SOURCE: Ausaf, Ummat, Daily Pak, Nawa-i-Waqt, Urdu Point, Daily Jinnah, Awami Awaz, Daily Dharti, Jasarat, Kawish, Daily Intekhab, Daily Times, Jang, Ibrat, Khabrain, Roznama Dunya, Hizb Media, Al Qalam Weekly, Baad-e-Shimal, Bang-e-Sahar, Sindh Express, Pk Voices.
ARMY CHIEF APPOINTMENT
- Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has finalized the name for the new Army Chief. And he will be General Qamar Bajwa. (Ausaf)
- Senator Professor Sajid Meer, Ameer Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith Pakistan demanded removing name of Qadiani from the list of probables for the post of new Army Chief. Pakistan’s forces are one of the major forces in the Islamic world and its Chief should not be a non-Muslim. (Khabrain)
- Zia Shahid writes that both Qadiani and Bajwa, who figure among the probables for the post of Army Chief had submitted in writing that they have faith on Khatm E Nubuwwat when they were being promoted to the rank of Major General. So it should no longer be an issue. (Khabrain)
- Aziz Jamali in his article ‘At last decision is taken!’ says farewell visits by Gen Raheel Sharif clearly suggest that a decision has been taken on the new Army Chief. Indications are that the Nawaz government is inclined to make Ashfaq Nadeem the new Army Chief. On his part, PPP senior, Zardari is waiting to see who takes over as new army chief and what happens to the Panama case in Supreme Court? Both Zardari and Imran are vying for power corridors of Islamabad. It remains to be seen as to what the views of the new Army chief about these two leaders. It is equally important to see as to how the new Army Chief sees Nawaz Sharif. The SC decision on Nawaz Sharif will surely affect many political applecart in Pakistan. (Ibrat)
- Allah Bux Rathod, in his article, says out of four names of Generals based on their seniority, two seem to be favourites of the government. There are clear indications that the senior most amongst them is not being made new Army Chief. There are rumours that Ashfaq Nadeem might succeed Raheel Sharif. He is leading the Swat operations. Zuber on the other hand seems to be a favourite with the Chinese Army bosses. Thus one thing is clear that either of these two, Zuber or Ashfaq Nadeem is going to be new Army Chief. Zuber’s two brothers are already in the army and they occupy senior posts. While it is the PM who will be taking the decision, once the new Army Chief takes office, Nawaz Sharif will again become subordinate to him. During Raheel Sharif’s times, US-Pak ties were of a mixed nature and with India, Pakistan’s ties remained strained too. The skirmishes reported from the borders continue till day. It is the Establishment who have been taking decisions on matters relating to Taliban and Afghanistan. Indications are that tough times await Pak-US relations, especially for Pakistan establishment. Hence, if Pakistan is not allowed to improve these ties at diplomatic and political levels it will only mean harsher and tougher times ahead for Pakistan. After Mullah Mansoor’s death in the US drone attack, the US does not seem to be in mood to trust Pakistan any longer. A doubt is being cast on Pakistan establishment for all dharnas taking place in Islamabad by the PTI because it was no one else but the establishment that exploited these dharnas. There are many experts pointing that meddling by establishment in the civilian affairs has gone up a lot these days. The way a parallel government is being created even in Sindh has almost crippled the Sindh government. There are clear indications that establishment wants to see a weak civilian government so much so that even the political matters are kept embroiled in such vicious circles and are aimed at keeping the government under pressure endlessly. (Sindh Express)
- Majid Siddiqui in his article titled ‘the appointment of the new Army Chief’ writes Nawaz has his own likes and dislikes too for such appointments. He is the only PM who has the distinction of being the PM for third time and has therefore more opportunities to appoint new army chief compared to other PMs. The civilian leadership and army have almost agreed on Zuber Hayat who had also gone to China after Uri attack in October. Zuber had held important meetings with the army bosses in China. Though no details have come out about his visit, informed sources indicate he was made to make this visit because he is to be given major responsibility. The civilian leadership and army have also agreed that appointment of army chief be strictly on the basis of seniority but according to seniority list Zuber is due to retire on January 13, 2017. Will he get promoted only for one and half month? Zuber Hayat is being seen as student of Ashfaq Kayani, the former army chief. Zuber had remained principal staff officer but his major weakness is he has never worked in war-torn area. The fourth name in the seniority list is Nadeem Ishaq who is the core commander, Multan. He is retiring in August next year. Raheel Sharif made him Chief of General Staff. There are several officers in the army who attribute Raheel Sharif’s success to Ishaq Nadeem because as DG, military operations he prepared plans for military operations. There is also a belief that Nadeem is non-political and hence he cannot be ignored. Javed Iqbal Ramday, who is presently based at Bahawalpur, has also been with the Sindh regiment. The other name in the seniority list is Qamar Javed. Both of them are retiring on August 8, 2017. There is a belief that the government might not want to disturb the seniority list by making any junior general as army chief or by making him the chairman, Joint Chief of Staff Committee. Hence, the larger belief is that some senior will be made army chief. Actually this post should go to all wings air force, navy, and ground forces but following the setting up of the national command authority, the army has got preference for this post because it is the army that has control over the nuclear command and strategic assets. Constitutionally, it is the Defence Minister alone who can advise the PM on the new army chief’s post. But the current Defence Minister, Khwaja Asif, is keeping himself away from this issue and he might remain away from this decision till the announcement is made. (Kawish)
- General Raheel Sharif should continue as army chief. The country needs his services for combating prevailing challenges. (Ausaf Edit)
- Army Chief’s appointment assumes importance in Pakistan because democracy has not been allowed to take deep roots in the country. The civil- military relations are often under strain and most of the elected government’s crash midway. So much so, if any Army Chief behaves professionally and retires in time, it becomes important. If constitution is implemented in its spirit, the retirement of the Army Chief followed by appointment of a new one is a routine matter. But in country like Pakistan, it is unusual. Thus, there is no surprise if people are alert about such developments General Raheel Sharif will be remembered as one who loved and was a pro-democracy COAS. There were several occasions that offered ample opportunity to him to topple the elected government but he did not do that. Also, military operations from Karachi to Kabila areascontained militancy to a large extent. People will surely remember him for that. Army Chief Raheel Sharif played major role in restoration of Karachi’s law and order through effective operations against target killers, extortionists and fundamentalists. The outgoing Chief proved did not want to retire with any burden on his conscience. It is time that the government announces his successor before the media confuses people with speculative reports. (Awami Awaz Edit)
INDIA
- Pakistan’s ballistic missile Shaheen III is an MRBM which as per its capacity, speed and range can destroy Indian capitalNew Delhi within 3 minutes, it was disclosed during the inauguration of IDEAS Expo 2016. Shaheen III can also reach targets in Andaman Nicobar within 15 minutes time. (Jasarat)
- Vegetable prices have shot up due to the ban on imports from India, the Federal Minister for Trade and Commerce, Engineer Khurram Dastgir told National assembly during question time. (Urdupoint)
- A dossier on India’s intelligence agency RAW’s interference in Pakistan and arrested Indian agent Kulbhushan Yadav is ready, Foreign Affairs advisor, Sartaj Aziz, informed the Senate. He stated the dossier would be shared with the international powers including the UN. A committee headed by Foreign Secretary will prepare report on Indo-Pak relations. Its report will be presented to the standing committee for Foreign Affairs. (Urdupoint)
- AJK PML-N leader Chaudhry Ahmad Kobal said that terrorism of Indian PM Modi has been exposed in front of the world. The world community should take notice of India’s aggression at the LoC and in Kashmir. (Roznama Dunya)
- Abdul Majeed Chandiyo in his article ‘indo-Pak tensions’ claims that Indian aggression on borders has both political and economic objectives. Kashmir is no longer major issue for India. Army and political leaders in India know it very well that militant groups are much weaker in Pakistan now and hence Kashmir jihad is no more on an agenda for both countries. (Kawish)
- India has openly come up against the efforts of the US and other countries to bring Afghanistan forward for the negotiations with Pakistan. India’s Foreign Office top official S Jaishankar expressed concerns not only on CPEC but also on the ties between China and Pakistan. Shankar has accused Pakistan without any substance that Pakistan is creating hurdles in SAARC. This accusation is contrary to the fact that it was India which had created hurdle for the SAARC summit. India is violating the air space of Pakistan and is intruding into Pak water besides firing at the LoC. In this scenario, will the US and other countries advise Pakistan to hold negotiations with India? (Jasarat Edit)
- International community should take notice of increasing violation of LoC by India. Indian forces are targeting and killing common people while Pakistani forces are targeting Indian posts from where shelling is happening. India has no courage to fight with Pakistani forces. Hence India is targeting common people during night time. Post the surgical drama of the Modi government, it finds difficulty in telling the truth to the Indian people. Pakistan’s policy of not attacking first and only giving reply to the Indian attacks should not be considered its weakness. The international community despite Pakistan’s efforts of making them aware is not taking note of the LoC situation. International community stands warned that its inaction will create unbelievable destruction not only in Pakistan and India but also in the whole region. (Khabrain Edit)
- In the face of on-going Indian aggressions at the LoC and in Jammu & Kashmir, Primed Minister Nawaz Sharif is remaining silent. Pakistan is carrying out trade with India. PM Sharif should give a tough response to India. Sharif should approach the UN for securing the release of Hurriyat leaders. Pakistan should register a case against India in the War Crime Tribunal. (Ausaf Edit)
- India keeps indulging in violations on the border and Pakistan keeps pointing out to the world about the continuing Indian aggression. Pakistan has also lodged protests with the UN Observers. Yet the global community is remaining quiet. This is incomprehensible. In such a scenario what is to be done is to be done by Pakistan on its own, with its political and diplomatic might. One reason India keeps violating the borders is because internally Pakistan is in the midst of many problems and political mess and hence security related matters cannot be taken up the way they need to be taken up. Continuing tensions on the Panama issue have also led to several political uncertainties. Despite repeatedly cautioning the government and the opposition, neither of them pays a heed to these warnings and continue to be insensitive to the alarm bells raised by the media. These days are crucial because the Army Chief is also on his way out and the PM is facing charges in the SC over the Panama leaks case; On top of all, the world is pre-occupied with the likely impact of change in the White House. Hence, the need of the hour is that Pakistan should come to grips with its issues unitedly. Only political foresight and maturity can defeat enemy’s plans. (Sindh Express Edit)
- India is continuing its aggression at the LoC despite a fitting and effective reply from the Pakistan forces India is killing innocents. The entire country should concentrate on the defence of the nation and ignore all vested issues. (Nawa-i-Waqt Edit)
- So far 45 Indian soldiers have died in the LoC skirmishes. Most of them belong to Haryana. It is said that India is afraid of Pakistan’s Border Action Teams. (Ummat)
- India’s Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar has said that if SAARC forum is not active other alternatives would be adopted for regional cooperation. (Ummat)
CHINA
- Though India is speaking about Kashmir and infiltrators, it is just a pretext to attack CPEC. Pakistan has taken over task of protecting this project. In a way, Pakistan has become an undeclared ally of China and India sees it as a major challenge. The Indian intelligentsia is advising the Indian government to attack Pakistan to break this Pak-china alliance which can boomerang on India itself. Another think tank is advising India to go for arms race and thus keep Pakistan too engaged in arms race so that Pakistan ultimately goes financially bankrupt. That is the reason why India keeps hiking its military budgets, and is also talking about hydrogen bombs. Hence, Pakistan’s political leadership will have to be cautious on taking military decisions. Pakistan should get into business and trade pacts with India but Pakistan leadership will have to be very careful when it comes to deciding Pakistan’s defence budget or going into arms race with India. Pakistan’s Foreign Office still needs to be more careful because after Donald Trump taking charge in Washington, US-China relations might go off the track and India and the US might become closer. All this can create more problems for the CPEC project. (Kawish)
ARMY/SECURITY FORCES
- COAS General Raheel Sharif will hand over command to the new commander on29 November. Preparation for the ceremony is underway. It will be held at the GHQ’s hockey ground. (Jasarat)
TERRORISM & EXTREMISM
- Police have arrested three terrorists belonging to Al Qaeda, who have sneaked in from Afghanistan for a major attack. They are Abdul Bashir, Abdur Rahman and Kamaluddin from Sadar area of Karachi. Police claims to have recovered hand grenades and other weapons from them, according to SHO Aurangzeb. (Ummat)
ECONOMY/POWER/WATER
- 81% of all agricultural loans advanced by National Agricultural Development Bank have gone to Punjab farmers, the Standing Committee for Finance of the National Assembly was told. Among other provinces, 13.4% of these loans went to Sindh, 4.2% to Khyber Pakhtunkhwah, 0.3% to Balochistan, 0.4% to Azad Jammu and Kashmir and 0.4% to Gilgit-Baltistan. (Daily Intekhab)
POLITICAL SCENE
- Senior leaders in PPP have advised Asif Ali Zardari not to be in haste to return to Pakistan. Right now the environment is not conducive for his return. So, if Zardari really wants to return, and it is inevitable, then he can come back but he should go abroad after staying few days in Pakistan. Zardari has since convened one more meeting with his colleagues in Dubai next week for further consultations. (Sindh Express)
- JUI (F) Fazal-ur-Rahman was hospitalised after he suddenly fell ill. Doctors say tests are being conducted. (Awami Awaz)
SINDH/BALOCHISTAN/KP/PUNJAB
- The anti-terror court in Karachi issued non-bailable warrant against eleven MQM leaders including Altaf Hussain and Farooq Sattar in connection with Altaf’s anti-Pakistan speech and attacks on the media houses. The court observed that let these persons be declared absconders. MQM leaders, Shahid Pasha, Naveed Qamar and others were produced but investigating officer informed that Altaf Hussain, Farooq Sattar and few others were absconding. The investigating officer told the court that while Altaf is abroad, others including Farooq Sattar could not be arrested. The judge rejected such excuses and remarked: “Farooq Sattar is seen sitting in TV channels entire day. Yet you cannot arrest him. The judge commented that the task of arresting should be handed over to the police officers like Rau Anwar (SSP-Maleer). Meanwhile, others who were produced before the court said that they are wrongly being implicated in the matter. No action is being taken against who actually spoke and gave speeches against Pakistan. They questioned why they are being put behind bars. Naveed Qamar stated that despite being a National Assembly member, he was put behind bars for the past three months for no reason. He has not been able to attend National Assembly. (Kawish)
POK/G-B NEWS
- After a crackdown against nationalist group, Balawaristan National Front, many of its big leaders have gone underground and some have even fled the country. (Daily K2)
- A 20 -member delegation of Qatar met AJK President, and offered to investment in Technical education, Health, Tourism and other sectors. (Daily Dharti)