Imran Khan urges the Chief Justice to investigate into election fraud and suppression of PTI I Military Court’s verdict should have been challenges in a higher court: Supreme Court Judge
In Focus
Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA): Journalists union to protest against the amendment; calls it a black day
On 30 January, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) declared 31 January a “Black Day” in protest against the amendments made to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). This comes following President Asif Ali Zardari’s assent to the bill. The new provisions of the law have introduced stringent punishments for the circulation of fake news, while also expanding oversight of digital platforms and has even proposed the creation of regulatory bodies to monitor social media. This has elicited widespread criticism from various political parties, journalist organizations and even human rights bodies. In this regard, the PFUJ issued a statement that a “freedom of press movement” had been launched and would follow a sit-in conducted outside the Parliament in protest of the “black law.” On the other hand, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) held a consultative session regarding the amendments and called for a “grand coalition for freedom of expression.” This coalition would consist of the HRCP, PFUJ, Supreme Court Bar Association, Media Alliance for Pakistan Freedom Network, Bolo Bhi, WAJAH, the Anchors Association of Pakistan as well as the Institute for Research, Advocacy and Development. (Nadir Guramani, “PFUJ to mark black day nationwide tomorrow with protests against Peca amendments,” Dawn, 30 January 2025)
Imran Khan urges the Chief Justice to investigate into election fraud and suppression of PTI
On 30 January, The Express Tribune reported that former Prime Minister and PTI founder, Imran Khan wrote a 349-page letter to Chief Justice Yahya Afridi. In the letter, he urged the Supreme Court to address alleged electoral fraud and human rights violations. He further urged to look into the repression against his party. The letter was titled as “Meltdown of the constitutional order in Pakistan.” It detailed the claims of rigging in the February 2024 elections. Additionally, it also mentioned the suppression of political dissent and mass arrests of PTI workers. Furthermore, Khan accused the government of orchestrating a crackdown on PTI. He also said: “The targeted attacks against the leadership, workers, and supporters of the PTI are nothing short of a sustained campaign of political persecution and terror.” He alleged that between 24 to 27 November 2024 over 10,000 PTI members were arrested. Additionally, some members were subjected to enforced disappearances and military trials. The hospital records of injured protesters were allegedly sealed and tampered with. The letter called for judicial intervention and said: “The Supreme Court of Pakistan has not been vested with enormous power by the Constitution of Pakistan in order to act as a bystander.” (“Imran Khan pens letter to CJP on rights violations, poll rigging,” The Express Tribune, 30 January 2025; Umer Mehtab, “Imran urges CJP Afridi to bring an end to ‘state terror and brutality’,” Dawn, 30 January 2025)
Military Court’s verdict should have been challenged in a higher court: Supreme Court Judge
On 30 January, while hearing appeals filed against the Oct 23, 2023 judgment that “nullified military trials for civilians involved in the May 9 violence,” Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan questioned why no civilian has challenged “the jurisdiction of military courts in superior courts” for being indicted in the 9 May violence and attacking military installations. He believed that the military court’s verdict could have been challenged in a superior court on the basis of mala fide intent as the cases were transferred from civilian courts to military courts. He further observed that since Article 8(3) protected laws related to military personnel and not laws that were linked to the trial of civilians in military courts, then these sections of the Army Act could be challenged and perhaps be nullified. Reflecting on past incidents pertaining to the terror attacks on the General Headquarters (GHQ) and the Mehran Air Base, Justice Hasan Rizvi asked the Defence Ministry’s counsel, Khwaja Haris Ahmed, what approach was adopted to hold the culprits accountable. Since the incidents had a significant impact on the state kitty, were the perpetrators trialed in the military court or the anti-terrorism court. To this, the counsel replied military court. However, the former chief justice, Jawwad Khwaja’s counsel, Khwaja Hosain questioned why an Indian spy, Kulbhushan Jadhav was given the right to appeal at a high court after an International Court of Justice ruling. He emphasized that the trial of civilians should be in tune with the fundamental rights and not under the provisions of the military courts. He argued that the latter court’s provisions were against the constitutional provisions, especially the right to a fair trial. (Nasir Iqbal, “SC questions lack of legal challenges to military trials,” Dawn, 31 January 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS
PM Sharif offers constitution of National Committee to forward dialogue with the PTI
On 30 January, while addressing a cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered the opposition, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) an opportunity to resume the interparty dialogue. He stated that a National Assembly (NA) committee would be constituted to carry out the dialogue process. He also promised that the committee would be tasked to investigate the events that followed the 26 November protests. As the PTI had called for the creation of a judicial commission to investigate the 9 May and 26 November events, the PM clarified that instead of a judicial commission, the government had decided to create an NA committee. He commented that the government was open to holding talks with the PTI, and for this reason a committee was also formed, however, he alluded that the PTI is “fleeing the dialogue process.” In this regard, the committee will respond to the PTI’s demands on 28 January. (Muhammad Anis & Mumtaz Alvi, “PTI spurns PM’s offer for talks,” The News International, 31 January 2025)
ECONOMY
Tax on agriculture imposed in two provinces, under process in Sindh and Balochistan
On 30 January, the Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb announced that two provincial legislative assemblies had approved the Agriculture Income Tax law and the same is underway in the legislatures of Sindh and Balochistan. During a Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, he stated that the cabinet had given a green light to the separation of policy and revenue collection. In this regard, a policy unit will be established by the Finance Ministry and the revenue collection will be dealt with by the Revenue board. The Federal Board of Revenue’s Chairman, Ahmed Langrial apprised the meeting that some assumptions had been changed in the first six months of the current fiscal. As a result, it has led to a shortfall in collection of PKR 386 billion. On the other hand, while speaking about Carbon Tax replacement with some Petroleum Development Levy, the Aurangzeb stated that the World Bank had approved a funding of USD 20 billion in six key areas. Among them include two climate resilience related areas. Separately, the government has stopped the buying of 1010 vehicles until a probe was completed by the Public Procurement Authority. This followed after Senator Faisal revealed that he was on the receiving end of dead threats from the Revenue Board’s officials for bringing up the FBR’s raid on a multinational company after a letter of intent was issued to another company for the purchase of 1010 vehicles. (Mehtab Haider, “Agriculture Income Tax enforced in two provinces: Aurangzeb,” The News International, 31 January 2025)
Schemes underway to boost SMEs and exports: SBP Governor
On 30 January, the State Bank of Pakistan governor, Jamil Ahmed, spoke about the future trajectory for Pakistan’s economy while addressing the Multan Chamber of governance. He stated that exporters are provided with several facilities to enhance exports. In this regard, a scheme will also be announced for exporters who bring in unconventional products into the market. Besides, the volume of loans taken will be increased from PKR 550 billion to PKR 1.1 trillion for Small and Medium scale Enterprises via a scheme. He added, while Pakistan is not ready to legitimize digital currency, however, a committee has been formed for the same. Hence, relevant regulatory requirements, technology and amendments to the State Bank Act are under review. (“SBP governor unveils plans to boost exports, SME sector,” The News International, 31 January 2025)
Unoperational Neelum Jhelum hydropower poses significant financial burden on consumers, reports The News
On 31 January, The News International reported that due to the closure of the Neelum Jhelum hydropower plant, the electricity users are having to bear the brunt of expensive electricity tariffs. The plant has been unoperational since May after a rock burst fault hampered the national grid of low-cost electricity. In this regard, a public hearing was conducted by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to address a petition that had been filed by the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA). It called for a reduction of PKR 1.03 per unit of electricity prices under the Fuel Charges Adjustment for December. If it receives approval then consumers will experience some amount of monetary relief in February 2024. Additionally, if the plant was operational, then the reimbursement to consumers would be more, a government official informed the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA). (“Continued closure of NJ hydropower plant multiplies power woes,” The News International, 31 January 2025)
On uniform agricultural tax rates: Uniform tax rates are critical to a "fair, transparent and equitable system," argues an editorial in Dawn
On 31 January, an editorial titled, “Provincial AIT laws,” in Dawn stated that harmonizing provincial agriculture income tax (AIT) rates with federal tax slabs is a key requirement under Pakistan’s USD 7 billion IMF programme. The provinces had committed to implementing legislative changes before 2024. However, its progress has been slow. Punjab amended its AIT law early but has yet to notify updated rates. This delegates the decision to the Punjab cabinet. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recently passed a bill. However, Sindh and Balochistan have shown no intention to amend their ATI laws. Furthermore, Sindh’s delay is due to the political tensions over Islamabad’s corporate farming plans. The editorial stated that as the IMF review is approaching, timely compliance is crucial to ensure the loan’s continuation. (“Provincial AIT laws,” Dawn, 31 January 2025)
SOCIETY
On gender-based violence: “Pakistan continues to foster an environment where such crimes are not only possible but disturbingly common,” argues an editorial The News International
On 31 January, an editorial titled “VAW continues,” in The News International discussed the recent killing of a 15-year-old girl in Quetta, by her father. It cited the incident to shed light on the “grim” state of affairs in Pakistan where gender violence is propagated in the name of honor. These crimes are often carried out by family members, including husbands, fathers, brothers, and even mothers. Despite legal reforms, legislation, and activism, women and girls continue to suffer. According to the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan, there has been an 81 per cent increase in the backlog of unsettled gender-based violence cases. In fact, the “lack of enforcement,” social stigma, and loopholes benefit the perpetrators as they receive minimal punishment after being forgiven by the victim. In this regard, the editorial calls for a shift in how society views its women, their rights, and their autonomy. It said: “Women should not have to live in fear of their own families.” (“VAW continues,” The News International, 31 January 2025)
HEALTH
WHO lauds Pakistan for 99 per cent reduction in polio cases
On 30 January, the World Health Organization (WHO) lauded Pakistan for reducing polio cases by over 99 per cent since 1994. It also reaffirmed its support in Pakistan’s final push towards polio eradication. However, despite the progress there have been challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan where vaccination efforts were hindered due to militant attacks and misinformation. Pakistan reported just six cases in 2023 compared to the 20000 annual cases in the 1990s. WHO’s Deputy Director, Dr Mike Ryan warned that a USD 68 million funding gap threatened the eradication efforts. He further said: “Urgent funding is required to ensure that hard-fought gains are not lost.” Additionally, Pakistan will launch its first nationwide vaccination drive of 2025 from 3 to 9 February to combat the threat. (“Pakistan achieves 99% reduction in polio cases,” The Express Tribune, 30 January 2025)
SECURITY
Four soldiers and thirteen terrorists killed in two separate encounters in North Waziristan
On 30 January, four security personnel, including Major Hamza Israr were martyred. Additionally, thirteen terrorists were killed in two separate encounters in North Waziristan. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that an intelligence-based operation in Mir Ali led to the elimination of six terrorists. Furthermore, during the operation, Major Israr and Sepoy Muhammad Naeem sacrificed their lives. In another ambush on a convoy, two more soldiers were martyred and seven terrorists were neutralized. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss and vowed to eradicate terrorism. Prime Minister Sharif said: “We will not let the great sacrifices of the sons of the nation go in vain and will destroy the nefarious intentions of anti-state elements.” (Pazir Gul, “Major among four personnel martyred in North Waziristan,” Dawn, 31 January 2025)
PROVINCES
Balochistan: Gwadar protests called off, following a seven-point agreement
On 30 January, a group of political parties called off their sit-in in Gwadar after 47 days of protests. This followed after successful negotiations were carried out between the parties and the district administration. A seven-point agreement was inked by both sides, resulting in a pause in sit-in protests until Ramzan. The agreement entails the following demands to be fulfilled by the administration, namely, the curb on illegal trawling and the provision of 17 hours of electricity via a reduction in load shedding in the port city. It also called for the allotment of a colony for the local fishermen, a steady supply of clean water to the locals as well as acceleration in the Gwadar Development Authority’s (GDA) town projects. (Behram Baloch, “Gwadar protest ends after successful negotiations,” Dawn, 31 January 2025)
EXTERNAL
Muhammad Yunus expresses hope for stronger Pakistan-Bangladesh ties, says Foreign Minister
On 31 January, The News International reported that Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus stated his optimism about strengthening Pakistan-Bangladesh relations, particularly in trade and economic sectors. Yunus met Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos and discussed leveraging the sector for public benefit. Furthermore, Aurangzeb described his meeting with Yunus as pleasant and beneficial. However, he avoided commenting on the possibility of implementing a Grameen-style banking model in Pakistan. Furthermore, Aurangzeb hinted at future high-level exchanges between the Pakistan and Bangladesh. (Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, “Aurangzeb says Dr Yunus wants better ties with Pakistan,” The News International, 31 January 2025)
On US suspending the aid: Spokesperson says Pakistan is reviewing it
On 30 January, The Express Tribune reported that the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated that Pakistan is currently reviewing the US aid suspension and is in dialogue with the US officials. He further pointed out Pakistan’s long-standing collaboration with the US and its commitment to strengthening economic ties. Khan also made it clear that the aid freeze is a 90-day measure which is affecting all countries. He also confirmed Pakistan’s participation in upcoming naval exercises with 60 nations. Khan further addressed concerns over US weapons being used in terrorism from Afghanistan. Additionally, he highlighted the 770 Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails and announced a Pakistan-Qatar political consultation on 5 February 2025. Furthermore, Pakistan condemned Israeli aggression and attacks on Saudi hospitals in Sweden. (“Pakistan reviewing US aid suspension, in talks with US officials,” The Express Tribune, 30 January 2025)
MARITIME
On Pakistan’s maritime sector’s loss: “The report lamented that despite immense potential and geo-strategic advantages, Pakistan has not been able to exploit its real potential,” says an editorial in The News International
On 31 January, The News International reported thatPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the revamping of Pakistan’s maritime sector. He has intitiated this to increase revenue from PKR 2610 billion to PKR 8000 -9000 billion. The Defence Minister led a high-level implementation committee to oversee the plan. The plan includes over 120 key reforms focused on ports’ governance, revenue growth, digitization, shipbuilding, fisheries, and aquaculture. The major initiatives include creating the Pakistan Maritime & Sea Port Authority (PMSPA) by 30 March 2025. Furthermore, it also includes appointing CEOs for Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar ports and improving hinterland connectivity under CPEC. Other actions involve modernizing terminals, shipbuilding expansion, and addressing inefficiencies at Karachi Port Trust (KPT). There 80 per cent of revenue is spent on salaries and pensions. Pakistan lacks even a single cargo container ship. This has led to an annual USD 5 to 8 billion loss. Additionally, the plan aims to unlock trade potential and restore Gaddani’s shipbreaking industry.
On the same day, an editorial titled, “Blue economy in the red,” in The News International stated that Pakistan’s maritime sector has suffered annual losses of nearly PKR 5 trillion. This is despite its strategic location and immense potential. The underutilized ports account for PKR 3.19 trillion in losses, while tax evasion costs PKR 1.12 trillion. The Karachi Port Trust (KPT) operates at just 47 per cent capacity and Port Qasim at 50 per cent. This places them at 61st and 146th in global rankings, respectively. Gwadar Port’s expansion to 400 million tonnes by 2045 also risks similar inefficiencies. The editorial stated that Pakistan is yet to capitalize on the investment opportunity presented by the Red Sea crisis. The editorial stated that there are several factors to ensure Pakistan reaps the benefits of its geographical advantage. The factors include the need for full port utilization, tax transparency, and policy wisdom. (“PM approves revamping of maritime sector to enhance revenue to Rs9,000bn,” The News International, 31 January 2025; “Blue economy in the red,” The News International, 31 January 2025)
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When Allah has given you wings, why do you crawl like ants?
- PTI
The Pak-China friendship is timeless and spans decades, which we have inherited from our ancestors. This friendship is not just timeless in a word. This relationship is not only between the governments but also very deep between the people living in the two countries.
- PMLN
"Inshallah, in the end, the people and Imran Khan will win, and until then, every challenge is accepted!"
Gibran Elias
- PTI Islamabad
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"When mainstream politicians adopt the expedient path of semi-loyalty, anti-democratic forces are strengthened."
- An opinion in Dawn, 'Perils and promise of democracy.'
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