Photo : Dawn

Pakistan and Uzbekistan to increase “bilateral trade to USD two billion"

In Focus 
Pakistan and Uzbekistan to increase “bilateral trade to USD two billion  
On 26 February, Pakistan PM Sharif and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met at Tashkent and talked about “regional connectivity” and agreed to increase “bilateral cooperation,” in “trade, tourism, energy, and cultural relations.” Both agreed to enhance the “bilateral trade volume” to USD two billion in the coming four years. This number is currently at USD 400 million. They also referred to the significance of the “Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project” that is expected to enhance “regional trade and connectivity.” Both deliberated upon strengthening “bilateral tourism” especially emphasizing collaboration between Termez, Bukhara, Lahore, and Karachi. At a joint press conference, they shared the decision to work on the “Trans-Afghan railway” linking South Asia and Central Asia. PM Sharif extended an invitation to President Shavkat to visit Pakistan.
 
On 25 February, PM Sharif landed in Tashkent as a part of his “two-day official visit” to Uzbekistan. Earlier, he spent two days in Azerbaijan before arriving in Uzbekistan. The Foreign Office also hinted that during the visit, key MoUs would also be agreed between the two sides. PM Sharif would also speak at the “Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum” which would be attended by major entrepreneurs of both countries. Trade between the two countries has seen a significant surge in the past “few years.” It rose to USD 126 million in 2022-2023 from USD 27 million in 2019-2020. (“
Pak-Uzbek trade to be taken $2bn in four years,” The News International, 27 February 2025; “Peaceful Afghanistan vital for regional connectivity,” Dawn, 27 February 2025; Syed Irfan Raza, “PM Shehbaz in Uzbekistan to boost trade, investment,” Dawn, 26 February 2025) 
 

A grand alliance by the Opposition and the challenges from the government
On 26 February, opposition leaders declared that their conference would continue against those entities that attempted to block their efforts to protect the constitution. The conference was co-hosted by the Awam Pakistan party and Mahmood Khan Achakzai of the Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP). It was canceled by the venue on the second day of the opposition moot. In a statement, the Achakzai maintained that the conference would continue as an “FIR against those who are stopping” them from protecting the constitution. He added: “If anyone wants to demolish the hotel or arrest us, let them do it.” He also accused the government of coercing the hotel’s administration to cancel the second day of the conference. 

On the first day of the event, parties, scholars, and media representatives deliberated on political and national affairs, including the rule of law, the 8 February elections, human rights violations, political instability, freedom of speech, and the constitution. The former Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N) member denounced the government for derailing democracy and the judiciary. In a reference to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act 2025, he lamented how: “laws are being made to stop people from talking and to dismantle the judicial system.”
  
On 27 February, an editorial titled “
Opposition’s grand alliance,” in The News International discussed ways in which the Grand Alliance can preserve itself. The editorial cited Abbasi’s statement against the ruling coalition and its abandonment of its principles. While it may have struck “a chord with those disillusioned with the political status quo.” While critics believe that there is no current threat to the opposition, “political overconfidence” has caused several “governments to collapse.” In this regard, the main challenge before the opposition is to “remain united and strategic, avoiding the pitfalls of infighting and inconsistency.” (Muhammad Anis & Mumtaz Alvi, “Opposition leaders vow to continue moot despite ‘govt pressure’,” 27 February 2025; Ikram Junaidi, “Opposition accuses govt of ‘suppressing’ its conference,” Dawn, 27 February 2025; “Opposition’s grand alliance,” in The News International, 27 February 2025) 

Pakistan International Airlines to be up for auction in March 
On 25 February, an official of the Privatization Commission announced that the government will welcome expressions of interest in its move to privatize Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in March. The aim is to transfer the air vessel to the private sector after previous attempts failed. Key concerns raised by investors have been cleared. The International Monetary Fund has permitted an 18 per cent waiver in sales tax and absorption of negative PKR 45 billion in negative equity. Separately, at a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Privatization, it was learned that the PIA has real estate holdings and overseas assets. (Israr Khan, “Bids for PIA privatisation to be invited next month,” The News International, 26 February 2025) 

In Brief 

POLITICS 
Prominent political leaders declare their assets 
On 26 February, The News International highlighted the assets declared by Pakistan’s top officials revealed in the nomination forms of the general elections 2024. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held PKR 73 million of assets in the 2024 elections, where most of them were abroad. In the previous asset disclosure in 2018-2019, PM Sharif only declared PKR 310 million. Bilawal Bhutto and President Asif Ali Zardari at PKR 1.9 billion and PKR 2 billion, respectively. However, in the 2018 disclosure, President Zardari declared 99 million in assets abroad alongside PKR 654 million in net assets. Jamiat-e-Ulema-Islami (F) (JUI-F)’s Maulana Fazlur Rahman declared a PKR 6.2 million asset, making him the lowest in the list of officials who declared their assets, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Ali Amin Gandapur declared assets worth PKR 96 million. (Kasim Abbasi, “Top politicians declare assets,” The News International, 26 February 2025) 
  

JUDICIARY 
Counsel calls for legal procedure of 9 May accused before military transfer was conducted 
On 26 February, Advocate Faisal Siddiqui argued that a legal procedure must be followed before the transfer of the accused to military authorities. His statements came while the Constitutional bench resumed hearing the intra-court appeals filed against the Supreme Court’s decision of 23 October 2023 which nullified the trial of civilians in military courts for their alleged involvement in the 9 May violence. The counsel stated that the transfer of the 9 May incident linked civilians to the military was in itself a violation of sections under the Criminal Procedure Code, the Pakistan Army Act, and the Anti-Terrorism Act. In this regard, he contended that the charge of the accused persons with specific offenses before sending them to military courts was unconstitutional. He further argued that the transfer application of the trial to court-martial must come before the frames are charged by the magistrate. Only after this will the military authorities be allowed to take the accused into custody. Responding to this, Justice Jamal Mandokhail stated that the accused charged with offences must be given a right to appeal which can be exercised in high courts. In response, the counsel said that the accused would be able to challenge the transfer if the magistrate decided that their offenses were linked to the Official Secrets Act. Separately, Justice Musarrat Hilali indicated that usually charges are framed after the police or an investigative agency submits a challan after an investigation. To this, the counsel argued that the three judges submitted separate and consistent opinions against the military courts in the 23 October decision. However, all reasonings aligned with the final verdict. Justice Mandokhail reiterated this point by saying that the decision was agreed upon by all five judges in the original decision. (Nasir Iqbal, “‘Legal procedures must be followed in military trials’,” Dawn, 27 February 2025; “All five judges rejected civilians' military court trial: Justice Mandokhail,” The Express Tribune, 26 February 2025)  
 

SC wonders whether it has intervened in administrative affairs 
 On 25 February, while hearing the petition filed by the government against the Supreme Court’s (SC) 23 October 2023 decision, the constitutional bench discussed the extension of retired General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s tenure. During the court discussions, the extension of Gen Bajwa’s term was recalled as the then Prime Minister sought to prolong it by three years. In this regard, the tenure was extended at the apex court’s suggestion. In response, a petition was filed against the SC’s decision, which led to the suspension of the extension. Nevertheless, he was permitted to remain in his post for six months. It was during this period that the parliament sought to legislate the army chief’s term. Hence, in the grand scheme of things, Justice Aminuddin Khan acknowledged the court’s role in administrative affairs. While speaking on the same subject, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar asked Imran Khan’s lawyer, Uzair Karamat Bhandari, if there has been an occasion where the court has issued directives to the government regarding administrative matters. To this, the counsel responded that the SC could issue directives to the government under Article 184 (3). Furthermore, in 2014 on a petition filed by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, the Election Commission of Pakistan and government were obliged to improve election laws. (Nasir Iqbal, “SC ‘dictated’ law for army chief’s extension: Justice Afghan,” Dawn, 26 February 2025)   

ECONOMY 
On the banking sector:  
“A very large portion of rural and even lower-income urban populations remain outside the financial system,” highlights an editorial in Dawn 

 On 27 February, an editorial titled “The challenge before banks,” in Dawn emphasized the need for banks to reform themselves amid technical disruptions coming into existence with the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI). The editorial described them as “complacent” as they have only been engaged in generating significant profits through risk-free lending to the state or large corporations. In this regard, it questioned their survivability if they continued with the current banking model and refused to adapt to the current socio-economic realities. The editorial acknowledged the massive transitions in the banking sector where it transformed from one under heavy state control to a privately owned business which has witnessed phenomenal growth. Besides assisting the government and in the digital space, these banks have not looked beyond. They have ignored sectors linked to small businesses, women, housing, farming, and those that don’t have collateral for a loan. Consequently, a large volume of the population remains outside the financial system and is dependent on informal and expensive channels to fulfill their needs. Hence, the editorial highlighted the need “to engage with industry on a regular and proactive basis to help it navigate new and old obstacles to ensure that banks play an invigorating role in the growth and development of hitherto ignored sectors of the economy.” (“The challenge before banks,” Dawn, 27 February 2025) 
 

IPPs record PKR 210 billion losses from LESCO and PESCO 
On 26 February, at a National Assembly Standing Committee Power Secretary Fakhar Alam Irfan briefed informed that violations made by the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) have been identified. He revealed how the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) reported losses worth PKR 83 billion in 2024 while the Peshawar Electricity Supply Company’s (PESCO) losses were at PKR 130 billion. These losses have been linked to power thefts and non-recovery of bills. In the meantime, Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s Syed Mustafa Kamal inquired whether consumers received any form of relief from the revised IPP agreements. In response, Irfan stated that relief would start to surface as it has only been two months since the process began. Kamal further questioned whether there was any pressure on IPPs. Kamal stated that the negotiations were carried out without any pressure. He said: “We invited all IPPs and informed them to resolve matters through dialogue; otherwise, a forensic audit would be conducted.” (Kalbe Ali, “Govt denies external pressure over IPP deals,” Dawn, 27 February 2025) 
  

Carbon credit hailed to carry out green investments 
On 27 February, The News International reported on the launch of Karandaaz Pakistan’s report. Speaking on the occasion, at a webinar titled ‘Carbon Credits Trading-Exploring Landscape and Regime in Pakistan,’ Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change Aisha Humera Chaudhry underscored the importance of Pakistan establishing a functional carbon credit market to get the most of its climate financing. She hoped that by the end of 2025, Pakistan would be in a position to make transactions linked to the carbon credit market and allow the private sector to reap benefits by participating in such opportunities and raising climate finance. In a separate statement, the chairperson of the Karandaaz Board of Directors, Syed Salim Raza underscored the significance of carbon markets as they will help achieve the country’s climate goals and secure green investments. (“Operationalising carbon credit market key to green investments, says climate secretary,” The News International, 27 February 2025) 
 

IMF advises strict climate adaptation measures 
On 25 February, in the ongoing talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the technical mission Pakistan has been advised to prioritize climate adaptive measures at the central and provincial levels. The visit comes as Pakistan has sought a sum of USD 1 billion in climate financing from the IMF under the Resilience Sustainability Fund (RSF). In this regard, the government has been urged to build resilient structures to natural disasters like floods, cyclones, and heatwaves and avoid construction near waterways and forests. This should be complemented with energy-efficient buildings in rural and urban areas. Additionally, the RSF also emphasized the importance of incorporating climate adaptation measures in its public investment strategies. It shall not be restricted to the government but even to state-owned entities. (Khaleeq Kiani, “IMF calls for strict climate adaptation plans,” Dawn, 26 February 2025) 
 

HEALTH 
On the problem of polio in Pakistan:  
“It is not advisable to engage law enforcement agencies, especially when you are reaching out to marginalized sections of society,” says an opinion in The Express Tribune 

On 27 February, an opinion in The Express Tribune, titled “How to eradicate polio?” discussed the problems associated with the elimination of polio from the country. The author mentioned the recent killing of a police officer who was accompanying the polio team. The author stated how several security officers protecting the polio team have faced attacks that led to losing their lives. The author threw light on a similar problem incurred during the elimination of smallpox. Highlighting the problem associated with National Immunization Days (NID), the author pointed out how it leads to the rerouting of resources from “routine immunizations.” The author also pointed out the involvement of security officers who accompany the polio team, which creates distrust among the marginalized population towards the polio programmes. The author indicated another problem, which is the supervision of polio elimination programmes by administrative officers and not people in the health departments. The editorial suggested that the supervision of polio eradication programmes must be done by the people in health departments and the government must focus on carrying out “meaningful community engagement.” (Rana Jawad Asghar, “How to eradicate polio?,” The Express Tribune, 27 February 2025) 
 

MEDIA 
On the controversial amendments in PECA:
“State has opted for heavy-handed laws that suppress free speech” claims an editorial in The News International 

On 26 February, an editorial in The News International titled “Peca danger” discussed how the federal government, through amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) is snatching away the right to dissent. The editorial points out the remarks made by the Supreme Court on the amendments to PECA, which views it as a breach of Article 19. Article 19 ensures the “right to freedom of speech and expression.” It also guarantees “freedom of press.” The editorial highlights how international agencies such as the International Federation of Journalists have called for the annulling of “PECA legislation.” The editorial claims that through the legislation, the government intends to put limitations on the right to dissent. However, the government justifies the need for amendments to control the problem of false news. The editorial argues that the government must combat the rhetoric of opposition parties through “dialogue and debate.”  The editorial warns that if the government continues to bring in laws that would curb the right to free speech, democracy will cease to exist in the country.  (“Peca danger,” The News International,” 26 February 2025) 

EXTERNAL 
Letter to US Secretary Rubio and President Trump calls for restoration of democracy in Pakistan 
On 27 February, a Dawn article highlighted a letter addressed to the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling for the US “intervention to restore democracy in Pakistan.” The letter dated 25 February was drafted by US lawmakers, Joe Wilson and August Pfluger highlighting the need to engage with the establishment and release Imran Khan. It drew similarities between President Donald Trump's and Imran Khan’s trials as both have been victims “of massive judicial abuse.” It further suggested that the current imprisonment of Khan and the crackdown on the opposition have led to tensions in the US-Pakistan ties. Hence, Khan’s release would highlight a new stage in their bilateral ties, one which prioritizes shared values of freedom. Additionally, a similar letter was also issued to President Trump. It emphasized how the domestic affairs of Pakistan are relevant to the US’ strategic interests. Wilson wrote: “Imran Khan deserves to be treated like any other politician. He does not belong in prison, and his persecution stains Pakistan’s history.” Furthermore, on 26 February, Wilson posted on his account announcing that a draft resolution has been prepared to impose sanctions on Pakistan’s ruling elite to “restore democracy in Pakistan” and hold them responsible for “wrongfully” detaining its political opponents. (Anwar Iqbal, “US lawmakers call for ‘intervention to restore democracy’ in Pakistan,” Dawn, 27 February 2025; “US Congressmen urge Marco Rubio to secure Imran Khan's release,” The Express Tribune, 27 February 2025) 

“Government-to-government trade” resumes between Pakistan and Bangladesh 
On 26 February, The News International reported on the initiation of “government-to-government trade.” On 25 February, Dhaka informed about the importing of “50,000 tons of rice” from Pakistan. Ziauddin Ahmed who is a member of the food ministry in Bangladesh said: “For the first time we are importing 50,000 tons of rice from Pakistan, and it is the first government-to-government deal between the two countries.” In January, a MoU was agreed between the Trading Corporation of Pakistan and the Directorate General of Food (Bangladesh) for the trading of rice.  After the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s government in Bangladesh, India-Bangladesh ties have taken a hit. This has allowed Pakistan to improve its ties with Bangladesh. Private trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh resumed in November 2024 after a “container” reached Chittagong from Karachi. Private entities in Bangladesh have been importing rice from Pakistan. However, goods coming from Pakistan had to be unloaded to “feeder vehicles” in “Sri Lanka, Malaysia or Singapore.” (“Pakistan, Bangladesh revive direct trade ties,” The News International, 26 February 2025) 
 

Pakistan plans to set up “new steel mills” with assistance from Russia 
On 27 February, The News International reported on the proposition of setting up a new “steel mills.” The plan is to replace the inoperative Pakistan Steel Mills. The federal government is discussing the proposition with Russia over setting up the new steel mills. Pakistan Steel Mills was established with the help of the Soviet Union in the 1970s. It, however, has been inactive since 2015. The government is planning to knock down the “existing facility.” Thereafter, the Sindh government would be given 700 acres of that land. On the rest of the land, an “industrial park” would be established. Pakistan’s “Minister for Industries and production” will be traveling to Moscow in the coming days. On 28 February, a team from Russia will be visiting Pakistan to deliberate upon “trade and investment.” (“Pakistan, Russia in talks for new steel mills,” The News International, 27 February 2025) 

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi embarks on “one-day visit” to Islamabad to discuss bilateral trade ties 
On 27 February, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan who is the crown prince of Abu Dhabi will be visiting Islamabad. The crown prince would also be joined by ministers and businessmen in his visit. He would be meeting Pakistani leaders to enhance "bilateral economic: ties and look into "investment opportunities.” It is anticipated that several MoUs and agreements will be agreed upon between the two sides to further cooperation in various areas. As per the Foreign Office of Pakistan: “These commitments are expected to open new opportunities for joint ventures and projects aimed at furthering economic cooperation between both the countries and their people.” (“Abu Dhabi crown prince due today,” Dawn, 27 February 2025) 

Senate standing committee expressed distress over economic losses incurred due to halt of Iranian trucks at the border 
On 27 February, Dawn reported on the trucks from Iran carrying goods which remain halted at the Pakistan-Iran border. The Pakistani customs officers at the border have halted the trucks as they are waiting on the orders from the court before they permit the trucks to enter Pakistan. Senate Standing Committee which is headed by Chairman Senator Saleem Mandiwalla yet again emphasized upon the necessity to solve the issue of Iranian trucks which remain at a standstill at the border. He stated how the halt of trucks has resulted in “financial economic losses. The Senate standing committee deliberated upon the need for an “official banking channel” between the two countries. Senator Faisal Vawda questioned: “How is it possible for drivers sleeping in trucks to produce guarantees.” As per an Iranian official, the halt of one day will result in a loss of USD 100. He further stated that the trucks were fetching “goods worth USD 11000.” He further argued that Iran does not demand sureties for “Pakistani trucks.”  (Mubarak Zeb Khan, “Trucks stuck at Iranian border irk Senate panel,” Dawn, 27 February 2025) 
 

On enhancing trade ties with Central Asian countries: 
“It is a pity that Pakistan is still not on the map of several airlines” points out an editorial in The Express Tribune 

On 27 February, an editorial in The Express Tribune titled “Central Asia connect” discussed the enhancement of Pakistan’s trading ties with the Central Asian countries. The editorial sees PM Sharif visiting Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan as the beginning of a “new phase” in the relations between Pakistan and Central Asian countries. The editorial points out how Pakistan could receive financial assistance from Central Asian countries in areas like “defence, energy, and mining.” The editorial calls for increasing Pakistan’s “air connectivity” with the Central Asian countries. It also urges simplifying the visa regime and the need to focus on “infrastructure development.” The enhancement of infrastructure would reduce the time taken for the goods to reach Central Asian countries via road. In addition to that, the editorial also calls for focusing on strengthening “cultural and academic” ties so that the diaspora of the two regions can have a “better understanding” of each other. The editorial also cautions that trade relations could only be strengthened with Central Asian countries when militancy emanating from Afghanistan comes to a stop. (“Central Asia connect,” The Express Tribune, 27 February 2025) 

AF-PAK 
On the halt in trade through the Torkham border:  
“Afghan side has to recognize the Durand line as the frontier” argues an editorial in Dawn 

On 27 February, an editorial in Dawn titled “Torkham tension” discussed the issue associated with the closure of the Torkham border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The editorial mentions that the absence of a clear demarcating boundary which is acceptable to both Afghanistan and Pakistan has led to strained relations between the two countries. The editorial mentions how the Taliban government’s construction of a bunker in the “disputed region” has led to a halt in trade through the Torkham border. The editorial points out the lack of communication between the two sides which leads to uneasiness in relations when either side unilaterally engages itself in the “disputed” region. The editorial demands that the Taliban government must accept the Durand line and respect “Pakistan’s sovereignty.” The editorial claims that the disputes would come to an end after the border separating the two countries has been recognized by both sides. The editorial calls for the formulation of a “boundary management mechanism” which should have members both from Afghanistan and Pakistan. The body should have the power to settle issues and disputes before they turn into bigger problems. (“Torkham tension,” Dawn, 27 February 2025) 

Traders look towards “re-opening” of Torkham border crossing 
On 26 February, The News International reported on the problem incurred by traders who use the Torkham border. The “border crossing remains closed” at Torkham. As per Mujeeb Khan Shinwari who is the President of Torkhams Customs Clearing Agents Association, discussions were held between the two sides on the closure of the border crossing. He expressed optimism regarding the “reopening” of the border crossing.  As per a trader, close to “800 daily wage” earners depend upon the Torkham border crossing for their survival. (Ashrafuddin Pirzada, “Torkham border closure causes problems for traders,” The News International, 26 February 2025) 

PAKISTAN OCCUPIED KASHMIR 
Government accepts Diamer Bhasha dam protestors’ demands 
On 26 February, the federal committee gave in to the demands raised by the protesters who were impacted by the construction of the Diamer Bhasha dam. The federal committee met in Islamabad and the meeting was chaired by “Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan” Amir Muqam. The meeting also saw the presence of Minister for Water Resources Musaddiq Malik, CM of Gilgit Baltistan Gulbar Khan, Chairman of Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Lt(retired) Sajjad Ghani among several others. Amir Muqam confirmed that the government will accept the demands raised by the protestors and that the committee would aim to look for a “permanent solution” to the problem. Senior members of WAPDA and the Gilgit Baltistan Committee would collaborate to look into the problems associated with “land acquisition” and relocation of people who were impacted due to the construction of the dam. The federal committee would travel to Chilas in Gilgit Baltistan where the demonstrators are staging the protest. It will discuss with the “representative body of the protesters.” (Jamil Nagri, “Govt ‘agrees to accept’ Bhasha dam protesters’ demands,” Dawn, 27 February 2025)  
 

INDIA VIEW 
On US-India relations: “If history is no guide, India must contact Ukraine and the EU,” argued an opinion in The Express Tribune 
On 26 February, in an opinion titled “Modi-Trump deal exposes India's strategic dilemma” in The Express Tribune Shazia Anwer Cheema argued that India is struggling to shift from its Neo-liberal principles while pushing for a “Made in India” narrative. In her analysis of the joint statement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump from their recent meeting, she identified three main points linked to defence, energy, and trade. She found that India agreed to dilute the USD 45 billion trade deficit which was “understandable.” However, both concurred on raising bilateral trade by USD 500 billion in 2030. This would prove unfavorable to India as the market would be flooded with products from the US, leading to an increase in inflation. Furthermore, India has also accepted to trade with BRICs countries in USD, which goes against the group's primary objective of reducing the monopoly of the dollar. In this regard, PM Modi has “desperately agreed with Trump to an unequal trade relationship compromising Atmanirbhar Bharat.” In the energy domain, India originally traded with Russia, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia for its oil and gas. However, after the recent US visit, this tradition will be broken as the US will move from the fifth position of India’s energy dependence to the top few. Additionally, the energy transfer is not just restricted to crude oil but also includes nuclear energy as the liability clause pertaining to nuclear reactors in the Civil Nuclear Agreement 123 signed by both countries. Hence, the expensive energy derived from the US will not only have implications on the common Indian man but also take a toll on diplomatic and trade engagements. Lastly, on the subject of defence, India and the US are on the lookout to enter a 10-year defense partnership. Amidst this, the US has been facing a growing “shortage of buyers for its defense exports” and India is trying to balance its ties with Russia while aiming at establishing regional dominance. In this regard, India ought to be cautious as the US is an unreliable ally, Cheema commented. She concluded: “If history is no guide, India must contact Ukraine and the EU.” (Shazia Anwer Cheema, “Modi-Trump deal exposes India's strategic dilemma,” The Express Tribune, 26 February 2025)

Pakistan on Twitter

"Pakistanis are the most unfortunate nation in the world where even our fourth generation is unable to live a free life today."
Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Mehtab Abbasi
- PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

"The magistrate said that unconstitutional things are happening here, we have to make arrests, so in the name of Allah, let's arrest everyone. There is no constitution or law in the country, martial law has been imposed."
- Akhunzada Hussain Ahmed

If I had to use one word for Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, it would be “good.” In every way, she was the true meaning of good. 
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
- PPP

 




"Its evolution requires sustained stakeholder engagement and regular updates to reflect technological advances and market developments."

An opinion in Dawn, 'Guiding climate investments'