258 Pakistanis face deportation in 24 hours I PM Sharif likely to travel to Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan in February
In Focus
Militants abduct 17 workers of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission
On 9 January, militants abducted “17 private workers of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) from Lakki.” It was confirmed by the police that a “rescue operation” has been initiated to free the kidnapped workers. Further, it confirmed that eight workers have been rescued. Among the rescued workers, three have incurred injuries. As per the sources of Dawn, the workers were going to the project site which is located in Qaboolkhel. The abductors took the hostage to an unknown location. They eventually “abandoned” the hostages and set the coach in which the workers were traveling on fire. Police are still searching for the remaining people who were kidnapped. On another note, police forces and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) managed to neutralize three militants of Teepu Gull group in Lakki Marwat. The group is an affiliated branch of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. On a separate note, a terrorist attack in Dera Ismail Khan resulted in the killing of one soldier. Four other soldiers were wounded in the attack. As per the officials, militants attacked a convoy which was coming back from Rorri. Large number of police and security officers and medical teams arrived at the attack site. A “search operation” was initiated to find the culprits.(Ghulam Mursalin Marwat, “Eight freed after militants take PAEC men hostage in Lakki,” Dawn, 10 January 2025)
258 Pakistanis face deportation in 24 hours
On 10 January, The News International reported that between 9 to 10 January, 258 Pakistanis faced deportation from seven different countries. Some of the Pakistani nationals have been deported even from friendly countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE and China. Out of the 258 people who were deported, just 14 of them had valid passports. The remaining were sent back on “emergency travel documents.” 16 of the 258 deported people who landed in Karachi were detained. The rest of the deportees were allowed to go after interrogation. Out of the 258 people sent back, 232 were deported from Saudi Arabia. This included seven beggars. 112 deportations from Saudi Arabia were because their sponsors had lodged complaints against them. Four people were deported from Saudi Arabia as their Umrah visa expired. From the UAE, 21 people faced deportation. Four of the deportees from UAE were accused of drug related crimes. One person faced deportation from China. From Qatar, Indonesia and Cyprus, one person each was deported. (Afzal Nadeem Dogar, “258 Pakistanis deported from seven countries in 24 hours,” The News International, 10 January 2025)
PM Sharif likely to travel to Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan in February
On 10 January, The News International reported on Pakistan’s intention to strengthen its ties with the Central Asian countries under its policy of “Vision Central Asia.” PM Sharif is planning to travel to Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan in February. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister and several other ministers will accompany PM Sharif on his visit to the two states. Sources of The News International suggest that PM Sharif’s plan to visit Azerbaijan comes after President Ilahm Heydar oglu Aliyev had sent out an invitation to the former. It is also anticipated that Pakistan would be signing a number of agreements with Azerbaijan during this proposed visit. It is further anticipated that PM Sharif on his proposed visit to Uzbekistan, will urge the latter to utilize Karachi as a transit destination and sign some significant bilateral trade deals.(Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, “Shehbaz to visit Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan in February,” The News International, 10 January 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS
No progress on meeting Imran Khan, says PTI’s lawyer
On 9 January, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s (PTI) lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry, told Dawn that there was no progress in his party gaining access to Imran Khan. He claimed that he was made to approach the Adiala administration to schedule a meeting between the PTI and Khan. However, all efforts were futile as the authorities did not allow them access to Khan. This comes as interparty negotiations were initiated between the government and the PTI since December. Till now, two rounds of negotiations have been completed. Ahead of the third round of negotiations, the momentum has seemed to slow down as the party announced that it was willing to submit its demand charter. Additionally, on the previous day, Opposition leader in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub argued that the party should be given unmonitored access to the Former Prime Minister. However, the government stated that this would be against the jail rules. (Ikram Junaidi & Manzoor Ali, “Imran still ‘inaccessible’ for his party,” Dawn, 10 January 2025)
Senate Committee deliberates on the problem of “riverside encroachments”
On 9 January, a senate panel discussed the problem of “riverside encroachments.” This has resulted in people losing their lives and property amid the occurrence of floods. The Senate panel urged for speedy measures for removing the encroachments and to make sure that there is continual monitoring of the areas. The panel was chaired by Chairman Senator Shahdat Awan. He expressed his unhappiness over the Chairman of Water and Power Development Authority Rt. Lt. General Sajjad Ghani for his continual non-attendance. The panel was informed that inhabitation of land near water bodies has been on a surge in the four provinces of Pakistan. Chairman Awan stated that there must be a clear definition to categorize encroachment. He further stated that there should be a clear process to deal with the same so that every province can deal with it in the same manner. The panel was informed that in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, 153 encroachments were found. In Sindh, 26 encroachments were detected. The panel was also unhappy with the unavailability of any data from Balochistan. For increasing surveillance, the government has urged for assistance from the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO). SUPARCO can provide “satellite surveillance” which would simplify the process of monitoring and make it more productive. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Senate panel concerned over riverside encroachments,” Dawn, 10 January 2025)
On inter-party negotiations: “The public is already weary of the unending dysfunction, and one must ask: how much more disillusionment is the political class willing to dish out?,” questioned an editorial in The News International
On 10 January, an editorial titled “The talks saga” in The News International questioned the Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s (PTI) intentions towards the ongoing negotiations and the government’s seriousness about the same. The editorial attributed the delay in talks to “unnecessary” hiccups such as the PTI’s lack of preparedness and its need to meet Khan in an unmonitored environment. The editorial also highlighted the government’s unwillingness to address the PTI’s two demands that are central to the talks, as it has described the demands as “excessive” and irrational. In this regard, the editorial observed how a political deadlock has been carried over to the new year. Hence, it suggested that both sides must be open to facilitate a meaningful dialogue. For the PTI, it should organize its internal matters, submit its demands in a timely manner as well as adopt a pragmatic view in its interactions with the government. On the other hand, the federation ought to understand the importance of the talks and enable meaningful talks between both. (“The talks saga,” The News International, 10 January 2025)
Imran Khan ready for third round of negotiations
On 8 January, after a meeting with Imran Khan in the Adiala jail, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan announced that Khan has permitted the party to submit their demands in a written form. This comes amid growing tensions in the interparty negotiations between the PTI and the rulingdispensation. These tensions stem from the PTI’s demand to have unmonitored access toImran Khan. The party has claimed that the government has promised that they could meet Khan without surveillance. Gohar Khan further stated that Imran Khan was open to a third round of dialogue with the government. However, they will not move forward if their demands were not met.
In a separate development, Imran Khan posted a transcript of a conversation between him and his legal team on X,calling for “transparent investigation” into the crackdowns of 9 May and 24 November. In this regard, he has also constituted a committee to investigate the number of missing persons from the November protests, stated PTI lawyer Faisal Chaudhry. Interestingly, while speaking with media persons, Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM) Chairman Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and National Assembly Speaker and senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser claimed that these talks were more important than the Simla Agreement. The latter added: “This is a matter of the people, these negotiations are necessary for the integrity and survival of Pakistan.” (Ikram Junaidi & Syed Irfan Raza, “Govt, PTI unable to ‘see eye to eye’ on dialogue,” Dawn, 9 January 2025; “Imran allows party to give demands in writing to govt team,” The News International, 9 January 2025)
On FAFEN’s recent findings “What hope does common citizen have in accessing information,” questions an editorial in Dawn
On 9 January, an editorial in Dawn titled A right denied” discussed the recent report released by Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) which highlights how federal ministries and its division fail to comply with the Right to Information Act (RTI). The report looked into 33 ministries and 40 divisions and found that not a single ministry had fully complied with “mandatory disclosures” as directed under RTI act. Divisions like Inter-Provincial Coordination were among the best performers, however, its compliance rate also falls below 50 per cent. Compliance rate of National Health Services and Information and Broadcasting remained below 20 per cent. Moreover, almost 50 per cent of the ministries did not respond to information requests. In this regard, the editorial questioned whether the common man can ever access information, given the poor state of records highlighted by FAFEN. Hence, the editorial called for the constitution of an“ “independent citizen commission,” consisting of members from civil societies, legal communities and journalists. The commission would be responsible for monitoring RTI bodies and coming up with quarterly reports of how each ministry complied with the RTI.( A right denied,” Dawn, 9 January 2025)
JUDICIARY
SC questions trial of 103 accused in 9 May events in the military courts
On 9 January, an appeal was made by the federal government against a Supreme Court decision that deemed the trial of civilians in the military courts as unconstitutional. While hearing the case, the constitutional bench questioned the premise under which the trial was carried out against the 9 May accused in the military courts. Justice Musarat Hilali who was a part of the 7-member bench, opined that this matter did not pertain to the existence of military courts but the authority of jurisdiction. It raises questions as to what should be tried in the military court and what shouldn’t. Besides, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan also questioned the basis on which a distinction was made for the trial of 103 accused accused in the 9 May incident in the military court while others are being trialed in the anti-terrorism courts. (Sohail Khan, “SC questions distinction made in trial of May 9 accused,” The News International, 10 January 2025)
Constitutional bench questions relevance of PAA for 9 May events
On 8 January, during a constitutional bench hearing against the October decision that rescinded the trial of civilians under military law, Justice Musarrat Hilali speculated if the application of the Pakistan Army Act (PAA) was relevant to the accused in the 9 Mayevents. She noted how the law had originally been formulated to address certain issues like the Army Public School killings. She further inquired if the accused were aware of the seriousness of their deeds. Speaking on the same subject, Justice Jamal Mandokhail remarked that the accused were neither security personnel or former servicemen. He observed the military courts address cases linked to terrorism and national security. But not all cases where non-state actors kill personnel are trialed in these courts. Hence, “The real question still remains: To what extent can a civilian be tried in the military courts?” In this regard, he emphasized that this matter was within the Parliament’s jurisdiction to constitute legal forums to address particular matters. (Nasir Iqbal, “Military trials meant for APS-like tragedies: judge,” Dawn, 9 January 2025)
ECONOMY
SBP Governor forecasts inflation reduction in January
On 9 January, the State Bank of Pakistan Governor predicted a fall in inflation levels during January while speaking at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI). He expressed optimism that the economy would witness further stability and be able to meet its economic objectives. While speaking about the country’s status on foreign debt which was USD 100.8 billion as recorded on September 2024, he stated that the country was dealing with the issue of balance of payments. He said: “when we exceed growth by 4 per cent and we don’t have the foreign exchange component capacity to meet that, then growth becomes unsustainable.” (“Inflation to fall in January, fluctuate in coming months: SBP chief,” The News International, 10 January 2025)
Government to undertake electricity cost-cutting measures: Power Minister
On 9 January, the government representative Power Minister Awais Leghari announced that certain reforms will be undertaken to reduce electricity rates, like the scrapping of 10,000 MW projects. He further claimed that the government seeks to save about PKR 1.1 trillion via revised contracts with power producers. While speaking at a hydroelectric power seminar, Minister Leghari underscored the need to reduce inefficiencies in the sector. He also indicated that the tax structure on electricity tariffs would be altered to abolish the uniform tax regime in order to “incentivize everyone to do much better,” rather than give inefficient firms another chance. With regard to the termination of planned 10,000 MW projects the minister stated that such projects would be concluded immediately unless there has been 40 to 50 per cent progress and a financial close has been arrived in them. He also ruled out the possibility of the USD 14 billion worth Diamer-Bhasha Dam as its high transmission and power generation costs would further burden the consumers. Nevertheless, the minister also announced that a competitive electricity sector would be in place in March and the net-metering would also be changed to enable cost recovery of around 4.5 years. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Govt scraps 10,000MW projects to curb costs,” Dawn, 10 January 2025)
On e-governance: “The state needs maturity and a lot more expertise than currently seems available,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 10 January, an editorial titled “E-governance,” in Dawn highlighted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent call for e-governance for economic growth may be a far cry. The situation in Pakistan is characterized by internet connections being perpetually disrupted and the government uses “ink and paper.” Additionally, Pakistan has a poor reputation in terms of implementation of technology driven solutions. This was seen in the Election Management System under the purview of the Election Commission which was marketed as “a panacea for all the ills that had afflicted the 2018 general election.” However, it proved to be a lot more “inept than its predecessor.” In this regard, the editorial observed that it was a good objective to have, however, the conditions for such implementation may not be favorable. (“E-governance,” Dawn, 10 January 2025)
New bill in parliament seeks to ensure safe trading of cryptocurrencies
On 9 January, The News International reported on a private member’s bill introduced by Senator Afnan Ullah Khan. The bill known as “Virtual Assets Bill 2025” aims to create a “regulatory framework for the rapidly growing digital asset market” in order to capitalize on crypto-currencies and various other blockchain-based technologies. The bill is aimed at building a base for creating “digital rupee” that could be attached to Pakistani Rupee as per the regulations of the Central Bank. It will also allows virtual assets to be managed and used as per the directions mentioned in the proposed framework. Additionally, these assets will be linked to Pakistani Rupee. The bill also looks towards formation of “Virtual Asset Zones” which would be specific areas for carrying out activities related to crypto-currencies. As a result, it will help build investors’ trust and assure economic stability. Another major feature of the private bill is the establishment of a “Natural Virtual Assets Regulatory Commission which would monitor the registration and licensing carried out in virtual assets zones.(Israr Khan, “Pakistan moves to regulate cryptocurrencies,” The News International, 9 January 2025)
PM Sharif emphasizes on e-governance for economic integration
On 8 January, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored the importance of integrating the economy via an e-governance system. Highlighting Pakistan’s favorable macroeconomic performance figures as seen in the stock exchange, he emphasized that the governments, exporters, investors, and stakeholders must to collaborate and improve the momentum. While speaking at an event arranged to inaugurate the Faceless Customs Assessment System at the South Asia Terminals, PM Sharif expressed the need to effectively utilize state resources and manpower to promote the economy. He further welcomed proposals on how the country could attain export-led growth from the business community. He also remarked that there was an opportunity to reduce the monetary rate from 22 per cent to 13 per cent. (“PM says e-governance is key to economic integration,” Dawn, 9 January 2025)
PM Sharif upholds IMF commitments despite economic challenges
On 8 January, Prime Minister Sharif stated that the country will adhere to its International Monetary Fund (IMF) commitments. While addressing the Pakistan Stock Exchange in Karachi, he stated that the country can no longer bear the burden of additional taxes. It will be detrimental for the economy, he added. In this regard, he said, “Pakistan will part ways with the institution when the time is right.” PM Sharif acknowledged that taxes are detrimental to businesses operating around the country, however, he was not in favor of deviating from IMF commitments at this point of juncture. PM Sharif gave credit to the initiatives taken by both the federal and provincial governments that has brought back Karachi’s supremacy in terms of exports and financial activities. He also requested feedback from the investors in Karachi and stated that the same can be instrumental in economic revival.(“Pakistan to honor IMF commitments, but excessive taxes unsustainable,” The Express Tribune, 8 January 2025 ; “Taxes hindering businesses but time not right to bid IMF goodbye: PM,” The News International, 9 January 2025)
10.5 per cent of allocation used in first half of FY25, reveals PSDP data
On 8 January, a data published by the Ministry of Planning and Development revealed that the total spending on the Public Sector Development Programme in the first six months of the current fiscal was only 10.5 per cent of the allocation. In monetary figures, the amount was PKR 148 billion amidst a revision of the allocation from 1.4 trillion to 1.1 trillion. This comes as the country has faced a shortfall in revenue collection of around PKR 386 billion to meet the International Monetary Fund’s targets. Moreover, all ministries and their departments were able to utilize only 14.7 per cent of their PKR 843 billion allocations. However, the Planning Commission claimed that PKR 286.6 billion had been authorized to these ministries, thereby accounting for nearly 34 per cent of the target spending of PKR 843 billion. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Development spending falls off cliff in July-Dec,” Dawn, 9 January 2025)
On rightsizing: “one still wonders why the move to cut” state entities “to size had to be framed as an obligation to a foreign lending agency,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 9 January, an editorial titled “Taking cover,” in Dawn discussed how the government was hiding behind an international entity for all its missteps and inaction. The editorial highlighted the recent announcement made by the Finance Minister Mohammad Aurangzeb where he stated that the government had no other choice but to reduce its size in order to meet the International Monetary Fund’s requirement for the second tranche under the USD 7 billion programme. The editorial argued that the government portrays itself as a victim to “unforgiving and unsympathetic foreign lenders.” Instead of taking constructive steps towards rightsizing and upholding the state’s interests, it presents itself as one that is not eager to do so. On the other hand, responding to the IMF prescription, many state entities that have been latent for 20-30 years now claim that they will show results in the coming months. The editorial observed that such an “admission” may imply that these entities were aware of what had to be done to “turn things around.” However, they chose not to. It further raises questions as to why this move was not made earlier by the government and why it required an external agency to adopt such an obligation. (“Taking cover,” Dawn, 9 January 2024)
SOCIETY
On poor implementation of disability laws in Pakistan “legislation and laws related to disability exist on paper” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 10 January, an editorial in Dawn titled “Beyond wheelchairs” discussed the poor implementation of laws which were framed to help persons with disability. The editorial cited the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s recent initiative of infusing PKR 370 million for helping disabled population of the province. The editorial opined that the investment could potentially be used for acquiring state of the art technology. The editorial called out the poor implementation with regards to disability legislations such as Disabled Persons (Employment and Rehabilitation) Ordinance 1981 and Disability Rights Act. The editorial pointed out that the commitment of recruiting disabled people on 2 per cent of government positions is seldom adhered to. The editorial suggested that the federal government must stress on merging disability law with “provincial and municipal frameworks.” The editorial further suggested that the government must push the idea of providing fair chance to people with disability and spread awareness to remove stereotypes from the society. In addition to that, the editorial called for training initiatives which would prepare the teachers in addressing the special needs of people with disability and that disabled people must have a direct influence on policy drafting related to disability laws.(“Beyond wheelchairs,” Dawn, 10 January 2025)
HEALTH
New case of polio detected from Karachi’s east district
On 10 January, Dawn reported that a new case of polio was detected from Karachi. After this case, the 2024 tally of polio cases has reached 70. The latest case of polio has come from Karachi’s East district. In 2024, two cases of polio were detected from Karachi’s east district. Out of the total 70 cases reported in 2024, 27 have been reported from Balochistan. 21 cases have been detected from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa whereas Sindh reported 20 cases. One case each has been detected from Islamabad and Punjab. With the increase in cases of polio, the government has enhanced its efforts to combat the proliferation of polio cases. 2025’s first vaccination drive will begin from 3 February and continue till 9 February.(Ikram Junaidi, New polio case from Karachi takes 2024 tally to 70”, Dawn, 10 January 2025)
New case of polio detected in Tank, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
On 8 January, another case of polio was detected in Tank, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The total number of cases since 2024 have now reached 69. Additionally, Tank recorded a total of five cases in 2024. Pakistan along with Afghanistan are the only two countries in the world where polio has not been eradicated. In the context of the former country, issues such as vaccine reluctancy, misinformation related to vaccines and security problems which have made it difficult to eradicate polio. In 2024 alone, five cases of polio were detected from Tank. This comes as 2025’s first round of polio vaccine drive is set to begin from 3 February and would go on until 9 February.
(Taiba Khan, “New polio case in KP takes last year’s tally to 69,” Dawn, 8 January 2025)
SECURITY
Convoy of 40 trucks enter Kurram after 90 days of road closure
On 8 January, a convoy of 40 trucks carrying essential commodities arrived at Kurram after more than three months of road closure. This comes after the convoy was stuck at the Kurram-Hangu border for five days after an attack on Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud injured him and others. The residents of Parachinar were dealing with a shortage of food, medicine, and essentials as the Thall-Parachinar road was closed down following an attack on 12 October. It resulted in the killing of more than 12 people in the Kunj Alizai. In this regard, a relief operation was launched after the negotiations of the Grand Jirga Peace Committee and other peace committees were successful. Addressing the matter, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Secretary, Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, said: “This achievement reflects the collective efforts of the Kurram Jirga, peace committees, and the people of Kurram district.” (“Kurram’s long wait for relief convoy finally ends,” Dawn, 9 January 2025)
PROVINCES
Punjab CM approves the establishment of a Riot Management Police force
On 10 January, Dawn reported that Inspector General of Police Dr. Usman Anwar has put forward a summary to Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz for forming “a new riot management police” (RMP) force. The force would be responsible for controlling “large crowds and violent protests.” The summary received the assent from CM Maryam Nawaz. RMP will be formed under the Right to Peaceful Protest Act 2024. The force will be stationed in Lahore and will be led by a police officer who would receive assistance from the Superintendent of police (SP). The force would have “eight regional offices.” Each of the offices would be led by that region’s SP. As per sources of Dawn, RMP would function in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan and Sargodha. RMP would also operate in other districts sometime later. It was the Punjab Police which initially came up with the proposal after it witnessed the events of 9 May 2023. As per the summary, RMP would have the authority to suggest punitive measures for people found guilty in destroying “public and private properties.” RMP would also have modern “lethal crowd control tools” like “tear gas, cannons, rubber bullets etc. (Asif Chaudhry, “Punjab set to raise new ‘riot management’ force,” Dawn, 10 January 2025)
High-level meeting reviews commercialization of Gwadar
On 9 January, Dawn reported on a high-level meeting attended by the Prime Minister’s representatives, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs (MoMA), and other stakeholders. It was focused on the diminishing value of the Gwadar port as it is being described as a white elephant. At the meeting chaired by the Minister of Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal, the MoMA, and the National Logistics Cell were held responsible for not marketing the Gwadar Port as they were two years late. Iqbal blamed both for the unprofessional handling of the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project. The minister also expressed regret over the lack of representation from the Balochistan government. He said: “Unfortunately, nothing has been done for marketing of transshipment cargos.” The news report also highlighted information drawn from informed sources who claimed that the government and other stakeholders were not satisfied with how the port is unable to keep up with other facility developments. Additionally, this situation is compounded by poor civic facilities which the sources believe were being exploited by external agencies, leading to demonstrations and turmoil in the region. (Khaleeq Kiani, “After a decade, govt wakes up to market Gwadar port,” Dawn, 9 January 2025)
PAKISTAN OCCUPIED KASHMIR
Hunza protests called off after government yields to local demands
On 9 January, Dawn reported that the sit-in protests at Hunza in Gilgit Baltistan, have been called off. The protests were against the power crisis that has spread across the region. Protesters raised their concerns with the government as the region was witnessing power blackouts for more than 22 hours a day. The cold weather during the winters in the region along with power outages had aggravated the problem of the locals. The Gilgit Baltistan government confirmed that it was ready to accept 14 demands of the demonstrators. The discussion between the GB administration and demonstrators who led the protest turned out to be fruitful, as the latter called off the protests. However, Amjab Barcha who is a local leader stated that GB Assembly member Ubaidullah Beg was not in favor of calling off the protests. It was confirmed by the Awami Workers Party leader that the government has agreed to produce electricity from Attabad Lake and generators would be used to put an end to the current power blackout. With the protest coming to an end, Karakoram Highway has been reopened.(Imtiaz Ali Taj, “KKH restored for traffic as Hunza sit-in ends after govt accepts demands,” Dawn, 9 January 2025)
ENVIRONMENT
Forest fire in D.I Khan remains a concern for the locals
On 9 January, The News International reported on wildfires in the forests of Sulaiman Range in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The fires pose a threat to the vegetation in the area. According to The News International the forest fire has reached several locations and the flames are visible from four separate regions situated along the mountain’s base. The latest fire in Dera Ismail Khan is visible from a village called Tajri which is towards the north side of the mountain and Almar Khan valley which is towards the southern side of a separate mountain. A member of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forest Department had earlier informed that 249 incidents of forest fire were witnessed in the first six months of 2024. The fires had resulted in the wrecking of “1918 hectares of forest land.” It found that “lightning and accidental sparks” had resulted in causing those fires.(“Fire spreads across four locations in Sulaiman Range forests,” The News International, 9 January 2025)
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Donald Trump will release Imran Khan from jail, it's a joke
Ahsan Iqbal
- PMLN Digital
Imran Khan is trying to spoil the talks with his statements
Bilal Azhar Kayani
- PMLN Digital
Salman Akram Raja has played a very important role in managing our leader Imran Khan’s cases.Khan Sahib has faith in him and trusts him. Despite Raja Sahib’s hesitation Khan sahib insisted and nominated him the secretary general of the party.For Khan’s followers it’s not about the legality of the party position , it’s about what Khan said and Khan’s Secretary general for PTI is Salman Akram Raja duly nominated by Khan.He also represents party in dialogue committee and whole party endorses his stance regarding dialogue.
Sheikh Waqas Akram
- PTI
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"Pakistan has started to systematically produce an annual national UHC monitoring report."
- An opinion in Dawn, 'UHC monitoring in Pakistan.'
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