Government sets limit on sugar and ex-mill prices
I PM Sharif in Saudi Arabia to enhance economic cooperation
PR Explainer
Parliamentary Meeting on National Security: Army Chief calls for a “Hard State”
Abhiruchi Chowdhury
What was the meeting about and who all attended it?
On 19 March, a meeting of the Parliamentary committee took place in Islamabad was attended by PM Shehbaz Sharif, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, Chief Ministers of four provinces, several other political leaders, military officers, and members from intelligence agencies. The meeting was presided over by the Speaker of the National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq. Unexpectedly, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi did not attend the meeting. PTI leaders, Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Ain Pakistan President Mahmood Achakzai and Balochistan National Party’s Akhtar Mengal also skipped the meeting. The need for a comprehensive parliamentary meeting arose following the recent Jaffar Express hijack in Balochistan and a dramatic surge in terrorist incidents across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan in recent times. The Parliamentary committee in their official communication stressed on the immediate need to execute the National Action Plan and the Vision Azm-i-Istekham in order to combat the threat of terrorism. It also called for unity among all the political parties and other factions of the society in the fight against terrorism.
What was Establishment’s position?
Army Chief Asim Munir stressed on the need to improve the state of governance in the country. He called for reshaping Pakistan “into a hard state.” He expressed his dissatisfaction over the loss of life of army personnel as the state has failed to take concrete measures. He questioned “for how long will we continue to fill the gaps of governance with the blood of our armed forces and martyrs.” He also demanded that all factions of “national strength” must work in tandem for ensuring peace in the country. Focusing on the primacy of national security, he said “no agenda, movement or personality is more important than national security.” He also urged the Ulema leaders to call out the alleged fake propaganda spread by terrorists in the name of Islam.
What was the committee’s stance towards Afghanistan?
Surprisingly, the official communication from the Parliamentary committee and COAS Asim Munir did not touch upon how the Taliban government has allegedly provided safe havens to anti-Pakistan terrorist groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. This is because there has been a recurring trend to blame the Taliban government in Afghanistan for the surge in terror attacks in Pakistan. However, in their speeches, few of the party leaders did blame Afghanistan for Pakistan’s miseries. PPP Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto alleged that its western neighbor has been continually providing refuge to terrorist. Calling for an extreme action, Defence Minister Khwaja Asif suggested that Pakistan should eliminate the anti-Pakistan terrorists in Afghanistan. On the other hand, JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman put forward a proposition in which he is ready to play a role of a “mediator” for mending relations and diffusing of tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
What were the political media and civil society responses?
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Ali Amin Gandapur termed the parliamentary meeting as “more of a presentation.” He argued that terrorism cannot be eradicated through communique or presentations. He claimed that the “good Taliban” continue to engage in extortion across the province and remain protected. Further, he stated that the “bad Taliban” initiated the terrorist attack in Bannu. He reminded that Pakistan’s earlier policy to involve itself in Afghanistan was a flawed one.
On 20 March, an editorial in The News International titled “Security huddle” discussed the need for a comprehensive approach to combat the surge in terrorism in the country. The editorial expressed discontent over the absence of PTI members from the parliamentary meeting, despite the continuous rise in terrorist incidents. The editorial highlighted how in 2014, Nawaz Sharif had brought the entire country together to combat the spike in terror incidents after the gruesome Army Public School, Peshawar terrorist attack. As per the editorial, terrorist incidents have gone up in the recent years due to the previous PTI government’s flawed policy which had allowed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan terrorists to “resettle.” The editorial backed COAS Asim Munir’s call for improved governance and the need for a strong “national security posture.” The editorial also pointed out how steps mentioned in the previous National Action Plans were not fully executed. The editorial also advised that the opposition parties must not prioritize politics over “national security.”
On 19 March, an editorial in The Express Tribune titled “Counterterror huddle” discussed the developments in the recent parliamentary meeting. The editorial highlighted how the opposition leaders decided to skip the meeting as they consistently demanded inclusion of Imran Khan in the dialogue to build a “broader consensus.” The editorial expressed regret over how the government and the opposition continued to play the blame game. On the contrary, the editorial pointed out how terrorist groups are putting up a “united front” to advance their propaganda which is a cause of worry for a nation where political parties remain divided on the issue of national security.
References
Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Top-level huddle seeks consensus to fight terrorism,” Dawn, 19 March 2025
Syed Irfan Raza, “Leaders hold ‘frank discussion’ behind closed doors,” Dawn, 19 March 2025
Asim Yasin, Haider Sherazi, Muhammad Anis, Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, Mumtaz Alvi and Rana Ghulam Qadir, “Will to defeat terrorism with 'full might': Army chief calls for making Pakistan 'hard state,'” The News International, 19 March 2025
“Security huddle,” The News International, 20 March 2025
“Counterterror huddle,” The Express Tribune, 19 March 2025
“Civil-military moot ‘more of a presentation’: Gandapur,” The News International, 20 March 2025
In Brief
POLITICS
President Zardari chairs a meeting in Quetta on terrorism in Balochistan
On 19 March, President Asif Ali Zardari chaired a meeting to discuss the law and order situation in Balochistan. The meeting took place in Quetta which saw the presence of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto and Balochistan Governor Abdul Khaliq Achakzai. Zardari vowed that the militants would not succeed in their aim to divide the country. He stated that it was essential to defeat terrorism at any cost. He also called for empowering the youth of Balochistan with “modern technology.” Further, he stated that he shares a special bond with the Baloch people. He also spoke about his plans to establish a “special camp” in the province where he would hear “grievances and suggestions” from people. Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti also delivered an overarching “briefing on security situation” in Balochistan. (Saleem Shahid, “Bid to divide nation will be foiled, president vows,” Dawn, 20 March 2025)
ECONOMY
Government sets limit on sugar and ex-mill prices
On 19 March, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar announced that the government and the sugar sector have agreed to limit the retail and ex-mill price rates of sugar at PKR 164 per kg and PKR 154-159, respectively after holding talks with the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA). This development comes after the government had previously rejected the PSMA’s demand to set the ex-mill price at PKR 175 per kg. Besides, the sugar sector was also planning to increase the price between PKR 200 to PKR 220 per kg a few weeks ago. During the talks, the sugar millers argued that the cost of sugar was already around PKR 175-PKR 180 per kg. After considering the average cost of sugarcane, manufacturing costs, administrative expenses, and profits the cost of sugar was PKR 130 per kg, the same as the sugar prices at fair shops around the country. With an extra imposition of 18 per cent Goods and Service Tax on ex-mill sugar prices, it stands at PKR 154 per kg. However, the minister maintained that the PM was against the sale of sugar at PKR 178-180 per kg. (Mehtab Haider, “Govt caps retail sugar price at Rs164 per kg,” The News International, 20 March 2025)
PM Sharif arrives in Saudi Arabia to enhance economic cooperation
On 19 March, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif began his four-day visit to Saudi Arabia to engage with the country’s leadership on boosting economic cooperation. According to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office, a delegation consisting of Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, and other ministers and officials accompanied the PM. The visit will last between 19 and 22 March, and talks will be held between Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and PM Sharif regarding boosting trade, enhancing cooperation, and economic collaboration. Separately, the Saudi Oil Facility is expected to begin for 12 months, from March 2025 to February 2026. In this regard, an inflow of USD 100 million will be received. (“Foreign loan inflows fall by a quarter,” Dawn, 20 March 2025; Mehtab Haider, “Govt caps retail sugar price at Rs164 per kg,” The News International, 20 March 2025)
Foreign loans inflow declines by 25 per cent: Economic Affairs Division report
On 19 March, data released by the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) in its report titled “Foreign Economic Assistance” projected a decline in foreign loans inflow. With the annual target of USD 19.2 billion in loans and grants, an inflow of USD 4.59 billion without considering the USD 1 billion tranche disbursed by the IMF under the EFF was recorded in the first eight months of FY 2025. It marked a nearly 26 per cent decline in inflows compared to the same period during the last year because of IMF’s delayed bailout and disbursement of USD 1 billion. Hence, the total inflow sums up to USD 5.59 billion. However, it remains less than the previous year’s inflow of USD 7.88 billion including the IMF’s transfers. Besides, the EAD also revealed a declining trend in terms of budgetary support or programme loans, project financing, and bilateral and multilateral disbursements between July-February FY 2025 and the same period in 2024. (“Foreign loan inflows fall by a quarter,” Dawn, 20 March 2025)
On the decline in Large Scale Manufacturing:
“The only way forward is to shed our old habits of achieving growth through imported consumption, while sticking to a slow-growth mode,” says an editorial in Dawn
On 20 March, an editorial in Dawn titled “LSM decline,” highlighted the downturn in the large-scale manufacturing sector. A negative growth of 1.78 per cent was recorded in the first seven months of FY 2025 compared to the same period last year. Despite the momentum in economic activity of “high-frequency indicators” like the sale of automobiles, POL products, and cement, import volumes, and credit to the private sector the real sector is under stress. This stress stems from varying factors like heavy taxes, surge in gas and power prices, and mounting credit among others. However, growth cannot be expected amid sluggish economic growth, reduced volatility and inflation, and improved current account. There remains pressure from external accounts due to a rise in imports and a weakening of foreign investments. In such a situation, pushing for accelerated industrial growth could simply worsen the current state of affairs. In this regard, the only path forward is to stop depending on imported consumption for growth and instead stick to “a slow-growth mode” till structural reforms are implemented to overcome inherent structural issues. (“LSM decline,” Dawn, 20 March 2025)
SOCIETY
Shariat court declares deprivation of women’s inheritance un-Islamic
On 19 March, the Federal Shariat Court declared that any practice that dispossessed the inheritance rights of female members had no legitimacy. In a 21-page verdict, a four-judge bench heard a petition against the custom of Chaddar or Parchi that is prevalent in Bannu. This custom either deprives women of their right to inheritance outlined in the Quran or forces them to receive a share of lesser value via jirgas. The petitioner, Syeda Fouzia Jalaal Shah had appealed against the custom and sought relief for her mother, who was supposedly deprived of a share in her husband’s and father’s inheritance. She invoked Verses seven, 11, 12, and 14 of Surah Nisa which directs Muslims to allocate due shares of inheritance to the rightful recipients of deceased heirs. In this regard, the judgment acknowledged the custom as illegal by considering statistics and reports submitted by various parties highlighting the deprivation of inheritance to women was common. (Nasir Iqbal, “Depriving women of their inheritances is ‘un-Islamic,’ Shariat Court rules,” Dawn, 20 March 2025)
On Pakistan’s barbaric customs:
“If Pakistan is to be taken seriously on the global stage, it must confront the reality that it has systematically failed its women,” argues an editorial in The News International
On 19 March, an editorial titled “A nation’s shame” in The News International argued against the barter of women as compensation to settle disputes. The practice commonly known as Vani or Swara continues despite legislative action, failing to protect women and children due to the existing culture of male dominance. Often minor girls are subjected to forced marriage as a “grotesque perversion of justice.” Violence and discrimination against women range beyond Vani and Swara. It includes honor killings, acid attacks, domestic violence, and forced conversions. The rampant practice of such crimes continues due to the failure of courts to convict perpetrators, allowing them to walk scot-free. This is further compounded by issues like barring of women from political participation, education, and economic power and victimizing those who protest against the existing status quo using smear campaigns and violence. “This impunity only emboldens offenders and ensures that such atrocities continue unchecked.” In this regard, there is a need for strict law enforcement, accountability, and penalization for Pakistan to transcend from “barbaric customs” that dictate people’s lives. (“A nation’s shame,” The News International, 20 March 2025)
MEDIA
Mother of Ahmed Noorani blames intelligence agencies for kidnapping of her sons
On 20 March, Dawn reported on the plea filed by mother of Ahmed Noorani who is a journalist in the Islamabad High Court. In the plea, she claims that two of her sons have been kidnapped. According to her, the kidnapping took place in Sector I-14, Islamabad on 19 March. The family of the abducted individuals have put the blame on intelligence agencies for carrying out the kidnapping. They allege that this was done to avenge what Ahmed Noorani had recently reported. Noorani lives in the US and heads “FactFocus website.” The website cannot be accessed from Pakistan. As per Norani’s complaint, close to 12 unknown men barged into her house and confiscated their cell phones. (Malik Asad, “Journalist’s mother moves court over sons’ abduction,” Dawn, 20 March 2025)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan and South Africa express interest in deepening defence cooperation
On 19 March, Pakistan and South Africa agreed to enhance defence cooperation via joint ventures, capacity building, and technology transfers. This comes as both sides arrived at an understanding at the second meeting of the Pakistan-South Africa Joint Defence Committee (JDC) held in Islamabad between 17 and 19 March. They discussed probable areas of partnership like cyber and space, artificial intelligence, defence, and research and development. Representing Pakistan in the presence of acting secretary of Defence, Dr Thobekile Gamede, Defence Secretary Muhammad Ali said: “It is imperative to further expand this collaboration by exploring new avenues through joint ventures in defense innovation and niche technology.” (“South Africa, Pakistan to deepen defence cooperation,” Dawn, 20 March 2025)
AF-PAK
Torkham crossing closure comes to an end after 26 days
On 19 March, the closure of Torkham crossing finally came to an end. The border remained closed for a period of 26 days. The tribal leaders from Afghanistan and Pakistan were engaged in intense dialogue that resulted in reopening of the crossing nearly after a month. The members of the jirga from both sides gathered at zero point for a ceremony marking an end to the closure of the crossing. After the gathering, the halted vehicles at the border finally were able to move towards their destinations. Apart from the efforts put by the jirga members, “backdoor diplomacy” between Peshawar and Jalalabad played a key role in reopening of the crossing. The Torkham crossing was closed on 20 February over disagreements between security forces of the two countries on construction of a bunker by Afghanistan at the Zero point. From 3 March, there were intense exchange of fire among the security forces of the two countries which kept on going for three days. As per the local businessmen, the closure of Torkham crossing, Pakistan lost USD 40.5 million. They also incurred a loss worth PKR 545 million per day as “imports from Afghanistan” came to a halt.
On 20 March an editorial in The Express Tribune titled “Torkham reopening,” termed the opening of the Torkham crossing. coming as “reassuring.” The editorial highlighted the importance of crossing stating that it is crucial for the livelihood of the people residing on both sides of the border. The editorial suggested that an “institutional mechanism” should be formulated so that skirmishes at the border do not escalate into larger conflicts which then result in huge revenue losses due to pausing of trade. The editorial also called for a dialogue with the Taliban government of Afghanistan and argued that they must be persuaded to see that providing safe havens to Tehreek-e-Taliban terrorists goes against the security interests of both the countries. The editorial further urges the Taliban to acknowledge the importance of goods that come into Afghanistan from Pakistan which includes “essential items and food supplies.” (Ibrahim Shinwari, “Life returns to Torkham after border reopens for trade,” Dawn, 20 March 2025; Ashrafuddin Pirzada, “Torkham border reopens after 26 days,” The News International, 20 March 2025; “Torkham reopening,” The Express Tribune, 20 March 2025)
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The people are paying taxes on electricity bills, mobile cards, their salaries, and flour, sugar, and pulses! Only the Prime Minister and Chief Minister of Punjab's advertisements are improving the conditions of the people.
-Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan
Our border is 2200 kilometers long with a country that defeated two superpowers. We have always said that the solution to the problems with Afghanistan is not war but negotiations.
Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Khan Gandapur
- PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Terrorism incidents are increasing day by day in the country, but look at the priorities of the state. The real culprits are free and the forced kidnapping of social media activists continues with full force.
- PTI Islamabad
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"Without fundamental rethink and reset, Pakistan’s catastrophic tax regime will drive the country's already shrinking formal sector towards extinction."
An opinion in Dawn, 'Predatory taxation'
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