NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Dawn
In Focus
Pakistan continues to emphasize threat from India
On 2 May, PM Shehbaz Sharif urged the governments in Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait to pressurize New Delhi to maintain maximum restraint and shun the proposition of waging war against Pakistan. PM Sharif held a discussion with Saudi Arabia’s envoy in which he expressed gratitude towards the “leadership and people” of Saudi Arabia for backing Pakistan in tough times. PM Sharif also reiterated Pakistan’s stance against terrorism and pointed out how the lives laid down by his countrymen to combat terrorism has benefited all the countries. PM Sharif, separately, met with UAE’s envoy to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi. He spoke to the ambassador about how Pakistan stands against “all forms and manifestations of terrorism.” In another discussion with the Kuwaiti envoy Nasser Abdulrahman Jasser, PM Sharif claimed that New Delhi has not presented any conclusive evidence that substantiates Pakistan’s involvement in the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
Political parties unite against India
On the same day, Hafiz Syed Samiullah Agha and Atta ur Rehman of United Ulema Balochistan denounced India for unilaterally walking out of the Indus Water Treaty terming it as “violation of international law” and a menace to the “peace” in the region. They stressed on how adherence to the treaty is India’s “humanitarian, moral and religious duty.” On the same day, PML-N supremo, Nawaz Sharif appreciated the political parties of Pakistan for showing unity in the alleged threat to Pakistan’s “national defence and security.”
Military and government prepare for war like situation with India
With the tensions rising between Pakistan and India, the top army leadership stressed on Pakistan’s “conventional and nuclear deterrence” amid deliberations on how they should react, in the event of an attack from India. The army leadership claimed that terrorism emancipating from Afghanistan is a more severe threat and New Delhi was attempting to divert its attention to Pakistan’s eastern border. Separately, on 2 May, “Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s” State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) convened a high-profile discussion on examining the readiness of the concern departments in the event of war or attack from India. The discussions were presided over by the Chief Secretary of “Azad Jammu and Kashmir” who instructed all concerned departments to stay on “high alert.”
Responses from the print media
On 3 May, an editorial in Dawn titled “The core issue” opined that the dispute over Jammu and Kashmir can only be resolved by India, Pakistan and the people of Kashmir. The editorial pointed out previous suggestions and roadmap for solving the dispute over Jammu and Kashmir such as the “Lambah formula” given by Tariq Azis Satinder. However, the editorial claimed that for solution to the problem, India must realize “that there is a problem.” On the same day, an editorial in The Express Tribune titled “Time to listen to logic,”highlighted erstwhile RAW’s chief statement in which he saw Pahalgam terror attack as a “security failure.” The editorial cautioned that any act of aggression from India might result into a wider “nuclear” conflict. The editorial called for diffusing of tensions between India and Pakistan and suggested that the two countries must search for a “middle ground.”
(Syed Irfan Raza, “PM intensifies outreach to friends in Middle East,” Dawn, 3 May 2025; “Religious leaders condemn India’s aggression,” Dawn, 3 May 2025; “Nawaz praises all parties for speaking with one voice,” Dawn, 3 May 2025; Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Military sharpens its messaging on ‘deterrence’ as tensions persist,” Dawn, 3 May 2025; “Tariq Naqash, AJK reviews contingency plans amid heightened tensions,” Dawn, 3 May 2025; “The core issue,” Dawn, 3 May 2025; “Time to listen to logic,” The Express Tribune, 3 May 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE
Government increases medical seats for Balochistan and ex-Fata students
On 3 May, Dawn reported that a significant decision has been taken following the recommendation of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination. The decision is to allocate 333 additional medical and dental seats for students from Balochistan and the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan (FATA). The decision was announced on 2 May by the Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal during a press conference held at the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council Headquarters. The minister emphasized the government’s commitment to promote inclusive and equitable education for all, especially for the students from underprivileged backgrounds and remote areas. The minister stressed that “This policy is not just about numbers, it is about bridging deep-rooted regional disparities and cultivating a healthcare system that reflects the true strength and diversity of the nation,” (Amir Yasin, “Govt unveils more medical seats for Balochistan, ex-Fata students,” Dawn, 3 May 2025)
ECONOMY
Fall in exports, increase in trade deficit, reveals PBS data
On 3 May, Dawn reported that according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the country’s merchandise exports fell by 8.93 per cent in April. Export growth, which began to decelerate in October, turned negative in February and again in April, despite a brief recovery in March. The Ministry of Commerce has yet to express concern over the downward trend and is currently assessing the potential impact of recent U.S. tariff hikes on Pakistani exports — particularly textiles, which remains Pakistan’s largest export item to the American market. Though global buyers are shifting apparel sourcing from China and Bangladesh to Pakistan, higher gas tariffs and energy levies on textile plants are expected to weigh on export performance ahead. Simultaneously, imports rose significantly during the July–April FY25 period, contributing to a 8.81 per cent increase in trade deficit. In April alone, imports surged by 14.09 per cent year-on-year. (Mubarak Zeb Khan, “Exports fall 8.9pc in April amid slowing growth trend,” Dawn, 3 May 2025)
Inflation hits record low, cost of living remains high
On 3 May, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s consumer inflation dropped to a record low of 0.3 per cent year-on-year in April, driven by sharp decline in food (wheat, onions, potatoes, pulses), electricity, and fuel prices, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). This is significantly below the Ministry of Finance’s projected range of 1.5–2 per cent. However, domestic prices of sugar and edible oil continued to rise, even as global prices fell. The low inflation rate in April is partly because it is being compared to April last year, when inflation was very high at 17.3 per cent. For nearly three years, Pakistan experienced high inflation, reaching a peak of 38 per cent in May 2023. Experts warn the economy may slide towards deflation unless interest rates are cut further to boost demand. Despite the slowdown, the cost of living remains high due to prolonged past inflation. (Mubarak Zeb Khan, “Inflation hits all-time low of 0.3pc,” Dawn, 3 May 2025)
Fuel demand soars 32 per cent, hinting at revival in economic activities
On May 3, Dawn reported that petroleum sales in Pakistan experienced a significant boost in April 2025, totalling 1.46 million tonnes. This reflects a 32 per cent increase year-on-year (YoY) and a 20 per cent rise month-on-month (MoM). This growth highlights a revival in economic activity across the country. According to Arif Habib Limited, sales for the first ten months of the fiscal year reached 13.22 million tonnes, marking a 6 per cent YoY increase. Key products showed strong gains: Motor Spirit (MS) rose 24 per cent YoY and 14 per cent MoM to 660,000 tonnes, High-Speed Diesel (HSD) grew 33 per cent YoY and 28 per cent MoM to 620,000 tonnes, and Furnace Oil (FO) saw an impressive 182 per cent YoY and 55 per cent MoM increase, reaching 80,000 tonnes. Company-wise, Attock Petroleum reported 130,000 tonnes (up 28 per cent YoY), PSO sold 620,000 tonnes (up 12 per cent YoY), Wafi Energy posted 100,000 tonnes (up 23 per cent YoY), and Hascol saw 50,000 tonnes (up 76 cent YoY but down 4 per cent MoM). (“Oil sales jump 32% YoY in April on strong economic activity,” Dawn, 3 May 2025)
PIEDMC, Chinese firms sign investment MoU at Lahore
On 3 May, The News International reported the Chinese business delegation’s visit to the Punjab Industrial Estates Development and Management Company (PIEDMC) Head Office in Lahore to explore opportunities of investment. The delegation included over 13 representatives from various fields such as technology, logistics, trade, and investment. The News stated that both parties agreed to establish a Pak-China Investment Cell and Research Lab under the supervision of PIEDMC. The delegation expressed interest in focusing on three sectors- manufacturing, renewable energy, and logistics. The visit highlighted the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PIEDMC and Precise Development HK Limited. PIEDMC briefed the delegation about their one-window operations, ongoing projects, and the facilitations. The report conveyed the delegation’s appreciation for PIEDMC’s investor friendly policies and infrastructure. PIEDMC Chairman Javed Iqbal has stated maximum cooperation in the investments made by the Chinese delegation in the industrial zones under PIEDMC in Punjab. The partnership aims to increase economic cooperation and create job opportunities, and strengthen initiatives under CPEC. (“Chinese Cos sign MoU on investment in Punjab,” The News International, 3 May 2025)
MEDIA
On press freedom:
“In Pakistan, the pressure is acute. Legal repression continues to intensify,” highlights an editorial in Dawn
On 3 May, Dawn, in an editorial titled “Truth under fire” reviewed the alarming erosion of global press freedom. In the light of the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, the article determined that the crisis indiscriminately plagues both developing and developed states. With the historically low rankings of major South Asian nations, Pakistan (158th), India (151st), and Bangladesh (149th), the editorial underscored the severe repression, legal harassment, and violence against journalists in the region. In Pakistan, it highlighted the amendment to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act in Pakistan which drew widespread condemnation and generated protests for curbing free speech under vaguely defined “false information” charges. The editorial argued that physical threats and economic strangulation—like selective ad funding—further undermine media independence in the country. The editorial referenced the Freedom Network, on the killings of at least five journalists between May 2024 and April 2025. In the case of the developed world, the editorial cited the U.S. (ranks 57th on the Index), newsroom closures and increased political interference, especially under the second Trump administration, and the killing of over 200 journalists in Gaza to substantiate the argument. The article quoted the RSF warning, “At the rate journalists are being killed in Gaza, there will soon be no one left to keep you informed”. In protection of “democracy’s first line of defence”, the editorial demands “legal protections, independent institutions and a public that refuses to accept silence.” (“Truth under fire,” Dawn, 3 May 2025)