Abdul Basit Alvi
In any nation, the relationship between the civilian and military sectors plays a critical role in shaping the trajectory of development and overall societal well-being. A strong, collaborative partnership between civil and military institutions is essential for fostering stability, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring the prosperity of a country. When these two sectors work together harmoniously, they can address challenges more effectively, utilize resources efficiently, and create an environment conducive to progress. Civil-military collaboration refers to the cooperation and coordination between civilian government agencies and the armed forces of a nation. It involves joint efforts in various areas, such as disaster response, infrastructure development, public health, education, and national security. This collaboration hinges on the recognition that both the civilian and military sectors have complementary roles to play in promoting the overall welfare of the nation. During natural disasters, civil-military collaboration becomes paramount. The military’s logistical capabilities and rapid deployment can significantly aid civilian agencies in disaster response and providing humanitarian assistance to affected populations. Civil-military collaboration in infrastructure projects, such as road construction and energy development, is vital for the efficient allocation of resources and ensuring security in areas that may be vulnerable to external threats. In regions experiencing internal conflicts or instability, collaboration between civilian and military agencies is crucial for peacekeeping efforts and conflict resolution. Joint initiatives can help rebuild trust and foster a conducive environment for reconciliation. Civilian and military health professionals can collaborate in times of public health crises or pandemics, pooling resources to address health emergencies and ensure the availability of essential medical services. Civil-military collaboration in education and training programs can enhance the capabilities of both sectors, creating a skilled workforce equipped to address diverse challenges effectively. Civil-military collaboration is not just a partnership of convenience; it is a fundamental aspect of development that can propel a nation towards stability, prosperity, and resilience. By recognizing the unique strengths and roles of the civilian and military sectors and fostering cooperation, countries can address multifaceted challenges and lay the groundwork for a prosperous and harmonious society. Emphasizing the importance of this collaboration in policymaking, resource allocation, and societal development is essential for building a brighter future for nations around the globe. SIFC is a best example of Civil-Military collaboration in Pakistan which is aimed to set a roadmap for development of the country. As countries around the world strive to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and bolster their economic growth, the role of Special Investment Facilitation Councils (SIFCs) has gained prominence. These councils serve as essential platforms to promote investments, provide assistance to investors, and facilitate a conducive business environment. Pakistan, a country with vast economic potential, has taken a significant step in this direction by establishing the Pakistan Special Investment Facilitation Council (PSIFC). The Pakistan Special Investment Facilitation Council was formed with the objective of attracting foreign and domestic investments, enhancing the ease of doing business, and accelerating economic development in the country. It operates under the umbrella of the Board of Investment (BOI), which functions as the apex investment promotion agency of Pakistan. The SIFC operates as a specialized body that brings together key stakeholders, including government representatives, private sector leaders, and experts in various industries, to identify investment opportunities, address challenges, and develop policies conducive to investments. SIFC strives to attract both foreign and domestic investments by showcasing Pakistan’s economic potential, market opportunities, and investment-friendly policies. The council works towards streamlining bureaucratic processes, reducing red tape, and simplifying regulatory procedures to make it easier for investors to set up and operate businesses in Pakistan. SIFC identifies priority sectors for investment and focuses on their development through targeted policies and initiatives. This approach aims to maximize the impact of investments and promote sustainable growth. The council acts as a liaison between the private sector and the government, advocating for policies that support investment and economic growth. SIFC offers comprehensive support services to investors, including assistance with project approvals, permits, licenses, and any other challenges they may face during their investment journey. The Pakistan Special Investment Facilitation Council has undertaken various initiatives to promote investment and facilitate economic growth: SIFC organizes investment conferences and summits, both domestically and internationally, to showcase Pakistan’s potential as an investment destination and to attract foreign investors. The council actively engages with policymakers to propose reforms that improve the investment climate and remove barriers to entry for investors. SIFC launches investment promotion campaigns through various mediums to create awareness about investment opportunities and business potential in Pakistan. The council aims to establish a one-stop shop for investors, providing them with all necessary information and services in a centralized and efficient manner. SIFC identifies key sectors with high growth potential, such as information technology, renewable energy, manufacturing, and agriculture, and tailors specific incentives and support to attract investment in these sectors. After the previous state of the Pakistani economy, now Alhamdulillah, extensive and comprehensive measures are being taken for its improvement and self-reliance on a permanent basis, in which, under the platform of SIFC, Pakistan’s natural resources and sectors that have vast potential in Pakistan. It is found that the work on them has started with full attention and uniformity. along with this, the work on regional connectivity, regional trade and CPEC projects is also speeding up. The projects on which the government and the army have jointly started work through SIFC include farming in the agriculture sector on barren lands according to modern requirements, model farming, livestock, land information management system, foreign investment in the IT sector. SIFC is also aimed to take advantage of Pakistan’s vast resources of mining and minerals and to create favorable conditions for foreign investment, investment in defense and energy sector and foreign direct investment through SIFC’s one-window operation. With all these measures, countless opportunities have been opened for Pakistan to improve its economy and now Pakistan is looking towards an economic self-sufficiency as direct investment in these fields with Pakistan’s friendly countries is fast. The forces that cannot see Pakistan on its journey to self-reliance have also been fully mobilized. Those external forces are fully engaged in creating economic misery, despair, doomsday scenario, and defamation of institutions in the country by using internal elements. In past, economists like Qaisar Bangali had spread despair and disappointment by saying that Pakistan is sinking and going to be default. Anti Pakistan elements want to keep the people in constant despair and do not want to let the country economically get out of the clutches of those forces. The biggest obstacle in the journey of economic self-reliance of Pakistan is these hostile elements who want to thwart all such steps in Pakistan that will help Pakistan get rid of the economic mercy of these forces. There is an even possible attempt by these forces and their facilitators inside and outside the country to make the recent economic improvement measures in Pakistan controversial and fail so that Pakistan’s weak economy will always make us economically dependent on these forces. They continued to force us so that we always raised our hands in front of them. In recent days, it has been seen that these elements, sitting inside and outside the country, are following a specific and nefarious agenda and spreading false and misleading propaganda on the journey of self-reliance of the Pakistani economy, spreading frustration and confusion among the people. Pakistan is very lucky that now we have such an Army Chief who is himself on forefront for economic revival of the country. He visited lot of countries and met with many foreign Officials in Pakistan including Visiting Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, Lieutenant General Alfonas Mais, Chief of German Army etc. Of course economic revival and investment opportunities would also have been discussed along with discussions on matters of mutual interest, regional security situation and defense cooperation.(Continued) ((((( 10th anniversary of CPEC was celebrated in Pakistan where Civil and Military leadership showed full commitment with the core issues of the country. Army Chief General Asim Munir described the Pakistan-China ties as “unique” and added that the militaries of the two countries will continue “safeguarding collective interests”. He made these remarks while addressing the ceremony held at GHQ in Rawalpindi to celebrate the 96th anniversary of the founding of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. Army chief of Pakistan is also taking keen interest for the smooth continuation of SIFC which is a good sign. Recently, Army Chief General Asim Munir has said that our land is rich in minerals and it is our social responsibility to play our role in the country’s economy. Addressing the Pakistan Mineral Summit, Army Chief General Asim Munir said that the Government of Pakistan has ensured the establishment of SIFC in collaboration with all institutions. It lays down new rules for ease of doing business for foreign investors. The Army Chief said that persistence is the only way to stay on the path of peace and prosperity, mineral projects are the ladder of people’s development. General Asim Munir said that Allah Almighty said in Surah Rahman, “And which of the blessings of your Lord will you deny?” The Army Chief made it clear by referring to the Holy Quran that Allah helps those who help themselves. He further said that if you look at the country, from the snow-capped mountains to the vastness of the deserts, from the coastline to the plains, what is not here in this land. Let’s do our part, we should never lose hope, our land is rich in minerals, invite foreign investors to explore hidden treasures in Pakistan. On this occasion, the Army Chief thanked the CEO and President of Barrack Gold, Mark Bristow, while he also thanked the Saudi Minister of Mining, Engineer Khalid bin Saleh Al Madifar and other investors. The remarkable services of Army Chief and Pak Army for economic revival of Pakistan are in front of us while on the other side is the shameful role of Anti State elements which always try to defame the forces. Those elements tried to spread misunderstandings about the recent Official Secrets Act 1923 Amendment Bill. Here are some facts from reliable sources which are shared here to counter the false propaganda. In reality, this amendment is not related to the events of May 9 and is not applicable retrospectively to any case. This amendment to the Official Secrets Act, 1923 which is a 100 year old law has been updated with the new legal requirements so that the law can be effectively used in accordance with the contemporary laws. England, which enacted this law at that time, has also updated and amended its official laws several times according to modern requirements. This law does not apply to everyone, but it is related to people who leak sensitive information related to the security of the country, because the purpose of the Official Secrets Act is to guard and protect the sensitive information of the country. The old 1923 law included doesn’t mention the modern use of modern technology for espionage and spying and included provisions to counter today’s digital espionage techniques. It is important to clarify that in this amendment also the power to arrest any person has been reserved with the FIA. In this amendment, the old written word “document” and “intelligence agencies” has been explained and expanded in which the document has been added to electronic, digital, agreements, memorandum, plans, in addition to a written document. Intelligence Agency has been explained to mean ISI and Intelligence Bureau. Expanded munitions of war to include ships, submarines, aircraft, tanks, vehicles, and weapons that could be used in war. Therefore, its modern security challenges, which can be exploited by the adversary to harm Pakistan, have been updated and upgraded according to today’s legal requirements. No doubt, the current situation in Pakistan is extraordinary and the enemy is using its advanced technology, employing modern spying techniques to counter which the Official Secrets Act of 1923 has been amended to create negative propaganda and political purposes. The nation fully acknowledges the notable services of Pak Army and condemns such propaganda from our enemies. No force can stop Pakistan to move forward in spite of all dirty tactics of Anti State elements. Readers, the establishment of the Pakistan Special Investment Facilitation Council marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to boost economic growth and attract investments. By providing a conducive environment for investment, streamlining regulatory processes, and offering tailored support to investors, the PSIFC plays a crucial role in driving economic development and fostering a vibrant business landscape in Pakistan. As the council continues to forge partnerships and promote the country’s potential on the global stage, it is hoped that it will help unlock Pakistan’s economic potential and pave the way for a prosperous and sustainable future. SIFC is a best and remarkable example of Civil-Military collaboration aiming to achieve the goals of development of Pakistan and is warmly welcomed by the people of the country. Pakistan is quickly proceeding on the way of development and the nation is hopeful that all sincere efforts taken in this regard by our Civil and Military Leadership will be successful.
