Four men sentenced to death over blasphemy I
FO dismisses claims on Pakistan’s involvement in anti-China activities
In Focus
Pakistan has the seventh most powerful air force in the world, reports Global Firepower
On 27 January, The Express Tribune reported on Pakistan Airforce appearing in the list of top 10 “most powerful air forces.” The ranking which is based on the number of aircrafts was published by Global Firepower. The US air force was ranked as the most powerful in the world. The second position was occupied by the Russian air force followed by China and India. South Korea and Japan occupied the fifth and sixth position respectively. Pakistan air force was ranked as the seventh most powerful air force in the world. Report by Global Firepower highlighted the supremacy of US air force. The number of aircrafts possessed by the US air force is more than what Russia, China, India, South Korea and Japan have all together. The US air force has “5737 helicopters and 1854 fighter planes.” The yearly budget of the US air force amounts to USD 800 billion. This number is “40 per cent of global military spending.” (“PAF among top 10 most powerful air forces globally,” The Express Tribune, 27 January 2025)
Four men sentenced to death over blasphemy
On 28 January, The Express Tribune reported that four men who were accused of blasphemous conduct were given death penalty by a Rawalpindi court. The accused were indicted for posting “blasphemous content” on the internet. Previously, several accused have been convicted for blasphemous conduct, however, up until now, no one in Pakistan has been executed on charges of blasphemy. Courts often convert the death sentence to “life imprisonment.” A representative of a support group advocating against the death sentence of the four convicts stated that the families of the convicts would challenge the court's decision. On the surge in the number of cases related to blasphemy, he said “we urge the government to investigate the growing number of online blasphemy cases before more young individuals spend the best years of their lives behind bars.” As per a report formulated by the National Commission for Human Rights, more than 700 men have been accused of blasphemous conduct but did not undergo trial. (“Court issues death sentences to four in online blasphemy case, The Express Tribune, 28 January 2025)
FO dismisses claims on Pakistan’s involvement in anti-China activities
On 27 January, the Foreign Office (FO) dismissed claims alleging Pakistan’s involvement in anti-China activities. This emphasized its enduring strategic partnership with Beijing. Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan reiterated Pakistan’s “unwavering commitment” to the One-China Policy and called it a cornerstone of its foreign policy. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has also rubbished claims that he attended events against China’s Communist Party during his US visit, terming such reports as “propaganda.” Both countries have maintained “deep ties based on mutual trust and shared values.” Since 2013, China has invested over USD 65 billion in Pakistan via the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. These investments have been vital for Pakistan’s economy. It has also supported infrastructure and development projects in Pakistan through the Belt and Road Initiative. (Abdullah Momand, “FO rejects ‘baseless allegations’ targeting Pakistan’s commitment to One-China policy,” Dawn, 27 January 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS
Senate Standing Committee on Interior approves the PECA Bill, 2025
On 27 January, Dawn reported that the Senate Standing Committee on Interior has approved the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The bill received approval amid criticism from journalists and opposition parties. The bill has introduced Section 26(A) and made the deliberate spreading of “fake news” a punishable offence a prison term of upto three years or a fine of upto PKR 2 million. On one hand, the government officials have claimed that the amendments aimed at the modernizing cybercrime laws and protecting citizens, journalists and human rights groups have alleged that the changes will curtail freedom of speech. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has called for nationwide protests and rejected the bill as unconstitutional. PFUJ President Afzal Butt said that: “This legislation is more about intimidation, harassment and victimization of the critical voices on social media than any betterment of the society.” PTI Senator Ali Zafar voiced concerns and called for stakeholder consultations and opposing censorship. He further added: “In trying to regulate it (fake news), you cannot censor the media.” The Joint Action Committee (JAC) also announced legal and public action against the amendments and stated that the law disproportionately impacts citizens’ online expression. (Umaid Ali and Irfan Sadozai, “Senate panel approves Peca amendment bill as opposition cries foul,” Dawn, 27 January 2025; “JAC to join PFUJ protest against Peca bill today,” The International News, 28 January 2025)
Senator Siddiqui warns of dissolving the negotiation committee if PTI skips the fourth round of talks
On 27 January, The International News reported that the spokesperson for the government’s negotiation committee, Senator Irfan Siddiqui, has warned that the committee might dissolve if PTI skips the fourth round of talks scheduled for 28 January. The talks aimed at easing political tensions, have stalled after PTI demanded the formation of a judicial commission to probe the 9 May protests and 26 November crackdown before resuming dialogue. Siddiqui also criticized PTI’s stance and called it “illogical.” He further noted that the ruling coalition needed seven working days as per the agreed timeline to respond to PTI’s demands. He emphasized that “negotiations are a serious and democratic process.” After meeting Siddiqui, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed the importance of dialogue in democracy and warned against “undemocratic behavior” that hampers progress. He urged harmony over confrontation to address Pakistan’s challenges, including economic recovery and countering terrorism. (“Govt warns of dissolving negotiation committee if PTI skips upcoming meeting,” The International News, 27 January 2025)
PPP and PML-N differ in the Senate over constructing canals on the Indus
On 27 January, the issue related to the construction of canals on the Indus River came to surface at the Senate. The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leaders raised the issue and called for a meeting with the Council of Common Interests (CCI) among the provincial leaders to discuss the water-sharing issue. However, Law Minister Nazeer Tarar ensured that the project was being discussed among the top leaders of the coalition parties, PPP and the Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N). The issue arises from the Punjab government’s plans to construct canals on the Indus River, to divert water to Cholistan. But according to the PPP, “A fire is raging in Sindh, as there is already no water in the system.” Besides, the province is already witnessing widespread protests over another canal project against which even the PPP has “grave reservations.” In this regard, Senator Shahidat Awan of the PPP called for the matter to be deliberated at the CCI. However, the Law Minister has refused to commit to a date, citing logistical issues pertaining to the availability of the four provincial representatives. Nevertheless, he assured that the CCI meeting would take place within the course of time. (Ifthikar A Khan, “Law minister refuses to give date for Council of Common Interests meeting,” Dawn, 28 January 2025)
JUDICIARY
GBP 190 million case: Imran Khan appeals to the Islamabad High Court
On 27 January, Imran Khan challenged the GBP 190 million case verdict of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in the Islamabad High Court (IHC). The appeal application requested the court to overturn the NAB judgment where Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 14 and sevenyear sentences, respectively. Khan has claimed that neither he nor Bibi had anything to gain from the Al Qadir University Trust. The petition argues that the ruling sufferes from the lack of substantial documentary evidence, and the verdict was delayed frequently. Khan further argued that the reason behind the NBA reopening the case closed in 2020 in 2023 was due to a political agenda. He questioned the “fairness and integrity of the investigation” as the “prosecution deliberately avoided” holding six key figures accountable. In a separate development, Anti Terrorism Court’s Judge Amjad Ali Shah did not agree with the acquittal plea filed by Khan in the General Headquarters violence of 9 May. Additionally, Justice Mohammad Azam Khan of the IHC approached the Chief Justice to transfer the Iddat case filed by Bushra Bibi’s ex-husband, Khawar Maneka, against her and Khan’s acquittal plea in the same case to another bench. (Malik Asad, “Imran, Bushra move IHC against conviction in £190m graft case,” Dawn, 28 January 2025)
Lawyers urge the constitutional bench to constitute a full court
On 27 January, at a constitutional bench's hearing, lawyers called for the constitution of a full court to address the challenges involving the 26th Constitutional Amendment. In response, the Supreme Court’s constitutional bench urged lawyers of different petitioners to consider the bench a full court while discussing the challenges. Even Justice Ayesha A Malik supported the request to be discussed at a full court as it had been the case while discussing challenges pertaining to the 18th and 21st Amendment as well as the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023. To this, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar explained that it was not within the bench’s domain to approach the Chief Justice of Pakistan or call for a full court solely based on the lawyer’s wishes. Besides, Justice Jamal Mandokhail and Justice Musarrat Hilali questioned whether the constitutional bench was not a part of the constitution and whether the petitioners were suggesting that the judges ought to retake their oaths after the 26th Constitutional Amendment was passed. Speaking on the matter, Justice Madokhail remarked: “Even if the full court is formed, you will raise a new objection.” He believed that then the lawyers may call for a full court that separated the judges of the constitutional bench from it. (Nasir Iqbal, “Consider constitutional bench full court, says Justice Mazhar,” Dawn, 28 January 2025)
ECONOMY
On monetary policy rate reduction: “The 45.5pc reduction in interest rates in seven months should be enough,” suggests an editorial in Dawn
On 27 January, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) slashed its policy rate further by 100 basis points to 12 per cent. This marks an aggregate reduction of 1,000bps since June 2024. SBP Governor Jameel Ahmed stated that the decision was based on improved inflation trends, a strong current account, and rising remittances. The Monetary Policy Committee noted that the inflation had declined to 4.1 per cent year-on-year in December and is expected to decline further in January. However, core inflation remainson the higher side necessitating a “a cautious monetary stance.” Despite improvement in “high-frequency indicators” which indicate slow “economic recovery,” economic growth has not touched expected levels. Further, inspite of December witnessing a current account surplus, foreign exchange reserves have taken a hit on account of “low inflows and high debt repayments.” Additionally, a foreign exchange reserve target of USD 13 billion has been set for June.
On 28 January, an editorial titled “Unstable outlook” in Dawn highlighted the central bank’s recent policy rate reduction by 12 per cent, bringing up questions over whether or not this reduction is sufficient. In this regard, it notes Pakistan’s vulnerability to inflation caused by global market prices, protectionist policies of foreign economies, tax measures to meet the Revenue board’s targets and calls for a “pause on the monetary easing.” The editorial opined that there is a positive outlook for the economy as the current account surplus is expected to rise along with remittances and the inflation levels are projected to reduce and perhaps meet the years’ target range. Considering this forecast, the State Bank of Pakistan may have the opportunity to continue its monetary easing policy. However, “the economy remains on edge.” Hence, the editorial emphasized the reduction to be enough as it provides enough impetus for private actors to engage in economic activities. It is important that the ruling elites promote sustainable growth and learn from their past mistakes of implementing stabilization policies that led to a balance of payment crises in 2018 and 2022. (“SBP cuts key policy rate by 100bps to 12pc,” Dawn, 27 January 2025; “Unstable outlook,” Dawn, 28 January 2025)
Tax laws to affect only 2.5 per cent of the population: FBR
On 27 January, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) apprised the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance that The Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024 would impact only 2.5 per cent of the people. This is because 97.5 per cent of property transactions do not touch the PKR 10 million mark. In 2024, 1.695 million property transactions were made in which 93 per cent barely crossed PKR 5 million and only 3.8 per cent transactions were valued less than PKR 1 crore. In this regard, 95 per cent of the households will not be affected by the proposed law and it would help bridge the tax collection gap of PKR 1.6 trillion derived from the top five per cent of the taxpayers. However, the taxes imposed on property sector transactions will be reduced. (“Tax laws tweaks to affect 2.5% of property transactions: FBR,” The News International, 28 January 2025)
Petroleum Minister announces reallocation of Sui profits for public relief
On 27 January, Minister of Petroleum Musadik Malik announced that the government was planning to redistribute PKR 82 billion from the profits of the Sui gas companies. An amount of PKR 100 billion was initially reserved to reduce circular debt. Now the government has sought to protect consumers from the brunt of rising gas tariffs due to increased utility costs. The Minister announced that PKR 82 billion will be reallocated to reduce the financial burden borne by gas users. He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had declined proposals to increase gas prices for all domestic consumers. Besides, the remainder PKR 18 billion could be utilized to reduce circular debt, the minister stated. (Israr Khan, “Govt redirects Rs82bn from Sui profits to freeze gas prices,” The News International, 28 January 2025)
SECURITY
Two militants neutralized in Qila Abdullah, Balochistan
On 28 January, Dawn reported that two militants were neutralized by the security forces in Qila Abdullah, Balochistan. The two militants initiated an assault on the Frontier Corps (FC) fort in Gulistan region. They fired upon the residents and hurled grenades at them. FC fort which is situated on the “Quetta-Chaman national highway” functions as the headquarters of the Gulistan region. Security forces, however, successfully thwarted the attack. As per the security officials, the exchange of fire went on for long, however they were able to normalize the situation. In a separate incident, a skirmish in Mastung, resulted in the killing of a police officer. The incident took place in Chotu mills region of Mastung when dacoits stole a vehicle and tried to escape. Police followed the stolen vehicle and opened fire on the dacoits that led to one of them getting killed. On another note, militants choked the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) highway in the Turbat region. The bypassing vehicles were searched by the militants during which they killed a man hailing from Punjab. In a separate incident in Zhob, unidentified militants fired upon a “vehicle at a bus station.” As a result of that, two people lost their lives. (Saleem Shahid, “2 ‘terrorists’ killed as attack on FC fort foiled in Qila Abdullah,” Dawn, 28 January 2025)
On the vital role played by National Telecommunication Information Technology Security Board (NITB) in countering disinformation “its work does not seem to get the attention it deserves” claims an editorial in Dawn
On 28 January, an editorial in Dawn, titled “Digital security” discussed the lack of comprehensive familiarity with “modern technologies” among people who report on issues of online safety and how NITB’s efforts in combating disinformation does not receive enough coverage. The editorial mentioned a recent case in which NITB brought “16 browser extensions” to light which were susceptible to “hacking and data breaches.” However, the media platforms misunderstood it as being a security lapse in the use of AI applications. The editorial highlighted how people fall in the trap of misreporting by the media agencies as the latter does not have comprehensive knowledge of “modern technologies.” The editorial also pointed out how common people can utilize the recommendations issued by NITB in combating “disinformation or security-related” threats that are found in “modern technologies.” However, the editorial claimed that the efforts put by NITB do not receive enough coverage to reach common people. NITB had previously issued advisories regarding safe use of “modern smartphones” and the threats related to “CCTV solutions.” The editorial claimed that it is necessary for the NITB to highlight the security related threats with the use of new technologies, considering the continuous evolution of “modern technologies.” (“Digital security,” Dawn, 28 January 2025)
PAKISTAN OCCUPIED KASHMIR
“AJK” police officials deliberate on measures to arrest the culprits involved in speaker’s convoy assault
On 27 January, senior officers serving in the “Azad Jammu and Kashmir” police department convened several rounds of discussion to make sure that culprits who were involved in the assault on Latif Akbar’s convoy are nabbed. Latif Akbar is the speaker of “AJK” legislative assembly. PM of “AJK” Anwarul Haq issued condemnation against the assault and instructed the chief secretary and Inspector General of Police (IGP) to initiate a prompt action to bring culprits of the attack to justice. Latif Akbar voiced his concerns to SSP, Muzaffarabad about the overall security situation in the region. He said “if speaker’s life is not secure, it sends a chilling message of insecurity to the common people.” SSP vowed to act promptly to bring the situation under control. IGP Rana Abdul Jabbar in a discussion with SSP also urged him to arrest the culprits and ensure that investigation is carried out in a fair manner. (Tariq Naqash, “Azad Kashmir police discuss steps to arrest attackers of speaker’s convoy,” Dawn, 28 January 2025)
EXTERNAL
Taliban government permits women to travel to Pakistan for education
On 27 January, The Express Tribune reported that the Taliban government in Afghanistan has given its approval to women to travel to Pakistan for the purpose of education. However, the consent comes with a condition. Pakistan also has to issue visas to male members of women’s family who will travel with them. The announcement of the decision from the Taliban government came on the same day when several students from Afghanistan were writing entrance exams to get selected in Pakistani universities. Afghan refugees staying in Pakistan appeared for the exams in Peshawar and Quetta. Students who were in Afghanistan would be appearing for online exams in the next few days. Pakistan’s special envoy to Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq informed that close to 21,000 students hailing from Afghanistan had filed applications to get “Allama Iqbal Scholarship.” Among the 21000 students, 5000 were women candidates. Close to 2000 candidates would be selected and around 33 per cent of the seats would be reserved for women applicants. (“Taliban allow Afghan girls to study in Pakistan,” The Express Tribune, 27 January 2025)
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Hamza Naqvi attended the anti-China meeting and now he is giving explanations, Imran Khan is right in saying that he is educated and does not try to study.
Aaliya Hamza Malik
- PTI
Imran Niazi is at the forefront of corruption
- PMLN Digital
Everyone's survival lies in the rule of law
- PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
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"Other than their mission creep, there are some jitters behind closed doors."
- An opinion in Dawn, 'Missions aplenty.'
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