Pakistan closes Torkham border I Deadlock in Basha Dam talks
In Focus
PM Sharif lands in Baku, on a two-day official visit to Azerbaijan
On 23 February, PM Shehbaz Sharif landed in Baku to embark on his “two-day official visit to Azerbaijan.” At the airport, First Deputy PM Yaqub Abdulla oglu Eyyubov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yalchin Ragiyev, and several other dignitaries were present to welcome PM Sharif on his visit. PM Sharif would be convening “high-level meetings” with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. is the two sides are expected to deliberate on enhancing bilateral ties, increasing “trade and investment,” increasing “cooperation in the energy sector” and collaborating to combat the threat of climate change. Numerous “MoUs and agreements” are expected to be signed to enhance the collaboration between the two countries. Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan have also joined PM Sharif in his visit to Azerbaijan. (Syed Irfan Raza, “PM Shehbaz arrives in Baku to warm welcome,” Dawn, 24 February 2025; “PM arrives in Baku for bilateral talks,” The Express Tribune, 24 February 2025)
Pakistan closes Torkham border
On 23 February, Pakistani authorities closed the Torkham border for the second consecutive day. This came as the Afghanistan border authorities continued construction of a security post close to the zero point. A Pakistani police official said that the border was closed from 21 February as Afghan authorities were involved in the “construction of trenches and other development work.” In this regard, sources reported by Dawn fear that this could lead to an armed conflict between the two states as Afghanistan projects a heavy-handed approach while Pakistan continues to restrain itself. Afghan nationals who arrived at the Torkham border, in Pakistan had to travel back to Peshawar as they were denied the immigration process due to the closure of government offices. Vehicles loaded with perishable goods were also sent back to Peshawar and Landi Kotal. (Ibrahim Shinwari, “Torkham border closure leaves Afghans stranded,” Dawn, 24 February 2025; “Pakistan closes key Afghan border crossing over trench construction,” The Express Tribune, 23 February 2025)
Deadlock in Basha Dam talks between government and protestors
On 23 February, the talks held between “Give Rights and Build Dam” movement representatives and the Minister of “Kashmir Affairs” and Gilgit Baltistan, Amir Muqam resulted in a deadlock. The former group consisted of people representing those affected by the construction of the Diamer Basha Dam in Chilas. The talks followed a request from Muqam, to call off the sit-in however, the protestors refused to concede and invited people of neighboring areas to join the demonstration. During the talks held to address the grievances of people affected by the dam, Muqam was informed about a 31-point demand put forth by the former for acceptance. The demands included the implementation of agreements approved by the government, the Water and Power Development Authority, and the dam-affected people in 2010. In this regard, the Gilgit Baltistan Chief Minister, Haji Gulbar Khan who was also present at the meeting highlighted the ground realities of the agreement’s implementation. He indicated that only 10 per cent of the agreement had been put into effect. Responding to this Muqam stated that he was not in the position to announce a resolution of the demands however, a committee should be constituted to negotiate with the federal committee and settle issues of the people. (Jamil Nagri, “Basha dam affected people vow to intensify protest as talks with minister end in deadlock,” Dawn, 24 February 2025)
In Brief
ECONOMY
IMF climate finance talks to begin on 24 February
On 24 February, Dawn reported that the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) review mission on climate funding is set to begin its talks in Islamabad. These talks come after Pakistan requested USD one billion in additional financing for climate action. The article highlighted that the team would engage with key government departments, namely, finance, climate change, petroleum, water resources, the Federal Board of Revenue, disaster management agencies, and provincial governments. In the following week an assessment of government performance will be conducted under the current Extended Facility Fund (EFF) USD seven billion programme. According to official sources reported by Dawn, certain ministries under the planning and finance domain have drafted a Climate-Related Public Investment Management Assessment (C-PIMA) document to be considered in future budgets to be in alignment with policy advice made by the IMF and World Bank. The sources further indicated that ahead of the EFF’s biannual review, only one structural benchmark has not been attained due to the shifting macroeconomic conditions at the domestic and international levels. This benchmark is the Sovereign Wealth Fund which was supposed to be amended by December-end of 2024. (Khaleeq Kiani, “IMF talks on $1bn climate funding kick off today,” Dawn, 24 February 2025)
Petroleum dealers threaten strike over price deregulation plans
On 23 February, the All Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (APPDA) warned of a countrywide strike to protest the petroleum division and Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA)’s decision to deregulate oil prices without considering relevant stakeholders. After an executive committee meeting, the APPDA expressed its concerns pertaining to the transfer of control of Pakistan’s oil market to foreign agencies, consequently putting the state’s energy security in a pickle. It condemned the government for not consulting relevant stakeholders and called for the re-assessment of its proposed deregulation. Furthermore, the absence of an oil storage capacity that is necessitated in a free market and given the current context of Pakistan, such a move would be self-destructive. In a statement, the Association’s spokesman, Hassan Shah expressed fear over the potential closure of oil refineries due to its deficient financial capacity to compete with foreign entities. He also warned that it could result in unprecedented levels of inflation and depreciation of the exchange rate. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Petrol dealers threaten strike over price deregulation,” Dawn, 24 February 2025)
MEDIA
Journalists union adopts resolutions that reject PECA
On 23 February, journalists of Pakistan rejected the recently passed Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) at the Biannual Delegates Meeting (BDM) held in Islamabad. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) highlighted concerns over the retrenchment of media workers and the safety of journalists. It cited the example of the case against Matiullah Jan for criticizing the government and claimed that journalists have not only been killed in numbers but also been charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act, blasphemy and drug allegations. It further condemned the government of using government advertisements to put pressure on media houses, including Daily Dawn. In this regard, several resolutions were adopted. One of them rejected the government’s claim of curbing the spread of “fake news” as well as disinformation. The PFUJ called for its “withdrawal” as it was passed in “haste” by the Pakistan Muslim League-led government. It also described the government’s move as a “martial law for the media” and avowed that the matter would be taken up with the Joint Action Committee of Media stakeholders. (“PFUJ declares Peca changes ‘martial law for media’,” Dawn, 24 February 2025)
SECURITY
Security forces neutralize ten militants in Balochistan and KP
On 23 February, security forces were engaged in a gunfight with two militant groups in Quetta. The gun battle resulted in neutralization of three militants. The militants had choked the “Quetta-Sibi highway.” Some of the passengers were held hostage by the militants. The security forces managed to free the hostages. As per the sources of Dawn, the militants were in possession of the latest weaponry. They also claimed that the militants halted the “vehicles of” Mir Liaquat Ali Lehri who is the “Parliamentary Secretary of Balochistan.” The militants compelled the security forces who were accompanying the Parliamentary Secretary to surrender their weapons. The Parliamentary Secretary said: “A group of armed men intercepted his vehicles and guards on the highway and asked the security guards to hand over their weapons.” He further stated that the decision was taken to restrict “collateral damage.” He reached his residence safe and sound.
On 23 February, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) informed that seven militants had been neutralized in Dera Ismail Khan. The terrorists were killed in two different operations. One of the operations was carried out in Daraban. As per ISPR, four terrorists were neutralized in the operation. As per the sources of Dawn, two other terrorists were wounded in the operation. The second operation was carried out in Maddi. In the second operation, security forces managed to neutralize three terrorists. As per ISPR, security forces also confiscated “weapons and ammunition” from the hideout of the terrorists. Thereafter, search operations were carried out to root out other militants in the region. On another note, three notorious terrorists were neutralized by the police in Qalandar Khad, Dera Ismail Khan. The police initiated an intelligence-based operation and were engaged in a gun battle with the terrorists. Also, A massive amount of ammunition was retrieved after the operation. (Saleem Shahid, “Quetta-Sibi road reopened after gun battle in Bolan,” Dawn, 24 February 2025; Muhammad Irfan Mughal, “Seven terrorists killed in D.I Khan operations: ISPR,” Dawn, 24 February 2025)
Security forces detain attackers of aid convoy trucks in Kurram
On 23 February, Dawn reported on the progress of the operation launched in Kurram to root out militancy from the region. The security forces have detained 20 people who were either involved in terrorism or helped the terrorists. So far 85 miscreants have been arrested. On 17 February, an aid convoy destined for Parachinar was ransacked. 19 trucks were set ablaze. (“More convoy attack, looting suspects held from Kurram,” Dawn, 24 February 2025)
EXTERNAL
On Bangladesh and Pakistan strengthening their ties: “Coming together of these communities by burying the hatchet is indispensable” claims an editorial in The Express Tribune
On 24 February, an editorial in The Express Tribune titled “Leap forward to Dhaka” discussed Bangladesh’s rapprochement towards Pakistan. The editorial mentions how Bangladesh is attempting to pursue closer ties with Pakistan after the ousting of the “Awami League government” in Bangladesh in 2024. The editorial mentions how the rapprochement led to Pakistan importing “50,000 tons of rice” from Bangladesh. Also, a “vessel” of Pakistan National Shipping Corporation would harbor at a “port in Bangladesh.” The editorial points out how Pakistan has a “trade surplus” worth USD 500 million with Bangladesh. The editorial claims that enhancing bilateral maritime ties would reap advantages to both the countries. The editorial also mentions the simplification of visa regime initiated by both the countries. It points out the interest of “private airlines” operating in Pakistan to have more flights to Bangladesh. The editorial highlights how Pakistan can be a huge beneficiary of Bangladesh’s progress in academia and advocates for “student interaction.” (“Leap forward to Dhaka,” The Express Tribune, 24 February 2025)
Trump administration unfreezes aid related to inspection of F-16 jets stationed in Pakistan
On 23 February, The Express Tribune reported on the unfreezing of a portion of “foreign aid” by the newly elected Donald Trump US government. The Trump administration temporarily suspended “foreign aid” for 90 days after it assumed power. The unfreezing of aid also included the aid worth USD 397 million which is used to inspect that the F-16 stationed in Pakistan are not used against India and are only deployed to combat terrorism. The Trump administration had earlier made some exemptions in the freezing of foreign aid so that “military aid” to countries like Israel and Egypt remain uninterrupted. As per some of the aid agencies and US officials, exemptions are also given to some of the “humanitarian aid” initiatives. The waivers however did not cover the aid towards “Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Myanmar and Afghanistan” which are undergoing grave “humanitarian crises.” US President Donald Trump had termed America’s “foreign aid industry” in many instances as standing opposed to “American values.” (“US releases $397m for Pak F-16s monitoring,” The Express Tribune, 23 February 2025)
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When a country is occupied by evil people, there is oppression, oppression, and fascism, then only disgrace is destined in every field.
Syeda Arooba komal
- PTI
In Pakistan, being a relative of the Army Chief can get you a position, but it has nothing to do with ability, integrity, and professionalism.
- Hammad Azhar
Pakistan lost today but we must appreciate Saud Shakeel for his 62 runs in challenging match against India.
- Hamid Mir
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"Only a visionary and reformist leadership can seize opportunities and deliver competent governance."
- An opinion in Dawn, ''Drivers of change."
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