Photo : Dawn
NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Dawn
In Brief
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Impasse between BNP-M and Government continues
On 16 April, Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) called off its demonstrations in Lakpass after a 20-day sit-in. While addressing a press conference, BNP-M President Sardar Akhtar Mengal clarified that the party wasn’t abandoning its protest as the second phase of the protests from Matsung is set to begin on 18 April. Previous demonstrations began from Wadh on 28 March and ended in a sit-in at Lakpass after the government blocked the marchers from entering Quetta. Mengal reiterated support for the incarcerated Baloch Yakhjeti Committee’s (BYC) leaders and activists. He maintained that protests would continue until they were released.
On 16 April, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti avowed to foil any attempts at blocking the province’s highways. This statement comes hours after Balochistan National Party-Mengal’s (BNP-M) President, Sardar Akhtar, called off protests from Lakpass after a 20-day sit-in and promised to resume the same in two days. Speaking at a press conference, CM Bugti announced that protest venues will be designated by the government due to security concerns. “Everyone, including Akhtar, has the right to protest,” he said. He also criticized the BYC activists for acting as “abettors” of separatists, as “they burn Pakistan’s flag wherever they pass through.” (“BNP-M ends sit-in, plans rallies across Balochistan,” Dawn, 17 April 2025; Syed Irfan Raza, “Balochistan CM warns against highway blockades,” Dawn, 17 April 2025)
ECONOMY
On Pakistan’s response to US imposed tariffs:
“Pakistan could consider slashing tariffs on imports from the US,” suggests an opinion in Dawn
On 17 April, an opinion in The News International titled “Pakistan and the trade war,” discussed US’ imposition of reciprocal tariffs on Pakistan. Omar Quraishi highlighted how the tariffs imposed, instead of being reciprocal in nature, are intended to decrease the US’s trade deficit with Pakistan. Quraishi mentioned Pakistan being slapped with 29 per cent additional tariffs. He highlighted Pakistan’s dependence on the US, as the latter is the former’s biggest “trading partner.” He pointed out that Pakistan primarily exports textiles to the US. He noted how the tariffs could bring down exports from Pakistan by almost 25 per cent. As per the author, the value of exports due to the imposition of tariffs would come down by almost USD 1.5 billion. The author, thus, suggested that Pakistan could decrease the duties on goods imported from the US to a level that could convince Trump to withdraw the additional tariffs he has imposed on Pakistan. The author, nevertheless, cautioned that Pakistan decreasing tariffs on goods imported from the US might not translate into the US withdrawing its imposition of tariffs on Pakistani goods as the real objective of the tariffs is to bring down the US’ “trade deficit.” (Omar Quraishi, “Pakistan and the trade war,” The News International, 17 April 2025)
ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND WATER
JUI-F and Sindh condemn violation of provincial rights
On 16 April, Sindh’s Chief Minister criticized the Punjab government for opening the Taunsa-Panjnad Link Canal to increase its water share by diverting flows. He deemed it an “irresponsible” move as Sindh faces a 50 per cent water shortage. In a media statement, he stated that the government will protest against the canals project until there is a formal announcement to shut it down. Meanwhile, Sindh’s Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro reported that Punjab’s water withdrawal grew by 1,000 cusecs while the water shortfall at its barrages is a total of 6,300 cusecs. In a letter addressed to the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) and the federal government, he denounced the unauthorized diversion of flows from the Indus River calling it a clear violation of the agreed water framework.” He even deplored its threat to provincial “agriculture stability,” especially when water is critically required for the upcoming cropping season. However, the authority has declared that all decisions were made in line with the Water Apportionment Accord 1991 and the IRSA Act 1992 in a press release.
On the same day, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) (JUI-F) founder Fazlur Rehman warned the federal government of usurping provincial autonomy. Citing the proposed Mines and Minerals Bill 2025, he indicated how it was a violation of the 18th Amendment, which ensures provincial rights. He claimed that the central government has “malicious intentions to seize the rights and resources of the provinces, especially Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan,” while asserting resistance to such attempts. He also alleged that the government’s plans to constitute a federal authority to monitor provincial resources will not be accepted by KP. (Tahir Siddiqui, “Sindh slams Punjab for diverting water during shortage,” Dawn, 17 April 2025; Salis bin Perwaiz, “Sindh berates Punjab for opening TP Link Canal as it faces 50% water shortage,” Dawn, 17 April 2025; “Fazl warns Centre against usurping provincial resources,” The News International, 17 April 2025)
SECURITY
Remote-controlled bomb explosion kills three Baloch constabulary personnel in Mastung
On 14 April, a remote-operated bomb went off in Mastung, Balochistan that killed three officials of the Balochistan Constabulary. Additionally, 20 people were wounded due to the explosion. Mastung is 35 km away from the provincial capital of Quetta. The bomb was placed in a motorcycle to attack a bus that had personnel from Balochistan Constabulary. The personnel were directed to ensure “security” at the protests led by Balochistan National Party-Mengal in Lakpass, Balochistan. The spokesperson of the Balochistan government denounced the attack and informed about initiating an exhaustive inquiry into it. In addition to that, PM Sharif, President Zardari, and CM of Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti also denounced the attack. PM Sharif stated that Pakistan would combat the mal intentions of the militants. President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to rooting out militancy. CM Bugti said: “Those involved in this heinous act do not deserve any leniency.” The responsibility for the attack was “claimed” by the Islamic State.
Separately, on 16 April, two dead bodies were retrieved from Balochistan. One of the dead bodies was found in Keech whereas the other one was retrieved from Khuzdar. As per the officials of the Levies, the dead body found in Keech had several gunshot “wounds” which resulted in his death. The dead body retrieved from Khuzdar also had gunshot wounds. The father of the victim is the “senior vice president of the Balochistan National Party, Khuzdar.” (Saleem Shahid, “Three personnel martyred, 20 hurt in Mastung blast,” Dawn, 16 April 2025; “IS claims Mastung bomb blast,” The News International, 17 April 2025; Behram Baloch and Abdul Wahid Shahwani, “Two bullet-riddled bodies found in Kech, Khuzdar,” Dawn, 17 April 2025)
AF-PAK
Afghan Consul General assures refugees of opportunities in Afghanistan
On 17 April, The News International reported that Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir who is the Consul General of Afghanistan in Pakistan has asked “Afghan refugees” to go back to Afghanistan. He has appealed to the refugees for help in “rebuilding” Afghanistan. He has vowed that the refugees who want to go back to Afghanistan will incur no problems. He claimed that Afghanistan is ready for the refugees to come back. He further stated that arrangements are made for the refugees who are returning to Afghanistan. He assured the refugees that they can start their own businesses in Afghanistan. In addition to that, he dismissed speculations regarding refugees being treated in an unfair manner and informed that 70,000 of them have come back. He claimed that women would have the freedom to pursue education in Afghanistan. “Separate institutions” catering to women’s education will also be formulated. (“Afghan consul general asks refugees to return home,” The News International, 17 April 2025)
CHINA/CPEC
On Pakistan’s difficulty in striking out a balance between US and China:
“It would be nearly impossible to make a clean break,” says an opinion in Dawn
On 17 April, an opinion in Dawn titled “China and Pakistan” discussed Pakistan’s struggle to maintain a balance in its relations with China and the US. Khurram Hussain reminded how former Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Hina Rabbani Khar advocated for keeping intact “strategic” relations with China and not giving in to the “pressure” from the Western countries. Hussain highlighted how it will be difficult for Pakistan to stick to not choosing sides, given the possibility of the incoming “trade war” between China and the US. He pointed out the dependency of Pakistan on the US and Europe for selling its goods and earning foreign exchange. The foreign exchange is utilized in buying “consumer goods” and “machinery” from China. Further, Pakistan is also dependent on “institutions” which were mainly dominated by the US for “bailout” packages. The author also noted Pakistan’s dependence on Chinese-made weapons. He mentioned how Pakistan purchased China-made weapons amounting to USD 5.28 billion between 2019 and 2024. The author highlighted how Pakistan’s image has suffered in front of China over the years. He mentioned how Pakistan has been unable to provide security to Chinese citizens working in Pakistan. In addition to that, Pakistan is also struggling to pay back the loans it borrowed from China. (Khurram Husain, “China and Pakistan,” Dawn, 17 April)