NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Dawn
In Focus
Post-ceasefire developments:
National Assembly resolution on Kashmir, Commemoration of ‘Victory Day', Civilian death toll in POK
India-Pakistan agree to uphold ceasefire, no official statement from Pakistan
On 12 May, Dawn reported that senior military officials from India and Pakistan agreed to uphold the recently established ceasefire and begin reducing troop presence along the international border. The Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both sides held a scheduled call at 4:30 PM, which lasted approximately 45 minutes. The Pakistan Army did not issue any official statement regarding the meeting. Pakistani officials described the conversation as the first round of talks since the ceasefire came into effect.
National Assembly passes resolution, calls for international intervention on Kashmir
On 12 May, Dawn reported that the National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution lauding the armed forces for their decisive response to Indian aggression the previous week. Moved by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, the resolution emphasized that lasting peace in South Asia depends on “sincere and structured negotiations.” The resolution urged the government to actively engage with the international community to resolve the issues in line with the local aspirations and the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions.
PM declares 10 May as ‘Youm-e-Marka-e-Haq’ to celebrate operation victory
On 12 May, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared that 10 May will be observed annually as Youm-e-Marka-e-Haq (Battle of Truth Day) to mark the “magnificent success” of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and reaffirm national unity. He also announced a compensation package for victims of Indian hostilities. Families of Pakistani civilians martyred will receive PKR 10 million, while injured civilians will be granted PKR 1 to PKR 2 million. Families of martyred armed forces personnel will receive PKR 10 to PKR 18 million, in addition to PKR 19 million to PKR 42 million for housing support. PM Sharif also thanked Türkiye for its solidarity during the India-Pakistan standoff in a meeting with Turkish Ambassador Irfan Neziroglu.
Pakistan claims hike in death toll in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK)
On 13 May, Dawn reported that the death toll from Indian shelling in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) had climbed to 32 in Muzaffarabad and Kotli districts, with 123 reported injured. According to the Director General of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), Sardar Waheed Khan, , Indian forces struck multiple villages in the Nakyal sector of southern Kotli district. POK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq visited families of those killed in the 10 May shelling, offering condolences and distributing compensation cheques. He strongly condemned India’s targeting of civilian areas and praised the resilience and courage of the people.
Pakistan’s Finance Minister terms the conflict a “short escalation”
On 12 May, Pakistan’s Finance Minister described the ongoing conflict as a “short escalation” with limited fiscal consequences. In an interview with Reuters, he said the situation would be accommodated within the fiscal space available to the government of Pakistan. His remarks came shortly after the IMF approved a USD 1 billion disbursement on 9 May, part of a broader USD 7 billion bailout package. The minister also expressed optimism about trade discussions with the United States, stating that progress was expected “in short order.” Regarding India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, he noted that it would not have any immediate impact.
Responses from Print Media
On 13 May, an editorial in The News International titled “Road to resolution” termed the India-Pakistan ceasefire announcement as a “welcome retreat from disaster.” It stated that the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press briefing on 11 May was a reinforcement of Pakistan’s commitment to peace, highlighting Lt-Gen Chaudhry’s message that “war must never be an option”. It also highlighted PM Shehbaz Sharif and ISPR’s remarks contrasting Pakistan and Indian media, critiquing the latter for being “sensationalist”. The editorial reiterated the call for international intervention in resolving the Kashmir dispute.
On the same day, an editorial in Dawn titled “Hostages to hostility” called attention to the hardship suffered by civilians, "who bear the brunt of India-Pakistan hostilities.” It highlighted the distress of civilians, particularly women, children, and the elderly, in displacement camps. It cited the Islamic Relief Pakistan findings that over 58 per cent of those affected lack access to clean drinking water and 91 per cent are threatened by food insecurity. The editorial urged authorities to step in to provide humanitarian relief and emphasized the urgency of clearing unexploded ordnance in civilian areas as schools are set to open. The editorial reiterated the call for long-term peace settlement and rehabilitation, stating that the “civilians along the LoC cannot remain perpetual hostages to hostility,” and deserve a safe and dignified life.
References
Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Move to ease troop buildup along border,” Dawn, 13 May 2025
Tariq Naqash, “Ceasefire violation by Indian troops kills one more in AJK,” Dawn, 13 May 2025
“Conflict with India won’t have large fiscal impact: Aurangzeb,” Dawn, 13 May 2025
“PM declares 'Youm-e-Marka-e-Haq' on May 10 to mark operation victory,” The Express Tribune, 13 May 2025
Syed Irfan Raza, “PM Shehbaz announces Battle of Truth Day, package for victims,” Dawn, 13 May 2025
Iftikhar A. Khan, “Talks only way for durable regional stability: NA,” Dawn, 13 May 2025
“Road to resolution”, The News International, 13 May 2025
“Hostages to hostility”, Dawn, 13 May 2015
In Brief
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Pakistan Super League (PSL) to resume amid tensions with India
On 13 May, Dawn reported on the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to resume the matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in Rawalpindi. The report stated that the tournament was postponed due to the conflict with India. It also stated that the PSL has been moved to Dubai following an Indian drone crash near the stadium. The foreign players who left Pakistan are being contacted by the franchises, as their return is crucial for the league. Dawn reported that since the PSL dates overlap with Bangladesh’s upcoming tour of Pakistan, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will make a statement after “careful consideration of the current situation in Pakistan.” The report also mentioned the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to resume IPL from 17 May after clearance from Indian authorities. Additionally, the PCB is awaiting confirmation from the franchise by 14 May before announcing the official schedule (“PSL resumption hinges on foreign players' return”, Dawn, 13 May 2025)
JUDICIARY
Delay in sharing Justice Malik’s dissenting order due to new SC rules
On 13 May, Dawn reported that Justice Ayesha A. Malik’s dissenting opinion on the reserved seats case was delayed, despite being ready by 8 May. The report stated that it was “uploaded” by 9 May despite repeated instructions to the IT department.” As per the report, this delay was followed by new Supreme Court rules requiring that “any dissenting notes or additional opinion will not be uploaded to the official website... unless approved by the senior judge presiding the particular bench.” These changes reportedly aim to “reduce the public perception of internal division among the judges.” The report suggested that previously the dissenting opinions were issued “in the midst of proceedings,” leading to confusion. The critics have, however, alleged that the new rules “compromise judicial independence,” and Justice Malik reportedly raised concerns over a “breach of administrative neutrality.” On 6 May, Justices Malik and Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi had rejected review petitions by the PML-N, Election Commission of Pakistan, and PPP, stating they would “provide separate reasoning.” According to Dawn their dissent has reduced the bench from 13 to 11 judges. (“New SC rules delayed uploading of dissenting order”, Dawn, 13 May 2025)
PML-N challenges SC verdict granting reserved seats to PTI
On 13 May, Dawn reported that an 11-judge constitutional bench resumed hearing petitions reviewing the Supreme Court’s (SC) 12 July, 2024, majority short order granting reserved seats to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) reportedly argued that “the verdict did not in any way come within the jurisdiction vested in the Supreme Court or the Constitution.” Dawn reported that the SC’s majority ignored procedural formalities, invoking Article 187 without precedents, which is “against the settled jurisprudence of the apex court.” The case was an appeal under Article 185(3) against a PHC order, not a public interest petition under Article 184(3), making Article 187’s use inappropriate. The report further stated that the PML-N was “not given an opportunity or a right to be heard on the point that reserved seats cannot be granted to the PTI.” It also informed that the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC)’s petition in the reserved seats case was rejected by the PHC, and its members were excluded from assemblies. Dawn stated that the decision interferes with the “time-bound and scheduled” election process, creating rights for PTI not adjudicated by the PHC. Earlier, the PHC had dismissed SIC’s claim, but the SC’s order set aside the PHC order, creating new rights for PTI. The article states that the PML-N seeks a review, arguing that “the findings recorded in the detailed reasoning by the majority judges were incorrect and liable to be reviewed.”(Nasir Iqbal “PML-N questions SC jurisdiction in reserved seats case,” Dawn, 13 May)
ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY, AND WATER
On the water crisis in Pakistan:
“The water situation seems to be growing progressively worse with each passing year,” says an editorial in Dawn
On 13 May, an editorial in Dawn titled “Water crisis” revealed that large parts of Karachi have been facing severe water shortage, reportedly caused by the rupture of a “two-meter-wide supply line running through Karachi University” leading to severe flooding across the campus. The editorial also highlighted the menace of “tanker mafias” in the city, who charge residents exorbitant amounts amidst the crisis, while the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) fails to deliver on their promise of resumed supply. The editorial criticized the city’s authorities, the KWSC, and the Sindh government and their mismanagement of limited resources and infrastructure. The editorial also noted the protests staged by civilians, which are reported to have been taken up in the Sindh Assembly. (“Water crisis”, Dawn, 13 May 2025)
EXTERNAL
On China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan’s trilateral meeting:
“Both Pakistan and China want to carry forward their engagement with the Afghan government,” says an editorial in Dawn
On 13 May, Dawn in an editorial titled “Regional engagement” discussed the trilateral dialogue among the Pakistani and Chinese special envoys for Afghanistan, held on 11 May in Kabul. It stated that “such meet-ups are important for regional integration and security” and reflected the need for regional cooperation and conflict resolution. The editorial clarified that the envoys meeting with Afghan Taliban’s interior, foreign, and commerce ministries, despite not recognizing the Taliban regime, was “simply because there is no other legitimate entity to talk to in Afghanistan.” The editorial stated that the meeting was concerning issues of security and trade, and an indication of Pakistan’s and China’s intent to engage with the Afghan government in the future. The Afghan Taliban regime also views the engagement as a “break out of their diplomatic engagement”, claimed Dawn. The editorial further observed that Taliban “must take verifiable action against malign actors sheltering on their soil and threatening the region” to ensure Afghanistan’s integration into the Central Asia/South Asia region and to advance economic revival by curbing militant activity. (“Regional engagement”, Dawn, 13 May 2025)