Photo : Associated Press of Pakistan
NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Associated Press of Pakistan
In Focus
Pakistan continues its rhetoric against India; celebrates the “day of gratitude” and cautions India against disrupting the Indus Waters
On 16 May, people of Pakistan paid their respects to the military for allegedly defeating India in the recent military confrontation The day is being celebrated as “Youm-e Tashakur” or “day of gratitude.” This comes after the military of Pakistan claimed the “success of Operation Banyan Marsoos” against India. President Zardari and PM Sharif have sent out “special messages” to the people of Pakistan, claiming that the “success of Operation Banyan Marsoos.” President Zardari said “this victory is not only of our valiant military but of the entire nation that stood untied like a solid wall.”
Islamabad’s demand for “composite dialogue” with India
On 15 May, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told the Senate that Islamabad is seeking a “composite dialogue” with India to address the issues of concern. The ceasefire which came into force on 10 May between India and Pakistan has now been extended until 18 May.
Islamabad’s appeal to the IAEA to investigate “nuclear blackmarket” in India
On the same day, Islamabad appealed to the International Atomic Energy Agency to carry out an enquiry in the alleged “nuclear black market” of India. As per the Foreign Office, there have been cases of radioactive materials being stolen in India. Islamabad has also dismissed the demands put forward by the Defence Minister of India for having a “nuclear watchdog” to keep a close eye on Pakistan’s “nuclear programme.”
Claims by the Prime Minister on India’s “False Hegemony”
On the same day, PM Sharif claimed that the military might of Pakistan has exposed India’s “false hegemony.” As per PM Sharif, other countries have understood that India and Pakistan have same military capability. Also, he yet again has appealed to New Delhi for having a discussion on existing disputes between the two countries, especially the dispute over Jammu and Kashmir. According to him, “permanent peace” cannot be established unless the two countries resolve their disputes. Further, he claimed that Pakistan Air Force was able to shoot down six fighter aircrafts of India.
On “Internationalizing Kashmir”
On 16 May, an editorial in The News International titled “Internationalising Kashmir” claimed that the dispute over Jammu and Kashmir has yet again returned to the limelight. As per the editorial, repealing of Article 370 by the government of India meant that the people of Jammu and Kashmir no longer remained relevant in deciding their own “political future.” The editorial claims that the repealing of Article 370 had resulted in people from other parts of India to settle in Jammu and Kashmir that went against the whims and wishes of the local population. The editorial claims that the terrorist attack has exposed New Delhi’s narrative of “normalcy” returning in Jammu and Kashmir. The editorial demands that the international community must now set aside its economic interests with India and highlight the plight borne by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
On the Indus Water Treaty: Disruption to be seen as “act of war”
On the same day, Foreign Minister of India S. Jaishankar confirmed that India would not adhere to Indus Water Treaty until and unless Pakistan puts an end to “cross-border terrorism” against India. FM Dar cautioned that any disruption caused by India in the flow of water to Pakistan would be seen as “act of war.” On 16 May, an editorial in The Express Tribune titled “IWT is inviolable” argued that New Delhi cannot walk out of the Indus Water Treaty. The editorial claims that that the stance taken by Pakistan over the Indus Water Treaty has received “endorsement” from the President of the World Bank Ajay Banga. The editorial demands that New Delhi should leave behind its strategy of “coercion, intimidation, meddling and provocation.” Instead, the editorial argues that New Delhi must work towards establishing long lasting peace in the region.
References
Iftikhar A Khan, “Pakistan calls for ‘composite dialogue’ with India,” Dawn, 16 May 2025
Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Pakistan seeks IAEA probe into nuclear material theft in India,” Dawn, 16 May 2025
Syed Irfan Raza, “India’s false pride stands shattered, says PM,” Dawn, 16 May 2025
“Nation observes Youm-e-Tashakur to celebrate victory in Operation Bunyan Marsoos,” The Express Tribune, 16 May 2025
“IWT is inviolable,” The Express Tribune, 16 May 2025
“Internationalising Kashmir,” The News International, 16 May 2025
In Brief
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
PTI leadership denies reports of undisclosed arrangements; calls for dispute resolution through dialogue
On 16 May, according to a report in The News International Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has staunchly denied reports alleging the party’s founder, Imran Khan of entering into “any behind-the-scenes-arrangements” with any quarters. He has also reiterated the “need for dialogue to address political matters”, and reaffirmed that the party seeks ‘reconciliation through political means rather than confrontation,” reported The News International. (“PTI rejects reports Imran has entered into any deal,” The News International, 16 May 2025)
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa administration faces PKR 40 billion embezzlement allegations amidst grievances of fund shortages, reported Dawn
On 16 May, a Dawn report stated that opposition members in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Provincial Assembly raised concerns over alleged financial irregularities in the provincial government’s account G-10113, uncovered by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) investigation. According to the report, PKR 36 billion meant to be retained in the provincial government account for “schemes of four departments including communication and works, local government, irrigation and public health engineering departments” has been withdrawn.
(“Opposition questions Gandapur’s silence over financial scam,” “KP received Rs 42 billion less than its share in divisible pool: CM aide,” Dawn, 16 May 2025)
CM Maryam Nawaz highlights efforts in aiding farmers, Dawn reports
On 16 May, an article in Dawn reported Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz declaration on 15 May that efforts to divide the farmers and the government have failed and that “The farmers did not pay heed to the baseless propaganda and cultivated wheat on my appeal,” the report quoted her. She also mentioned several new plans including loans through Kissan Card, new subsidy plans, SMS helplines and establishment of rental agriculture machinery centres. (“Farmers ignored propaganda against Punjab govt, says CM,” Dawn, 16 May 2025)
ECONOMY
PSX hits record high in the backdrop of budget optimism and IMF new tranche
On 16 May, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) surged to an all-time high, touching the 120,000 mark. The KSE-100 index went up by 1.20 per cent, marking its highest closing level since inception. This, according to the report, was driven by strong investor confidence, given the optimism surrounding the upcoming federal budget. Investors also responded favourably to increase in the State Bank of Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves following the new IMF tranche. Barron’s, a leading American weekly, told global investors, “Pakistan isn’t that risky anymore,” reports Dawn. (Muhammad Kashif, “PSX scales all-time high near 120,000 barrier,” Dawn, 16 May 2025)
NEPRA urges action on industries’ power supply concerns
On 16 May, The Express Tribune reported that The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) directed the Power Division to address industrial concerns over unreliable power supply. Industries are considering reverting to costly captive power plants due to frequent grid disruptions. The issue arose during the public hearing on Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guarantee’s (CPPA-G) petition regarding power purchase price (PPP) projections for 2025–26. Nepra questioned the Ministry of Energy’s optimistic demand forecasts given recent declines. Ministry officials stated that demand would rise with GDP growth. Nepra Chairman Waseem Mukhtar urged the Power Division to seriously consider industry complaints, particularly about service quality from distribution companies (DISCOs) and future power pricing. (“NEPRA flags power woes for industry,” The Express Tribune, 16 May 2025)
On Pakistan’s need for tax reform:
“Failure to reform the corrupt and inefficient tax system has already taken a huge toll on ordinary people and led to large cuts in spending” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 16 May, an editorial in Dawn titled “Budgeting austerity,” stated IMF’s continued insistence on a tight fiscal policy during its initial talks with Pakistan over the upcoming budget. It stated that Pakistan is currently meeting budgetary and structural benchmarks. However, a proposed hike in revenue target for next year, despite tax shortfall, highlights the urgent need to broaden the tax base. This includes bringing retail, real estate, agriculture, and other untaxed sectors into the net. Political will and coordinated federal provincial efforts are crucial. Recent moves, such as withdrawing from the wheat market and slashing energy subsidies for influential industries, show the government’s willingness to make tough calls. The previous approach of squeezing salaried individuals and fully documented corporations for tax collection is no longer sustainable. Continued failure to reform the corrupt and inefficient tax system has already placed a heavy strain on ordinary citizens and forced significant reductions in infrastructure development spending which is crucial for a sustainable economic growth and stability. (“Budgeting austerity,” Dawn, 16 May 2025)
SECURITY
IED attack resurfaces again in Waziristan, reports Dawn
On 16 May, Dawn reported on an IED blast on 15 May near a mosque in Waziristan. The report mentioned the sources from the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazal (JUI-F), stating that the intended targets were local leaders, including Maulana Noorullah, Maulana Amanullah, and Maulana Ishaq. The report brought attention to a similar IED explosion in the same area that had previously targeted Maulana Shahzada Wazir, resulting in the tragic death of a woman and injuries to six others. (“Bomb goes off near S. Waziristan mosque,” Dawn, 16 May, 2025)
Anti-Terrorist Operations launched in Lakki Marwat, reports Dawn
On 16 May, Dawn reported on the joint operation by the police and the counter terrorism department (CTD) commandos in the Lakki Marwat area on 15 May. The report stated that the operation targeted terrorist hideouts in the forest area in the Kurrum River and other areas. The operation destroyed many hideouts and the mission aims to drive them out and remove them eventually. The report mentioned the retaliating attacks by the terrorists such as the blowing up of a policeman’s house on 14 May, the attack did not have any casualties. (“Operation launched against terrorists in Lakki Marwat,” Dawn, 16 May 2025)
EXTERNAL
UK- Pakistan joint measures to counter serious crimes reports The Express Tribune
On 16 May, The Express Tribune reported on the UK and Pakistan’s agreement to strengthen their cooperation under the UK-Pakistan Serious Crime and Law Enforcement Programme (UPSCALE). The report stated that during a high-level meeting in Islamabad, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi led the discussions, which included Pakistani officials from the Ministry of Interior and FIA, as well as UK and UPSCALE officials. The meeting primarily focused on illegal migration, online child harassment, and other serious crimes. The report highlighted Minister Naqvi’s priority on illegal migration, mentioning that “coordinated efforts” must be undertaken. He acknowledged the UK’s support and stated, “Mutual cooperation is essential to combat illegal immigration. We value British assistance in this regard.” The meeting also provided updates on progress made thus far, including Pakistan establishing its first sex offender registry and the effective outputs resulting from mutual legal assistance between the two countries. The operational status of the UPSCALE delivery unit was also highlighted.(“Pak, UK to counter illegal immigration,” The Express Tribune, 16 May 2025)
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