Bangladesh’s Chief of Naval Staff visits General Headquarters in Rawalpindi I Punjab government imposes Section 144
In Focus
Biennial multinational naval exercise “Aman-25” commences in Karachi
On 7 February, Karachi hosted Aman-25 which is a “multi-national maritime exercise.” 60 countries participated in the naval drill at Karachi. Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff greeted the participants and stated that “Aman” which is a biennial naval drill that commenced in 2007, has brought the navies of the region and “extra region” together. He stressed on the efforts made by the Pakistani navy in working towards maritime security in the Arabian Sea. Pakistan Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Adbul Munib thanked the participating nations and hoped that ties built during Aman would further improve in the future. Aman-25 will witness participation by roughly 12 naval ships. China is set to showcase its Plans Baotou-133 and Plans Gaoyouhu whereas Saudi Arabia will display its HMS Jazan and HMS Hail ships. Other participating countries include UAE, Malaysia, Japan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Iran, Bangladesh, USA, Oman, Turkiye etc. Aman dialogue which is a two-day event, will begin on 9 February. (Shazia Hasan, “Aman-25 drills kick off with focus on regional cooperation,” Dawn, 8 February 2025)
Bangladesh’s Chief of Naval Staff visits General Headquarters in Rawalpindi to discuss bilateral naval cooperation
On 7 February, Bangladesh’s Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan held discussions with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Amy Chief General Asim Munir and Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf at General Headquarters situated in Rawalpindi. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif greeted Bangladesh’s naval chief and stated that Pakistan gives prime importance to its ties with Bangladesh. The naval chief of Bangladesh conveyed his country’s intent to enhance bilateral naval ties. Bangladesh’s Hassan in his meeting with Chairman of Joint Chiefs Shamshad Mirza deliberated on “maritime collaboration” and looked into steps for deepening “bilateral defence cooperation” for ensuring peace in the region. Hassan hailed Pakistan’s efforts in combating the threat of militancy. He also commended Pakistan for initiating “multinational maritime exercise Aman 2025 and Aman dialogue.” (Muhammad Anis, “Bangladesh naval chief holds meetings with Pakistan’s armed forces leadership,” The News International, 8 February 2025)
Punjab government imposes Section 144
On 7 February, the provincial government of Punjab imposed Section 144. This means that people are barred from indulging in any kind of political “demonstrations, gatherings, rallies, sit-ins” in Punjab. As per the sources of The Express Tribune, the imposition of Section 144 is aimed at ensuring “law and order” in the state and ensuring safety of people and public property. A communique from Punjab Home Department pointed out that public demonstrations like such were vulnerable to terrorist attack. It also highlighted how “anti-state elements” could capitalize on the demonstrations to propagate their “malicious agenda.” Section 144 was imposed in Punjab in accordance with the directions from “cabinet committee for law and order” and Punjab “intelligence committee.” (“Section 144 enforced across Punjab, banning all public gatherings,” The Express Tribune, 7 February 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS
Government makes second attempt to engage PTI
On 7 February, the Pakistan Muslim League-N led government made another attempt at engaging the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) in dialogue. In a media statement, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq insisted that the talks had never ceased, however, the PTI refused to participate in the same. He highlighted that it was for this reason that the committee constituted for this purpose has not been dissolved yet. He further added that the “ball” was in the PTI’s court and it was up to the party to decide whether or not it was willing to negotiate with the government. This comes a week after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed the government’s eagerness to renew talks with the PTI. (Amjad Mahmood, “Govt again extends dialogue offer to PTI,” Dawn, 8 February 2025)
PTI rally venue shifted to Swabi
On 7 February, The Express Tribune reported that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) has shifted its rally venue from Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore to Swabi in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This comes as the Lahore district commissioner rejected the party’s application seeking permission to hold a rally in Lahore in order to avoid disruptions in major events scheduled in the city. These include a horse and cattle show, a cricket match, and an international speaker conference. The rally was scheduled to be held on 8 February which is the anniversary of the 2024 general elections. In this regard, the PTI has called on the entire country to participate in the rally to show solidarity with Imran Khan. (Amjad Mahmood, “PTI to hold rally in Swabi instead of Lahore on Feb 8,” The Express Tribune, 8 February 2025)
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto calls for stronger public ties with US
On 6 February, in a media statement, the Pakistan People’s Party Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emphasized the need for stronger engagement with the US and the Pakistani American community. However, he clarified that since he was no longer a foreign minister of Pakistan, his statements “were not in any official capacity.” He said this after a meeting with world leaders, at a US National Prayer Breakfast event in Washington. In response to a query he answered: “Pakistan-US relations have their own context, and I believe that we should have greater engagement with US businessmen and the Pakistani community in the US.” (Anwar Iqbal, “Bilawal for stronger public ties between Pakistan and US,” Dawn, 8 February 2025)
On February 8 elections: “A war of egos has been fought between a handful of individuals at the cost of the well-being of millions of ordinary Pakistanis,” laments an editorial in Dawn
On 8 February, an editorial titled “A year later,” in Dawn discussed the one year anniversary of the 2024 General Elections. Reflecting on the election day, the editorial highlighted that it exceeded all expectations as several “ordinary citizens” came out to vote despite the surveys and media outlets suggesting a low voter turnout and the blackout of all communication services. In a subtle reference made to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), the editorial highlighted that significant efforts were made towards keeping the PTI “out of the race.” Hence, if there was a probability of the previous elections being manipulated as the PTI was voted to power then the elements behind it may have ensured that they did not receive a second chance. Nevertheless, the PTI emerged victorious. This shed light on two realities, the first one being that the Pakistani youth “had finally arrived on the political scene” and that the ordinary citizen had “overwhelmingly” dismissed the narratives being created by the powers. What followed this is a series of “injustices,” stated the editorial as Pakistan is on a path to an implosion. A dissonance has been created by major actors in power. It is “a conflict between what those controlling the state want and what the people want for themselves.”
Another editorial in The News International titled “A year of chaos,” also commented on the same issue of both the ruling coalition and the opposition being responsible for Pakistan’s economic and political instability in the aftermath of the elections. In fact, it argued that this has only deepened post-elections. While the incarcerated PTI has been anything but “calm,” the ruling parties have chosen to govern through political repression instead of consensus building. Amidst all this, major collateral here is the erosion of public trust. In this regard, the editorial commented that if the elections are deemed “flawed” then “the handling of the post-election period has been equally damaging.” It also shed light on the absence of political legitimacy. The government has continued to rely on force which has further worsened stability. On the other hand, the PTI’s unyielding attitude in engaging with the government has only worsened matters for itself. Hence, in order to stay within the political landscape, the PTI ought to shift from taking to the streets and instead partake in productive negotiations. But it does not imply that the assertions regarding rigging of the elections and court cases on the same can be disregarded. The editorial commented: “The point is that the PTI can fight a legal battle while also understanding just how important its role can be as an opposition political party.” At the same time, the government ought to create space for “political reconciliation instead of “sideling” its oppositions as it will only further wane the state of stability. (“A year later,” Dawn, 8 February 2025; “A year of chaos,” The News International, 8 February 2025)
JUDICIARY
SC judges seek deferment of SC appointments
On 7 February, in a letter addressed to Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, senior judges Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Ayesha A Malik urged him to postpone the appointment of new judges to the Supreme Court. The letter read: “The existing (and continuing) state of affairs and certain recent developments impel us to write to you to make the request.” It also urged that all challenges to the 26th Constitutional amendment should be addressed. Ahead of the appointment of eight judges to the SC, the letter underlined the importance of arriving at a decision pertaining to the 26th amendment. They further added that these appointments should also be postponed until the debate on recent transfers of judges to the Islamabad High Court and the seniority are dealt in accordance with judicial procedure. (“Four SC judges seek to stop new appointments till 26th Amendment verdict,” Dawn, 8 February 2025)
ECONOMY
Budget balance falls to PKR 1.54 trillion deficit
On 8 February an article in The News International highlighted that the budget balance has shifted from a surplus in the first quarter to a deficit of PKR 1.54 trillion in the first six months of the current fiscal. The profits from the first quarter were acquired from the State Bank of Pakistan. However, the primary balance in the first half of 2024-2025 was 3.6 trillion. This compounds an existing statistical discrepancy of PKR 0.43 trillion. This deficit is equivalent to 1.2 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In this regard, the total expenditures and revenues cannot be evened out. Moreover, these estimates come ahead of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) first review under the USD 7 billion Extended Facility Fund scheduled for late February or early March. (Mehtab Haider, “Budget balance slides from surplus into Rs1.54tr deficit in a quarter,” The News International, 8 February 2025)
PM Sharif remains committed to bringing down electricity prices
On 7 February, The Express Tribune reported that PM Sharif remains committed to his pledge of decreasing electricity prices for people and industries. He intends to carry out reforms in the power sector to bring down the cost of electricity. He presided over a high profile meeting in Islamabad in which he instructed the concerned officials to finalize “all planned reforms.” The officials conveyed to the PM that with the reforms and “anti-theft campaign,” there has been a significant improvement of 93.26 per cent in “recovery rate” of power companies. PM Sharif expressed contentment towards the cooperation between the power ministry and concerned authorities. He claimed that revisiting the terms of agreement with Independent Power Producers (IPP) has led to a decrease in electricity prices and economizing for the “national treasury.” He further instructed to strengthen the anti-theft campaign so that there is a 100 per cent decrease in losses among all power companies. In addition to that, PM Sharif directed the concerned authorities to ensure that reforms are finalized as per the time frame decided earlier to increase “efficiency and sustainability in the power sector.” (“PM vows to reduce electricity tariffs for households and industries,” The Express Tribune, 7 February 2025)
On abolishment of MSP: “The impending shift will indeed create chaos in the market in the short term before it adapts itself to the new realities,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 8 February, an editorial titled “Wheat decision” in Dawn highlighted the recent federal policy aimed at ceasing the minimum support price for wheat. Earlier, the government had sought to protect farmers from the unpredictable forces of the market and guarantee a minimum return. However, it had put a heavy burden on the national kitty as a significant amount of expenditure was directed towards procurement, storage, interest payments to banks, and freight. This was further compounded by expenditure on waste and pilferage. Additionally, the government intervention in the sector did not yield desirable outcomes as the sector became “unresponsive” to the price volatility, sustainable farming practices, the budget burden, the shift in technology, hoarding and the misuse of funds. In fact, a huge portion of the subsidies provided by the government was siphoned off by the middlemen, officials and flour millers. Hence, the editorial remarked: “The impending shift will indeed create chaos in the market in the short term before it adapts itself to the new realities.” In this regard, the policymakers and the government ought to intervene by “addressing market inefficiencies and ensuring food security, the editorial suggested.” (“Wheat decision,” Dawn, 8 February 2025)
SECURITY
Security forces launch intelligence based operation in North Waziristan, neutralize three terrorists
On 7 February, security forces launched an intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan, KP. As a result of the operation, security forces managed to neutralize “three burqa-clad terrorists.” As per Inter-Services Public Relations, the militants were trying to flee when they were shot down by the security forces. Security forces confiscated “weapons and ammunition” from the neutralized terrorists. As per the local residents, one of the neutralized terrorists hailed from Afghanistan. He had been involved in a number of assaults against security forces. Separately, police successfully thwarted a militant assault on a check post in Bannu on 6 February. As per the police, militants were found to be in possession of “light and heavy weapons” through which they tried to take control of the checkpost. Police effectively retaliated which compelled the terrorist to flee. In another incident in Lakki Marwat, proscribed TTP terrorists attacked a Frontier Corps soldier. The wounded FC soldier suffered a gunshot. Terrorists were aiming to kidnap him, however, he managed to escape. (Pazir Gull and Ghulam Mursalin Marwat, “3 terrorists killed: FC soldier injured in KP,” Dawn, 8 February 2025)
48 bunkers destroyed in Kurram, families affected by violence receive compensation worth PKR 37 million
On 7 February, an additional 10 bunkers were destroyed in Kurram. Up until now, a total of 48 bunkers have been destroyed in the region. As per the peace accord, the concerned authorities continued with the destruction of bunkers in Kurram. Separately, a total of 37 families which witnessed their loved ones being killed in the violence erupted in Kurram on 21 November 2024 were provided with compensation worth PKR 37 million. Deputy Commissioner of Kurram Ashfaq Khan gave away the cheques of compensation to the affected families. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Kurram Maqsood Khan reaffirmed that all families would receive remuneration once they fulfill the formalities. He also stated that those whose vehicles incurred desecration in the assault on convoys would also be given remuneration. A member of KP’s provincial assembly Ali Haidi Irfani stated that “overseas Pakistanis and students” were still stuck in the region and demanded that the government put an end to the road blockade. (Ali Afzal Afzaal, “10 more bunkers demolished in Kurram,” The News International, 8 February 2025)
SPORTS
On Pakistan Football Federation’s suspension “it is yet another blow to its sporting ambitions and horizons,” says an editorial in The News International
On 8 February, an editorial in The News International titled “Sports pariah” discussed the suspension of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) from international football. The supervisory authority of international football FIFA arrived at this decision after the PFF congress did not make amendments to its constitution as suggested by the former. The amendments recommended by FIFA were aimed at making sure that “democratic and fair” elections take place at PFF. As per FIFA, suspension would only come to an end, if PFF agrees to make changes and amends its constitution as recommended by the former. The editorial highlighted a previous episode in 2021 in which FIFA suspended PFF for finding “third party interference” which went against FIFA laws. The suspension came to an end in June 2022. The editorial pointed out the ramifications of the suspension, one of which is, that Pakistan would not be able to participate in “international competitions.” The editorial noted the unfortunate timing of the suspension as there seemed to be considerable improvement with the Pakistan team qualifying for the second round in the “2023 Olympic qualifiers.” The editorial suggested that PFF must work on diffusing the situation and coordinate with FIFA on “normalizing ties.” (“Sports pariah,” The News International, 8 February 2025)
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February 8th, a black day of bloodshed over public decision!
- PTI
PTI is a plant that grows only in government nurseries.
Khwaja M Asif
- PMLN
February 8, 2024—The day when the people's vote was robbed, democracy was made a mockery, but history is witness that the people's decision cannot be suppressed. The time for change is near! Those who kill people's mandates cannot last long, the real heirs of Pakistan are the people.
- PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
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"It seems every executive order from Trump is intended to change the landscape of the bureaucracy."
- An opinion in Dawn, ''Rest in peace, USAID."
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