Debate Continues on Actions against Baloch Activists I PM Sharif to announce electricity tariff relief
In Focus
Record high remittances received in March
On 3 April, Dawn reported a record inflow of USD 3.5 billion in remittances in March. The 15 per cent increase in inflow on a month-on-month basis has largely been driven by Ramzan. It serves as a relief for the government as it eases the external debt repayment burden and supports the exchange reserves. General Secretary of the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan, Zafar Paracha indicated a sale of around USD 450 million “to banks in March — significantly higher than in February and much higher than March 2024.” Moreover, the government has set USD 35 billion as the remittance target for the current fiscal. However, Paracha expects the inflow to exceed this estimate, perhaps reaching USD 36 billion. Besides, Pakistan has been witnessing a steady rise in inflows during the first eight months of fiscal 2025, marking a collective increase of 32.5 per cent. During this period, a significant volume of remittances have been sourced from the UAE and Saudi Arabia jumping by 56 per cent to USD 4.85 billion and at 34.6 per cent to USD 5.89 billion, respectively. (Shahid Iqbal, “Remittances to exceed $3.5bn in March,” Dawn, 3 April 2025)
Balochistan government and police justify reaction to protests in the province
On 2 April, in a press conference, the Balochistan provincial government and police called their reaction to the protests in the province justified. Shahid Rind who is the spokesman of the Balochistan government and DIG of Quetta Aitaz Goraya acknowledged that carrying out demonstrations is a “fundamental right.” However, demonstrations are not meant to cause damage to “public safety, law and order.” Rind informed that after the conclusion of the military operation to free the Jaffar Express hostages, Baloch Yakjheti Committee (BYC) members were reportedly involved in digging out already buried dead bodies. This sparked demonstrations that resulted in the unsettling of “Sariab Road and other areas” for more than 12 hours. Rind defended the curbs put upon the “Balochistan National Party’s long march” citing “security concerns.” He informed about an “invitation” sent to BNP for discussion over the “law and order situation” in the province.
DIG of Quetta claimed that the demonstrators were involved in forceful shifting of dead bodies from the hospital. He further asked who could “claim” the dead bodies of Balochistan Liberation Army terrorists. Further, he informed that the protests led by the BYC led to the destruction of “public property” including the dismantling of “36 CCTV cameras, 18 utility poles, and the main gate of Balochistan University.” As per him, the protesters were also involved in setting fire to a post office and they “attempted” to rob a bank. Further, he stated that 35 minors who were arrested have been freed after getting “assurances” from their parents.
On 3 April, PM Sharif expressed his resolve to bring back normalcy in Balochistan “at all costs.” He also held a meeting with PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif for a discussion of “economic and political” issues. The Prime Minister briefed Nawaz Sharif on the recent “developments” which had taken place in Balochistan. PM Sharif also reassured Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti that he would prioritize “development” in Balochistan and ensure all the necessary “support” to the province.
On 3 April, an editorial in The Nation titled “On a Brink” discussed the deteriorating security situation in Balochistan. The editorial claimed that the violence perpetuated by the Balochistan Liberation Army who are backed by terrorists based in Iran and Afghanistan has impacted “large” areas of Balochistan. The editorial claimed that the state does not have the capacity to bring back normalcy in the province. The editorial argued that the reason behind this surge is that the state had not taken appropriate measures to curb violence in a timely manner. The editorial highlighted how “political” resistance to the government’s measures to suppress protests has further aggravated the problem. The editorial argued that only military operations would not be sufficient to bring the situation under control in the province. The editorial suggested holding discussions with the leaders of BNP, BYC, and common Baloch people so that everyone is on the same page regarding opposition to terrorism. (Mohammad Zafar Baloch, “Balochistan govt defends actions amidst protests, security concerns,” The News International, 3 April 2025; “Peace to be restored to Balochistan at all costs: PM,” The News International, 3 April 2025; “On a Brink,” The Nation, 3 April 2025)
PM Sharif to announce electricity tariff relief
On 3 April, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to introduce a set of power sector reforms following approval from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Earlier, the IMF had approved a mere PKR one to two per unit reduction in tariff prices. However, sources reported by The Express Tribune have hinted at revised agreements with Independent Power Producers among others that will potentially enable a reduction in electricity tariffs. Proposals have suggested cuts ranging from PKR six to eight per unit. Separately, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has alluded that the PM will publicly announce “good news” on 4 April. This comes as the government is being pressured into reducing the rising electricity costs that eventually burden the consumers. (Khalid Mehmood, “PM set to unveil major power tariff relief,” The Express Tribune, 3 April 2025)
In Brief
ECONOMY
On the recent tripartite stock exchange agreement:
“It is now imperative for the governments of these nations to pursue similar agreements that strengthen their collective economic standing,” says an editorial in The Nation
On 3 April, an editorial in The Nation titled “Financial Bridges” discussed the recent tripartite agreement inked by the Dhaka Stock Exchange, Pakistan Stock Exchange, and Colombo Stock Exchange and what it means for the South Asian subcontinent. The editorial argued that it is a significant shift in the economic dynamics as smaller countries have sought to collaborate and “strengthen their competitive edge” against the well-established Indian Stock Exchange. This further indicates decreasing dependency on India as the countries have begun to assert their economic autonomy. Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka’s deepening ties with China will impact India’s regional dominance. In this regard, the editorial suggested collective economic initiatives among Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh to thrust regional balance and an economically independent South Asia. (“Financial Bridges,” The Nation, 3 April 2025)
ENVIRONMENT
On Sindh’s controversial canal project:
“With rising water scarcity in the Indus system, it is crucial to move towards a consensus-driven policymaking process,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 3 April, an editorial titled “Canal unrest,” in Dawn discussed the politicization of the Sindh canal project. Many in Sindh believe that President Asif Ali Zardari has silently relented to the wishes of the “powers that be” despite the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) demanding a Council of Common Interests meeting and raising the matter in the parliament. In a recent media statement, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah tried to ease public disaffection as the canal construction hasn’t commenced yet. He also tried dispelling ideas of the PPP or President Zardari promoting the scheme as the provincial government holds power to stop the scheme and that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had to be in the PPP’s favor to be in his position. Nevertheless, such reassurances are not sufficient to dispel growing suspicions of the PPP’s probable complicity in the project. In this regard, the editorial called for a pause in the project’s execution until an informed decision is made via detailed studies as Sindh is highly vulnerable to sea intrusion. Additionally, the accelerating water scarcity in the Indus River system makes it imperative for a “consensus-driven policy-making process.” Otherwise, the project could turn into another Kalabagh dam which has neither been accepted nor cast aside. (“Canal unrest,” Dawn, 3 April 2025)
SECURITY
FIA suspended 51 employees over human trafficking charges in three years
On 3 April, The News International reported that a total number of 51 people working in the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) have been suspended so far. These FIA employees were found to be involved with “human traffickers.” Their suspension took place in the past three years. In 2022 and 2023 six and four FIA employees were suspended respectively. In 2024, this number surged to 41. (Sajid Chaudhry, “51 FIA employees fired over collusion with human traffickers,” The News International, 3 April 2025)
AF-PAK
PM Sharif and Interior Minister Naqvi discuss “second phase” of Afghan refugees’ repatriation
On 3 April, Dawn reported on discussions which took place between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and PM Shehbaz Sharif. Naqvi also met Nawaz Sharif and the CM of Punjab Maryam Nawaz separately. The Interior Minister informed PM Sharif about the status of sending back refugees from Afghanistan. They also discussed the measures that should be taken after the expiration of the deadline for the deportation of Afghan refugees. The federal government has rejected the apprehensions put forward by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and other international human rights bodies concerning the deportation of Afghan refugees. In discussions with Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz, Naqvi apprised about the status of “law and order” in Punjab. CM Maryam Nawaz and Interior Minister Naqvi vowed to fight against terrorism collectively. On 3 April, the “second phase” of repatriating refugees from Afghanistan is scheduled to begin. The government had earlier given a deadline of 31 March to refugees who possess Afghan Citizen Cards to leave Pakistan in order to avoid forceful deportation. The deadline was however pushed to 2 April in consideration of Eid.
Separately, adviser to PM Sharif, Rana Sanaullah Khan stated that the entire country stands “united” “against terrorism.” Further, he stated that there was no chance of ceding into “demands put forward by terrorists. He claimed that military operation was the only choice that the state had to fight the threat of terrorism. Further, he alleged that the militants who were backed by India’s RAW wanted to break Balochistan away from Pakistan. He stated that Mahrang Baloch and Pakhtoons are not considered “terrorists.” However, he demanded that they must denounce the actions of “terrorists.” (Zulqernain Tahir, “Interior minister briefs PM on Afghans’ repatriation,” Dawn, 3 April 2025; Umer Farooq, “Deportations begin today amid ‘deadline extension’ confusion,” Dawn, 3 April 2025)
WORLDVIEW
On the likelihood of a confrontation between Iran and US:
“US needs to back down and engage Iran with respect,” says an editorial in Dawn
On 3 April, an editorial in Dawn titled “Iran-US tension” discussed the possible confrontation between Iran and the US. The editorial mentioned US President Donald Trump’s letter in which he had “asked” Iran to restart discussions on “nuclear issue.” He also warned that the US could launch attacks on Iran if it does not conform to the former’s demands. The editorial also mentioned Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini’s reaction to the US’s threat in which he warned of a “strong reciprocal blow.” In this regard, the editorial expressed apprehensions over US military actions in the Middle East such as the one against the Houthis in Yemen. The editorial pointed out that a minor “miscalculation” could result in huge destruction. The editorial acknowledged that the US is far superior to Iran when it comes to “defense capabilities.” However, the editorial noted that any confrontation between the two would be devastating for the world economy. The editorial also pointed out how Iran could target US bases in the Middle East in the event of a confrontation. Further, the editorial highlighted how a possible conflict between Iran and the US would “negatively” impact Pakistan as the latter shares borders with Iran. The editorial suggested that the US should not threaten Iran and must hold dialogue with it “respectfully.”(“Iran-US tension,” Dawn, 3 April 2025)
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"I know how to compete, I have reached here after 22 years of political struggle. I will not spare even a single person who steals the country's money."
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan
- PTI
Water is life and the PPP will not let anyone play with the lives of the people of Sindh.
The 6 canals project is unconstitutional and illegal, therefore the federal government should announce its withdrawal from the canal project.
PPP Sindh President Nisar Khuhro
- PPP
"We fulfilled whatever promise we made."
"We will do what we have said."
Prime MInister Shehbaz Sharif
- PMLN
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"Instead of ‘hard state’ turning even harder, citizens deserve a state that goes soft on them in delivering democratic and development aspirations."
- An opinion in Dawn, 'From hard to harder.’
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