PAKISTAN READER

In Brief
PAKISTAN ELECTIONS 2024
PR Exclusive Update #62
Campaigning window closes tonight, says ECP
On 6 February, Dawn reported that a senior official of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) stated that as per the country’s election laws, the campaigning window would close on the night of 6 February. He also cautioned that those breaching the law may have to face two years imprisonment. According to section 182 of the Elections Act 2017: “No person shall convene, hold or attend any public meeting, or promote or join in any procession, within the area of a constituency or, in the case of the Senate election, a Province, during forty-eight hours ending at midnight following the conclusion of the poll for any election in that constituency or Province.” Given this, political parties in recent days amped up their election campaigns, visiting different constituencies and addressing the public during party rallies. (Iftikhar A. Khan, “Last steps to polls as campaigns end tonight,” Dawn, 6 February 2024)
 
TikTok takes steps to combat misinformation ahead of elections
On 5 February, TikTok stated that it would help combat misinformation and uphold election integrity on its platform in order to ensure a safe environment for information. TikTok in a statement said: “Building on its robust global framework to combat misinformation, TikTok is collaborating with internationally recognised fact-checking organisation Agence France-Presse (AFP) as its fact-checker to specifically address the Pakistani electoral context.” It would also work with Pakistani local community partner organisations to “identify potential misinformation and take action on it.” The app launched the Pakistan Election Center, a hub to provide authoritative information regarding the elections in English and Urdu. Aside from this, education content and in-app guides would be used to raise awareness, while customers would benefit from a user-centric approach through tools that would allow them to report misleading content. (Shazia Hasan, “TikTok shares measures to uphold poll integrity,” Dawn, 6 February 2024)
 
Kakar highlights the need for parties to remain democratic
On 5 February, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar emphasized that political parties should not only improve their performance to gain political space in Pakistan, but also elect their leaders democratically to preserve the country’s overall democracy. For this, the youth should participate in politics and direct their energies toward bolstering Pakistan’s democracy. Kakar stated that this was important as “the idea of democracy was facing many challenges in Pakistan due to different reasons and weaknesses in the structure of the civil institution.” (“PM urges democracy within parties,” The Express Tribune, 6 February 2024)
 
Maryam Nawaz vows to resolve Murree’s crisis if PML-N wins
On 6 February, The Express Tribune reported that the PML-N’s senior vice president, Maryam Nawaz, addressed a political rally at Murree, Punjab. In her speech, she promised to provide the city the “highest development” if the PML-N were to win. Reiterating the party’s election pledges as stated in its manifesto, Nawaz emphasized the importance of making decisions that would affect future generations. This would include a reduction in electricity bills by 20-30 per cent, securing a six per cent rate of GDP, reaching USD 60 billion in exports, and decreasing poverty to 25 per cent. She asserted that the PML-N had “decided to ease the difficulties of Murree's people by serving them day and night.” (“Support Lion to resolve crises,” The Express Tribune, 6 February 2024)
 
Editorial in Dawn states that the new government will need a “cogent counterterrorism policy”
On 6 February, an editorial in Dawn titled “Terrorism challenge” stated that following the forthcoming general election, the newly elected administration would have the “briefest of honeymoon periods” because its priority would be developing a “cogent counterterrorism policy.” According to the editorial, attacks on the Chaudhwan police station in Dera Ismail Khan on 5 February that killed ten police officers demonstrated that terrorist acts are still occurring and that they specifically target law enforcement and the military. The editorial described the challenge as “two-tiered,” involving securing Pakistan by not allowing “terrorist outfits to establish themselves,” and preventing “militants from creating sanctuaries in Afghanistan.” It also advised the new government, along with the security establishment and provincial set-ups, to come up with a “failsafe plan” for security in KP and Balochistan. Without tackling terrorism, “economic stability and social cohesion will be very difficult to achieve.” (“Terrorism challenge,” Dawn, 6 February 2024)

PR Exclusive Update #61
Bilawal Bhutto says elections will witness a “rain of arrows”
On 4 February, in a political rally at Hyderabad, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged the people to vote for ‘arrow,’ the PPP symbol, while strongly criticizing his opponents. He asked people to note vote for the ‘lion,’ the symbol of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), saying to voters: “You just get PPP won [elections]. I will handle this lion.” He criticized the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and advised the people not to vote for their electoral symbol ‘kite,’ as they endorsed “anti-Pakistan slogans.” Zardari further asked people not to vote for independent candidates who are backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI). Additionally, Zardari brought up the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) party, calling on people to not vote for them as they had allegedly divided the country on religious lines. He concluded his speech by thanking the people for electing PPP in local elections and said: “There will be a rain of arrows on February 8.” (“Days before polls, Bilawal unleashes 'arrows' at all political rivals,” The News International, 4 February 2024)
 
Increase in military presence in Rawalpindi till elections end
On 5 February, Dawn reported that the Rawalpindi police had given out a detailed security and contingency plan to protect 5,490 polling booths across the region. In the plan, the police asserted that they would be deploying around 12,783 police officials and 4,390 military and paramilitary officials to safeguard the polling stations. The regional police officer of Rawalpindi, Syed Khurram Ali, said that the troops would “work alongside the Rawalpindi police to strengthen security until the elections are completed.” Of the 5,40 polling booths in the city, 694 have been categorized as highly sensitive, 1,371 as sensitive, and 3,425 as normal. As per the plan, 580 CCTV cameras will be installed in highly sensitive polling booths, and a control room with a monitor will also be set up. According to Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP): “Pakistan armed forces/civil armed forces shall assist in the provision of a secure environment by deploying in Quick Reaction Force mode and outside the selected “most sensitive” polling stations from Feb 5 to Feb 10 to assist the ECP in the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections.” (Mohammad Asghar, “Over 7,300 police officials to protect polling stations in Pindi,” Dawn, 5 February 2024)
 
PTI and AML candidates refused permission to conduct public meetings by Rawalpindi district administration
On 5 February, according to Dawn, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s (PTI) candidate Shehryar Riaz, and Awami Muslim League’s (AML) candidate Sheikh Rashid, were denied permission by the Rawalpindi district administration to conduct public meetings in NA-56. Riaz highlighted that other political parties, including the JI and PML-N, had been given permission to hold public meetings. He said that despite receiving permission to hold public meetings in NA-56 from 4 to 6 February, the administration stated: “In view of the existing security threat spectrum, the backdrop of the law-and-order situation, and consequently, upon the recommendation of law enforcement agencies, police departments and the District Intelligence Committee, the application has been rejected.’ (Aamir Yasin, “Shehryar Riaz, Sheikh Rashid refused permission to hold public meetings,” Dawn, 5 February 2024)
 
PPP leader vows to meet the “needs” of the people of Talagang
On 4 February, while addressing a public gathering at the Government High School in Talagang, Punjab, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leader Asif Ali Zardari vowed that he would acknowledge the issues faced by the residents of Talagang, and asserted that his party would bring prosperity to the area. In his speech, he promised to resolve their “needs such as the water issue, road network, transportation, and district development,” as he was “aware that the people of Talagang are looking towards” him. Zardari further said that the PPP had issued Benazir Income support cards for the underprivileged, and pointed out that during his tenure, the government had increased the wages by 100 per cent. He added: “I know very well the plight of the poor. Poverty has increased twofold compared to my time in power.” (Nabeel Anwar Dhakku, “Zardari pledges to redress woes of Talagang residents,” Dawn, 5 February 2024)
 
Internet service to be restricted in sensitive polling stations in Balochistan
On 4 February, Balochistan’s caretaker Information Minister, Jan Achakzai, stated that the internet service would be restricted in the sensitive polling booths of the province on 8 February, due to the recent spike in terrorist attacks. In a statement on X, Achakzai said: “Ensuring the safety and security of ordinary citizens is of utmost importance, as there is a concern that terrorists may exploit social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and other similar channels for communication purposes.” The areas with restricted access would include Turbat, Mach, and Chaman. This decision was taken despite the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) announcement last week, where it clarified that no internet service and communications outage would occur on 8 February. Pakistani lawyer Jibran Nasir said that this decision set a “dangerous precedent” for the future and was “a direct attack on the freedom of expression of all Pakistanis regardless of what part of the political spectrum they belong to.” (“Elections: Balochistan decides to 'restrict' internet service in sensitive polling booths,” The News International, 5 February 2024)
 
ECP failed to meet variation in population with less than ten per cent, reveals report
On 4 February, the Free & Fair Elections Network (Fafen) released a report stating that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had failed to meet the legal requirement of keeping the variation in the population to less than ten per cent in a total of 135 constituencies. Fafen said: “Equality of population among the constituencies in an assembly also needs to be adhered to in the spirit of Section 20 (3) of the Elections Act 2017 (Principles of Delimitation), which restricts the population variation to 10 per cent.” The report revealed that the disparities in the voting was in part due to the presence of Afghan, Behari, Bengali and Burmese populations in certain geographical pockets. The report concluded by stating: “The ECP may dwell into specific reasons in an effort to ensure the principle of equal suffrage in its true spirit.” (Rizwan Shehzad, “In 135 constituencies ECP fails to ensure less than 10% population variation,” The Express Tribune, 5 February 2024)
 
Editorial in The News International accuses parties of “playing the usual tricks”
On 5 February, an editorial in The News International by Shakeel Ahmad Ramay titled, “Manifestos, economy and bluffing,” stated that the manifestos of the political parties should be based on two things: “past performance and future programmes.” According to Ramay, the past performance of a party is completely ignored during their election campaigns, and they could be held accountable in “the absence of data.” He argued that political parties like Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) PML-N gave promising statements; however, none of these programmed can be “materialized.” With 40 per cent of the population living under the poverty line, “circular debt will shoot up in no time.” Additionally, as “stagflation has captured the economy” the editorial questioned whether the PPPP and PML-N would actually provide free electricity. Ramay thus reiterated that even though “manifestos promised to accelerate growth and put the economy back on track,” promising to achieve this in the short-run was “unreal.” Ramay stated that Pakistan has developed a habit of “wasting opportunities for pity political interests.” ‘The country is still unable to exploit the full potential of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and Ramay asserted that parties should be “mindful” that this is the “age of information.” (Shakeel Ahmad Ramay, “Manifestos, economy and bluffing,” The News International, 5 February 2024)
 
Ballot papers printed and ready to be delivered
On 5 February, Dawn reported that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had completed printing 260 million ballot papers for 859 National Assembly (NA) and Provincial Assembly (PA) constituencies. The ECP spokesperson, Syed Nadeem Haider, asserted: “Except for around a dozen districts, the delivery of ballot papers to district returning officers (DROs) has been completed and in the remaining districts, the ballot papers will be delivered today.” In the 2018 general elections, around 220 million ballot papers were printed and 800 tonnes of special security papers were used; in 2024, 2,170 tonnes of paper were used to print 260 million ballot papers. Haider said that when compared to the previous elections, more papers were printed due to the surge of election candidates. Another ECP official stated that the printing of ballot papers began on 14 January and ended on 3 February. (Iftikhar A. Khan, “ECP to complete ballot papers’ delivery today,” Dawn, 5 February 2024)
 
POLITICS
Pakistan’s COAS reaffirms resolve on Kashmir Solidarity Day
On 5 February, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir, visited the Line of Control (LoC) on Kashmir Solidarity Day, reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to respond with full national resolve and military strength to any aggression or violation of its territorial sovereignty. He commended the troops’ readiness and effective response to Indian ceasefire violations and condemned India’s alleged state-sponsored terrorism targeting Pakistani citizens. Munir stated: “Pakistan Army is well versed with the full threat spectrum and is perpetually ready to respond effectively.” Additionally, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, Pakistan Occupied Kashmir’s Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, and the COAS visited Muzaffarabad, and “acknowledged that the fortitude, resilience and unwavering faith of Kashmiris in the face of unabated brutality of Indian occupation forces” in Jammu and Kashmir had been “exemplary,” according to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR). The ISPR’s statement additionally condemned India for allegedly “attempting to change the demography” of Jammu and Kashmir. (“In LoC visit, COAS reiterates resolve to defend territorial sovereignty,” The News International, 5 February 2024)

ECONOMY
Tyre dealers urge government action against tyre smuggling
On 6 February, The Express Tribune reported that tyre dealers and manufacturers urged the government to combat tyre smuggling, emphasising its detrimental impact on the local industry and consumer safety. With an annual tyre consumption of 14.5 million, only 25 percent is domestically produced and ten percent legally imported, while the remainder is sourced illegally. According to tyre manufacturers, smuggled tyres cost the national exchequer over PKR 70 billion annually, affecting local businesses. Smuggled tyres flood markets, jeopardising quality and public safety. The CEO of Ghandhara Tyre & Rubber Company Limited, Hussain Kuli Khan, said that smuggled tyres are usually of “inferior quality” and are cheaper, incentivising people to buy them “without knowing the repercussions.” In 2023, the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement (CCE) confiscated over 55,000 smuggled tyres worth roughly PKR 540 million in Karachi. Khan explained that the devaluation of the rupee had led to a reduction in the import of tyres and a subsequent “heavy influx of smuggled tyres.” He called on the government to “reassess the data on items imported through the Afghan Transit Trade.” (“‘Smuggled tyres cause annual losses of over Rs70 billion’,” The Express Tribune, 6 February 2024; “Smuggled tyres posing big threat to local industry,” Business Recorder, 6 February 2024)
 
OGRA increases gas tariffs amidst financial shortfall
On 6 February, The News International reported that the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) increased Sui Northern gas tariff by 35.13 percent and Sui Southern by 8.57 percent from 1 January 2024, aiming to cover a PKR 98 billion shortfall till 30 June 2024. This marked the second hike in 2023-24. The OGRA suggested earlier on 2 February to increase the gas price by 23.16 per cent per Metric Million British Thermal Unit (MMBTU). The IMF required the Pakistan government to implement the gas review implementation on a biannual basis to combat the PKR 1,250 billion worth circular debt, and thus the OGRA is bound to announce the gas tariff biannually. The caretaker government will review the OGRA’s determination, and failure to respond within 40 days would lead to an automatic enforcement of the new tariffs. (Khalid Mustafa, “OGRA hikes gas tariff,” The News International, 6 February 2024)

IMF delays endorsement of Pakistan’s economic proposals
On 5 February, the IMF withheld immediate endorsement of Pakistan’s interim government’s proposals to reduce industrial electricity prices, settle circular debt, and include Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) debt in public debt. The IMF sought more details on the proposals’ economic and political viability and questioned the government’s haste, especially with regard to PIA’s debt settlement plan. Additionally, the IMF scrutinised plans to reduce industrial tariffs and the circular debt reduction strategy. Two meets with Pakistani authorities concluded without firm decisions, and the IMF indicated that further consideration would be given post-elections. The interim government wants to implement these proposals before exiting office, but the IMF raised concerns about shifting burdens. (Shahbaz Rana, “IMF tepid to interim govt proposals,” The Express Tribune, 6 February 2024)
 
Pakistan’s exports to China surge by 46 per cent in the first seven months of FY 2023-24
On 5 February, the Business Recorder reported that as per data released by the caretaker Federal Minister for Commerce and Industries, Gohar Ejaz, Pakistan’s export of goods and services to China witnessed a notable increase of 46 per cent during the first seven months of the current fiscal year (2023-24) compared to the corresponding period last year. The overall exports to China reached USD 1.724 billion, showing a significant rise from the previous year’s USD 1.180 billion. Ejaz led discussions with Chinese counterparts to enhance economic ties and improve the balance of trade. The efforts resulted in increased exports to China. (“Jul-Jan exports to China up 46pc YoY,” Business Recorder, 5 February 2024)
 
ECP bars caretaker government from PIA privatization
On 5 February, The News International reported that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) barred the caretaker government from proceeding with the privatization of the state-owned Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). Citing Section 230 of the Elections Act, the ECP directed the government to provide all relevant documents related to the privatization program for review. The section prohibits caretaker governments from making “any decision or a policy that may have an effect on or pre-empt the exercise of authority by the future elected government.” The government was instructed to refrain from taking any further steps, including signing agreements, until the commission makes a decision under Section 230. (“ECP bars caretaker govt from privatising PIA,” The News International, 5 February 2024)
 
Editorial in Business Recorder calls for “long and painful” process of economic reforms
On 5 February, an editorial in Business Recorder titled “Worst economic crisis“ cited the World Report 2024 by Human Rights Watch, which highlighted the adverse impact of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) austerity measures and subsidy removal in Pakistan. The report pointed to the “worst economic crisis” in 2023, attributing it to harsh IMF conditions, demanding increased revenue amid tight fiscal and hawkish monetary policies. The cycle of dependence on IMF programs with upfront conditions poses challenges for the democratic government post the 8 February election. The editorial raised a few key concerns with regard to IMF programmes, such as “harsh upfront conditions,” conditions, the requirement of “tight” fiscal policies and “hawkish” monetary policies, and the fact that Pakistan cannot escape the cycle until it “initiates even more painful reforms.” With a low tax-to-GDP ratio and a large impoverished population, the editorial highlighted the “urgent” need for reforms, that may lead to a “long and painful process” but are necessary as they are the “only alternative to a complete, quick, capitulation.” These reforms, as suggested by the editorial include expanding the tax basket, acknowledging that the poor have paid for “the elite siphoning of their taxes,” and structural reforms. (“Worst economic crisis,” Business Recorder, 5 February 2024)

PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Women candidates brave patriarchal challenges in Kohistan elections
On 6 February, Dawn reported that despite facing significant social and cultural barriers, women candidates in Kohistan are contesting the upcoming elections, challenging entrenched patriarchal norms. The Kohistan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is notorious for gender-based violence, child marriage, and an extremely low female literacy rate. Three of the four women who have entered the election race are backed by the PTI, while the fourth is an independent candidate who is affiliated with the PTI. One of the candidates, Tehmina Faheem, stated: “Women here are overwhelmingly blind to their rights. Because of the society’s patriarchal structure, I and other female contestants vying for the upcoming elections can’t directly mix [with the public] to solicit votes even within our gender.” Another candidate, Shakeela Rabbani, described Kohistan’s patriarchal system as a “stage drama meant for men, by men,” where women “play the role of extras.” The candidates, however, face opposition from clerics issuing fatwas against women’s participation in politics. On these lines, the chair of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), Nilofar Bakhtiar, took the matter of the fatwa to the Election Commission of Pakistan for “immediate remedial measures to ensure a hostile free environment for women contenders.” (Nisar Ahmad Khan, “Undeterred by fatwa, Kohistan’s women candidates make history,” Dawn, 6 February 2024)
 
Punjab: PTI alleges harassment and raids on election offices in various constituencies ahead of polls
On 5 February, the PTI alleged that the Punjab police raided PTI election offices and harassed party workers in various constituencies. Incidents included sealing the election office of PTI nominees, harassing women workers, abducting a high court lawyer, and raiding houses of party leaders and supporters. A PTI spokesperson questioned where the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) would “take notice of this fascism.” On the same day, the family of PTI President Parvez Elahi said that the Zahoor Elahi House in Gujarat had been broken into by the police, who demanded documents of nominations of polling agents as well as the list of polling agents. Elahi’s daughter asserted: “Such tactics cannot stop the victory of PTI candidates in Gujrat.” (Mansoor Malik & Waseem Ashraf Butt, “Police raids on PTI offices, leaders’ houses continue across Punjab,” Dawn, 6 February 2024)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Voters launch “Pani Do, Vote Lo” campaign to address water crisis
On 5 February, The Express Tribune reported that in underdeveloped areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), residents took matters into their own hands by launching the “Pani Do, Vote Lo” campaign, which prioritizes resolving the severe water crisis over political promises. Frustrated with politicians’ empty pledges, locals demanded immediate action to address water scarcity, a longstanding issue plaguing their communities. The founder of the campaign, Akhtar Ali Shinwari, explained that the incumbent officers “refused to bat an eye” despite locals taking up the water crisis cause, and thus the campaign was initiated. A local worker in KP added that although contesting politics in KP make “tall claims of resolving the issue of the people and improving their quality of life,” KP still faced issues relating to water, electricity and gas supply, and the provision of education and health. (Wisal Yousafzai, “‘Pani Do, Vote Lo’ campaign gains momentum,” The Express Tribune, 5 February 2024)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Inauguration of Chitral Economic Zone marks industrial progress
On 5 February, Business Recorder reported that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government celebrated a significant achievement in industrial development with the formal inauguration of the Chitral Economic Zone. The state-of-the-art Industrial Facilitation Office Building was also unveiled during the ceremony at Gang Ghereth near Drosh in district Chitral. The caretaker Minister for Industries, Dr Aamer Abdullah, highlighted the project's potential as a game changer for Chitral's economic development. He emphasised industrialization as crucial for progress, expressing support for further easing the zone's development process. The Chitral Economic Zone, spanning 40 acres with an additional 1.72 acres acquired, is strategically positioned for success due to its accessibility through the Lowari Tunnel and proximity to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. (“ Chitral Economic Zone inaugurated,” Business Recorder, 5 February 2024)
 
SECURITY
Grenade attacks target election offices across Balochistan 
On 5 February, multiple grenade attacks targeted the election office of PPP candidate Mir Ali Hassan Zehri, injuring three children. Additional blasts damaged school buildings in Kharan, while a motorcycle explosion targeted a senior police officer on 4 February in the same town. In Panjgaur, individuals opened fire at the house of the President of the Balochistan National Party-Awami (BNP-A), Mir Asad Baloch, as well as the house of PPP candidate Sabir Baloch. Over 40 grenade attacks were reported across ten districts in Balochistan over the last few days, targeting various party camps. (Saleem Shahid, “Grenade attack on PPP election office in Hub injures three children,” Dawn, 6 February 2024)

Militant attack targets Chodwan police station ahead of general elections
On 5 February, militants attacked the Chodwan police station in Dera Ismail Khan, killing ten police officers and injuring six. Regional Police Officer Nasir Mehmood confirmed the casualties, stating that over 30 terrorists launched the assault from three directions, briefly seizing control of the station and resulting in “an exchange of fire for over two-and-a-half hours.” Security concerns have risen in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which have been witnessing multiple attacks in recent days in the run up to the general elections. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar condemned the attack, saying that it failed to “undermine” the Pakistani “resolve to maintain law and order.” Former President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the need of implementing the National Action Plan to eliminate terrorism. (Zahid Imdad, “10 cops martyred, 6 injured in attack on police station in DI Khan,” Dawn, 5 February 2024)

EXTERNAL
Pakistan navy rescues Indian seamen
On 5 February, a spokesperson for the Pakistan Navy said that the navy, with assistance from the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, rescued nine Indian seamen aboard the disabled Ocean Tug SAS-5 near the Indian coast. The tug, heading to Sharjah from Debhol, Maharashtra, faced an electrical generator failure. After a distress signal received from the tug on 4 February, the Pakistan Navy and the Agency initiated a search operation. The Pakistan Maritime Security Ship (PMSS) KASHMIR successfully repaired the tug and provided medical aid, water, and meals. The tug then resumed its voyage to Sharjah. (“ Pak Navy rescues nine Indian seamen,” The News International, 6 February 2024)

Pakistan, Russia, China, and Iran jointly protest Taliban’s inability to control terrorist activities in Afghanistan
On 4 February, The Express Tribune reported that following a conference in Kabul on 29 January, representatives from Pakistan, Russia, China, and Iran quietly registered a joint protest with the interim Afghan Taliban government, expressing concerns about the perceived failure to control terrorist activities within Afghanistan. The initiative for the joint protest originated from Pakistan, aiming to present a united front to influence the Taliban to address the matter. Despite China and Russia not taking a harsh public stance, private concerns persist over terrorist activities on Afghan soil. China considered the Afghan- based East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) as a security threat, while Russia and Iran expressed concern over a potential regional spillover of terrorist activities in Afghanistan. Pakistan has been increasingly vocal in urging the Taliban to fulfil commitments and prevent the use of Afghan soil by terrorists. China’s recent decision to accept the Taliban’s full-time ambassador in Beijing is a step which Pakistan hopes would help China to persuade Afghanistan to address Pakistani concerns. (Kamran Yousaf, “Four countries quietly protest with Afghan Taliban on terror activities,” The Express Tribune, 4 February 2024)
 
Fifth tranche of humanitarian aid sent to Gaza amid ongoing crisis
On 4 February, Pakistan dispatched a fifth tranche of humanitarian aid, including winterized tents, tarpaulins, and blankets, to Gaza via a Pakistan Air Force C-130. The aid, aimed at addressing urgent humanitarian needs, will be received in Al-Arish, Egypt, before delivery to Gaza. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: “This ongoing support underscores Pakistan's continued commitment to addressing urgent humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza.” (“Pakistan sends 5th tranche of humanitarian aid to Gaza,” The News International, 4 February 2024)