Pakistan mulls legalization of crypto to attract foreign investment I Government dismisses possibility of a new “military operationâ€
In Focus
PM Sharif meets Saudi Crown Prince
On 20 March, PM Sharif met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah. On 19 March, PM Sharif embarked on his four-day visit to Saudi Arabia. He was also joined by Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir and CM of Punjab Maryam Nawaz in his visit. During the meeting, both leaders reiterated their resolve to enhance bilateral ties by putting special emphasis on “defence, security, trade and investment.” The two leaders delved into issues related to collaboration in “economy, trade, investment, energy and defence.” The two leaders expressed their content regarding the surge in bilateral economic cooperation. PM Sharif acknowledged the importance of Saudi Arabia’s resolve to increase investment in crucial sectors of Pakistan which will result in “economic growth and stability.” The Crown Prince appreciated the “contribution” of the Pakistani diaspora residing in Saudi Arabia. The two leaders stressed on the “need” to enhance people to people contact. The two countries also were on the page regarding the need to further strengthen their “economic partnership.” PM Sharif urged investors from Saudi Arabia to look into the “energy, infrastructure, agriculture and technology” sector of Pakistan under Special Investment Facilitation Council. PM Sharif also met with the Investment Minister of Saudi Arabia Khalid Al-Falih and Chief of the Joint Task Force for Economic Engagement Mohammad Al-Tuwaijri.
On 20 March, PM Sharif visited Madina Munawara. Governor of Madina Prince Salman bin Sultan al-Saud welcomed PM Sharif at the airport. He would “offering prayers” at Madina. (Syed Irfan Raza, “PM meets MBS, pledges to deepen defence, trade ties,” Dawn, 21 March 2025; “Shehbaz meets MBS in Jeddah: Pakistan, S Arabia vow to deepen defence, security ties,” The News International, 21 March 2025; “Saudi Arabia, Pakistan to strengthen defence, security relations,” The Express Tribune, 21 March 2025)
Pakistan mulls legalization of crypto to attract foreign investment
On 21 March, The News International quoted a Bloomberg article which revealed Pakistan’s plans to constitute a legal framework for crypto trading to attract international investment. According to chief executive officer at the Pakistan Crypto Council, Bilal bin Saqib stated that the objective was to monitor digital asset activities to enhance the local ecosystem. He said: “We want to attract international investment because Pakistan is a low-cost high-growth market with 60 per cent of the population under 30. We have a Web3 native workforce ready to build.” This is influenced by President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto policies. After being appointed as chief adviser to the finance minister, Saqib will be advising over how efficiency, optimization and innovation can be driven in the public sector. (“Pakistan plans to legalise crypto in bid for foreign investment: report,” The News International, 21 March 2025)
Government dismisses possibility of a new “military operation” amid surge in terror attacks
On 19 March, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry ruled out the likelihood of a new military operationin the wake of an upsurge in terror attacks. . This statement comes days after a national security meeting was held in the parliament in order to debate and discuss responses to eradicate terrorism from its roots. While speaking at a press conference, Chaudhry stated that the initiation of a new military operation for counter-terrorism purposes was not discussed by the parliamentary meeting attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the army chief. Hence, the existing plans like the Azm-i-Istehkam and the National Action Plan will be employed for counter-terror operations. These statements seem to be a response to certain remarks made by the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Ali Amin Gandapur, who stated that the KP government would not permit a fresh military offensive. In this regard, Chaudhry slammed the KP CM for creating ambiguity and making “deeply concerning” statements that undermine the government’s war on terror policy. The federal minister also urged CM Gandapur to not support terrorists and urged provinces to rise to the issue. (“Govt rules out fresh military offensive amid terror wave,” Dawn, 21 March 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE
Efforts to bring JUI-F under opposition fold underway: PTI leader
On 20 March, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s (PTI) National Assembly leader, Omar Ayub revealed that efforts were being made by his party to bring the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUIF) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman into their grand opposition alliance. In a televised interview, Ayub expressed optimism regarding Rehman inclusion in the the grand alliance. However, differences in opinion among the PTIleadership has led to the undermining of efforts by the opposition to bring the JUI-F on board. (“Efforts under way to bring Fazl into grand alliance: Omar Ayub,” The News International, 21 March 2025)
Opposition members of Balochistan Assembly raise concern over surge in enforced disappearances
On 19 March, the opposition members in the Balochistan legislature expressed deep concern over the rising number of enforced disappearance cases of Baloch people. They argued that are people who were seeking to obtain their constitutional rights. They also emphasized that the federation’s “mindset” will not improve the current situation. They also alleged that 13 bodies were buried at a local graveyard in secrecy at midnight. This marks a shift from earlier practice of notifying close relatives of missing persons in order to facilitate the identification of their bodies in hospitals. Former chief minister and National Party president, Dr Malik Baloch, cited how a doctor’s son and son-in-law were taken into custody after they arrived at the Civil Hospital to check bodies for identification. He lamented: “With such steps, the situation in Balochistan will not improve and the chief minister should look into the matter.”(Saleem Shahid, “Opposition in Balochistan Assembly concerned over rising enforced disappearance cases,” Dawn, 21 March 2025)
On Balochistan:
“Balochistan’s case is different needing comprehensive treatment,” says an opinion in The Express Tribune
On 21 March, in an opinion titled “Balochistan needs the 3-D solution” in The Express Tribune, Shahzad Chaudhry highlighted the importance of addressing grievances of the Baloch people before the current situation gets out of hand. He began by acknowledging the presence of insurgency in the province and its potential to expand into the minds and hearts of people who will submit to it. He claimed that the state had the opportunity to break the cycle in its early stages but the dismissing of the socio-political and socio-economic factors of the ruling elite has resulted in an open war. The author argued that the establishment does not constitute the state alone. However, the current state of affairs is such that the insurgency and war fall within the military’s purview, which may result in a comprehensive political failure. The author went on to emphasize the geographical importance of the region. The sparsely populated province makes up for around 40 per cent of Pakistan’s landmass. In this regard, it has three administrative units with the elites struggling to gain political power and control of the province’s resources. The lack of effective governance has pushed the common Baloch to suffer. In this regard, the author suggested a “three-D option” to overcome existing challenges. They include deterrence, dialogue and development. Deterrence is necessary to hold those responsible for taking up arms against the state without shedding leniency or expedience. Dialogue must be used as a tool with all affected parties. Common interests must be addressed without the usage of “words or money” to tackle disillusionment and hopelessness. Lastly, power must be returned to people. “It will mean fresh elections in the province which should be totally free, without fear, among all who abide by the Constitution of the country.” (Shahzad Chaudhry, “Balochistan needs the 3-D solution,” The Express Tribune, 21 March 2025)
SOCIETY
Pakistan is the second happiest country in South Asia: Global Happiness Index
On 21 March, a report in Dawn highlighted Pakistan’s ranking on the Global Happiness Index published by the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre. The happiness ranking is determined by a self-assessed evaluation of an individual’s life satisfaction on an average of three years along with generosity, corruption, GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy and freedom. With Finland at the top of the ranking, Afghanistan has been ranked as the unhappiest country in the world. Pakistan figures on the 109th position among 147 countries that were surveyed. This makes it the second happiest country within the South Asian region. While Nepal takes up the first position in the region, India ranks nine positions below at 118 followed by Sri Lanka at 133 and Bangladesh at 134. The report’s observations have revealed a decline in life satisfaction on an overall basis due to a rise in anti-system votes. Besides, a trend of loneliness was seen among the youth with 19 per cent of young adults claiming not to have social support. (Amin Ahmed, “Pakistanis happier than most others in South Asia,” Dawn, 21 March 2025)
SECURITY
Pakistan Railways yet to get clearance for restarting train service in Balochistan
On 21 March, The Express Tribune reported on the continued closure of train services in Balochistan. The train service remains un-operational since the Jaffar Express hijack in Bolan. The halt in train service is causing a loss of PKR 2.4 million everyday to Pakistan Railways. Pakistan Railways still awaits “clearance” which will be given by “security and intelligence agencies.” Pakistan Railways is nevertheless planning to start five new trains for accommodating passengers who are expected to be travelling during Eid. This closure followed the hijacking of Jaffar Express by the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army. The train was carrying a total of 400 passengers and subsequently the security forces managed to free all the hostages, however, 21 people lost their lives at the hands of the terrorists.. (“No trains from Quetta since Bolan hijacking,” The Express Tribune, 21 March 2025)
Security forces neutralize ten terrorists in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
On 21 March, The News International reported on an Intelligence Based Operation which was carried out in Dera Ismail Khan. The operation let to the killing of ten terrorists. During the exchange of fire, one Army Captain also lost his life. Security forces confiscated “weapons and ammunition” from the dead terrorists. PM Sharif appreciated the “security personnel and officers” for their success in the operation. He also paid his respect to the captain who lost his life in the operation. PM Sharif expressing his determination to combat terror threats said “we will continue our fight against terrorism till it is completely eradicated from the country.” (“10 terrorists killed in DI Khan IBO,” The News International, 21 March 2025)
Militants hoist their own flag at a deserted police post in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
On 20 March, as per local police, terrorists managed to hoist their own flag at a deserted “police post” in Bannu. As per the officers, the photos of the flag went viral on social media. They, however, could not confirm the group associated with the flag. On the same day, police claimed that they had successfully retaliated to an assault from terrorists at Kinger bridge police check post in Bannu. The retaliation from the police compelled the militants to escape as per one of the police officer. He said the police officers present during the attack “fought bravely and foiled the attack.” Previously, terrorists had assaulted a police check-post in Bargantoo. The police officers effectively responded and successfully retaliated against the assault. The attacks on the police check posts have been taking place frequently. In November 2024, unidentified militants abducted seven police officers in North Waziristan. Police had to take the assistance from tribal leaders to attain their release. (“Soldier martyred in Dera, militants ‘occupy’ abandoned Bannu post,” Dawn, 21 March 2025)
AF-PAK
Afghan Citizen Card holders must leave Pakistan by 31 March to avoid forceful deportation, says Foreign Office
On 20 March, the Foreign Office confirmed that the holders of Afghan Citizen Card would have to leave Pakistan by 31 March which is the set deadline for their repatriation. . According to the Ministry of Interior, after 31 March, Afghan refugees staying in Pakistan would be forcefully deported. Foreign Office Spokesman Shafqat Ali Khan rejected the UN High Commissioner of Refugee’s concerns regarding the deportation of Afghan refugees. Foreign Office Spokesman reminded that Pakistan is not a signatory to the Refugee Convention. He stated that efforts put in by the government for the Afghan refugees were done “voluntarily.” He further stated that Afghan citizens can come to Pakistan, provided they have valid visas. Prior to this, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi urged all the countries to “gradually” send back Afghan refugees from their respective countries. He said “refugees should be respected and their return should be gradual and dignified.” Further, he claimed that there were security issues in Afghanistan, however, some challenges might arise if all the refugees come back at the same time. (Baqir Sajjad Syed. “Pakistan firm on March 31 deadline for foreigners’ exit,” Dawn, 21 March 2025)
INDIA VIEW
On India-Pakistan ties: “Until New Delhi abandons its rigid, ultra-nationalist approach, the prospects for lasting peace and cooperation in South Asia will remain bleak,” argues an editorial The News International
On 21 March, an editorial titled “Modi’s peace charade,” in The News International argued against Indian Prime Minister Modi’s claims of being a peace proponent. The editorial strongly rejected and denounced the PM’s recent statements in a podcast called the Truth Social where he had accused Pakistan of waging a proxy war, exporting terrorism, and being an “epicenter of turmoil” for the world. The editorial cited the Foreign Office’s rebuttals where it accused India of fomenting terrorism and sanctioning oppression in Jammu and Kashmir. Besides, the editorial claimed that despite the Kargil conflict, Pakistan has always expressed openness to a dialogue while India’s rigid and “hegemonic stance has” pushed peace to the backseat. Furthermore, the editorial suggested that the Modi administration has demonstrated little interest in regional peace and de-escalation. It also criticized the use of anti-Pakistan rhetoric to gather support at the domestic level while “pointing fingers” at Pakistan and Canada for “allegedly fostering terrorism.” The editorial alluded that real issues are not related to security but are the use of anti-Muslim and hyper-nationalist narratives to meet political ends. (“Modi’s peace charade,” The News International, 21 March 2025)
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Unbelievable, unbelievable, but you have to believe it... It is said that when the chairman of the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Human Rights goes to Adiala Jail, the jail authorities make him take off his shoes and even search his socks
- Hamid Mir
Declaring PTI as a terrorist will not solve the country's problems. This government is extremely incompetent, it has no vision to improve the country, it is only trying to eliminate PTI and Imran Khan.
Zartaj Gul
- PTI
In the current environment, there must be accountability. The entire nation should be held accountable, including politicians. Afghans residing illegally in Pakistan will be sent back.
Khwaja Asif
- Nadeem Malik
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