Balochistan’s multiple crises: State failure, Opposition and Civil Unrest I Another militant attack another convoy in lower Kurram
In Focus
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Bilawal threatens to withdraw from government, on Cholistan Canal Project
On 18 April, Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari threatened to withdraw from the coalition if the government failed to negotiate or drop the canal project. The canal project was launched by the Punjab government to promote agricultural productivity in Cholistan. However, it has come under fire as it could drastically reduce water to Sindh. Speaking at a rally in Hyderabad, he said: “Just like always, those in Islamabad are blind and deaf this time too. But we are opposing this as a matter of principle because my federation is at risk.” He censured the federation’s “stubbornness” after on the project. He warned the government of growing separatism in Balochistan, among other militant tendencies across Pakistan. The Pakistan Muslim League (N) has triggered an issue that pits it against the PPP, he remarked. He argued that Cholistan and Tharparkar must be developed, but not at the risk of Sindh’s stability. Upholding the people’s interest, he said: “I will not back down; I stand with the people. I don’t have Form 47 or a selected certificate. The only people I have with me are these people. I will not abandon the people. I want to tell those in Islamabad: we’ve only just reached Hyderabad.” Later, he announced another rally against the project in Sukkur Division on 25 April.
On 18 April, in an opinion titled “Water wounds in the federation,” in The News International, Zamir Ghumro acknowledged Sindh’s cry for its water share from the Indus. He begins with a historical account, highlighting key trends in inter-provincial water distribution from the Indus river. Prior to 1945, the Indus supplied water to Sindh alone. Later, the British and the government of Punjab floated the idea of an Indus River System. It was passed in the Sindh Assembly and signed by former Chief Minister Hidayatullah despite his party filling three of 60 seats in the house. The system that came into existence consisted of five tributaries, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas, and the Indus River. Before this, Punjab’s water needs were fulfilled by the five tributaries. Under the 1945 agreement, both Sindh and Punjab got 48 per cent of the river’s waters, and any dispute arising from this would be arbitrated over by the federation. In the 1960s, Ayub Khan gave away Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej to India under a treaty brokered by the World Bank. It was in exchange for the Tarbela and Mangla dams on the Jhelum and Indus. Consequently, Punjab’s feeder rivers are Jhelum and Chenab. To compensate the province, Indus’ Jinnah and Chashma Barrage and the Thal Canal were given to Punjab, significantly affecting flows to Sindh. The situation was further exacerbated by the bulldozing of the Water Accord 1991 and the Indus River Systems Act 1992. It heightened the inter-provincial dispute between Punjab and Sindh as the former’s share grew to 66 per cent while the latter’s was reduced to 42 per cent. Events that followed this only “enraged” the people of Sindh, as it lacked representation in various forums, while the federal government’s role only helped fuel the disputes. In this regard, the author concurs with the people of Sindh and their fury. He warned that if this continued, “the environment, the fertility of the delta and water availability in Sindh’s capital city, other cities, towns, villages and hamlets of Sindh” will be negatively affected. (Aftab Ahmed, “Bilawal threatens to quit coalition govt if canals project not shelved,” The News International, 19 April 2025; Zamir Ghumro, “Water wounds in the federation,” The News International, 18 April 2025)
Balochistan’s multiple crises: State failure, Opposition and Civil Unrest
On 18 April, the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) launched the second phase of protests in Mastung, calling for the release of Baloch Yakhjeti Committee’s leader and activists. It follows a 20-day sit-in that was called off in Lapkass by BNP-M. But they promised to resume province-wide demonstrations from 18 April to 12 May. Meanwhile, Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islami (F) leaders and Jamaat-i-Islami joined in to condemn the arrest of BYC members, warning that the provincial situation of Balochistan could spiral if the detainees are not released immediately.
On the same day, the Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal reaffirmed government commitment to Balochistan’s economic development during the ‘Uraan Pakistan Balochistan Consultative Workshop.’ He reflected on the government’s previous attempts to develop the province’s road networks and economic projects. He expressed the Pakistan Muslim League (N) government’s objectives to develop infrastructure, energy, and human resources via the Uraan Pakistan Initiative. If successfully implemented, Pakistan could become a leading economy in Asia by 2047 with the Gwadar port serving as a gateway for exports and the Reko Diq project attracting extensive investment. Separately, Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti expressed support to the initiative while emphasizing importance of scientific, economic and administrative action. He later thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for allocating funds to develop major projects including the Kachchi Canal and highways in Balochistan. He said: “The funds provided are a practical expression of the federation and other provinces’ love and solidarity with Balochistan.”
On 19 April, an editorial titled “No end in sight” in The News International validated the BNP-M’s demand to address Balochistan’s problem in line with constitutional guarantees under the 1948 Instrument of Accession. It emphasized a political solution for long-term stability in the province. Solely relying on a hard state approach does not address the root of Balochistan’s crisis underlined by growing disillusionment from the State. While eradicating militancy is important, the government must respond with a “much-needed political healing touch” and not just development projects. It may begin with the issue of missing persons, health, and education, ensuring the people receive their fair share of resources, and be treated justly. The editorial remarked: “The province is not a periphery, and the state must stop treating it as such.” The 18th Amendment may have brought the State closer to smaller provinces but there’s much work to be done. (“BNP-M launches second phase of protests,” Dawn, 19 April 2025; “Balochistan needs effective reforms, governance based on competence: Bugti,” Dawn, 19 April 2025; “No end in sight,” The News International, 19 April 2025)
Militants attack another convoy in lower Kurram
On 18 April, unknown miscreants launched assaults on people who were going towards Peshawar from Parachinar. The attack took place in Bagan, Lower Kurram, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The militants fired upon the travelers, which resulted in three people losing their lives. Many people remained “missing.” The people of Parachinar in response, demonstrated in huge numbers against the attack. Previously, the militant attack on a Shia caravan on 21 November 2024 had resulted in the closure of the Thall-Parachinar Road. The road links Kurram with the rest of KP. The road that remains un-operational has compelled the administration to transport necessary items like food and medicines, through convoys. Nevertheless, there has been a recurring trend of convoys getting assaulted by the militants. Tribal leaders such as Haji Imdad Ali have alleged that the administration receives “bribes” for permitting trucks to travel under the protection of convoys. Further, the tribal elders condemned the administration for not being able to put an end to the road closure despite inking a peace accord on 29 March. (Javed Hussain, “Three killed, several missing after Kurram convoy attack,” Dawn, 19 April 2025)
In Brief
JUDICIARY
Supreme Court directs Anti-Terrorism Courts to make sure “right to fair trial” is not being breached for “9 May 2023 accused”
On 18 April, Supreme Court instructed the anti-terrorism courts to make sure that the “right” to a just trial is not breached under any circumstances. The remarks came amid the Supreme Court reviewing the cases related to the May 9 2023 incident. The instructions came from a “three membered bench” which was led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi. The order written by CJP stated that some of the indicted individuals had “multiple FIRs” lodged against them. Thereby, it was not possible for the indicted individuals to go “in person” in “all the courts.” Further, it directed the Anti-Terrorism Courts to consider making some “exemptions.” The Supreme Court also stated that some of the indicted individuals have stated that they were not given “copies of charge and testimony of prosecution witness.” This was essential for them to formulate a fruitful “defence” as per “Article 10-A.” The Supreme Court has also instructed the chief justices of High Courts to get “fortnightly reports” from Anti-Terrorism Courts to make sure the right to a just trial is not being breached. (“SC orders ‘certain concessions’ for May 9 accused,” Dawn, 19 April 2025)
SOCIETY
Christian man gets death penalty for blasphemy in Punjab
On 18 April, the Anti-Terrorism court in Faisalabad gave death penalty and imposed a fine on a man who was convicted for Jaranwala blasphemy. The man belonged to the Christian community. Post, the blasphemy incident in Jaranwala, close to 19 churches and “houses” of Christians were burned down.
(Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry, “Man awarded death in Jaranwala blasphemy case,” The News International, 19 April 2025)
Christians across Lahore come together to offer prayers on Good Friday
On 18 February, Christians in the city of Lahore “observed Good Friday.” Christians residing across Lahore came together and offered prayers. Churches in the city were jampacked. Good Friday is observed to remember the “crucifixion of Jesus Christ.” Christian religious leaders had appealed to the community to inculcate the ethos of “compassion and selfness” (“Christian community observes Good Friday,” The Express Tribune, 19 April 2025)
TLP members barge inside Ahmadi mosque in Karachi, lynch a member of Ahmadi community
On 18 April, close to 400 members of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan forcefully entered in a mosque in Saddar, Karachi, where Ahmadis went for offering prayers. The TLP members barged into the mosque for not letting Ahmadis to offer “Friday prayers.” The incident was followed by the deployment of police and Rangers. Despite the presence of police and Rangers, TLP members “lynched” one member of the “Ahmadi community” at a place which was not far from the mosque. The Deputy Inspector General of Police investigated the “CCTV footage” and is searching for “three suspects” who were involved in the lynching. The TLP members have lodged an FIR, accusing Ahmadis of “offering Friday prayers” breaching the law. A “prison van” was used to safely escort the Ahmadis who were present during the incident. The spokesman of TLP, Reham Mohammed Khan, claimed that the party was not involved in the lynching incident. According to him, the TLP demonstrations were “peaceful” and instead asked police to provide “evidence” of TLP involvement in the lynching. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan expressed regret for the Ahmadi man who lost his life. (Imtiaz Ali, “Ahmadi man lynched after religious party demo outside worship place,” Dawn, 19 April 2025)
"67000 Haj pilgrims” are likely to miss Haj due to tussle between private operators and Ministry of Religious Affairs
On 19 April, The News International reported on the finger pointing between Ministry of Religious Affairs and “private tour operators” with regards to Haj. As per the Ministry, the “private tour operators” have only provided them with “records of 18,000” Haj travelers However, the tour operators allege the ministry of slow "processing" and that they had already settled their share of Haj fee. As per the Ministry, they can only retrieve “records of 18000” Haj travelers from the Haj Group Organizers Management Information System (HGOMIS). The Ministry had earlier clearly informed that the Haj pilgrim “applicants” must transfer the “Haj fee” to the private tour operators via “banking channel” and also ensure that they have the “proof” of the transaction. As per the President of Private tour operators association, they failed to finalize all “Haj applications,” and blamed it on the Ministry for giving assent to Haj Policy 2025 “too late.” He stated that funds worth SAR 680 million had been transferred to Saudi Arabia. This was for 67000 Haj pilgrims. He further appealed to PM Sharif to intervene and ask the concerned authorities in Saudi Arabia to permit the 67000 pilgrims to travel to Saudi Arabia. However, the Secretary of Religious Affairs dismissed the proposition. He stated that the 67000 Haj pilgrims would be unable to go to Saudi Arabia. (Fakhar Durrani, “Deadline missed, dreams shattered: who’s to blame for Haj chaos?,” The News International, 19 April 2025)
MEDIA
On shifting trends in journalism:
“Three decades ago, no one imagined that newspapers — the foundation of journalism — would one day struggle for survival,” observes an opinion in Dawn
On 18 April, in an opinion titled “Dying newspapers,” in Dawn, Mohammad Ali Babakhel discussed the decline in print media, especially newspapers. Data published by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics reveals a significant decline in dailies and periodicals across the provinces. This may be attributed to various factors, including technology, economy, society, and politics. The growing inflation has driven newspapers to shift to digital platforms. This phenomenon is compounded by the decline in readership, making “the survival of local newspapers difficult.” Moreover, print outlets have been forced to censor themselves, thereby undermining their credibility. The decline in print media demand has resulted in a fall in local coverage, forcing people to rely on less reliable digital sources. Despite this, some newspapers have been able to adapt to the shifting trends and challenges. They have done so by “focusing on quality journalism, offering digital-only subscriptions, and experimenting with new formats.” In this regard, newspapers ought to evolve either in printed or digital form to survive and catch up with evolving trends, the author argued. (Mohammad Ali Babakhel, “Dying newspapers,” Dawn, 18 April 2025)
AF-PAK
No more extension to repatriation deadline
On 18 April, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry reaffirmed 30 April as the last deadline for all foreigners without valid visas to leave Pakistan. He clarified that there will be no extension beyond this. Speaking at a press conference, he expressed the government’s commitment to “strictly” implement immigration laws, while officials have cited security concerns as a motivating factor behind this move. This comes ahead of Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s delegation-level talks with the Afghan government. According to Chaudhry, more than 84,800 Afghan nationals have been deported. He also warned Pakistanis against providing housing, employment, or other services to illegal migrants. “They will be held accountable under the law,” he said. He also assured that the deportation process will be carried out humanely and lawfully. Separately, a delegation led by Acting Minister for Commerce and Industry of Afghanistan, Haji Nooruddin Azizi met with the minister of State for interior. Both sides discussed the modalities involved in the transit trade and repatriation of Afghan nationals. (“Govt sets April 30 deadline for undocumented Afghans to leave,” The Express Tribune, 18 April 2025; Ifthikar A Khan, “‘Anyone helping Afghans stay on to be held liable’,” Dawn, 19 April 2025)
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister holds bilateral talks with Afghanistan to promote cooperation
On 18 April, Foreign Office spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan, announced that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit to Kabul, where he will raise Pakistan’s security concerns on 19 April. This meeting follows a revival in talks between both sides after months of a diplomatic deadlock. With hopes of a thaw in bilateral ties, Dar is expected to hold delegation-level talks with Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. During a weekly media briefing, the spokesperson stated that the talks will cover “the entire agenda of the Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship.” They will focus on how to enhance cooperation to promote mutual interests linked to trade, security, connectivity, and people-to-people exchange. (Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Ishaq Dar to raise terror concerns in Kabul meetings today,” Dawn, 19 April 2025)
EXTERNAL
Egypt to assist Pakistan in eradicating Hepatitis C
On 19 April, Dawn reported that Pakistan and Egypt have joined hands to increase cooperation in the “health sector.” The two countries would look to jointly work towards eradication of Hepatitis C. Specialists from Egypt would be traveling to Pakistan to collaborate with the officials and assist them to eliminate Hepatitis C. This was agreed in a recent meeting held between the Health Minister of Pakistan, Mustafa Kamal, and Egypt’s envoy to Pakistan, Ilhab Mohamed Abdelhamid. Pakistan would be looking towards taking lessons from Egypt, which successfully brought down Hepatitis C cases in the past few years. The discussion between the Health Minister and Egypt’s ambassador also delved into steps that must be taken to enhance “technical cooperation” and increase “medical tourism” between Egypt and Pakistan. (“Pakistan, Egypt to collaborate in health sector,” Dawn, 19 April 2025)
Bangladesh demands “formal apology” from Pakistan for its role in the 1971 massacre
On 17 April, “Foreign Secretary level consultations” took place in Dhaka between Pakistan and Bangladesh. The high-profile diplomatic meeting comes after a gap of 15 years. After the conclusion of the discussions, as per media reports, Bangladesh has demanded a “formal apology” from Pakistan for the massacre in 1971. Further, the media also reported that Bangladesh has demanded the unsettled “provided funds and saving instruments” from Pakistan. In addition to that, Bangladesh has also asked Pakistan to settle USD 200 million which was given by international agencies for the 1970 cyclone. As per Dhaka Tribune, the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh has said: “These issues need to be resolved to establish a solid foundation for our bilateral relations.” Pakistani spokesman of the Foreign Office, Shafqat Ali, also confirmed that Bangladesh has raised “outstanding issues.” He, however, argued that both Bangladesh and Pakistan have kept forward their stance in a sphere of “mutual understanding and respect.” (“Outstanding issues discussed at Dhaka: FO,” The Express Tribune, 19 April 2025)
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If the government withdraws this controversial canal project, I am ready to sit with them and draw up a plan for the next 50 years to bring development to the agricultural sector.
- PPP
Weak in the face of strength, strength in the face of weakness. O righteous city, stand on the standard of your justice
- PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
We are not citizens of this country, we are its owners. We will write our own history. We will tell our own story.
- PTI UK
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"The deeper damage may hit Pakistan’s fledgling AI and tech development ecosystem."
- An opinion in Dawn, 'Tariffs, turmoil & tech.’
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