PM Sharif content over improving ties with Bangladesh I International media raises concern over Afghan deportation policy
In Focus
Protests and sit-ins continue over BYC members' arrest
On 31 March, a fresh demand for the release of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Sammi Deen Baloch was put forth by the “civil society” in Karachi on the occasion of Eidul Fitr. In a press conference outside Karachi Press Club, Sammi’s sister, Mehlab Deen Baloch called out the government’s alleged unlawful detention of Sammi and others and said “Despite the court order for [Mahrang and others’] release, […] they were put behind bars again under MPO3 for 30 days on the directives of the PPP’s [Sindh] government.” She also accused the PPP of hypocrisy where on the one side it bats for women’s rights and on the other is “not ready to give those rights to Baloch women.” It is to be noted that Sammi and five others were detained on 24 March while protesting against the BYC Chief Organizer Dr Mahrang Baloch’s earlier arrest and thus violating Section 144. Subsequently, the judicial magistrate had ordered Sammi and other detainees’ release; however, she was again detained under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance for 30 days. In response, protest rallies and sit-ins were organized in various places in Balochistan.
Separately, on the same day, BNP-M President Sardar Akhtar Mengal reiterated that the sit-in organized by his party demanding the release of arrested BYC leaders will not be called off and said “The sit-in will be written in history and will continue until our women reach home after being released.” The BNP-M had announced a “long march” from Wadh to Quetta on 28 March to protest against the arrests, however, the permission for the same was not granted by the Quetta administration. Despite the denial of permission, people from different political parties had started the march from Wadh and subsequently met with “police action” near Mastang. According to Mengal, 250 of its activists were also detained by the police. On 29 March, a “provincial government delegation” reached Mastang to urge Mengal to call off the sit-in, however, the latter refused to do so. Speaking about the meeting, Mengal revealed that the delegation had talked about “cooperation and finding a way.”
On 31 March, an editorial in Dawn titled “Not helping” termed the continuing detention of Dr Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch as “another misstep by the state” in its “fraught relationship” with the Baloch people. The editorial highlighted that Dr Mahrang Baloch is “known for her unarmed and democratic campaign against enforced disappearances,” and has been booked under charges of “terrorism, murder and attempted murder…” The editorial pointed out that the BYC has come to represent a “nonviolent civic awakening” in a province marred with “insurgency and violence.” The state, unfortunately, has responded to the BYC “with force and criminalization.” Emphasizing that the state must make a distinction between “militancy and legitimate protest,” the editorial noted that both Baloch and Sammi are “not terrorists,” instead they are “citizens demanding constitutional rights” and should be treated as such. The editorial suggested that the state must release BYC leaders if it wants to heal “decades of mistrust.” The editorial also suggested that the BYC deserves the government’s “engagement” rather than “suppression.”
References
Abdullah Zehri, “Sit-in will continue until our women reach home after being released: BNP’s Mengal,” Dawn, 1 April 2025
“Not helping,” Dawn, 31 March 2025
Muskaan Mujahid, “Civil society gathers outside Karachi Press Club on Eidul Fitr to demand release of BYC’s Sammi Deen,” Dawn, 31 March 2025
Abdullah Zehri, “Akhtar Mengal, others remain unhurt after suicide blast near rally on its way to Quetta,” Dawn, 29 march 2025
Imtiaz Ali & Saleem Shahid, “Many booked in Karachi as police break up BYC protest,” Dawn, 25 march 2025
In Brief
ECONOMY
On the need to enhance volume of trade:
"IMF must shift its focus from advocating a higher tax-to-GDP ratio to promoting a higher trade-to-GDP ratio,” argues an opinion in The Express Tribune
On 31 March, an opinion in The Express Tribune titled “Economy needs trade, not just taxes” discussed the significance of enhancing the trade output. The author, Manzoor Ahmad, pointed out how the International Monetary Fund (IMF)which has recently given its assent to “USD seven billion loan” signifies its “confidence” in the endeavors of the federal government for boosting the economy. The IMF has appreciated the federal government’s efforts in bringing down the rate of inflation. The IMF has also decided that it would give USD 1.3 billion to Pakistan for combating climate change. However, the IMF has also cautioned how “global events” could impact the recovery. To diminish these risks, the IMF has suggested that Pakistan must enhance “public finances,” boost “foreign reserves” and reduce “economic barriers.” The author pointed out how strengthening the economy has done little to bring down poverty. The number of people living in “poverty” surged by 2.6 million in comparison to Financial Year 2023. The author highlighted how other countries brought down poverty by enhancing “international trade” and not just depending on “increasing taxes.” The author claimed that the IMF has only focused on increasing the tax-GDP ratio and not on enhancing trade which is essential for the growth of industries. The author also noted how the government chooses the easy way of marking up import duties when pressurized by the IMF to increase GDP-tax ratio. The author suggested that the IMF, instead of focusing on tax-GDP ratio, must put more emphasis on increasing trade-GDP ratio. (Manzoor Ahmad, “Economy needs trade, not just taxes,” The Express Tribune, 31 March 2025)
ENVIRONMENT/DISASTER
4.7 magnitude earthquake near Karachi, reveals Pakistan Meteorological Department
On 31 March, “a 4.7 magnitude earthquake” struck near the city of Karachi. As per Pakistan Meteorological Department, the earthquake struck some 75 kms to the “north of Karachi” which had a “19km depth.” As per United States Geological Survey, the magnitude of the earthquake was 4.6 on the Richter scale. Further, USGS contended that the depth of the earthquake was 10 kms and it struck some “65kms east-southeast” from Uthal in Balochistan. The timing of the earthquake mentioned by USGS was the same as of PMD – 4:10 PM. In June 2024, Karachi residents witnessed a “3.2 magnitude earthquake.” (“Tremors felt in Karachi as 4.7-magnitude earthquake jolts Balochistan’s Uthal,” Dawn, 31 March, 2025)
GENDER
On patriarchal values in Pakistani society:
“They colour individual’s judgment about what is right and wrong without them realizing it,” says an editorial in Dawn
On 31 March, an editorial in Dawn titled Women’s rights discussed recent court rulings which have backed the rights of women in society where patriarchal values are pre-eminent. The editorial mentioned a recent ruling by the Supreme Court in which it clarified that “marital status” will have no effect on “legal rights” of women. The court further stated that women can’t be automatically considered “financially dependent” on husband. Court also stood against barring married women from certain “job quotas.” The editorial highlighted another order from the Federal Sharia Court in which it criticized customs that barred women from “inheriting” property. The editorial pointed out how patriarchal values are so ingrained in the society that individuals are not able to distinguish between what is morally correct and what is not. The editorial demanded that the media must give more “airtime” to verdicts like these which uphold women’s rights. The editorial acknowledged that the court cannot single-handedly bring a change, however, if court’s message is dissipated to large sections of society, it might bring “positive change.” (“Women’s rights,” Dawn, 31 March 2025)
SECURITY
COAS commends the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and KP residents in fight against terrorism
On 31 March, Dawn reported on a communique from Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in which Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir appreciated the efforts put in by “armed forces, law enforcement agencies” and the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in fighting the threat of terrorism. The appreciation came from COAS while he paid a visit to Wana and Chekhan in D.I Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on the occasion of Eid, where he commended the “commitment and resilience” of the troops. COAS was welcomed by the Peshawar Corps commander on “his arrival.” COAS prayed for the continuing “stability and “prosperity” of the country. COAS stated that “for soldiers” spirit of the Eid, is deemed in “honour of serving” Pakistan. From January to March, the number of terrorists and militants killed exceeded the number of security forces and civilians who lost their lives. This happened for the first time in the last 12 years. KP and Balochistan remained the prime target of militants and terrorists. (“Army chief praises armed forces, LEAs, and KP residents for combating terrorism,” Dawn, 31 March 2025)
Amid challenges to unity of the country:
"Bilawal Bhutto’s leadership presents a potential pathway to stability” claims an opinion in The News International
On 31 March, an opinion in The News International titled “The federation in crisis” discussed challenges to the unity of Pakistan. Hussain Shahjahan Bhatti points out three main challenges which have to be resolved at the earliest. First, the surge in terror attacks orchestrated by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Second, the rising “instability in Balochistan” maneuvered by Balochistan Liberation Army and Baloch Yakjheti Committee. Third, the disagreement between federal and Sindh provincial government on “Cholistan canal project.” The author points to the underlying causes behind the existing threats to Pakistan’s unity which are “marginalization” of communities, unfair “resource allocation” and “federal structure” which is seen to prioritize Punjab. In addition to that, the author claims that there are interferences from foreign powers. The author opines that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto could be an appropriate option, under whose “leadership” Pakistan could sail away from the crisis. PPP is known to have “extensive international connections” and is seen as a party that aims to promote “federal unity.” Bhatti claims that flawed policy of the former PTI government which provides settlements to militants from Afghanistan in Pakistan and India’s “covert assistance” has resulted in resurgence of TTP. The author argues for the need of “intelligence-driven military strategy” to diminish the threat of TTP. Further, the author claims that Bilawal Bhutto has the capacity to exert influence on Balochistan’s leaders such like Mahrang Baloch. The author contends that Bilawal Bhutto could address the problems in Balochistan by ensuring a balance between grievances of people and “security interests.”
(Hussain Shahjahan Bhatti, “The federation in crisis,” The News International, 31 March 2025)
EXTERNAL
PM Sharif content over improving ties with Bangladesh
On 31 March, PM Sharif spoke over the telephone with Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Government Muhammad Yunus and sent his “greetings” for Eid. As per Dawn, Bangladesh-Pakistan relations have seen a turnaround after the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power. Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League was known to be closer to India. After Hasina’s ousting, there has been a considerable enhancement in “trade and bilateral” ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan. PM Sharif has expressed content over how the ties between the two countries especially in “trade and travel” are strengthening. Both the leaders have reiterated their shared vision to enhance bilateral ties. PM Sharif also stated that the country is “looking forward” to Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visiting Dhaka in April. Further he stated that a “trade delegation” would be traveling along with him. He also extended an invitation to a “cultural troupe” from Bangladesh to visit Pakistan. (“PM Shehbaz expresses satisfaction over Pakistan-Bangladesh relations,” Dawn, 31 March 2025)
AF-PAK
International media raises concern over Afghan deportation policy
On 31 March, Dawn reported on the concerns voiced by international media over deportation of Afghan refugees. After 31 March, those who are in possession of Afghan Citizen Cards will have to leave Pakistan in order to avoid forceful deportation. An article published by the UK’s Guardian termed Pakistan’ repatriation plan as “draconian.” It pointed out how close to “60 female activists and human rights defenders” who backed “women’s education” are under the risk of getting sent back to Afghanistan. Other international media houses such as Australian ABC news, Qatar’s Al Jazeera and US’s CNN have highlighted how women who do not adhere to fundamentalist Islamic values are under the threat of getting deported to Afghanistan which is currently being ruled by the Taliban. Those Afghans who had helped US’s occupation of Afghanistan are also expected to be on the radar of the Taliban government. (“Deportation plan comes under international scrutiny,” Dawn, 31 March 2025)
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Don't ignore the slightest spark. It can become a flame, it can burn down neighborhoods.
- Hamid Mir
The most popular leader of Pakistan at that time was not even allowed to offer Eid prayers by the most cowardly section of Pakistan. Jail is never a good place, but the treatment Imran Khan is being given in jail is the new height of fascism and moral degradation.
- Imran Riaz Khan
I pray to the Almighty God that the moment will come soon when the nation's Messiah will be among its people! This nation is impatiently awaiting that hour!
- PTI Multan
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"Pakistan may have barely achieved 5pc e-governance."
- An opinion in Dawn, 'Digitally deprived.’
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