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.

CHINA
1. Law Expert Saad Ahmed Dogar says CPEC will not prove to be another ‘East India Company (EIC)’ as claimed by some elements. There is a huge difference between the CPEC and EIC. Britain had brought its army along the EIC and dictated terms considering themselves as superiors and Indians inferior. China has no such attitude. CPEC will be under the jurisdiction of Pakistan’s courts. (Daily K2)

RAHEEL’S NEW JOB
1. Saudi Arabia has accepted all three conditions put forth by Raheel Sharif, for heading the military alliance of Muslim countries. A formal proposal will be sent to the Pakistan government by March. (Roznama Dunya, Urdupoint)

2. Maj. Gen. (retd) Ijaz Awan quotes Raheel Sharif as telling him that though he had conveyed his acceptance to the Saudi offer, he will not take final decision without approval of Pak government and GHQ. (Urdupoint)

3. Defence analyst Amjad Shoeb says after the Saudis accepted his three conditions Gen. Raheel Sharif gave a positive response to join the Islamic alliance force. Three conditions of Gen. Raheel Sharif were that Iran should be allowed to join Islamic nation’s alliance, he will not work in any other command and that he will work for consensus between Islamic nations. Another defence analyst retired Gen. Ijaz Awan said that Gen. Raheel Sharif told him that before accepting any responsibility, reviewing law and order, security clearance and taking government’s permission were essential. Raheel Sharif stated that his acts will not harm Pakistan’s foreign policy. Gen. Raheel Sharif said that his visit to Iran with Pakistan’s PM was for playing role of a mediator. (Khabrain)

4. Ansar Abbasi supports the former CAOS Raheel Sharif’s appointment as the Chief of Muslim countries’ military alliance. He argues that there is no proof that this alliance is against Iran, and by not sending troops to fights in Yemen, Pakistan had proved its neutral position. Abbasi further says that in fact, the appointment of General Raheel as head of Muslim countries’ military alliance should be a matter of pride and honour for Pakistan. (Jang)

AFGHANISTAN/SAUDI ARABIA
1. Blasts in Kabul, Kandahar, and Helmand have killed 70 people including intelligence agency officials and troops. 100 people have been injured. Taliban have claimed of attacking US army convoy in Nangarhar in which 12 troops were killed and many have been injured. (Ummat)

2. Journalist Faiz ullah Khan who was associated with private TV channel, ARY, has written a book titled ‘Durand line ka Qaidi’ after spending time in Afghan jail. Khan was arrested in April 2014 and released six months later. During this period he met many Taliban, TTP and Al Qaeda leaders. This book provides accounts of Khan’s meeting with Al Qaeda leader Shaikh Jafar say TTP of Hafiz Gul Bahadur, Mullah Nazir and Uzbek fighters were affiliated to the Al Qaeda and at times Al Qaeda had resolved disputes between the TTP factions. (Ummat)

3. Hizb-e-Islami has given a list of 500 prisoners to Afghan government and government said those who were not involved in war crimes would be released. (Ummat)

US/UK/RUSSIA
1. JuD’s Al Muhammadiya Students took out a rally from Shahrai-e-Qaideen to Press Club in Karachi criticising the US ban on their outfit. They raised slogans against the US and India. Students have burnt the American flag. Al Muhammadiya Karachi Chief Usman Iftekhar said that if ban is not be revoked nationwide protest will be carried out. (Ummat-Jasarat)

INDIA
1. Pakistan has successfully teste fired Babar-III missile. Pakistan’s weapons are for self-defence and not for aggression. The Indian administration has become so nervous in front of a small country like Pakistan that it is not at all concerned about its millions of population living in poverty. Shiv Sena that has made anti-Pakistan propaganda its bread and butter too has no worry for thousands of people living on Mumbai’s footpaths without food and basic rights. Such attitude has blackened India’s face of democracy but the Modi Government is not caring for anything. Anyhow who would give the NSG seat to a country with billions of its people starving to death? India is working on only one failed agenda namely destroy Pakistan. India’s efforts to get NSG seat went waste in front of the ‘China Wall’ due to its enmity with Pakistan. There is only one option for India – it should stop all its aggressive policies and start concentrating more on internal problems than on Pakistan. If it really wants to show its might and supremacy in the region, and at the UN, it should resolve the Kashmir issue and live like a good friendly neighbour. (Daily Pak Edit)

2. The test firing of Babur III is an important step towards safeguarding Pakistan’s seas especially in the back drop of Gwadar port and CPEC project. Babur III test has convinced the world that any country that does business through CPEC will have its merchandise protected. Pakistan’s submarines equipped with Babur III missiles are ready to protect Pakistani seas from any external aggression. As result of successful test of Babur III, Pakistan has become world’s 5th nuclear power. Pak Navy has superiority over its enemies due to its state of the art weapons as well as best training. Pakistan does not have any aggressive intentions against neighbouring country but now it is not possible for any enemy to attack Pakistan. (Roznama Dunya Edit)

3. Muslim Mirani in his article, ‘Islamabad diary; India’s growing global clout vis-à-vis Pakistan’s traditional policies’, writes: India is always busy trying to isolate Pakistan globally as evident from its recent attempt to move resolution in the UN against Azhar Masood with larger plan to defame Pakistan at a global level. India however could not succeed in its plans. On the other hand, Pakistan too wants to expose India by presenting the Kulbhushan Yadav case before the UN to illustrate as to how India is supporting terrorism against Pakistan. In the past too, Pakistan has given a lot of evidence against India that it is involved in anti-Pakistan activities and terror attacks. For example statements from MQM or continuing disruptive activities in FATA and Balochistan all have indicated that India has tried a lot to create chaos in Pakistan. Be it the issue of oppressed persons in Kashmir, or issue of firing on the LOC or even issue of blocking of water from India towards Pakistan just speak for the fact that India has been keeping up with its highhandedness. Yet Pakistan has not succeeded in isolating India at regional or global level; Pakistan has also failed to do any lobbying against India. It is a matter for deliberation in Pakistan as to why Pakistan keeps failing to show India’s true face. Pakistan needs to cast a look at the global conditions and also needs to review its traditional foreign policies apart from doing lobbying and planning in the pursuits of putting up its case before the international community. By giving a fitting reply to the Modi government, Pakistan should compel India to come to talks table to resolve all bilateral disputes. (Ibrat)

4. Parliamentarian Afzal Khokhar said Pakistan has clear supremacy over India with regards to atomic program. (Nawa-i-Waqt)

5. Balochistan Assembly passed resolution against Indian aggression in Jammu and Kashmir and against Indian violation of the LoC. (Urdupoint)

ARMY/SECURITY FORCES
1. MQM -Pakistan Chief Farooq Sattar had a telephonic contact with Army Chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa. He praised Pak forces role in bringing peace and stability and in ending terrorism. (Khabrain Multan Edition)

MILITARY COURTS
1. Conference of political and military leaders chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has favoured extending the tenure of military courts but any such action should address the reservations of Human Rights organisation. The outcome of the meeting shows that there are no difference between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Pak military leaderships in ending terrorism. Military courts were established to resolve cases related to terrorism only. And they have performed well. Opposition parties should support government’s decision in order to curb terrorism. (Khabrain Edit, Ausaf Edit))

2. There is no need of restoration of Military Courts again in Pakistan considering that terrorism is on the wane. If the Government is planning to do so, it could be considered that it is working under the pressure of the Army. Except PTI, parliamentarians of other parties are not ready for this move. There is no need to invite Army again to dictate terms in a democracy. (Nawa-i-Waqt Edit)

3. The Home Minister Nisar Ali Khan had said there was no plan under consideration about extending army courts’ tenure, only a few days ago. But federal government is now contemplating to make amendments for extending the life of these courts. In a meeting at the PM house, it was also decided to consult other parties on this subject and one such meeting already took place where PPP and JUI (F) opposed the move. If military courts’ term is to be extended it should be for a brief period. The government must look into all the weaknesses and shortcomings of civilian courts. The impression that only army courts can fight militancy in the country must be removed. Impressions like anti -terror courts being not able to do their jobs or judges in these anti-terror courts not capable to deliver judgements or judges in these courts are under militant pressure must be addressed in order to train judges in civilian courts to discharge their duties in accordance with rule books and laws of the land. This will not only help expedite the disposal of cases but will also help protect common man’s rights. (Ibrat Edit)

ECONOMY/POWER/WATER
1. Chashma nuclear power house is now operational. It began transferring 350MW electricity to the national grid. (Urdupoint)

SINDH/ BALOCHISTAN/KP
1. A report prepared by the National Accountability Bureau shows, Sindh tops the list in corruption while Punjab in political irregularities. (Roznama Dunya, Urdupoint)

2. Committee set up by Sindh University Vice Chancellor has not been able to reach any conclusion, even 10 days after Naila Rind’s mysterious murder at her hostel room. Protest meetings continue in different parts of Sindh. Members of student action committee and Naila struggle committee at Guddu said that they are demanding probe into the case by a serving high court judge. (Sindh Express)

3. Jamhoori Watan Party Chief Shah Zain Bugti said Afghan migrants should not be given voting rights in Pakistan. They should be sent back to their homeland. He added that not only the Secretary of Balochistan but many government officials across the country are involved in corruption. (Daily Pak)

POLITICAL SCENE
1. Federal Home Minister, Nisar Ali Khan has rejected Sindh government’s recommendation to ban 94 madrasas in Sukkur and Karachi of Sindh and in KP and Punjab. Speaking informally to media persons after the Senate meeting, he said that the Sindh government has not given evidence to back up their demand. If the Sindh government has any evidence, they could file cases and take action against these madrasas. On the issue of Raheel Sharif heading the Islamic army alliance, he remarked the government will make a statement today. He said some politicians want a rift between the government and the army. (Kawish)

2. The way PPP is doing political mapping in Sindh indicates that at least in near future, there is no major political shake-up in the pipeline. People say that PPP is no more people-friendly, ideologically and temperamentally as well. Despite new and young leaders like Bilawal taking the front stage in PPP, there is no hope for change. Why are the people of Sindh still following this party? The people in Sindh are still not in a mood of creating space for some other party. People in Sindh see PML (N) and PPP as two sides of one coin. Sindh society has been victim of political neglect for long and they are keen to get rid of it. Political conditions are changing. Small groups and parties too should change their strategies and learn to be tolerant of each other under any provocation. People in Sindh will not disappoint parties and individuals playing their roles with responsibility. (Kawish)

POK/G-B NEWS
1. Ministry for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs has agreed for amendment to Act 74 indicating that the amendment will not create obstacles in the implementation of rights of Kashmir. Chaudhry Barjees Tahir, Minister for Kashmir Affairs told a press conference said that the Prime Minister has fulfilled all promises made to the people of Kashmir. (Daily Dharti, Daily K2, Urdupoint)

2. Interior Secretary in Gilgit-Baltistan said steps have been taken to start census in April – May. A total of 1246 government personnel and 1250 army personnel would be working on the census in Gilgit-Baltistan. (Baad-e-Shimal, Daily K2)

3. Gilgit-Baltistan Government has decided to form an Ulema Board consisting of religious leaders and scholars from all sects to maintain communal harmony in the state. It would also work as the ‘National Ideological Council’. (Baad-e-Shimal)

4. Ex-Servicemen Society have demanded that Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts should be deployed at the Pak-Afghan Border to check drug smuggling. There is threat of terrorism in Ghizer but the police personnel belonging to Ghizer are being deployed in other areas. They should be recalled. The society claimed that they are cooperating with the government to crack down the network of the terrorists in Ghizer. (Baad-e-Shimal)

5. In a welcome development the government has begun crackdown on the narcotics mafia in Gilgit-Baltistan (Daily K2 Edit, Baad-e-Shimal Edit)