Export of fertilizers from Gwadar Free Zone likely from April I Balochistan National Party- Mengal to march against arrest of BYC leaders and activists
In Focus
Government agrees to PPP’s “security talks” proposal with the PTI
On 25 March, Adviser to the Prime Minister, Rana Sanaullah divulged the government’s openness to a dialogue between the coalition partner Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI). If the PPP is able to gain the PTI’s approval then the Parliamentary Committee on National Security Committee meeting will be reconvened. He added that if the talks initiated by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto and the coalition succeeded then it would be a “success for the government itself.” These statements come as Bhutto urged PM Shehbaz Sharif to convene another National Security meeting after a month to build consensus on counter terrorism as unity is crucial against the resurgence of terrorism. (“Centre ‘accepts’ Bilawal’s offer for security talks with PTI,” Dawn, 26 March 2025)
Export of fertilizers from Gwadar Free Zone likely from April
On 26 March, an article in The News International quoted a senior Maritime Ministry official who revealed that exports from Gwadar Free Zone are set to commence. The export of Potassium Sulphate Fertilizer is set to encourage investments and make ports functional. A summary from the Economic Coordination Committee highlights a yearly exemption for the M/s Agven Private Limited to export fertilizer up to 10,000 tonnes or 50 per cent of production from the Gwadar Free Zone. The official stated that the Special Investment Facilitation Council has played a key role coordinating the exemption as it encourages export-oriented business in the Gwadar port and the free zone. In this regard, the Agven operating in the Gwadar Free Zone may begin its first export in April, to Brazil, UAE and Kenya. (Khalid Mustafa, “Products from Gwadar free zone set to hit global market,” The News International, 26 March 2025)
Balochistan National Party- Mengal to march against arrest of BYC leaders and activists
On 26 March, a Dawn article highlighted calls for a “long march” from Wadh to Quetta by the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M). It is a demonstration of solidarity against the arrest of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders and activists after a police crackdown. A shutter down strike will be observed across Balochistan on 26 March and the long march will commence from 28 March. However, an approval to carry out the protest march remains an obstacle due to the enforcement of Section 144 on national highways. A statement from the BNP-M demanded the release of detained women and youth and the withdrawal of misguided charges against the activists. (“BNP-M announces long march,” Dawn, 26 March 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
On weak governance: “There is not much time left to pull back from the brink and save the federation,” argues an opinion in Dawn
On 26 March, in an opinion titled “A predator state,” in Dawn, Zahid Hussain deemed the definition of predator state to be fitting for Pakistan. He quoted James K Glabraith who defines it as a “political system in which a narrow band of elites uses policy instruments for its own benefit, while the rest of the population foots the bill.” Hussain argued that this is the current phenomena in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He referenced the Army Chief’s call for a hard state to fight militancy inside and outside Pakistan as several soldiers have died due to existing governance gaps. But in reality, the use of force has only aggravated the current security situation as in the case of Balochistan. The rise of militancy is rooted in alienation and disillusionment. The recent crackdown on peaceful protests led by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee and the arrest of its leaders is telling of it. The author is of the view that coercive power cannot be used for long-term peace. Hussain also argued that treating “discontent against oppression as a law and order” issue is “an abdication of political responsibility.” Hence, soldiers are dying for a “mindless and repressive policy pursued over the years.” The cycles of violence will only continue unless the state represents the popular will to maintain its credibility. In fact, the use of force indicates a weak and insecure state as it seeks hard power against its own populace. Eventually, it transforms into a predatory state that lacks accountability to its people and is vulnerable to external interference due to weak domestic governance. (Zahid Hussain, “A predator state,” Dawn, 26 March 2025)
ENVIRONMENT &WATER
No interference in Punjab’s water management is allowed, says provincial minister
On 25 March, Punjab Information Minister, Asthma Bukhari asserted Punjab’s non claim over Sindh’s water while speaking with media persons. “However, no one is allowed to interfere in Punjab’s water management,” she added in response to a question linked to the provincial water war of Punjab and Sindh. These statements come as Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali sought federal support to ensure fair distribution of water to every province and the passage of a resolution against a six canal construction on the Indus. Bokhari highlighted the severe water shortage of Pakistan as Punjab’s reserves decreased by 41 per cent. In this regard, she urged Sindh and other provinces to concentrate on better water management. (Zulernain Tahir, “Punjab has no claim on Sindh’s water, says Azma Bokhari,” Dawn, 26 March 2025)
AF-PAK
On Afghan-Pakistan dialogue:
“Better bilateral ties are possible if both sides sustain dialogue, and if there is recognition of each other’s key demands, particularly Pakistan’s concerns about cross-border terrorism,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 26 March, an editorial titled “Kabul visit” in Dawn indicated a potential reconciliation in Pakistan-Afghan ties in the backdrop of Pakistan’s special representative on Afghanistan’s three day visit to Kabul. Speaking about the visit, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue with Afghanistan as the Taliban government may be “serious about mending ties.” Talks are important for the re-opening of borders to permit transit and trade, especially for Afghanistan. The Pakistani side seeks action against anti-Pakistan elements operating on Afghan soil from the Taliban. The Afghan side remains dependent on Pakistan for its commercial and trade interests, as well as international recognition. However, the latter claims that, “there is no militancy” issue on their end. Nevertheless, the editorial hoped for the continuation of dialogue between the two as Pakistan cannot alter its geography. Instead, it must maintain good relations with Afghanistan while Kabul promises peace and amity. As a starting point, Pakistan may promise “unrestrained trade ties” with Kabul if it ensures “ensure no malign actors are able to target Pakistan from Afghan soil.” (“Kabul visit,” Dawn, 26 March 2025)
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The promise of sustenance is from Allah Almighty. Allah Almighty also gives honor and humiliation. Those who arrest journalist Farhan Malik at Iftar time and break into a house like robbers at Sehri time and arrest Waheed Murad do not understand this. When your Sehri and Iftar are like this, who will respect you?
- Hamid Mir
Annual cotton production in Pakistan has decreased from 1.5 million bales to 450,000 bales. Who should I thank?
- PTI
PECA law provides a license to ‘fix’ the media persons, who would not toe the line of those in power.
- Nadeem Malik
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"What we are witnessing is an unaccountable state that has lost the trust of its own people."
An opinion in Dawn, 'A predator state’
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