Six terrorists killed in North Waziristan I China to take Pakistani astronauts to space
In Brief
ECONOMY
DISCOs must be reformed to survive, reports Dawn
On 1 March, an article in Dawn highlighted the impending threat to the survival of Distribution Companies (DISCOs) as the energy landscape in Pakistan is shifting towards solar power. The “solar rush” is indicated by an import of 22 GW of solar panels in just the last18 months. This development comes as Pakistan’s residents have been experiencing power shortages and exorbitant tariffs for the last three years. The fault lies in the national grid’s inability to provide accessible or reliable power. Consequently, this has driven households, industries, and agricultural consumers to shift their dependency on alternate energy resources. In this regard, solar energy, earlier a secondary power source, has now bridged the gap for these consumers. In statistical terms, the sale of electricity from the national grid fell by 10 per cent in the fiscal year 2023. Furthermore, data suggests a sharp decline in demand in the residential sector. For instance, the percentage of consumers utilizing 400 kWh fell to one per cent in 2024 from 10 per cent in 2020, and the share in 200 kWh demand grew from 57 per cent to 89 per cent in this timeframe. This thereby indicates a shift to solar-powered energy. Within this context, the inefficiencies in the national grid continue to grow. The fluctuating electricity demand has led national grids to operate a few plants on partial load. Paradoxically, despite reduced demand, the Partial Load Adjustment Charges continue to rise. This is because the cost of the Central Power Purchasing Agency has soared to PKR 55.7 billion in fiscal 2024 from PKR 18.7 billion in 2020. This highlights the growing costs and inefficiencies in the operation of thermal plants in case of a decline in grid demand. As a result, it puts a strain on the fiscal viability of the distribution companies. Hence, the article suggested ways to mitigate the “death spiral” of DISCOS. It identified an existing flaw in the tariff system where the cost of electricity increases along with consumption in the existing slab-wise tariff system. This goes against the laws of supply and demand because when supply increases, the price of a commodity decreases. This is “problematic” as the plant can generate excess electricity and is idle for most of the year. To retain consumers, the National Energy Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) can shift from the slab-based tariff to a Time-of-Use (TOU) tariff to provide consumers relief and even subsidize energy for specific groups. Otherwise, schemes like the ‘winter demand initiative’ will boost electricity consumption at a marginal rate. In conclusion, the power sector needs to consider strategic reforms as indispensable and not an option. (Abdul Rehman, “Discos’ death spiral,” Dawn, 1 March 2025)
China’s BYD and Pakistan’s MMC begin EV deliveries in Pakistan
On 1 March, an article in Dawn revealed that consumers based in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad have started receiving Chinese BYD vehicles from 28 February. This development comes as the largest manufacturer of new energy vehicles, BYD, and the Mega Motor Company (MMC) partnership has started delivering vehicles in Pakistan. With anticipation of high demand, BYD and MMC aim at delivering 100 vehicles in the first 48 hours of operations and simultaneously plan to open 15 centers in the long run. In a statement, the BYD head in Pakistan, Lei Jian, discussed the significance of BYD’s NEVs and technologies in Pakistan. He believed it would help the country advance in its plans to engage in green development. (“Chinese EV maker begins deliveries in Pakistan,” Dawn, 1 March 2025)
SECURITY
Suicide attack in Nowshera kills JUI-S leader
On 28 February, a suicide attack in Darul Uloom Haqqania, a religious seminary, in the Nowshera district led to the killing of Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani, the head of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-S) faction along with six others. The suicide bomber detonated explosives strapped to his body after the Friday prayers leaving 18 people injured, including three security personnel.In ths regard, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Police Chief Zulfiqar Hameed informed: “Maulana Haq was leaving the seminary for his home after prayers when he was targeted by the suicide bomber.” This is not an isolated incident as the Haqqania had received threats a year ago, leading to the deployment of 20 police personnel, with 17 stationed at the seminary premises and three others deployed to provide security to Haqqani. Responding to the attack, the interior ministry spokesman, Abdul Mateen Qani denounced it saying the government was strongly against it and lay blame on the Islamic State- Khorasan for the attack. (Umer Farooq, “Suicide blast tears through Akora Khattak seminary,” Dawn, 1 March 2025)
Six terrorists killed in North Waziristan
On 28 February, six terrorists were killed in a gunfight with security personnel in North Waziristan, the Inter-Services Public Relation (ISPR) announced. This was in the aftermath of an intelligence-based operation launched in Ghulam Khan village to curb terrorist presence in the area. The ISPR notification also revealed that weapons and ammunition were seized from the terrorists who have been actively involved in the killing of civilians and other activities against the security forces. (“Six terrorists killed in N. Waziristan operation: ISPR,” Dawn, 1 March 2025)
EXTERNAL
Foreign Office seeks clarification regarding Afghans’ repatriation
On 28 February, the Foreign Office sought clarification from the US’ policy regarding the resettlement of Afghan refugees in third countries. During a weekly briefing the Foreign Office spokesman, Shafqat Ali Khan said: “US has suspended the [resettlement] process, so we are waiting for further clarification on that point.” This comes as US President Donald Trump announced the halt of a resettlement programme for Afghans that worked with the US before its 2021 withdrawal. Consequently, the processing and relocation of nearly 25,000 Afghans in Pakistan has been disrupted leaving them at the risk of persecution by the Taliban government due to their previous affiliation. He also urged the international community to assist in addressing the abandonment of US arms after President Trump declared the retrieval of US military equipment from Afghanistan after its 2021 withdrawal. The weapons left behind are allegedly now being used by terrorists in Pakistan and have led to a surge of terror activities under the Taliban government’s rule. However, it will be a challenge to determine what quantity of the equipment was taken by the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces and eventually seized by the Taliban. (Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Islamabad seeks US clarity over Afghans’ resettlement,” Dawn, 1 March 2025)
China to take Pakistani astronauts to space
On 1 March, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced Pakistan’s first manned mission via China’s space station. This comes as both sides, Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) and the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) signed a cooperation agreement. As per the agreement, two Pakistani astronauts will receive training at China’s Astronaut Centre. The mission is aimed at conducting scientific experiments in the fields of fluid mechanics, applied physics, biological and medical sciences, aerospace, space radiation, ecology, material sciences, microgravity studies, and astronomy at the China Space Station. Speaking on the occasion, PM Sharif welcomed “another wonderful gesture” of the Chinese government. It marked another feat in deepening bilateral ties as both Pakistan and China are set to share knowledge about space exploration to benefit humanity. (Syed Irfan Raza, “China to train, take Pakistani astronauts into space,” Dawn, 1 March 2025)
|
The EIU report classifies Pakistan as an authoritarian regime. The report also notes that countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India face serious threats to democratic processes, with fraud and violence tarnishing elections in the region.
- Hamid Mir
"Pakistan had the most powerful cricket team under the captaincy of Imran Khan."
Vikrant Gupta
- PTI
The moment you are alive, this moment is alive with you. You do your job, and we'll see what happens.
Seemabia Tahir
- PTI
|
|
|
|
"Most of the laws were hurriedly passed without any meaningful debate."
An opinion in Dawn, 'Parliament’s first year'
|
|
|
