DISCOs suffer USD 1 billion loss annually, reveals Finance Ministry report I Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: CM Gandapur alleges role of foreign players in Kurram violence
In Focus
PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif accuses PTI of creating “an artificial political crisis”
On 19 February, Pakistan Muslim League’s (N) (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif, during a meeting with Senator Irfan Siddiqui, categorically stated that the government would block political entities from staging long marches or protests. It was a veiled reference to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf as recently, the party unilaterally exited an interparty dialogue with the ruling coalition and announced a nationwide protest after Ramazan. The PML-N president alleged the group was not familiar with the “core principles and values of politics and democracy.” He remarked that such “people” could not engage in “serious” negotiations and arrive at solutions through a “political understanding.” Hence, “any attempt to create an artificial political crisis” or derailing progress attained by the PML-N will be foiled,” he warned. He further added in the party talks with Members of the Provincial Assembly initiated over the past couple of weeks, Imran Khan has been the subject of discussion. Similarly, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif has also accused the jailed prime minister of promoting “politics of chaos and discord.” In a reference to him, she said: “Who was the first to bear the stain of attacking the country? Political differences may exist, but discussions should remain within the bounds of decency. I won’t name names, but we all know who carries that stain.” (Zulqernain Tahir, “Nawaz roars back as Imran threatens yet more protests,” Dawn, 20 February 2025; “Nawaz vows to foil attempts to create ‘artificial political crisis’,” The News International, 20 February 2025)
DISCOs suffer USD 1 billion loss annually, reveals Finance Ministry report
On 20 February, an article in The News International highlighted the key findings of a report released by the Ministry of Finance titled “State Owned Enterprises.” The report revealed that distribution companies (DISCOs) are stuck in a cycle of circular debt and operational inefficiency as losses of around USD 1 billion were recorded in fiscal 2024. This debt is sourced from the DISCOs’ inability to salvage substantial revenue from consumers which could ideally be utilized to offset costs arising from the generation and distribution of electricity. Besides, the delay in government subsidies, the latent tariff adjustments, and high transmission and distribution losses also place a fiscal strain on DISCOs which ultimately push them into a cycle of debt. These further hinder their ability to make investments in infrastructure, improve operational efficiency as well as maintain equipment. In this regard, the report highlighted how these challenges arise from the DISCO business model itself and how they pose a threat to the cash flow that is required to replenish working capital, investments, and system upgrades. (Mehtab Haider, “Power firms losing around $1bn a year due to line losses, theft,” The News International, 20 February 2025)
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: CM Gandapur alleges role of foreign players in Kurram violence
On 19 February, KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur claimed that the ongoing violence in Kurram cannot be linked only to “land disputes” in the region. He insinuated the involvement of foreign players in aggravating the violence in the region. He claimed that these powers were providing “weapons and explosives” to exploit the sectarian divide in the region. He stated that the “sectarian elements” received financial backing from other countries. As per the KP CM, the foreign powers want to proliferate violence across the country. He questioned land disputes as being a reason behind the ongoing violence by saying: “Land disputes occur in many places but does the entire region become involved in it?” He further acknowledged the possibility that a few tribes could be behind the conflict, however, he emphasized that the sectarian divide is exacerbated through the backing from foreign countries. He informed that the provincial government has agreed to give PKR 2 billion for “installing CCTV cameras.” (Umer Farooq, “KP CM fears ‘foreign hand’ in Kurram,” Dawn, 20 February 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS
On PTI’s political image: “Without a clear and unified stance, the party could end up being seen just as a reactionary force rather than a viable political alternative,” says an editorial in The News International
On 20 February, an editorial titled “PTI blues” in The News International highlighted how the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf has risked “alienating” its supporters and powerful institutions that it seeks to engage with. The editorial cited the existing tensions within the party, especially among the leadership. This tension came to light when the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was removed from the party’s KP president position. Similarly, the expulsion of Sher Afzal Marwat also brought this tension to the forefront. The editorial pointed out that when the party’s internal issues come out in the public domain, it damages its image as a “voice of resistance.” The problem of the internal rift is further compounded by its inconsistent strategies as one section seeks reconciliation with the power blocs and the other is preparing for nationwide protests after Ramzan. Besides, PTI’s calls for protests have stopped gaining the traction it wants as evidenced by the 24 November and 8 February gatherings. Additionally, the nature of the PTI’s interactions with its political opponents does not help its case. The party’s frequent targeting of female politicians has made it difficult to believe that it is willing to extend “the same principles of fairness and respect to its political opponents.” In this regard, the party ought to address these concerns by re-evaluating its approach towards public engagement, governance, and the opposition else it risks projecting itself as a “reactionary force rather than a viable political alternative.” (“PTI blues,” The News International, 20 February 2025)
On lack of implementation of the Right to Information Act: “Both the federal and provincial governments remain as inscrutable as ever and what information does filter down to the people is often years after-the-fact and that too incomplete,” highlights an editorial in The News International
On 20 February, an editorial titled “We need to know” in The News International lamented the trajectory in which the country is moving, particularly in terms of governance. Despite having progressive laws and legislation across gender, justice, safety, health, education, and other sectors, the country has poorly managed the issues stemming from these areas. The problem lies in the complete “lack of implementation.” The editorial cited the recent report released by the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) policy brief which highlighted the existing weaknesses within the Right to Information framework. These weaknesses stem from the existing loopholes within the legal provisions, poor law enforcement, and low compliance rates. As a result, the principle of transparency becomes collateral. Furthermore, the decentralization of governance among provinces under the 18th Amendment may have been viewed as a measure to increase transparency, however, most of the information that has been made public by the federal and provincial governments is filtered, incomplete, and usually released a year after the event. In this context, FAFEN has provided the government with a set of suggestions to reform the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017, a major one being providing greater authority to the Pakistan Information Commission (PIC). However it “remains unclear how even a more powerful PIC will avoid the ‘only on paper’ curse that plagues Pakistan.” The editorial argued that the most powerful and independent accountability bodies and measures are not spared from being sabotaged by other institutions. In this regard, more damage has to be caused by issues linked to the lack of transparency and similar problems for “those in charge to realize that the people” know “exactly what is going on.” (“We need to know,” The News International, 20 February 2025)
JUDICIARY
CJP Afridi seeks government input on judicial reforms
On 19 February, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Yahya Afridi at his residence to share the schedule of the forthcoming National Judicial Policymaking Committee. Additionally, CJP Afridi sought inputs on how to expedite justice delivery within the current system. According to a notice from the Supreme Court office, this request aligned with Justice Afridi’s agenda to tackle the problem of existing backlogs and provide speedy justice to those affected. The CJP stated that he would also approach opposition parties for their input as he is striving for political consensus which will enable the reforms to be impactful, consistent, and sustainable. (Nasir Iqbal Khattak & Syed Irfan Raza, “PM Shehbaz visits CJP Afridi, agrees to give input on judicial reforms,” Dawn, 20 February 2025)
On military trial of civilians accused of 9 May violence: Justice to be delivered in line with Constitution and Law, assures Justice Aminuddin Khan
On 19 February, while hearing intra-court appeals filed by the federal government against the Supreme Court’s verdict that had nullified the trial of civilians involved in the 9 May violence, Justice Aminuddin Khan asserted that justice will be delivered in line with the constitution and law. He was of the opinion that the court was not under trial. These views came as counsel Saradar Latif Khosa who represented Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan submitted that the entire country was watching the apex court, hence, it was under trial. Continuing his argument, Khosa was of the opinion that the military trials were unconstitutional as they circumvented fundamental rights. He highlighted the scriptures in the Quran that underscored judicial independence and even cited historical instances of Islam. In this regard, the bench asked him to argue over the status of sections of the Pakistan Army Act and the applicability of Section 2(d) on the 9 May and 10 May events. In his argument, Khosa laid claim that Section 2(d) was against Islamic practices as the military trial was held in secrecy. However, Justice Amin reminded him of the Defence Ministry’s counsel, Khwaja Haris’ statements about how proper procedure was followed to carry out a fair trial. While engaging with Justice Jamal Mandokhail, Khosa was asked what measures were taken in the parliament to repeal Section 2(d). Khosa replied that all applications filed against Article 175 had been invalidated and that the 26th Amendment was passed forcibly. In this regard, he assured the bench that whatever their decision may be, it would be upheld by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf. Speaking about the 9 May riots, Khose highlighted that there was no knowledge pertaining to the selection of 103 among 5000 suspects for a military trial. He maintained that the Inspector General of Punjab should be questioned over why the mob was not stopped. In this regard, he submitted a set of written formulations and called for the constitution of a judicial commission to inquire into 9 May and 10 May events. (“Civilians’ trial in military courts case: Judgment to be as per law, Constitution: SC,” The News International, 20 February 2025)
HEALTH
On healthcare: “There is institutional reluctance to accept that an unhealthy populace with weakened abilities cannot prove productive for the economy,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 20 February, an editorial titled “In poor health,” in Dawn shed light on the poor health system existing in Pakistan. It highlighted the World Health Organization report of 2024 which stated that the country is “far from achieving” the 80 per cent universal healthcare goal. The editorial argued that the cause of this is the hesitation on the part of institutions to accept that a population with poor health cannot contribute to economic productivity. In this regard, the absence of political will to protect and invest in the country’s social sector is quite evident. Furthermore, parties are not willing to prioritize health in their manifestos even though health infrastructures in urban areas are unsatisfactory, and in rural areas, they are deprived of basic facilities. Hence, the provision of quality healthcare has been long delayed and some ways to cope with this state of affairs is via international collaboration and expansion of healthcare facilities. (“In poor health,” Dawn, 20 February 2025)
SECURITY
Cyber emergency response team cautions citizens against online scammers
On 20 February, Dawn reported on the National Cyber Emergency Response Team of Pakistan’s (PKCERT) notification regarding the surge in the number of “phishing attacks.” PKCERT comes under the federal government and is tasked with safeguarding the country’s “digital assets, sensitive information and critical infrastructure from cyber-attacks, cyber-terrorism, and cyber espionage.” PKCERT has cautioned citizens to not fall into the trap of online scammers who are pretending to be “law enforcement authorities.” Further, it urged the citizens to flag any “suspicious e-mails.” The notification while emphasizing the need to stay vigilant said “by staying informed and adopting proactive security measures, we can collectively mitigate the risks associated with cybercrime and phishing scams. The fraudulent e-mails threaten the victims with “legal actions,” if they do not follow their directions. Further, PKCERT informed that in the fraud e-mails, scammers cite laws and regulations which are non-existent in the country. In addition to that, PKCERT advised the citizens to remain cautioned as these online scammers have also been found to using “Pakistani government domains” such as “gov.pk.” (Kalbe Ali, “Pakistani citizens warned against phishing scams,” Dawn, 20 February 2025)
On the attack in Barkhan: “deep-seated deprivation has created fertile ground for extremist elements to exploit,” says an editorial in Dawn
On 19 February, the dead bodies of the passengers who fell victim to the militant attack on 18 February in Barkhan, Balochistan were sent to their families residing in Punjab. The militants had attacked a passenger coach that was traveling from Quetta and was destined for Faisalabad in the Barkhan district. On 20 February, an editorial in Dawn titled “Forsaken province” discussed the uninterrupted wave of violence in Balochistan, especially in some of the incidents where those hailing from Punjab are being targeted. The editorial referenced another episode where people from Punjab were killed in Balochistan. The editorial, thus, questioned the safety and security in the province, highlighting how armed men responsible for the recent attack halted several vehicles on an important highway, systematically inspected the identity cards of the passengers, and killed those hailing from Punjab. Previously, in August 2024, militants had similarly killed 23 passengers in Musakhail. In May 2024, seven barbers who belonged to Punjab were murdered close to Gwadar. The editorial pointed out how Balochistan has not been featured in the priority list of the federal government over the years. The editorial highlighted the “poor infrastructure, limited educational and job opportunities” for the youth population of Balochistan. The editorial argued that this has been capitalized on by the miscreants in Balochistan. The editorial also criticized the political parties for not paying heed to demands raised by the Baloch people. The editorial called for an increase in “investment in human development” and discussions on the political demands of the Baloch people. (Hasnain Qaisrani, “Barkhan attack victims bodies sent to Punjab cities,” The News International, 20 February 2025: “Forsaken province,” Dawn, 20 February 2025)
On the surge in crimes committed against women “state must prioritize the effective enforcement of laws designed to protect them” says an editorial in The Nation
On 20 February, an editorial in The Nation titled “Protecting victims” discussed the problems associated with not revealing the identity of rape survivors. The editorial noted the importance of not publicly revealing the identity of rape survivors as “fear of social stigma” has resulted in the under-reporting of rapes. However, in countries such as Pakistan, the culprits are often found to misuse the provision in the law. The editorial highlighted how the culprits are aware that the police are constrained as they have the obligation to not reveal the identity of the victim. The editorial pointed out that this holds back the victims from reporting the crimes committed against them. The editorial stated that the victims are constrained by legal challenges in addition to the fear of “social consequences.” The editorial suggested that the government must work towards “effective enforcement” of legislation which are meant to protect the women population of the country. (“Protecting victims,” The Nation, 20 February 2025)
EXTERNAL
Traders flag concern regarding halt of 600 Iranian trucks at the border
On 20 February, The News International reported on concerns raised by Pakistani traders on the halting of close to 600 trucks from Iran at the border. The exporters and importers based in Pakistan have cautioned that this could impact the “barter trade” with Iran. Mehmood Langrial, who heads the Federal Board of Revenue, informed the Senate standing committee that vehicles from Iran would bear the blame for “any leakage” if they enter Pakistan “without bank guarantees.” The Senate panel was chaired by Saleem Mandiwalla. The Senate panel also passed the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill 2025. The standing committee of the Senate heard the concern regarding the halt of 600 Iranian trucks as the customs officers present at the border were asked to show proper “import order.” It was agreed upon by the MPs that importers must lodge a “goods declaration” so that the halted Iranian trucks could enter Pakistan. (“Pak-Iran barter trade may hit snags, warn importers,” The News International, 20 February 2025)
INDIA VIEW
On the alleged raid on book stalls in Jammu and Kashmir: “the goal is to erase Muslim identity,” claims an editorial in The Nation
On 20 February, an editorial in The Nation titled “Erasing Kashmir” discussed the recent alleged raid carried out by the Indian police in Jammu and Kashmir to confiscate books authored by Jamaat-e-Islami creator Abul Ala Maududi. The editorial drew parallels between the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine by alleging that in both regions, the objective is to “erase Muslim identity.” The editorial mentioned the banning of Jamaat-e-Islami in India which it claimed had put in efforts towards the “welfare of Kashmiri people.” The editorial highlighted the alleged similarity between India and Israel, where the concerned authorities have targeted books written on “Islamic history and culture.” The editorial further compared the situation with the Nazi regime in Germany where the Nazis in the 1930s were involved in “burning books.” The editorial further alleged that the infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir has “cut off” people from their land belongings and has resulted in their displacement. The editorial called for Pakistanis to back the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the same manner they back the Palestinians. (“Erasing Kashmir,” The Nation, 20 February 2025)
MARITIME
Chairman of Senate Committee on Maritime Affairs reveals discrepancies in the allocation of land at Port Qasim and Karachi Port Trust
On 19 February, Faisal Vawda who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Maritime Affairs revealed the disputable allocation of several “acres of land” in “Port Qasim and Karachi Port Trust.” He instructed the confiscation of all the allocations which as per him has resulted in a loss of PKR 100 billion for the national treasury. Faisal Vawda revealed that the land of Karachi Port Trust was allocated for just PKR 1 million per acre whose actual cost was more than PKR 40 million per acre. On the controversial allocation of land, he said: “This deal, which includes the sale of 200 acres of land separately, has caused a loss of Rs 60 billion to the national treasury.” He also directed the concerned authorities to formulate a “detailed report” and reveal the identities of those involved in the misdoing. He further warned that those who are found guilty will be held “accountable to the National Accountability Bureau.” (Asim Yasin, “Rs60bn lost in sale of 500 acres of Port Qasim land, claim Vawda, The News International, 20 February 2025)
SPORTS
Pakistan loses opening match of Champion’s Trophy to New Zealand
On 19 February, Pakistan lost to New Zealand in the opening match of the Champion’s trophy held in Karachi’s National Stadium. Pakistan was unable to surpass New Zealand’s total of 321 and was defeated by 60 runs. Will Young and Tom Latham of New Zealand reached their respective centuries in the first innings of the match. Babar Azam’s slow batting received intense criticism from disappointed Pakistani fans. He was able to score his half-century in 81 balls. He was criticized for failing to improve the run rate even after passing his half-century and giving away his wicket after scoring 64 runs in 90 balls. On X, Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, criticizing Babar Azam’s slow innings posted, “Babar’s journey to 50 coupled with Salman Ali Agha’s batting has to be the best depiction of The Tortoise and Rabbit story.” Pakistani fans, furious at Babar Azam’s slow innings, criticized him for being “selfish.” One of the fans expressing his annoyance wrote “Babar Azam played for New Zealand.” (“Never plays for the team: Pakistanis livid after disappointing loss to New Zealand in Champion’s Trophy,” Dawn, 19 February 2025)
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Don't get tired! When Allah says 'Do', even the impossible becomes possible and prayers become overwhelming, so don't get tired!
- PTI Islamabad
If this country wants to move forward, if its youth want to secure their future, if the lives of the poor are to become easier, and if this nation wants to stand among developed countries, then Pakistan needs the continuity of the PML-N government.
- PMLN
Dictators like Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan, Zia-ul-Haq and Musharraf have also uttered similar arrogant phrases, but today no one can mention their names. These dictators, intoxicated with power and authority, forget that after Allah, sovereignty belongs only to the people. If respect could be gained by intimidation and oppression, then Allah would not have made Nimrod, Pharaoh and Yazid a sign of lesson until the Day of Judgment.!!
- Tehreek-e-Insaaf
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"Numerous sets of numbers, not quoted by govt sources, suggest that things are not as dazzling as claimed by those who run the country."
- An opinion in Dawn, ''Revival? For whom?"
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