Photo : PID
NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : PID
In Focus
PM Sharif's visit to Turkiye:
Expresses gratitude to President Erdogan for supporting Pakistan against India
On 25 May, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Turkiye as part of a four-nation tour to strengthen strategic partnerships. During the meeting, he thanked President Erdogan for Ankara’s constant support during Pakistan’s recent tensions with India. Both leaders reaffirmed support for ‘core concerns’, including the Kashmir issue, and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza along with unhindered humanitarian aid.
They conducted a comprehensive review of their bilateral ties and also discussed the implementation of decisions from the 7th High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council held in February. Both sides reiterated their goal of achieving USD five billion in annual bilateral trade. Shehbaz advocated increased collaboration in renewable energy, IT, defence production, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Accompanied by Field Marshal Asim Munir, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, and other senior officials who participated in delegation-level talks focused on investment and regional stability. Following Turkiye, Shehbaz will visit Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan, where he is expected to engage in broad-ranging discussions on issues including bilateral relations and matters of regional and international importance, said the official statement from Pakistan. Syed Irfan Raza, “PM Shehbaz in Turkiye to ‘elevate strategic partnership’,” Dawn, 26 May 2025)
On China
“China’s growing role in the region – as a mediator, investor and stabilizer – has added new momentum to regional diplomacy,” states an editorial in The News International
On 26 May, an editorial in The News International titled “Connect the region,” discussed the recent trilateral meeting in Beijing with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, China’s Wang Yi, and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. The meeting came at a critical moment given the regional tensions and rising militancy. This was the second major diplomatic engagement after Dar’s visit to Kabul in April. It aimed to build trust, improve connectivity, and revive hopes for regional stability. The Pakistan-Afghanistan relations have been strained over the presence of TTP sanctuaries in Afghanistan and Taliban’s refusal to act decisively on this. The cross-border attacks carried out by the TTP has been a main point of contention with Kabul repeatedly urging action.
China’s involvement in this backdrop offers a new diplomatic momentum. As a key partner to both countries, it is well-placed to enhance confidence building. Its push for regional connectivity through BRI and a potential extension of the CPEC into Afghanistan presents mutual benefits. It called on the Taliban stating China and Pakistan have a firm stance against terrorism, and continued tolerance by Taliban for militant sanctuaries will only lead to further alienation. If Afghanistan seeks development and legitimacy, it must prove a genuine commitment. It praised China for providing the platform, which reflects a hopeful sign. (“Connect the region,” The News International, 26 May 2025)
"Islamabad should be courting everything as part of a deepening relationship with a diplomatically ambitious Beijing," says an opinion in Dawn
On 26 May, an opinion in Dawn titled "China’s soft power" highlighted the need for Pakistan to make the most of China's diplomatic efforts. The opinion claimed that despite US intervention in de-escalating the India-Pakistan hostilities, "China remains the regional diplomatic powerhouse," contrasting the diplomatic approaches between the United States and China. It stated that, unlike the US, China's investment and military support threatens no "political interference or civil society engagement," making its "explicit transnationalism" more welcome to Pakistan. Besides highlighting the merits of Chinese diplomacy, the editorial recommended that Pakistan should strive "to benefit from a wider relationship, beyond security and counterterrorism," in key areas like green transitions and technology. ("China’s soft power," Dawn, 26 May 2025)
“J-10 fighter jets outclassed some of the most advanced European and Russian warplanes,” claims Chinese foreign policy analyst
On 26 May, The News International reported that following the recent military skirmish between Pakistan and India, China asserted the alliance with Pakistan to be “unshakeable” and called them an “iron-clad friend.”. The report also mentions one of China’s foreign policy analyst- Victor Zhikai Gao’s remarks, who stated that the conflict highlighted the strength of military ties between China and Pakistan. He stated that the Pakistan Air Force used weapons mainly made or co-produced by China. The performance of the J-10C fighter jets, made by the Chinese, was claimed to have outperformed advanced European and Russian warplanes. He stated that the partnership is no longer limited and is now a fully operational alliance, which aims to maintain balance and peace in South Asia, and he reasserted that China will not tolerate violations of Pakistan’s borders..(Hanif Khalid, “China will never allow any country to violate Pakistan’s borders or sovereignty: Chinese scholar,” The News International, 26 May 2025)
In Brief
ECONOMY
IMF to continue its Fund mission with Pakistan
On 26 May, Dawn reported on the preliminary agreement reached between the International Monetary Fund(IMF) and Pakistani authorities regarding the comprehensive financial framework that will guide the negotiations on the budget for the fiscal year 2025-26. Finance ministry officials suggested that future discussions would finalize important fiscal elements such as revenue collection targets, development expenditures, the defense budget, and tariff reform plans for the industry. The discussions also focused on certain pending issues, such as tax concessions for salaried individuals, increasing the defense budget, and policies related to the real estate sector, expenditure reduction, and privatizing state- owned enterprises. The Federal Board of Revenue stated that there is a substantial shortfall in the current fiscal year and that they will discuss and set realistic targets for the FBR while also considering inflation and GDP growth. Reforms in the energy sector were also discussed, aimed at reducing the cost of the power sector and improving financial sustainability. (Mubarak Zeb Khan “Pakistan, IMF agree on budget blueprint,” Dawn, 25 May 2025)
Pakistan’s budget delay reflects tensions over IMF demands and domestic priorities
On 26 May, in an editorial in Dawn titled Budget delay reported that the government has delayed the announcement of the budget for the next fiscal year by a little over a week to June 10, presumably it is because of the lingering differences with the IMF over certain expenditure proposals the lender thinks could undermine progress on its $7bn funding programme. The government considers the contested expenditures to be critical in providing relief to the middle class, as it is burdened with heavy taxes and increased cost of living and strengthening Pakistan’s military defences against India. Planning Minister Ashan Iqbal on Saturday said that Pakistan will raise its defence budget for the fiscal year 2025-26. After multiple rounds of discussion on the budget proposals for the coming year, the IMF mission has left the country, and it has agreed to continue talks virtually over the next week on tax measures and expenditures. There were different opinions on higher allocations for defence following India’s unprovoked aggression, and on certain tax relief measures for the salaried class. Earlier, the disagreement on fiscal measures before finding a middle ground between both sides. (“Budget delay,” Dawn,26 May 2025)
SOCIETY
On Polio: “To truly end polio, the authorities must ensure detailed, community-level planning,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 26 May, Dawn in an editorial titled “Last mile” reported that the number of polio cases in Pakistan has reached ten, making the country’s goal of eradication by the end of the year extremely difficult. Although campaigns, approvals for vaccines and teamwork have advanced, some high-risk areas still experience new outbreaks. The drive against polio across Pakistan, running from 26 May to 1 June, will reveal the commitment of health officials and the government, says the editorial.
Every province has declared vaccination goals, with Punjab aiming for 23 million vaccinated children, Sindh for 10.6 million, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) for 7.3 million and Balochistan for 2.6 million. The plan involves supplying Vitamin A products to help boost people’s immune systems. Lakki Marwat and Bannu in KP have reported issues related to insecurity, lack of correct information and limited access to today’s world. The success of the campaign will depend heavily upon “community support, engagement of teachers, religious leaders, and civil society,” observed the editorial. (“Last mile,” Dawn, 26 May 2025)
“The exploitation that these workers face is a shame to any civilized society,” criticizes opinion in The News International
On 26 May, The News International, in an opinion titled “Pakistan's exploited workers” explored the exploitation of neglected labourers in Chandini chowk. The opinion highlighted the efforts of Naeem Sadiq, an engineer turned social activist, in protecting labour rights. Naeem has always highlighted the problems faced by Pakistan’s unpaid workers, from articles, letters to ongoing involvement with the public, he makes it widely known about the unpleasant situations and low wagers suffered by cleaners, janitors, coal miners, delivery boys, security guards, railway porters and sweepers. Mr. Naeem speaks against the lack of concern for the invisible people who work in our cities and asks for reforms that make things fairer for them. Since labour rights are often ignored in the country, Naeem’s efforts stand out as a crucial force for making improvements. (“Pakistan's exploited workers,” The News International, 26 May 2025)
SECURITY
Refugees returning from Pakistan exacerbate Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis
On 26 May, Dawn reported on the IFRC warning that Pakistan's Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP) has caused a mass influx of refugees back to Afghanistan, worsening the country's humanitarian crisis. The 2021 Taliban takeover of Afghanistan led to an increase in the resettlement quotas of Afghan refugees in Pakistan and several diplomatic missions to "facilitate the evacuation and relocation of Afghan nationals affiliated with their foreign missions in Afghanistan" have been taken up by Pakistan since. However Afghanistan's borders and urban settlements are "ill-equipped for such large movements" of refugees from Pakistan and Iran "The influx of returnees, amidst persistent drought, pre-existing internal displacements, and deteriorating economic conditions, is placing immense pressure on already overstretched services," said Dawn. ("110,000 refugees in Pakistan have high-risk profiles: UNHCR," Dawn, 26 May 2025)
Khuzdar APS bus attack death toll rises to ten
On 26 May, Dawn reported that the death toll of the Khuzdar school bus suicide-bombing had risen to 10, following the passing of another student under treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Quetta. Eight students from the Army Public School, Khuzdar and two adults have now lost their lives in the 21 May attack. ("Khuzdar APS bus attack death toll rises to 10," Dawn, 26 May 2025)
Mir-Ali drone strike protesters to march to Islamabad
On 26 May, Dawn reported on the ongoing protests in North Waziristan’s Mir Ali district against suspected drone strikes in the district, allegedly killing four children. The protesters have threatened to march to Islamabad if demands are not fulfilled today. The protesters' demands included “a judicial inquiry into the Mir Ali incident and punishment of the culprits; justice, protection, and state assistance to the families of the victims; and a complete end to drone attacks." The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) had stated that the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was responsible for the drone strike on 19 May. The ISPR has raised unfounded allegations of India's involvement in the attack. (Mir Ali protesters threaten to march on capital today," Dawn, 26 May 2025)
Energy Environment & Water
"Pakistan's upcoming budget will be climate focused" claims an editorial in The News International
On 26 May, an editorial in The News International “Climate budget” revealed that Pakistan’s upcoming budget will be climate focused as it ranks fifth in most climate vulnerable countries. For the first time, 30% of public development projects will receive a Climate Public Investment Management Assessment (CPIMA) which will add climate factors to national economic planning. At the Pre-Budget Dialogue held by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute, the plan to increase the tax was presented to protect the country from common environmental threats including glacier melting, more frequent floods and increased air pollution that now plague Pakistan all year. Assessing planning, budgeting and risk management by CPIMA may make more global climate funding available to countries. Since the government is required to use 65% of its money for debt repayment and spending on development projects is unchanged, experts say the new agency could become another government obstacle. Rather, it must steer sustainable growth in the right direction. The task is to manage both the environment and the need for development at the same time. Not including climate resilience in policies might make risks worse for Pakistan and empty green initiatives might stop important steps forward. (“Climate budget,” The News International, 26 May)
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