In Focus
Continuing Discussions on the PECA: Government ready for dialogue
On 31 January, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar announced that the government is willing to hold dialogue on the recently approved amendments to the PECA law. In his statement to the media, he emphasized that the act aimed to curb the circulation of fake news and deepfakes on social media. On allegations of the law being controversial, he said: “Which clause in the Peca Act is controversial, let it be told, we are ready for improvement, there is protest but no one is talking about the clauses.” In this regard, stakeholders hold the right to appeal against the law at the Council of Complaints, High Court, and Supreme Court as the intricacies of the law are yet to be determined. He added that the government would move forward “with the preparation and consultation of rules. If there is any controversial provision in this act, bring it to the fore.” (Mumtaz Alvi, “Govt ready for talks on Peca amendments: Tarar,” The News International, 1 February 2025)
On 1 February, an editorial titled “Peca protests,” in Dawn discussed the recent protests against the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) which was “bulldozed” through the parliament. The amendments have met with widespread condemnation from various stakeholders including the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists. The union also staged protests on 31 January and termed it as ‘Black Day’. The criticism relates to the amendments introducing harsher penalties for those involved in the circulation of fake news and increased government oversight of social media platforms. In this context, the editorial noted that ideally, in a just society, a law is universal in nature. It should not only be aimed at benefitting the ruling elite but should also safeguard people’s rights and freedoms. However, the PECA has been designed to protect a few interests while ignoring the rest. The editorial contended that in the long run, it may not prove beneficial to the ruling elite as well. It said: “All stakeholders realize that there can be no compromise on national security, but at the same time there are sharp disagreements over how the digital sphere must be secured.” (“Peca protests,” Dawn, 1 February 2025)
Pakistan’s PM and Chinese ambassador discuss economic and security cooperation
On 31 January, China’s ambassador Jiang Zaidong and PM Sharif held a meeting in which issues related to bilateral economic and security coordination were deliberated upon. PM Sharif welcomed the Chinese ambassador and communicated his felicitations for the Chinese New Year to all citizens of China and those citizens who are residing in Pakistan. PM Sharif is optimistic that the New Year will reinforce bilateral ties. The Chinese ambassador expressed his gratitude to PM Sharif and the citizens of Pakistan for communicating their best wishes on the occasion of the Chinese New Year. On another note, PM Sharif in his communique on World Interfaith Harmony which begins from 1 February, asked the “religious scholars, community leaders and citizens” to work towards “promoting brotherhood.” PM Sharif stated that the week signifies the value of having a dialogue between different religions. Highlighting the surge in violence in the country and the importance of peace, he said “extremism and divisive rhetoric remains threats to our social fabric. At a time when the world faces growing challenges of intolerance and division, it is essential to reaffirm our collective commitment to peace and unity.” (“PM, Chinese envoy discuss economic, security ties,” The News International, 1 February 2025)
EU’s Special Representative’s Pakistan visit
On 1 February, The News International reported on the EU Special Representative for Human Rights (EUSR) Olaf Skoog’s visit to Pakistan. The objective of the mission was to bring Islamabad’s attention to issues of “human and labor rights.” The mission will also deliberate on the “GSP+ trade scheme” with Islamabad. Ambassador Olaf Skoog held discussions with ministers from the federal and provincial government, army officials, human rights activists, and lawyers. He stated that the EU remains committed to assisting Pakistan in fulfilling its “human rights obligations.” On Pakistan’s GSP+ status, he said “The EU welcomes the fact that Pakistan has become the largest beneficiary of GPS+ with Pakistani businesses increasing their exports to the EU market by 108 per cent since the launch of the trade scheme in 2014.” He also reminded Pakistan that trade concessions in GSP+ scheme would be contingent on how Pakistan handles issues pertaining to human rights. He also met Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz on his visit to Lahore and deliberated on issues pertaining to “freedom of religion, protection of minority rights, and accountability for violations and abuses of human rights.”
On the same day, an editorial in The News International titled “Message from the EU” discussed the significance of the EU’s Special Representative for Human Rights Olaf Skoog’s visit to Pakistan. The editorial highlighted that Ambassador Skoog on his visit to Pakistan has stressed its commitment towards “democracy, human rights and international humanitarian law.” The editorial noted that Ambassador Skoog did not directly address issues related to the release of Imran Khan, however, he voiced concerns regarding the trial of ordinary citizens in military courts. The editorial pointed out to the importance of the timing of his visit as in June, Pakistan needs to renew its GSP+ status and Islamabad cannot ignore the EU’s concerns for human rights in the country. GSP+ status gives Pakistan “preferential trade access” to markets of EU countries. The editorial further highlighted how the EU is interested in having a dialogue with all sections of Pakistan’s society including businessmen and people from “minority communities.” The editorial emphasized the importance of GSP+ status with Pakistan saving close to USD 1 billion in tariff reliefs. ((Jamila Achakzai, “EU special rep meets Pakistan’s top functionaries,” The News International, 1 February 2025; “Message from the EU,” The News International, 1 February 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS
PM approves 300 per cent salary increase for parliamentarians
On 1 February, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a 300 per cent increase in the salaries of parliamentarians. The government has justified this price hike by drawing comparisons with the salaries of federal secretaries. However, the parliamentarians have been recipients of a revised salary during January. Moreover, in a recent National Assembly Finance Committee the opposition benches, the political rivals, and the members of the treasury had a sense of unity regarding the salary raise. But despite the raise, the salaries of the legislative members will continue to be lesser than that of the members of provincial assemblies. (Syed Irdan Raza, “NA speaker notifies 300pc hike in lawmakers’ pay,” Dawn, 1 February 2025)
PM Sharif highlights importance of dialogue for interfaith harmony
On 31 January, on account of the World Interfaith Harmony Week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored the importance of “dialogue, understanding and cooperation among diverse religious communities.” He claimed that his government has been upholding the values of inclusivity and social cohesion through its policies. He stated that his government would respond with “dialogue,” “courage” and build bridges against those who sow seeds of hate, “preach fear” and divide people. Furthermore, he said he was committed to an environment that fostered peace and mutual respect. He stated that with the Interfaith Harmony Policy and Strategy of Religious Tolerance in place, hate speech would be targeted at its “core” and measures would be taken to safeguard every church, shrine, and temple. (“Dialogue key to promoting inter-faith harmony: PM,” Dawn, 1 February 2025)
JUDICIARY
Former CJP counsel argues court martial of 9 May accused was unfair
On 31 January, representing former Chief Justice Jawwad Khwaja, Khwaja Ahmad Hosain argued that in a court martial the army plays the role of a judge, prosecutor, and jury while the constitutional bench was hearing an appeal against the Supreme Court’s 23 October 2023 decision. The court’s verdict had nullified the military trial of civilians who have been accused in the 9 May episode. In this regard, Hosain argued that the trial was unconstitutional as the military was directly affected on the day of the violence. He also cited Article 10-A which has made a provision for the right to a fair trial. There is no substantial reasoning to restrict this right or other rights in this reference. Hence, the court-martial was unconstitutional and violated civilians' rights, he contended. On the other hand, Justice Syed Hasan Rizvi questioned what course of action should be adopted to achieve justice for security personnel who die at the hands of civilian terrorists if the Pakistan Army Act was declared unconstitutional. Meanwhile, Justice Jamal Mandokhail observed that it was better to release 100 offenders than sentence an innocent individual. He also wondered if Pakistan really benefited from the 21st Amendment which permitted the trial of terrorists in military courts and was later extended for two more years. (Nasir Iqbal, “‘Prosecutor, judge & jury’: fairness of May 9 trials disputed in SC,” Dawn, 1 February 2025)
ECONOMY
On revenue collection shortfall: “A tax policy divorced from economic realities is destined to fail,” highlights an editorial in The News International
On 1 February, The News International reported that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has suffered a revenue shortfall of PKR 468 billion between July 2024 and January 2025, the first seven months of the current fiscal. In this regard, the annual tax collection was PKR 6,496 billion against a target of PKR 6,964 billion. However, an improvement in revenue collection shortfall was observed in January as a 29 per cent improvement was estimated on a monthly basis. Nevertheless, the collection shortfall has widened as the revenue shortfall of July-December was at PKR 384 billion and the PKR 84 billion shortfall of January has further magnified the shortage. The reason why this is important is because the International Monetary (IMF) is likely to hold a review meeting on the USD 7 billion Extended Facility Fund Programme by the end of February or March 2025. The IMF is yet to respond to these slippages of the FBR.
On the same day an editorial titled “A poor nation,” in The News International highlighted the shortfall in the anticipated tax collection. It noted how the government has undertaken measures to bring non-tax filers under the tax net and revamped its tax portal for easier tax filing. However, of the 5.9 million tax returns filed only 3,651 people have reported an income above PKR 100 million while only 12 have revealed wealth above PKR 10 billion. What’s even worse is that 43.3 per cent of the tax filers have revealed zero taxable income. This suggests a significant portion of the population earns slightly above the minimum wage of PKR 37,000 on a monthly basis. It also reflects upon the government’s failure to see the ground realities of the economic environment of Pakistan. Despite declaring low or non-taxable income, there are many who make huge purchases. The numbers may not add up partly due to the large workforce abroad. Many of these households may be depending on remittances from family members working abroad. “This lifeline, rather than domestic earnings, sustains the spending habits that perplex tax authorities,” the editorial stated. Hence, the real matter of concern does not lie in undeclared wealth of tax filers but the government’s failure to “foster a robust domestic economy.” ((Mehtab Haider, “FBR faces Rs468bn shortfall in seven months,” The News International, 1 February 2025; “A poor nation,” The News International, 1 February 2025)
On telecom operators’ requirement for more spectrums: “delays in assigning spectrum could lead to significant economic losses,” says an editorial in Dawn
On 1 February, an editorial in Dawn titled “Additional spectrum” discussed the requirement of more spectrums for maintaining the demand and supply ratio in “mobile connectivity.” The editorial highlighted that mobile operators based in Pakistan require additional spectrums. Spectrums are essentially the radio ways which transfer the “voice calls and wireless data.” The editorial pointed out how consumers are witnessing an increased number of “call drops” and reduced internet speed. The editorial claimed that if additional spectrums are not provided by the government, it would not be possible for the mobile operators to meet the increasing demands and enhance their existing services. The editorial referenced a paper that claims that if additional spectrums are not given to telecom networks, it could possibly lead to huge financial losses. A postponement of two years might result in losses amounting to USD 1.8 billion in GDP from 2025-2030. The editorial noted how the government has not initiated a bidding process for the sale of more spectrums since 2014. The editorial, therefore, suggested that the government must give more preference to “digital infrastructure development” rather than just focusing on the collection of revenue if it is serious about introducing 5G services in the country. (“Additional spectrum,” Dawn, 1 February 2025)
SECURITY
Assistant Commissioner of Kurram shot while attempting to placate rival parties
On 31 January, a senior administrative officer was attacked in Bushehra, Kurram. Two more people were wounded in the gun attack. The injured were moved to Parachinar hospital. After the assault, a gun battle between the rival parties in the area engulfed the region. Saeed Manan, who is the Assistant Commissioner reached the spot and was accompanied by police and administrative officials. The Assistant commissioner and his team attempted to conciliate the situation. However, soon after, Saeed Manan was shot in his stomach. As per the hospital authorities, Saeed Manan had to undergo an operation and his condition is stable now. The violence in Kurram had escalated in November after an assault on a Shia caravan in Lower Kurram that resulted in more than 40 people losing their lives. Close to 130 people have been killed since the incident. The adviser to KP CM, Muhammad Ali Saif reiterated the government’s intent to bring back normalcy in the region. He stated that all the parties must understand the catastrophic effect of violence and that it was the “internal division” that resulted in the killing of people. (“Fragile Kurram peace shaken after AC injured in firing,” Dawn, 1 February 2025)
On the surge in violence in the country: “military should continue its CT operations till all the affected areas are cleared of militancy,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 1 February, an editorial in Dawn titled “Counterterrorism ops” discussed the importance of counter-terrorism operations in rooting out militancy and ensuring peace in the region. The editorial cited the disturbing statistics from 2024, a year in which a record number of civilians and military officials lost their lives in terror attacks. The editorial mentioned that the main culprits involved in the terror attacks were from proscribed TTP and other Baloch nationalist groups. The editorial called for the continuation of counter-terrorism operations until areas prone to militant threats are brought back to normalcy. The editorial suggested that security officials must be provided with “better equipment and training.” The editorial also highlighted the problem of weapons left by American forces in Afghanistan which are increasingly falling into the hands of TTP. The editorial also suggested that Islamabad must urge the Taliban government not to allow their land to become a breeding ground for anti-Pakistan terror groups and that Pakistan must stay committed to its counter-terrorism policy. (“Counterterrorism ops,” Dawn, 1 February 2025)
PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Secretary Asad Ali blames former secretary for discrepancies in “KP illegal recruitment case”
On 1 February, The News International reported on the allegations leveled by the current secretary against former secretary for the latter's involvement in “KP illegal recruitment case.” Asad Ali, who is the current secretary and previously was the director general of the Human Rights Department, has alleged that the former secretary Akbar Ayub Khan who was also a minister in the PTI government bore the responsibility of “illegal recruitment.” Khan denied the allegations and stated that he did not have a role to play in illegitimate recruitment. He informed that he only took “temporary charge” on the directions of the KP government. He argued that he was not even subpoenaed once in a “two-year inquiry.” Secretary Asad Ali has lodged a petition against a “show cause notice” put forward by KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur. He stated that “transparency and merit were always paramount” and claimed to terminate the hiring process when he got a hint that due procedures were not being adhered to. (Arshad Aziz Malik, “Pandora’s box opens in KP illegal recruitment case,” The News International, 1 February 2025)
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Those who shoot directly at unarmed innocent Pakistanis! History will never forgive you and everyone will only ask this question: Why did the bullet fire?
- PTI
The path PTI is taking will never be successful
Rana Sanaullah
- PMLN Digital
The entire nation is united against terrorism
President Asif Ali Zardari
- PPP
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"Grit and ingenuity can often trump throwing enormous amounts of money at everything."
- An opinion in Dawn, 'DeepSeek revolution.'
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