Pakistan owes 92 per cent in external debt I NAB acquits PM Sharif and his son in Ramzan Sugar Mills reference
In Focus
JI and PTI to launch demonstrations on 8 February against alleged election fraud in 2024
On 6 February, The Express Tribune reported that Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has announced that 8 february will be observed as a “black day.” JI alleges that general elections which took place on 8 February 2024 were not free and fair. It has announced countrywide demonstrations, one of which would be held outside the office of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) located in Karachi. Addressing a press conference in Karachi, the JI chief said “JI will observe Youm-e-Siyah on 8 February over the stolen mandate and rigged elections last year.” JI was unable to open its account in the National Assembly elections, however, it won one provincial assembly seat from Balochistan and another one from Sindh. Separately, PTI has also announced demonstrations on 8 February. PTI supremo Imran Khan has instructed KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur to bring people to Peshawar from all corners of the province for a “public gathering.” The party had intended to hold demonstrations in Lahore and was seeking approval from the Lahore administration, however, the latter has rejected PTI’s request. As per the communique from the administration, it has rejected PTI’s request because of security concerns. (“JI also announces protest on one-year anniversary of Feb 8 polls,” The Express Tribune, 6 February 2025; “Lahore admin rejects PTI’s request for Feb 8 rally at Minar-e-Pakistan,” The Express Tribune, 6 February 2025)
Pakistan owes 92 per cent in external debt
On 7 February, The News International outlined major sources of Pakistan’s external debt. About 92 per cent of the debt includes multilateral and bilateral lenders and international bonds. It reported that the external debt and liabilities had risen to USD 133 billion. Further, an increase of USD 88.7 billion external debt was recorded by the end of September 2024, under the Fiscal Responsibility and Debt Limitation Act (FRDLA). The major sources of debt include the World Bank, the Asia Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund among other multilateral lenders. According to estimates from September 2024, they make up for 56 per cent of the debt. While China is the largest bilateral creditor, the second major lender is the Paris Club. The latter has a 28 per cent share of debt. Besides, 8 per cent is sourced from international Bond issues, 6 per cent and 14 per cent from commercial banks and sources, respectively. (Mehtab Haider, “Pakistan owes 92% of external debt to three sources,” The News International, 7 February 2025)
NAB acquits PM Sharif and his son in Ramzan Sugar Mills reference
On 6 February, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) of Lahore acquitted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shehbaz in the Ramzan Sugar Mills case. The verdict announced by Judge Sardar Iqbal Dogar of the NAB was reserved for 10 February. In the NAB 2019 reference, PM Sharif was accused of having a 10 kilometer sludge carrier constructed in Chinot as it caused a PKR 213 million loss to the state kitty. The case was reopened in November 2023 after amendments that were introduced to strike down the case were taken down. At the hearing, PM Sharif and his son’s counsel attested that the construction of a sludge carrier was not only to benefit Ramzan Sugar Mills but also the local community. The lawyer further claimed that he had never accused the duo of corruption as he was the one who had filed the original complaint. (Mumtaz Alvi, “Shehbaz, Hamza acquitted in Ramzan Sugar Mills case,” The News International, 7 February 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS
PM Sharif visits Fazlur Rehman amid PECA controversy
On 6 February, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif along with Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Planning Minister Ihsan Iqbal paid a visit to Jamiat-Ulema- Islami (F) (JUI-F) founder to check on his health. According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, the leaders had met Rehman to discuss the current state of politics in Pakistan. This development comes after amendments were made to Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and supposedly bulldozed through the parliament and promulgated by President Asif Ali Zardari. In response, it was met with opposition from civil rights groups, journalists and Rehman. While speaking with the media outside the Parliament House he said: “The government should not go to such an extent that no way out is left for politicians. The country’s system cannot function if the matters are decided by a few individuals.” He argued that before altering the law, inputs should have been taken from relevant stakeholders. He believed that the reservations regarding the law were valid considering similar events that took place in the past. Moreover, he also had a telephone call with President Asif Ali Zardari and suggested that the journalist community be brought into confidence. The president assured him that it would be so once he returned from the US. However, Zardari passed the law without complying with his commitment. (Syed Irfan Raza, “PM visits Fazl after JUI-F chief’s criticism of Peca law,” Dawn, 7 February 2025; Muhammad Anis, “Courted by opposition, Fazl plays host to Shehbaz,” The News International, 7 February 2025)
On PTI’s opposition alliance: “The selection of Mr Abbasi as the coalition’s chief is a particularly interesting one,” commented an editorial in Dawn
On 7 February, an editorial titled “Mobilizing opposition” in Dawn shed light on an anti-government alliance formed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf. It is a “resistance movement” which will be led by the former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. His nomination comes as he is not deemed a “controversial” figure. In fact, he has also been requested to head a steering committee which will integrate all opposition political parties into one platform. In this regard, the editorial stated that it would be too early to comment on the trajectory of these activities as it is a situation of many “ifs and buts.” However, it is an interesting development as these parties have found a common ground where they seek the government’s resignation and fresh polls. The editorial further commented that while some parties enjoy being favored, others have no option but to “fight back” lest they “be interred in the same place as Pakistani democracy.” (“Mobilizing opposition,” Dawn, 7 February 2025)
JUDICIARY
PFUJ petitions against PECA amendment at Islamabad High Court
On 6 February, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has filed a petition at the Islamabad High Court against the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act 2025. The petition filed by Advocate Imran Shafique claimed that the newly implemented law violated fundamental rights, freedoms and process. He contended that the law is broad, poses a threat to citizen rights and its ambiguity makesit prone to misinterpretation. The petitioner also raised concerns over the restrictions on dissent under the pretence of hampering “aspersion.” Moreover, the petition also criticized the amendment for granting ample power to the regulatory authority to block and remove online content without substantial supervision. (“Peca changes challenged in Islamabad High Court,” Dawn, 7 February 2025)
Judicial Commission appoints nine additional judges to LHC
On 6 February, the Judicial Commission of Pakistan has appointed only nine additional judges out of 10 nominations for consideration to the Lahore High Court (LHC). Further, no district court judge or sessions court judge was elevated to the LHC as the Chief Justice of LHC, Aalia Neelum retracted her list of nominations. She, however, promised the commission that a fresh list would be introduced with many more nominations. On the other hand, nominations presented by Justice Shujaat Ali were rejected by the commission as he was removed as a commissioner member after an objection was raised by Justice Munib Akhtar at the Supreme Court. In another development, the Karachi Bar Association denounced the executive subjugation of the judiciary via plans to strengthen the 26th Constitutional Amendment Act. Additionally, it also voiced opposition to the appointments of eight new judges to the Supreme Court as well as the transfer of provincial judges to the Islamabad High Court. They also denounced the granting of seniority to the transferred judges without having them take a new oath in the IHC. (Nasir Iqbal, “JCP appoints nine additional judges to Lahore High Court,” Dawn, 7 February 2025)
ECONOMY
Accounts committee to begin audit review process from 12 February
On 7 February, The News International reported that the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will hold its first formal meeting on 12 February to set a month-long schedule into motion i.e. up to 11 March. This meeting is being held to carry out parliamentary accountability of the government. The PAC will begin its operations by scrutinizing various paras of the audit from the former Pakistan Democratic Movement government and the caretaker government. In this regard, it will first look into the audits of National Heritage and Culture Division and the Ministry of National Health Services of 2023-2024. It will be followed in the order of audits from the Ministry of Narcotics Control Division and Petroleum Division, Federal Service Commission and the Ministry of Industries and Production. Subsequently, audits from the Board of Investment and Power Division, Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination and the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Foreign Office, Pakistan Atomic Energy, Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority, and the Federal Board of Revenue and National Disaster Management Authority and Finance Division will be under review. (Asim Yasin, “Junaid-led PAC to begin parliamentary accountability process next week,” The News International, 7 February 2025)
ENVIRONMENT
World Bank Global Director for Climate Change calls for directing agricultural subsidies towards climate financing
On 6 February, “Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference” an initiative of Dawn media commenced. The conference saw the presence of World Bank Global Director for Climate Change Valerie Hickey. In her address, she advocated for reduction in unnecessary subsidies that go towards agriculture and instead diverting that money towards combating climate change. She highlighted how USD 1 billion per day is required to reverse “desertification” and fight against drought conditions. However, despite that, USD 2 billion per day is being spent on “agricultural subsidies.” She also acknowledged the fact that USD 300 billion worth of “climate finance” which was approved during COP-29 is not enough. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in his address pointed out two key issues which were uncontrolled growth in population and “climate change.” He stated that “public-private” collaboration is important for climate financing. He also pointed out delays that were incurred due to bureaucracy. Shamshad Akhtar who is an erstwhile governor of State Bank of Pakistan termed climate change as “lethal threat.” He stated that climate change can lead to “disruptions in economy, textile, livestock and cause displacement.” The conference did not see the presence of PM Sharif, President Zardari and CM of Punjab Maryam Nawaz due to their “prior commitments.” (Zaki Abbas and Syed Irfan Raza, “Time to walk the talk on climate action,” Dawn, 7 February 2025)
SECURITY
Militant attack on police post kills three officials in Karak, KP
On 5 February, militants launched an assault on a police post in Karak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The militants were armed with “light and heavy weapons.” The cops effectively countered the attack and the exchange of fire went on between them for two hours. The cops foiled the objective of militants which was reportedly to capture the police post. As a result of the assault, three police officers were killed. Separately, an intelligence-based operation was launched in North Waziristan close to the bordering region with Afghanistan. The operation resulted in the killing of 12 militants. However, during the operation, one security officer also lost his life. Security forces confiscated “weapons and ammunitions” found in possession of the militants. On the assault, Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed said “KP police will uproot the menace of terrorism. The terrorists want to cause harm to the people, but the people and KP are united.” Mohsin Naqvi who is the Interior minister issued condemnation against the assault and paid his respects to those officers who lost their lives. (Ghulam Mursalin Marwat and Pazir Gull, “Three cops, soldiers martyred in KP,” Dawn, 7 February 2025)
EXTERNAL
Four more dead bodies retrieved from Atlantic Ocean boat mishap to arrive in Islamabad
On 7 February, dead bodies of four individuals who lost their lives during the Atlantic Ocean boat mishap would be arriving at Islamabad airport. As per sources of Dawn, human traffickers of African origin were indulged in the killing of the four individuals. The dead bodies are being brought to Pakistan by a Saudi flight. Previously, dead bodies of four individuals who were victims of the tragedy were sent back to Pakistan. As per United Nations’ International Organization for Migration, Pakistan ranks high in the list of countries from where people “emigrate” to other places. The migrants in Pakistan mainly originate from Punjab and Pakistan occupied Kashmir. As per a member of the Federal Investigation Agency, people from Pakistan are indulged in carrying out 40,000 illegitimate travels to other countries annually. In June 2023, a mishap in the Mediterranean ocean had resulted in killing of roughly 350 Pakistani nationals. However, up until now, 82 dead bodies have been retrieved. (Waseem Ashraf Butt, “More bodies from migrant shipwreck due today,” Dawn, 7 February 2025)
Pakistan looks to revisit LNG agreement with Qatar
On 7 February, The News International reported that Pakistan is looking to revisit its agreement with Qatar pertaining to the purchase of liquefied natural gas (LNG). As per the current agreement, every 10 years, either of the countries can suspend the agreement or renegotiate terms. Pakistan is looking to renegotiate terms as there has been a surge in demand for energy in the country and the prices have also increased. Musadik Malik who heads the Ministry for Petroleum pointed out that better deals are available in the market and that buying LNG from Qatar as per the current agreement would be more expensive. The petroleum minister also shed light on the deal with Azerbaijan which gives Pakistan flexibility to buy LNG as per their requirement and does not push it into “rigid commitments.” He further stated that refineries inside Pakistan have to be enhanced so as to satisfy “Euro-V standards.” (Israr Khan, “LNG deal with Qatar to be renegotiated,” The News International, 7 February 2025)
On China-Pakistan ties: “Pakistan must ensure that the economic benefits of this alliance are safeguarded against those who seek to undermine them,” suggests an editorial in The Nation
On 7 February, an editorial titled “Brotherhood Strengthened,” in The Nation highlighted President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to China and the reiteration of political commitments from both sides during this visit. Pakistan has voiced solidarity with China’s regional sovereignty, its rule in Xinjiang and supported the One China policy. Similarly China has also supported Pakistan’s cause in the allegedly disputed Jammu and Kashmir region. In this regard, both countries have also shared the same stance on international issues related to the Gaza conflict, counter terrorism in Afghanistan among many others. But there remains a challenge to this relationship as Pakistan is vulnerable to the threat of terrorism. In fact, the worsening state of security in Pakistan has impeded their partnership as terrorists often target collaborative projects such as the China Pakistan Economic Corridor. Hence, in order to protect their partnership, both countries must cooperate via “intelligence sharing, security measures, and military and law enforcement coordination.” (The Nation titled “Brotherhood Strengthened,” 7 February 2025)
On suspension of US aid “there is no doubt that, after years of reliance on US aid, Pakistan’s cash-strapped government will find it difficult to face the challenge” says an editorial in Dawn
On 7 February, an editorial in Dawn titled “Pause in US aid” discussed the problems that will follow after termination of US aid to Pakistan and advocated measures to enhance self-sufficiency. The editorial highlighted that cutting off US aid would affect vulnerable women and girls in poor countries like Pakistan. The health centres operating in Pakistan especially for women are highly dependent on US aid. The health centres were being managed by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The editorial pointed out that UNFPA needs more than USD 308 million for 2025 to continue providing its services in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. The editorial noted that programmes which were run through funds from US aid are being temporarily suspended for 90 days. The editorial also highlighted that the concerned authorities in Pakistan do not have the funds to substitute for the US aid that used to go towards running the health centres. The editorial was not enthusiastic towards the proposition that Pakistan might secure funding from other international sources. On the contrary, the editorial argued that the cutting off US aid provides Pakistan with a chance to increase its self-sufficiency. The editorial suggested that some percentage of funds from “other schemes” should be kept aside for running the health centres.
On the same day, an editorial in The News International titled “Aid on ice” discussed the dependency of Pakistan on US aid. The editorial highlighted the economic supremacy of the US and how its economic policies also have an impact on poor countries like Pakistan. The editorial pointed out how termination of US aid has already paused “crucial development initiatives” in Pakistan. The editorial referenced key health and education initiatives that are running in Pakistan and are dependent on US aid such as “Integrated Health System Strengthening and Service Delivery,” ‘Mangla Dam Rehabilitation,” and “Merit and Needs-Based Scholarship Programme.” The editorial emphasized that US dependency on Pakistan is negligible in comparison to Pakistan’s dependence on the US for aid. The editorial, however, argued that decrease in poverty in poor countries will not only benefit those countries but also other countries irrespective of the fact how rich they are. The editorial also pointed towards the “moral obligation” of western nations towards countries of the global south. The editorial stated that the colonial rule which lasted for centuries resulted in drawing off wealth from countries of the global south which still has not been returned by the countries in the west, who are beneficiaries of it. (“’Pause’ in US aid,” Dawn, 7 February 2025;“Aid on ice,” The News International, 7 February 2025)
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A new series has been started which we condemn and we say this government should be ashamed of. Three days ago, four more FIRs were filed against 350 children who were involved in the Islamabad cases.
Sheikh Waqas Akram
- PTI
They obviously sensed the people’s anger, so every action to rig the elections was taken except it only made the public madder. So here we are post Feb 8 – the distance between the ruler and the ruled has never been wider. How dangerous that is?
- Qasim Khan Suri
Holy Prophet!! Now what to do with the love letter from America?
- Jameel Farooqui
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"Will the media rethink its coverage of climate disasters?"
- An opinion in Dawn, 'Media’s neglect.'
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