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Nawaz Sharif’s confidential ‘note’ contradicts his narrative

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  • Nawaz had sent a “confidential” note to Khawaja Asif in 2020. 
  • PML-N directed to look at PTI govt bill positively for stability in the country.
  • Ex-PM only wanted that legislation should not be bulldozed.

ISLAMABAD: Nawaz Sharif’s note, sent to Khawaja Asif in January 2020, on the issue of the extension of the then Army Chief General (R) Qamar Javed Bajwa, is a major contradiction in his narrative of seeking accountability of the ex-COAS and others for conspiring against his government in 2017.

The PML-N, in January 2020, had unconditionally endorsed the legislation, moved by the PTI government, to give a three-year extension to Gen Bajwa following a nod from Nawaz Sharif. Now Nawaz Sharif demands accountability of Gen Bajwa, ex-DG ISI Gen Faiz, ex-CJPs Saqib Nisar and Asif Saeed Khosa and Justice Ijazul Ahsan to remove his government to pave the way for Imran Khan government.

Question is being raised how the PMLN chief Mian Nawaz Sharif can now talk about the 2017 conspiracy when in 2020 he and his party had given three-year extension to the former Army Chief.

In early Jan 2020, Nawaz Sharif had sent a “confidential” note to Khawaja Asif with the direction that the PML-N should look at the PTI government bill positively for stability in the country. Nawaz Sharif only wanted that the legislation should not be bulldozed. Nawaz suggested a timeframe for the legislation but it was not followed and even then the PML-N fully endorsed it.

Nawaz Sharif’s note read: “Dear Khawaja Sb, I hope you are well. I received your message that the Govt has agreed to extend the time by 24 hours. It is not in the interest of any party to show undue haste or to bulldoze the rules and procedures. Such important bills cannot be passed in 24 or for that matter 48 hours. We would like to look at the bill positively for stability in the country. However, we cannot possibly allow the dignity of the parliament to be compromised. My suggestion is that we stress upon the Govt to adopt the following procedure for the bill as per parliamentary norms:-

Fri Jan 3 – Bill is laid in the NA and referred to the Standing Committee; Meanwhile, political parties hold their parliamentary party sessions to consider the bill and formulate recommendations for their members on the standing committee;

Tue 7 Jan & Wed 8 Jan – Standing Committee considers the Bill and sends Report to NA; Thurs Jan 9 and Friday Jan 10 – NA considers, debates, and votes on the Bill and transmits it to the Senate; Mon Jan 13 – Senate sends the bill to its Standing Committee for consideration; Wed Jan 15 – Senate considers, debates, and votes on the Bill. This is the minimum possible timeframe for the passage of the Bill with meaningful input from all concerned. We should also be cognizant of the fact that the Parliament should not be seen to rubber-stamp a bill of such importance. The political fallout for all parties will be substantial if parliamentary norms are not properly observed. Please hold the parliamentary party meeting before the government tables the bill tomorrow and read out and issue these instructions to all honorable party members in the NA and Senate. Kind regards, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.”

Following the nod from Nawaz, the PMLN party meeting met and announced unconditional support for the extension of Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa as the chief of the army staff for three years.

It was then said that the PML-N leadership did not want the position of the army chief to become controversial, and had therefore decided to support the government to amend the Army Act.

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Reaction to the PTI protest call by Fazlur Rehman

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Maulana Fazlur Rehman, speaking on a private television station, said that the PTI is always coming to the streets, which really lessens the impact of a protest.

He also suggested to the PTI leadership that rather than carrying on with the agitation, it should finally put a hard hand down, which would be the final nail in the coffin.

He continued, citing the JUI protests as an example, saying, “We had a strong grip over our protesters and workers, so neither road was closed nor any property damage occurred during protests.”

The PTI has the right to protest, but Maulana Fazlur Rehman described the party’s agitation strategy as insufficient, stating that it is currently being “exposed which maynot be a good sign’.

Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, promised not to go back home unless the PTI founder was freed. During their demonstration, Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, encouraged the party officials to come up with strategies to avoid being arrested.

According to an alleged audio recording, she stated that November 24 will be a loyalty test for PTI members.

Additionally, the government of Islamabad has enforced section 144 for a period of two months, which prohibits processions, rallies, demonstrations, and meetings of five or more individuals in the city.

As per the notification, the prohibition forbade meetings in any public space inside the boundaries of Islamabad, including the Red Zone, which encompasses important government buildings, diplomatic missions, and other sensitive sites.

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PTI representatives conjecture in the media over Imran’s approval of bail: FIA investigator

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The hearing on the PTI founder’s bail application in the Toshakhana-2 case has resumed at the Islamabad High Court (IHC), with Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb serving as the presider.

The hearing was attended by the defense attorney, Barrister Salman Safdar, and FIA prosecutor Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi.

Judge Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb told the FIA prosecutor to “leave the media alone and exempt yourself from them” in order to avoid commenting on the media. The statement followed the prosecutor’s assertion that the bail would be granted, which had previously been reported by media sources.

In addition, the court questioned whether the receipts in question were issued in the name of Bushra Bibi or the PTI founder itself. Bushra Bibi’s name was on the receipts listed in the challan, according to Barrister Salman Safdar.

Defense arguments
The defense expressed displeasure about the case’s 3.5-year registration wait. The prosecution has swore in Sohaib Abbasi and made Inamullah Shah a crucial witness without requiring them to take an oath.

Barrister Salman Safdar highlighted that multiple agencies, including NAB, FIA, Police, and the Election Commission, have initiated actions related to the Toshakhana case, suggesting procedural redundancy.

Regarding a phony Toshakhana receipt, he contended, the Kohsar Police Station has also filed a case.

Position of the prosecution
The FIA prosecutor, Umair Majeed Malik, maintained that the valuation of the jewelry set mentioned in the case would be explained in the prosecution’s evidence.Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb remarked, “If the media does not spread sensationalism, how will they conduct their business?” He dismissed rumors about his health, stating that he was present and hearing the case despite such reports.

Status of Co-Accused
The court was informed that Bushra Bibi, a co-accused in the case, is currently on interim bail and awaiting a decision by Judge Afzal Majuka. Barrister Salman Safdar expressed hope that Judge Majuka would soon announce his verdict.

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Naqvi visits Fazl to express gratitude for contributions to the 26th amendment.

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Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi convened with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman to deliberate on issues of shared concern and the current political landscape in the nation.

In today’s meeting in Islamabad, Mr. Naqvi asked about Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s health and sent his best wishes for the JUI chief’s well-being and future pursuits.

Naqvi extended his appreciation to Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his crucial contribution to the enactment of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which he characterised as a significant milestone in Pakistan’s legislative history.

Following the meeting, Naqvi commended Mr. Fazlur Rehman’s commitment to the nation, asserting, “Maulana Fazlur Rehman has consistently prioritised Pakistan’s interests, and his contributions to the country are indispensable.”

The experienced politician reaffirmed his dedication to Pakistan and its populace, stating, “Our priority has consistently been Pakistan and the well-being of its citizens.”

Senator Kamran Murtaza attended the meeting.

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