NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
In Brief
POLITICS
PM Sharif speaks on inter-party dialogue, US sanctions and terror attacks
On 24 December, during a federal cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed hope over talks being held between the government and the opposition, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf. He expressed satisfaction that both parties had come together to sort out inter-party tensions in the larger interest of the country. He said: “It takes two to tango. I hope both parties will play their part to serve the national interests and promote national stability.” He also addressed the sanctions imposed by the US on the National Development Complex and other organizations. He deemed this move illogical as Pakistan’s nuclear system was established on the foundations of deterrence and not aggression. He further spoke about the security situation prevailing in Pakistan. He noted the rise in terrorism and the recent terror attacks which killed 17 security forces and assured that the federation was coordinating with the provincial government to wipe out terrorism in the country. (Syed Irfan Raza, “Premier hopeful about parleys with PTI,” Dawn, 25 December 2024)
ECONOMY
Government aims to improve tax-to-GDP ratio in three years via tax reforms
On 24 December, while speaking at a Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb disclosed that the government intends to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio from 10 per cent to 13.5 per cent in the next three years.. This will be achieved via amendment to the tax law which will help improve tax compliance and collection inthe country. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman, Rashid Langrial revealed that the new tax regime will not introduce new taxes instead it will concentrate on issues pertaining to filing and non-filing of taxes. The minister also claimed that all unregistered citizens would be brought into the tax net and the FBR would undergo a process of digitalization to improve its efficiency and reduce human intervention. He further stated that progress is expected in the coming six months as efforts are being made to separate the FBR and Tax Policy Unit. This is aimed at improving tax collection and ensuring enhanced transparency. When opposition leader at the Senate underscored the need to restore trust among people in the tax authorities, the finance minister claimed that the government is planning to implement the “People Process Technology” initiative which will promote a trust-building exercise among people. (Mubarak Zeb Khan, “Govt eyes 13.5pc tax-to-GDP ratio in three years,” Dawn, 25 December 2024)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan bombs Bernal district in Afghanistan to wipe out TTP camps
On 24 December, Pakistan’s fighter jets eliminated four camps of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in the Patika province of Afghanistan. The bombing killed and injured many alleged terrorists. Dawn reported that these camps were located in Laman and Murgha in Bernal district. Ina post on X , the Afghanistan Defence Ministry confirmed that the strikes were carried out by the neighboring country. However, the statement also alleged that casualties from the bombings involved children and civilians. This development comes as the Special Representative Ambassador Muhammad Sadig led a delegation to meet the interim Interior Minister, Amir Muttaqi in Kabul with the objective of resuming diplomatic talks between both countries. (“Pakistan strikes TTP camps in Afghanistan,” Dawn, 25 December 2024)
FO defends military court trial while responding to international criticism
On 24 December, the Foreign Office Spokesperson responded to the international criticism against the military courts decision to sentence 25 civilians for their alleged involvement in the 9 May riots. She defended the decision by claiming that it aligned with the Supreme Court’s ruling and the legislature. Concerns were expressed by the European Union, the UK and the US. They believed that the ruling did not align with democratic principles or human rights standards. The US State Department expressed resistance in a similar tone by saying that “these military courts lack judicial independence, transparency, and due process guarantees.” The UK also emphasized on how military trials of civilians compromised fairness and judicial independence. The EU statement emphasized on the need for every individual to be given a fair and transparent trial. Since Pakistan is a Generalized Scheme of Preference Plus (GSP+), it receives preferential treatment from the EU in its exports in exchange for complying with international human rights obligations. In this regard, Baloch claimed that Pakistan’s judicial system is consistent with the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). She further stated that the government was fully committed to the provisions of the GSP+. (Baqir Sajjad Syed, “FO defends trials by military courts in face of criticism,” Dawn, 25 December 2024)