In Brief
POLITICS
PTI questions government’s seriousness with the dialogue
On 7 January, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) spokesperson, Sheikh Waqas Akram was quoted saying that the ruling coalition’s unserious approach to the interparty dialogue with the PTI would have unfavorable implications in the ongoing process. The following factors are seen responsible for the same the government’s refusal to provide PTI access to Imran Khan and the PTI’s resistance to submitting a demand charter to the government. Commenting on this, Senator Irfan Siddiqui opined that these demands “may sabotage the entire negotiation process.” (Ikram Junaidi, “PTI links success of talks with govt’s ‘seriousness’,” Dawn, 7 January 2025)
“Both sides must set aside their entrenched positions and work towards a solution that prioritizes the nation’s stability over partisan interests”: The News International editorial
On 7 January, an editorial titled “The road to dialogue,” in The News International discussed how the interparty negotiations between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and the coalition may be taking an unfavorable turn. Ahead of the third round of negotiations, a stalemate is in play. The PTI’s demands are simple on the front: the removal of political prisoners and an investigation into the 9 May and 24 November events. Along with this, the PTI has also requested to meet their party founder, Imran Khan to consult him regarding their demand charter. It is a “reasonable” demand, stated the editorial, and the government’s “refusal” to this happening “undermines the spirit of dialogue” as other political parties enjoy this privilege. Hence, PTI’s refusal to delay the talks may be valid. Additionally, the government suffers from internal discord as some entities may be for the dialogue while others believe it would increase the PTI’s bargaining power and not be well received by its supporters.
However, the PTI is not the victim here as it appears reluctant to put its demands in writing. The demands voiced by the party reflect the public opinion however, its hesitancy to do so raises speculation over whether the party has an ulterior motive. As a result, this could be viewed as another set of National Reconciliation Ordinance-type deals which the party has historically rallied against. The party may continue to present itself as self-righteous with “ambiguous” goals being negotiated “behind closed doors.” But it also risks undermining its credibility in the public opinion. Nevertheless, both parties need to set aside their differences to prevent further political polarization and “exacerbate the country’s economic and governance crises.” (“The road to dialogue,” The News International, 7 January 2025)
PPP instructs party members to publicly criticize government
On 6 January, The Express Tribune reported that the Pakistan People’s Party has directed its members to openly criticize the government and even question its policies at the central and provincial levels. It is reported that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had notified its members to condemn the government for its ineffective policies. The news report quoting party sources, mentioned that the PPP is determined to hold its coalition partner Pakistan Muslim League (N) accountable instead of giving the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf a chance to highlight the government’s poor decisions. (“PPP decides to openly oppose government policies,” The Express Tribune, 6 January 2025)
JUDICIARY
On granting bail to Imran Khan in Toshakhana 2.0: Islamabad High Court’s “detailed verdict”
On 7 January, The News International reported on Islamabad High Court’s detailed clarification for granting bail to Imran Khan in Toshakhana 2.0 case in November 2024. Islamabad High Court (IHC) has conveyed that not depositing state gifts does not call for “appropriate action.” A detailed order has been sent out by IHC Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, in support of Imran Khan. Khan has been imprisoned since August 2024 in the Toshakhana case-1, among other cases. Justice Aurangzeb, further stated: “Prima facie such non-deposit does not entail appropriate action under the relevant rules in terms of the OM [Cabinet Division’s Office Memorandum] dated 18.12.2018,” in the detailed ruling. (Awais Yousafzai, “Prima facie, non-deposit of gift in Toshakhana doesn’t entail action: HC,” The News International, 7 January 2025)
NAB defers GBP 190 million Al Qadir Trust Case case verdict for the second time
On 6 January, the National Bureau of Accountability (NAB) postponed its decision on the GBP 190 million Al Qadir Trust case filed against Imran Khan and the Former First Lady Bushra Bibi. According to the corruption reference filed by the NAB, Imran Khan had played a central “role in the illicit transfer of funds meant for the state of Pakistan into an account designated for the payment of land by Bahria Town, Karachi.” It further stated that Bushra Bibi also played an active role in the corruption case, as a “frontwoman.” Responding to the development, on his X account Khan was quoted saying that the delay in the court’s decision on the “bogus” case was aimed at putting pressure on him, as it had been done earlier. He said: “Just as your face was blackened in the first Iddat case and the Cipher case, it will be the same again.” This delay marks the second time the verdict on the case has been deferred. (Tahir Naseer, “Imran blasts delay in ‘bogus’ £190m Al-Qadir Trust case verdict as pressure tactic,” Dawn, 6 January 2025)
ECONOMY
SBP governor calls for law to stop outflows
On 7 January, during the Senate Standing Committee on Finance meeting, the SBP governor, Jameel Ahmed, apprised the participants that the foreign exchange reserve increased from USD 2.7 billion to USD 11.7 billion in the previous two years. He argued that despite the external debt being the same from the last two years, there was hope as the foreign exchange reserves nearly touched USD 12 billion. He took note of outflows worth USD 2.5 million via Masters and Visa cards per week in 2022 during a severe balance of payment crisis. It resulted in a cumulative of USD 1.4 billion on an annual basis. In this regard, the SBP revised the outflows to USD 800 million. However, the governor believed it was still too exorbitant a figure and asserted that outflows would be stopped via legislative action. (“Forex reserves up from $2.7bn to $11.7bn in 2 years: SBP,” The News International, 7 January 2025)
Pakistan falls behind Bhutan in capitalizing on cryptocurrencies
On 7 January, The News International reported on how Pakistan did not take appropriate measures to take full advantage of the “crypto revolution. On the other hand, a much smaller country like Bhutan ranks fifth in terms of owning Bitcoins. Bhutan possesses Bitcoin holdings worth USD 1.2 billion. Bhutan effectively utilized its hydro-power resources to operate bitcoin farms. Pakistan too had an opportunity to take advantage of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s location which has a large number of water reservoirs that could have been used for powering bitcoin farms. In 2020, the KP government had expressed willingness for bitcoin mining. Zia Ullah Bangash, then Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provided support for the project. A landminer, Roomi, who has two “operational mining farms” was willing to utilize those as “pilot” projects. Former CM Bangash had moved a resolution that insisted that the federal government must draft legislation on cryptocurrencies. However, then Prime Minister Imran Khan turned down the proposition which resulted in the resignation of Zia Ullah Bangash. The Federal Investigation Agency(FIA) conducted raids on mining farms which were owned by Roomi. FIA seized equipment, however the agency does not have the authority to conduct operations like these. (Umar Cheema, “Bhutan thrives while Pakistan misses crypto revolution,” The News International, 7 January 2025)
On the IMF refusal to reconsider the agreement: “Once” industries “are weaned off subsidies, we may see some inefficient industries close down,” says Dawn editorial
On 7 January, an editorial titled “Captive power cut,” in Dawn upheld the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) refusal to reconsider their agreement under the USD 7 billion External Extended Fund programme. Ahead of the second tranche release in January 2025, the IMF refused to dispense its demand on the “discontinuation of massively subsidized gas supplies to mostly inefficient captive power plants owned by wealthy textile producers.” It aims to prevent inefficient textile power plants from profiting off cheap in-house power and the government's “generous” energy and subsidy supply. Instead, they will be made to derive their energy from the national grid. In the larger context, the international lender is attempting to help the government “wean industries off energy subsidies,” to reduce capacity payments of Independent Power Producers undergoing a receding demand and inflated tariffs. Ultimately, all inefficient industries will be forced to close down while the competitive ones remain in the market. It will create an impetus for small and medium textile industries to slash their production costs and participate in health competition alongside large producers. (“Captive power cut,” Dawn, 7 January 2025)
SOCIETY
On tackling Polio: “Pakistan is in embarrassing position of being the worst performer” comments a Dawn editorial
On 7 January, an editorial in Dawn, titled “National embarrassment” discussed the problem of polio and expressed regret that the disease still has not been eliminated in Pakistan. The editorial mentioned that Pakistan is among the only two countries in the world along with Afghanistan that has been unsuccessful in eliminating polio. In fact, Pakistan has reported a much higher number of cases of polio than Afghanistan. However, the editorial cited claims of the polio officials that the collection of data on polio cases in Afghanistan is inappropriate. The editorial argued that Pakistan must not be in the same boat as Afghanistan since the former has not witnessed the same challenges undergone by the latter due to wars. Also, Afghanistan has a weaker “infrastructure” and much lesser “institutional capacity” than Pakistan. It also highlighted the reasons such as vaccine reluctancy, low “immunization coverage” and improper management which have caused roadblocks in the path towards the eradication of the disease. In this regard, it calls for out-of-the-box solutions to counter reluctancy, as well as enhancing access to the polio vaccine and ensuring that every official is accountable. (“National embarrassment,” Dawn, 7 January 2025)
On Pakistan Railways’s reliability: “The fact that Pakistan’s trains routinely fail to depart even six hours after their scheduled time demonstrates how unreliable the service has become,” criticizes The Nation editorial
On 7 January, an editorial in The Nation titled “Inefficient Railways” discussed the recurring problem of delays witnessed in the departure of trains in Pakistan. The editorial mentioned that Pakistan Railways has returned PKR 380 million to people whose trains were delayed for more than six hours. It is a massive loss as the ticket prices of trains are nominal. In this regard, the editorial compared the poor state of Pakistan railways which is unable to maintain timely departures of trains to other countries where if the train is delayed even by 30 minutes, the railways would provide remuneration to the passengers. It observed that railways are given much less consideration, compared to highways and airports despite playing a significant role in the transportation of people and goods across the country. Hence, it called for “fundamental changes” to fix the problem of delayed trains. It further argued that bringing such reforms will only ensure “punctuality” but also enhancing public trust in government-provided services. (“Inefficient Railways,” The Nation, 7 January 2025)
SECURITY
On Kurram violence: The attack on deputy commissioner highlights “the challenge of maintaining calm in Kurram will be” comments a Dawn editorial
On 7 January, an editorial in Dawn titled “Fragile peace” discussed the recent assault on an aid convoy and what the government must do to ensure that normalcy is brought back to the violence-ridden region. The editorial mentioned the recent assault on Kurram’s Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud and his team. It cited reports claiming that the culprits of the attack were among the protesters carrying out demonstrations in the region. In this regard, it questioned the lack of state incapability to protect its citizens and security officials. However, the peace accord between warring tribal parties remains intact after a series of violent exchanges from November 2024. The editorial further argued that the government with the help of the tribes in the regions must break all contacts with the culprits to ensure normalcy is brought back soon to the region. (“Fragile peace,” Dawn, 7 January 2025)
Three separate attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa kills 2 police officers, one civilian
On 7 January, Dawn reported that unknown militants killed two police officers in Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, the militants managed to flee the scene on their motorbike. This development comes as security personnel were en route to their duty locations on a motorbike. After the assault, a large group of police law enforcers arrived at the spot and initiated an investigation to detain the culprits. When the news of the assault reached the inhabitants of the region, some of them also came out with their weapons to find the culprits. One militant was shot dead in the search operation.
In another incident, a militant attack in Bannu resulted in the wounding of two Frontier Constabulary soldiers and one police officer. The retaliation of FC soldiers compelled the militants to escape. Separately, a group of militants targeted a cash van in Lakki Marwat which was operated by a “private security company.” While the van driver died, the others had been wounded. (Ghulam Mursalin Marwat, “Three slain in fresh spate of terror attacks in Lakki Marwat, Bannu districts,” Dawn, 7 January 2025)
AF-PAK
No mass deportation of Afghan refugees until 30 June: Government informs the Supreme Court
On 7 January, Dawn reported that the federal government has apprised the Supreme Court of not initiating any “deportation” of those Afghan refugees who have Proof of Registration (PoR) cards. The federal government confirmed that Afghan refugees possessing PoR cards or Afghan Citizen Cards(ACC) will be given “full legal protection.” This comes as an apex committee had previously decided to initiate “mass deportation” of Afghan refugees. In response to that, a “public interest petition” was lodged by members of civil society, lawyers and other activists. As per the report lodged by the Additional Secretary, more than 700,000 illegitimate immigrants which also comprise Afghan refugees have been sent back to their countries of origin. Separately, on 7 January, the “constitution bench” is set to review an appeal against “mass deportation of Afghans.” It is further reported that “validity of PoR cards” has been increased. (Nasir Iqbal, “No registered Afghans will be deported until June 30, SC told,” Dawn, 7 January 2025)
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Imran Khan was right, “I will erase this red line for you.”
- PTI
What kind of democracy is this where the name of the chairman of Pakistan's largest and most popular political party cannot even be mentioned in the media?
- Imran Khan
PTI is not serious about negotiations, they are seeking NRO for Imran Khan
Syed Kausar Kazmi
- PMLN Digital
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"Pakistan has to meet challenges in an unstable global environment and fraught regional setting."
- An opinion in Dawn, 'Prometheus or Dr Frankenstein?.'
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