Three Afghan terrorists neutralized in North Waziristan I Pakistani nationals likely to be dead in a boat mishap near Libya
In Focus
31.7 per cent increase in remittance inflow recorded between July-January
On 10 February, State Bank of Pakistan data revealed that the volume of remittances flowing into Pakistan surged to USD 20.8 billion within the first seven months of fiscal 2025. It has increased from 15.8 billion during the same period of the previous fiscal by 31.7 per cent. This comes as migrant workers have been sending in a lot more money to their families after the government implemented measures to overcome foreign exchange trading. Besides, even the increase in the number of Pakistani nationals working overseas and the economic stability attained after the International Monetary Fund’s approval of the USD 7 billion loan have also influenced the inflows. These inflows are critical for Pakistan as they support its external accounts and foreign reserves. During January, a 25 per cent increase was recorded compared to the previous year as remittances reached USD 3 billion. Moreover, analysts expect a surplus within the current accounts for the fourth time in January. However, the Director of research at AKD Securities Limited suggested that the surplus would be relatively smaller and there is a possibility of a modest deficit as there have been higher imports in the last two months along with interest and dividend payments. (Erum Zaidi, “Remittances rise by 31.7% to $20.8bn in July-January,” The News International, 11 February 2025)
Three Afghan terrorists neutralized in North Waziristan
On 10 February, security forces launched an operation to eliminate militants in North Waziristan. As per the sources of Dawn, security forces had information regarding the presence of close to 10 militants in the Tappi village. Some of the militants hailed from Afghanistan. In the operation, security forces managed to neutralize four of them. Three of the killed terrorists were Afghan nationals. Three other militants were wounded. Security forces have closed off the area and launched a “search operation.” On a separate note, a “joint operation” by police and security forces was launched in Karak. The operation resulted in the killing of five terrorists. As per a police officer, the militants killed belonged to proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. He also confirmed that the neutralized militants were indulged in incidents of “bank robberies, attack on polio teams and police and FC installation.” He further stated that the counter-terrorism department commandos and police team were searching for terrorists who had managed to escape. (“9 terrorists killed in Karak, North Waziristan,” Dawn, 11 February 2025)
Pakistani nationals likely to be dead in a boat mishap near Libya
On 11 February, Dawn reported on a vessel getting knocked over near Libya which had illegal immigrants on board. There are speculations that a number of illegal immigrants belonged to Pakistan. The Foreign Office has confirmed that close to 65 people were on board the vessel. Pakistan’s embassy in Libya has sent a team that would confirm whether there are any Pakistani nationals who suffered the boat mishap. As per the Foreign Office, the “Crisis Management Unit” has been alerted to analyze the situation. The media in Libya has conveyed that 10 people have died in the tragedy. However, the nationality of people losing their lives in the tragedy remains unknown. As per the concerned authorities in Pakistan, Libya acts as a transit destination for people wanting to reach Europe illegally. It is 300 kilometers far from Italy. Previously, in January, 40 Pakistani nationals were killed by human traffickers of African origin.
On the same day, an editorial in The Nation titled “Another sinking” discussed the uninterrupted wave of illegal migrants from Pakistan wanting to reach Europe and what steps the government must take in order to curb the same. The editorial noted how the media only focuses on those illegal immigrants who either die on their journeys or those who manage to reach their destinations and stay illegally. As per the editorial, there is a large chunk of illegal immigrants who fall victim to scams or “exploited” on their journeys. Information about these illegal immigrants is not reported by the media. The editorial highlighted the desperation of illegal immigrants for a better life abroad which compels them to risk their lives. The editorial suggested that the government should initiate steps in order to stop human trafficking. They should take steps to inhibit people seeking visas for Mediterranean countries with a purpose to reach European countries illegally. (“Pakistanis feared among dead in another boat tragedy off Libya,” Dawn, 11 February 2025; “Another sinking,” The Nation, 11 February 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS
Government’s negotiation committee for intra-party dialogue non-functional: PML-N Irfan Siddiqui
On 8 February, Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) Senator Irfan Siddiqui announced that the negotiation committee formed by the government for intra-party dialogue with the PTI had become “non-functional.” In this regard, he wrote on X: “Whether formally dissolved or not, the government negotiation committee has practically become non-functional and ineffective.” This comes after National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq said in a media statement that the option for bilateral talks was never closed. Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had also extended the offer to resume the talks after the PTI unilaterally withdrew from the interparty dialogue. This breakdown happened after weeks of an attempt to break an interparty deadlock in late December 2024. However, the talks were derailed after the government failed to fulfill the PTI’s demands including the constitution of a judicial commission to investigate the 9 May and 26 November events. (Nadir Guramani, “Govt-PTI negotiation committee ‘non-functional’: PML-N’s Irfan Siddiqui,” Dawn, 8 February 2025)
On Imran Khan’s letter: Was the letter Imran “Khan’s own words, or someone else’s version of what he may have said?” questions an editorial in Dawn
On 8 February, Imran Khan, in a second open letter to Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, tweeted that the prison administration has not been fair to him. He claimed that in order to pressure him, he is being kept in a death cell for 20 days and is deprived of basic human rights. These allegations follow Khan’s first open letter addressed to General Asim Munir where he had urged the latter to pay heed to the growing distance between the establishment and the people. However, the military had denied receiving any such letter and dismissed media reports that had suggested its existence. Referring to this letter Khan claimed that he had written it with “good intentions for the betterment of the country.” He lamented that he received “extreme frivolity and irresponsibility” in response. He extensively spoke about the current political and legal situation prevailing in Pakistan and how it affected his party members. He finally circled back to how it has sown seeds of hatred among the citizens, towards the army and said: “There is only one way to reduce this growing gap, and that is for the army to return to its constitutional boundaries, separate itself from politics and fulfill its assigned responsibilities.”
On 11 February, an editorial titled “Shadow voices,” in Dawn expressed skepticism over who was truly drafting these ‘open letters’ posted on Imran Khan’s social media account. The jailed prime minister does not have direct access to the outside world or his social media. There have also been media reports pertaining to a “tussle over who gets to meet him and who does not” to the extent that even Khan has very little say in the matter. Furthermore, only a select few within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf are aware of who’s controlling Khan’s social media. This has also been a source of internal division as some members seek to give up a hardline stance that may or may not align with the party founder and resolve disputes in a diplomatic manner. This is likely to have implications for the government. The editorial observed that in the process of silencing Khan and isolating him from the world, the ordinary person has started relying on “alternative mediums for information.” Notably, Khan has several followers on his social media, hence, whatever is published on his account is bound to receive significant traction. In this regard, the person running his account is involved in a risky business as even a small miscommunication can create a sizable impact. (“Imran alleges mistreatment in 2nd ‘open letter’ to army chief,” Dawn, 8 February 2025; “Shadow voices,” Dawn, 11 January 2025)
JUDICIARY
Lahore High Court asks the government to respond to plea against PECA amendments
On 11 February, The News International reported that Justice Farooq Haider of the Lahore High Court has sought a response from the federal government in a plea lodged by the opposition party leader in the provincial assembly of Punjab. The plea was filed against the amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). Azhar Siddiqui in the court hearing claimed that amendments to PECA do not clearly demarcate what is “fake news.” He contended that “any news” could randomly be termed as fake news. He also argued that the “punishments” for people found to disobey the PECA act are against “criminal law.” He said: “The amendment proposes strict punishments while denying the accused the right to appeal.” The plea highlighted how amendments to PECA violate the right of journalists to keep their sources confidential. Separately, a petition filed against amendments to PECA by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) will be put forward in front of the Islamabad High Court on 11 February. The petition claims that “the act is the worst violation of digital rights in Pakistan.” The petitioners have contended that finding people guilty of the spread of fake news without “due process” is against the constitution. Also, PFUJ will be going on a countrywide “hunger strike” from 12 to 14 February to protest against the amendments. (Awais Yousafzai, “LHC seeks govt reply to plea against PECA amendments,” The News International, 11 February 2025)
ECONOMY
PM Sharif lauds macroeconomic stability; acknowledges IMF’s contribution
On 10 February, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed a delegation of prominent Pakistani investors and businessmen where he spoke about the present and future trajectory of the economy. The PM noted the improvement in inflation rates as it stands at 2.4 per cent and the monetary rate is at 12 per cent. He also spoke about the increase in foreign remittances and exports. In this regard, the country’s next step is to realize the benefits of its mineral resources. He stated that Pakistan was working in collaboration with Saudi Arabia and the UAE for the same as they are worth trillions of dollars. He also touched upon how the economy could reap benefits from its massive youth population and the need to convert agricultural production into value-added products that promote economic growth. In this regard, he said: “We needed to focus with complete dedication and commitment so we can move forward with speed to gain results for the economy.” (“Macroeconomic stability achieved: PM,” The News International, 11 February 2025)
On IMF mission’s review visit: The visit “is expected to widen the focus of the reform effort to a broader range of institutional restructuring for inclusive and sustained growth,” says an editorial in Dawn
On 11 February, an editorial titled “IMF scrutiny,” in Dawn discussed the upcoming International Monetary Fund technical mission’s visit to assess the country’s economic vulnerabilities enrooted in governance and corruption. An expected outcome is a greater focus on institutional restructuring to enable sustainable and inclusive growth. The mission will be in Pakistan for a week and review its judicial and regulatory systems under the USD 7 billion loan programme. Under the programme, Pakistan has promised to “strengthen its institutional capacities to fight corruption, support inclusive growth, and provide a level playing field for businesses and investment.” However, so far, Pakistan has focused on tax, and monetary policies among many others while issues linked to the law enforcement system, education, healthcare, bureaucracy, and judiciary system have not been the focus. In this regard, it becomes imperative for policymakers to look at the “larger picture” and not focus on economic fundamentals. The economy cannot do without progress in these areas as they tend to have an impact on investment, productivity, non-debt revenues, and other factors, ultimately impacting the economy. (“IMF scrutiny,” Dawn, 11 February 2025)
SECURITY
Section 144 imposed in Punjab, Islamabad, and Balochistan; Imran Khan pleased with Swabi rally, reveals Barrister Gohar
On 8 February, Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of Pakistan was imposed across Punjab, Islamabad, and Balochistan. This legal provision authorizes district personnel to prohibit any gathering within the public space for more than a limited period. A notification from Radio Pakistan said: “Rallies and sit-ins have been prohibited for maintenance of law and order and protection of lives and properties of the people.” However, it did not highlight the duration for which the law will be in force. On the same day, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf held a rally in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in observance of what it deemed a “black day” as it marked a year since the previous year’s elections. Separately, on 10 February, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, speaking to the media outside Adiala jail, announced that Imran Khan was satisfied with the rally held in Swabi. (“Section 144 imposed in Islamabad, Punjab, Balochistan as PTI holds rally in KP’s Swabi,” Dawn, 8 February 2025; “PTI founder pleased with Swabi rally: Gohar,” The News International,11 February 2025)
EXTERNAL
Development projects in Pakistan likely to be halted amid uncertainty over USAID
On 11 February, The News International reported on the unpredictability of Pakistan continuing to receive USAID after US’ new administration’s skepticism towards it. As per The News International, discontinuing USAID might result in Islamabad losing “millions of dollars.” Pakistan received more than USD 1.2 billion in the form of grants from 2011-2024. The grants were provided by the United States for a number of “development projects” across the country. Nevertheless, the grant amount has substantially decreased over the past few years. In the financial year 2022-2023, the grant from the US amounted to USD 31 million. This number was USD 41 million for the financial year 2023-2024. The new administration’s skepticism towards USAID is anticipated to decrease the US hold over “policymaking in developing countries” like Pakistan. Cutting off USAID would lead to a halt in several development projects across the country in addition to many people losing their jobs. USAID to Pakistan was USD 126 million in 2011-2012. The following year, the grant amount decreased to USD 102 million. With the PML-N government coming to power in 2013, this amount surged to USD 128 million. During the PTI government, the grant amount was USD 75 million in 2019-2020. This amount came down to USD 70 million during PTI’s last year in power (2020-2021). (Mehtab Haider, “USAID assistance to Pakistan faces uncertainty amid US political shifts,” The News International, 11 February 2025)
Foreign Ministers of OIC countries likely to hold a meeting to discuss “developments in Gaza”
On 10 February, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have decided to call for a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries. The meeting is likely to be attended by foreign ministers of OIC countries who will delve into the recent events unfolding in Gaza. On 10 February, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had a telephone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and the two dignitaries decided to hold an urgent meeting of OIC countries. Prior to this, Ishaq Dar had criticized Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s comments on the Palestinian population. Netanyahu had hinted at settling the present population residing in Gaza in Saudi Arabia. Dar reiterated Pakistan’s continued support for “Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” He also expressed Pakistan’s tireless support to the “Palestinian cause.” Saudi Foreign Minister thanked Dar for Pakistan’s continued and unwavering support. Dar in his discussion with the Iranian counterpart Seyyed Abbas Araghchi stated that Pakistan remains committed to an “independent Palestinian state” which must be formed in accordance with borders that existed before 1967. (“Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to convene urgent OIC meeting on Gaza crisis,” The Express Tribune, 10 February 2025)
INDIA VIEW
Hate speeches against the minority population in India increased by 74.4 per cent: Dawn cites US think tank
On 11 February, Dawn discussed a report by the Centre for the Study of Organized Hate, a think tank in the US that has highlighted the increase in “hate speech” in India in 2024. According to the report, the “hate speeches” were directed against the minority population living in India. The report also claimed that the surge in hate speech could be attributed to the BJP-led government in power and the “Hindu nationalist movement.” As per Dawn, the general elections in 2024 in India witnessed “critics and rights groups” targeting the BJP and its leader PM Narendra Modi for continually propagating hate speech against the Muslim population. This was done to polarize the Hindu population of the country. In 2023, the hate speeches against the minority population amounted to 668. This number increased to 1164 in 2024, which is a 74.4 per cent increase. As per the report, 98.5 per cent of the rhetoric against minority populations was directed toward Muslims. More than 66 per cent of hate speech incidents took place in BJP-governed states. As per the report, PM Modi was held accountable for 63 of the hate speeches. (“Alarming rise in anti-Muslim hate speech across India,” Dawn, 11 February 2025)
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Today, 76 days later, the question is still the same: Why were innocent Pakistanis martyred? You will have to answer!
- PTI
"If you search for us in every land, we are rare and hard to find."
- PTI Islamabad
You try to subtract. The public will vote. Insha Allah
- PTI Swabi
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"In reality, much power has to be exercised to prove that power is power."
- An opinion in Dawn, ''Past to the present."
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