Monthly Updates PAKISTAN’S DOMESTIC & INTERNATIONAL LAW RPDI - Research, Policy & Development InstituteDecember 30, 20230270 views Significant EventsPakistanWorldArmy Chief Backed Government’s Decision to Expel Illegal Immigrants. COAS said that illegal foreigners are seriously affecting Pakistan’s security and economy and the decision to repatriate them has been taken in the interest of Pakistan. Deadline Extended for Afghan Refugees in Transit. The Caretaker Federal Cabinet extended a deadline for the repatriation of Afghan nationals who have been residing in the country without proper documentation but waiting to relocate to Western Countries. They would be fined $400 for overstaying in Pakistan.Special Tribunal Set Up to Deal with Cases of Privatization. The caretaker Federal Cabinet gave nod to the Presidential Ordinance seeking to set up a special tribunal to be headed by a sitting Judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court to specifically deal with the cases of privatization of State owned entities.PIA Planned to Demolish Roosevelt Hotel.It was handed over to New York for 03 years & currently being used to host migrants. PIA intends to demolish it to pave the way for the construction of new hotel.PM Hold UN Responsible for Kashmir Solution. Caretaker Prime Minister asked the United Nations to ensure the implementation of its resolutions for the exercise of right to self-determination of Kashmiri people. (UNSCR 38, 39, 47, 51(1948), 80(1950), 91(1951), 98(1952), 122(957) and 1172(1998)Aramco Entered Pakistan’s Retail Market. Saudi Oil Giant Aramco made an investment of $100 million by acquiring 40% stake in Gas & Oil Pakistan Ltd. Signed definitive agreement TTP Backed by India- Pak UN Ambassador Told. Minir Akram told UN Security Council that we have clear evidence that TTP is supported by our main adversary and has been given free rein to conduct cross border attacks against Pakistan. UK Government Revised its Migration Rules. The changes include a significant increase in the income threshold for UK residents to sponsor family members raising £18,600 to £38,700 (initially to £29, 00). It has triggered panic within South Asia who are now forced to change their plans before the new rules get implemented in 2024.US Vetoed UNSC Resolution Calling for Immediate Ceasefire. The resolution was moved by UAE, the only Arab State in the Council. Out of 15 members of the UN Security Council 13 voted in its favor while UK abstained and US vetoed.Denmark Banned Desecration of Holy Quran.Denmark Parliament adopted a law criminalizing the inappropriate treatment of religious books effectively banning burning of the Holy Quran. Passed with 94 votes in favor and 77 against.RSF Sought Global Independent Probe into Arshad Sharif. After the UN Special Rapporteurs had deplored the Pakistani & Kenyan governments for their failure to cooperate and conduct any serious investigation. RSF called for independent probe. WorldwideConferences/ Seminars/ Meetings/Diplomatic VisitsReports/PublicationsThink Tanks/Policy Institutes2nd Global Refugee Forum. The GRF took place from 13-15 December in Geneva, discussed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and surging displacements around the world. Noted that refugee numbers have doubled since the adoption of New York Declaration 2016.Conference of the Parties (COP) 28. Held in Dubai and called for action to transition away from fossil fuels for the first time in history. The record breaking pledges ($85 billion) were made for the operationalization of loss & damage fund.Chief of Army Staff US Visit.COAS made his first visit to US and held meeting withUS Secretary of State. Discussed regional security issues and developments affecting strategic stability in South Asia.US Department of State Country Report on Terrorism. Analyzed the record of 77 Countries. This report alleges that Pakistan has not yet completed its pledge to dismantle all terrorist organizations. Furthermore, made observations on our Preventive Detention Law and having death penalty for terrorism.Human Rights Watch (HRW). Published a report titled Israel: Starvation Used as Weapon of War in Gaza, revealing that Israeli Govt is using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare in Gaza, which constitutes a War Crime. (Violation of Rule 156 of Customary International Law, Article 03 of Geneva Convention 1949 & Article 08 of the Rome Statute 1998) HRW called on Israel to immediately stop this.Centre for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS). Revealed that over 100,000 people have been trafficked to compounds in Southeast Asia where they are forced to conduct cyber scams. (Cyber Scamming as a New Destination for Human Trafficking Victims)Pakistan Institute for Conflict & Security Studies (PICSS). Pakistan saw the highest number of suicide attacks (329 deaths & 582 injured) since 2014 during this year, with nearly half of them targeting security forces. This also marked highest deaths after 2013Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development & Transparency (PILDAT). Held a discussion on Strengthening Democracy: Election Dispute Resolution Mechanism in Pakistan Highlighted Pak’s legal framework for holding election & the challenge of effective implementation due to ECP limited enforcement capacity. LegislationsPakistan Supreme Court’s JudgmentsInternational Cases/JudgmentsSC Suspended Order Striking Down Trials in Military Courts. With a 5-1 majority decision, Supreme Court suspended the October 23 short order that had declared the military trials of 103 civilians as unconstitutional. Held that the trials can proceed but military courts are bound not to convict or acquit the suspects as long as the Intra Court Appeals are being heard.Indian Supreme Court Judgment on Kashmir. On December 11, the Indian SC upheld the decision of Modi Government to abrogate Article 370. The Court ordered that special status of J&K was a temporary provision, therefore, it should be restored to the same statehood as any other Indian state, with no separate autonomy rights, at the earliest and State elections to take place by September 2024.