Tag: Pakistan Army

  • Pakistan military plans to acquire nearly 4,000 kanals of land in Haripur for ‘defence purposes’

    Pakistan military plans to acquire nearly 4,000 kanals of land in Haripur for ‘defence purposes’

    Geo Fact Check has reported that an official letter, circulating on social media since last month, claiming that the Pakistan Army intends to acquire nearly 4,000 Kanals of land in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is indeed authentic.

    The Military Estate Officer in Abbottabad Cantt wrote the letter to the deputy commissioner (DC) in Haripur district, KP.

    The letter read, “It is apprised that the Army authorities intend to acquire a chunk of land measuring 3,481 kanals and 17 marlas situated at village Kenthla and Kot Jandan, tehsil Khanpur, district Haripur for defence purposes.”

    Two government officials, including the additional Assistant Commissioner of revenue in Haripur, Ijaz Khan Jadoon, have confirmed the letter’s authenticity to Geo Fact Check.

    “The complete process of [land] acquisition will take six to 12 months,” stated Ijaz, adding that the land was located behind Islamabad’s Margalla hills.

  • Army orders to investigate EX-ISI chief Faiz Hameed, journalist Kamran Yousaf reports

    Army orders to investigate EX-ISI chief Faiz Hameed, journalist Kamran Yousaf reports

    Pakistan army has formed a high-level inquiry committee to investigate alleged accusations to investigate former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Faiz Hameed for allegedly misusing power while serving as the director-general of ISI, journalist Kamran Yousaf has reported.

    People familiar with the development said that the investigation has been conducted at the directions of the Supreme Court (SC) and the Ministry of Defence.

    Faiz Hameed was appointed as DG-C in ISI and later became the head of the intelligence agency. His name was involved in multiple controversies, including the Faizabad Dharna case. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also accused him of engineering his removal from office in 2017.

    However, the Pakistan Army has decided to investigate the case through a high-level inquiry committee. “A high-level inquiry committee has been constituted under a Major General, which will look at every aspect related to this matter in detail.”

    ‘There is a strict and highly transparent system of self-accountability in the Pakistan Army, and by promoting this system, all such allegations are investigated with great seriousness, and those responsible are also given severe punishment so that the self-accountability of the Pakistan Army is maintained,” Express TRIBUNE reported.

  • Army chief praises Pakistani-American businessman Tanveer Ahmed for donating nine million dollars to NUST

    Army chief praises Pakistani-American businessman Tanveer Ahmed for donating nine million dollars to NUST

    Pakistani-American businessman has donated nine million dollars to the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) for unprivileged students, reports Geo.

    The donation will help 200 students every year through an endowment fund. This is the biggest ever fund given to any Pakistani university.

    Tanveer Ahmed also donated 50 million dollars to flood affectees in 2022. Business tycoon Tanveer went to America as a student and started working in a restaurant.

    Recently, as reported by Dawn, he met Army Chief General Asim Muneer in Washington DC where the chief praised him for his contributions for Pakistan. “I met the army chief along with dozens of other community members. More than 70 people were in attendance. We had an open and frank discussion with the army chief. He interacted with everyone and was very receptive,” Ahmed tweeted after the dinner.

  • ‘It wasn’t easy’: Sajal Aly expresses gratitude after Sinf-e-Aahan receives multiple Lux Style award nominations

    ‘It wasn’t easy’: Sajal Aly expresses gratitude after Sinf-e-Aahan receives multiple Lux Style award nominations

    The nominations for the prestigious Lux Style Awards have been announced a few days ago, and among the nominated dramas was ‘Sinf-e-Ahan’, starring Sajal Aly, Syra Yousaf, Kubra Khan, Ramsha Khan. The series, directed by Nadeem Baig, was praised by audience for exploring the issue of women empowerment.

    It received several nominations including Best Ensemble Play (Critic’s Choice), Best TV Play (Viewer’s Choice), Best TV Play Writer (Critic’s Choice) for Umera Ahmed, Best TV Director (Critic’s Choice) for Nadeem Baig, Best TV Actor (Critic’s Choice) for Sajal Aly, and Best Emerging Talent (Critic’s Choice) for Dananeer Mobeen.

    Taking to her Instagram account, Sajal Aly reacted to the nominations by expressing gratitude, sharing how the project wasn’t easy. She also wished good luck to the rest of the team for the awards:

    “This project wasn’t easy for anyone. When Sana Shahnawaz called me, I knew I am playing this character without even reading my part,” reflected the ‘Kuch Ankahi’ actor.

    The actress went on to thank the director Nadeem Baig and the producers and rest of the cast for their commendable effort to make this show succeed.

    Sinf-e-Aahan is the story of seven women from diverse backgrounds of Pakistan who each decide to join the Pakistan Army and prove their critics wrong, who assume they won’t be able to handle such an intense environment. Sajal Aly’s character Rabia Safeer, longs to do something exceptional with her life rather than wait around for a marriage proposal, and decides to take the test of the Pakistan Armed Forces selection process to join the military.

  • Pakistan Army commits full support to govt’s economic revival drive

    Pakistan Army commits full support to govt’s economic revival drive

    In a strong show of solidarity, the Pakistan Army has pledged unwavering support to the government’s ambitious plans for the economic revival of the country. This commitment was reiterated by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir during the 258th Corps Commanders’ Conference held at the General Headquarters (GHQ).

    The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, reported that the conference paid tribute to the brave soldiers who have made supreme sacrifices in defending their homeland against the persistent threat of terrorism. The participants were extensively briefed on the prevailing internal security situation, with special emphasis on the sanctuaries and freedom of action enjoyed by terrorists affiliated with proscribed organisations such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in a neighboring country. The availability of sophisticated weaponry to these terrorists was highlighted as a major factor impacting Pakistan’s security.

    Operational preparedness and training aspects of the army were also thoroughly discussed during the Corps Commanders’ Conference. COAS Asim Munir emphasised the significance of objective training as a cornerstone of professionalism, emphasising the need for remaining vigilant against any potential threats to national security.

    Moreover, the conference shed light on the government’s economic revival plan and the Pakistan Army’s role in uplifting various sectors, including agriculture, information technology, mining and minerals, and defense production. The plan falls under the jurisdiction of the recently established Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), aimed at promoting economic growth and revitalisation.

    It is worth mentioning that the Special Investment Facilitation Council was formed following a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The meeting was attended by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, Chief Ministers, federal and provincial ministers, and other senior government officials. The economic revival plan was unveiled during this meeting, with the objective of bringing about socio-economic prosperity for the people of Pakistan and restoring the country’s rightful position among the international community.

    During the meeting, COAS General Asim Munir expressed the Pakistan Army’s full commitment to support the government’s Economic Revival Plan. The collaboration between the army and the government is seen as crucial in achieving sustainable economic growth and securing a prosperous future for all Pakistanis.

    With the Pakistan Army’s unwavering support and the collective efforts of the government, it is hoped that the Economic Revival Plan will pave the way for a brighter future, enabling Pakistan to reclaim its rightful stature among the comity of nations.

  • ‘Mere aziz hum watno’: Shahid Khaqan says today’s situation is complete script for martial law

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader and seasoned politician Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has warned of the possibility of martial law in Pakistan, citing political polarisation and economic crisis.

    Speaking on Dawn News‘ English show ‘Spotlight’, Khaqan said that the country “has never witnessed a more severe economic and political situation before. In much less severe circumstances the military has taken over.”

    The former Prime Minister (PM) hoped that the military isn’t considering taking over Pakistan, however, he said that “when they are left with no choice then the old famous speech, ‘mere aiziz hum watno’, if you read the situation today it’s a complete script for a speech like that.”

    He clarified that if the army were to take over, it would make things worse instead of doing any good.

    “When the system fails, when there is no interaction between the institutions, and when there is a conflict between them, then martial law always remains a possibility”, he said.

    He stressed the importance of dialogue and strong leadership but stated that the environment has become so toxic that even the parliament doesn’t discuss national issues.

    According to him, elections are not the kind of solution they used to be in the past.

    Pointing out that dialogues were supposed to have a purpose, Abbasi stated if they benefited only one political party, they would defeat their purpose. “If the intent is just to decide a date for the elections or the political benefits of one, it’s not a proper dialogue.”

    “Dialogue in media is all about abusing each other”, said the politician.

    According to him, it is unfortunate that his own party isn’t ready for dialogue. He said that he fears today that even the “youth has become delusional with this whole system” adding that Pakistanis themselves don’t recognise the potential of their country.

    At the last, he again stressed the responsibility of leadership, and that they should try to step in.

  • Security forces kill 12 TTP terrorists during intelligence-based operation in KP

    Security forces kill 12 TTP terrorists during intelligence-based operation in KP

    The military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), has confirmed that security forces have killed 12 terrorists of the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) during an intelligence-based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Lakki Marwat area.

    “Terrorists were lured in by providing a vehicle for escape that was intercepted and neutralised,” said the ISPR, adding that weapons, ammunition and Afghan currency were also recovered from the terrorists.

    “Locals appreciated the operation and lauded the efforts of Pakistan Army in eliminating terrorism,” the statement concluded.

    Later, a clearance operation was carried out in the area.

    The country is facing rising insurgency, especially in Balochistan and KP, after the outlawed TTP ended its ceasefire with Islamabad in November.

  • Bajwa wants to respond to Khan but can’t: Journalist Ansar Abbasi

    Bajwa wants to respond to Khan but can’t: Journalist Ansar Abbasi

    Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa cannot respond in public to the claims and accusations made against him by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan because of “codal limitations”, writes journalist Ansar Abbasi for Jang.

    The journalist revealed on Monday that it was not General (retd) Bajwa, but Imran Khan who controlled National Accountability Bureau (NAB) when he was the prime minister as he was paranoid about the Opposition and wanted to see them behind bars.

    Khan himself asked the ex-COAS to get a number of his opponents arrested. When Bajwa asked how he could take such a step, Khan gave reference of General Pervez Musharraf and his way of dealing with his political opponents. Upon hearing this, Bajwa reportedly reminded Imran that Musharraf was a dictator. Ansar Abbasi also disclosed that Bajwa told Khan to give him these orders in writing. However, Khan did not do that.

    The former army chief also warned Khan, advising him instead to focus on the economy instead of the Opposition.

    Abbasi has also written that “During his government’s tenure, Imran Khan himself has been heard complaining about the fear of NAB and its negative impact on the economy and civilian bureaucracy. But his urge to fix the opposition did not let him reform NAB.”

    Abbasi however does admit that General (retd) Bajwa is mostly blamed for keenly pursuing what is generally referred to as the “Imran Khan project”.

    He writes that when General (retd) Bajwa will speak, “what he tells will be no different from what former DG FIA Bashir Memon had alleged.” Memon claimed to have been pressurised by Khan to arrest his opponents.

    It is pertinent to mention that since his ouster, Khan has blamed the establishment and criticised them for being “neutral”. However, after General Bajwa retired in November, Khan has taken to criticising him directly. He has taken the name of General (retd) Bajwa on several occasions, saying that the retired army chief is responsible for ousting him.

    Days before retirement, General Bajwa, without taking any name, responded to Khan’s allegations.

    In what seemed like a criticism of Imran Khan, General (retd) Bajwa said that a false narrative was built and a campaign was started against the Pakistan army.

    “Many sectors used very inappropriate and undignified language while making the army the target of severe criticism. To criticise the army is the right of political parties and the people, but they should select their language carefully,” he said.

  • President Alvi ‘warns’ Imran Khan about not talking against new army chief

    President Alvi ‘warns’ Imran Khan about not talking against new army chief

    President Dr Arif Alvi has allegedly strictly warned Imran Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to stop his party leaders and social media team from criticising the Pakistan military and the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, reports Journalist Ansar Abbasi for Jang.

    Sharing a screenshot of a WhatsApp message sent to party leadership and social media team, a PTI source said that the president also told Khan that for the new military establishment, the honour of the institution is like a red line, which must not be crossed.

    It has been revealed in the story that Imran Khan’s message was forwarded to the PTI Parliamentary Party’s WhatsApp group. In the message, Khan directed its social media team not to criticise the new army chief and made it clear that the instructions have to be followed very strictly. The person who shared this message on the group said that Khan’s directive should be followed by everyone.

    Similarly, in another group of party leaders and social media managers, Khan wrote, “Please ensure that there is no criticism of the new chief and the army.”

    When PTI leader and former federal minister Fawad Chaudhary was asked by the news outlet about Alvi’s message, he said that both the President and Imran Khan have made it clear that there will be no attack against the army and COAS Munir.

    He hoped that the new army chief would come up with new policies and hoped that he would not repeat the alleged anti-PTI policies of former COAS, General (r) Bajwa.

    It is pertinent to mention that Khan has directly targeted the former army chief multiple times for being “neutral”. He has also targeted others within the military, including senior officers of the Inter-Services Intelligence.

  • Pakistan Army’s change of command ceremony to be held at GHQ on Tuesday

    Pakistan Army’s change of command ceremony to be held at GHQ on Tuesday

    Pakistan Army’s change of command ceremony will be held tomorrow (Tuesday), military’s media-wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed on Monday, marking the time-honoured tradition that symbolises the seamless transition of military leadership.

    Outgoing Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa will hand over the “baton of command” to General Asim Munir, who was selected to become the new army chief by Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on November 24.

    General Asim Munir will be the 17th army chief to assume the command of the Pakistan Army.

    Former military leadership will also participate in the function at General HeadQuaters (GHQ).

    General Qamar Javed Bajwa called on President Arif Alvi to for his farewell as the 16th COAS at the President’s House.

    Later in the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met the COAS in his office for the farewell visit before hosting a luncheon in his honour.