Photo : AFP
NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : AFP
In Focus
Pakistan’s PM in Iran: Meets PM and Ayatollah
On 26 May, PM Sharif embarked on a “two-day visit” to Iran. He held a meeting with President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian. Islamabad and Tehran have reiterated their resolve to establish “permanent peace” in the region. Both Iran and Pakistan highlighted how establishing cordial ties among bordering countries is a crucial part in the “foreign policy” of both the countries. President Pezeshkian and PM Sharif have also expressed their commitment to enhance “bilateral trade and investment.” PM Sharif in Tehran claimed that Pakistan achieved victory in its brief confrontation with India. Further, he claimed that Pakistan remains committed towards solving the dispute over Jammu and Kashmir as per the “UN Security Council resolutions.” He also expressed willingness to have discussions with India over other contentious issues such as “water, trade and counter-terrorism.”
PM Sharif also met the Supreme leader of Iran Ayatollah Khamenei. He informed Khamenei about the brief confrontation with India and claimed that India had hegemonic ambitions. He expressed gratitude to Iran for backing Pakistan against India. On Iran’s nuclear issue, he is positive that Iran would be able to secure a “constructive deal” with the US.He also expressed support to Tehran for having its own “civilian nuclear programme.”
(Syed Irfan Raza, “Pakistan, Iran pledge to work for regional peace,” Dawn, 27 May 2025)
Asian Development Bank offers support Pakistan for devising “climate policy framework”
On 26 May, a team headed by the director of Asian Development Bank (ADB) held a discussion with Minister for Climate Change and Environment Coordination Musadik Malik in Islamabad. ADB has agreed upon helping Pakistan to devise “strategy and climate policy framework” whose objective would be to increase “environment resilience and climate adaptability” of Pakistan. The two sides also delved into the “climate resilience and environment sustainability agenda” initiated by the government. They also looked into possible venues where ADB can formulate a “joint venture” with Pakistan in areas like “climate financing and investments” Malik particularly emphasized upon the “implementation” part post devising of plans. ADB and the federal government also decided to look for ways to incentivize “environmental performance and emission reductions.”
(Bakhtawar Mian, “ADB to help govt with climate policy,” Dawn, 27 May 2025)
In Brief
SECURITY
Three BLA militants killed during Counter-Terrorism operations
On 27 May, Dawn reported on the intelligence-based operation conducted by the Counter-Terrorism Department of Balochistan Police in the Tang Krier area in Barkhan on 26 May. The operation was coordinated with other security agencies after intelligence reports of the militant movement were received. During the operation, armed men began firing at the security personnel, resulting in a gun battle. The report stated that three militants, allegedly part of the banned Baloch Liberation Army, were killed. The CTD mentioned that some suspects escaped into the mountains, and officials claimed that operations to trace them are ongoing. A huge stockpile of arms and explosives, including submachine guns, pistols, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), was recovered. (“Three ‘BLA militants’ killed in Barkhan, says CTD,” Dawn, 27 May 2025)
ECONOMY
Pakistan to increase defence budget amidst new partnership with World Bank
On 27 May, The News International reported on Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb's statement on 26 May that the upcoming budget would increase defence allocations. Still, the salaries of defence personnel might not see an increase. The minister spoke at the 'Impact Financing' event jointly organized by Karandaaz Pakistan, Pakistan Banking Association, UK Aid, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He also announced that Pakistan is set to receive USD 20 billion from the World Bank under the new Country Partnership Strategy (CPS), and the International Finance Corporation would pool funds for the private sector. Additionally, he updated the virtual discussions to finalise the IMF loan are underway. ("Defence budget to go up, but no decision on salaries yet: Aurangzeb, The News International, 27 May 2025)
On the budget
"This year’s budget is not merely an accounting exercise but a statement of intent," says an opinion in The News International
On 27 May, The News International, in an opinion titled "Pakistan's high-stakes budget" stated that the upcoming budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 should prove to be "the first act of sustained reform," and that the momentum of the brief economic stability must be maintained. The opinion highlighted that structural impediments often undermine the positive growth in various areas including growing foreign reserves, slowing inflation, "improved agricultural supply chains, currency stability and tight monetary policy." The need for legislation and effective implementation, particularly in taxing the "politically powerful landed elites" instead of disproportionately burdening the working class is highlighted. The opinion underscores that "no Pakistani budget can claim credibility without tackling the energy sector’s chronic inefficiencies." The opinion observes that the anticipated increase in defence spending might choke funding in sectors of health, education and social protection. The opinion further states that " Pakistan must align its Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) with climate goals, integrating disaster preparedness, efficient water pricing and resilient infrastructure into fiscal planning." It identifies four critical indicators to measure the efficiency of the budget, implementation of the newly legislated income tax, enforcement of full-cost electricity tariffs, balancing between social investment and security spending, and the budget's alignment with the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) particularly in incorporating climate-related goals. The opinion also highlighted the various policy demands posed by the IMF that will need to be addressed by the upcoming budget. ("Pakistan's high-stakes budget," The News International, 27 May 2025)
SOCIETY
Polio workers get abducted during immunization campaign in KP
On 27 May, Dawn reported that two onsite polio workers were kidnapped by armed attackers in the Tank district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the five-day campaign of polio eradication. During the vaccination drive, about 7.3 million children under the age of five will receive polio drops. Pakistan and Afghanistan are launching simultaneous programs to eradicate polio. 50 out of 89 districts in Pakistan have reported polio viruses in environmental samples , the health minister of Pakistan is urging the public to take necessary actions to exterminate polio. The ministry is encouraging the public to partake in community engagement and to banish misinformation against polio immunization to ensure a secure and healthy future for the upcoming generation of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
(Irfan Mughal,”two polio workers abducted in Tank as nationwide polio drive begins,”Dawn, 27 May.)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
PPP organises anti-corruption protest outside Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
On 27 May, Dawn reported on the Pakistan People’s Party(PPP) protest that took place on 26 May outside the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly building, against what they claimed was massive corruption and administrative failures under thePakistan Tehreek -e-Insaf (PTI) government. The protest is part of the “Save the Province” campaign, and it included protestors from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A group of women led by the President of the party’s provincial women’s wing, Senator Rubina Khalid, also participated in the rally. PPP’s Central Secretary General Muhammad Humayun Khan, along with other senior leaders, addressed the rally. The PTI government was accused by Humayun Khan of embezzling trillions of rupees. He also emphasized the irregularities in the procurement of wheat, solar schemes, and education projects. He stated that the PPP would not remain silent and would raise their voice against the “exploitative system.” The police used tear gas and batons to control the protestors. In retaliation, PPP workers set fire to an unoccupied PTI protest camp near the high court in Peshawar. Humayun Khan condemned the police brutality and accused the PTI of hypocrisy, as they organized protests but suppressed those organized by the opposition. They vowed to continue until the PTI government is held accountable and democratic rights are upheld. (Ali Hazrat Bacha, “PPP marchers tear-gassed amid clashes outside KP Assembly,” Dawn, 27 May)
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- An opinion in Dawn, 'Banu Mushtaq’s polyglot India.’ |