Photo : Dawn
NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Dawn
POLITICS
Opposition alliance leader denounces suppression of dissent
On 3 January Pakistan’s opposition alliance rallied against the incumbent government over the state of governance, democracy, constitutional adherence and people’s rights. While speaking at a press conference, the leader of the opposition alliance, Mahmood Khan Achakzai censured how there is a “ban on writing the truth” as well as “speaking” it, even in the parliament. The founder of the Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party expressed grave concern over the suppression of dissent. He pointed out that this widens the gap between the state and people and exacerbates the existing challenges the former grapples with. Pakistan’s challenges involve ongoing political and constitutional crises, surge in terrorism and stirred domestic unrest. While alluding to the escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Achakzai said: “It is our duty to sit down and prevent this region from becoming a battlefield.” In his speech, Achakzai criticized the ruling coalition of being a “fake government” as it works alongside the establishment and not independently, compromising on democratic values. He further remarked: “Shehbaz Sharif was ready to become prime minister under Musharraf, and now that Nawaz Sharif has backed off, Shehbaz has joined the establishment.” (Kalbe Ali, “Opposition bemoans curbs on dissent amid crises,” Dawn, 4 January 2025)
PTI Chairman confirms that the party had “back door contacts ” with the establishment
On 3 January, Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, confirmed that the party had established “backdoor contacts” with the military before the 24 November protests. These contacts have now been severed and the party is is only negotiating with the government. However, doors for future talks with the military “haven’t been shut,” remarked Khan. These statements come as PTI leaders and Imran Khan had earlier claimed that the party was in talks with the establishment on many occasions. They were deemed the “real decision maker and power centre.” Responding to the PM’s Adviser, Rana Sannaullah’s suggestion of a trilateral dialogue between Pakistan People’s Party’s Asif Ali Zardari and the Pakistan Muslim League (N)’s Nawaz Sharif, Barrister Gohar dismissed the probability of such an event. (Mohammad Ashfaq, “‘Doors closed on military for now, PTI only talking to govt’, Gohar says,” Dawn, 4 January 2025)
PTI Secretary says 190 GBP case to not affect ongoing negotiations
On 3 January, while speaking at a press conference, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s information secretary, Sheikh Waqas Akram announced that the GBP 190 million Al Qadir Trust case would not affect the ongoing dialogue between the PTI and the government. He further notified that the first phase of the PTI’s civil disobedience movement was underway. It comprised of asking foreign Pakistani nationals to cease sending remittances. In this regard, he claimed that it would “give a big blow to the already weak government.” He stated that the main objective of stopping the remittances was directed against the government and the ruling elite. “It will be enough to topple the government,” he said. In this manner, Imran Khan would return the political arena via a judicial decision and not a deal. He asserted that the PTI was not demanding for a deal but justice for its supporters and Pakistanis residing abroad as they are being threatened in Pakistan. (Mohammad Ashfaq, “‘Doors closed on military for now, PTI only talking to govt’, Gohar says,” Dawn, 4 January 2025; “Talks to continue even if Imran sentenced on 6th: Sheikh Waqas,” Dawn, 4 January 2025)
“Now that the PTI has finally decided to sit at the negotiating table with the PML-N and its allies, we hope a political solution is reached eventually”: Dawn editorial
On 4 January, an editorial in The News International titled “PTI-government talks,” discussed how the ongoing talks between rival political parties, the Pakistan Muslim League (N), Pakistan People’s Party and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) was much needed. In the last few days, Pakistan has witnessed political momentum as the PTI and the PML-N have sit down to talk in a “cordial environment” instead of the former leading demonstrations on the streets and the latter struggling to maintain the law and order situation. The PTI has sought for two demands to be addressed, the first one pertains to the release of political prisoners and the second one is linked to the constitution of a judicial commission to investigate the 9 May and 26 November events. The editorial emphasized that such an initiative as rational as both parties have taken unilateral decisions and not sought collaboration. Consequently, it does not serve the larger interest of Pakistan if conflict between both parties hinders the normal functioning of the state. The editorial also pointed out that none of the actions, of the ruling government or the PTI have been morally rational as the former has locked up its rivals in prison while the latter has simply added to the polarization. In this regard, it underscored the need for Pakistan to be different in 2025. “Now that the PTI has finally decided to sit at the negotiating table with the PML-N and its allies, we hope a political solution is reached eventually,” said the editorial. (“PTI-government talks,” The News International, 4 January 2025)
JUDICIARY
ATC grants bail in 250 applications to PTI activists
On 3 January, the Anti Terrorism Court (ATC) granted bail in 250 petitions pertaining to 13 cases registered against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) supporters concerning the the 26 November events. At the same time, it also rejected 150 bail applications of accused individuals. Even Opposition leader in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub’s short-term bail for the 26 November case was extended till 9 January. Ahead of the third round of negotiations, Ayub stated that the PTI will be affixed to its stance, which is the release of political prisoners and an investigation in the 9 May and 26 November events. In a separate development, BBC Urdu reports claimed that some of the people who have been released for their involvement in the 9 May incident, were welcomed at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s residence. The Chairman of PTI, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, however, denied such news reports, claiming that they were far from the truth. (Khalid Iqbal, Mumtaz Alvi & Sher Ali Khalti, “250 PTI activists granted bail in 13 cases,” The News International, 4 January 2025)
ECONOMY
Finance Ministry report highlights challenges to oil and gas sector
On 4 January, an article in The News International outlined the existing challenges in the oil and gas sector, which is weak financial management. A report from the Finance Ministry highlighted that the major deficiency in the business plans of Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDC), Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL), Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Pakistan State Oil (PSO) is the ineffective management of finances. In addition, the existence of a high circular debt obstructs cash flows. The delayed payments from State Owned Enterprises and other major customers have affected their liquidity. Besides, all five firms deal with the problem of obsolete and inefficient infrastructure. For instance, OGDC and PPL which are two major upstream oil and gas companies continue to operate with aging technology and infrastructure. Consequently, the operation costs are high and the rate of productivity is low. All five firms also have to deal with the issue of improper implementation of hedging and risk management strategies. Their vulnerability to international market rates makes it necessary for them to adopt business plans that prioritize various monetary instruments like future swaps to dampen or overcome risks. (“Ministry highlights weak financial management of oil, gas sector,” The News International, 4 January 2025)
Pakistan to implement ambitious National Economic Transition Plan
On 4 January, according to The News International, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to introduce The National Economic Transition Plan. It is an ambitious economic plan which aims at attaining economic targets like increasing investment, reducing poverty levels and ultimately, doubling the GDP growth rate. It envisions investment worth USD 29 billion from UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Azerbaijan and Kuwait under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). It also outlines a roadmap until 2029 in which provinces and ministries will draft annual targets and sectoral plans will be executed. By fiscal 2028-2029 the GDP growth is expected to increase to 6 percent from the current 2.5 per cent of fiscal 2023-2024. Additionally, per capita income has been expected to soar to USD 2405 from USD 1680. Besides, investment has also been targeted to increase to 17 per cent of the GDP. Inflation levels have been aspired to fall to a single digit figure of 6.2 per cent while poverty levels have been envisaged to drop from 21.4 per cent to 12 per cent in the coming five years. (Mehtab Haider, “Ambitious plan aims to double GDP growth, cut poverty,” Dawn, 4 January 2025)
Accurate information pertaining “agricultural activities is vital for data-driven future planning, policymaking, as well as targeted interventions”: Dawn editorial
On 4 January, an editorial in Dawn titled “Agriculture census,” discussed how agriculture has been the most neglected sector of the economy despite being a major contributor to the GDP. It welcomed the seventh agricultural census as it will enable better policy formulation in a sector that has been replete with challenges for more than a decade. These challenges are not just restricted to the crop sector but also affect the food security, exports and the livestock sector. These challenges are further exacerbated by extreme climatic events like heat waves, droughts, floods and many more. As a result, the burden of this has to be directly borne by the farmers, thereby pushing them towards a state of increased poverty and unemployment. However, the government has sought to address the issues existing in the domain by advancing subsidies. In reality most of them are pocketed by the middlemen or landlords, leaving behind the landless tenants and smallholder farmers to suffer as there is no data to adopt evidence based approach. In this regard, the editorial suggested that: “through the agriculture census and disintegrated by experts can provide a treasure trove for the agriculture planners and policymakers, provided they are inclined to actually use it.” (“Agriculture census,” Dawn, 4 January 2025)
SOCIETY
PM Sharif determined to counter misinformation spread through internet
On 3 January, PM Sharif pledged to counter the threats from the spread of false news and “misinformation” through social media sites. He views the same as “inevitable” for eradicating “terrorism and extremism” from Pakistan. PM Sharif presided over a meeting of the Apex Committee of National Action Plan where he stated that on the internet, propaganda against Pakistan is being carried out by foreign elements. The propaganda is supported by misrepresented facts and “twister reality.” In the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, members of the cabinet of federal government, chief ministers and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir were also present. He reminded the committee how false news was proliferated in relation to the death of Pakistani Ranger officials on 26 November 2024. PM Sharif also expressed his contentment over Pakistan assuming a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council. PM Sharif also stated that his government is resolute in eradicating “Fitna Al-Khwarij” from Pakistan. (Mateen Haider, “PM calls for countering digital challenge of fake news,” The Nation, 4 January 2025)
“Interior Ministry’s recent directive to incorporate biometric features into Form B for 10-18 years old is not without its merits”: Dawn editorial
On 4 January, an editorial in Dawn titled “Biometric for kids” discussed the recent government measure which mandates submission of “biometric features” for children who are in the age group of 10 to 18 years. The same would be integrated in “Form B.” The editorial highlighted the problem of exploitation of the identity card which has made the recent government move essential. The editorial mentioned how in the year 2009, a minister of the federal government was accused of carrying “human trafficking.” He was allegedly involved in alteration of National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) records for assisting “unauthorized travel.” The editorial noted how the forgery of identity documents has facilitated “human trafficking” and illegitimate immigration. The editorial stated that the new measure which mandates submission of “fingerprints and photographs” and digitalized “birth certificates” could possibly lead a pathway towards curbing incidents where identity is being stolen and fake documents are easily made. The editorial also reminded that NADRA must be fully prepared to handle this additional responsibility in order to avoid long backlogs. The editorial further suggested that the government must also introduce systems which would lead to convictions of “identity-related” offences, thus creating a bulwark against human trafficking. (“Biometric for kids,” Dawn, 4 January 2025)
SECURITY
Road closure in Kurram district likely to end soon
On 4 January, it is anticipated that the road to Kurram district would finally be reopened. A “convoy” which would transport food and essential items is scheduled to travel towards Kurram district. This would finally bring a stop to the road closure which has lasted for 80 days. The sit-in protest outside the Parachinar Press Club will not be called off unless the protesters are assured that the roads are reopened and are safe. There is a separate protest which is taking place in Lower Kurram. The demonstrators there are insisting on getting remuneration for the devastation caused to their houses and markets. KP Government Spokesman Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif confirmed that steps have been taken to ensure full proof security of the convoy. Kurram district’s main road which is Thall-Parachinar Road has remained out of operation from 21 November 2024. The road closure was a result of the attack on a caravan of passenger vehicles. The attack resulted in the killing of 40 people in Lower Kurram. (Javid Hussain, “Aid convoy set to depart for Parachinar today,” Dawn, 4 January 2025)
PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Two soldiers abducted; one police officer shot dead
On 3 January, two soldiers were abducted from Lakki Marwat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Out of the two, one soldier got away from the kidnappers. however, the other was taken to an undisclosed location. As per the sources of Dawn, the two soldiers were traveling from Karak to Mianwali. They were traveling in a passenger coach. On another note, on the same day, a police officer was killed in Bannu. He was shot dead by militants who were on their motorcycles. After shooting the police officer, the militants ran away on their motorbikes. Post the incident, many police officers arrived at the location. They initiated a “search” to locate the culprits. Imran Shahid who is the Regional Police Officer commended the courage of the martyred police officer. He reassured the family members of the killed police officer, that the attackers would face the wrath of law. (Ghulam Mursalin Marwat, “Two soldiers kidnapped in Lakki; Bannu cop martyred,” Dawn, 4 January 2025)
EXTERNAL
PM Sharif to visit UAE in February for the World Government Summit
On 4 January, The News International reported that PM Sharif will be travelling to the UAE in February. This would mark his first visit to a foreign country in 2025. As per the sources, PM Sharif is invited as the “guest of honor” for the World Government Summit which is scheduled to be held in the UAE. Pakistan has given its consent to attend the summit. In 2024, many heads of state had convened for the summit. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also one among them. It is anticipated that he will also be attending the summit in 2025. Nevertheless, there has been no official communique regarding the same. The experts are not anticipating a meeting between PM Sharif and PM Modi at the summit owing to the tense relations between the two countries. PM Sharif, nevertheless, is expected to have separate discussions with other heads of state on the sidelines of the summit. The summit is scheduled to begin from 11 February and will go on for three days. The theme of the summit as per sources is “Shaping Future Governments.” (Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, “PM to attend world govt summit next month in UAE,” The News International, 4 January 2025)
WORLD VIEW
“Pakistan must continue to adopt a nuanced and multifaceted diplomatic approach”: The Nation editorial
On 4 January, an editorial in The Nation titled “Resisting Binaries” discussed the importance for Pakistan to maintain a balanced relationship with all the key international powers. The editorial cited multiple examples to demonstrate how countries have maintained a balanced approach when it comes to pursuing diplomatic relations. Mexico is a neighboring country of the United States. However, it continues to maintain cordial relations with China. The editorial further pointed to India’s balanced approach towards both the United States and Russia. The editorial argued that Pakistan must similarly also have a balanced approach in maintaining diplomatic ties with all the countries. The editorial highlighted how Iran and Pakistan can both benefit, if they improve their bilateral ties. The editorial stressed that increased cooperation at the I ran-Pakistan border could result in putting an end to the illegal smuggling. The editorial also suggested that Iran, which has an old fleet of fighter aircrafts, could possibly look at Pakistan and China’s JF-17 fighter jets. The editorial argued that despite Iran being cornered by the USA and Israel, Pakistan must not close their diplomatic channels with Iran. The editorial called for enhancing “military and economic” relations with Iran. (“Resisting Binaries,” The Nation, 4 January 2025)
“US conveniently ignores the extent to which it monitors its own citizens’ conversation through devices manufactured by domestic tech companies”: The Nation editorial
On 4 January, an editorial in The Nation titled “iSpy” discussed the alleged hypocrisy of the United States in maligning China and its companies. The editorial pointed out how the US has outlawed Huawei which is a Chinese technology firm from setting its base inside US’s territory. In addition to that, the editorial claimed that the US is putting pressure over other European countries to ban Huawei on unverified claims of “espionage and data collection.” The editorial highlighted how American firms such as Apple were compelled to discharge USD 95 million as it was found to be spying on “private conversation.” The editorial mentioned another US firm Amazon which had to pay USD 30 million for breaching privacy of the customers. The editorial alleged that the US is trying to accuse Chinese companies of offences which its own firms are carrying out. The editorial argued that if the US projects itself as the flag-bearer of “free speech and free trade,” it must allow Huawei and other Chinese companies to operate inside US’s territory. The editorial also suggested that the US brings up the issue of privacy so as to reduce the competition which it faces from Chinese companies. (“iSpy,” The Nation, 4 January 2025)