Mian Mansha Profile:

1/ Mian Muhammad Mansha is Pakistan’s most powerful and politically embedded tycoon. His rise from a provincial textile heir to the architect of a sprawling economic empire offers a case study in how privatization, political protection, and financial engineering create oligarchs. 2/ The foundation was Nishat Mills, inherited in the late 1960s. But the game changed in 1991, when Nawaz Sharif’s government launched Pakistan’s first major wave of privatizations. Despite not being the top bidder, Mansha’s consortium was awarded Muslim Commercial Bank, allegedly after matching the highest bid behind closed doors.

1/8 Trump’s return to office brought Afghanistan back into play. One of his first moves? Demand the Taliban return U.S. weapons left behind post-withdrawal, linking it directly to billions in frozen aid. 2/8 The Taliban refused. For them, the abandoned U.S. gear wasn’t hardware, it was the “spoils of war.” Trump countered with threats to pull humanitarian assistance meant to stabilize the collapsing Afghan economy.

Today, Imran Khan had a lunch conversation with a Brigadier representing the interests of the Generals of GHQ, including Asim Munir.

Imran Khan was asked to do one thing in return for having his mandate and government reinstated and the closure of all bogus cases. He was asked to accept responsibility for May 9th and to publicly apologize.

Imran Khan responded with the following points:

1. He recited a Surah and asked the Brigadier to swear on the Quran that Imran Khan planned and executed May 9th. The Brigadier refused, since apparently, the Brigadier is a highly religious individual. Khan elaborated, saying, "Fundamentally, I can’t accept something that I did not do."

2. Khan shared his personal thoughts, stating that the agencies have been playing double games by saying one thing to him and doing the exact opposite on the ground, such as continuing to abduct PTI members, workers, and social media activists. He again named the ISI individuals Nadeem Anjum and Faisal Naseer for conducting such operations at the behest of Asim.

3. Imran Khan said he is ready to forgive everyone who wronged him but will not ask the public to do the same.

4. He remained steadfast in his message that without accountability, there is no way forward.

In response, the Brigadier became flustered and said, "You have to help us save face because we are in a difficult position." He explained that Asim Munir is stuck on May 9th and adamant about Khan apologizing, while Khan is standing on principle, demanding accountability, justice, respect for the constitution, and the rule of law. The visiting Brigadier, who has been meeting with Imran Khan regularly since the arrest, asked for a list of proposed military reforms, which they will try their best to implement.

To conclude; Imran Khan was offered the government on a plate, but Khan has refused, stating that he will not compromise on his principles just to come into power. He stands for truth and justice and will only return to power through an acceptable negotiated settlement with accountability and reforms as top priority.

Asim Munir does not have complete support of the Generals and the Generals are trying to find ways to diffuse the situation and move forward, but so far, they are failing. Adding Correction: Time was between 5-7PM. Supper, chai, whatever you want to call it.

Additional Detail: Adiala Jail Superintendent is aware of this meeting since it took place in his office.

[🧵] Pakistan has been there for Afghanistan

Let's start with a story of kindness.

Abdul Sattar Edhi, who through his foundation played a significant role in helping Afghan refugees. He set up numerous camps along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, providing shelter, food, and medical care to thousands of displaced Afghans. There is a story of an Afghan woman who arrived at one of Edhi's camps with her malnourished and sick child. The child was critically ill, suffering from severe dehydration and malnutrition due to the harsh journey and lack of resources.

Edhi personally ensured that the child received immediate medical care. His foundation's medical staff worked tirelessly to help the child, providing the necessary care. Meanwhile, the mother, who was in a state of despair, received counseling and support from the camp's volunteers.

Through the dedicated efforts of Edhi and his organization, the child gradually recovered. The mother, overwhelmed with gratitude, often recalled how a stranger from a neighboring country had saved her child's life when hope seemed lost. This act of kindness not only exemplified the humanitarian spirit of Edhi but also highlighted the deep bond and compassion between the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan during times of crisis.

What has Pakistan done for Afghanistan?

Humanitarian Assistance

One of the most significant aspects of Pakistan's support to Afghanistan has been its humanitarian assistance. During the Soviet-Afghan War in 1979, Pakistan opened its borders to millions of Afghan refugees, offering them shelter, food, education, and healthcare. This was one of the largest refugee crises in history, and Pakistan's response was crucial in providing a safe haven for those fleeing conflict. Pakistan continues to host around 1.4 million registered Afghan refugees, providing them access to basic services and integrating them into local communities. This long-term support includes initiatives like issuing Proof of Registration cards and facilitating voluntary repatriation through UNHCR .

In times of natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods, Pakistan has consistently sent emergency relief to Afghanistan.

1/n - What is the legal theory of ‘Odious Debt’ in the context of Pakistan?

- National debt incurred by regimes without the consent of the people and their respective representatives.

- Debt burden imposed on the people through dictatorial or fascist governments. 2/n - Let’s add additional context to it:

- Lack of consent: where the people were simply misled to take on such cutthroat debt to destroy their future.

- No benefit: where the people did not benefit at all and the regime satisfied its own needs.

1/n - Asim Munir and his agenda will fail

Weak Government
Pakistan’s young and politically aware population comprises 64% of Pakistan's population, is more politically active, and less tolerant of military overreach compared to previous generations. This demographic shift is a direct threat to the establishment rule.

The rise of social media and independent journalism ensures that any maneuvering to weaken civilian leadership will be met with constant public backlash. Past attempts at suppressing dissent have worked because the perpertrators were worse than what the military had to offer. However, that dynamic has shifted. 2/n - A New War
Economic constraints make it unfeasible for Pakistan to engage in any meaningful conflict, and not to mention zero public support for any such adventure, where Operation Azm-e-Istehkam backlash is a great example. The country is already burdened with a debt-to-GDP ratio, making the financial sustainability of prolonged conflict highly doubtful.

Regional partnerships are unstable and cannot replace the comprehensive support previously provided by Western allies, where the Western allies are finding it difficult to find their footing in the emerging multipolar world. The likes of Saudi Arabia and the UAE have their own strategic interests that do not align with supporting a Pakistani military dictatorship.

1/n - I want to look at the latest Intercept article on Imran Khan through a different lens:

1. Asim Munir wants to rule for 10 years and assassinate Imran Khan in the process.

2. Nadeem Anjum wants to keep IK in jail for 10 years to use as leverage against Sharif and Zardari.

Accidental death of Imran Khan benefits both. 2/n - The ISI and its Chief, generally speaking, are the eyes and ears of the COAS. Sure, there is the MI branch but it doesn’t have the same internal spy network as one of the most power intelligence agencies in the world.

1/n - The Islamabad High Court has dismissed Imran Khan’s politically motivated, military establishment-designed case.

The cypher case involving Imran Khan illustrates a stark division in Pakistan. Imran Khan emerges as a stalwart defender of Pakistan's sovereignty against politicians and military leaders subservient to Western interests. 2/n - Imran Khan has tirelessly championed Pakistan's independence from foreign influence. His leadership reflects a commitment to national pride and a vision of self-reliance, resisting external pressures that will almost certainly compromise Pakistan's interests.

The cypher case, where Khan was accused of mishandling a confidential document, is framed by his supporters as a politically motivated attempt to silence him. They argue that the case was a tactic used by pro-Western factions within Pakistan's political and military elite to undermine his leadership and derail his agenda for an independent Pakistan. Of course, Bajwa was also threatened after his corruption came to light, but let's leave that matter for another day.

Opposition leaders of Asim Munir's government, PML-N and PPP are squarely aligned, at the cost of their own diminishing and stagnant popularity, with Western interests and bootlicking slavery to the military establishment. This historical alignment has come at the expense of Pakistan's sovereignty, national identity, and self-determination.

1/n Why the backlash on the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report?

Given the national drama on the report, here is a 🧵 on its initiation, findings, and the reasons behind the Pakistani military's censorship. I will also share some additional reading material at the end.
2/n - Background

The Hamoodur Rahman Commission was established in December 1971 by the government of Pakistan, led by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, after the devastating defeat of Pakistani forces and the subsequent independence of Bangladesh. The commission was named after its chairman, Chief Justice Hamoodur Rahman, the Chief Justice of Pakistan. Other members included Justice Anwarul Haq and Justice Tufail Ali Abdur Rahman.

The commission's primary purpose was to investigate the political and military reasons behind East Pakistan's separation and examine the military’s conduct during the conflict. The commission was tasked with identifying the responsible parties and recommending measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.

1/n - Ayub Khan vs Fatima Jinnah and the eventual events of 1971

A 🧵on Fatima Jinnah, Mother of the Nation, was a significant political figure in Pakistan. After the death of MA Jinnah, she became a vocal and fierce critic of the military regime led by Ayub Khan. Her opposition peaked during the 1965 presidential election, where she ran against Ayub Khan. Despite facing numerous challenges, she garnered substantial support, particularly in urban centres like Karachi and Dhaka.

She received overwhelming support in East Pakistan, underscoring the growing dissatisfaction in the country's eastern wing with Ayub Khan's regime. Her ability to mobilise mass support in East Pakistan indicated the region's desire for greater political autonomy and representation​. Ayub Khan's suppression of Fatima Jinnah's campaign and the neglect of East Pakistan's issues under Ayub Khan's rule contributed to the growing sense of alienation and disenfranchisement among the Bengali population. These sentiments festered over the following years, amplified by political mismanagement and military oppression during Yahya Khan's regime, culminating in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971​.


2/n - Accusations and Defamation

Ayub Khan's regime actively sought to undermine Fatima Jinnah's political influence. He accused her of being a traitor and alleged that she was an agent for India and the United States. This tactic aimed to discredit her in the eyes of the public, leveraging nationalistic sentiments to weaken her support base. Furthermore, Ayub's administration manipulated the electoral process and used state machinery to ensure his victory, reflecting the extent to which he perceived her as a threat. The exact mechanism and methodology were applied to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman because the dictators wanted to maintain their power for personal gain, benefit, and whatever else.

1/n - Do you have any regrets asked Journalist Mehdi Hasan.

Imran Khan replied My only regret is trusting General Bajwa.

A 🧵 on the harbinger of destruction: ex-COAS Qamar Bajwa.
2/n - Profile

Qamar Javed Bajwa, a figure who casts a long and dark shadow over Pakistan's recent history, was the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) from November 2016 to November 2022. While initially seen as a professional soldier and an ally to then-Prime Minister Imran Khan, Bajwa's tenure is now marred by allegations of betrayal, constitutional violations, and the orchestration of political turmoil for personal gain. Furthermore, the influence of Bajwa’s father-in-law, Major General Ijaz Ahmad, alleged to be a criminal mastermind, exerts considerable influence over the military establishment.

1/n - Why do the Pakistan Army and its political partners continue to violate the constitution?

A 🧵on Pakistan Army led by specific Generals continuous violation of the Consitution. We will start with a brief timeline of the Pakistan Army's influence on the country. 2/n - Brief Timeline:

1947-1958: Early Years
- Pakistan's founding and initial challenges
- Role of the military in early coups
- Key figures: General Ayub Khan's rise to power

1958-1969: Ayub Khan's Era
- Ayub's martial law regime
- Constitutional manipulation and political control
- Betrayal of Fatima Jinnah

1969-1971: Yahya Khan and the 1971 War
- Transition to Yahya Khan's rule
- Factors leading to the 1971 war and the secession of East Pakistan
- Analysis of military failures and political repercussions

1977-1988: Zia's Regime
- Military coup and the execution of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto
- Islamization policies and their impact on society
- Control over political parties and institutions

1988-1999: Democratic Interludes and Military Oversight - kind of hybrid regime
- Return to civilian rule and persistent military influence
- Role of ISI in controlling political parties through black funds

1999-2008: Musharraf's Rule
- Coup and the establishment of a hybrid regime
- Impact on democratic institutions and civil liberties
- Role in the War on Terror and foreign policy manoeuvres

Post-2008: Hybrid Democracy and Military Oversight
- Civilian governments and ongoing military influence
- Rise of Imran Khan and the military's response
- Present day turmoil

1/n - Imran Khan is playing a high-stakes game where if he loses, Pakistan will disintegrate, and if he wins, Pakistan has a chance of survival. There is a tough road ahead, and some level of open dialogue is required on all sides to find a solution. However, the solution can not exclude accountability for those who have wronged Pakistan. A🧵on Khan Sb's political chess game 2/n - Imran Khan’s Political Chess Against the Generals

Imran Khan's political journey has always been marked by his strategic insight and unwavering commitment to his vision for a Pakistan of Haqeeqi Azadi. However, the current scenario is the most challenging because the country is headed towards an implosion. With his wrongful incarceration, Khan’s sophisticated manoeuvres are pitted against the full force of Asim Munir, who is determined to maintain his grip on power.

1/n - What kind of suspicious operation Imran Nazir runs in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. A 🧵on human exploitation for profit, narrated through someone’s personal story, and their experience studying at the International University of Kyrgyzstan (ISM IUK). 2/n - I just graduated from a medical university in Kyrgyzstan, and here's my story. Upon arrival, I was taken straight to the university to submit my passport for visa processing & fees to a contractor. The entrance exam was a mere formality, requiring just my name and details.

1/n - Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, a mob attack targeted Pakistani students, predominantly from Kashmir and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. This intro 🧵 introduces the background on the corporation managing these universities. Note: Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan share a similar rank of 141 and 133 on the corruption index.

1/n - Pakistan Army has been the only dominant force in Pakistan. What went wrong post independence? A 🧵 on Pakistan’s failures into bringing its army into the fold of civilian control through reforms after 1947. 2/n - Pakistan military doctrine and structure has been the same since Colonial British Raj, and it never went through any meaningful reforms to assimilate into Pakistan’s diverse ethnic representation and make it into a ‘Pakistaniat’ force.

1/n - Why is Pakistan drowning in debt when Pakistan Army is a $100 billion corporation with businesses in various sectors of finance, real estate, and manufacturing. Whose interest does this corporation serve? An opinionated 🧵 based on publicly available information.

2/n - Pakistan's military has long been a dominant force operating as a state within the state with different rules for the army and specific ones for the regular public. The military's budget consumes a significant portion of the nation’s resources expense of public services.

1/n Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971: Operation Searchlight.

The Dhaka University Massacre stands as one of the most horrifying events of the war, occurring in the early hours of March 26, 1971. This brutal operation was part of the broader military action known as

https://twitter.com/frametheglobe/status/1779176751110729945

2/n - Operation Searchlight.

The aim of Operation Searchlight was to curb the Bengali nationalist movement. Dhaka University, known as a hub of intellectual and political activity, was targeted to suppress potential leaders of the independence movement.

nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/reso…

1/n - Translation of Meetha’s thread which summarises the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report. While he shared the overview, I will add two threads later on, specifically highlighting the massacres and sexual violence committed by Pakistan Army during the 1971 war.

https://twitter.com/neu2ralpaki1/status/1779098717724737631

2/n - The Fall of Dhaka and the bitter facts of our history. First a brief history about the commission and then the harrowing details it describes: The commission was set up by the Government of Pakistan in July 1972 and was headed by Chief Justice Hamudur Rehman. It aims at "a

Events leading up to the deeply unfortunate balkanisation plan of Pakistan is happening quickly and must be understood by all Pakistanis so we can collectively try and stop it. A 🧵 on Western agenda spearheaded by the US to eventually balkanise Pakistan. Once a distant concern, balkanisation has magnified due to continuous regional turmoil and shifting geopolitics post-2006. The complicated dance of power, politics, and regional dynamics positions our country at a dangerous crossroads.

[🧵]

Calling for Nadeem Anjum’s resignation:

DG-ISI, Nadeem Anjum, pompously stated recently that he would be held accountable if there were any incidents due to his failings. The worsening security situation in Pakistan, with over 55 people martyred in Mastung, Kurram, Zhob, and twin explosions in Hangu call for immediate scrutiny of his statement.

Question: Can Anjum stand by his words now as he clearly didn’t last October when Pakistan lost Arshad Shareef? Nadeem sb has failed us many times over.