AFTER a number of hiccups, the idea of distributing free energy-saver light bulbs to the country`s poor finally appears to be picking up steam. It was reported recently that the government is all set to award the Philips Electrical Industries of Pakistan a contract for the procurement of 20 million energy-savers from China. The deal is worth Rs2.8bn and has now been cleared by the Asian Development Bank, the major lender, as well as Agence Francaise Development, the other partner in the project. Partial delivery of the energy-savers, also known as Compact Fluorescent Lamps, is expected within weeks.
This is a positive move because Pakistan is in the grip of a severe energy crisis. But saving energy, significant as that is for the welfare of the economy, is not the full picture here.
Power tariffs have skyrocketed over the last few years at a time when food inflation has also reached a point where millions ofpeople can barely afford to eat properly. The free distribution of energy-savers can help reduce household utility costs besides benefiting the country as a whole on account of reduced energy use.
Implementation of this project may also win Pakistan valuable carbon credits in a time of global environmental turmoil. But there is a downside as well.
Energy-saver bulbs are eco-friendly when it comes to power conservation. At the same time, however, CFLs contain a high level of mercury which could prove toxic if inhaled when a bulb falls to the floor.
Also, a renewed and more vigorous campaign is needed in the print and electronic media to inform the public about the way in which fused energy-saver bulbs ought to be disposed of, wrapped in adequate covering that safeguards health. However, the pros outweigh the cons and the move towards energysavers should be welcomed.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Pakistan - World Bank's Assistance
THE World Bank`s decision to provide $5.5bn in development assistance to Pakistan over the next three years to fiscal 2014 should somewhat ease the financial troubles of the cash-strapped government and give it some respite in the wake of drying foreign official and private capital inflows. The Bank`s assistance is meant to shore up the country`s sliding economy, as well as to create jobs and health facilities, and construct roads in poorer and less-integrated regions and tribal areas near the Afghan border, under a multi-donor trust fund supported by 10 nations. The project for the crisis-hit areas in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is aimed at reducing the influence of Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups over the population living there. The initiative unveiled through the Bank`s Country Partnership Strategy Progress Report shows that the international community recognises the implications of poverty and backwardness for peace in the region, and is ready to help.
But there is no such thing as a free lunch. The government will be required to contribute to the effort to get the coun-try back onto the path of high, sustained economic growth as articulated by it in its new growth strategy to continue to receive assistance. The Bank says Islamabad will be expected to improve economic governance, take steps for human development and social protection, build social and economic infrastructure, and work to reduce security and conflict risk. The World Bank`s renewed commitment to support Pakistan in the wake of the country`s persisting economic troubles has afforded it with yet another opportunity to show to the world that it is serious about tackling its problems. The government must take effective steps to improve macroeconomic governance and implement the long overdue structural, administrative, fiscal and tax reforms to create space for future development spending. It has already delayed implementation of the reforms for a very long time at the expense of the people and the economy. Further dilly-dallying on the issue of reforms can have serious repercussions for the people who are suffering because of the incompetent handling of the economy.
But there is no such thing as a free lunch. The government will be required to contribute to the effort to get the coun-try back onto the path of high, sustained economic growth as articulated by it in its new growth strategy to continue to receive assistance. The Bank says Islamabad will be expected to improve economic governance, take steps for human development and social protection, build social and economic infrastructure, and work to reduce security and conflict risk. The World Bank`s renewed commitment to support Pakistan in the wake of the country`s persisting economic troubles has afforded it with yet another opportunity to show to the world that it is serious about tackling its problems. The government must take effective steps to improve macroeconomic governance and implement the long overdue structural, administrative, fiscal and tax reforms to create space for future development spending. It has already delayed implementation of the reforms for a very long time at the expense of the people and the economy. Further dilly-dallying on the issue of reforms can have serious repercussions for the people who are suffering because of the incompetent handling of the economy.
Pakistan - Imran's Tsunami in Karachi!
KARACHI, Dec 25: The Imran Khan wave, which the cricketerturned-politician prefers to call `tsunami`, reached Karachi on Sunday with a large turnout at a Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf meeting which surprised many political analysts, some of whom termed it one of the largest rallies recently held in the city.
Imran Khan was accompanied on the dais by the new entrant to his party, the firebrand PML-N heavyweight Javed Hashmi who had ditched his party on Saturday to join the PTI bandwagon; former PPP foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Justice (retd) Fasihuddin.
In his speech, the PTI chief dropped a bombshell by announcing that senior PPP leader and another former foreign minister, Sardar Assef Ahmed, had called him earlier in the day to confirm that he was joining his party.Imran Khan touched on his favourite themes, including rampant corruption, people`s misery and economic downslide.
But most noticeably, he pledged to address the grievances of the people of Balochistan if his party came to power.
He said he would apologise to Baloch people on behalf of their other compatriots for injustices done to them. `We have committed excesses and have treated you like the people of a colony as we did in the case of the people of East Pakistan,` he said. `I pledge that when we come to power, we will give you a special status as West Germany gave to East Germany by diverting all development projects to the latter.
Turning to an emotionally charged crowd of youths, Mr Khan said if his party came to power with the support of people, he would accomplish the dream of the Quaid-i-Azam to turn the country into an Islamic welfare state. He reminded the people that he had never disappointed the nation as a cricketer, built a cancer hospital and a most modern university in a rural area of Mianwali and said he would fulfill their dream of a welfare state with their support. He appealed to the nation to join him to build a new, sovereignand prosperous Pakistan.
The PTI chief claimed that he would eliminate much of the corruption in government within 90 days of coming to power. He described corruption as the biggest hurdle to progress.
Referring to development and prosperity in Singapore, Malaysia and Turkey, he said they were able to do so by installing honest leadership in power.
The cricketer-turned-politician termed the crowd a tsunami and announced that its next stop would be in Quetta on March 23.
He said he had decided not to speak against any party, but PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif had given him a challenge to play a 10-over match with him. He advised Mr Sharif to hurry up lest he should be left with men not enough even to form a cricket team. He said he also wanted to play a match with Asif Zardari, but he now stood retired hurt.
Welcoming Javed Hashim into the party fold, he announced that another wicket was about to fall as Sardar Assef Ahmed Ali had called him to confirm that he was joining the PTI.
PTI vice-chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi, whose speech was punctuated with slogans of `Go Zardari go`, said the country`s nuclear assets were not under physical threat, but policymakers did pose a danger.
He said the policy of credible minimum deterrence was aimed at warning those who cast an evil eye on Pakistan.
Mr Qureshi said the nuclear programme must be protected from those who could bargain over it for their personal interests.
He said when he was foreign minister a nuclear deal between India and the United States had been discussed at a conference in Algeria and Pakistan had opposed it on the grounds that it amounted to discrimination against Pakistan.
`This was my first ideological difference with President Zardari who did not approve of the stand taken by the Foreign Office.
Mr Qureshi said Pakistan did not harbour any aggressive designs against any country and sought friendship with India and the United States, but could not opt for slavery.
`If the nation wants to have an independent, sovereign, prosperous, credible and strong Pakistan, it must elect a party whose leadership could offer their heads rather than surrender.
He said the message of this massive rally was clear to the world that no one could bargain over the nuclear programme.
Javed Hashmi said the historic rally was a harbinger of a revolution in the country.
He said he was with Imran Khan at every step, but would oppose every wrong decision of the party. `Justice was a slogan of the Quaid-iAzam.
He promised that the PTI would set up a system of justice after coming to power.
`We will form a government comprising youths.
People from various areas of the city and other parts of Sindh and the country attended the PTPs first impressive political gathering. People thronged the venue in buses and private vehicles waving flags of the party.
Although a majority of the participants were Pakhtuns, Hazarewall and Punjabis, they also included SindhiUrduand Balochispeaking people.
A large number of Imran Khan`s fans from posh areas of the city also attended the rally. Some of them sat on the second stage made for local leaders.
Justice (retd) Wajihuddin, Fauzia Qasuri, Dr Arif Alvi, Zehra Shahid Hasan, Jahangir Tareen, Hamid Khan and Azam Swati also addressed the public meeting.
Imran Khan was accompanied on the dais by the new entrant to his party, the firebrand PML-N heavyweight Javed Hashmi who had ditched his party on Saturday to join the PTI bandwagon; former PPP foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Justice (retd) Fasihuddin.
In his speech, the PTI chief dropped a bombshell by announcing that senior PPP leader and another former foreign minister, Sardar Assef Ahmed, had called him earlier in the day to confirm that he was joining his party.Imran Khan touched on his favourite themes, including rampant corruption, people`s misery and economic downslide.
But most noticeably, he pledged to address the grievances of the people of Balochistan if his party came to power.
He said he would apologise to Baloch people on behalf of their other compatriots for injustices done to them. `We have committed excesses and have treated you like the people of a colony as we did in the case of the people of East Pakistan,` he said. `I pledge that when we come to power, we will give you a special status as West Germany gave to East Germany by diverting all development projects to the latter.
Turning to an emotionally charged crowd of youths, Mr Khan said if his party came to power with the support of people, he would accomplish the dream of the Quaid-i-Azam to turn the country into an Islamic welfare state. He reminded the people that he had never disappointed the nation as a cricketer, built a cancer hospital and a most modern university in a rural area of Mianwali and said he would fulfill their dream of a welfare state with their support. He appealed to the nation to join him to build a new, sovereignand prosperous Pakistan.
The PTI chief claimed that he would eliminate much of the corruption in government within 90 days of coming to power. He described corruption as the biggest hurdle to progress.
Referring to development and prosperity in Singapore, Malaysia and Turkey, he said they were able to do so by installing honest leadership in power.
The cricketer-turned-politician termed the crowd a tsunami and announced that its next stop would be in Quetta on March 23.
He said he had decided not to speak against any party, but PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif had given him a challenge to play a 10-over match with him. He advised Mr Sharif to hurry up lest he should be left with men not enough even to form a cricket team. He said he also wanted to play a match with Asif Zardari, but he now stood retired hurt.
Welcoming Javed Hashim into the party fold, he announced that another wicket was about to fall as Sardar Assef Ahmed Ali had called him to confirm that he was joining the PTI.
PTI vice-chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi, whose speech was punctuated with slogans of `Go Zardari go`, said the country`s nuclear assets were not under physical threat, but policymakers did pose a danger.
He said the policy of credible minimum deterrence was aimed at warning those who cast an evil eye on Pakistan.
Mr Qureshi said the nuclear programme must be protected from those who could bargain over it for their personal interests.
He said when he was foreign minister a nuclear deal between India and the United States had been discussed at a conference in Algeria and Pakistan had opposed it on the grounds that it amounted to discrimination against Pakistan.
`This was my first ideological difference with President Zardari who did not approve of the stand taken by the Foreign Office.
Mr Qureshi said Pakistan did not harbour any aggressive designs against any country and sought friendship with India and the United States, but could not opt for slavery.
`If the nation wants to have an independent, sovereign, prosperous, credible and strong Pakistan, it must elect a party whose leadership could offer their heads rather than surrender.
He said the message of this massive rally was clear to the world that no one could bargain over the nuclear programme.
Javed Hashmi said the historic rally was a harbinger of a revolution in the country.
He said he was with Imran Khan at every step, but would oppose every wrong decision of the party. `Justice was a slogan of the Quaid-iAzam.
He promised that the PTI would set up a system of justice after coming to power.
`We will form a government comprising youths.
People from various areas of the city and other parts of Sindh and the country attended the PTPs first impressive political gathering. People thronged the venue in buses and private vehicles waving flags of the party.
Although a majority of the participants were Pakhtuns, Hazarewall and Punjabis, they also included SindhiUrduand Balochispeaking people.
A large number of Imran Khan`s fans from posh areas of the city also attended the rally. Some of them sat on the second stage made for local leaders.
Justice (retd) Wajihuddin, Fauzia Qasuri, Dr Arif Alvi, Zehra Shahid Hasan, Jahangir Tareen, Hamid Khan and Azam Swati also addressed the public meeting.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Pakistan - Nawz's Call for Early Polls
MIAN Nawaz Sharif`s suggestion for an early election is going to be discussed seriously in the coming days. The advice to President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is hardly undemocratic, and it is consistent with the PML-N`s own line of not allowing the army to step in. Meanwhile, the tone it has been delivered in sits well with Mr Sharif`s promotion of himself as an experienced national leader who could unite a fragmented Pakistan. He may have some more partisan motives, suchasthe onebasedonan estimate of the current PML-N popularity in comparison with the `discredited` PPP and an upwardly mobile Imran Khan. Yet, ultimately, it has to be said Mr Sharif has timed his suggestion expertly. His recent statements about democracy, civilian supremacy and on Balochistan, India, etc, have added to his credibility as a political leader.
The clever move is likely to win backers from among a people worn down by the current imbroglio, which is far from saying the call will not be opposed or will bewelcomed as an easy solution. The PPP will oppose an early election as amounting to the usurping of its right to rule until 2013.
The old victim`s status may be restored to the party of the Bhuttos whereas analysts will also be inclined to closely examine the system which is central to the materialisation of Mr Sharif`s wish. The fact is the Election Commission remains a contentious issue. Aspersions are routinely cast on its neutrality.
This has to be sorted out regardless of when polls are held. Additionally, there is the matter of the opposition`s `no` to an election held with Mr Zardari in the presidency. At least in theory the Gilani government`s stepping down would still leave the presidency in the hands of Mr Zardari. Mr Sharif`s earlypoll advice loses some of its shine when it is juxtaposed against Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif`s snappy rejection of any kind of vote under President Zardari. Credibility aside, the FML-N still needs to be a little more coherent and open when it comes to discussing its formula.
The clever move is likely to win backers from among a people worn down by the current imbroglio, which is far from saying the call will not be opposed or will bewelcomed as an easy solution. The PPP will oppose an early election as amounting to the usurping of its right to rule until 2013.
The old victim`s status may be restored to the party of the Bhuttos whereas analysts will also be inclined to closely examine the system which is central to the materialisation of Mr Sharif`s wish. The fact is the Election Commission remains a contentious issue. Aspersions are routinely cast on its neutrality.
This has to be sorted out regardless of when polls are held. Additionally, there is the matter of the opposition`s `no` to an election held with Mr Zardari in the presidency. At least in theory the Gilani government`s stepping down would still leave the presidency in the hands of Mr Zardari. Mr Sharif`s earlypoll advice loses some of its shine when it is juxtaposed against Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif`s snappy rejection of any kind of vote under President Zardari. Credibility aside, the FML-N still needs to be a little more coherent and open when it comes to discussing its formula.
Pakistan - State Bank Report
THE State Bank of Pakistan`s annual report for the last financial year is not just another grim reminder of an impoverished economy. It is also an indictment of various institutions whose responsibility it is to create an enabling and investment-friendly environment in the country. The report shows a decline in public and private investment the lowestin over three and a half decades. It laments poor governance, mourns the waste of limited financial resources by loss-making public-sector entities and shows concern over anaemic growth. The bank is as much worried over growing power shortages as the rising fiscal deficit on the back of increasing public expenditure and plunging tax revenues. With foreign official capital inflows drying up because of poor global economic conditions the need for deficit financing is forcing the government to borrow heavily from commercial banks.
This has diluted the SBP`s efforts to control inflation in spite of raising the cost of borrowing at the expense of private investment, exports and jobs. Moreover, it is squeezing the fiscal space for future public development spending.
The expanding current account deficit, too, remains a challenge owing to decreasing promised multilateral and bilateral financial assistance and private investment. The government`s weakening fiscal position and depleting foreign currency reserves have already put pressure on the exchange rate andescalated dollarisation of the economy. In the bank`s view, the issues of fiscal problems and energy shortages must be effectively addressed to break out of the current state of stagflation. The bank blames both internal and external factors for the current state of the economy. But it believes that domestic issues the energy crunch, low fixed investment, security conditions and poor infrastructure are `more decisive and chronic`. It also holds `institutional weaknesses at all tiers of the government judiciary, civil services, law enforcers, regulatory and accountability agencies as directly responsible for poor economic growth`. In other words, the reportunderscores the need for improving economic management, implementing fiscal and governance reforms as well as strengthening institutions for economic recovery.
However, it does not list the persisting political uncertainty in the country and key institutions working at cross purposes as a dominant factor that may have kept the political leadership from focusing on the sliding economy. It is naïve to expect a government facing all kinds of threats to its claim to power to take tough and unpopular decisions that are needed to put the economy back on the growth trajectory. The economic rot cannot be arrested unless political instability is ended and the government makes an earnest effort to rid itself of the `incompetent` tag.
This has diluted the SBP`s efforts to control inflation in spite of raising the cost of borrowing at the expense of private investment, exports and jobs. Moreover, it is squeezing the fiscal space for future public development spending.
The expanding current account deficit, too, remains a challenge owing to decreasing promised multilateral and bilateral financial assistance and private investment. The government`s weakening fiscal position and depleting foreign currency reserves have already put pressure on the exchange rate andescalated dollarisation of the economy. In the bank`s view, the issues of fiscal problems and energy shortages must be effectively addressed to break out of the current state of stagflation. The bank blames both internal and external factors for the current state of the economy. But it believes that domestic issues the energy crunch, low fixed investment, security conditions and poor infrastructure are `more decisive and chronic`. It also holds `institutional weaknesses at all tiers of the government judiciary, civil services, law enforcers, regulatory and accountability agencies as directly responsible for poor economic growth`. In other words, the reportunderscores the need for improving economic management, implementing fiscal and governance reforms as well as strengthening institutions for economic recovery.
However, it does not list the persisting political uncertainty in the country and key institutions working at cross purposes as a dominant factor that may have kept the political leadership from focusing on the sliding economy. It is naïve to expect a government facing all kinds of threats to its claim to power to take tough and unpopular decisions that are needed to put the economy back on the growth trajectory. The economic rot cannot be arrested unless political instability is ended and the government makes an earnest effort to rid itself of the `incompetent` tag.
Pakistan - dual nationality issue
APART from a few proscribed countries, holding dual nationality is not illegal under Pakistani law.
But that applies only to ordinary citizens. Under Article 63-1(c) of the constitution, the same privilege cannot be afforded to the country`s parliamentarians, even though the law in question is vague.
Does a parliamentarian who has a foreign passport in addition to the green book cease to be a citizen of Pakistan? Even under Gen Musharraf`s dictatorial rule no definitive answers were forthcoming and the same holds true today under a democratic set-up. These matters need to be clarified. It has been reported that the Election Commission of Pakistan is now in the process of disqualifying any candidates for parliamentary posts who might hold dual nationality. They will be asked to sign documents affirming that they are citizens of Pakistan, and Pakistan alone. Otherwise they open themselves to accusations of perjury.Nadra and other arms of the official machinery, including the Foreign Office, can easily track down who is lying or telling the truth in this day of readily available information. This clause, that of signing a declaration, could be important when it comes to the next general elections. Recently, parliament has also questioned whether or not the dual-nationality rule should apply to all government employees, though that is a grey area that needs to be probed thoroughly.
On the whole, however, this is not a bad move because it is one thing to be a businessman with dual nationality and another to be a lawmaker who carries more than one passport. National interest is at stake here. It has been eroded over the decades by numerous personalities but it is time to take a stand. Pakistan`s interests can be best projected by honest individuals who believe in the welfare of the people at home, not overseas.
But that applies only to ordinary citizens. Under Article 63-1(c) of the constitution, the same privilege cannot be afforded to the country`s parliamentarians, even though the law in question is vague.
Does a parliamentarian who has a foreign passport in addition to the green book cease to be a citizen of Pakistan? Even under Gen Musharraf`s dictatorial rule no definitive answers were forthcoming and the same holds true today under a democratic set-up. These matters need to be clarified. It has been reported that the Election Commission of Pakistan is now in the process of disqualifying any candidates for parliamentary posts who might hold dual nationality. They will be asked to sign documents affirming that they are citizens of Pakistan, and Pakistan alone. Otherwise they open themselves to accusations of perjury.Nadra and other arms of the official machinery, including the Foreign Office, can easily track down who is lying or telling the truth in this day of readily available information. This clause, that of signing a declaration, could be important when it comes to the next general elections. Recently, parliament has also questioned whether or not the dual-nationality rule should apply to all government employees, though that is a grey area that needs to be probed thoroughly.
On the whole, however, this is not a bad move because it is one thing to be a businessman with dual nationality and another to be a lawmaker who carries more than one passport. National interest is at stake here. It has been eroded over the decades by numerous personalities but it is time to take a stand. Pakistan`s interests can be best projected by honest individuals who believe in the welfare of the people at home, not overseas.
Pakistan - No control over operations of Army, ISI
In a late night development on Wednesday which added yet another twist to the memo scandal, the federal government, through the Ministry of Defence, conceded before the Supreme Court that it had no operational control over the armed forces as well as the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
A one-page reply by the defence ministry said it was not in a position to submit any reply on behalf of the armed forces and the ISI.
Earlier on Dec 15, the government had submitted its reply on behalf of the ministries of interior and foreign affairs. It requested the court to dismiss the petitions overmemo scandal.
The filing of the reply by the defence ministry has heightened apprehensions, with many interpreting it as a telltale sign of friction between the civilian arm of the government and the military over the memo matter.
Lt Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha, the ISI chief, also submitted to the court his sworn affidavit through the office of Attorney General Maulvi Anwarul Haq late on Wednesday night. He virtually repeated the stand he had taken in his reply filed earlier in the court.
Earlier during the day, army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani submitted a sworn affidavit acknowledging the existence of the memorandum while PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif submitted a rejoinder.
The affidavits of President Asif Ali Zardari and former ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani had not arrived.
Not satisfied with thereplies, the court had on Dec 19 asked the petitioners as well as the respondents to submit affidavits on oath as well as paragraph-wise comments denying or accepting whatever was levelled or stated in the petitions or the replies.
The courtfelt the need for seeking sworn affidavits and rejoinders to clear cobwebs in different stands taken by the petitioners and the respondents and to ascertain whether a question of public importance is involved to exercise jurisdiction under Article 184(3) of the Constitution by the court.
However, despite clear directives President Zardari chose to remain silent by not filing any reply. Realising the importance of the reply on part of the president, the Supreme Court at the last hearing had pointed out that allegations not rebutted would always be considered correct, implicitly asking the president to submit his point of view on the memo scandal.
`I am not aware of the status. However, it is a legal and constitutional issue which will appropriately be addressed in accordance with the law and the Constitution,` presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar told Dawn when asked whether or not the president would file the reply.
NAWAZ SEES SERIOUS THREAT: In his rejoinder, Nawaz Sharif expressed his surprise over not filing of any reply by the president. `Mr Zardari now has an ample and clear opportunity through this petition to clear the name of the allegation internationally levelled against him, but reluctance to take benefit of this opportunity is not understandable,` the rejoinder said.
If the allegations levelled by Mansoor Ijaz are even half true, Mr Sharif feared, the very foundations of the country were under a serious threat.
The rejoinder said: `If the entire state and the indispen-sable institutions defending its integrity and sovereignty are rocked, then how are the fundamental rights of the people not aggressed upon? `The question which might, however, still require determination is whether Mansoor Ijaz, by creating the memo and then ensuring its communication to one of the highest and one of the most important functionaries of the US, is only playing a joke just to tease his friend Husain Haqqani or is it a track-II back channel diplomacy.
`Needless to say that even former US national security adviser James Logan Jones confirmed through his affidavit that the memo was authorised by the highest authority within the Pakistan government. Should not it be the anxiety of Haqqani whose name is being publicly sullied both nationally and internationally, to ask for a determination of actual facts to clear his name and would not he have in fact joined the petitioner`s prayer if he is innocent.
The rejoinder reiterated that the disclosure made andevidence in possession of Ijaz did warrant a proper judicial scrutiny and determination in the larger public and national interest. Referring to the allegation that the petition was conceived by those who wished to destroy the democratic system, the rejoinder said it would be the anxiety of any `normal, reasonable patriotic citizen` to ensure that the perpetrators of such crime against their motherland are identified and brought to book.
On the parliamentary committee seized with the matter, the rejoinder said it did not oust the jurisdiction of the court to discharge its obligations the Constitution had placed on it. In his affidavit, the army chief repeated whatever he had submitted in his earlier reply.
The affidavit said: `The memo episode has an impact on national security and lowers the morale of the Pakistan Army, whose young officers and soldiers are laying down their lives for the security and defence of territorial integrity and political independence and sovereignty of Pakistan.`Nonetheless, Pakistan Army is in high spirits and fully determined to defend its homeland against all challenges.
`There is nothing denying the fact that the memo exists and it is also admitted to have been delivered and received by the US authorities. Therefore, there may be a need to fully examine the fact and circumstances leading to the conception and issuance of the memo.
`The ISI DG briefed the army chief on Oct 24 about his meeting with Mansoor Ijaz. In his (ISI DG) opinion there was sufficient material available on the existence of the memo and that it had been passed to Admiral Mullen and that Ijaz remained in touch with Haqqani from May 9 to 11.
`As per ISI DG`s assessment, the sequence and contents of the text messages and telephone calls created a reasonable doubt regarding Haqqani`s association with the memo.
In his rejoinder and affidavit, Barrister Zafarullah said he had filed the petition to ensure security, liberty and freedom of Pakistan .
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