Imran Khan’s third letter to the Army Chief I IMF team to meet the Supreme Court Bar Association
In Focus
President Erdogan in Pakistan: Turkey signs 24 MoUs
On 14 February, Radio Pakistan as quoted in Dawn reported that President Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have entered into several memorandums of understanding (MoUs). In a high-level meeting held between both sides, President Erdogan stated that they have deliberated on ways to expand their current goods trade agreement. They signed 24 agreements and pledged to enhance their bilateral trade to a volume of USD 5 billion. MoUs were filed on the areas fields of trade, water resources, agriculture, energy, culture, family, and social services, along with science, banking, education, defence, and health. In this regard, in a media statement Erdogan maintained that Turkish investors will be encouraged to invest in Pakistan and its flagship projects. He further highlighted how Pakistan and Turkey’s militaries have had increased cooperation “exponentially.” Speaking on the matter, PM Sharif expressed regret over inconvenience caused to Turkish businessmen. He further added that “In that respect, I will act as a CEO of Pakistan as far as Turkish businessmen are concerned.”
Separately, President Erdogan also met his counterpart President Asif Ali Zardari. According to a statement from the President’s office, both sides expressed the need to enhance their bilateral relations, particularly in the area of investment. According to a Foreign Office statement, leaders of both states will also discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza, regional security concerns as well as coordination on international forums. President Erdogan also highlighted that Turkey has supported Pakistan’s fight against all forms of terrorism and acknowledged Pakistan’s support against the same. This comes amidst the growing regional influence of Turkey after the fall of the Bashar Al Assad government in Syria. Additionally, both states have also sought to expand their Strategic Economic Framework. Hence, the visit is set to advance negotiations pertaining to digital trade and trade liberalization and more concessions under the Trade in Goods Agreement.
On the same day, an editorial in The Nation titled “Turkish Ties” reviewed Turkish President Erdogan’s official visit to Islamabad. The editorial opined that the visit has taken place at a “crucial time” and that it was also able to meet set expectations. The editorial highlighted the “deep significance” of the visit by pointing out that the Turkish President was received not just by the political leadership but also the military one. The editorial explained the reasons behind this “warm welcome” which- the two countries share “share strong historical and cultural ties” and “a distinct geopolitical outlook” preferring “independence.” The two countries have also been brought together by deepening military ties and defense cooperation that they have largely been at “the periphery of Western military alliances.” The editorial also highlighted that Pakistan is keen on Turkish investments after achieving some semblance of micro-economic stability in recent months as it is looking to widen its investment portfolio. Further, defense cooperation will be useful for both countries as it will allow them “to strengthen their sovereignty and expand their strategic autonomy.” The editorial also suggested that Pakistan must ensure that Turkish investors receive same level of importance as other countries and any existing “bureaucratic hurdles” must be immediately dealt with. (“Turkish Ties,” The Nation, 14 February 2024)
Imran Khan’s third letter to the Army Chief
On 13 February, the contents of Imran Khan’s third letter to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Asim Munir was disclosed on Khan’s handle on X. The letter accused the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of building a “false narrative” that was bringing disrepute to the armed forces. It said: “Repeating again and again that the army does not interfere in politics insults the nation’s intelligence.” In this regard, he urged the establishment to revisit its policies in order to “avoid further damage to the institution.” However, the entire content of the letter was not shared and it remains unclear whether the actual letter has been dispatched to the military. It raises questions as to whether the party is depending on social media and mainstream channels to relay its message to the establishment. Interestingly, according to a source reported by Dawn, the letter to the chief of the army was non-existent, when asked why the “open letter” had not been circulated with the media, as was the case when letters were written to an International Monetary Fund mission and the Chief Justice of Pakistan. They said: “Imran Khan has been behind bars for 20 months and he cannot sign any documents. Mr Khan’s lawyer revealed the contents of the message outside Adiala jail and that is what was shared on social media.” Separately, in a media statement, General Asim Munir dismissed receiving any such correspondence. However, without mentioning the Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaaf, he also stated that he would transfer any such letters to the Prime Minister. (Ikram Junaidi, “Imran’s attempts to engage military draw cold shoulder,” Dawn, 14 February 2025)
IMF team to meet the Supreme Court Bar Association
On 14 February, The News International reported that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) team which is currently in Pakistan will be holding a meeting with the Supreme Court Bar Association. The meeting is expected to take place on 14 February. The IMF team has reached out to the Supreme Court Bar Association through E-mail to which Mian Rauf Atta who is the President of SCBA “invited” the team for a meeting at 15:00 Pakistani local time. (“IMF mission also decides to meet SCBA,” The News International, 14 February 2025)
In Brief
JUDICIARY
Six new judges appointed to the Supreme Court take oath
On 14 February, six new judges of the Supreme Court took oath in a validating ceremony which was chaired by the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Yahya Afridi. The oath taking ceremony took place at the Supreme Court. The Ministry of Law and Justice had earlier informed about the appointment of the six new judges on 13 February. Their appointment had been approved by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) and President Zardari. In addition to that, the government also informed through a formal communique about the appointment of Justice Aurangzeb as “Supreme Court’s acting judge.” The appointment of the new judges also received criticism. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Senator Ali Zafar from PTI in addition to Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Munib Akhtar did not participate in “JCP’s meeting.” PTI’s Ali Zafar and four other judges from the Supreme Court had urged the Chief Justice of Pakistan for the delaying of the “JCP meeting.” They urged to postpone the meeting unless their petition against 26th constitutional amendment is heard and disposed of. (“Six new Supreme Court judges sworn in,” The News International, 14 February 2025)
ECONOMY
FBR briefs Senate standing committee on fraudulent practices relating to import of solar panels
On 13 February, the Senate panel was informed about fraudulent practices and “money laundering” in the importing of solar panels. 80 business firms were accused of engaging in fraud. Some of these firms just existed on paper. Senator Mohsin Aziz pledged to keep going with the inquiry and bring those people who are engaged in fraud under the ambit of law. The Senate standing committee condemned State Bank of Pakistan for not assisting it with “relevant data.” The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) brought out how firms were involved in over-billing and “money laundering” while importing solar panels. FBR, in one specific case, threw light on how an “owner” of a firm projected himself as a “salaried” employee. The firm was engaged in the business of importing solar panels. The FBR informed the Senate standing committee about solar importing firms engaged in incidents of over-billing PKR worth PKR 69 billion. FBR also pointed out how some of the “individuals” used fake identities while stashing massive chunks of money. Enquiry into the fraud also revealed that though solar panel imports mainly took place from China, however, funds from some of the firms were directed towards other foreign countries. (Khaleeq Kiani, “FBR details ‘massive over-invoicing’ in solar panels import,” Dawn, 14 February 2025)
Managing director of International Finance Corporation to visit Islamabad
On 14 February, Mukhtar Diop who is the managing director of International Finance Corporation (IFC) is set to arrive in Islamabad. The visit from one of IFC’s dignitaries comes after a long wait of 10 years. World Bank Group had earlier approved USD 20 billion as a part of “Country Partnership Strategy” For Pakistan. The amount is set to be disbursed through “IFC investments” over a 10 years period for giving a boost to the private sector in the country. As per Taquir Shah, who is Pakistan’s executive director to the World Bank , Country Partnership Framework signifies that World Bank has a level of trust in the reforms initiated by the present federal government for the past two years. He further stated that investment would give a boost to crucial sectors in the country such as “infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture and Small and Medium enterprises.” IFC would also be investing USD 2.5 billion in Reko Diq mining plan. Worldwide, it would be the largest “single investment” from IFC in mining. (Ansar Abbasi, “All eyes on IFC chief visit amid $20bn boost for Pakistan’s private sector,” The News International, 14 February 2025)
On revenue-collection: “Contingent upon it (FBR) is not just the IMF funding but also Pakistan’s future financial and economic viability,” suggested an editorial in Dawn
On 14 February, an editorial titled “Difficult target,” in Dawn highlighted the inequitable nature of the existing tax system in Pakistan, which has caused the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) a collection shortfall under the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Extended Facility Fund programme. With the revenue collection target at PKR 13 trillion, the FBR expects a revenue shortfall of 0.5 trillion. In this regard, there have been concerns that it may touch 1 trillion, further widening the existing gap of PKR 468 billion carried over from the July-January period. The go-to option may be either increasing tax rates for existing tax filers or widening the tax net. However, the government has rejected both due to their unfavorable political implications. On the other hand, the collection shortfall may not be well received by the IMF. Nevertheless, the FBR authorities remain confident that the collection gap may be overlooked if a tax-to-GDP ratio of 10.6 per cent is achieved in the current period. The editorial expressed skepticism over this strategy as it remains unclear as to how the IMF will respond in its first review. The editorial also highlighted the existing challenges to the FBR which include the need to “broaden the base and make the system fair and equitable” in order to realize the “country’s tax revenue potential.” (“Difficult target,” Dawn, 14 February 2025)
MEDIA
On the poor safety standards of journalists all over the world: “attempts to control media have become considerably more brazen,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 14 February, an editorial in Dawn titled “Dangerous times” discussed the dire state of the safety of journalists across the world. As per the report brought out by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), 2024 has been the worst year for journalists. As per the report, 124 journalists lost their lives in 18 different countries in 2024. Israel topped the list where journalists were most at the risk. In 2024, 85 journalists lost their lives during the Israel-Palestine conflict. 82 of the journalists killed hailed from Palestine. In the ranking, Israel was followed by Pakistan as countries unsafe for journalists. The editorial noted that the advent of social media has given opportunity to a large section of the world population for “creation and sharing.” However, it has further enhanced the risk for which media firms had spent years to come up with policies in order to counter the same. The editorial alleged that demagogues all over the world are increasingly assaulting the “mainstream media” as in the social media age of “disinformation” has resulted in further surge in “polarization.” The editorial highlighted that efforts put in to control media in Pakistan have gone up with time. It further claimed that “attempts” are being made to control media in Pakistan through passage of laws in addition to the attacks from government and non-state players. (“Dangerous times,” Dawn, 14 February 2025)
SECURITY
13 terrorists killed in five separate operations in KP: ISPR
On 13 February, security personnel killed 13 terrorists in five different operations launched across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) disclosed. The first operation conducted in Dera Ismail Khan led to the elimination of five members of the terror group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan who are also addressed as khwarij. The statement further divulged two instances where security forces encountered terrorists in Dosali and Tappi. This led to the elimination of five more khwarij, the statement read. In the third operation, two terrorists were neutralized in Lakki Marwat while one was killed in the Bagh area of Khyber District. The statement highlighted that arms and ammunition were recovered from the killed terrorists. They have been “actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the security forces as well as the killing of innocent civilians,” the statement said. Lastly, in a 7 February intelligence-based operation security personnel engaged with three terrorists disguised in burqas. (“13 terrorists killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa operations: ISPR,” Dawn, 13 February 2025)
Chamber of Commerce president and customs personnel abducted in South Waziristan
On 13 February, Warizistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) and two customs officers were kidnapped from South Waziristan. The trio, WCCI President Saifur Rehman, Customs Superintendent Nisar Abbasi, and Inspector Khushal were returning from the Customs office at the border crossing with Afghanistan, at Angoor Adda. According to Deputy Commissioner Nasir Khan, the abductors intercepted their vehicle and took them to an unknown area. This followed the registration of a First Information Report and the launch of an immediate investigation. In response, the Wana Trade Union and the WCCI have expressed condemnation and demanded the government and security personnel to take immediate action to recover those abducted. (AK Wazir, “Chamber president, Customs men kidnapped in South Waziristan,” Dawn, 14 February 2025)
INDIA VIEW
Security sources claims Indian involvement in illicit trade and sabotage activities, reports The Express Tribune
On 13 February, The Express Tribune reported on Pakistan security’s allegations against the Indian forces. The security sources have accused Indian troops of instrumenting a “sabotage” at the Line of Control. The report suggested 54 such incidents where improvised explosives devices (IEDs) were planted by the Indian forces in sensitive areas of Chirakot, Rakh Chikri, Kot Kotera, Deva and Battal. Furthermore, four IEDs have been recovered from Battal and Rawalakot between 4 and 6 February, resulting in the death of one civilian and escalating existing tensions. Further, a security official alleged that the Indian troops have been involved in planting explosives, inciting unrest in the Gilgit-Baltistan region and smuggling weapons, , particularly in Bagh, Deva and Battal. Besides, more allegations have been directed against the Indian intelligence agencies of using double agents to smuggle arms with the assistance of their border units. Later, they are “killed” and “falsely labeled” as operatives of Pakistan. (“India carrying out cross-border firing, sabotage activities: security sources,” The Express Tribune, 13 February 2025)
Indian government amended rules to allow Adani group for setting up power projects near the Pakistan border, says The Guardian report
On 14 February, Dawn reported on India’s Adani group’s plan in 2014 to supply electricity to Pakistan. As per the reports from The Guardian, the BJP led government in India gave control of the “power project” in Rann of Kutch to Gautam Adani. Indian National Congress (INC) demanded that the current government must clarify on the allegations about it making amendments in laws relating to allotment of land in the border regions for favoring the Adani group. INC leaders allege that the PM Modi led government’s actions to give undue advantage to the Adani group was against India’s national interest. Up until now, there has been no reply from the current government or the Adani group. As per the report from The Guardian, Adani group was involved in construction of a solar plant and world’s largest renewable energy park in Kutch which is very close to the border with Pakistan. As per the law, construction was prohibited in the border regions which are why the state government of Gujarat sent a letter to PM Modi urging him to allow for setting up projects near the border. In May 2023, PM Modi led government amended the rules and allowed construction in the region. (“Adani’s border plant for energy to Pakistan gets flak,” Dawn, 14 February 2025)
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Imran Niazi, who is a certified convicted national criminal, has no status in his letter. The former Prime Minister has fallen far behind. He is currently a convicted criminal.
- PMLN
Keep writing this letter and fulfill your passion. You must remember that a letter was written to the IMF in 2022 as well. They tried to use the resources of Pakhtunkhwa to make Pakistan default, but Khan Sahib's politics shone through. Even then, they did not achieve anything and will not achieve anything now.
- PMLN
A peace march will be held in Karak on Sunday, February 16, against the growing terrorism in the country and the conspiracy to plunge the nation into a new war. The public is appealed to participate in this march in full force and continue their struggle until permanent peace is established in Pakistan.
Murad Saeed
- PTI
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"The World Bank puts the learning poverty figure for Pakistan at around 77pc."
- An opinion in Dawn, ''Evidence for policies."
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