In Focus
PTI skips fourth round of talks with the government
On 28 January, the fourth round of negotiations between the government and the PTI was called off after PTI representatives failed to turn up. The National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq who chaired the meeting, said: “My doors are open to both the government and the opposition, and I hope they will hold talks to find a way forward.” Government representatives like Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Rana Sanaullah waited 45 minutes before concluding the session. Dar said: “We had prepared for the talks; I wish they had come.” Furthermore, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan dismissed claims of secret talks and emphasized transparency. Meanwhile, PTI’s official X account accused the government of avoiding the formation of judicial commissions. Separately, the PTI reached out to the JUI-F to form a joint opposition front. A delegation led by Omar Ayub met JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Ayub accused the government of failing to meet PTI’s conditions which also included releasing detained party workers. Furthermore, JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza confirmed the formation of a two-member committee to facilitate collaboration between the two parties. (Muhammad Anis and Shakeel Anjum, “Deadlock as PTI team doesn’t turn up for talks,” The International News, 29 January 2025; Kalbe Ali and Syed Irfan Raza, “Govt decides to give fuming PTI a little more leeway,” Dawn, 29 January 2025)
Pakistan’s 43.3 per cent of 5.9 million tax-filers declare zero taxable income
On 29 January, The International News reported that Pakistan’s tax system reflected a stark imbalance where 43.3 per cent of 5.9 million filers declared zero taxable income. Only 3,651 individuals reported earnings above PKR 100 million. This exposes either massive tax evasion or a limited number of high-wealth individuals in Pakistan. FBR data showed that 2.6 million filers declared no taxable income. This has prompted plans to replace the “non-filer” category with “eligible” or “ineligible” for major financial transactions. There are only 12 individuals who declared wealth over PKR 10 billion. The net tax collected stood at PKR 2.9 trillion despite the total declared income exceeding PKR 10 trillion. Furthermore, the number of filers remains far below the estimated 15 million potential taxpayers. This highlights structural weaknesses in tax compliance and enforcement. (Mehtab Haider, “Pakistan has only 3,651 filers whose taxable income exceeds Rs100m,” The International News, 29 January 2025)
Security forces neutralize eight terrorists in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
On 28 January, Pakistani security forces neutralized eight terrorists and injured nine others in Bannu district’s Janikhel town. An intelligence-based operation in Janikhel eliminated three terrorists. Furthermore, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that the operation was launched based on the reports of the presence of ‘khwarij’ in the area. ISPR also stated that the security forces were carrying out a sanitization effort to eliminate remaining militants. Meanwhile, two soldiers were martyred in Qila Abdullah during an exchange of fire when militants attempted to storm a Frontier Corps post. The terrorists further rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the post’s boundary wall. ISPR stated that the attack was successfully stopped. Additionally, an FC post in Bannu’s Baran Dam area was attacked which left one soldier martyred and five injured. In Turbat, a Levies official was shot dead which the police suspected to be a targeted attack. (Ghulam Mursalin Marwat and Saleem Shahid, “Three terrorists killed in Bannu operation, says ISPR,” Dawn, 29 January 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS
On Peca Amendments sparking outrage, “These new amendments to Peca have been criticized for vague language and the potential to be weaponized against political opponents,” says an editorial in The News International
On 28 January, the Senate passed the PECA Amendment Bill, 2025 amid fierce opposition from PTI lawmakers. The critics argued that the law is aimed at silencing dissent and curbing free speech. JUI-F’s Kamran Murtaza proposed amendments which were ignored and led to protests in the House. Furthermore, the opposition leader Shibli Faraz condemned the bill and warned of increased political victimization. On the other hand, Minister for Industries and Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain defended the legislation and stated that it targets social media and not traditional media. He further stated that it could be amended if needed. However, journalists and digital rights activists strongly opposed the bill due to a lack of consultation. Co-founder of the digital rights advocacy organization, Bolo Bhi, Farieha Aziz said: “There was absolutely no consultation process, especially with digital rights groups.” He further criticized the government for rushing the bill and giving media bodies barely a day to respond. Furthermore, there were nationwide protests which erupted in cities like Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore. Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Afzal Butt led demonstrations where the journalists symbolically wore chains. Furthermore, the PFUJ vowed to continue resistance until the law is repealed.
On 29 January, an editorial titled, “Law or gag order?,” in The International News stated that the Senate’s passage of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Peca) (Amendment) Bill 2025 has triggered widespread criticism. The criticism has come particularly from journalists and digital rights activists. The introduction of Section 26A which criminalizes ‘fake news’ on social media has raised concerns over its vague language and potential misuse for stifling dissent. Additionally, the offenders are liable to face up to three years in prison and fines of PKR 2 million. The opposition senators walked out in protest and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) declared 27 January a ‘black day’ for democracy. The editorial stated that digital rights activists warned that the law empowers state agencies to suppress free speech by bypassing judicial oversight. Furthermore, the PFUJ planned nationwide protests and legal action to demand a rollback of the amendments. (Mumtaz Alvi, “Senate also passes contentious tweaks to Peca,” The International News, 29 January 2025; Zebunnisa Burki, “Journalists, activists rally against Peca amendment,” The International News, 29 January 2025; “Law or gag order?,” The International News, 29 January 2025)
PTI delegation meets JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman
On 28 January, a PTI delegation met JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and invited him to join the opposition alliance against the government. The discussions were led by Opposition Leader Omar Ayub, Salman Akram Raja, Asad Qaiser, Hamid Raza, and Akhunzada Yousafzai. PTI stated to the media its concerns over government transparency due to an unfulfilled promise of an unmonitored meeting with Imran Khan and a raid on Hamid Raza’s residence. Furthermore, they stressed the need to restructure the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). JUI-F’s Senator Kamran Murtaza confirmed the formation of a joint committee with PTI’s Asad Qaiser to oversee further discussions. Additionally, JUI-F will deliberate internally before deciding on alliance participation. (“PTI meets Fazlur Rehman, invites JUI-F to join opposition alliance,” The Express Tribune, 28 January 2025)
ECONOMY
Finance Minister reaffirms commitment to reforms under IMF bailout
On 28 January, Minister of Finance Mohammad Aurangzeb reiterated that Pakistan would uphold commitments under the USD 7 billion IMF Extended Fund Facility (EFF). He further hinted at possible tax relief for the salaried class in the 2025-26 budget and pledged to simplify the tax filing process at the “Dialogue on the Economy” event. He stated that the State Bank’s projection of USD 13 billion in foreign reserves was a key milestone. He also confirmed that 150,000 vacant positions were being abolished on account of downsizing. Aurangzeb also stated that over 30,000 had already been removed to streamline operations. (“Govt to stay firm on IMF commitments: Aurangzeb,” The International News, 29 January 2025)
Discos seek NEPRA approval for higher security deposits
On 29 January, The International News reported that eight state-owned power distribution companies (Discos) have petitioned the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to raise security deposits for electricity consumers. The potential hikes can reach around PKR 56,111. The companies like LESCO, FESCO, MEPCO, and PESCO, argue that rising electricity costs and financial risks necessitate these changes. The proposed revisions would tie security deposits to two months’ revenue. This would include taxes where the urban consumers’ rates are based on property size and usage. The properties up to 10 marlas would see deposits linked to three months’ average consumption. However, larger properties would face a rate of 1 per cent of market value. NEPRA has scheduled a public hearing on 11 February 2025, to review these proposals and gather stakeholder input. (Israr Khan, “Discos seek Nepra’s nod for security deposit hike,” The International News, 29 January 2025)
On SBP interest rate cuts, “SBP’s tame growth projections indicate that the rate cuts that the country has had are not sufficient to lift the economy,” says an editorial in The News International
On 29 January, an editorial titled, “The latest cut,” in The International News stated that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reduced its policy rate by 100 basis points to 12 per cent. This marked its sixth consecutive cut since June 2024. Furthermore, a cumulative 1000-point reduction from a peak of 22 per cent brings rates to a three-year low. There has been easing inflation where the Consumer Index Price (CPI) dropped to 4.1 per cent in December. The SBP revised its inflation forecast to 5.5 to 7.5 per cent for FY 2024-25 while maintaining GDP growth projections at 2.5 to 3.5 per cent. However, the actual growth remains weak as the first-quarter GDP is at only 0.9 per cent. The editorial stated that despite a record USD 8.8 billion in remittances, Pakistan’s reliance on external assistance underscores the need for investment and economic reforms to achieve sustainable growth. (“The latest cut,” The International News, 29 January 2025)
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PTI's hopes dashed, Imran Khan has no importance in America's eyes
Kausar Kazmi
- PMLN Digital
I will stand for the nation till my last breath.
Imran Khan
- PTI
"Imran Khan Sahib made a statement from jail that if anyone thinks that our path to protest has been closed, then he is in some kind of delusion. I will hold so many protests from jail that even their generations will remember them. This is Imran Khan's trust in the people of Pakistan."
Imran Riaz Khan
- PTI Islamabad
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"Mohsin Naqvi’s faux pas has caused huge diplomatic embarrassment to Islamabad."
- An opinion in Dawn, '‘A man for all seasons’.'
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