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Faiz Hamid charge sheets for working against safety and interest of the state

Islamabad, Pakistan: Lt Gen Faiz Hamid (Retd) is formally accused of working against the safety and interest of the state.

The involvement of Lt Gen Faiz Hamid (Retd), in events related to creating agitation and unrest, leading up to multiple incidents including but not limited to the 9th May 2023 incident for fomenting instability; at the behest of and in collusion with the vested political interests being separately investigated.

According to a press statement issued by the Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) of Pakistan Armed Forces, on 12 August 2024, the process of FGCM was initiated against Lt Gen Faiz Hamid (Retd) under provisions of the Pakistan Army Act, and first place, Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd) has been formally arraigned on charges of engaging in political activities, violations of Official Secret Act detrimental to safety and interest of the state, misuse of authority & government resources and causing wrongful loss to a person(s).

During the process, the involvement of Lt Gen Faiz Hamid (Retd), in events related to creating agitation and unrest, leading up to multiple incidents including but not limited to the 9th May 2023 incident for fomenting instability; at the behest of and in collusion with vested political interests, is also being separately investigated. Lt Gen Faiz Hamid (Retd) is being afforded all legal rights as per the law.

What does this development mean?

1. Charge sheet means that complete evidence exists against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed who has been formally charged in the FGCM.
2. ⁠Out of the multiple charges, the first and most important one is Lt Gen Faiz Hameed’s involvement in political activities.
3. ⁠This press release also proves that the retired officer was involved in events related to 9 May and many others before that like protests which were taken out in May 2022 and in November 2022 at the time of appointment of the army chief etc.
4. ⁠This press release also proves that Lt Gen Faiz Hameed retired was doing all these actions on instructions and orders of Imran Khan who is the political head of his party.
5. ⁠The real culprit is the political leadership of PTI which used this officer for vested political interests.

Imran-Faiz duo and stories of corruptions

Islamabad Bureau adds:

How did Faiz Hameed play his role in the May 9 conspiracy?

During the interrogation of Lt. Gen. (retd) Faiz Hameed, grave facts related to May 9, 2023, Black Day came out of the clouds, and information available with interrogating agencies was enough to trial Imran Niazi and Faiz Hameed for sedition charges for revolt against the state of Pakistan.

According to available information to DND News Agency, the false flag that was staged on November 3, 2022, in the form of a planned murderous attack on Imran Niazi near Muridke was a preamble for whatever happened after that. Information suggests that Faiz Hameed and Imran Niazi planned an attack on Imran Niazi to blame military officers and then Imran Niazi started the provocative speeches against the Pakistan Army, targeting two officers whose names were provided by Faiz Hameed.

It must be remembered that Faiz Hameed retired on December 10, 2022, but he continued planning to sabotage the reputation of his former institution and both also decided to attack police parties that were coming to arrest Imran Niazi in the Al-Qadir Trust case. Available information suggests that over 500 WhatsApp groups were created in the past when Faiz Hameed was DGC to build up Project Imran. These groups had the majority of members belonging to families of serving and retired military men. Admins of such groups were members of the Gang of Niazi who started filling groups with anti-army venom after the arrest of Imran Khan on the instructions of Faiz Hameed. The purpose of launching attacks on officials of ISI through these groups was to build pressure on former and sitting military men to create a coup and instigate PTI followers against the Pakistan Army and Imran Niazi deliberately repeated the names of the senior officers of the army when he was leaving Zaman Park for Islamabad.

After the arrest of Faiz Hameed, it had been revealed why and how in just a few hours more than two hundred places belonging to the Pakistan Army were attacked by PTI leaders and workers and the targets of vandalism were only military places. Such military sites, unknown to local citizens, were also brutally burned to ashes in a few hours.

The most important question related to the events of May 9 was how could PTI workers be so focused only on military-related buildings like Corps Commander House in Lahore, CSD and MES office in Lahore, ISI office in Faisalabad, FC Fort in Chakdara, GHQ Main Gate, Army Military History Institute, AFIC, Rahwali Gate in Gujranwala and Punjab Regimental Center in Mardan. The answer is received now and it has been revealed that the list was shared by Faiz Hameed who planned an attack on his former institution.

It was further revealed that the PTI campaign against the Pakistan Army launched from abroad before May 9 was part of a strategy of Faiz Hameed because attacking army installations needed an extreme level of hatred among PTI followers and this hatred was created through an anti-army mentality campaign.

Imran-Faiz duo and stories of corruption

Imran-Faiz Gang was notorious for their ruthlessness and they were beyond the reach of anybody so sharing anything about their covert operations like running Real Estate mafias could be life-threatening for any reporter. The Gang of Niazi exploited state resources to buy certain anchors, analysts, columnists, and journalists. Some were greased through providing state property on lease for 30-plus years in Islamabad and Rawalpindi while some were in the pay role of a state institution but were working only for Faiz Hameed. Resources of Bahria Town Housing Societies were also at the disposal of Faiz Hameed for pampering handpicked journalists, and civil, military, and judiciary officers. The assignment given to gang members was to praise Imran Niazi and discredit everybody who dared to contest shallow thinking of Niazi.

When Faiz Hameed was in office (DGC and then DGI), nobody was getting the actual pulse of what Imran Khan and Faiz Hameed had been doing because nobody dared to contest them. However, things started coming to the surface when former Chief of Pakistan Army General Bajwa found out that Faiz Hameed was using all resources of the institution on a personal level and he removed Faiz Hameed from the post of DGI and broke this circle of tyranny. Imran Khan confirmed during his conversation with journalists on August 15, 2024, in Adiala Jail that he did not want to replace Faiz Hameed with any new DGI and he was very angry with General Bajwa because Faiz was his asset. When Faiz Hameed was removed from the post of DGISI, the army was relieved that a sensitive institution got out of the dirty hands of the ‘Gang of Niazi’.

Some retired officers of the Punjab Revenue Department claim that it was not only Top City but almost every private housing scheme that was illegally developed in the 10 years had direct or indirect linkage with Imran Niazi and Faiz Hameed because no official of the provincial as well as federal department could dare to say no to Faiz Hameed. It was also claimed that the original map of Rawalpindi Ring Road was changed thrice to benefit the “Gang of Niazi” for developing illegal housing schemes on lands already procured by their friends in peanuts and the price of land went up when Rawalpindi Ring Road touched such lands. Many stories still need confirmation from official quarters like the Top City saga. This case testifies that stories of corruption of the “Gang of Niazi” in housing societies are not unfounded but need investigation. Some Revenue Department retired officers believe Imran Khan and Faiz Hameed made over Rs.40 billion in real estate ventures. Faiz Hameed had formed teams of serving and retired officers who were fully engaged in facilitating real estate businesses and selling/buying television and radio channel licenses (the sitting Chairman PEMRA who has been serving since 2018 can be a useful person to further information). The alleged audio leak of former Chairman PEMRA Absar Alam indicates how the Gang of Niazi was controlling the media scene.

It was also revealed in the investigation that Faiz Hameed helped Farah Gogi and his husband to leave Pakistan and alerted them well before Farah’s name appeared on the surface regarding the Toshakhana Case. Faiz Hameed was also a partner in a deal between Imran Niazi and Malik Riaz in the 190-million-pound issue. It is revealed that former First Lady Bushra Manika had been in constant contact with Faiz Hameed when he was DGI and both had the approval of Imran Niazi to manage his cash and gold transactions that were arriving as bribes from Real Estate ventures. It is also claimed that there were standing instructions from Faiz Hameed that Farah Gogi (who is known as a partner of Bushra in bribe deals) would be given VVIP cover whenever she would go out of the country from any airport in Pakistan therefore Farah Gogi was exonerated from normal checking of her baggage whenever she traveled abroad. It is claimed she had been transferring hard cash and gold from Pakistan to abroad and had her share in money although the lion’s shares of ill-gotten money belonged to three partners—Imran Niazi, Bushra Manika, and Faiz Hameed.

Faiz Hameed and his team continued to operate even after Faiz Hameed retired from the post and Imran Niazi was sent to jail. Utilizing filthy money was not a problem for Faiz Hameed who was arranging funds for public gatherings of Imran Khan after his removal as prime minister. The money was also available for vloggers, and YouTubers in Pakistan and even for foreign journalists for writing articles in Khan’s favor. The purpose of the covert operations of Faiz Hameed after his retirement was to engineer a revolt within the Pakistan Army that was a failed attempt on May 9, 2022. His anti-military activities were unearthed in an investigation of the May 9 incidents.

It was a hard decision for the Pakistan Army to court-martial one of its X-DGIs for the first time in the history of Pakistan. Some sources claim that some former colleagues advised Faiz Hameed to restrain from further attempts of mutiny in the army but he was not ready to stop because he was resource-filled and his team in civil bureaucracy, judiciary, and media were performing results. There is a phrase in the English language that is ‘enough is enough’. At last, the Army had no choice and the Gang of Niazi was busted because Niazi and Faiz were planning another May 9 scene to spread chaos and instability in the country. Lastly, it is important to know that if the army has laid hands on X-DGISI, then no one will be spared if found involved in destabilizing the country.

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Proclaimed criminals arrested by Patrol Police Rawalpindi Region

Rawalpindi, Pakistan: Patrol Police Rawalpindi Region is continuing operations against criminal elements under the guidance of SSP Muhammad Bin Ashraf, says a press release of the police department.

ASI Asif Kiani from Patrol Post Massa Kaswal, ASI Muhammad Atif from Bhalot Mor and ASI Imran Shaukat from Chakmoon, Sub-Inspector Waseem Hassan from Chakmoon arrested and imprisoned the proclaimed criminals while carrying out various operations.

Proclaimed Criminals Arrested by Patrol Police
Proclaimed Criminals Arrested by Patrol Police Rawalpindi Region

While taking further actions from the region, cases were registered against 04 drivers who installed non-standard gas cylinders in vehicles. Along with preventing and suppressing crimes, the Patrol Police is also taking the lead in protecting and serving the public which was highly appreciated in the public circles.

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COAS Gen Asim Munir met with the Pakistan Army team that secured the prestigious Gold Medal in the “Exercise Cambrian Patrol”

Islamabad, Pakistan: General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), met with the Pakistan Army team that secured the prestigious Gold Medal in the “Exercise Cambrian Patrol” held in the United Kingdom from 4 to 13 October 2024.

The Cambrian Patrol recognized as one of the most challenging military exercises globally, witnessed participation from 143 teams. The Pakistan Army contingent demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience, marking the sixth occasion that the Pakistan Army has clinched this coveted honor.

COAS commended the team on their outstanding accomplishment for upholding the honor of Pakistan on an international platform.

Pakistan Army team that secured the prestigious Gold Medal in the “Exercise Cambrian Patrol”

The Exercise Cambrian Patrol, conducted in the unforgiving mountainous terrain of mid-Wales, United Kingdom, is an arduous test of physical endurance, tactical acumen, and mental fortitude. It emphasizes teamwork, leadership, self-discipline, courage, and determination under the most demanding operational scenarios, serving as a benchmark for military excellence.

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Habib Jalib Mela proposed in January 2025

Lahore, Pakistan: After a pause of over five years, Habib Jalib Mela has been proposed on 26 January 2025. The first meeting for the arrangement was held in the SAFMA head office.

The meeting was attended by 37 people including Imtiaz Alam, Farooq Tariq, Tahira Jalib, Sara Jalib, Comrade Hasnain, Faisal Shahzad, Raza Naeem, Ammar Shahzad, Amina Chaudhry, Muzammil Kakar, Abdullah Zia, Rafat Maqsood, Hur Abbas Naqvi, Haris Hashmi, Hasnain Asghar, Haider Butt, Mudabbar Ali, Imtiaz-ul-Haq, Muhammad Akbar, Niaz Khan, Muhammad Amin, Allama Siddique Azhar, Mirza Anwar Baig, Zeigham Abbas, Dr. Furqan, Muhammad Asghar, Muhammad Ijaz, Saman Zahira, Rana Owais and Hassan Munawar.

Participants appreciated the services of Habib Jalib and agreed to convey the message of Jalib’s resistance poetry to the younger generation in today’s circumstances. The committee members appreciated the proposal to hold Jalib Awami Mela in 2025 after 2019 and expressed their determination to hold Jalib Mela every year in the future. It was jointly agreed in the meeting that Habib Jalib is not a poet of any one class but a poet of all, therefore, all old and new colleagues will be included in the Jalib Mela Committee, some disgruntled friends will also be contacted and this left-wing tradition of holding a festival together will be continued.

On the suggestion of Imtiaz Alam, the name of Jalib Awami Mela was changed to Jalib Jamhoori Mela, which was agreed upon by all the participants.

The date of Jalib Jamhoori Mela was unanimously fixed in the meeting as 26 January 2025. While the venue/location of the festival has not been decided yet. Initially, the proposal to hold the festival at Bagh-e-Jinnah Open Air Theater and Cosmopolitan Club was considered. The open-air theatre is under construction, however, Comrade Hasnain was given the responsibility to get information about the open-air theatre and report it to the committee in the next meeting.

The target for the funds of Jalib Jamhuri Mela was set at Rs. 1.5 million. Initially, the members present in the meeting wrote down their own funds. Comrade Imtiaz Alam pledged Rs. 1 million, Comrade Tony Usman from Norway pledged Rs. 1 million, while Farooq Tariq pledged Rs. 50,000 for the festival. The entire report of the Finance Committee will be shared separately in the group, however, according to the promises made so far, promises of Rs. 309,000 and Rs. 500 have been taken, to meet the target of Rs. 1.5 million, we need another Rs. 1.1 million, Rs. 90,000 and Rs. 500.

It was decided in the meeting that the account of the Free Media Association would be used for the funds of Jalib Mela. This account will be shared with the funders, while a report of all the funds and expenses of the festival will be presented to the colleagues in every meeting.

The mobilization of Jalib Mela will be started along with the date of its launch. In this regard, the youth have been given the responsibility of organizing various events in the name of Jalib in educational institutions and also mobilizing Jalib Mela.

Initially, a social media poster of Jalib Jamhoori Mela and a pamphlet will be published in which the name of the place will not be written, but the campaign will be started.

Videos of Jalib Sahib’s speeches will also be made and shared on social media and Jalib Jamhoori Mela will be promoted.

Habib Jalib was on 24 March 1928 and died on 13 March 1993. He was a revolutionary poet and left-wing political activist who served most of his life in jails for opposing martial law, authoritarianism, military dictatorship, and state oppression.

The formation of committees for the arrangements of Jalib Mela will be given in the next meeting. The next meeting of the Jalib Mela Committee will be held on December 20 at 3 pm at SAFMA, Shadman.

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Minorities caution against establishing a sham National Commission for Minorities

Lahore, Pakistan: The Peoples Commission for Minorities’ Rights (PCMR) has warned the government that establishing another ineffective and powerless minorities’ commission will fail to achieve the purpose of meaningful inclusion of religious minorities in policy-making, hence, the proposed scheme of its constitution will not address the issue of their marginalization in the system. The autonomy of this body will lie in the independence of the constituting instrument and the strength of its composition and quality appointments.

PCMR stated that a rights body failing to meet the UN Paris Principles, including having a competent composition, would be unacceptable to minorities.

In a joint statement given by Peter Jacob, the Chairperson, Justice (R) Kailashnath Kohli, Dr. A. H. Nayyar, and Michelle Chaudhry, provincial heads of Punjab and Balochistan, referred to the ministerial meeting headed by Rana Sanaullah Khan, the Advisor to Prime Minister. The PCMR representative stated that for over 30 years, a powerless minorities’ commission had been set up.  As it was toothless, therefore it failed to address the grievances of the religious minorities. It is sad to note that the Federal government is repeating mistakes, which will not serve the purpose of integrating religious minorities.

The proposed commission through legislation, should to be a rights body therefore “we demand that its powers must be equivalent to those of the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR). They cautioned that any attempt to weaken the commission, such as including unnecessary representation from the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), would make it contradictory and unequal to other human rights bodies functioning in the country. Since the constitution of Pakistan does not suggest a role of the CII in any matter related to religious minorities, therefore the government should avoid making the CII part of any controversy.

The PCMR statement emphasized that the government must consult relevant rights organizations, especially since the commission will function as a human rights body. Moreover, the autonomy of the National Commission for Minorities’ Rights. The PCMR representatives also demanded that the commission adhere to the directives of the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s 2014 judgment, delivered by Chief Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani regarding the body for inclusion of minorities in policy-making.

 

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Pakistan and Central Asian Energetic Alliance and the Afghanistan Dilemma

By Farzeen Nadeem

While energy has become a key factor in many developing economies, it has also become a tool for political maneuvering, especially in South and Central Asia.

This article looks into the complex interplay of resource endowments, infrastructure development, and geopolitical contexts influencing the energy economies of Pakistan and Central Asia.

Picture yourself at the crossroads of Asia, where the stunning snow-covered peaks of the Himalayan slope finally meet with the inexhaustible flatlands connected with Central Asia. Some of the world’s most resource-rich, but infrastructure- and conflict-challenged nations are among those with the largest stakes. Pakistan whose population is booming and its industrial base in on the upswing, confronts a different set of challenges from those that resource-rich but landlocked Central Asia faces.

The primary cause of Pakistan’s energy crisis is a shortage of indigenous resources. Due to its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels, Pakistan is susceptible to changes in supply and price fluctuations. Hope and sorrow have been mixed in Pakistan’s energy sector. Chronic power outages have plagued the nation for the past 10 years, leaving cities in the dark; however, a ray of optimism has emerged in recent years.

In stark opposition, however, lie the central Asian nations, which are endowed with extremely abundant hydrocarbon deposits. Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan possess huge oil and gas reserves, rendering them energy net exporters.

Despite this abundance of natural resources, central Asia has its own set of problems. The so-called ‘curse of resources’ drives certain countries into dependence on hydrocarbon exports, which might not favor the process of economic diversification.

Now visualize a very dynamic city in Pakistan, with gleaming solar panels mounted on skyline buildings while in the distance, a few wind turbines spin at low speed against the backdrop of the snowcapped mountains of Central Asia. This is nothing out of a sci-fi novel, instead, it is what the energy partnership between Pakistan and Central Asia will look like by 2050.

As the sun rises from above the Karakoram highway, a convoy of electric trucks awakens with a hum to the modern Silk Road. It is neither a mere transporter of goods, it is a symbol of a transforming alliance on energy that has altered the geopolitical landscape of this area. 

Natural Gas: the bridge to a Green future 

This partnership is majorly grounded on the network of natural gas pipelines crawling between countries. The apparition of Turkmenistan- Afghanistan- Pakistan- India (TAPI), still considered a pipe dream, could be a landmark confirmation of regional cooperation. By 2050, this spinal cord of energy will bring not only cleaner coal alternatives but also a greatly improved economic interdependence.

“The TAPI pipeline has become the economic backbone of our region,” says a beaming Pakistani energy minister in a holographic interview. “It’s not just about gas; it’s about shared prosperity.”

Hydropower: Tapping into the Roof of the World

Through the relying streams of Central Asia, mountains gradually will add to the capacity of further regions with clean and renewable energy. The joint hydroelectric projects implemented in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan could power millions of houses in Pakistan and throughout the region, allowing the “water tower of Asia” to emerge as an energy champion.

Renewable Revolution: Harnessing Sun and Wind

A renewable energy revolution will take place in the sunbaked deserts of Pakistan and wind-swept steppes of Kazakhstan. Huge solar farms and wind parks would be spread out over miles of land, integrating with an across-the-border smart grid providing technology.

“We’ve turned our geographical challenges into our greatest assets,” a Kazakh energy expert explains. “Our once-barren lands now harvest the sun and wind, powering a brighter future for all.”

What if this chasm began to close? What if Afghanistan could emerge not as a source of division and distraction but as the key to opening up the whole region’s energy and economic potential?

Challenges and implementation: The Afghanistan Dilemma

All of this sounds nothing but a dream come true but the Afghanistan dilemma in this process is undeniable. The countries of Central Asia and Pakistan have always been landlocked throughout history, faced with an urge of fate, bound together by the inescapable reality of a geopolitical web spread by Afghanistan. This vast and hilly expanse, set in a triangle between regional ambitions and the superpowers, casts a long shadow on hopes for economic cooperation infrastructure development, and energy security in Asia’s heart. Afghanistan has been a bridge and a barrier, a strategic puzzle and a source of unmitigated tension for decades. Yet, in this very turmoil, there lies the potential for a fledgling yet transformative partnership- if only Afghanistan were to set aside the strife festering within for a future in its making.

The plans for energy pipelines, electricity grids, and trade routes, like the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) gas pipeline, or the Central Asia-South Asia Electricity Transmission and Trade Project (CASA-1000), have been undermined by the very instability that Afghanistan itself has suffered. The unyielding terrain, fragile security environment, and frail governance structure have made it impossible to lay the foundations of a future where Central Asia’s oil, gas, and hydroelectric power can fuel the growth of Pakistan and the broader South Asian region.

Energy projects that could be the lifeblood of the region are hanging by a thread of uncertainty. Pakistan is suffering now due to its growing population and other industrial necessities for power. Meanwhile, the energy-rich Central Asian republics, through their vast deposits of natural gas and electricity potential, are simply unable to access the lucrative global markets without a secure transportation route through Afghanistan. Very simply, this great energy potential has remained uninspired due to a devastating and erratic current.

What if this chasm began to close? What if Afghanistan could emerge not as a source of division and distraction but as the key to opening up the whole region’s energy and economic potential?

First and foremost to enable Afghanistan to play an important role and serve as a bridge for regional prosperity is to restore peace and order within its territory and territory. The establishment of a stable, inclusive government, security, and an environment suitable for international and regional investment must be established. The Afghan state must tackle extremism, reconstruction of infrastructure projects, and instill confidence in the international community. There should be a clear indication to the world that the country was prepared, as a reliable partner, to be able to deliver on promises made, protect foreign investments, and ensure the safety of transnational infrastructure.

Foreign investors are mind-shackled by the terror of violence, instability, and political unpredictability. Infrastructure projects in such countries shrink to paper—dreams unrealized. The Central Asian countries cannot meet this challenge alone, together with Pakistan. They need Afghanistan’s entrance to the future and a voice: “We are ready. We are stable. We are open for business.”

A very high stake indeed. The future of a whole region is at stake. If Afghanistan can really shed its past, if the countries of Central Asia and Pakistan can come together at last in a spirit of cooperation and trust, then Central Asia could be reborn as a center of energy, trade, development, and wonder. The energy pipelines could flow at last; the electrical grids could endure in their lighting of cities stretching from Islamabad to Almaty. The world could witness the birth of a new Central Asia- peaceful, prosperous, and powerful. 

Economic Renaissance: The Fruits of Cooperation

This very energy partnership can be the catalyst for an economic renaissance across the region:

Infrastructure Development: New roads, railways, and digital networks will come up along with energy projects and connect once-isolated communities.

Foreign Investment: A stable energy supply will pull in international investors and solidify the region as a manufacturing and tech center.

Regional Economic Growth: A rising tide lifts all boats; energy sector growth is beneficial to the region’s development in education, healthcare, and innovation.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article/Opinion/Comment are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the DND Thought Center and Dispatch News Desk (DND). Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of the DND Thought Center and Dispatch News Desk News.

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13 more Digital terrorists arrested in Pakistan

Islamabad, Pakistan: Another Fake News Gang busted as 13 more Hatemongers clamped from different cities of the country.

Fake News and Hatemongering have become lethal weapons against states and Pakistan is a particular victim of this Digital Terrorism. Action intensified against those involved in negative propaganda on social media and spreading hate speech on social media.

The government has started strict action against those spreading mischief on social media. The accused who spread fake news on social media include Saleem Akhtar, Salman Nasir, Sajid Hussain, Muhammad Khalid Khurshid, Asim Ayub, and Babar Muzaffar.

 

Cases have also been registered against Sher Azim Khan, Mubeen Shah, Ali Haider, Nader Hussain, Chaudhry Zulfiqar, Jamil Mirza, and Muhammad Basit Malik.

The accused belong to Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujarat, Layyah, Rahim Yar Khan, Muzaffargarh, Hawalnagar, Gilgit, Ghizer, and Zhob. Cases have been registered against 19 accused before this. Strict legal action against these accused is being implemented.

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Afghan Migration Crisis: Impact on Pakistan’s Security and Economy

By Farzeen Nadeem

Pakistan is home to over 3.7 million (official figure) Afghan refugees, making it the second-largest hosting refugee country in the world. This great resettlement is posing serious threats to Pakistan’s cohesion and national security framework.

The persistence of Afghan refugees, who crossed the borders of Afghanistan into Pakistan after the Taliban returned to power in August 2021; has escalated security threats manifolds, especially in the context of the long and sensitive 2670 km Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Policymakers in Pakistan are under pressure to meet humanitarian responsibilities, and at the same time manage other pressing security challenges including terrorist activities and border security. The crisis cuts across the economy, and social integration and therefore calls for a serious re-assessment of Pakistan’s response to the issue of refugee management, its policies, and strategies for peace in the expected saturation of such response.

Almost 94% of wire mesh fencing and infrared surveillance have been completed but several unauthorized crossing areas remain as potential threats to security

Current Scale of Afghan Migration Invasion of Pakistan: Continuing Chaos Following US Support of the Taliban

A recent report issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) demonstrates the penetration of civilian Afghan migration into Pakistan on a never-before-seen scale. According to the data on Aeps, the overall Afghan population in Pakistan with immigration status increased to 3.7 million in 2024 and is still increasing.

The security challenges along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border have been aggravated due to the recent increase in cross-border movement

Latest Migration Statistics and Trends in 2023 Report

Currently, three different categories of Afghans reside in Pakistan with different legal statuses. About 1.3 million are officially registered as refugees on account of Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, whereas about 840000 have been issued Afghan Citizenship Cards (ACC). Approximately 775000 are still unaccounted for in terms of registration, which means they hold no documentation whatsoever, further adding massive security challenges and bureaucratic hurdles. After the August 2021 Taliban takeover, around 600,000 Afghans relocated to Pakistan during that initial exodus.

Serious Security Concerns

The security challenges along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border have been aggravated due to the recent increase in cross-border movement and terrorist attacks along the western border towns. The security situation has further deteriorated due to the escalation in illegal crossings. Even after enhancing fencing and surveillance along the 2600 kilometers long boundary with Afghanistan, Pakistan has found it difficult to keep the border secured. Almost 94% of the border infrastructure development project consisting of wire mesh fencing, and infrared surveillance has been completed. However, the mountainous region and many unauthorized crossing areas remain as potential threats to security.

Pakistani security officials have reported increased military activity, particularly in border provinces. Out of 24 suicide bombings in recent months, 14 involved illegal immigrants from Afghanistan, in addition, they are also involved in Arms and Narcotics smuggling. TTP is also finding it easy to increase its terrorist activities using these illegal immigrants thus causing chaos and fear amongst the innocent population of Pakistan.

Moreover, the absence of valid crossing documents and using an old outdated version of the local slip which can be issued to anyone has facilitated terrorists to enter Pakistan without any hindrances. Strangely, the Taliban Government is still adamant about continuing the same old outdated procedure instead of a valid visa system.

Polio eradication campaigns also face resistance in Afghan refugee housing colonies as the population is averse to administering polio drops to their young ones

Another excuse mentioned is the divided families across the border, there are families divided across the border in Punjab, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, but they can only meet and cross over the border with valid visa documents. Pakistan being a responsible state cannot allow cross-border movement without valid visa documents and it is now time for these divided villages must decide about their future and adopt the valid and legal procedure to cross the border. This situation is particularly relevant in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which have divided villages along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

Economic Burden Assessment

The economic implications of hosting Afghan refugees have placed unprecedented strain on Pakistan’s financial resources, with recent estimates indicating a cost of PKR 610.90 billion over three years for managing the current refugee population.  Impact on Public Resources The influx has significantly stressed Pakistan’s public infrastructure, particularly in border regions where essential services are already scarce and limited. Key impact areas include; Healthcare facilities operating at 175% capacity in refugee-dense areas; educational institutions accommodating 26 million out-of-school children; including half a million refugee children; water and sanitation systems requiring substantial upgrades to meet increased demand, and housing shortages in urban areas driving up rental costs. It is worth mentioning that polio eradication campaigns also face resistance in Afghan refugee housing colonies as the population is averse to administering polio drops to their young ones.

Changes in the Legal Framework

Pakistan’s immigration laws have undergone significant changes. The Ministry of State and Frontier Regions (SAFRON), through its Office of the High Commissioner for Afghan Refugees, is working with international organizations to implement these changes. Recent legal changes include:

  • Documentation Reform
  • Introduction of a Biometric Verification System
  • Improved Border Management Protocols
  • Simplified Registration Procedures
  • Rights and Security Access to Bank Accounts for Registered Migrants

Border management powers of people have been strengthened using rights-based and gender-sensitive approaches. This includes defence planning, legal services, and maintenance case management.  This strategy is now included in the tripartite agreement between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and UNHCR, which has been extended until 2021, and the Regional Strategy for Afghan Refugee Resolution (SSAR). These processes provide a systematic way to manage refugees and discuss security issues.  The 1993 Memorandum of Understanding between UNHCR and Pakistan continues to be the foundation for international refugee protection while fulfilling domestic policies. The system has helped process 251,000 new registration applications as of August 2021, reflecting the persistence of the refugee management crisis.

Pakistan’s management of the Afghan refugee crisis represents one of the most complex humanitarian and security challenges in South Asia. The presence of 3.7 million Afghan refugees has created multifaceted pressures on Pakistan’s national infrastructure, from border security to economic resources. Security concerns remain paramount, particularly with increased cross-border militant activities and strain on law enforcement capabilities. The economic burden also continues to stretch Pakistan’s public resources beyond sustainable limits. Social integration efforts show mixed results, with successful community initiatives counterbalanced by persistent cultural tensions and limited access to public services. Pakistan’s policy response demonstrates a shift toward structured management frameworks, though international aid meets only 22.5% of requested assistance. The situation demands renewed international commitment and support to address both the humanitarian needs of these Afghan refugees and the security concerns of Pakistan.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article/Opinion/Comment are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the DND Thought Center and Dispatch News Desk (DND). Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of the DND Thought Center and Dispatch News Desk News.

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Hate Mongering Gang busted as seven more accused clamped for spreading Fake News

Karachi, Pakistan: An FIR was registered against seven more accused for provocative and false statements on social media. The accused were spreading anti-state propaganda and false narratives through social media.

According to available information, the miscreants from Karachi include Muhammad Sohail, Muhammad Junaid, Sheikh Muhammad Ehsan, Tariq Jamil, Syed Rizwan, Muhammad Ahmed and Babar Azeem. The accused were spreading hateful propaganda against the state through various WhatsApp groups and X-accounts.

fake news gang busted in karachi

The accused will be arrested soon and strict legal action will be taken. It should be noted that cases were registered against 12 accused yesterday, who have been identified.

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Propaganda for driving a wedge between the public and the Pakistan Army through Fake News will never be successful, observed Formation Commanders Conference

Islamabad, Pakistan: The leadership of the Pakistan Army has expressed grave concern over the malicious pre-planned, coordinated, and premeditated propaganda by certain political elements that reflect an attempt to drive a wedge between the public and the Armed Forces and institutions of Pakistan.

The two days 84th Formation Commanders Conference at GHQ was presided over by General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) while Corps Commanders, Principal Staff Officers, and all Formation Commanders of Pakistan Army attended the forum.

It may be noted that the Federal government under Article 245 of the Constitution deployed the Pakistan Army as a support instrument of civil administration in the capital city of Islamabad to secure key government buildings and provide a safe and secure environment when the President of Belarus was visiting Pakistan along with a huge delegation and PTI announced protest at the same time and tried to attack Islamabad and disrupted public life.

The forum resolved that the Army remains committed to serving the nation & public and guard against all external and internal threats without any bias and political affiliation, and any attempt to pitch innocent people against each other and use of violence as an instrument for vested gains can never be tolerated.

Propaganda for driving a wedge between the public and the Pakistan Army through Fake News will never be successful, observed Formation Commanders Conference

The Forum again observed concerns over the Fake News phenomenon that is hampering the well-being of society The forum emphasized the need to purge Fake News propagation and highlighted that the Government must promulgate and implement stringent laws and regulations to check unfettered and unethical use of freedom of expression to spew venom, lies and sow the seeds of polarization in the society. The forum observed that spreading fake news for vested political/financial interests needs to be identified and brought to justice.

Unabated use of Afghan soil against Pakistan by terrorists especially those belonging to Fitna Al Khwarij (TTP) was also noted with concern. The forum urged that it is in the interest of both neighboring Islamic countries to rather focus on mutually beneficial engagements and IAG needs to take visible measures to prevent the use of its soil by the terrorists.

The forum reiterated its resolve to continue supporting all socioeconomic & development efforts being undertaken in Khyber-Pakhtunkhawa and Balochistan by Federal and Provincial Governments for the well-being of the resilient people of these Provinces who continue to stand tall against the scourge of terrorism.

Highlighting the Army’s commitment to socioeconomic progress, the forum resolved to continue to support government efforts in fostering economic growth, cracking down on the illegal spectrum, and eradicating the terror-crime nexus.

The forum began by offering Fateha and paying solemn tribute to the martyrs of the Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies, and citizens of Pakistan who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s security and sovereignty, including those Law Enforcement Agencies personnel who embraced martyrdom during recent violent protests in Islamabad.

The forum condemned ongoing human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering political, diplomatic, and moral support for the Kashmiri people. It also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, strongly condemning the atrocities in Gaza and supporting international legal measures to end military aggression.

Participants were briefed on the prevailing security environment, both external and internal, and reviewed the Army’s operational readiness to address evolving traditional and non-traditional threats.

The forum conducted a comprehensive analysis of ongoing counterterrorism operations and resolved to continue neutralizing terrorists, their facilitators, and abettors working at the behest of hostile forces to destabilize Pakistan, with heightened focus on operations against terrorists operating inside Balochistan including BLA Majeed Brigade.

Concluding the conference, the COAS emphasized the importance of professionalism, operational readiness, and the Army’s unwavering dedication to ensuring Pakistan’s security and stability, notwithstanding any odds and challenges.

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