Terrorism, Torkham and Af-Pak Tensions I Pakistan ranks second in the Global Terrorism Index 2025
PR Review
Targeting the Ahmadiyas, Forced Conversions and Blasphemy Misuse: Five takeaways from HRCP report
Nuha Aamina
On 26 February, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) released a new report titled “Under Siege: Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2023/24.” It provides an account of the violence and persecution against the religious minorities of Pakistan from July 2023 to June 2024.
The reports' findings are based on open-source data, social media, remote and in-person interviews, legal records, and media reports. A prominent feature of the HRCP findings is the targeting of the Ahmadiya community and the misuse of blasphemy laws. Following are the five key takeaways of the report:
1. Sustained domination of the religious majority.
The report illustrates two examples to display the role of religious majoritarianism, one is relevant to political events, and the other linked to the judiciary. In February 2024 elections, according to the report was “compromised” by the commission and independent observers. The members of the Ahmaddiya community and the Scheduled caste Hindu groups faced disadvantages. The former was given a separate electoral roll despite the polls being conducted in a joint electorate system, while the latter lacked resources to participate in the election process. On the judicial front, former Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa was subjected to a smear campaign led by Jamiat-e-Ulema-Islam (F) (JUI-F) for granting bail to an Ahmadi man for an offence against religion.
2. The misuse of blasphemy laws continues
The report highlights how at least 225 individuals were accused of blasphemy between January and August 2024. From July to September 2023, tensions arose in parts of central Punjab as campaigns and violence against Christians continued. Of the few examples cited by the report, most of them have received death sentences for sharing “blasphemous” content online. Interestingly, the Cyber Crime Wing of the Federal Investigative Agency has not recorded the number of blasphemy cases in its 2023 annual report. Investigations by the National Commission for Human Rights and other independent media found the Cyber Crime Wing filed and arrested people for blasphemous posting online content without following protocol. There have been instances where courts have released accused. However, it does not guarantee their safety from further violence and discrimination. Amongst the four provinces, Punjab continues to have the highest number of blasphemy-linked crimes in prison. As of October 2024, 566 people have been imprisoned under Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) Sections 295 A to C.
Another key finding by the HRCP is a Blasphemy Business report by the Special Branch of the Punjab Police issued in 2024. This report suggested the existence of a gang that fabricates blasphemy cases against individuals to blackmail and extort money from them. The activities are carried out by an informal commission under the name Legal Commission on Blasphemy Pakistan (LCBP). Upon investigation, it was found that about 90 per cent of the complainants reported to and registered by the Federal Investigative Agency (FIA) were the perpetrators who targeted the accused. Additionally, the involvement of the FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing in the LCBP’s activities was discovered. However, no disciplinary action has been taken against them, irrespective of documentary evidence.
3. Deep seated prejudices among the majority against the minority
The report dedicates an entire section to the Jaranwala mob attack described as one of the “starkest assaults” on Pakistani Christians. Their houses and neighborhoods were vandalized, desecrated, set ablaze, and looted by 1,200 Muslim men because of false allegations imposed by a Muslim woman of finding blasphemous material in a household. The event was live-streamed in parts and documented on various social media platforms, inciting violence and hatred and spreading disinformation against the religious minority. The Christians were left to fend for themselves as no police or security personnel arrived to their rescue despite being called in. Investigations conducted by the HRCP and other civil society groups found that TLP members had approached the police to file an FIR against the accused. Additionally, the NCHR found that the attack was premeditated and deliberate as the police strength was limited. Video evidence indicated how police resorted to mob-appeasing behaviour by assuring the perpetrators of arresting the accused. It highlights how law enforcement personnel prioritizes religion over upholding law and justice. Upon further probing, it was discovered that many of the blasphemy allegations are fabricated and circulated on social media and exaggerated on other media stream platforms.
4. The specific targetting of Ahmadiyyas.
The report cites an NCHR report issued in April 2024 which outlines the risks to the rights, life, and property of Ahmadiyyas. They are victims of institutionalized discrimination and social bigotry. The HRCP has provided an account of various forms of discrimination against the community during the period under review where their freedom to practice their beliefs has been curtailed. For instance, during Eid Al Azha in 2024, 12 first information reports were filed against Ahmadi men. Complainants identified from the TLP and police, among others, have registered them for observing the ritual sacrifice, preventing the community from celebrating Eid. Moreover, the Lahore High Court Bar Association president asked the provincial government of Punjab to prohibit the community from performing the sacrifice. There are also video recordings of policemen confiscating the ritual sacrifice and animals on Eid. Even before Eid, content was circulated by the TLP supporters threatening the public and police from allowing the community from observing the festival.
Another aspect is the desecration of their places of worship and graveyards. In 2023, eight graveyards were desecrated, while in 2024, seven incidents were witnessed. In four cases, the police were directly involved in these incidents. For example, in January 2024, police destroyed tombstones of graves on the orders of the Sialkot district administration. In this regard, it would be fair to say that the law perpetuates such persecution against the Ahmaddiyas as it also bans them from congregating to pray. Between July 2023 and June 2024, at least 42 attacks were launched on worship sites, most of them being carried out by law enforcement personnel or under their supervision. Such practices are said to appease the hardline clerics.
5. The absence of a safe and secure environment for religious minorities.
The Sikhs, Hindus, Christians, and Shias are vulnerable to violence in the country. To avoid targeted killings, Pakistani Sikhs have been forced to flee their homes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and relocate to other provinces. Their access to education is restricted, and non-allocation of foreign funds dedicated to the Sikh cause is prevalent. Shias, on the other hand, are directly hit by sectarian violence. Some of the prominent ones in the period under review are the ongoing violence in Kurram and episodes of unrest in Gilgit Baltistan. Pakistani Hindus face persecution from both the State and informal actors. The state authorities limit their access to religious sites, while the burial sites of Dalits have been encroached on.
Among the issues being faced by these groups, the report highlights two being the forced conversions of minority girls and the internal displacement. In April 2024, United Nations Special Procedures experts brought the forced marriages and religious conversions of religious minorities to the forefront. “Christian and Hindu girls remain particularly vulnerable to forced religious conversion, abduction, trafficking, child, early and forced marriage, domestic servitude and sexual violence,” they said. Experts have indicated a silent migration of Hindu families to India from Jacobabad, Ghotki, and Kashmore to Madhya Pradesh, Nagpur and Raipur in search of security.
This, along with “faith-based persecution and religiously motivated violence,” has driven religious minorities to relocate, flee the country, and even go into hiding.
Reference
“Under Siege Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2023/24,” Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, 26 February 2025
In Brief
POLITICS
PTI to woo Fazl to join mass opposition movement
On 6 March, after being disallowed from speaking to Imran Khan, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s (PTI) leaders hinted at a mass opposition movement after Eid. According to a media report, former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser said that talks with the Jamiat-e-Ulema-Islami and PTI were in the process and a national agenda will be announced soon. While speaking outside Adiala jail, he added: “Maulana is out of the country, and as soon as he returns, negotiations will be announced over a one-point agenda.” Against this backdrop, the PTI organized a multi-opposition moot to discuss national issues and even accused the government of trying to stop the moot. Earlier, PTI had attempted to garner support from the JUI-F in 2024, before October. Speaking alongside Qaiser, PTI’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar indirectly referred to the establishment by highlighting that the party was not antagonistic towards the state institutions. A strong institution is important for Pakistan’s stability, he remarked. He said: “The institution will become weak if it is not backed by the masses. In case of another (anti-terror) operation, people will not support the institution… We may have grievances with an individual but we support the institution. We believe that the strengthened institution strengthens the country.” Meanwhile, responding to questions raised about the backchannel talks with the establishment, the PTI leader maintained that their meetings were held with these institutions to help them understand the growing divide between them and the masses. In this regard a policy reassessment must be done, he stated. (Ikram Junaidi, “PTI awaits Fazl’s return to launch another drive,” Dawn, 7 March 2025)
BNP supporters block Quetta-Karachi highway in solidarity with party leaders
On 6 March, Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) blocked the Quetta-Karachi National Highway in Wadh to protest against the first information reports registered against the party’s leaders, tribal elders and traders. This comes as the BNP’s Chairman Sardar Akhtar Mengal and his son, Sardarzada Gorgain Mengal opted for voluntary arrest at the Wadh police station for the last one week. Their reason for doing so is in protest against the “filing of baseless cases” against the BNP’s supporters and party-workers. Speaking on the issue, Akhtar Mengal denounced the false registration of 1,200 people in several cases, so much so that even women, children and the deceased were not spared. Hence, he maintained that they would “remain at the police station until we are either arrested or bogus cases are withdrawn.” (“BNP supporters block Quetta-Karachi National Highway,” Dawn, 7 March 2025)
ECONOMY
NEPRA reduces electricity prices nationwide by PKR 2 per unit
On 7 March, Dawn highlighted an official notification from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) which announced a reduction in electricity prices across Pakistan. This will apply to consumers who fall under the monthly fuel charge adjustment from March. The notification stated that since the average fuel charges adjustment (FCA) has been reduced by PKR 2.1240 per unit, the fuel costs will drop to PKR 10.8860 which was earlier PKR 13.01. However, the electricity prices for Karachi’s K-Electric consumers have been reduced by PKR 3 per unit. This reduction is based on the December 2024 monthly adjustment for K-Electric consumers, while the other consumers across the country will apply to the January adjustment. (“Nepra reduces power tariffs,” Dawn, 7 March 2025)
Privatization of PIA likely to be done in three months, says Privatization Minister
On 6 March, Pakistani Privatization Minister Abdul Aleem Khan notified that the privatization process of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will be completed within three months. A statement from his office stated that since the air vessel has resumed flying to Europe, the privatization process has gained traction among investors. Expressing confidence about greater investment potential, the statement added: “The national airline is poised to become profitable again due to recent reforms.” This development comes as the PIA-held auction was held in October 2024, however, it fell through as only one bid of USD 36 million was received which was below the government’s minimum price expectation of PKR 85 million. (“PIA privatisation to be completed in three months: Aleem Khan,” The Express Tribune, 6 March 2025)
SOCIETY
Malala Yousafzai visits hometown after 13 years
On 6 March, Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai visited her native Barkana after 13 years, marking her first trip since she was shot by the Taliban in 2012. In an post on X, she expressed her childhood nostalgia and even reacted to the recent suicide bombing incident that took place outside Bannu’s cantonment. Besides meeting her family, she also paid a visit to approximately 1000 girls belonging to lower economic groups in Shangla district who are recipients of free education to colleges and schools under the Malala Fund. She was briefed about facilities provided by the Shangla Girls School and College under the Zindagi Trust and was also praised by the locals for promoting education for girls in the region. Later, she returned to Islamabad after spending four hours in Barkana. (Umar Bacha, “Nostalgia reigns as Malala visits hometown,” Dawn, 6 March 2025)
On polio:
“One sincerely hopes that our political leaders show some sense and do not argue over trivial issues of ‘mild’ or ‘strong’ cases of polio, because polio is, after all, polio,” argues an opinion in Dawn
On 7 March, in an opinion titled “Polio challenge” in Dawn, Zubeida Mustafa lamented how the challenge of polio which was earlier a health issue has now become a political and security issue. Pakistan is one among the two countries in the world that is fighting polio. While the 2021 polio programme so successful that only one case was detected, 2024 saw a rise of 74 cases. Furthermore, three months into 2025, six cases have been detected. However, now the issue has taken a political turn as it has become a feud between the federation and the province in Punjab. While the National Institute of Health has confirmed cases of polio based on the test, the provincial authority of Punjab has contested these claims. Simultaneously, even financial corruption has come to light as recent external audit reports are not satisfied with transactions highlighted in budgetary records. Despite the success that was achieved in 2021, Pakistan’s journey towards polio eradication has been bumpy from the beginning. This raises the question of whether it truly is difficult to reduce the incidence of the virus. The author cites statements from a ‘people’s doctor’, Dr Shershah Syed, who opined that the polio issue prevails in Pakistan due to the absence of political will. He elaborated that previous governments were able to develop a nuclear bomb because they wanted to. In the case of the virus, it only affects children of the poor. Hence, “those in power do not care” and their “focus on issues that are not relevant in order to cover up their own deficiencies.” Another issue is the absence of proper facilities that are crucial for the administration of the polio vaccine. The polio vaccine is extremely sensitive to temperature; hence it requires a cold chain to maintain its efficacy. As a result, there have been instances where children have contracted the virus despite taking the vaccine. The last issue is linked to the employment of large volumes of personnel under the programme. In numerical terms, about 400,000 people have been employed. Therefore, billions of funds are being poured into the programme. Dr Syed believes that the number is so large that “there might be some who may not want to see the programme reach a fruitful conclusion, as it offers the prospect of continued employment to a large number of people.” (Zubeida Mustafa, “Polio challenge,” Dawn, 7 March 2025)
WATER
On Sindh’s water crisis:
“Instead of imposing controversial projects, why can’t our government focus on sustainable water management solutions that do not deprive one province at the expense of another?,” argues an editorial in The News International
On 7 March, an editorial titled “Brewing water issue” in The News International highlighted the growing threat to the Sindh provinces’ irrigation sources as the Mangla and Tarbela dams are set to dry up soon. The dire consequences of water shortage include threats to the supply of drinking water across the region and agricultural productivity. The severe water crisis has also prompted protests among the local residents as the government has decided to implement its Cholistan canal project. The project aims to construct six canals on the Indus River to irrigate the Cholistan desert of Punjab. On the political side of this, the government’s coalition partner, the Pakistan People’s Party, among other parties in Sindh, have opposed the initiative. Even summaries of the project have been submitted to the Council of Common Interests in 2023 and 2024. However, despite opposition, the Indus River System Authority has “somehow approved” the Cholistan canal’s construction. This also brings to light the “long-standing and contentious debate on water distribution between Punjab and Sindh.” Considering the geographical location of Sindh, it is a lower riparian province that often deals with water shortages which has been heightened by upstream projects. In this regard, experts have raised concerns that the “the Cholistan canal project will not only disrupt Sindh’s already fragile water allocation but also pose a significant ecological threat to a country already highly vulnerable to climate change.” Therefore, it becomes imperative that the government address the matter through dialogue before it turns into a political, social and ecological crisis and eventually blows out of proportion. (“Brewing water issue,” The News International, 7 March 2025)
SECURITY
Pakistan ranks second in the Global Terrorism Index 2025
On 7 March, The Express Tribune reported on the surge in the number of terrorist attacks in Pakistan. As per Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025, Pakistan ranks second when it comes to countries who have been most impacted by terrorism. The number of terrorist attacks in the country has surged by more than 100 per cent in 2024 in comparison to 2023. In 2024, Pakistan faced 1099 terrorist attacks whereas in 2023 this number was 517. The proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan has emerged as the “world’s fastest growing terrorist organization.” The proscribed TTP which was formed in 2007 wants to enforce Sharia law all over the country. The terrorist group is also known to have links to Al-Qaida. As per the experts, the Taliban government in Afghanistan has allowed its land to be used as a breeding ground for TTP terrorists.
TTP was responsible for killing 558 people in 2024. The number of fatalities due to terrorist attacks has increased in 2024 by 45 per cent in comparison to the numbers in 2023.
Globally, terrorism is also on a rise. Terrorism affected countries have surged to 66 from a previous number of 58. The four most notorious terrorist groups highlighted were Daesh, Boko Haram, Al-Shabaab and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. In the western countries, terrorism related deaths were primarily due to lone-wolf terror attacks. Some of the countries such as Germany, Sweden and Australia failed to thwart the threat of terrorism as they witnessed attacks after a long period. Also, 42 per cent of the terrorists detained in the UK were under the age of 18 in 2024.
On 7 March, an editorial in The Express Tribune titled “Terror Index” discussed the surge in terrorism in Pakistan highlighted by GTI 2025. The editorial expressed regret over Pakistan’s ranking in the infamous list of countries that have been impacted the most from terrorism despite the country losing close to 80,000 people in the first twenty years of the present century. The editorial demanded that Pakistan take the issue seriously and delve into self-analysis of its security situation. The editorial pointed out that the presence of a strong and capable army has not resulted in curbing the threat of terrorism. The editorial highlighted that the reason behind the same could be that the army has been pushed into resolving issues that are beyond its mandate “like looking after the affairs of the state and civil functions.” (“Global Terrorism Index 2025: Pakistan ranks second as TTP becomes fastest-growing terror group,” The Express Tribune, 6 March 2025; “Terror index,” The Express Tribune, 7 March 2025)
Security forces arrest four suspected militants attempting to trespass the border in Pishin, Balochistan
On 6 March, four suspected militants hailing from Afghanistan were detained by the security forces in Pishin, Balochistan. The suspected militants were found in possession of “weapons and ammunition.” They were trying to trespass into Pakistan by crossing the border in Toba-Kakari. Security forces had received intelligence about dubious movements at the border after which they initiated an operation and detained the militants. Security forces thanked the local tribal people for their “support and cooperation.” As per a security official, the detained militants have been transferred to an unknown location for deeper investigation. Targeting the Afghan government for ignoring the presence of terrorists on their land, security forces said “the silence of the Afghan government is evidence that these terrorist organizations are receiving backing from Afghan authorities.” Mir Shoiab Nosherwani who is Balochistan’s Finance and Mineral minister appreciated the efforts put in by the security forces. (Saleem Shahid, “Four ‘Afghan terrorists’ held in Pishin operation,” Dawn, 7 March 2025)
More than 40 per cent of the terrorist attacks in February took place in Balochistan, highlights a think tank report
On 6 March, a think tank named Pak Institute for Peace Studies published its “security report” for the month of February. As per the report, deaths due to terrorism have gone up by 73 per cent in February as compared to the numbers in January. 62 per cent of the total terrorism related deaths have taken place in Balochistan. In February, 121 people lost their lives and 103 were wounded. Among these, 56 were security and law enforcement officials, 37 were ordinary citizens and 28 of them were terrorists. As per the report, 54 terrorist attacks took place in the month of February. As per the report, there has been a surge both in the intensity and number of attack carried out by Baloch insurgent groups. 75 of the total 121 terrorism related deaths took place in Balochistan. In the total 23 terror attacks carried out in Balochistan, 22 of them were perpetrated by the Balochistan Liberation Front and Baloch Republican Guards. The remaining one terrorist attack was carried out by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. In January, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessed a total of 30 militant attacks which resulted in killing of 45 people and wounding 58 more. The main perpetrators of the militant attacks were “Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, Lashkar-i-Islam and Islamic State-Khorasan.” Punjab did not witness any terror attack in the month of February. Karachi, Sindh saw one terrorist attack each. As per the report, 68 per cent of the total terrorist attacks in February were directed against “security and law enforcement” officials. (“62pc of deaths from terror attacks in Balochistan,” Dawn, 7 March 2025)
EXTERNAL
Trump likely to enforce a ban on entry to the US from Pakistan and Afghanistan, says The News
On 7 March, The News International reported on the possibility of the US enforcing a prohibition on entering the country from Pakistan and Afghanistan. As per sources of The News, US President Donald Trump is likely to announce a ban on travel to the US from Pakistan and Afghanistan in the coming days. This ban would severely impact the hopes of the Afghan citizens who face the threat of persecution by the Taliban in Afghanistan as they had assisted the US in its “war on terror.” They were allowed for “resettlement in the US.” Trump had earlier instructed the cabinet members to come with a list of countries on which a travel ban should be imposed by 12 March. During his first term of Presidency, Trump had enforced a ban on travel to the US from “seven Muslim majority” countries. However, former US President Joe Biden revoked the ban on travel to the US in 2021. (“New Trump travel ban could bar Afghans, Pakistanis from US,” The News International, 7 March 2025)
Extradited terrorist Mohammad Sharifullah likely to face life imprisonment in US for his role in Kabul airport suicide attack
On 7 March, Dawn reported on the extradition of Mohammad Sharifullah to the US who is alleged to be the mastermind behind the Kabul Airport suicide attack. Sharifullah was taken to “a federal court in Virginia” after his arrival in the US. The suicide attack in August 2021, for which Sharifullah is accused of had resulted in the killing of 13 US marines and wounded close to 170 Afghans. As per a communique from the US, Sharifullah went through “extensive interrogation” carried out by US officials in Pakistan which was followed by his “extradition.” If proven guilty for the Kabul airport suicide bombing, Sharifullah will likely face lifetime imprisonment in a US jail. Appreciating the role of Pakistan in capturing Sharifullah, US State Department Spokesman Tammy Bruce said “we extend our gratitude to the government of Pakistan. We have a common interest in fighting terrorism.” (Anwar Iqbal, “IS-K man appears in US court after extradition from Pakistan,” Dawn, 7 March 2025)
AF-PAK
Terrorism, Torkham and Tensions with Afghanistan
On 6 March, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir visited Bannu where just two days earlier militants had carried out an attack on the Bannu Cantonment. The attack, however, was successfully thwarted by the security forces and all 16 militants, including four suicide bombers were killed. During his visit, gen Munir reiterated that Afghanistan continues to provide safe haven to terrorists and these militant groups continue to perpetrate terror attacks from Afghan soil. His statement follows confirmation by the security forces that Afghan nations were involved not only physically in the foiled Bannu attack but that their handlers were also in Afghanistan. Munir also warned that any attempt to “disrupt Pakistan’s peace and stability” will not be tolerated. He commended the efforts of the security forces in their fight against terrorism, criticized the “barbaric” attacks against civilians, including women and children, termed the militants as “enemies of Islam” and emphasized the role of “national unity” in the fight against terrorism. Notably, earlier on 13 January, delegated individuals from different political parties had met Munir to deliberate whether Pakistan should engage with the Taliban government in Afghanistan on this matter. However, the army leadership had highlighted the Taliban government’s inaction on curbing cross-border terrorism in spite of Pakistan’s repeated “warnings.”
On 7 March, The News International reported on the continued tensions at the Torkham border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. As per The News, uninterrupted gun firing and “mortar shelling” entered its 13th day. Both sides targeted each other’s “customs compounds.” As per the officials, the skirmish at the border resulted in the killing of two people in Pakistan. As per Afghanistan, many of their soldiers fell victims to the gun firing from Pakistan. The continued tensions at the border have severely impacted “traders, travelers” and locals living close to the border. The tensions on the borders are stated to have begun from 21 February on “border construction dispute.” As per the President of Torkham custom association, trucks which were carrying “perishable” items have been halted which has led to huge financial loss.
On 7 March, an editorial in Dawn titled “Terrorism ranking” discussed Pakistan’s terrible performance on the recently released Global Terrorism Index 2025 where Pakistan ranks second, right behind Burkina Faso. Further, the proscribed TTP which is responsible for most militant attacks in Pakistan was ranked “among the world’s top four deadliest terrorist outfits” on the index. The editorial pointed out that Pakistan can longer defend itself based on the narrative of such indexes maligning its image as the available data also reveals a grim picture: “compared to 517 terrorist attacks in 2023, last year 1,099 such incidents occurred, with half of the attacks carried out by the TTP.” The editorial also noted how the report confirmed the resurgence of the threat of cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan in the aftermath of the Taliban takeover. The report also revealed this takeover has given militant groups like the TTP “great impetus” and even to “other violent groups to take on the Pakistani state.” The editorial also referenced the involvement Afghan nations in the recent Bannu cantonment attack as an example of cross-border terrorist attack. The editorial pointed out that Pakistan’s “counter-terrorism efforts” are stymied by its poor relationship with its neighbor which is also reflected in the ongoing border clashes. The editorial emphasized that it was imperative that Pakistan improve its relations with the Taliban government if its wishes to tackle the threat emanating from the TTP. (Umer Farooq, “Militants still operating from Afghan soil: COAS,” Dawn, 7 March 2025; “Terrorism ranking,” Dawn, 7 March 2025; Ashrafuddin Pirzada, “Clashes escalate at Torkham border as customs terminals hit,” The News International, 7 March 2025)
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This is Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, where billions of rupees have been spent on building underpasses and flyovers, but there is no shortage of areas in the city where garbage and filth are scattered everywhere, roads are broken, stagnant water stands in the streets, and mosquitoes are spreading malaria. Who will pay attention to these areas?
- Hamid Mir
Today, the Lahore High Court has issued notice on a petition filed by me, through Leader of the Opposition Ahmed Bachhar, to restrain Maryam Nawaz from using public funds for personal advertising. The Punjab government has spent billions of taxpayers’ money on the Chief Minister’s advertising. On February 26, a 60-page advertisement containing 301 photos of Maryam Nawaz and 29 photos of Nawaz Sharif was published in 48 newspapers. We also requested the court to recover the money from their pockets.
Abuzar Salman Niazi
- PTI
Under the Clean Punjab program, an excellent sanitation system is in place across the province, but along with this, we all should realize our responsibility as responsible citizens.
- PMLN
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"The proposed measures to combat migrant smuggling are sound, but will they be implemented?."
An opinion in Dawn, 'Sinking dreams'
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