Pakistan slides two spots on Corruption Perception Index I 13th edition of Pakistan-Turkey bilateral military exercise begins
In Focus
PTI to submit a dossier to visiting IMF delegation
On 11 February, while speaking to media persons outside the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf counsel, Faisal Chaudhry announced that the party has prepared a report which will be submitted to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission currently in Pakistan. He stated that it will provide the details all “challenges” faced by the party in the last two years. Chaudhry also alleged that Khan was not receiving a fair trial. He detailed that the report will include facts pertaining to bullet injuries with supporting documents and medico-legal files. This does not mark the first time Imran Khan has written to the IMF. Previously, he had urged the IMF to sanction future loans based on an audit of the 8 February general elections. Chaudhary further revealed that Khan ad instructed the party to support the lawyer’s movement against the appointment of judges in the Islamabad High Court and the Supreme Court. (Mumtaz Alvi, “PTI prepares dossier for IMF, citing ‘two and a half years of injustice’,” The News International, 12 February 2025)
Pakistan slides two spots on Corruption Perception Index
On 11 February, according to a report released by Transparency International Berlin, Pakistan’s ranking on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) has fallen by 2 points to 135 in 2024 from 133 in 2023. This ranking is out of a total of 180 countries. Pakistan’s score has also dropped from 29 in 2023 to 27 in the previous year. The countries are ranked on the basis of the perceived levels of corruption existing within the public sector on a scale of zero to 100, with the former signifying “highly corrupt” and the latter “highly clean.”
Dawn reported that Pakistan’s score has ranged between 27 and 33 over the last ten years. Ever since the scale changed from 10 to 100, Pakistan’s score rose to 33 in 2018. Additionally, it is worth noting that Pakistan ranked second last of 54 countries in 1996 under the zero-10 scale. Drawing comparison with countries within the Asian region, Pakistan hasn’t experienced a significant drop, compared to Oman, China, Turkey and Mongolia. (Amin Ahmed, “Pakistan’s ranking on corruption perception index slides 2 spots: Transparency International,” Dawn, 11 February 2025)
13th edition of Pakistan-Turkey bilateral military exercise begins
On 12 February, a joint military exercise named between Pakistan and Turkey began. “Ataturk.” This is the 13th edition of the bilateral military exercise which is called Ataturk. The inaugural ceremony was carried out in the Special Operations School, Cherat, KP. Special Forces of Turkiye and Pakistan’s Special Services Group Units took part in the military exercise. The inaugural ceremony was chaired by “commandant of Special Operations School, Cherat.” The objective of the military exercise is to intensify “professional skills” by “joint training.” Further, its objective is to enhance the “historical” military relations between Pakistan and Turkey and share their “experiences.” (“Pakistan-Turkiye joint military drills ‘Ataturk XIII’ begin,” The Nation, 12 February 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS
Nomination for ECP chief appointment has been sought: NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq
On 11 February, during a National Assembly (NA) session, Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan questioned the efficiency of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) while speaking on a point of order. He also inquired about the qualifications of those who were working in the SIFC, their remunerations, the output as well as investments into the country. He also shed light upon the extension given to the Chief Election Commissioner, Sikander Sultan Raja. Khan believed that instead he should have been held accountable under Article 6 of the constitution for not carrying out the general elections on time and making them highly controversial. He further went on to remind the speaker about a letter he wrote to him to constitute a parliamentary committee to appoint a new CEC for the Election Commission. To this, the Speaker, Ayaz Sadiq responded that a formal letter was written to the government and opposition to submit their nominations for the CEC and members of the Election Commission of Pakistan. Separately, the assembly voted unanimously on a bill pertaining to a hike in salaries of the Members of the National Assembly. The tabled bill introduced a small amendment that allows the finance committee of the upper and lower houses of the parliament to ascertain the salaries of legislative members. (Ifthikar A Khan, “Nominations for parliamentary panel sought to pick ECP chief,” Dawn, 12 February 2025)
JUDICIARY
CJP provides judiciary’s overview to IMF mission
On 11 February, according to a press release statement from the Public Relations Department of the Supreme Court, a visiting International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation called on the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Yahya Afridi. At the meeting, CJP Afridi provided the mission with an overview of the judiciary and plans to improve its functioning. He highlighted key events within the domain pertaining to the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) and a set of reforms linked to judicial appointments, accountability, and the restructuring of the commission. He emphasized that he would defend the judiciary’s independence. On the other hand, the IMF admitted to the judiciary’s role in conserving law and institutional stability. (“It’s my responsibility to protect judiciary’s independence, CJP tells IMF,” The News International, 12 February 2025)
Two SC judges may be booked for misconduct: Political and Public Affairs Minister
On 12 February, The News International reported that Minister of Political and Public Affairs, Rana Sanaullah has revealed that a case may be filed against two senior judges of the Supreme Court. They will be booked for misconduct while speaking on a televised programme. He said: “I don’t know if any reference is being prepared or not, but there are certain issues on which a reference can be made.” He believed that their actions could be connected to judicial misconduct to a certain extent. However, the matter is yet to be tabled in a cabinet meeting. He further commented that Chief Justice Yahya Afridi has maintained neutrality on many occasions while the two mentioned above have impeded the smooth functioning of the court. (“Reference possible against two SC judges: Rana Sana,” The News International, 12 February 2025)
On judicial autonomy: “The nation does not remember the PCO judges kindly,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 12 February, an editorial titled “Ill omens” in Dawn highlighted the need for a clear demarcation of power between the executive, judiciary and legislature in light of the challenges brought about by the 26th Amendment Act. The editorial provided an illustration of the current state of judiciary within Pakistan where independent judges or those holding views against the government have been “systematically sidelined and substituted” by entities who are more agreeable to the regime. In fact, the transfer and appointments of those replacing existing judges is being carried out with very little transparency. Hence, this has led to a trend where meritorious judges are denied promotion for upholding judicial autonomy. As a consequence, it has created a narrative where all “like-minded” judges are being packed in courts “so that the regime can secure legal endorsement for its widely criticized actions and policies.” The perception cannot be avoided as several judges are also involved in the decision making process. Ultimately, these judges may enjoy “favour with the ruling regime” however, “they are quite likely to find it difficult to gain the public’s trust and respect given the circumstances in which they have been handed their responsibilities.” The editorial said: “The nation does not remember the PCO judges kindly.” (“Ill omens,” Dawn, 12 February 2025)
ECONOMY
NA panel allows non-tax filers more purchases under new bill
On 12 February, a Dawn highlighted that the National Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue has expanded the scope of purchases for non-tax filers under the Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024. These changes were made at the committee meeting held to review the sections of the bill. They were aimed to improve the tax framework as well as address stakeholder concerns. The scope of purchase has now been extended to tractors, rickshaws, motorcycles and cars upto 800 cc. On the other hand, banks are required to submit reports of those whose transactions exceed their declared income in tax returns. The meeting also sought more clarity on the phrase “cash and equivalent assets” as written in Clause (5) (a) of the bill. (Mubarak Zeb Khan, “NA panel expands scope of non-filer purchases in tax bill,” Dawn, 12 February 2025)
PM Sharif bats for “climate financing and technology sharing” at World Governments Summit 2025
On 11 February, PM Sharif spoke at the World Governments Summit 2025 which was hosted by Dubai. He urged the governments around the world to enhance “climate financing and technology sharing.” He also asked the private firms to look into Pakistan’s unexplored “green energy and infrastructure opportunities.” He enumerated measures the government intends to take for shifting towards “60 per cent clean energy mix” by the year 2030. He emphasized on Pakistan turning into investor friendly country with inflation coming down to 2.4 per cent and restricting rates of interest to not climb above 12 per cent mark. He urged the foreign “investors, institutions and governments” to collaborate with Pakistan in fields like “renewable energy, technology and agriculture.” He further informed that Pakistan is working on increasing “energy generation” from “solar, wind and nuclear” sources. He claimed that his government promoted the use of solar energy by making changes in policies and removing taxes. He also mentioned the massive young population living in the country that have an interest in exploring new technology and boasted about Pakistan’s “strategic location.” PM Sharif on his visit to Dubai is also joined by Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khwaja Asif and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar among several others. (Sibte Arif, “Pakistan aims for 30% electric vehicle adoption by 2030: Shehbaz,” The News International, 12 February 2025)
HEALTH
Polio tally for 2024 reaches 74
On 11 February, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s 74th case of polio virus for 2024 has been detected from Shikarpur, Sindh. The district in Sindh had already reported a case of polio virus prior to the present one. In January, a case of polio virus was found in Thatta. The case was counted in 2024’s polio tally as the sample was from December 2024. In 2024, Pakistan saw 74 cases of polio virus. 27 of the total number of cases in the country were detected in Balochistan, 23 of them in Sindh and 22 were found in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. One case each was detected from Punjab and the Islamabad Capital Territory. In 2025, the first case of polio virus was detected from Dera Ismail Khan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. (Ikram Junaidi, “74th polio case of 2024 surfaces,” Dawn, 12 February 2025)
PROVINCES
Punjab: NAB chief expresses concern over land corruption in Karachi
On 11 February, according to a press release of the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD), the National Accountability Bureau Chair, General Nazir Ahmed Butt expressed concern regarding the land corruption existing in Karachi. He revealed that around 7,500 acres of land has been falsified. This has led to a corruption of PKR 3000 billion. Speaking on the issue, he expressed regret over Malir Development Authority (MDA), Karachi Development Authority (KDA) and Lyari Development Authority’s failure to allot land to their designated allottees over the last 40 years. During his visit to ABAD, Butt reiterated the NAB’s commitment to builders and developers for holding those responsible. Speaking on the issue, ABAD’s chief, Muhammad Hassan Bakhshi stated that in the last five years, 85,000 illegally constructed buildings have been set up in Karachi. In this regard, he criticized the Sindh government for handing out land to select entities and not carrying out transparent auctions. This is due to improper documentation of land in Sindh, the NAB Chair remarked. He further noted how the volume of complaints received has been reduced from 4,500 to a mere range of 150-200. Much hope should not be pinned to these numbers as 21,000 complaints filed before 2022 were dismissed. Hence, Butt assured that strict action would be taken against those NAB officers who unlawfully harass complainants. (“Land corruption inflicts Rs3tr loss in Karachi alone, says NAB chief,” Dawn, 12 February 2025)
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Projects funded by USAID face closure
On 12 February, The News International reported on the uncertainty regarding the continuation of USAID on which many development projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa depend. 56 projects in KP receive funds from 12 different international sources in the form of “grants and loans.” The combined cost of the projects in KP amount to PKR 796.65 billion. The total grants amount to PKR 60.13 billion whereas loans are estimated to touch PKR 736.52 billion. For the ongoing fiscal year, the funds are estimated at to be PKR 130.59 billion. In the ongoing fiscal year, the loan amount which is expected to be disbursed comes around to PKR 123.65 billion. The grant amount for the current fiscal year is PKR 7.43 billion. After the arrival of the new US administration, projects worth PKR 37,620 are suspended temporarily. Muzzamil Aslam who is the advisor to KP’s CM has informed that USAID has suspended disbursement of funds. The stoppage of funds would impact “infrastructure projects” running in FATA. A project that intended to introduce state of the art “irrigation practices” in the area near Gomal Zam Dam in South Waziristan has also been impacted due to stoppage of funds from USAID. (Arshad Aziz Malik, “Rs37bn USAID projects in KP halted,” The News International, 12 February 2025)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan and US flag terrorism emanating from Afghanistan
On 12 February, Dawn reported on Pakistan and US’s concern regarding the menace of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. Munir Akram who is Pakistan’s envoy to the UN advocated in front of the UN Security Council for viewing terrorists emanating from Afghanistan with the same lens as that from the Islamic State and Al-Qaida. US’s Ambassador to the UN Dorothy Shea highlighted the alleged connection between Islamic State and terror groups operating in Afghanistan. She voiced US’s distress regarding Islamic State-Khorasan’s capacity to carry out terrorist attacks in Pakistan and Afghanistan. She also pointed out that Islamic State-Khorasan could find potential recruits from Pakistan. The same was, however, dismissed by Munir Akram. Munir Akram stated that the terrorist organizations which have found refuge in Afghanistan act as a potential source of recruitment for Islamic State-Khorasan. He, however, agreed with the US ambassador that terrorist groups that have found safe havens in Afghanistan are a potential threat to all the countries. Highlighting about Pakistan’s commitment towards eliminating terrorism on its land, he said “after successfully decimating Al-Qaida and other terrorist groups within our borders, Pakistan continues to confront terrorist threats such as the TTP, IS and the Majeed Brigade.” (Anwar Iqbal, “US, Pakistan highlight global threat from Afghanistan-based terrorists,” Dawn, 12 February 2025)
On the recent boat mishap near Libya; the “state must act now to punish those who profit from this trade,” says an editorial in Dawn
On 11 February, the Foreign Office informed that 16 Pakistanis have lost their lives in the boat mishap near Libya. Their identities were established from the retrieved passports. A team was sent to Zawiya by the Pakistani embassy in Libya after which Foreign Office could confirm about the death numbers. As per the Foreign Office, the whereabouts of 10 Pakistani nationals still remains unknown. The Foreign Office reckons that 63 Pakistani nationals were present on the vessel when it got knocked off. As per the Foreign Office, 37 people managed to survive the mishap. 33 out of them remain in detention at the police station. One of the survivors is wounded and is in hospital. The three others are in Libya’s capital Tripoli and are being looked after by the embassy. Previously, in January, 13 Pakistanis lost their lives in the boat mishap that took place near Morocco. In December 2024, the boat tragedy near Greece had 47 Pakistani survivors. PM Sharif expressed regret for the loss of lives and directed the concerned authorities to take prompt “action” and give remuneration to the families who have lost their loved ones. He also urged the authorities to initiate stringent action against people indulged in human trafficking.
On 12 February, an editorial in Dawn titled “Sunken dreams” discussed the recent boat mishap near Libya’s coast that resulted in the death of 16 Pakistani nationals and what steps government must initiate to inhibit illegal immigration from Pakistan. The editorial pointed out how a number of illegal immigrants who suffered the recent mishap hailed from Kurram. The editorial highlighted how Kurram has witnessed continual violence and rise in unemployment. The editorial argued that human traffickers take advantage of the helplessness of people and make false promises to them about providing a better life abroad. The editorial criticized the governments approach and termed it “reactionary at best.” The editorial suggested that Pakistan must cooperate with countries that are being used by human traffickers as transit destinations such as Libya, UAE and Turkey. The editorial also highlighted the low conviction rate of human traffickers and advocated that the Federal Investigation Agency must have the same attitude as they have towards “organized crime rings.” The editorial also suggested that the government must emphasize on skill building so that people are able to find jobs in domestic and international markets. (Baqir Sajjad Syed, “16 dead, 10 missing after latest Libya boat tragedy,” Dawn, 12 February 2025; “Sunken dreams,” Dawn, 12 February 2025)
INDIA VIEW
On US think tank report about the surge in hate speeches delivered in India: “BJP is bent on creating discord in Indian society,” claims an editorial in Dawn
On 12 February, an editorial in Dawn titled “Hate in India” discussed the ramifications of the surge witnessed in number of hate speeches delivered by Indian politicians as reported by a US think tank. The editorial alleged that the BJP led government in India is manufacturing a divide among different communities residing in the country which has made the living conditions of the minority population, especially the Muslim community, “increasingly challenging.” As per the report by India Hate Lab, hate speech numbers have surged by 74.4 per cent in 2024. The editorial also cited the report’s findings which claimed that PM Modi delivered 63 hate speeches during the 2024 general elections. The editorial urged activists working in India and the opposition parties to stand up against hate so as to ensure an “inclusive and progressive society.” The editorial claimed that public and media criticism against hate speeches remain absent in India. It further argued that people in India fail to recognize that the hate speeches divert their attention from much needed “policy reforms” on which the BJP led government has not shown any progress. Further, it stated that hate speeches delivered by parliamentarians and “godmen” incite common people to engage in violence directed towards Muslim community. The editorial alleged that violence targeting the Muslim community is directed towards erasing “Muslim history.” (“Hate in India,” Dawn, 12 February 2025)
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The foundations of this government are hollow, those who stand on Form 47, they got the government through charity, to save which they are doing undemocratic things like the 23rd Amendment.
Meher Bano Qureshi
- PTI
The IMF team met with the Chief Justice for the first time in history and discussed the rule of law because a country without the rule of law cannot develop its economy.
Junaid Akbar
- PTI
PECA actually exposed a face in mask. PML-N & PPP opposed the PECA ordinance in 2022. Declared it a black law. Now both the parties passed PECA act 2025 from the parliament in haste. The mastermind of these kind of black laws always control the government.
- Hamid Mir
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"There is a strong view that the judiciary is responsible for the tragic fate that has befallen it."
- An opinion in Dawn, ''Judiciary — an apologia."
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