President Zardari embarks on a five-day state visit to China I
Afghan refugees to be repatriated from Pakistan, reports Dawn
In Focus
Imran Khan urges Army Chief to “reevalute policy”
On 3 February, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf Chairman, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan announced that Imran Khan has submitted a written letter to the Chief of Army Staff, General, Asim Munir. In the letter which will be made public, Khan has urged the army chief to “reevaluate policy.” In his media statement, Barrister Gohar, quoted Khan’s letter stating that as the former prime minister and the founder of a major opposition group (PTI), Khan wanted to highlight certain realities: one of them being the “widening gap” between the people and the establishment. He further emphasized that this should not be happening. It is because of these reasons that “the army is being blamed, so the policy reasons must be reevaluated,” reiterated Khan. Barrister Gohar also highlighted that the letter touched on the 2024 elections, the 26th amendment and the recent passage of the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) amendments. Separately, even PTI counsel, Faisal Chaudhry elaborated on the letter. He stated that Khan’s reasoning of the widened gap between the citizens and the establishment was due to the alleged rigging of the 8 February elections. The other points of contention are how the PECA law, the 26th Amendment, the focus on PTI and not terrorism, are factors that create distrust among the citizens. In fact, it even puts the country’s GSP+ status at stake. He said: “Imran Khan says that if we don’t treat our citizens as per international law then there will be an increase in difficulties.” Hence, Khan has called for a change in the policy in the “nation’s broader interest.” (Tahir Naseer, “Imran has written letter to army chief on ‘need to reevaluate policy’: Barrister Gohar,” Dawn, 4 February 2025)
President Zardari embarks on a five-day state visit to China
On 4 February, President Asif Ali Zardari embarked on a five-day visit to China. This would be his very first “official visit” to China since he became President. As per the Foreign Office, President Zardari is expected to hold discussions with China’s President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The state visit was initially scheduled for November 2024; however, it was postponed due to the President’s foot incurring fracture. The two sides are anticipated to deliberate on bilateral economic and trade issues. The two sides would also be discussing on how to enhance bilateral “security cooperation.” It is also expected that CPEC would remain as one of the key points of discussion. Also, President Zardari would be present at the “inaugural ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games” scheduled to take place in Harbin. The visit comes amid Pakistan witnessing a surge in militant attacks comprising those which are directed towards Chinese citizens working in the country. (“President Zardari starts China visit today,” The Nation, 4 February 2025)
Afghan refugees to be repatriated from Pakistan, reports Dawn
On 4 February, Dawn reported on information gathered from sources claiming that the government is planning to move Afghan refugees from Islamabad and Rawalpindi under the first phase of its relocation plan. Eventually, they will be repatriated to their native country, the source claimed, along with unregistered and illegal refugees. Those registered are Afghan Citizen Card holders which is a temporary identification for Afghans staying in Pakistan. However, the Pakistani government will decide the validity of the status. In this regard, the Afghan refugees with documentary proof will be repatriated in the second phase. According to the AfghanEvac founder, Shawn VanDiver, this resettlement is likely to create a host of logistical issues as it remains unclear as to how many people currently reside in the twin cities and many are awaiting resettlement to a third country. (Syed Irfan Raza & Nadir Guramani, “Afghans being quietly moved out of capital,” Dawn, 4 February 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS
PTI submits petition to Lahore High Court seeking approval for rally in Lahore
On 3 February, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) sought the Lahore High Court’s permission to hold a public rally at Minar-i-Pakistan, in Lahore on 8 February. This comes as a formal request was earlier submitted to Lahore’s deputy commissioner. However, the party has yet to hear from them. The petition alleged that every time the PTI has sought for permission to hold a public gathering, security concerns have been brought up. In this regard, the petition has called on the court to instruct the authorities to permit law enforcement personnel to stop abducting and harassing the PTI’s supporters. Commenting on the issue, the petitioner, PTI Punjab chief organizer, Aliya Hamza Malik said: “Those trying to stop PTI protests have employed every tactic and even went to the last resort of opening fire on unarmed peaceful protesters.” (“PTI moves LHC to seek permission for Lahore rally,” Dawn, 4 February 2025)
JUDICIARY
On judicial independence: “Judicial appointments must be insulated from interference and adhere to the well-established norms,” argues The News International
On 4 February, Dawn reported on the division within the “legal fraternity” over the transfer of provincial judges to the Islamabad High Court. Members of two major bar groups, namely Senator Hamid Khan-led Professional group and Ahsan Bhoon-led Independents, have adopted opposing stances. The former has rejected the move while the latter has supported it. In this regard, Dawn suggested that such divisions are often determined by political inclinations. Five of the 10 IHC judges and other lawyer fraternities believe that the transfer was aimed at compromising the judiciary’s independence. On the contrary, those in favor of the transfer are of the opinion that it necessary as it reinstated the IHC’s federal character. They believe that it enabled representation of all provinces., ensuring inclusiveness and integrity. The opposition led by Senator Hamid Khan believes that this move has had implications on the IHC’s authority. While addressing a Lahore High Court conference the group called upon the senior judiciary to share their stance on the matter. They also denounced the decision of transferring three “handpicked” judges.
On 4 February, an editorial titled “Courting crises,” in The News International highlighted the potential erosion of judicial independence particularly in terms of judicial appointments. The editorial cited a recent letter inked by five judges of the Islamabad High Court calling on the superior judiciary to explain its stance regarding transfer of judges from provincial courts to the Islamabad High Court. This transfer order was a departure from the traditional procedure of the senior judge taking on the position of the chief justice as the Judicial Commission of Pakistan had introduced a new law to allow a wider panel of five senior-most judges. Though the law may be aimed at “flexibility,” it does not rationalize the “transferring a judge from another high court to circumvent established norms.” Judges argue that it could ultimately cause external forces to influence the high court’s leadership as it could raise concerns of manipulation, executive overreach and favoritism. (Wajih Ahmad Sheikh, “Legal fraternity split over judges’ transfer issue,” Dawn, 4 February 2025; “Courting crises,” The News International, 4 February 2025)
ECONOMY
ECC raises concern over rising prices of essential commodities
On 3 February, an Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) meeting was held where the rising prices of sugar, vegetables and edible oil were brought to the attention . To overcome this, the ECC has directed the Ministry of National Food Security and Research and Ministry of National of Industries and Production to come up with measures that maintain the reserve of pulses, wheat and sugar and even improve the supply of essential commodities. The meeting also focused on the review of the trends of inflation and the market rates of essential goods. In this regard, it was learnt that the volume of inflation has fallen by 7.2 per cent which is an improvement from the 2.8 per cent decline in the same period of the previous year. The meeting also expressed satisfaction regarding the fall in Sensitive Price Index (SPI). The meeting chair, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb opined that the decline in core and average inflation and the decline in price trends are likely to benefit the common man. (“ECC orders steps to control rising prices,” The News International, 4 February 2025)
Exports up by 10 per cent, reports The News
On 4 February, The News International reported on data published by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics on 3 February. It revealed that Pakistan’s exports have grown by 10 per cent in the first seven months of the current fiscal. The export value grew by USD 19.55 billion from USD 17.77 billion recorded in the same period during the previous fiscal. However, even the imports have risen by 6.95 per cent to USD 33 billion from USD 30.9 billion. Consequently, the trade deficit grew by a slight rate of 2.84 per cent by USD 13.49 billion. Nevertheless, this signals a positive outlook for the economy, the article reported. It has helped improve Pakistan’s external financial status, especially its current account deficit which has been a major source of its economic vulnerability. (“Exports up 10% to $19.55bn in July-Jan 2025,” The News International, 4 February 2025)
HEALTH
On declining fertility rate in Pakistan: “a falling birth rate could yield a ‘demographic dividend’ of working-age adults unburdened by dependents, powering economic growth,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 3 February, The Express Tribune reported that according to the latest United Nations World Fertility Report 2024, Pakistan’s fertility rate has reduced from “six live births per woman in 1994 to 3.6 in 2024.” In spite of this decline in fertility rate which has been projected to further drop to 2.5 by 2054, Pakistan is set to become the third most populous country by 2050 with a population of 380 million. It is to be noted that the population of Pakistan at the time of its independence was around 31 million and had reached 241 million by 2023. The government has used a multi-pronged strategy to manage this growing population, such as “family planning programs, contraceptive distribution, and rural education campaigns.” It has also sought help from the UN Population Fund in the matter. Despite its efforts, challenges such as – “cultural and religious barriers, coupled with gender inequality and limited access to education”-remain.
On 4 February, an editorial in Dawn titled “Fertility puzzle” commented on the recent figures on fertility rates released by the UN report and what it can mean for Pakistan. The editorial highlighted that “in bringing birth rates to sustainable levels,” Pakistan has demonstrated “progress” but also faces “challenges.” Even though fertility rates have dropped, the data reveals marked “disparities.” For instance, fertility rate in rural areas is lower than urban. Further, the adolescent birth rate (40 per 1,000 women aged between 15-19) is considerably “high.” Compared to its neighbors like Bangladesh and India, Pakistan will only achieve “replacement-level fertility of 2.1 children” by 2079. India has already achieved this in 2020 and Bangladesh is set to do so by 2026. The editorial pointed out that higher fertility rates put pressure on “public services and household resources” while a falling birth rate can “yield a ‘demographic dividend’ of working-age adults unburdened by dependents, powering economic growth as it did in East Asia.” However, doing this necessitates “a more muscular approach from policymakers.” The editorial highlighted challenges like: inaccessible family planning options, especially in rural areas, continuance of child marriage, women’s limited control on their reproductive choices, and low female labor participation. The editorial also suggested some measures that can help achieve sustainable birth levels: “better data collection” that would help make meaningful interventions, and using religious leaders to circumvent “cultural resistance to contraception.” (“Pakistan projected to become third most populous country by 2050,” The Express Tribune, 3 February 2025; “Fertility puzzle,” Dawn, 4 February 2025)
SECURITY
Land mine blast in North Waziristan injures 4 security personnel
On 4 February, Dawn reported on a land mine blast which took place in Mira Ali, North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The blast resulted in wounding one security officer and four other security personnel. Security forces managed to neutralize four terrorists who were involved in carrying out the blast. The Inter-Services Public Relation, which is the military official media wing is yet to make an official comment on the incident. Separately, in Lakki Marwat, one terrorist was neutralized. The terrorist was indulged in an assault on a mosque that resulted in one army cadet losing his life in 2024. Police confiscated “AK-47 assault rifle, magazines and hand grenades” from the terrorist. In the operation, two locals were also wounded. In another incident, a police officer was wounded in Qeemat Manjiwal. His van fell victim to a “roadside bomb.” As per a police officer, the van was traveling towards Lakki city. Reportedly, the bomb also caused damage to the van. (Pazir Gull and Ghulam Mursalin Marwat, “Five security men hurt, four militants killed in KP ops,” Dawn, 4 February 2025)
On the failure to eradicate polio: “problem is marred with violence and severe vaccine hesitancy,” highlights an editorial in The News International
On 4 February, The News International reported on an attack by unknown militants on a police officer who was responsible for providing security to polio workers in Jamrud, Khyber. The attack resulted in the killing of one police officer. The responsibility of the attack was claimed by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. The police officer was on a motorbike when the attack took place. The militants escaped after the attack. The assault received condemnation from PM Sharif. Applauding the efforts put by security forces in guarding polio workers he said “the entire nation salutes the polio workers who risk their lives to be part of the campaign to eradicate polio from the country.” He further stated the lives laid down by security forces “would not go in vain.” In addition to that, he confirmed that the polio campaign in spite of the attack would go on and that the government resolved on eliminating polio from Pakistan. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also issued strong condemnation against the assault and commended the bravery of the police officer who was killed in the attack.
On 4 February, an editorial in The News International titled “Polio campaign” discussed the violent attacks directed against polio workers and what the government must do to increase immunization coverage. The editorial referenced the recent attack in KP on a police officer who was assigned to provide security to the polio campaigners. He was killed by militants; however, the polio workers were unharmed. The editorial pointed out that KP was the first province in 2025 in which a case of polio was detected. In 2024, 22 cases of polio came from KP out of a total of 77 cases nationwide. The editorial identified reasons such as dismal state of hygiene, shrinking public faith in government’s measures and “lack of screening of people” who arrive in the country as roadblocks towards eliminating the disease. The editorial claimed that terrorists view polio campaigns as tactics deployed by the government to locate their presence. The editorial suggested that parents of those children who fell victims to the virus must come at the forefront of the polio campaigns and urge other people to cooperate with the polio campaigners. The editorial also suggested that awareness drives should be carried out in schools and colleges to make young people sensitive towards the seriousness of the problem. ((Saeed Zaman, “Cop on polio duty martyred in Jamrud,” The News International, 4 February 2025; “Polio campaign,” The News International, 4 February 2025)
PROVINCES
Balochistan: Government sets up “fact finding tribunal” to unearth details of D.I Khan attack
On 4 February, Dawn reported that the government of Balochistan has set up a “fact finding tribunal” to launch an enquiry in the attack which took place in Dera Ismail Khan on 1 February that resulted in the killing one civilian and four levies personnel. The tribunal will be headed by the Quetta division commissioner. Balochistan government has instructed the fact finding tribunal to compile a report within a week. The tribunal will look into the causes of the assault and report on any neglect that occurred. It will also provide recommendations for ending assaults like these. Spokesperson of Balochistan government, Shahid Rind paid his respects to the victims of the attack and stated the culprits would have to face the wrath of the law. The Levies officials were following a truck which was stolen by militants. They eventually fell victim to a bomb. The vehicle in which the levies officers were traveling caught fire due to the bomb blast resulting in death of all the occupants. (Saleem Shahid, “Tribunal to probe killing of four Levies officials,” Dawn, 4 February 2025)
Balochistan: PM Sharif meets security personnel wounded in “anti-terror operations”
On 4 February, The News International reported that PM Sharif interacted with security personnel who suffered injuries in “anti-terror operations” in Balochistan. He met the security personnel at Combined Military Hospital in Balochistan. He applauded their efforts for risking their lives to ensure the security of the people. On militants attempting to disrupt peace in Balochistan he said “the evil intentions of the enemies of peace, development and prosperity of Balochistan will never be allowed to succeed.” He further stated those who involved in terror activities in Balochistan are foes of “development of the province.” Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Information and Broadcasting Minister Ataullah Tarar also joined PM Sharif in his visit. PM Sharif urged the entire nation to remain united in combating the threat of terrorism and make sure there is no disruption in peace. He also stated that his government would prioritize development of the province and that measures would be taken for imparting “quality education and health facilities.” (“Plots against uplift, peace in Balochistan will fail: PM,” The News International, 4 February 2025)
Provincial assemblies of Sindh and Balochistan adopt agriculture income tax bill
On 4 February, The News International reported that provincial assemblies of Sindh and Balochistan have also approved tax laws pertaining to agriculture. Previously, provincial assemblies of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab had passed the “agricultural income tax bills.” As per the new legislation, 45 per cent tax would be levied on earnings which surpass PKR 5.6 million. If annual earnings surpass PKR 150 million, a “super tax” would be imposed. As per the bill, small farmers are liable for 20 per cent tax on their yearly agricultural earnings. For large scale farmers this number is 29 per cent. There will be no tax on earnings which are less than PKR 600,000. CM of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah stated that the tax is being imposed so as to satisfy the conditions put by the International Monetary Fund for fund disbursement. He, however, warned that Pakistan might witness food scarcity if farmers cut down production as their earnings are now taxable. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb expressed gratitude towards Sindh and Balochistan provincial assemblies for enacting agriculture income tax bill. (Azeem Samar and M. Zafar Baloch, “Sindh, Balochistan also pass agricultural income tax laws,” The News International, 4 February 2025; Khaleeq Kiani, “Aurangzeb thanks provinces for passing agri tax law,” Dawn, 4 February 2025)
On the continual violent attacks in Balochistan: “an accommodative approach is required where Baloch activists and political forces are concerned,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 4 February, an editorial in Dawn titled “Balochistan turmoil” discussed the recent militant attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the way ahead for the government to counter militancy. The editorial referenced a militant attack in Kalat in which “18 paramilitary troops” lost their lives. Baloch Liberation Army assumed responsibility for the assault. In a separate incident, four levies officers were killed in D.I Khan in KP. No terror group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The editorial, however, noted that TTP is active in D.I Khan. The editorial cited the opinion of experts who claim that TTP and BLA have joined hands to carry out terror operations in the country. The editorial suggested that the government must separately engage with the political faction of Balochistan and must clearly distinguish it from the militant faction. The editorial highlighted the problems existing in the province such as “poverty, underdevelopment and enforced disappearances.” The editorial strongly advocated taking military action against the terrorists; however, it also called for attention to the concerns raised by “Baloch activists and political forces.” (“Balochistan turmoil,” Dawn, 4 February 2025)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan signs MoU worth 1.2 billion with Saudi Oil Facility
On 4 February, The News International outlined that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the Pakistan government have inked a Memorandum of Understanding where the latter will benefit from a provision of USD 1.2 billion Saudi Oil Facility (SOF) for a period of one year. According to the agreement, the KSA is also set to charge a 6 per cent mark up on the facility. Ahead of the International Monetary Fund’s review meeting, the SOF will help Pakistan meet its commitments under the USD 7 billion Extended Facility Fund. Additionally, both sides also signed other MoUs such as the Gravity Flow Water Scheme valued at USD 41 million and the transfer of skilled manpower from Pakistan. Under the water facility, the Saudi Development Facility will support Pakistan in making water available to 201,249 people by 2040 via improvement in public health and living standards. This development comes as the Current Account Deficit of Pakistan has recorded a surplus, further increasing its foreign reserves. The SOF only adds to this positive development as it will enable Islamabad further improve its reserves to the extent where it will enable the country take care of its import bill requisites in three months. (Israr Khan, Mehtab Haider & Muhammad Anis, “Pakistan signs accord to defer $1.2bn payment for Saudi oil,” The News International, 4 February 2025)
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"I have never had a negative mindset, I always go into the field with the mindset of winning. A winner has courage, he thinks that no matter what challenge comes, I will defeat them and those are the people who win."
Founder Chairman Tehreek-e-Insaf Imran Khan
- PTI Islamabad
Imran Khan has used the youth for his nefarious purposes, which he understands, and the youth have come to know that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is the one who is working for their secure future. The students consider her as their messiah.
- PML-N Digital
It is essential for the stability and security of the country that the gap between the army and the people be reduced, and there is only one way to reduce this growing gap, and that is for the army to return to its constitutional boundaries, separate itself from politics and fulfill its assigned responsibilities.
- Imran Khan
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"It is a worrying assertion that accusing Afghan refugees of serious offences is the norm."
- An opinion in Dawn, 'Refugee question.'
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