In Focus
SUPARCO successfully sets out Pakistan’s very own first Electro-Optical Satellite
On 17 January, Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) set out Pakistan’s very own first Electro-Optical Satellite. The launch took place from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in China. The satellite will help in providing “timely updates on floods, landslides and earthquakes.” This would help the concerned authorities to prepare adequately in case of adversity. SUPARCO which is the national space agency of the country after the successful launch said “This remarkable milestone marks a giant leap forward in Pakistan’s journey towards self-reliance and technological excellence in space exploration.” PM Sharif congratulated his countrymen on this achievement. On X, he posted “Proud moment for the nation as Pakistan proudly launches its first indigenous Electro-Optical satellite.” Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) also applauded the successful launch carried out by SUPARCO. (Mohammad Anis, “Suparco launches first indigenous electro-optical satellite,” The News International, 18 January 2025)
Digital campaign against Imran Khan launched in the US
On 18 January, The News International reported on the counter-campaign started in the US against Imran Khan. This is a response to the PTI cadre in the US demonstrating against the current government in Islamabad. Those opposing the PTI have hired trucks which showcase “digital slogans and messages” against the Khan-led party. They are attempting to remind people of Imran Khan’s controversial remarks in which he backed Osama Bin Laden and the Taliban. The same is expected to face backlash from the American population. Opponents of PTI have actually replicated the strategy which the PTI cadre in the US was looking to employ during Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration. PTI cadre in the US and its opposers are investing huge sums of money to build their narrative through the use of digital campaigns. The identity of the opponents of PTI has not been disclosed and they remain unknown. Imran Khan’s supporters have retorted with a measured response to him being sentenced for 14 years in prison in the Al-Qadir trust case. (Azeem M Mian, “Counter-campaign begins in US against Imran, PTI,” The News International, 18 January 2025)
Pakistan records highest current account surplus of USD 1.2 billion in 15 Years
On 17 January, the central bank data revealed that Pakistan has recorded a USD 1.2 billion current account surplus in July-December FY2025 which marked its highest in 15 years compared to a USD 1.397 billion deficit during the same period last year. December alone saw a surplus of USD 582 million a 109 per cent year-on-year increase. However, it declined 15 per cent from November. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the surplus for three consecutive months, attributing it to sound economic policies. He said: “We are actively working to further increase the surplus in the current fiscal year.” Additionally, he directed the installation of advanced cargo scanning systems at key trading hubs to combat smuggling effectively. (Erum Zaidi, “Pakistan posts highest half-year current account surplus in 15 years,” The International News, 18 January 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS
IT minister attributes slow internet to the lack of investment in telecom infrastructure and PTI
On 17 January, the Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja acknowledged the ongoing challenges regarding internet services in Pakistan. However, she assured the National Assembly that VPNs, WhatsApp, and other platforms were operational. She attributed the slow internet to the lack of investment in telecom infrastructure over the past three years and blamed the previous government for neglecting the IT sector and hindering upgrades. Shaza stated that Pakistan’s IT exports had risen by 28 per cent to USD 1.86 billion in six months which reflected improvements in internet usage. Additionally, she stated that submarine cable congestion and limited spectrum also contributed to slower speeds. Shaza noted the progress and cited the operationalization of the Pakistan-China optic-fiber cable and upcoming connectivity through the Africa2 submarine cable and Central Asia via Wakhan. However, Shazia Marri raised concerns over the slow internet which has forced businesses to relocate. Shaza addressed this and assured that there were ongoing efforts with a 24/7 complaint service and collaboration with freelancers and P@SHA to enhance/maintain services. Furthermore, she expressed optimism that improving economic conditions would attract FDI for critical telecom upgrades. (Amir Wasim, “No investment in telecom infrastructure over three years, admits IT minister,” Dawn, 18 January 2025; Asim Yasin, “Slow net due to lack of investment by PTI govt: minister,” The International News, 18 January 2025)
JUDICIARY
Supreme Court challenges military court convictions
On 18 January, Dawn and The International News reported that twenty-seven individuals convicted by military courts for attacking army installations during the 9 May protests have filed appeals. They have cited violations of constitutional rights and flawed trial procedures. The appeals which were filed through senior lawyers have argued that the trials lacked adherence to legal norms and deprived the accused of a fair defense. The appellants also challenged the jurisdiction of military courts over civilians and claimed their punishments were politically motivated, with no substantial evidence presented. The Supreme Court’s seven-judge bench, led by Justice Aminud Din Khan, questioned the representative of the Defence Ministry on the status of the individuals charged with offences under the Pakistan Army Act (PAA), 1952 and Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), 1860. Justice Jamal Mandokhail stated that simultaneous trials under military and civilian laws would constitute double jeopardy. Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi emphasized that the attacks on state properties, including key military installations, were carried out in a coordinated manner. The appellants also questioned as to why the Army Act provisions were prioritized over civilian laws. The hearings, addressing the legality and jurisdictional limits of military trials, have been adjourned until 20 January for further deliberation. (Amjad Safi, “May 9 protests: 27 convicts challenge military court sentences,” The International News, 18 January 2025; Nasir Iqbal, “What about civil charges against military court convicts, SC asks,” Dawn, 18 January 2025)
ECONOMY
ECC approves shift in electricity tariff re-basing timeline to ease consumer burden
On 17 January, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved a proposal to shift the annual electricity tariff re-basing from 1 July to 1 January. This is aimed at reducing public backlash over high summer bills. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the meeting, while National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) Chairman Waseem Mukhtar expressed concerns and cited legal and regulatory constraints while suggesting implementation by 2026. Power Minister Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari advocated for quicker execution and emphasized consumer relief during peak summer months. The ECC directed the power division to amend the regulatory framework to facilitate this change. The power division stated that summer overlaps of tariff hikes, high consumption, and fuel cost adjustments caused affordability challenges and public dissatisfaction. This shift in timing aims to distribute the financial impact to lower-consumption winter months. The ECC further approved PKR 2.9 billion in supplementary grants and extended regulatory duties on flat steel products until March 2025, stressing no further extensions. (“Economic Coordination Committee backs power tariff re-basing in winter rather than summer,” Dawn, 18 January 2024)
IMF revises Pakistan’s growth forecast from 3.2 per cent to 3 per cent
On 17 January, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reduced the country’s growth projection for the current fiscal year from 3.2 per cent to 3 per cent ahead of its USD 7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) review with Pakistan. However, the IMF maintained a 4 per cent estimate for FY2026. The key challenges like lower-than-expected cotton production and industrial output, appear to be driving this revision with significant revenue shortfalls. The IMF’s World Economic Outlook Update kept global growth estimates at 3.3 per cent for 2025-26 but noted widening divergences across countries. While the US saw an upward revision to 2.7 per cent for 2025 due to robust domestic demand, Europe faces subdued growth due to geopolitical tensions and energy price shocks. (Khaleeq Kiani, “IMF lowers Pakistan’s GDP growth estimate to 3pc,” Dawn, 18 January 2025)
On electrification of transport, “This new technology will enable the country to tackle both environmental and economic goals simultaneously,” says an editorial in The International News
On 18 January, an editorial titled “Electrifying transport” in The International News stated that Pakistan had taken a significant step toward electric vehicle (EV) adoption with a 44 per cent reduction in EV charging tariffs announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This has brought the costs down from PKR 71.10 to PKR 39.70 per unit. This move also slashes operational costs for EVs and makes electric motorcycles three times cheaper to run than petrol bikes. In Pakistan, 10 million motorcycles consume USD 6 billion annually in fuel. Therefore, transitioning to electric models could save billions in foreign exchange. The permits for charging stations and battery-swapping points can be obtained within 15 days through an online portal, with a registration fee of PKR 50,000. The government is targeting 30 per cent EV adoption by 2030. However, there are challenges like limited public transport infrastructure and inadequate charging facilities. The editorial also highlighted that international support will be crucial to achieving this ambitious goal. (“Electrifying transport,’ The International News, 18 January 2025)
SOCIETY
Report highlights grave human rights violation in Pakistan’s prisons
On 18 January, Dawn reported on the problem of “overcrowding” of prisons in Pakistan. As per Pakistan’s Prison Landscape report, 75 per cent of the detainees have not gone through the trial process and some are in process of going through the trial. The report has been published by National Commission for Human Rights, National Academy of Prison Administration and Justice Project Pakistan. The report pointed out several issues such as unhygienic living conditionsin prisons, lack of access to “clean water, nutritious food and health care.” In addition to that, the report also threw light on the prevalence of “exploitative labor practices” and restrictions on access to prisonersfamily members and legal help. Another issue highlighted by the report is “over-incarceration” of inmates who have been charged with “drug-related” crimes that has aggravated the problem. The report has called for overarching “judicial reforms” and emphasized the need for Pakistan Prison Rules to be more in line with international standards. (Sumair Abdullah, “Overcrowding endemic in Pakistan’s prison system: report,” Dawn, 18 January 2025)
SECURITY
Dead bodies of four drivers recovered from Lower Kurram
On 17 January, dead bodies of four drivers were recovered from Lower Kurram. The drivers were in the aid convoy which was carrying necessary supplies for the people of Parachinar. The attack on the aid convoy which took place on 16 January had resulted in killing of two soldiers. Security personnel managed to neutralize six attackers. 10 of the attackers were wounded. The aid convoy comprised of 35 vehicles and the attack had resulted in 29 of the vehicles losing communication with authorities. The grand jirga has expressed condemnation for non-adherence to the peace accord and dissatisfaction with the government for not commenting on it. The concerned authorities have initiated an operation to clear out terrorists from the region. District authorities have confirmed that they would be building camps for temporary displaced persons (TDPs). The camps are built so as to ensure safety of the residents and carry out the anti-terror operations more effectively.(“Firing in Bagan: Four drivers found dead in Lower Kurram,” The News International, 18 January 2025; Ali Afzal Afzaal, “TDPs camps to be established in lower Kurram as anti-terror operation on cards,” The News International, 18 January 2025)
EXTERNAL
Government team to visit Morocco for assessing the loss in Atlantic Ocean boat mishap
On 18 January, a high-profile team from the government is set to travel be to Morocco to evaluate the situation after the recent mishap of a migrant boat in the Atlantic Ocean. The team consists of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director General, Additional Secretary Interior and members from Foreign Ministry and Intelligence agencies. The team is also tasked with preparing a comprehensive report which would later be put forward to PM Sharif. The boat capsized off somewhere between Mauritania and Morocco that resulted in more than 40 Pakistani nationals losing their lives. Reports suggested that out of 65 Pakistani nationals who were aboard, at least 44 have lost their lives because of drowning or as a result of torture carried out by local authorities. 10 dead bodies have been retrieved so far. Survivors of the tragedy are currently stationed in Dakhla, Morocco. FIA has lodged cases against those who are suspected of being involved in human trafficking and operate from Gujrat and Sialkot. (Waseem Ashraf Butt, “Team being sent to Morocco for boat tragedy probe,” Dawn, 18 January 2025)
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan working towards completion of basics for executing Reko Diq project
On 18 January, The News International reported that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are towards the completion of formulating the essentials of Reko Diq project. The basics of the deal would be finalized in the not-too-distant future. Saudi Arabia is expected to buy 10 per cent of the share in the first stage. It will increase its stake in the next stage. As per sources of The News International, Saudi Arabia was keen on having a bank account outside Pakistan for using the “foreign exchange amount” in buying machines. This led to a delay in finalizing the mining project as Pakistan was not willing to agree to the same. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are,however, now on board with the proposition that foreign exchange will be fetched to Pakistan. (Mehtab Haider, “Pakistan, KSA eyeing Reko Diq deal in ‘next few months,’” The News International, 18 January 2025)
On the rise in unauthorized migration “long term solution lies in addressing the root causes of illegal migration” says an editorial in Dawn
On 18 January, an editorial in Dawn titled “Atlantic tragedy” discussed the problem of illegal migration from Pakistan. The editorial mentioned the recent mishap in the Atlantic Ocean which has resulted in the death of 44 Pakistani nationals. This comes not long after the tragedy in the Mediterranean Sea which had resulted in the death of 262 Pakistanis who were attempting to enter Greece illegally. The editorial highlighted two main reasons which have led to a surge in illegal migration from Pakistan – economic difficulties and scarcity of job opportunities in the country. The International Organization for Migration has reported that the number of illegal migrants from Pakistan has gone up since 2023. This is because of the lack of economic and political stability in the country. The editorial pointed out how in search of better economic opportunities, people do not care about their own lives and often end up dying in seas. Often they have to face severe physical torture from the traffickers. The editorial highlighted a very important point that even if there is an increase in awareness campaigns against illegal migration, youth might not pay attention to such “advice”, given their desperate situation. (“Atlantic tragedy,” Dawn, 18 January 2025)
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The dictator wants Imran Khan to be afraid and intimidated by his tactics, but God willing, this wish will never come true.
- PTI
If we do not understand that power lies not in a gun or bullet, but in our culture, politics, and ethos, then we will not be able to meet the hopes of the younger generation.
- PPP
PTI's Charter of Demands cannot be fulfilled, Imran's sentence decision announces end of negotiations!!
- PMLN Digital
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"Parliament and the executive have managed to create a greater imbalance than was ever present before."
- An opinion in Dawn, 'A tweak for the ages.'
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