IRSA ratifies diversion of water despite Sindh’s resistance I 22 Indian fishermen detained are set to return
In Focus
Six terrorists killed in KP
On 21 February, security forces initiated an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Karak, KP. The operation resulted in the neutralization of six terrorists. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) informed that the operation was initiated after they received intelligence regarding the “presence” of terrorists in the region. The communique from ISPR referring to the intelligence-based operation said “the sanitization operation continues to ensure the area is cleared of any remaining threats.” It also pointed out the “sacrifices” of the security forces that lost their lives at the hands of the terrorists and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to root out militancy to maintain “peace and stability.” (“Security forces killed six militants in Karak IBO: ISPR,” The Express Tribune, 21 February 2025)
Indus River System Authority ratifies diversion of water to Cholistan canal despite resistance from members of the Sindh government
On 22 February, The News International reported on the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) ratifying the Cholistan canal’s “water availability certificate.” The ratification was done on 25 January 2024 despite resistance from a member of the Sindh government. IRSA approved so that the expansion of “irrigated agriculture” could take place in Cholistan. This would be done by diverting water from Suemanki Headworks. As per a member of the Punjab Irrigation Department, water flowing in Jhelum or Chenab would be transferred to the Cholistan canal. This would be done through three “link channels” – “Rasool-Qadirabad, Qadirabad-Balluki, and Balluki-Sulemani.” The water conveying range of the link channels would be increased by 5000 cusecs. He further confirmed that water from Indus and Kabul will not be directed towards Cholistan. IRSA has also formulated a “10 daily water distribution plan.” (Khalid Mustafa, “Amid opposition by Sindh: Irsa approved water availability certificate for Cholistan canal a year back,” The News International, 22 February 2025)
22 fishermen detained in Karachi’s jail set to return to India
On 21 February, 22 Indian fishermen were freed by the concerned authorities in Pakistan. The fishermen had been detained in Malir jail in Karachi. The superintendent of the jail informed that the freed fishermen were on their way to India after the concerned authorities in India fulfilled the requisite “formalities.” He claimed that Pakistan had put efforts to keep the detainees in “good condition.” The chairman of Edhi foundation made arrangements for the freed fisherman to reach Lahore. The Edhi Foundation paid the travel costs of the freed fishermen and also gave them “gifts and cash.” The foundation asked the governments of India and Pakistan to pursue “a more compassionate approach” and help the fisherman who unknowingly trespass “maritime boundaries.” The Chairman of Edhi Foundation emphasized the pain borne by the families of the fisherman who remain detained for longer durations in foreign jails. Normally, the concerned authorities in Pakistan repatriate the fishermen via the Wagah border. (“Pakistan releases 22 Indian fisherman, begins repatriation process,” The Express Tribune, 21 February 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS
PTI to hold sit-in in solidarity with Imran Khan amid talks with CJP Afridi
On 21 February, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) announced its decision to stage a sit-in outside the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. This decision follows a meeting chaired by PTI’s Aliya Hamza Malik was attended by the Punjab party President, Hammad Azhar, Provincial Information Secretary Shaukat Basra, and regional presidents. The objective is to display solidarity with the party founder Imran Khan as he has allegedly been transferred to solitary confinement and has been denied access to his family. In this regard, a core committee and political committee of the party will be consulted.
In a separate development, the party sought permission from the Lahore High Court to hold a rally at Minar-i-Pakistan on 22 March. Through a writ petition, PTI Punjab Vice President Akmal Khan Bar challenged the deputy commissioner’s passivity towards a formal application filed by the party to hold a gathering. It ensured that the gathering would be held in line with the constitution and law to commemorate 23 March, which is Pakistan’s Republic day.
On the same day, a five-member delegation of the PTI held discussions with the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Yahya Afridi, and shared a 10-point agenda linked to judicial reforms. A source reported by The News International revealed that the CJP had advised the party to operate within the system and not resort to protests. The CJP also stated that they should have taken part in the last Supreme Judicial Commission (SJC) organized to discuss judicial appointments to the apex court. He believed that the PTI’s participation would have made a difference. The article further highlighted a set of statements made by PTI’s affiliates. While speaking with reporters, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan confirmed that the party’s demands will be communicated to him while also expressing concern that his orders are not being enforced. They also deliberated over the FIRs filed against the party leaders and workers, he added. PTI Secretary Salman Akram Raja expressed the party’s reservations towards the enactment of the 26th Amendment, the military courts of Pakistan and provided a brief on missing persons. PTI members also discussed the violation of human rights, the non-transparent trial of the former prime minister, and court packing.
Separately, on 20 February, Law Minister Khwaja Asif claimed that Imran Khan and his party had attempted to make the establishment a subsidiary of the PTI. The country’s progress has made the party frustrated, causing it to recourse to conspiracies. He accused the party of promoting its gain while comprising on national interest as described in the 9 May and 26 November incidents to suit the party’s “nefarious purposes.” He opined that the PTI is composed of a set of unserious people unwilling to partake in genuine politics. In the meantime, while quoting Khan, his sibling, Aleema Khan said that the PTI founder is unwilling to strike a deal with the government irrespective of how much he will be pressured to. (Wajih Ahmad Sheikh & Mansoor Malik, “PTI plans sit-in near Adiala over Imran’s ‘solitary detention’,” Dawn, 22 February 2025; Ansar Abbasi & Mumtaz Alvi, “CJP advised PTI to stay within system, confirms Gohar,” The News International, 22 February 2025; “Imran wanted army to be PTI’s subsidiary: Asif,” The News International, 22 February 2025)
Opposition alliance to expand with more likeminded parties
On 22 February, The News International revealed that the opposition has decided to broaden its alliance by inviting like-minded parties into its fold such as the Pir Pagara, Grand Democratic Alliance, and Ayaz Palijo. An opposition delegation consisting of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s (PTI) Salman, Akram Raja and Asad Qaiser, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Akhunzada Hussain, Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen leaders, and Balochistan National Party’s Akhtar Mengal will visit Sindh for three days. Besides, holding discussions with like-minded parties, the group will also meet the bar association, PTI’s Karachi officials, journalists, and the business community. Separately, in a media statement, Awaam Pakistan Party’s Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Mahmood Achakzai divulged that consultations with the opposition parties are ongoing to find solutions to the current state of Pakistan’s affairs. In this regard, a national conference may be held between 26-27 February. (“Opposition decides to widen anti-govt alliance,” The News International, 22 February 2025)
PTI Senators protest deputy chairman’s conduct and announce boycott of proceedings
On 21 February, the Senate’s Question hour was adjourned after the opposition posed three key demands. The Leader of the Opposition Senator Shibli Faraz demanded that the vote count pertaining to the amendment of the State Bank of Pakistan Act should be announced as it was “unlawfully withheld by the deputy chairman of Senate.” The remaining two demands include an apology from the Deputy Chairman, Syedal Khan Nasar for his conduct and the reinstatement of three suspended Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) senators. The three PTI senators were suspended “for exercising their right to protest,” as Nasar reportedly blocked the bill’s passage. Since no law allows officials to withhold the vote count results, he demanded that the agenda be finished and the SBP amendment bill be passed. He opined that despite being aware of making a wrong move the deputy chairman suspended the senators who were protesting against a genuine problem. Responding to Faraz’s demands, the session’s chair, Senator Irfan Siddiqui announced that the Senate Secretariat and the chairman would respond to the opposition. Shortly after, the opposition announced that the party would boycott the proceedings in solidarity with the three suspended members. (Ifthikar A Khan, “Senators take issue with deputy chairman’s attitude,” Dawn, 22 February 2025)
JUDICIARY
Case Assignments and Management System to bring in speedy justice and track pending cases
On 21 February, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated an initiative that will help officials keep track of pending cases and backlogs due to delays in adjudication. The initiative named Case Assignments and Management System (CAMS) will enable transparent and speedy justice to the bereaved. It is software that has been designed to monitor, organize, and manage each case of an organization. Its applicability has been designed for customer services, health care, legal practices, and many more. It will also provide an overview of the status of cases across different ministries and departments on their websites and allow various domains of the government to track their progress and ensure expeditious disposal. Speaking on the occasion, PM Sharif lamented the loss of resources to the state exchequer due to the absence of transparent and modern technology. This has caused the country to lose trillions of rupees. Hence, he expressed his resolve to repossess “each penny that was due” and spend it on the betterment of people. (Syed Irfan Raza, “New system to track cases that hinder govt business,” Dawn, 22 February 2025)
On Judicial independence: “A perception has been building up that all judges who are perceived as a ‘threat’ by the current regime are being systematically sidelined and ‘neutralized’,” says an editorial in Dawn
On 22 February, an editorial titled “Judiciary in the dock,” in Dawn highlighted the eroding independence of the judiciary. It cited the objections raised by five Islamabad High Court justices after three provincial justices were transferred to the court. It led to the IHC’s seniority list being altered amid the replacement of “far more senior judges” of the IHC on important committees. In this regard, the five judges have called upon the Supreme Court (SC) to perform its role under original jurisdiction and take up petitions that are tantamount to “dismantling of the salient features of the Constitution.” This is not an isolated event as the IHC has also raised objections over the intervention of security agencies in the court’s affairs. The issue was taken up with the then Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa with other similar complaints from the lower courts, however, the matter was left unaddressed. In the present context, with the 26th Amendment in place, there are discussions of how the government has sidelined as well as denied promotions or administrative responsibilities to judges that have been “perceived as a ‘threat’.” In fact, the recent events in the IHC and the SC seem to confirm this speculation. Moreover, the petitions filed against the amendment are yet to be given the importance it demands. In this regard, the “judiciary’s image as an independent and impartial arbiter has continued to deteriorate.” However, if there is hope for change, then the petitions linked to the judiciary’s independence must be heard in a full court to avoid conflicts of interest. (“Judiciary in the dock,” Dawn, 22 February 2025)
ECONOMY
IMF confirms visit from two missions for talks on EFF and RSF
On 21 February, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced that two of its missions will visit Pakistan in the coming weeks. The first mission will discuss matters linked to climate finance while the second will conduct the first review under the Extended Facility Fund (EFF) of USD 7 billion. The first mission will visit Pakistan in late February to discuss the modalities under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement and the second mission is scheduled to arrive in March to discuss the EFF programmeThis was communicated by IMF’s Resident Representative Mahir Binici in a statement. Under the RSF, Pakistan has requested USD 1 billion for its climate financing, to augment its existing loan of USD 7 billion. In this regard, according to official sources reported by The News International, the IMF mission’s findings from the upcoming review is set to firm up conditions for the first review under the EFF programme. This will be possible as the government has prepared a Public Investment Procedures and Parameters report to meet the IMF’s conditions. Additionally, its major contours will be discussed with the mission as it highlights ten sectors that will be considered under the next Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) since the government had agreed with the IMF to not include projects of provincial nature under the PSDP. (Mehtab Haider, “Two IMF missions due for talks on climate finance, EFF review,” The News International, 22 February 2025)
On tax evasion: It is time for the finance minister to “walk the talk,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 22 February, an editorial titled “Paying taxes” in Dawn highlighted the need to enforce stricter provisions that hold tax evaders accountable. It cited the recent statements made by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb where he “took retailers to task” for not contributing to the tax system. The Federal Board of Revenue may have implemented the Tajir Dost scheme to widen the tax net and include retailers, however, it has failed miserably as it was unable to meet the revenue target under the scheme. However, retailers are not the only ones as some benefit from urban real estate and the agriculture supply chain. Despite profiting from these respective sectors, they only pay a “fraction” of what they are required to. Hence, it must be understood that legislative actions are not sufficient. The minister ought to give evaders the “hard talk.” He also ought to engage with the cabinet members who promote such unfair practices in order to fulfill their political and personal agendas. (“Paying taxes,” Dawn, 22 February 2025)
SOCIETY
New underwater fibre optic-cable to become operational from 2026
On 22 February, Dawn reported on the introduction of a new undersea fibre-optic cable. As per Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), the new cables will become operational in 2026. The “landing station” of PTCL located in Karachi would be linked to “Africa-1 submarine cable.” The initiative which is worth USD 59.5 million was passed in November 2020. The project is expected to increase connectedness with the UAE, Europe, and Africa. This development comes amidst the country witnessing repeated suspensions of internet services. As per IT specialists, the connection using a new cable is an important measure for improving the country’s “digital infrastructure.” A CEO of an internet service provider in Pakistan compared the rates of “wholesale internet bandwidth” with India. According to him, the rates are 10 times cheaper in India than what it is in Pakistan. (Imran Ayub, “PTCL to link new internet cable today,” Dawn, 22 February 2025; “Africa-1 cable touches down in Karachi,” The News International, 22 February 2025)
On banning of X: “What Pakistan needs is not more digital restrictions, but an open digital ecosystem that serves all citizens and not just those in power,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 22 February, an editorial in Dawn titled “Rules for thee” discussed the repercussions of banning of X in the country. The editorial highlighted that despite the ban on X, members of the government continue to use it through Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). The editorial also pointed out how this ban is a breach of “constitutional rights.” In addition to that, it also highlighted how some rules are only for the public and do not apply to government officials. The editorial noted how the government’s rationale for the ban has wavered over time. The editorial mentioned how a member of the federal government had accepted that the ban was geared towards diminishing PTI’s hold over social media. However, the editorial pointed out that the ban has reduced “digital reach” for small entrepreneurs and their businesses. In addition to that, journalists and academicians have also been isolated from the “global discourse” after the ban. It has also resulted in problems for “tech start-ups.” The editorial further highlighted how the ban shows the country in a bad light, possibly discouraging prospective “investors and partners” from doing business in Pakistan. (“Rules for thee,” Dawn, 22 February 2025)
SECURITY
On the resurgence of violence in Kurram: “This is not the first time that the Kurram peace agreement has been violated,” points out an editorial in The News International
On 22 February, an editorial in The News International titled “Back to blood?” discussed the resurgence of violence in Kurram after the peace accord was agreed between the rival parties. The editorial mentioned how the violence in Kurram had resulted in the killing of around 130 people so far. The peace agreement which was signed by the rival parties in January had brought a temporary halt to the ongoing violence. The temporary calm in the region was again disturbed when an aid convoy destined for Parachinar was assaulted recently. The editorial mentioned that in the recent assault, seven people have been killed. The editorial highlighted how the assault took place on the aid convoy despite the “presence” of security forces who were accompanying it. The editorial pointed out how peace agreements in the past have been breached before. The editorial also highlighted how the differences between the KP government and the federal government have further caused roadblocks in the path towards ensuring peace in Kurram over the years. (“Back to blood?,” The News International, 22 February 2025)
EXTERNAL
On the suspension of USAID: “It is time for Pakistan to take ownership of critical projects and find alternative sources of funding,” argues an editorial in The Nation
On 22 February, an editorial in The Nation titled “Aid Fallout” discussed why Pakistan must not depend upon foreign aid for its crucial projects. The editorial mentioned how the halt in USAID to Pakistan is affecting the “vulnerable” population of the country. The editorial highlighted the case of Jacobabad, where a project related to providing safe drinking water is under risk of being closed down following the termination of USAID. The editorial emphasized that a country must not remain reliant on foreign governments to provide “basic necessities” to the population. The editorial further argued that the government in Pakistan must take control of important projects and also look for other sources for financing the projects. The editorial suggested that Pakistan must take this opportunity to become self-dependent. The editorial also argued for the government to become proactive if it wants to avoid a similar situation in the future, as Jacobabad being extended to other sectors such as “healthcare and education.” (“Aid Fallout,” The Nation, 22 February 2025)
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"Section 804 is in force in the Lahore High Court Bar today... Insha Allah, the victory will be for the PTI candidate."
- PTI
DG Khan stands with PML-N! The unwavering love of the people speaks for itself.
- PMLN
"We put this before the Chief Justice that the constitution and law have practically disappeared in the country. The situation is that if the judiciary allows all this to happen, it becomes an accomplice in it."
Salman Akram Raja
- PTI Islamabad
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"Those who are to be regulated must not head the body which is going to regulate them."
- An opinion in Dawn, ''Conflict of interest."
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