In Focus
EU warning on human rights violations and military courts
On 30 January, the European Union (EU) cautioned Pakistan not to assume continued access to the Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) trade scheme. They also stated their concerns over human rights violations. The EU Special Representative for Human Rights Olof Skoog urged authorities to avoid military courts for civilian trials and limit restrictions on free expression. Skoog said: “We have expressed [our] apprehensions and concerns about the use of military courts against civilians.” He also criticized Pakistan’s cybercrime law amendments. The EU’s upcoming GSP+ monitoring mission in June 2025 will assess Pakistan’s adherence to international commitments. This will include labor rights and judicial transparency. Additionally, Skoog reiterated that Pakistan’s GSP+ renewal is not guaranteed. (Absa Komal, “Don’t take GSP+ for granted, warns EU envoy,” Dawn, 30 January 2025)
Pakistan’s maritime sector loses PKR 5 trillion annually
On 30 January, The News International reported that Pakistan’s maritime sector suffered an annual loss of PKR 5 trillion (USD 18 billion). The loss was due to underutilized ports, tax evasion, malpractices, and misuse of Afghan Transit Trade. A high-level task force report stated that underutilized ports alone cost PKR 3.19 trillion and the tax evasion accounts for PKR 1.12 trillion. The malpractices, fake billing, and lack of warehousing further contribute to the losses. The Karachi Port Trust (KPT) operates at just 47 per cent capacity, while Port Qasim (PQA) utilizes only 50 per cent. Pakistan’s ports remain globally under-ranked despite their potential, with KPT at 61st and PQA at 146th. The report also highlighted the opportunities within Pakistan’s 240,000 sq km exclusive economic zone in tourism and resource exploration. Furthermore, global investors like Maersk and DP World have shown interest and recognized Pakistan’s strategic position. Additionally, the “Red Sea” crisis presents a unique opportunity to capitalize on this potential with long-term policies and investments. (Ansar Abbasi, “Pakistan faces annual loss of Rs5tr in maritime sector,” The News International, 30 January 2025)
Pakistan needs USD 100 billion for renewable energy and EV transition
On 30 January, The News International reported that Pakistan requires USD 100 billion to fully implement its renewable energy policies. Additionally, it needs USD 50 billion to generate 60 per cent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Federal Minister for Power Awais Leghari stated that reducing reliance on costly petroleum imports is essential. Currently, 55 per cent of electricity is generated from eco-friendly sources. There are further plans to raise this to 88 per cent. The government is also aiming to invest USD 18 billion in energy efficiency and incentives for electric vehicles. Furthermore, the country’s EV policy has cut electricity tariffs for charging stations. However, the production falls behind targets with only 60,000 EVs produced instead of 600,000. Senator Sherry Rehman highlighted the urgent need for more EV charging stations and financing options. Additionally, the closure of five furnace oil plants has reduced emissions and costs. (Israr Khan, “Pakistan eyes $100bn investment for ‘green energy revolution’,” The News International, 30 January 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS
PTI accuses government for collapse of negotiations
On 29 January, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan held the federal government responsible for the collapse of negotiations due to its lack of seriousness. He emphasized that PTI founder Imran Khan had authorized talks but no progress was made despite a month-long effort. Gohar said: “Doors of negotiations were closed not by the PTI but the government and those who did not want a political solution.” PTI had demanded judicial commissions to investigate the 9 May and 26 November incidents. However, the government proposed a parliamentary committee and claimed that legal experts advised against forming commissions for cases already in court. Furthermore, PTI boycotted the fourth round of talks scheduled for 28 January. The Opposition Leader Shibli Faraz argued: “Had a judicial commission been constituted, the truth would have come out and the government would not have lasted a day.” Meanwhile, government negotiator Irfan Siddiqui insisted their response addressed most of PTI’s demands and placed the responsibility on PTI to resume talks. (“Govt failed negotiations: Gohar,” The International News, 30 January 2025; Syed Irfan Raza, “Govt wants lawmakers, not judges, to review May 9, Nov 26 events,” Dawn, 30 January 2025)
On stalled negotiations between the government and the PTI: “Much as each side would like to blame the other, the failure of this round of talks is rooted in a combination of political missteps from both sides,” says an editorial in The International News
On 30 January, an editorial titled, “Failure to talk,” in The News International lamented that the hopes for resolving Pakistan’s political crisis through dialogue have been dashed. The breakdown in talks were a result of PTI’s absence from scheduled talks which forced National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq to call off the negotiations. The government was prepared to address PTI’s concerns. However, the opposition’s insistence on preconditions and unmet demands led to another breakdown in talks. Government hardline rhetoric and office raids further strained relations. The editorial pointed out that meaningful progress hinges on both sides showing political maturity. The editorial further argued that the government must commit to its promises and the PTI must abandon its rigid stance and return to negotiations. Furthermore, if both parties continue posturing and finger-pointing, the political deadlock will deepen. This will only benefit non-political actors. (“Failure to talk,” The News International, 30 January 2025)
On PECA amendments: “Establishment of a new National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency and the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority makes clear its true intent: unprecedented control over Pakistan’s digital space,” says an editorial in Dawn
On 30 January, an editorial titled, “Death blow,” in Dawn stated that the PECA amendments have become law following the President’s assent. This is despite the protests from journalists, human rights groups, and digital rights experts. The controversial legislation introduced Section 26(A) which criminalized vague definitions of “fake news.” Furthermore, it is punishable by up to three years in prison or PKR 2 million in fines. The editorial argued that the ambiguity in defining “fear, panic, or unrest” leaves the law open to misuse. The PPP has reversed its stance and backed legislation that stifles democratic discourse. The editorial stated that the formation of a National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency and a Social Media Protection Authority signals intent to control Pakistan’s digital space. The editorial further stated that the courts remain the last hope for defending civil liberties and resisting this legislative overreach as censorship looms. (“Death blow,” Dawn, 30 January 2025)
JUDICIARY
Supreme Court returns government’s sealed documents pertaining to 9 May military trials
On 29 January, the Supreme Court’s Constitutional Bench returned sealed envelopes submitted by the government which detailed the procedures followed in military trials of civilians involved in the 9 May attacks. Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail stated that it was inappropriate to review the documents. This was due to future appeals reaching the courts. Furthermore, Justice Musarrat Hilali questioned the lack of a formal procedure for transferring cases from civilian courts to military courts. There were also concerns raised by Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi about the qualifications of presiding officers. The defence counsel stated that the military trials adhered to due process and did not conflict with fundamental rights. However, Justice Mandokhail enquired whether military courts operated independently or remained subordinate to authorities. Additionally, Justice Rizvi suggested making trial details public to counter speculation. However, the government left that decision to the authorities. (Nasir Iqbal, “SC returns military court docs over ‘prejudice’ fears,” Dawn, 30 January 2025)
On judiciary’s legitimacy: “There has been very little effort on the part of the institution and its leadership to address such concerns in good faith,” says an editorial in Dawn
On 30 January, an editorial titled, “Court in crisis,” in Dawn stated that the Supreme Court is facing a crisis of legitimacy. There are growing demands from the legal community for a full court to hear challenges to the 26th Amendment. The concerns are regarding judicial independence. This is because appointments appear influenced by external pressures rather than merit. Islamabad High Court’s Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani has voiced similar concerns. He further linked the amendment to alleged interference in court affairs. Furthermore, a Supreme Court constitutional bench overruled a previous ruling on case assignments. This prompted a judge to rescue himself and warned that the court must “preserve and safeguard the sanctity of judicial orders.” The editorial stated that many argue that all justices should hear the case to ensure a fair and conclusive resolution. (“Court in crisis,” Dawn, 30 January 2025)
ECONOMY
GSMA warns of USD 1.8 billion GDP loss from spectrum auction delays
On 30 January, the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) warned that delaying Pakistan’s spectrum auction could cost USD 1.8 billion (PKR 500 billion) in GDP between 2025 and 2030. Furthermore, a five-year delay could increase this loss to USD 4.3 billion (PKR 1.16 trillion). The report suggested that Pakistan set lower reserve prices. This is to prevent unsold spectrum and ensure digital growth. Additionally, GSMA recommended a pricing spectrum in local currency to avoid exchange rate risks and allow flexible payment options. It further emphasized that the auction should prioritize digital infrastructure expansion over government revenue. Additionally, high spectrum costs have been linked to poor coverage and slower mobile speeds. It has also been linked to delayed rollouts which impacted both industry and consumers. (Mehtab Haider, “'Spectrum auction delay may inflict $1.8bn loss on Pakistan over next 5 years',” The News International, 30 January 2025)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan shows “profound concern” over US weapons in terrorist hands
On 29 January, Pakistan reiterated its “profound concern” over advanced US weapons left in Afghanistan being used by militants like the banned TTP. The Foreign Office urged Kabul’s authorities to prevent these weapons from falling into terrorist hands. The US claimed that no usable military equipment was abandoned in Afghanistan. However, reports suggest that the Afghan Taliban and terrorist groups have acquired them. This issue gained attention after US President Donald Trump demanded the return of military assets. Furthermore, Pakistan has seen a surge in terror attacks since the TTP ended its ceasefire in 2022. Additionally, American weapons were reportedly used in the November 2023 PAF Mianwali base attack. (Abdullah Momand, “FO notes ‘profound concern’ on weapons in Afghanistan as US demands military equipment’s return,” Dawn, 29 January 2025)
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A free man is one whose conscience has no value.
- PTI
PTI has proven that it is a chaotic party by ending the talks
Khurram Dastgir
- PMLN Digital
Our society and economy are being destroyed because we have neglected the principles of Islam and democracy. If we truly seek ‘Haqeeqi Azadi’ (Genuine Sovereignty), we must adopt these principles and continue our struggle
- Imran Khan
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"The private sector has strong potential to spearhead the transition to resilience and sustainability."
- An opinion in Dawn, 'Climate revenue & investments.'
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