On 16 February, the multinational maritime exercise Aman-2021 concluded with an international fleet review. China, Russia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the UK and the US participated with Pakistan in the international fleet review. Other demonstrations during the day included refuelling at sea, anti-piracy mock operations, anti-submarine warfare and the like
President Alvi reaffirms commitment to regional peace
During the event, President Arif Alvi reiterated Pakistan’s resolve towards regional peace and stability. He said “Aman ‘21 will pave the way to make the region more peaceful and secure with combined efforts by all stakeholders.” Similarly, the Chief of Naval Staff said Pakistan will continue to actively ensure regional maritime security by collaborating with partner navies. (Shazia Hasan, “Pakistan Navy’s Aman exercise concludes,” Dawn, 17 February 2021) (Amjad Bashir Siddiqi, “AMAN-21 to pave way for making region peaceful, secure, says Alvi,” The News International, 17 February 2021)
In Brief
INTERNAL
PM finalizes party’s candidates for the upcoming Senate polls
On 16 February, PM Imran Khan finalised the list of his party’s candidates for the upcoming Senate polls. According to the final list, 21 PTI candidates would contest the Senate elections, of which 10 candidates have been finalised from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Further, if the PTI wins all 21 seats in the forthcoming elections, the arty’s strength in the Senate will increase to 28. (Syed Irfan Raza, “PM finalises PTI’s list of candidates for Senate elections,” Dawn, 17 February 2021)
SC dismisses impression that Justice Isa not given court sitting this week
On 16 February, the Supreme Court dismissed the impression that Justice Qazi Faez Isa was not given court sitting for this week, explaining that he opted to do chamber work on his own. Previously, on 12 February, Justice Isa while informing Justice Shah's unavailability stated that he would be doing chamber work in the week commencing from 15 February. (“SC dispels impression Isa not given court this week,” Dawn, 17 February 2021)
Three suspected terrorists killed in North Waziristan
On 16 February, three suspected terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based operation near Mirali in North Waziristan tribal district. Officials stated that the exchange of fire took place while security forces conducted a search operation after receiving information about the presence of a group of terrorists. (“Three ‘terrorists’ killed in North Waziristan operation,” Dawn, 17 February 2021)
PDM candidate wins Pashin by-polls
On 16 February, JUI-F candidate Syed Azizullah Agha won the by-election of Balochistan Assembly’s vacant seat of PB-20 (Pishin-III) against his rival Asmatullah Tareen of ruling the BAP. According to the official results, Agha won 16,086 votes while Tareen got only 2,963 votes. Further, Agha was supported by all parties of the PDM alliance. (Saleem Shahid, “Joint PDM candidate wins Pishin by-poll with big margin,” Dawn, 17 February 2021)
EXTERNAL
Parliamentary Committee questions regional head of Twitter on Kashmir issue
On 16 February, the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir questioned the regional head of Twitter, for silencing the voices of thousands of Kashmiri and Pakistani activists, who were highlighting the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Further, the committee questioned Twitter’s policy on human rights and freedom of speech and whether Twitter regulations did not conform to the UN Charter on freedom of speech and freedom of expression. In response, the regional head stated that Twitter has a specific policy and discourages hate speech and upholds freedom of expression, adding that it would voices of minorities would never be silenced. (Asim Yasin, “Regional head of twitter grilled on Kashmir issue,” The News International, 17 February 2021)
“More permanent members will compound Council’s inequality and dysfunctionality,” says Ambassador Akram
On 16 February, Ambassador Munir Akram stated, “More permanent members will compound the Council’s inequality and dysfunctionality,” arguing “Permanent membership contradicts the fundamental precepts of sovereign equality, democracy, representativeness and accountability.” Rather, he advocated for advocating for expanding in the non-permanent category. Further, he stated, “If progress is to be made in the Security Council reform process, it is only by searching for areas of the agreement through painstaking discussions in the IGN and through sober consultations, mutual accommodation and innovative compromise,” adding, “It cannot be railroaded by bullying and coercion.” (“More permanent members will not make UNSC democratic, accountable: Pakistan,” The Express Tribune, 17 February 2021)
PAKISTAN’S WORLD VIEW
A conducive atmosphere is imperative to settle terms and conditions for a political setup, says opinion
An opinion in The Express Tribune, critical of the situation in Afghanistan, says that both the Taliban and the Afghan Government must realise that a conducive atmosphere free from violence is imperative for setting up the terms and conditions for the future political system of Afghanistan. Further, the opinion says that the Taliban, especially need to prove that they are no longer associated with violence, adding that a middle ground needs to be found. (Syed Akhtar Ali Shah, “Violence and peace in Afghanistan,” The Express Tribune, 17 February 2021)
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