPR's involvement in government matters. Maj General Asif Ghafoor in retaliation mocked senior journalist Sana Bucha himself, the tweet now stands deleted.

Pakistan citizens trolled its military: Spokesperson of armed forces slammed for civil interference

The Pakistani military has been a receiving end of a backlash of social media after it announced for the opening up of a highway. The Pakistani public took to Twitter to express their anger and frustration over the military's involvement in civilian matters. Watch report: #WION #WIONNews #Pakistan #SocialMedia #PakistanArmy

WION Dispatch: Pakistan Army trolled on social media for civil interference

Pakistan's dodgy record on democracy continues. #ISIS has seized copies of the iconic novel 'A case of exploding mangoes' written by Pakistani author Mohammed Hanif. The reason? The novel is a satire on the last days of military dictator Gen. Zia ul-Haq and Pakistan army want to stifle any and every voice of dissent. WION's Molly Gambhir explains. #NovelBanned #Gravitas # MohammedHanif

Gravitas:  Row over 'A Case Of Exploding Mangoes' novel written by Mohammed Hanif

In order to give a three-year extension to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-government-to-present-amendment-bill-for-bajwas-extension-as-army-chief-271607">General Qamar Javed Bajwa</a>, Prime Minister Imran Khan hurriedly called an urgent meeting of his Cabinet for&nbsp;approval of proposed amendments to the Constitution and the Army Act.

If the Parliament passes the proposed amendments, PM Imran Khan&nbsp;would have power to extend the tenure of all three defence chiefs for up to three years and at his advice, the president will issue a formal notification.

The cabinet meeting approved the proposed three-year extension in the tenure of the army chief, indicating that General Bajwa would continue to serve as the COAS till 2023.

The apex court last month in a detailed verdict had issued direction to the government to remove all ambiguities and frame a law to the pave the way for giving extension to the Army chief. The Cabinet also decided to introduce an amendment bill in the Parliament on Friday after building a consensus with the opposition on the matter.

According to an amendment, the maximum age limit for an army chief will be 64 years and this will be applied in case of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-imran-khan-led-government-challenges-supreme-courts-decision-on-bajwas-tenure-270355">extension in his term</a>, but the regular age limit of COAS will be 60 years.

Now it would be the prime minister's prerogative whether to give an extension to the army chief in the future. The Army Act's amendments will also be applicable to the chairman of joint chiefs and the other two services chiefs.

A government committee comprising Defence Minister Pervez Khattak, Amir Dogar, Ali Muhammad Khan and Azam Swati has also been formed to hold talks with the opposition parties regarding the amendment bill.

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The court, after grilling the attorney general for three days over the matter, had decided that General Bajwa would remain COAS during the six-month period in which the parliament would draft laws regarding the extension and appointment of an army chief.

"We would like to emphasise that this crucial matter of the tenure of COAS and its extension, which has a somewhat chequered history, is before the Parliament, to fix for all times to come," wrote Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, a member of the three-judge bench which heard the case, in the court's 43-page judgment.

"It is now for the people of Pakistan and their chosen representatives in the parliament to come up with a law that will provide certainty and predictability to the post of COAS, remembering that in strengthening institutions, nations prosper," the court had noted.

In order to give a three-year extension to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Prime Minister Imran Khan hurriedly called an urgent meeting of his Cabinet for approval of proposed amendments to the Constitution and the Army Act.

In order to give a three-year extension to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Prime Minister Imran Khan hurriedly called an urgent meeting of his Cabinet for approval of proposed amendments to the Constitution and the Army Act. If the Parliament passes the proposed amendments, PM Imran Khan would have power to extend the tenure of all three defence chiefs for up to three years and at his advice, the president will issue a formal notification. The cabinet meeting approved the proposed three-year extension in the tenure of the army chief, indicating that General Bajwa would continue to serve as the COAS till 2023. The apex court last month in a detailed verdict had issued direction to the government to remove all ambiguities and frame a law to the pave the way for giving extension to the Army chief. The Cabinet also decided to introduce an amendment bill in the Parliament on Friday after building a consensus with the opposition on the matter. According to an amendment, the maximum age limit for an army chief will be 64 years and this will be applied in case of extension in his term, but the regular age limit of COAS will be 60 years. Now it would be the prime minister's prerogative whether to give an extension to the army chief in the future. The Army Act's amendments will also be applicable to the chairman of joint chiefs and the other two services chiefs. A government committee comprising Defence Minister Pervez Khattak, Amir Dogar, Ali Muhammad Khan and Azam Swati has also been formed to hold talks with the opposition parties regarding the amendment bill. × The court, after grilling the attorney general for three days over the matter, had decided that General Bajwa would remain COAS during the six-month period in which the parliament would draft laws regarding the extension and appointment of an army chief. "We would like to emphasise that this crucial matter of the tenure of COAS and its extension, which has a somewhat chequered history, is before the Parliament, to fix for all times to come," wrote Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, a member of the three-judge bench which heard the case, in the court's 43-page judgment. "It is now for the people of Pakistan and their chosen representatives in the parliament to come up with a law that will provide certainty and predictability to the post of COAS, remembering that in strengthening institutions, nations prosper," the court had noted.

Pak PM Imran Khan seeks powers to extend General Bajwa's tenure

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government on January 3 tabled the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2020 in the National Assembly after being assured unequivocal support on the matter by the two main opposition parties. The development came after a meeting of the PTI's parliamentary committee, headed by Prime Minister Imran Khan, was held earlier today at the Parliament House to discuss the legislation. #Pakistan #PakistanArmyAct #ImranKhan

WION Dispatch: Pakistan govt tables amendments in Army act

Supporters of Pakistan's military dictator, Gen (retd) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pervez-musharraf-case-a-new-dawn-in-pakistan-269126">Pervez Musharraf</a>, who was sentenced to death last week, held a protest in the British capital on Sunday alleging that the former president has been treated unfairly.

Activists of All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) gathered outside the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-summons-pakistan-high-commission-official-over-killing-of-civilian-in-cfv-190815">Pakistan High Commission </a>to "demand justice for Pervez Musharraf" and to register condemnation of the "politically motivated" cases against their leader. They said that Musharraf does not deserve the death sentence after being tried under Article 6 of the Constitution of Pakistan for high treason, Geo News reported.

The demonstrators raised slogans in Musharraf's support and said that he had brought a lot of development to Pakistan and under him, Pakistan earned respect in the world.

Calling the Islamabad Special Court's verdict as 'unfair,' the protestors further claimed that Musharraf's years in power were a "golden era" for Pakistan and he had dealt effectively with terrorism.

President APML Overseas, Afzal Siddiqui, who led the protest, was quoted as saying that the party condemned paragraph 66 of the detailed verdict which contained remarks that Musharraf's body should be dragged and hanged at D-Chowk for three days.

He added that the former leader was not given a fair trial and the way the trial was initiated and conducted showed that it was always been an exercise of "revenge".

He criticised former chief justice, Iftikhar Chaudhry, for instructing the government to try Musharraf under Article 6. He said that it became clear when a Supreme Court judge openly mocked the former president.

"The political, fabricated and fraudulent nature of the case may also be gauged from the fact that it was hastily concluded without hearing the former president, sentencing him in absentia, restricting the latter from presenting evidence and by aggressively dismissing the noble efforts of the law minister and the attorney general for remedying earlier serious politicised legal shortcomings. The new prosecution team was not even granted the time to study the case," he said.

A petition given to the authorities at Pakistan High Commission by the protestors said that holding the constitution in abeyance was not an offence according to the Pakistani constitution in 2007. Only later in 2010 through the 18th amendment, the text of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pervez-musharraf-case-a-new-dawn-in-pakistan-269126">Article 6</a> was modified to make abeyance of the constitution an offence.

"We ask to declare null and void this bizarre special court judgment and reject all malicious attempts to label Musharraf a 'traitor'. The honourable Musharraf has fought wars for Pakistan and was the beloved chief of Pakistan Army. His tenure witnessed unprecedented growth of the Pakistani economy and led to the betterment of the Pakistani people. Musharraf can never be a traitor," the petition read.

Supporters of Pakistan's military dictator, Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf, who was sentenced to death last week, held a protest in the British capital on Sunday alleging that the former president has been treated unfairly.

Supporters of Pakistan's military dictator, Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf, who was sentenced to death last week, held a protest in the British capital on Sunday alleging that the former president has been treated unfairly. Activists of All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) gathered outside the Pakistan High Commission to "demand justice for Pervez Musharraf" and to register condemnation of the "politically motivated" cases against their leader. They said that Musharraf does not deserve the death sentence after being tried under Article 6 of the Constitution of Pakistan for high treason, Geo News reported. The demonstrators raised slogans in Musharraf's support and said that he had brought a lot of development to Pakistan and under him, Pakistan earned respect in the world. Calling the Islamabad Special Court's verdict as 'unfair,' the protestors further claimed that Musharraf's years in power were a "golden era" for Pakistan and he had dealt effectively with terrorism. President APML Overseas, Afzal Siddiqui, who led the protest, was quoted as saying that the party condemned paragraph 66 of the detailed verdict which contained remarks that Musharraf's body should be dragged and hanged at D-Chowk for three days. He added that the former leader was not given a fair trial and the way the trial was initiated and conducted showed that it was always been an exercise of "revenge". He criticised former chief justice, Iftikhar Chaudhry, for instructing the government to try Musharraf under Article 6. He said that it became clear when a Supreme Court judge openly mocked the former president. "The political, fabricated and fraudulent nature of the case may also be gauged from the fact that it was hastily concluded without hearing the former president, sentencing him in absentia, restricting the latter from presenting evidence and by aggressively dismissing the noble efforts of the law minister and the attorney general for remedying earlier serious politicised legal shortcomings. The new prosecution team was not even granted the time to study the case," he said. A petition given to the authorities at Pakistan High Commission by the protestors said that holding the constitution in abeyance was not an offence according to the Pakistani constitution in 2007. Only later in 2010 through the 18th amendment, the text of Article 6 was modified to make abeyance of the constitution an offence. "We ask to declare null and void this bizarre special court judgment and reject all malicious attempts to label Musharraf a 'traitor'. The honourable Musharraf has fought wars for Pakistan and was the beloved chief of Pakistan Army. His tenure witnessed unprecedented growth of the Pakistani economy and led to the betterment of the Pakistani people. Musharraf can never be a traitor," the petition read.

Musharraf's supporters hold 'justice' protest in London

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