In the lead-up to Pakistan’s forthcoming elections, the nation’s military, led by General Asim Munir, has assumed a prominent role in the realm of governance, notably in the management of a beleaguered economy. This unfolding narrative follows a trajectory established in the post-Pervez Musharraf era, wherein decision-making on critical matters has shifted towards proxy actors, while legislative bodies continue to deliberate and legislate. This strategic maneuver, it appears, maintains the veneer of democracy while serving as a contingency plan should anything go awry.

Over the years, successive Chiefs of the Pakistani Army have been active in securing loans, orchestrating projects, and garnering investments in ‘friendly’ foreign capitals. They have also engaged directly with the domestic business community, often shrouded in rumors and speculations. However, the recent meetings held by General Munir on September 3 in Karachi and Lahore have confirmed the military’s perception of political ineptitude within the political class.

Members of the business community who met with the army chief reported his disapproval of nearly every political party, with Irfan Sheikh, Chief of FPCCI, noting that General Munir had mentioned several politicians who once traveled on motorcycles and now reside abroad. The concerns voiced during these meetings extended to the nation’s economy, leaving the impression that political figures may soon face legal scrutiny.

An editorial in the Daily Pakistan (September 14) expressed optimism regarding General Asim Munir’s vision for the future, emphasizing the necessity for political leaders to put aside their differences and wholeheartedly support these projects.

Amidst a caretaker government’s tenure and ongoing speculation regarding election dates, public discourse has intensified around the intricate relationship between the political and military spheres. Umer Farooq, writing in The Friday Times, criticizes what he deems the “anti-military melodrama” within Pakistan’s political landscape. He contends that since political leaders rely on military support to govern effectively, adopting an anti-military posture only serves to strain their relationships with the establishment, thereby complicating the governance process.

Farooq also points out that Pakistan has witnessed vehement criticism of its army and Chiefs in recent years, notably from figures like Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan. Sharif, previously in exile in London, launched attacks against the military, while Khan, currently in custody on graft charges, accused General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Munir’s predecessor, of conspiring against him.

Farooq underscores the symbiotic relationship between politicians and the military, emphasizing that the rise of anti-military sentiment coincides with the military’s ascent as a dominant player in Pakistan’s power dynamics, indicative of a limited political discourse.

Analysts have highlighted instances where both Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan received support from the military at different junctures. Farooq references “confirmation of conspiracy theories,” such as one involving General Bajwa’s alleged role in securing a graft case conviction against Sharif to favor Khan, showcasing the military’s influence behind closed doors.

In the eyes of many Pakistani and foreign analysts, the military’s influence permeates every facet of governance. Farooq observes that Army chiefs have not only played pivotal roles in decisions related to the use of force against militant and terror groups but have also acted as de facto diplomats. Moreover, during this period, the military’s dominance over the state’s coercive machinery has become increasingly evident, leaving no doubt as to its far-reaching influence.

At least 13 people were killed in a gunfight between two armed groups in Leithu village of Tengnupal district in the Indian state of Manipur, bordering Myanmar. Yesterday, Monday (December 4). This gun battle took place between noon and afternoon. The security forces were at least 10 kilometers away, according to various media in Manipur. Indian media NDTV has published this news citing officials of the security forces of the state.

According to media reports, the death toll was reported on Monday (December 4) between the two groups, four days after the Central and Manipur governments signed a peace accord with the state's oldest armed group, the United National Liberation Force (UNLF). The police recovered the bodies of 13 people. However, their identity is yet to be confirmed.

However, the state police is not yet sure whether the gunfight took place between two armed groups. The police believe that this clash has nothing to do with the ethnic conflict that has been going on for the past seven months.

A section of observers believe that those killed may also be armed fighters from other states or countries.

According to police, based on initial observations, a fight between two groups was reported in Leithu village, a place called Saibol in Tengnupal. Thirteen people are believed to have died in the fighting.

A senior officer of the Manipur Police said that the place has been surrounded and a search is being conducted. It is being investigated how this incident happened.

The situation in Manipur remained peaceful on Monday night. The official also said that this incident has nothing to do with ethnic conflict.

The state government lifted the ban on mobile internet services from vast areas of Manipur from last Sunday. After about seven long months, the ban was almost completely lifted. However, this ban remained in place in the hilly areas.

More than 175 people have lost their lives in Manipur since May 3 this year in continuous ethnic clashes. Thousands of people are still in relief camps after losing their homes. At least 60,000 people lost their homes during the violence. After a long six months of conflict, this state of northeast India has been relatively calm for the past one month.

Local newspapers were writing that peace was returning permanently to the state. Through dialogue between the majority on one side and the hill tribes on the other. At such a time, suddenly there was news of violence.

Chennai, India is experiencing heavy rains due to the impact of Cyclone 'Migjaum' in the Bay of Bengal. It submerged many residential areas in the state and the runway of one of the country's busiest airports. Indian media NDTV has already reported the death of five people.

According to media reports, the cyclone is expected to hit the coast of Andhra Pradesh in the early hours of Tuesday (December 5). Five people died in Chennai yesterday (December 4) due to rain.

Two of them died due to electrocution. One died after being buried under a tree. Two more bodies were found in Chennai city, local police said. However, it is not certain whether they died in the storm or not.

Authorities in both states have taken precautionary measures to minimize damage. Because of this, thousands of people living in coastal areas have been evacuated. Apart from this, state officials said that fishermen have been warned not to go into the sea.

Schools, colleges, offices and banks have been ordered to keep closed on Monday and Tuesday in at least four districts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, due to the weather, a government notification said.

Parts of Andhra Pradesh are likely to receive more than 200 millimeters (8 inches) of rain in the next 24 hours, the India Meteorological Department said.

At least 47 people have been killed in floods and landslides caused by heavy rains in northern Tanzania, officials from the country's meteorological agency said. Another 80 people were injured in this incident. The incident happened near the slopes of Hanang mountain in the country.

The British media BBC reported this information in a report on Monday (December 4).

According to the report, President Samia Hasan deployed the National Security Forces to deal with the situation and assist in rescue efforts. Houses and infrastructure in the area have also been damaged due to adverse weather conditions.

The BBC also reported that flooding is the biggest natural hazard in the East African country of Tanzania. Hundreds of thousands of people are affected by floods in the country every year. Mainly East African countries are heavily affected by floods and landslides in 2023. And that is partly due to El Nino weather.

It is to be noted that the above-normal rainfall in the country last month resulted in loss of life and destruction of many properties in the capital Darussalam and Kigoma, Kagera, Geita and Unguja areas. Crops in some parts of the country were also washed away and people's livelihoods were affected. Meanwhile, the Tanzania Meteorological Agency has warned that this rain will continue this month.

Israel launched intense airstrikes on Khan Yunus in southern Gaza. Residents of Khan Yunus described it as the heaviest bombardment since the start of the war. The Israeli military told people in the eastern part of the city to move further south.

On Sunday (December 3), British media reported this information.

Israel believes some Hamas leaders are in the city, where many civilians fleeing the north are taking refuge, the report said.

Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry said at least 193 people have been killed in the latest Israeli attack.

On Friday the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a renewed offensive against Hamas in Gaza in response to the October 7 attack on Israel.

The Hamas-run health ministry said the death toll in Gaza has now exceeded 15,200.

Israel's bombardment of Gaza has resumed after a temporary ceasefire ended on Friday. The IDF said it hit more than 400 Hamas "terrorist targets" on the first day of the new operation.

Rockets have been fired regularly from Gaza into Israel since the fighting resumed on Saturday evening, with a barrage targeting areas around Tel Aviv and central Israel.

Following the attack, Israel's ambulance service said it treated a 22-year-old man for "minor injuries" to the head in Holon, a town just south of Tel Aviv.

In a briefing Saturday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue Israeli military operations to eliminate Hamas and secure the release of hostages.

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have sought refuge in the area after being told to flee the northern part of the territory, Israel's main target in the early stages of the war.

The IDF's Arabic-language spokesman posted maps on social media indicating which areas civilians should leave, ordering people in areas east of Khan Yunus to move further south to the Rafahite shelter. A ground attack may be imminent in this area.

UNICEF spokesman James Elder, who was in Khan Younis on Saturday, told the BBC hospitals were already "saturated" with casualties before the strike resumed.