Government slashes buyback rates on solar energy from consumers I Sindh assembly’s resolution against Indus canal construction
In Focus
Balochistan Train Hijack- Day 3: The debate in the National Assembly
Disagreements and finger-pointing in the National Assembly
On 13 March, the National Assembly saw finger-pointing and exchange of barbs between members of the opposition PTI and the ruling PML-N on the recent terror attack in Balochistan. Additionally, the assembly passed a resolution that called for “national unity” to combat the threat of “terrorism and extremism.” The resolution was put forward in the assembly by Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry. He criticized the recent terrorist attack and highlighted how “all forms of terrorism” threaten the safety of civilians. The assembly pledged to take all the necessary steps needed to eradicate terrorism. Minister of Defence Khwaja Asif alleged that the PTI is “sympathetic” to the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Further, he claimed that PTI is “politicizing” the recent terror attack. He alleged that some of the social media accounts of PTI members sitting in foreign countries gave credit to the terrorists for freeing of hostages. He also directed a personal attack against PTI leader Omar Ayub Khan as his grandfather General Ayub Khan was responsible for annulling the first constitution of Pakistan.
Former speaker of the National Assembly and PTI leader Asad Qaiser expressed discontent over the Defence Minister not apprising the members of the assembly on the recent hijack. Further, he pointed out the mistreatment of leaders of Balochistan and claimed “there is no constitution, law and respect for the institutions in the country.” He spoke about the need to rekindle Pakistan’s ties with Iran and Afghanistan. Further, he claimed that no “development projects” are being initiated in the FATA region. He demanded that the government must take cognizance of the “root causes” of militancy.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto argued that the militants were capitalizing on the disagreements between the political parties. He reminded that his party has stood against all kinds of terrorism whether it be “religious, separatist or politically motivated” and that his mother Benazir Bhutto had fallen victim to terrorism. He said “terrorists have no ideology, no religion. Their only aim is to obstruct Pakistan’s progress backed by foreign funding.” He also called for the formulation of “National Action Plan 2.0.”
PM Sharif also calls for “national unity”
On the same day, PM Sharif also called for “national unity” to eliminate the threat of terrorism across Pakistan. He attended a high-profile security meeting in Quetta, Balochistan and informed the press about 33 terrorists being neutralized during the rescue operation. Further, 339 passengers were saved. He also pointed out the need for the civilian leadership of the country to discuss terror threats with the “military leadership.” He claimed that there was a gap in the national consensus on the hijack. He further informed that a meeting would be convened in the coming days for discussing what must be the state’s futurestrategy. He stated that Pakistan cannot afford to witness another terror attack like the recent hijack in Balochistan. Further, he acknowledged that Balochistan must be on par in “development” with the rest of the country. He said “peace can’t be established in Pakistan until terrorism is completely eliminated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.” He alleged that the increase in terror attacks was a result of the earlier freeing of a number of “Taliban fighters” who were imprisoned.
Foreign Office alleges the role of handlers sitting in Afghanistan
On the same day, the Foreign Office cited intelligence reports which allegedly found that hijackers of the Jaffar Express were in contact with their “handlers” in Afghanistan “throughout” the duration of the attack. Spokesman of the Foreign Office, Shafqat Ali Khan claimed that the attack was being managed from Afghanistan. Further, he claimed that India funds terrorist activities against Pakistan. Targeting India, he claimed that it has been directing a “global assassination campaign” and attempting to create instability in the “neighboring countries.” However, in the recent attack, so far “evidence of calls have been traced to Afghanistan.” He claimed that proscribed terror organizations like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan have been provided safe havenin Afghanistan. He said “this remains a stumbling block, a serious problem on the way of promoting deeper friendly relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.” The Taliban government of Afghanistan has, however, denied Pakistan’s accusations. Spokesman of Afghan Foreign Ministry Abdul Qahar Balkhi suggested that Pakistan should look into its own “security problems” instead of putting the onus on Afghanistan.
References
Ifthikar A. Khan, “Barbs fly even as NA resolves unity against terror,” Dawn, 14 March 2025
“Civil, military leaders must put their heads together: PM,” Dawn, 14 March 2025
Baqir Sajjad Syed “Train hijackers’ calls traced to Afghanistan: FO,” Dawn, 14 March 2025
From PR Archives
Balochistan Train Hijack- Day 2: D Suba Chandran "Militancy, Security and Politics in Balochistan: Evaluating the early responses to BLA's train hijacking," 14 March 2025; Abhiruchi Chowdhury, "Second Day: Updates and Responses to BLA’s Train Hijack in Balochistan," 13 March 2025
Balochistan Train Hijack- Day 1: D Suba Chandran, "Militants hijack a train in Balochistan: Where, Who and Why," 12 March 2025
In Brief
ECONOMY
Moody’s positive rate for Pakistan’s banking outlook
On 13 March, Dawn reported on Pakistan’s banking outlook as announced by the global rating agency Moody’s in its recent statement. It highlighted a positive outlook due to improvement in financial performance amid favorable macroeconomic conditions. Financial experts have linked this to the substantial profits generated by the banks over recent years and their low contribution to economic growth. This is because of low lending to the private sector and high interest rates of 22 per cent or more levied on government borrowings. Furthermore, the positive outlook reflects on the Government of Pakistan’s sovereign rating of Caa2 as the banks hold large volumes of government holdings. However, Pakistan’s long term debt sustainability is at risk due to its high liquidity, weak fiscal position, and external vulnerability risks. Nevertheless, an ease in inflation rates was estimated “at around 8 per cent for 2025 from an average of 23 per cent in 2024.” (Shahid Iqbal, “Moody’s upgrades Pakistan’s banking outlook,” Dawn, 13 March 2025)
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Government slashes buyback rates on solar energy from consumers
On 13 March, the government’s decision to reduce the buyback rate of solar net metering by one-third was discussed at the Cabinet’s Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) meeting. Henceforth, power companies will purchase excess solar-generated electricity from consumers at PKR 10 per unit during the day, while it will be sold as grid electricity at PKR 42 and PKR 48 per unit, excluding taxes and duties, after sunset. Moreover, consumers will be banned from installing solar capacity that exceeds their sanctioned load. The new policy permits them to install an excess margin of 10 per cent instead of 50 per cent under the previous policy. This comes amid high national grid electricity prices. However, the Power Division defended its policy decision due to the high costs of solar net metering, which increases burden on its electricity costs. It stated that the existing consumers made a nine paise per unit impact on the average electricity costs thereby leading to a PKR 101 billion spending on an annual basis. It could potentially increase to PKR 3.6 per unit or PKR 545 billion annual spending by 2034 if it is left unchecked. The demography that will be affected by this are the middle-class consumers whom the Power Minister Awais Leghari has described as “affluent.” He believed that they benefit from low-cost self-generated electricity and simultaneously avoid capacity charges and transmission costs. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Solar users face higher costs as policy revised,” Dawn, 14 March 2025)
Thar coal power generation unit is cheaper than hydropower costs: Sino-Sindh Resources CEO
On 13 March, the Sino Sindh Resources Pvt Ltd (SSRL) Chief Executive Officer Li Jigen announced that the cost of power generation from Block-1 of Thar region is PKR 5.52 per unit is cheaper than the costs incurred from energy generated from hydro sources. This statement comes as Li addressed the SSRL’s call to determine the commercial operations date stage tariff for the 7.8 million tonnes per annum lignite mine at the Thar Coal field at a public hearing. Li briefed that the project power generation unit had a capacity of 2x660 MW and was supported by a lignite mine at the Thar Coalfield. He added that the project’s cost-effectiveness and competitive pricing were supported by the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC)’s favorable position on the merit list as it produced PKR 5.52 electricity per kWh, lower than other energy sources. (Shahid Iqbal, “Thar coal-fired energy ‘cheaper than hydropower’,” Dawn, 14 March 2025)
WATER
Sindh assembly’s resolution against Indus canal construction
On 13 March, the Sindh Assembly unanimously passed a resolution against the Six canals construction project on the Indus River. This came about after Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah tabled the resolution to ensure a steady water supply for farming and consumption in the province. The bill that garnered support from both the opposition, including the Jamaat-e-Islami, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan and treasury agreed to the threat that the canal posed to thousands of inhabitants of Sindh. Citing the 1991 Water Accord, which dictates the equitable distribution of water sources among provinces, it stated that no new irrigation canals could be built under the accord. It further demanded that the central government include provinces in its decisions to build new canals. The resolution also asserted the Sindh province’s decision to not support a project that would result in harming its farming sector as it already deals with an acute water shortage. (“Sindh Assembly unanimously passes resolution against Indus canals project,” The News International, 14 March 2025)
On depleting water in the Indus:
“With more and more people and crops to quench, it is obvious that the amount of water available in the Indus system is only going to decrease in the years to come,” observes a report in Dawn
On 14 March, a report in Dawn highlighted the threats posed to the local communities of Sindh if new canals are built on the Indus river. It quoted a local fisherman named Shaukat Mallah who said that the people “will be doomed if water flows downstream shrink further.” The receding water flows in the river pose a threat to the fishermen’s livelihoods and sustenance due to the dwindling catch of the palla machli. Speaking about the protests raging in the province against government plans to build new canals, he said that the ongoing protests and Sindh’s depleting water concerns highlight the same issue, i.e., the dwindling water available in the Indus system. This is true as the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has warned Punjab and Sindh to be prepared for a 35 per cent shortage in the later periods of the Rabi season. Despite this, Sindh farmers claim that farmers of Punjab continue to scale up production and agricultural area. Sindh Abadgar Board (SAB) President Mahmood Nawaz Shah said: “It’s not only that the area of cultivation in Punjab has increased, but the number of crops that consume more water has also gone up.” According to Sindh, the existing two link canals used by Punjab draw water from Indus leading to a shortage in kharif production for the lower riparian. This is why the former has consistently opposed the construction of a new canal that diverts river water to the upstream region of Punjab. However, fishermen and farmers are not the only affected demographic. The growing intrusion of sea water into Sindh is a consequence of the depleting river flows. This has pushed local communities to relocate, especially those residing in the coastal areas of Thatta, Sujawal, and Badin. Speaking on the issue, a former resident of Thatta said: “Our area was known for rice cultivation; we had fertile lands and orchards too. They are nowhere to be found today.” (Mohammad Hussain Khan, “Rescuing The River,” Dawn, 14 March 2025)
SECURITY
Balochistan assembly resolution condemns terror groups for exploiting women
On 13 March, the provincial assembly of Balochistan passed a resolution that criticized the “use of women” in terror attacks across Balochistan. The resolution was put forward by Meena Majeed who is the adviser to the CM of Balochistan, Sarfraz Bugti. In the beginning of 2025, a woman suicide attacker had killed Frontier Corps personnel in Kalat, Balochistan. The resolution also highlighted how women are highly respected in the Baloch society. As per Meena Majeed, the provincial government has facilitated women to engage in “education, politics and social sectors.” She condemned the militant organizations for recruiting women suicide attackers. She further urged the government to take prompt action against terror organizations. PPP’s Ali Madad Jattak who is a member of provincial assembly also criticized the militants for using women as “human shields.” Further, he alleged that there was no doubt of “foreign interference” in Pakistan. (Saleem Shahid, “Balochistan Assembly condemns use of women for suicide attacks,” Dawn, 14 March 2025)
Security forces neutralize ten militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
On 13 March, militants attacked a check-post in Tank, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Security forces successfully repelled the attack and killed ten militants. Among, the ten militants, there was a suicide bomber as well. The security forces launched a search operation to root out all the militants present in the region. As per Inter-Services Public Relations, the attack resulted in the wounding of three security personnel. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi appreciated the security forces for successfully thwarting the assault. He said “I salute the security forces for foiling the attack.” (“10 terrorists killed in Tank checkpoint attack: ISPR,” Dawn, 14 March 2025)
On the inability of the state to bring peace in Kurram:
“The continuing ability of militants and criminals to carry violent attacks highlights the challenges in the region,” argues an editorial in The News International
On 14 March, an editorial in Dawn titled “No peace in Kurram” discussed the state’s inability to bring back peace in Kurram. The editorial mentioned how demonstrators have continued their protest against the closure of key road links in the region. The demonstrators are demanding that the government make sure that safety of the key roads is not compromised as per the peace accord. The editorial highlighted how close to 500,000 people of Kurram are finding it difficult to access daily necessities. The editorial also mentioned how security forces have destroyed the bunkers in accordance with the signed peace accord. However, they have remained unsuccessful in inhibiting the capability of militants to plan and organize terrorist attacks. The editorial claimed that PM Sharif’s assurance to the PPP will not translate into peace in Kurram. The editorial also highlighted how multiple peace accords before the one signed in January have continually failed to ensure peace in the region. The editorial pointed out the continuation of disagreement between the provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the federal government over the years. The editorial stateed that better ties between the KP and federal government and “socio-economic” development of the residents of Kurram is essential for bringing peace in the region. (“No peace in Kurram,” The News International, 14 March 2025)
On the continuation of terrorist attacks across Pakistan:
“It is pity that instead of taking steps to pre-empt, the government begins to calibrate response only after the event,” laments an editorial in Dawn
On 14 March, an editorial in Dawn titled “Cohesive response” discussed the government’s reactive approach to terrorist incidents. The editorial called out the government for not initiating a “pre-emptive” approach to counter terrorism. The editorial suggested that the government must discuss the issue of Balochistan Liberation Army militants being provided safe havens in Afghanistan with the Taliban government. The editorial stated that the government must clearly inform the Taliban government that the relations between the two countries will only deteriorate if the latter continues to harbor “anti-Pakistan” militants. The editorial also criticized India for allegedly being involved in destabilizing Pakistan. It citedthe “Kulbhushan Jadhav episode” for indicating India’s alleged involvement in acts directed against the interests of Pakistan. The editorial also urged PM Sharif to address the political grievances of the people of Balochistan. The editorial claimed that military action on its own is not enough to solve the problem in Balochistan. (“Cohesive response,” Dawn, 14 March 2025)
AF-PAK
Pakistan and Afghanistan to resume talks on Torkham
On 13 March, the tribal leaders of Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to reopen dialogue to ease border tensions at Torkham. According to sources reported by The News International, Pakistan’s jirga has revised its delegation members list to address the Afghan jirga’s concerns. The previous dialogue was delayed due to objections raised by the Afghan side over some members of the Pakistani delegation. In response, Pakistan revised its list of 50 members which was welcomed by the Afghan side. In this regard, a formal meeting may be scheduled in a day or two to arrive at a “resolution of the border crisis.” The border closure of Torkham is in place since 21 February. Clashes had started after Pakistan objected to construction activities carried out by the Afghan forces at zero point, a violation of border protocols. (Ashrafuddin Pirzada, “Torkham border tension: Pak-Afghan jirgas agree to resume talks,” The News International, 14 March 2025)
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Fake rulers are trying to bring our country to the brink of collapse.
- Sabir Shakir
The civilization that is ahead in knowledge prevails in the world. If we are behind in knowledge today, then who are the Jews and Christians who are blocking our path so that you do not acquire knowledge? Do not bring your 25 million children to schools.
Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal
- PMLN
The government is busy creating a false narrative against a political party that the PTI is an enemy of the country - terrorism is rising in the country, the government should deal with it seriously but is not able to do so
Mehr Bano Qureshi
- PTI
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"Across the length and breadth of the country there is palpable despair and hopelessness."
An opinion in Dawn, 'GDP and the quality of life'
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