PBS highlights high trade deficit I Restrictions put on access to internet a “legal grey area”: PTA Chairman
In Brief
POLITICS
PM Sharif may include new members in the cabinet
On 2 January, Dawn reported on PM Sharif’s intentions to include fresh members in the federal cabinet. It still remains uncertain whether someone from PPP or from the alliance partners of PML-N will be inducted in the federal cabinet. It is anticipated that Dr Tauqir Shah, Hanif Abbasi, Barrister Aqeel Malik and Tariq Fazal Chaudhry are likely to become the new members of the federal cabinet. Dr Tauqir Shah was the principal secretary to PM Sharif during the previous PDM government. He is presently working at the World Bank. PM Sharif has requested him to come back to Pakistan. He met PM Sharif on 1 January. It is anticipated that PM Sharif will hold a meeting with the new faces and then decide to include them in the cabinet. Further, it is anticipated that the Ministry of Information is likely be headed by a different member. It is currently headed by Attaullah Tarar. PM Sharif had previously confirmed that federal cabinet members do not get wages and other benefits. This was the outcome of “government’s austerity measures.” (Syed Irfan Raza, “Shehbaz likely to induct new faces in cabinet,” Dawn, 2 January 2025)
Restrictions put on access to internet a “legal grey area”: PTA Chairman
On 2 January, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has accepted that restrictions that were put on internet use fell under a “legal grey area.” It has further asked the Minister of Law and Minister of Interior to provide a legal rationale behind the decision. Retired Major General Hafeezur Rehman, however, pointed out that blocking the use of the internet has been happening since 2016. He stated in the Senate standing Committee on Information Technology which was convened on 1 January that the question of internet shutdowns being legal or not has only come up recently. He further stated that the Ministry of Law and Ministry of Interior should state their “final legal opinion.” The members of the Senate standing committee raised concerns about the PTA chief’s decision to block internet access on directions of the Interior Ministry. Senator Kamran Murtaza questioned the PTA to cite the law which gave it the authority to shut down the internet. The PTA chief in reply stated that as per the rules, the Interior Ministry can order the PTA to restrict services. However, he also stated that the law was silent on restricting internet use in any specific region. On the issue of the VPN ban, the PTA chief confirmed that he did not direct their shutdown. PTA has introduced a “new licensing category,” through which concerned authorities will be able to get access to the VPN traffic. (Kalbe Ali, “Internet blocking is ‘legal grey area,’ Senate body told,” Dawn, 2 January 2025)
PTI and government to hold second round of talks on 2 January
On 2 January, the second round of talks will be held between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and the government at the Constitution Committee Room of the Parliament House. The in-camera meeting will be presided over by the National Assembly spokesman, Ayaz Sadiq. At the meeting, the PTI has decided to advance two demands, including, the release of political prisoners and the constitution of a judicial commission to probe into the 9 May 2023 and 26 November 2024 events. Separately, while speaking in a televised interview, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Amin Ali Gandapur announced that a protest will be launched if the talks with the incumbent government were unsuccessful. (Asim Yasin, “Second round of govt-PTI talks today,” The News International, 2 January 2025)
“Pildat’s Quality of Democracy report has painted a sobering portrait of democratic regression”: Dawn editorial
On 2 January, an editorial in Dawn titled “On life support” discussed the recent findings of the PILDAT report which demonstrated how the state of democracy in Pakistan has further worsened. The editorial mentioned how democracy has further weakened in Pakistan despite the government being headed by a civilian leadership. The editorial viewed the postponement and rigging in general elections as one of the major factors which led people to question the state of democracy in the country. Doubts have also been raised over Election Commission Pakistan’s neutrality after it stripped PTI off its bat symbol. The editorial also viewed the passing of 26th constitutional amendment and increasing the tenure of army chiefs as factors that have led to weakening of democracy in the country. Further, the editorial raised concern over categorization of few of the social media posts as “digital terrorism.” The editorial viewed the beginning of discussions between PTI and government as a step in the right direction. The editorial argued that the state of democracy can only be improved through concrete “reforms” and sticking to “constitutional principles.” (“On life support,” Dawn, 2 January 2025)
“Using lawfare to swiftly get rid of political opponents makes a mockery of the legal system”: Dawn editorial
On 2 January, an editorial in Dawn titled “Harsh sentence” discussed how the government misuses law to target their political rivals. The editorial mentioned the case of Former Gilgit Baltistan Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid Khan who was indicted “for threatening security institutions.” The former Chief Minister is a member of PTI. He has been sentenced to 34 years in jail in addition to being fined by an anti-terrorism court. The editorial stated that the former CM has been indicted because of a speech that he delivered in Gilgit. Other additional cases are also lodged against him. The editorial argued that applying “anti-terrorism law” for just a speech that can be labeled as controversial is not appropriate. The editorial urged that the government must re-look into its misuse of “legal tactics” for targeting leaders of opposition parties. The editorial noted that misusing of law against leaders of opposition parties has been a norm during the previous governments as well. The editorial further argued that the misuse of law against opposition leaders will further weaken the public trust in legal institutions. (“Harsh sentence,” Dawn, 2 January 2025)
ECONOMY
PBS highlights high trade deficit
On 1 January, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), a trade deficit of USD 2.44 billion was recorded in December 2024. It highlighted an annual increase of 35 per cent and the highest level of trade deficit since April. This comes as sharp import rates were recorded. Exports in December were worth USD 2.84 billion, registering a 0.67 per cent rise. On a monthly basis, there was very little progress as the November exports amounted to USD 2.833 billion. On the other hand, imports stood at USD 5.285 billion reflecting a 14 per cent year-on-year increase, the highest recorded figure since September 2022. Speaking on the matter, a senior economist opined: “The rising import trajectory is concerning, especially when paired with sluggish export growth.” This also heightens challenges for policymakers who are already dealing with several other economic issues. In this regard, experts have suggested that targeted measures be implemented, such as the diversification of exports. A trade analyst said: “Without a strategic focus on improving export competitiveness, the trade imbalance will continue to exert pressure on the economy.” (“Pakistan’s trade deficit swells to $2.44bn in December,” The News International, 2 January 2025)
Government imposes ban on double pension to meet IMF and World Bank demands
On 2 January, The News International reported that in its attempt to meet the demands of international creditors such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, the government has banned advancing a double pension from the state treasury. Therefore, the pension allowances will be calculated 24 months ahead of the employees’ retirement. A top official claimed that this was needed as the government’s obligations kept piling on, just like the increasing debt burden. Currently, the central and provincial governments have a pension liability bill of close to PKR 40-45 trillion. In this regard, the Ministry of Finance issued various notifications that complied with the Pay and Pension Commission 2020’s recommendations. It highlights how matters should be dealt with if a person is entitled to more than one pension and provides a framework to calculate the pension due to retiring employees. The pension will be evaluated on the basis of an average of the pensionable payments given 24 months prior to retirement from service. (Mehtab Haider, “IMF, WB demand: Ban imposed on govt employees' double pension,” The News International, 2 January 2025)
Tax-to-GDP ratio surpasses IMF target for December
On 2 January, The News International reported on official data that featured how Pakistan was able to surpass the tax-to-GDP ratio target set by the International Monetary Fund in December 2024. This comes as the Federal Revenue Board recorded a PKR 5,624 billion collection within the first half of the present fiscal. While the government-IMF agreed tax-to-GDP ratio was set at 10.6 per cent, the actual ratio as calculated on 31 December was at 10.8 per cent. It is also a progress from the previous fiscal’s ratio which was at 9.7 per cent in the first quarter. (“FBR surpasses IMF-set tax-to-GDP target for Dec 2024,” The News International, 2 January 2025)
“Government representatives have left the entire nation on its own, forcing them to fend for themselves”: The News International editorial
On 2 January, an editorial titled “Missed targets,” in The News International discussed how tax evasion has proved to be a challenge for the Pakistani economy and the growing distrust of the public with the state. The editorial acknowledged that hesitancy towards paying taxes is a universal issue and not exclusive to Pakistan. However, the perpetual economic challenges despite regime changes, continue to afflict Pakistan. This came to be as the authorities and politicians have been too lenient with tax evaders, thereby hindering the state from achieving its national goals. At this juncture, the government ought to begin economic documentation especially, in the current generation where the digital landscape has simplified the task for authorities to surveil transactions, even though there would be resistance. The tax evaders may argue that the government has failed at providing basic facilities as they are available at exorbitant prices. However, most of these rates are determined by private players. This in turn gives people more “incentive to evade tax or move away from economic activities that may require them to give a share of their income to the government.” In this regard, the editorial underscored the need to have the public “trust in their country’s system” in order to meet fiscal goals. (“Missed targets,” The News International, 2 January 2025)
ENVIRONMENT
“Developing countries have to come together to draft a coherent plan to deal with this problem”: The News International editorial
On 2 January, an editorial titled “The climate challenge,” in The News International discussed how UN reports have claimed 2024 is set to receive the title of the hottest recorded year, which earlier belonged to 2023, and the challenges it poses to developing countries and the need for them to be proactive. The issue of developing countries is not only are they grappling with existing political, societal, security, and many other challenges, but they now have to deal with the challenge of climate change. They are not responsible for the climate change phenomenon, however, they have to bear the brunt of it as they are the most vulnerable to climate-induced disasters. In the latest COP29 held in Baku, the developed countries were called upon to advance monetary compensation to developing states as the latter had to pay off their USD 443.5 billion in debt repayments. But the compensation will be in the form of a loan, further exacerbating their debt woes. Additionally, the developed countries continue to lobby for the non-phasing out of fossil fuels while having the resources to protect themselves from harsh weather conditions. On the other hand, developing countries do not hold such an advantage. Furthermore, the lack of initiative of developing countries is also a reason behind their climate woes. The editorial said: “The developing world’s laid-back attitude towards adopting local solutions” is obvious. Hence, instead of making “futile attempts at convincing the developed world to pledge funds, they should analyze how they can do things differently to protect the environment and people.” (“The climate challenge,” The News International, 2 December 2025)
SECURITY
Rival parties agree to peace deal in Kurram
On 1 January, a peace agreement between the rival groups was signed in Kurram. A “grand jirga” had been trying to broker a peace deal between the rival parties. However, because of the absence of two leaders from Lower Kurram, the peace agreement which was supposed to be signed on 31 December was delayed. The violence in Kurram has resulted in the death of 130 people since December 2024. Due to closure of roads, there has been a scarcity of food and medicinal supplies. The sit-in protest in Upper Kurram has not been called off as the protesters are demanding to re-open the roads and improve the “law and order” in the region. KP government spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif said “peace agreement would usher the district in a new era of peace and development.” He assured that the region would soon return to normalcy. He further informed that convoys would move out of Parachinar on 4 January. As per the agreement, the rival sides have agreed to stick to the Muree agreement 2008. The agreement would also bring “displaced” people to their “native areas” and there would not be any obstructions to it. With the signing of the peace accord, it was agreed upon that there would not be any building of bunkers and the earlier constructed bunkers would be demolished. After the signing of the agreement, Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) on 1 January suspended its sit-in protests. The protest staged by MWM in support of residents of Kurram started on 24 December in Karachi. (Manzoor Ali, Arif Hayat and Javid Hussain, “Peace brokered in Kurram as warring sides sign agreement: KP govt spokesperson,” Dawn, 2 January 2025; Imtiaz Ali, “MWM chief calls off sit-ins following peace agreement between Kurram factions,” Dawn, 1 January 2025)
PROVINCES
Balochistan leaders accuse federal government of excessive interference in provincial matters
On 2 January, Dawn reported that “leaders from political and religious” organizations in Balochistan in addition to “tribal elders and civil society members” are questioning the poor state of law and order in the province. They pointed out that the situation of law and order in the province continues to worsen in spite of government spending of PKR 80 million. They claim that law and order is worsening in the province as the Balochistan assembly does not have appropriate representation from all groups. Jamaat-e-Islami has accused the federal government of not giving full authority to the Balochistan provincial government for using its resources. They further demanded that security officials must remain in their barracks. In a gathering which was initiated by JI, it was claimed that Balochistan was seen as a “colony” and that the promises made to its people were not fulfilled by the federal government. Tribal elders in Balochistan have demanded discussions with members of Balochistan’s provincial assembly and federal government to look into “constitutional issues.” They have urged the federal government to stop interfering in political matters of Balochistan which are supposed to be dealt with by its provincial government. A joint statement by the gathering denounced the involvement of security personnel in “tribal affairs.” This has resulted in anger among the local communities. (Saleem Shahid, “Balochistan Assembly ‘lacks genuine representation,’” Dawn, 2 January 2025)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan begins UNSC non-permanent member term
On 1 January, Pakistan began its term as a non-permanent member in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). While speaking at a reception hosted for the permanent UNSC members at the Foreign Office, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar highlighted that Pakistan has made a statement at the council. It seeks to achieve peaceful and just solutions to the Council’s agendas and will also campaign against illegal and unilateral threats. On the same day, the Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zehra Baloch was replaced by the Additional Secretary Europe, Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan, while the former has been appointed to Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in France. Meanwhile, the Foreign Office also revealed that both India and Pakistan exchanged lists pertaining to nuclear installations and facilities in their respective territories under the Agreement on Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities. Another list exchange between the two countries was the list of prisoners withheld in each other’s custody. The Foreign Office notice stated that this was carried out under the Consular Access Agreement of 2008. Interestingly, Pakistan has sought the release of 38 military personnel who went missing in 1965 and 1971 wars. The list provided by Pakistan highlighted that 266 Indian prisoners were in its custody while 462 Indians were in Pakistan’s custody. Hence, the Government of India has been called upon to expatriate and release those Pakistanis, 52 civilian prisoners and 56 fishermen, who have served their term and whose national status has been verified. (Mariana Baabar, “Pakistan seeks peaceful resolution of all issues on UNSC agenda,” The News International, 2 January 2025)
INDIA VIEW
Dawn covers The Washington Post report alleging India’s involvement in targeted killings across Pakistan
On 1 January, Dawn reported on The Washington Post’s findings of India’s external agencies’ alleged involvement in carrying out covert attacks in Pakistan. The report by The Washington Post described the assault on Amir Sarfraz Tamba. Tamba was allegedly blamed for killing Sarabjit Singh in a prison in Lahore. The report stated that Indian agencies gave out contracts to “local petty criminals” in Pakistan for the killings. According to the report, the killings in Pakistan were never carried out by Indian citizens. The report claimed that the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) of India gave contracts to entrepreneurs operating from Dubai. The businessmen acted as their middlemen. The businessmen hired people to carry out surveillance and eliminate targets. The report further claimed that in Pakistan, the targets of Indian agencies mainly belonged to two militant groups which were Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Muhammad. The report also mentions ISI head Nadeem Anjum informing about Indian aggression in Pakistan to CIA Director William J Burns in the year 2022. Further, the report cited the claim of militants operating in Jammu and Kashmir in which they contend that India has a vested interest in overstating its “deadly capabilities.”(“India carrying out covert assassination campaigns in Pakistan: report,” Dawn, 1 January 2025)
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There is no shortcoming in the legal team. If decisions had been made in accordance with the constitution and law and the judiciary had not compromised, when would Khan Sahib have come out? On February 8, the people came out and rejected the May 9 narrative, but the ROs given by Qazi Faez to the bureaucracy sank the February 8 elections
Abuzar Salman Niazi
- PTI
Saqib Nisar and Bandial's biased decisions are a standard of justice for PTI Abid Sher Ali
- PMLN Digital
PTI is defaming Pakistan in front of the world
Ahsan Iqbal
- PMLN Digital
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"Judicial autonomy is vital for democracy and the economy."
- An opinion in Dawn, 'Trying too hard.'
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