Gilgit-Baltistan government approves Land Reforms Act in PoK I Bilawal Bhutto accuses Imran Khan of disillusioning Pakistan’s youth
In Focus
KP province to send two delegations to Kabul
On 16 February, Adviser to CM of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif informed that the KP government will be sending “two delegations” to Afghanistan for talks with the Afghan government. The objective of one of the delegations would be to ensure a favorable “environment” to discuss “diplomatic” issues. The announcement from the KP government came after the province witnessed a surge in the number of militant attacks for which Pakistan has uninterruptedly put the onus on terrorist groups who have managed to secure safe havens in Afghanistan. The accusations, however, have dismissed by the Taliban government. The UN Security Council’s report has further provided backing for Pakistan’s accusations against Afghanistan. Afghanistan and Pakistan share a border of 2500 kilometers which plays an important role in bilateral trade and people to people relations. Foreign Office, however, has reminded the KP government that “foreign affairs” are to be dealt single handedly by the federal government. As per the sources of The News International, the federal government would carefully look into the issue before giving a go ahead to the KP government. (“KP to send two delegations to Afghanistan for tribal diplomacy, economic ties” The News International, 17 February 2025; Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, “KP govt’s initiative with Kabul: Foreign affairs federal govt’s domain, says FO,” The News International, 17 February 2025)
Gilgit-Baltistan government approves Land Reforms Act in PoK
On 17 February, The News International reported that the Gilgit-Baltistan government has given its assent for introducing land reforms in the region. Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Haji Gulbar Khan confirmed the same on 16 February in a press conference. As per a statement issued by the current GB government, land reforms act would lead to solving of long pending disputes “through legal and institutional reforms.” In the press conference, CM of Gilgit- Baltistan reiterated his government’s resolve towards “public welfare and equitable development.” He also boasted about the flourishing tourism business in GB and stated that more than 10 lakh tourists came to the region in 2024. CM Gulbar Khan also requested the federal government for providing it’s due share by amending the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. (Shabbir Mir, “GB cabinet approves land reforms,” The News International, 17 February 2025)
Bilawal Bhutto accuses Imran Khan of disillusioning Pakistan’s youth
On 17 February, Dawn highlighted a set of statements made by Pakistan People’s Party Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. Zardari emphasized the role of Pakistan’s institutions, particularly, the military. He remarked that it had a role in upholding democracy, maintaining law and order and providing a safe environment to promote economic growth. When asked whether the imprisonment of Imran Khan was a factor that impeded growth, he stated that this assumption should be reassessed. He alleged that Imran Khan had a pivotal role in “disillusioning Pakistan’s youth.” He lamented how previous generations have “worked to establish consensus, norms, and democracy,” however, it has all come to ruins as Khan has “dismantled much of it for his personal gains.” While on the topic of consensus building, he underscored the importance of having a national consensus to address new challenges related to security, economic development and digital technology. (Imran Ayub, “Bilawal assails Imran for disillusioning youth,” Dawn, 17 February 2025)
In Brief
JUDICIARY
Trial of court officials should be under disciplinary proceedings instead of contempt proceedings, rules IHC bench
On 17 February, Dawn outlined a hearing led by a larger bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) linked to the contempt proceedings against the court’s Registrar Inaam Ameen Minhas and Deputy Registrar, Mohammad Awais ul Hassan Khan. This comes after Justice Babar Sattar initiated contempt proceedings against the duo for their failure to maintain order during a lawyer’s strike on 9 May 2024. These proceedings were initiated after the Islamabad High Court Bar Association president was accused of not providing entry to lawyers into the premises. In the subsequent hearings, the Minhas and Khan were held accountable for allegedly leading the court astray. In this regard, the duo filed appeals against Justice Sattar’s verdict. During the hearing, the larger bench ruled: “no contempt is made out in the facts and circumstances in as much as there was no obstruction on part of the legal community to approach this court.” It was discussed that since the officials were employees of the IHC, they should have been reported to the chief justice and the administration committee if they were involved in the dereliction of duty. The order read: ““There can be dereliction in duty by an employee and appropriate forum is to make a complaint in writing to the competent authority for initiation of disciplinary proceedings.” (Malik Asad, “Judges cannot hold court officials in contempt for ‘dereliction’: IHC,” Dawn, 17 February 2025)
ECONOMY
World Bank delegation to hold discussions on the USD 40 billion Country Partnership Framework
On 17 February, a high level delegation of World Bank Group Executive Directors is set to arrive in Pakistan. The delegation will hold discussions pertaining to Pakistan’s investment opportunities, its plans linked to economic development and the implementation of the USD 40 billion Country Partnership Framework over the next ten years. Additionally, the delegation of nine will also visit provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Punjab while interacting with representatives from Balochistan. The objective of these visits is to gain insights and challenges and opportunities at the grass-root level. The group will also hold interactions with business leaders, civil society and academia. According to a source reported by The News International, this latest engagement between Pakistan and the World Bank (WB) has brought significant attention within the headquarters of WB in Pakistan. It has become a model for other countries after the WB decided to adopt a new framework of engagement with countries. (Ansar Abbasi, “WB executive directors visiting Pakistan after two decades,” The News International, 17 February 2025)
NEPRA officials increase salary without federal approval
On 17 February, Dawn reported on sources claiming that the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has hiked remunerations without government approval. Additionally, this increase comes amid a loss in the technical, commercial and distribution domains of the power sector. The basic pay remuneration package of chairpersons and members has shifted from the PKR 629,000 to PKR 772,780 per month range to of PKR 700,000 to PKR 773,000. The NEPRA officials have allowed themselves a “regulatory allowance” according to the allowance for judges. In fact, the cumulative salary is now between PKR 2.95 million and PKR 3.25 million which is higher than that of the superior court judges. Besides, they are eligible for ad hoc relief for 2024 and 2023. In addition, they also draw a house rent allowance, along with a car monetization and utility allowance. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Top Nepra officials hike salaries without cabinet nod,” Dawn, 17 February 2025)
On taxation policy reform: “It has taken us decades to take this first step. But, as they say, it is never too late,” says an editorial in Dawn
On 17 February, an editorial titled “Tax policy reform,” in Dawn expressed skepticism regarding the cabinet’s decision to constitute a Tax Policy Office. This would lead to the separation of the revenue administration from tax collection. The editorial highlighted how the bifurcation would enable the Tax policy to focus on “broader economic and sectoral growth” instead of fulfilling revenue needs to carry out day to day affairs. It reiterated how the administrative control over the formation of tax policy and revenue collection was mainly focused on generating revenue. Successive governments have prevented the Revenue board exercising its power to carry out GDP growth and setting up a fair tax system. Consequently, such actions deviated from the primary objective of carrying out economic growth through a fair and equitable taxation system. In this regard, the decision may receive a positive response from the International Monetary Fund during its first biannual review under the Extended Facility Fund. However, all efforts may go to waste if the proposed Tax Policy Office is staffed with bureaucrats instead of tax experts who can engage with economists and business leaders “for their input regarding a pro-growth tax policy and a transparent taxation system that is responsive to the needs of the people.” (“Tax policy reform,” Dawn, 17 February 2025)
HEALTH
On the problem of polio in Pakistan: “to be one of the last two countries still grappling with polio on a global scale is an embarrassment,” says an editorial in The News International
On 17 February, an editorial in The News International titled “The polio loop” discussed the problem of polio which continues to haunt Pakistan and how the problem of militancy is creating a roadblock in the path towards elimination of the disease. The editorial pointed out the surge in the number of polio cases in 2024. There were a total of six cases of polio in 2023 which surged to 74 in 2024. In 2025, two polio cases have already been reported. The editorial highlighted how more than 90,000 parents did not allow the vaccinators to inoculate their children. The editorial urged the government to counter the “mistrust, misinformation and fear” among parents through “awareness campaigns.” The editorial noted how Pakistani nationals have to show a “proof “that they have received polio vaccine for traveling abroad. The editorial stated that Pakistan falling in the category of the last two remaining countries that have not been able to eliminate polio is an “embarrassment” for every Pakistani. The editorial also pointed out the need to root out “militancy” which has been a nuisance and threat to the security of polio workers. The editorial suggestedthat the government must work on enhancing health infrastructure and look into the reasons which lead to vaccine reluctancy. (“The polio loop,” The News International, 17 February 2025)
ENVIRONMENT
On the shortage of funds to combat effects of climate change: “the way forward requires action on both international and domestic fronts,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 17 February, an editorial in Dawn titled “Climate funding gap” discussed the urgent need for funds to combat the threat of climate change in Pakistan. The editorial pointed out how Pakistan needs roughly USD 50 billion yearly for “climate adaptation and mitigation.” However, it is only able to get close to USD two billion yearly from international agencies. The editorial demanded that the world should direct their attention towards this huge gap especially considering the fact that Pakistan falls in the list of countries that are most susceptible to impacts of climate change but contribute negligibly to world emissions. The editorial highlighted how Pakistan suffered a financial loss worth USD 30 billion during the 2022 floods. The editorial also pointed out the limitations in the system which does not allow countries like Pakistan to receive sufficient funds. Pakistan has received USD 250 million from Green Climate Fund. This number is almost three times for India and almost 1.75 times for Bangladesh. The editorial argued that reforms are needed both at the domestic and global level to address the shortage of climate funds. The editorial suggested that Pakistan must work towards enhancing its “institutional capacity” so that it can formulate projects that could receive funds from both private and public firms. The editorial further suggested that Pakistan must work on gaining competence in “climate finance and technology.” In addition to that, cooperation among federal and provincial governments must improve, so that climate funds can be efficiently used. (“Climate funding gap,” Dawn, 17 February 2025)
SECURITY
Attack on Levies check post in Kalat: one official dead, two injured
On 16 February, a “Levies check post” in Kalat, Balochistan came under gun attack from unknown men. The Levies officials also responded by firing back at them. Gun battle between the Levies and the attackers went on for long. The attackers eventually escaped. The attack led to the killing of one Levies official and injury totwo others.. As per one of the Levies official, an operation has been launched to arrest the accused men. Separately, on 15 February, a check post of the Frontier Corps in Kech, Balochistan came under attack from unidentified militants. FC officials retaliated to the attack by opening fire back at them. The exchange of fire continued for long and resulted in the killing of three soldiers. Six soldiers were wounded. In a separate incident, unknown men on motorcycles attacked a police station in Noshki, Balochistan with a hand grenade. The attackers also opened fire at the police station and the latter retaliated. No fatalities have been reported from the attack. PM Sharif strongly criticized the attack in Kalat and reiterated the government's commitment “to not allow the nefarious designs of terrorists to succeed.” (Saleem Shahid, “Four security men martyred in Balochistan attacks,” Dawn, 17 February 2025)
Terrorists cannot expect mercy from the state unless they surrender, says COAS Asim Munir
On 17 February, The News International reported on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Asim Munir’s statement regarding granting mercy to the terrorists. COAS stated that the terrorists should first give up arms and surrender and only after that the state will be in a position to decide whether they deserve mercy or not. He claimed that terrorists attacking Pakistan do not have any relation with Islam. He said “they have their own perverted interpretation of Islam which is not allowed in our religion.” He stated that no one would be allowed to snatch away women’s rights. He further asserted that Islam was the first religion which provided “rights to women.” Appreciating the support army receives from the youth population of Pakistan he said “as long as the nation is standing behind the Pakistan Army, especially the youth of the country, and as long as the spirit of sacrifice is present in us, the Army will not fall.”
On the same day, an editorial in Dawn titled “UN monitoring report” discussed the emanating threat of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan from Afghanistan and how it should be countered. The editorial cited a UN Security Council report as per which TTP’s “status and strength” remains unaffected. However, as per the report, the assaults against Pakistan carried out by TTP have surged. More than 600 terrorist attacks have been directed against Pakistan in the period between July 2024 to December 2024. The editorial pointed out how Pakistan has maintained a “dual-track approach” in combating the TTP. On one hand, it continues to discuss the issue on a diplomatic level with the Taliban government in Afghanistan. And on the other hand, it also carries out military “strikes” on their safe havens in Afghanistan. The editorial, however, argued that military strikes will not provide a long-term solution to the problem. The editorial pointed out how cross-border strikes in Afghanistan would lead to deterioration in Afghanistan-Pakistan ties. The editorial suggested that Islamabad should enhance its “diplomatic engagement” with the Afghan government, emphasizing on how providing safe havens to TTP could further increase their “isolation.” (Muhammad Anis, “Khawarij must surrender first, then expect mercy: COAS,” The News International, 17 February 2025; “UN monitoring report,” Dawn, 17 February 2025)
EXTERNAL
US will prioritize its own interest in its relationship with Pakistan, suggests Dawn
On 17 February, Dawn reported on the constant efforts put in by “Pakistani-American groups” so that US legislators vigorously raise the issue of “democracy and human rights in Pakistan.” Members of the Pakistani American Political Action Committee (PAKPAC) are holding meetings with US lawmakers so that the latter can assert a strong position on Pakistan’s “electoral fairness, freedom of speech and political repression.” As per Dawn, it is clear that PAKPAC is sympathetic towards Imran Khan and the PTI. Some of the US lawmakers have voiced their distress regarding Pakistan’s state of democracy. As per Dawn, despite some of the lawmakers raising concerns regarding Pakistan’s democracy and human rights, the US is expected to continue to prioritize its own “strategic interests.” As per Michael Kugelman, who is an expert on South Asia, unless Pakistan provides solid benefits to the US, it cannot expect its support. Scholars like Shuja Nawaz have ruled out the proposition of Pakistan successfully appealing to the US just on the basis of its “location or population.” He suggested that Pakistan has to work upon its financial independence if it wants itself to be heard in the US. (Anwar Iqbal, “US interests will dictate engagement with Islamabad,” Dawn, 17 February 2025)
Finance Minister attends AlUla conference hosted by Saudi Arabia
On 16 February, AlUla Conference brought central bank governors, policymakers, economic experts and the finance ministers from around the globe. In this regard, Finance Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Aurangzeb is set to participate in a panel discussion on “Navigating the Path for Resilient Emerging Markets” attended by his counterparts from Turkey, Egypt and Brazil.
On 15 February, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia held discussions to enhance bilateral cooperation on the sidelines of the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies. Aurangzeb and his Saudi counterpart Muhammad bin Abdullah Al Jadaan, held discussions over how the both sides can enhance cooperation in commerce, finance and investment. According to a statement from the finance ministry, the two ministers expressed commitment towards unlocking the potential of their countries’ strategic partnership. This could be possible through collaboration in key industries like infrastructure, technology, finance and energy. Besides, they also underscored the need to maintain dialogue and enter joint initiatives in order to facilitate investments and economic opportunities that will not just benefit the two countries but also the region.
Separately, The Express Tribune highlighted a set of statements made by Minister Aurangzeb on the sidelines of the conference. He stated that there are several opportunities in which Pakistan can support Saudi Arabia’s economic growth plans. He said: “We do think there is big potential in terms of exports from Pakistan, especially with respect to skilled labour, in terms of everything that Saudi Arabia requires in terms of executing Vision 2030.” Under the Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims at reducing its reliance on the oil sectors and promoting its education, health, tourism, recreation and infrastructure. However, this demands the increasing need of skilled workers, a gap which can be filled by Pakistan. (Mubarak Zeb Khan, “Islamabad, Riyadh to upgrade trade ties,” Dawn, 16 February 2025; “Pakistan's skilled labour can support Saudi Vision 2030: Finance minister,” The Express Tribune, 16 February 2025; “AlUla conference for emerging market economies starts in S Arabia,” Dawn, 17 February 2025)
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Sudden postponement of Toshakhana 2 case to 27th Feb raises serious questions as to why it has been done?
Access to the former Prime Minister of Pakistan should be unhindered for his lawyers and family members, to ensure about his wellbeing and health.
- Ali Muhammad Khan
We are going towards protest again, we have lost hope in institutions now.
Junaid Akbar Khan
- PTI
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the mission to make Lahore an oxygen hub is underway. A campaign to grow natural forests on 978 acres on the banks of the Ravi River has been launched. This is not just tree plantation, but the guarantee of Lahore's future.
- Marriyum Aurangzeb
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"Governance by the ruling coalition has been underwhelming and marked by growing authoritarianism."
- An opinion in Dawn, ''One year on"
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