Likely water shortage in Punjab and Sindh I Warning to Afghan Citizen Card holders to leave Pakistan
In Focus
Women’s Day, Aurat March and Gender Equality in Pakistan
On 7 March, on the eve of International Women’s Day, President Asif Ali Zardari made a set of statements in observance of 8 March. He highlighted the legislative provisions created to protect women, including those against workplace harassment, gender based discrimination, and domestic violence. He emphasized that Pakistan has made an effort towards female representation across all domains, namely, politics, judiciary, bureaucracy, and economy. He affirmed this year’s theme: ‘For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment’ in a President’s Secretariat statement and said: “On this International Women’s Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to empower every woman to help her achieve her full potential.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his coalition partner, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, also paid tribute to Pakistan’s women. The latter paid homage to Fatima Jinnah for her role in Pakistan’s independence alongside his grandmother Nusrat Bhutto and mother, Benazir Bhutto. Meanwhile, Pakistan People’s Party Senator Sherry Rehman wished women across the world for their “resilience, strength, and contributions” that “continue” to shape society.
On the same day, the Pakistan Polio Eradication Program paid tribute to female health workers who work at the frontline of Pakistan’s polio eradication agenda as they comprise 58.4 per cent of the polio workforce. Hence, a ceremony was held in observance of International Women’s Day for these workers. The Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio, Ayesha Raza Farooq, underscored the government’s commitment to supporting women workers. At the event, she noted the implementation of the anti-harassment policy under the Pakistan Polio Programme, while others highlighted the challenges in their work environment, including engaging with vaccine-hesitant families, and even took pride in their societal contributions. In a statement, National Emergency Operations Center’s Anwarul Haq said: “This year’s theme resonates deeply with us at the National Emergency Operations Center as we honor female polio workers who are considered as the backbone of Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts.”
Aurat March
On International Women’s Day, an Aurat March is organized in Pakistan, every year to symbolize and celebrate the feminist traditions of resistance and protest. However, this year, the organizers did not receive a go-ahead via a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for their planned rally from the National Press Club to D-Chowk. Nevertheless, they vowed to carry on with the rally. Rights activist and one of the main organizers, Dr Farzana Bari, told Dawn that she had written to PM Sharif urging him to direct the Islamabad administration to issue an NOC. Furthermore, the administration asked the organizers to postpone the event as it coincides with the month of Ramzan. To this, Dr Bari responded that they will not surrender their right to observe the day as it is a once-in-a-year occasion. They also published an open letter on Instagram, which argued that they were “denied the safety and right to protest.” In the post, they further wrote, “In the past, our organizers have faced brutalisation in the hands of religious fundamentalist groups, police and Islamabad administration, sending a very negative message to the international community regarding [the] status of women’s rights in Pakistan.” Over the years, the Aurat March has become a symbol of women’s protest and resilience in a deeply patriarchal Pakistani society. It has, however, also become a pretext and ground for patriarchal backlash against organizers and participants, who are overwhelmingly women. In this regard, an editorial in The Express Tribune commented that the Aurat March has received “fierce contestation” as society “continues to dictate what women should or should not demand, reducing their struggle to debates about honor, culture, and propriety.”
Gender Equality in Pakistan
On 7 March, The Express Tribune quoted some of the data from the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Gender Gap Report 2024, which paints a grim picture of the status of women in Pakistan. Pakistan ranks 145th out of 146 countries, only above Sudan. An excerpt from the report reads: “Despite making up nearly half of the population, women in the South Asian country face significant economic and social disparities” as only 36 per cent of the female population participates in economic activities while 23 per cent are part of the workforce. In this regard, more than 40 million are outside the labour force. The women in Pakistan also earn 18 per cent less than men. In numerical terms, the wage gap is as follows: “For every PKR 1,000 a man earns, a woman receives only PKR 818 for the same work.” The gender wage gap is more prominent in the agriculture sector as 68 per cent of the country’s employed women work in it, however, 76 per cent of them do labor without pay. In contrast, only 24 per cent of the men working in the same sector do so without pay. Furthermore, Pakistan is also responsible for the second lowest education attainment level of the South Asian region.
On 8 March, an editorial titled “Equality now,” in The News International highlighted the struggle towards gender equality despite the inking of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action by 189 countries in 1995. The plan promotes women’s rights and gender equality, but even three decades later, there remain “alarming setbacks.” The ‘Women's Rights in Review 30 Years After Beijing,’ a UN Women’s report highlights how rights have regressed in 2024 due to “climate change and democratic backsliding” in a quarter of the countries. Despite a doubled female parliamentary representation since 1995 and more than 1500 legislative provisions enacted, men still make up 75 per cent of the world’s parliamentarians, and women only benefit from 64 per cent of the legal rights men have. The editorial cites Pakistan as a “stark example” of the disparity that weakens economies. They deal with challenges linked to forced or early marriages, sexual and physical violence, and honor killings that further compound the existing inequities.
Similarly, in an opinion titled “Against women” in Dawn, Rafia Zakaria also quoted data from a report released by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) in 2024, which revealed that “90 per cent of women have experienced violence in their lifetime.” This number is 30 per cent for the world.
Zakaria writes that even though women-friendly legislations exist, their “enforcement is weak, and access to justice is poor.” This in turn prevents women from lodging complaints and seeking justice. In 2024 alone, according to the SSDO, 5,339 rape cases were reported in the country. However, it is difficult to estimate the real figure as underreporting of gender-based crimes is another issue. This problem is compounded by social taboos. Zakaria also points out another often overlooked issue, which is that “the hostility” towards women is “not just structural; it is also psychological.” Summarizing the situation, Zakaria writes with indignation about her homeland: “It is a place where a woman’s rights are conditional — granted only when convenient and taken away the moment they challenge the status quo.”
Another editorial titled “March 8: beyond celebration,” in The Express Tribune, discussed how only a few women have been able to “carve out spaces for themselves” while millions are trapped in the self-perpetuating cycle of oppression. Pakistan may have had compelling stories where women like Asma Jahangir and Malala Yousafzai have challenged the existing status quo and paved the way for future generations of women. In contrast, innumerable others are denied their right to education and encouraged to suffer in domestic violence and workplace harassment. They also fall victim to honor killings and forced marriages. Despite the implementation of several legislative provisions, the enforcement remains weak. Hence, “Women’s Day must not be reduced to token gestures.” Instead, it must be a “call to action demanding stronger policies, greater enforcement of rights, and ultimately a shift in societal attitudes” amid growing awareness and rigid mindsets.
References
Asim Yasin, “Women’s Day: President, PM, Bilawal, Sherry reaffirm pledge to protect women's rights,” The News International, 8 March 2025
“Pakistan honours female polio workers ahead of International Women's Day,” The Express Tribune, 7 March 2025
“Aurat March to go ahead in Islamabad ‘without permission,’” Dawn, 8 March 2025
“Pakistan ranks second-last in global gender equality index,” The Express Tribune, 7 March 2025
“Equality now,” The News International, 8 March 2025
“March 8: beyond celebration,” The Express Tribune, 8 March 2025
Rafia Zakaria, “Against women,” Dawn, 8 March 2025
In Brief
ECONOMY
Pakistan reluctant to impose carbon tax on IMF’s demand
On 8 March, The Express Tribune reported on Pakistan’s reluctance to impose a carbon tax on products derived from petroleum, “coal, and internal combustion engine cars.” The demand for imposing a carbon tax has been put forward by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to decrease Pakistan’s reliance on fossil fuels for its energy needs. The IMF had suggested that the petrol tax should be increased by PKR 10 per litre in three years. Currently, the petroleum tax amounts to PKR 60 per litre. The rationale behind the demand was that tax money collected from increasing the petroleum levy could be utilized for encouraging the use of cleaner sources of fuel. Further, it could be used to subsidize “two-wheeler” and “three-wheeler electric vehicles.” On 7 March, the IMF convened a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Petroleum, Ministry of Climate Change, Ministry of Industries, and Federal Board of Revenue. The Pakistani officials expressed their reluctance in imposing additional taxes as it falls under the domain of provincial governments. (“Pakistan resists IMF's carbon levy,” The Express Tribune, 8 March 2025)
IMF demurs federal government’s proposition to borrow for managing circular debt of the power sector
On 8 March, The News International reported on the IMF’s demur towards the federal government wanting to borrow PKR 1250 billion from commercial banks. The money borrowed would be used for managing the circular debt incurred by the power sector. The IMF questioned the Central Power Purchasing Authority’s ability to pay the “interest and principal amount,” given that the power demand is projected to go down in coming times. The IMF also objected to the decrease in taxes proposed by the power sector. There are also concerns regarding the dismal state of the Large Scale Manufacturing and agricultural sectors. It is anticipated that the production levels of maize will be well under the desired target. Climate change has had a devastating effect on agriculture. However, it is hoped that livestock will compensate for the loss. The real GDP growth is anticipated to be 1-2 per cent. From 10 March, discussions between the IMF and Pakistani officials will begin on adjusting “macroeconomic and fiscal framework.” (Mehtab Haider, “IMF objects to govt move to borrow Rs1.25tr for circular debt resolution,” The News International, 8 March 2025)
Pakistan Business Council raises concerns against abrogation of the Export Facilitation Scheme
On 8 March, Dawn reported on the Pakistan Business Council’s demand not to abrogate the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS). The council cautioned that abrogation of the scheme would bring down the economic growth and would be detrimental for traders. Nevertheless, it advocated for stricter “regulatory controls” and supervision of the Federal Board of Revenue. Commenting on the move, Ehsan Malik, who is the chief executive of EFS, said: “It will be an economic suicide.” There has been a complaint against “value-added exporters” who are illegitimately pushing “imported yarn” into the domestic market and evading sales tax. This has disrupted the market of local spinners. (“Pakistan Business Council warns against revoking export facilitations,” Dawn, 8 March 2025)
On privatizing PIA:
“Restarting PIA’s profitable European operations followed by its resumption of flight to the UK and US will be added attraction for buyers,” points out an editorial in Dawn
On 8 March, an editorial in Dawn titled “PIA taking off” discussed the renewed interest of buyers to acquire the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The editorial mentioned how the government has assured to address the grievances of the prospective investors. The editorial highlighted some of the concerns raised by investors, such as the imposition of 18 per cent GST on the purchase and the buyers being liable for some of the existing “external debt” owed by the airlines. This, along with a few other concerns, had resulted in a lack of interest among buyers to acquire the PIA. The editorial mentioned reports of renewed interest from business firms of Karachi and Lahore to acquire the airlines. The editorial pointed how the resumption of flights by the PIA to European destinations, such as the UK and the US, has resulted in the renewed interest of the buyers. The editorial also noted how important it is to privatize the PIA as it is likely to have an impact on the “overall privatization process.” (“PIA taking off,” Dawn, 8 March 2025)
Wheat harvesting to be impacted due to water shortage in Punjab and Sindh
On 8 March, Dawn reported on the possibility of Punjab and Sindh facing a shortage of water by 35 per cent. This is because water levels in the Tarbela and Mangla dams have gone down to dangerous levels. As per Indus River System Authority (IRSA), Tarbela dam saw a difference of 3000 cusecs of water in its inflow and outflow. For the Mangla dam, this number was 1600 cusecs of water. The live storage of the Tarbela dam was recorded to be 73,000-acre-feet, whereas the number for the Mangla dam was 235,000 acre-feet. IRSA has warned that both the dams are likely to see “dead levels” of water in the coming days. This will likely impact the production of the wheat crop, which is normally harvested by the end of March. IRSA stated that the “recent rains” proved to be worthwhile for the “standing crops.” IRSA hopes that the expected incoming rains will help in increasing the water levels in the dams. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Wheat crop at risk as dams nearly dry,” Dawn, 8 March 2025)
WATER
Punjab and Sindh to witness a rise in shortage of water
On 8 March, The News International reported on the water levels coming down in Tarbela and Mangla reservoirs. This would impact the supply of water to Punjab and Sindh. As per Indus River System Authority (IRSA), the issue happens commonly, however, it cautioned that it might distort the supply of water to Punjab and Sindh. The two provinces are already undergoing a scarcity of water. IRSA had earlier cautioned that water in the two reservoirs would be at dangerously low levels in March. As per IRSA, Punjab witnessed a shortage in water by 20 per cent, whereas for Sindh, this number was 14 per cent in the period between 1 October 2024 and 28 February 2025. IRSA further cautioned that this shortage could further rise to 30 to 35 per cent before the next monsoon. The expected areas that would be impacted by the shortage are Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, and Khairpur Mirs, among several others. (Imdad Soomro & Israr Khan, “Tarbela, Mangla near dead levels: IRSA,” The News International, 8 March 2025)
AF-PAK
Federal government warns Afghan Citizen Card holders to leave Pakistan by 31 March to avoid forced repatriation
On 8 March, Dawn reported on the warning issued by the federal government to holders of the Afghan Citizen Card to leave Pakistan by 31 March if they did not want to be forcefully repatriated. As per Dawn, the government is planning to relocate holders of Afghan Citizen Cards from Islamabad and Rawalpindi, who would eventually be repatriated to Afghanistan. The relocation plan of Afghan refugees from Islamabad and Rawalpindi will apply to people who have been permitted to stay until 30 June 2025. Inter Services Intelligence and Intelligence Bureau have been directed to supervise the relocation plan and keep the PM Office updated on the matter. This further aggravates the worries of close to 15,000 Afghan citizens who were waiting for resettlement in the US. In January, President Trump temporarily suspended the “US Refugee Admission Programme” to analyze whether the programme is in the US’s interest. It is to be noted that Pakistan had given refuge to a huge number of Afghans who had escaped after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. (Ifthikhar A. Khan, “March 31 deadline for Afghan citizen card holders to exit Pakistan,” Dawn, 8 March 2025)
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The only achievement of Shahbaz Sharif's government is its existence. There can be a debate about who played what role in its formation, but it is a fact that this government did not have the support of the people either in 2022 or 2024.
Habeeb Akram
- PTI
The Pakistan People's Party has taken many positive steps to empower women, which have clarified the rights of women not only in Pakistan but throughout the Islamic world.
- PPP
There are millions of daughters of this nation who have immense talent. We must give them opportunities so that they can serve the country and the nation. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif
-PMLN
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