Tributes pour for Maulana Hamidul Haq I Clashes at Torkham crossing continue
In Focus
Pakistan euphoric about Trump mentioning Islamabad support
Abhiruchi Chowdhury
On 5 March, US President Donald Trump in his speech at the US congress thanked Pakistan for capturing the orchestrator of the terrorist attack which took place in Hamid Karzai International airport. Appreciating the counter-terrorism efforts put in by Pakistan, President Trump said “I want to thank especially the government of Pakistan for helping arrest this monster." The attack which took place on 26 August 2021 resulted in 13 US marines losing their lives. It was a suicide attack that also led to wounding of close to 170 Afghan citizens The prime accused of the attack Mohammad Sharifullah has been arrested and is handed overed to the US. He is one of the leaders of the terror outfit Islamic State- Khorasan (IS-K). He is accused for giving “material support and resources” for the Kabul airport attack. He was also indulged in Moscow Crocus City Hall assault that took place in March 2024.
PM Sharif thanked the Trump administration for acknowledging the efforts put in by Pakistan in combating the threat of terrorism in Afghanistan. Further, he claimed that more than 80,000 Pakistani soldiers and common citizens had lost their lives in the fight against terrorism. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eradicate the threat of terrorism and do whatever is required for fulfilling this objective. He assured the US of Pakistan’s support for maintaining “peace and stability” in South Asia. In a telephonic conversation between US National Security Advisor Michael Walters and Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the former expressed gratitude towards Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts. Ishaq Dar assured Walters of Pakistan’s resolve towards “continued cooperation” with the US in combating terrorism. He also appreciated President Trump for demanding the return of arms which the US military had abandoned in Afghanistan.
An editorial in The Express Tribune titled “Trump’s praise” sees Trump’s comments as a signal that Pakistan’s isolation is coming to an end. It predicts that the two countries in the coming future would enhance bilateral cooperation. The editorial also calls for US’s support in eliminating threats in Afghanistan. These threats eventually lead to bigger terror assaults like the recent suicide attack in Bannu cantonment. An opinion in The Express Tribune titled “Trump’s likely policy for Pakistan” predicts that there would be no significant shift in US’s stance towards Pakistan during the second term of Trump administration. As per the author, Pakistan-US ties would continue to be guided by “security and strategic needs.” The trump administration might look towards Pakistan for ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan. Further, it predicts that the new administration would continue to emphasize upon enhancing ties with India as far as its policy in South Asia is concerned. Pakistan would have very limited support from the US when it will come to “economy, educational exchange and cultural diplomacy.”
The erstwhile ambassador to US and UK Maleeha Lodhi has pointed out how US-Pakistan relations are only confined to cooperation in the filed of counter-terrorism. She warned that once in a blue moon praise for Pakistan from US should not be “over-read.” She emphasized on how during the Biden administration, despite US showing no interest in Pakistan, cooperation in counter-terrorism and military to military relations had continued to remain steadfast. Lt Gen(retd) Malik Abdul Qayyum who is the President of Pakistan’s Ex-Servicemen society also pointed out that Trump’s praise for Pakistan’s efforts in counter-terrorism was “not good enough.” He claimed Pakistan continues to face terrorism sponsored by India and Afghanistan. Further, he claimed that India would use F-35 jets against Pakistan. The fifth-generation jets had been recently offered by the Trump administration to India.
References:
Mariana Baabar and Muhammad Anis, “Trump thanks Pakistan for helping arrest top terrorist,” The News International, 6 March 2025
Anqar Iqbal and Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Arrest of wanted terrorist breaks ice with Washington,” Dawn, 6 March 2025
Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, “Trump's praise being seen as good beginning,” The News International, 6 March 2025
“Trump's praise,” The Express Tribune, 6 March 2025
“PM thanks Trump for recognising Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts,” The Express Tribune, 5 March 2025
“US National Security Advisor praises Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts in call with Ishaq Dar,” The Express Tribune, 5 March 2025
“Trump's likely policy for Pakistan,” The Express Tribune, 5 March 2025
In Brief
POLITICS
PTI-establishment talks hit a rough patch, reports The News
On 6 March, according to The News International, sources have revealed growing frustration within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) as they attempt to reopen backchannel talks with the establishment. Certain entities besides Imran Khan have targeted the Army Chief General Asim Munir with a confrontational tweet on X alongside contentious material. Amid the publication of Imran Khan’s third open letter to General Munir, this development or dual approach does not serve the party’s interest. The lack of consistency may harm attempts to revive links with the military. While PTI members have been directed by Khan to engage with the establishment, the latter attacks the military in his statements. The military, on the other hand, has adopted a diplomatic approach by declaring that it will not engage in political discussions and insisted that political parties should resolve disputes among themselves. (Ansar Abbasi, “A setback to PTI amid backchannel talks effort,” The News International, 6 March 2025)
Tributes pour for Maulana Hamidul Haq
On 5 March, a condolence meeting held to pay tribute to Maulana Hamidul Haq was extended for the sixth day. Haq was killed in an attack launched on the Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary. The meeting was attended by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, a delegation from the Pakistan People’s Party, members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf and the Pakistan Muslim League (N). Others who attended belonged to the Markazi Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadith, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (S) among other religious figures. (Mustaq Paracha, “Political, social figures pay tribute to Shaheed Maulana Hamidul Haq,” The News International, 6 March 2025)
On Balochistan:
“The people of Balochistan have as much right to shape provincial policies as the citizens of other provinces,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 6 March, an editorial titled “Restoring Hope,” in Dawn highlighted the declining representation of Balochistan citing a set of statements made by the Balochistan National Party leader Akhtar Mengal. The editorial described him as among a few who have dedicated themselves to politics and democratic processes for the Baloch cause. Mengal lamented the capture of the political process by non-political actors and the lack of acknowledgement of the Balochistan Assembly as a representative of its constituencies. He said, “Neither politics nor democracy is intact in the country.” He observed how successive governments have abandoned the promises made to the Baloch people once their short-term objectives were met. The people have shifted from asking for basic essentials and constitutional rights to “agitating against unconstitutional actions and fundamental rights violations.” In this regard, the editorial argued that the government ought to reassess its strategies and find sustainable ways to contain the growing unrest in the province. One way is by providing more space to political representatives to highlight the people’s grievances as there have been complaints regarding the unfair election of politicians to the parliament. Hence, the very absence of “real” representatives further alienates Balochistan’s people from the State. (“Restoring Hope, Dawn, 6 March 2025)
ECONOMY
MoU on SEZs signed with UAE
On 5 March, a Memorandum of Understanding was inked between an eight-member delegation of UAE’s International Free Zones Authority (IFZA) and Pakistan’s Board of Investment on the investment in the existing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed investment from the IFZA in several SEZ-related projects. He said: “The government is taking steps on a priority basis to provide a business and investment-friendly environment in the country.” (“Pakistan, UAE exchange MoU for investment in SEZs,” The News International, 6 March 2025)
Pakistan’s investment can be alleviated “by stimulating domestic investments and boosting industrial production,” suggests an opinion in The Express Tribune
On 6 March, in an opinion titled “Pakistan's investment crisis” in The Express Tribune, Jazib Mumtaz discussed the prevailing investment crisis in the country and provided suggestions for the same. The author shed light on the current investment challenges for the government amid recurring economic crises and fiscal deficits. This has resulted in low investment in the formal economy. According to the Economic Survey of Pakistan, investment made up only 13.1 per cent of the fiscal 2024 GDP. It marked the lowest levels recorded in 64 years. In order to overcome this, policymakers ought to drive investment in Pakistan’s infrastructure from private entities to reap long-term gains. Consequently, it will formalize the economy and even pull in long-term investments for sustainable economic growth and productivity. Furthermore, Pakistan has seen a decline in its GDP to investment ratio since 2011, averaging at 15.2 per cent, while the highest average was recorded in the 1980s and the 1990s, at 18.7 per cent and 18.5 per cent, respectively. From a regional standpoint, in 2023, World Bank data suggested that Pakistan recorded the lowest investment-to-GDP ratio. This happened as the government did not have sufficient funding to finance its investment. The deficiency arises from more than 60 per cent of the State’s resources being used to service debt and the remainder being used to cover current expenditure. As a result, the chances of avoiding external funding for infrastructure projects become limited. It has also led to significant deindustrialization. Data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics has indicated a decline in the industry share of the GDP by 0.6 per cent over the last 40 years. Additionally, the Competitive Industrial Performance Index (CIP) of Pakistan fell to the 80th position out of 153 countries in 2022. Hence, to overcome this, the government must prioritize key sectors like IT, minerals, chemicals, and so on. It should lower its borrowing to reduce the fiscal burden on manufacturing firms, “reduce input costs over the next decade,” and liberalize “tariffs on raw materials and intermediate goods” to improve export competitiveness and promote Public public-private partnerships to develop critical infrastructure, among many other reforms. (Jazib Mumtaz, “Pakistan's investment crisis,” The Express Tribune, 6 March 2025)
Government to address IMF’s solar policy concerns
On 5 March, an article in The Express Tribune revealed that the Ministry of Energy is seeking to address the International Monetary Fund’s reservations linked to Pakistan’s solar policy. Sources reported by The Express Tribune have suggested that a briefing will be made by the Power Division and Petroleum Division with the IMF on different issues. The Power Division, in particular, will address the performance of distribution companies, privatization, and circular debt. The briefing will cover measures aimed at stopping electricity thefts, reducing line losses, and improving bill collections of electricity. On the other hand, the Petroleum Division will discuss the deregulation of gas sectors and petroleum along with plans to overcome the PKR three trillion circular debt of the gas sector. (“Govt in talks with IMF to address solar policy concerns,” The Express Tribune, 5 March 2025)
SECURITY
Protestors in Parachinar demand unblocking of roads and a “relief package” for 500,000 residents
On 6 March, The News International reported on the ongoing “sit-in protest” at Parachinar. On 5 March, this protest “entered its fourth consecutive day” as people continue to demand for the opening of barricaded roads which have remained shut for the last five months. This has created a shortage of essential items. Earlier, the protests had been called off after the government had assured action and imposed Section 144. Another key demand of the protestors is a “relief package” for around 500,000 of those affected due to the extended closure. The local leaders have also demanded a “martyr package” for over 500 people who died due to lack of access to medical facilities. “Social activists” such Malik Zartaj, Musarrat Bangash, Agha Sarfaraz, Jalal Bangash, and Inayat informed that the protests would continue unless the aforementioned demands are met and also threatened expanding the agitation to villages in case of government inaction. Trade Union President Haji Imdad Ali also emphasized the inadequacy of essential goods being delivered as only 113 vehicles are allowed to enter the area only after a 15 day period while the requirement is at least of a 1000 trucks on an immediate basis. Petrol prices have also increased exorbitantly to around PKR 1,200 and PKR 1,500 per liter. (“Protests in Parachinar enter fourth day,” The News International, 6 March 2025)
Bannu cantonment attack terrorists wiped out: ISPR
On 5 March, a notification from the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), revealed that security personnel have killed militants involved in the Bannu Cantonment suicide bombing on 4 March. The bombing had killed 13 civilians and five soldiers and injured 32 others. However, plans to infiltrate the cantonment were foiled by security forces. An investigation was launched to identify the perpetrators. Consequently, 16 terrorists were killed for carrying out the suicide blasts. The ISPR has confirmed the involvement of Afghan nationals as key individuals operating from Afghanistan directed and orchestrated the attack. In this regard, it called the interim government of Afghanistan to take responsibility. The statement said: “Pakistan reserves the right to take necessary measures in response to these threats emanating from across the border.” (M Alam, “All 16 Bannu Cantt attackers eliminated: ISPR,” The News International, 6 March 2025)
AF-PAK
Clashes at Torkham crossing continue
On 5 March, sources informed The News International that resumption of hostilities (gunfire exchange) between the Afghan and Pakistani forces at the Torkham border had resulted in injuries to one civilian and forced the border to remain closed. The civilian was injured when a “mortar shell” hit a house in Bacha Mena border village in Pakistan. Additionally, shell firing from Afghan forces had also hit “bunkers of Pakistani security forces and damaged other residential and official compounds” in the area. The fresh set of clashes has forced civilians to flee from their homes to safe areas. Further, the continued closure of the border, which is also a key crossing between the two countries and crucial for trade, has raised concerns among people. A border official elaborated on the sequence of events stating that “Afghan forces initiated the firing, and we had to respond in self-defence. We are committed to ensuring the security of our territory and civilians.” He also informed that the border has been shut since 21 February and the halt in trade has resulted in around “USD 15 million in economic losses and worsened the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.” (Ashrafuddin Pirzada, “Fresh clashes at Torkham border leave civilian injured,” The News International, 6 March 2025)
WORLD VIEW
On the War in Ukraine:
“Zelensky's Ukraine needs to listen to President Trump who wants, as it seems, to end the games played on the European chessboard between kings and soldiers!” suggests an opinion in The Express Tribune
On 6 March, in an opinion titled “The war in Ukraine – soldiers and kings in The Express Tribune, Inam Ul Haque commented on the recent meeting between President Trump and President Zelensky, the former’s “unfortunate drubbing” of the latter and what this means for the war in Ukraine and the broader Trans-Pacific alliance. Haque begins by highlighting the transformed nature of power politics in the world where it is no longer possible to act independently as the world is interconnected. Thus, no country has the space to act unilaterally, except the United States which is the only “hegemon” that tends to more often than not “gets its way unless the compulsions of domestic politics cast a restraining influence.” Haque then points out how the war in Ukraine was never really popular with the American public which made it easier from Trump to turn it into an election issue. While US’s aid to Ukraine under the Biden administration was keeping Ukraine afloat by killing soldiers both sides, Trump has always been against the US’s funding of NATO and funding Europe’s security guarantees. Haque goes on to point out that some recent developments that symbolize Trump presidency’s attitude towards the Ukraine war and Ukraine, such as him blaming Zelensky for “gambling with a third world war” and chastising him to come back “when he is ready for peace.” In this regard, Haque argues that even an optimistic estimate reveals that it is impossible for Ukraine to militarily restore its “pre-2014 borders and win.” Given US’s history of “abandonment,” it would be prudent for Zelensky to “listen to President Trump who wants, as it seems, to end the games played on the European chessboard between kings and soldiers!” (Inam Ul Haque, “The war in Ukraine – soldiers and kings,” The Express Tribune, 6 March 2025)
|
"The house of Senator Aon Abbas Buppi has been raided on his orders who keeps making TikToks all day and who goes to the cattle fair as a special guest. Pakistanis are facing a double terrorism, one that is caused by the failure to secure the borders and the other that is making every Pakistani insecure with every passing day by making the borders unsafe.
- PTI
Journalists like me are alarmed when they see a transgender person begging at the traffic signal at D Chowk coming towards them because seeing these transgender people reminds us of PTI leader Rauf Hassan who was attacked by some mysterious transgender people last year.
- Hamid Mir
What greater success could there be than capturing Sharif and handing him over to the US? The people are like sheep and goats, they will be driven away with sticks.
- Sabir Shakir
|
|
|
