Photo : APP/Dawn
NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : APP/Dawn
In Focus
PM Sharif in Tajikistan:
Expresses resolve in prioritizing CASA-1000 “power project”
On 29 May, PM Sharif embarked on a “two-day visit” to Tajikistan. The Tajikistan government had invited PM Sharif to attend “International High-Level Conference on Glaciers Preservation” which is scheduled to take place in Dushanbe from 29 to 31 May. Attaullah Tarar who is the minister for information and broadcasting and his special assistant Syed Tariq Fatemi also joined PM Sharif in his visit. This is the fourth country after Turkiye, Iran and Azerbaijan, that he is visiting after Pakistan went through a brief military confrontation with India.
Discussion on bilateral ties
On the same day, PM Sharif met President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon. The two leaders delved into the existing state of bilateral ties and their cooperation in fields such as “trade, economy, defence, security and regional connectivity.” Both the leaders decided to look for new fields where they could increase bilateral cooperation, particularly emphasizing upon potential areas of investments, increasing “educational” and cultural ties, development in IT and improving “people to people contacts.” Both PM Sharif and President Rahmon reiterated their resolve in prioritizing the Central Asia-South Asia “power project” (CASA-1000). The two leaders also discussed bilateral defence relations and reaffirmed their commitment to enhance the same. They also stressed upon increasing “cooperation” in thwarting terrorism, “human and drug trafficking” and “cross-border” offences.
Rhetoric against India
PM Sharif informed President Rahmon about the recent military confrontation with India. He claimed that New Delhi’s measures were “irresponsible and unlawful” and a threat to the peace in the region. He reiterated that for establishing peace in the region, the dispute over Jammu and Kashmir must be resolved as per UN “Security council resolutions.” President Rahmon called Pakistan a “staunch friend” and expressed his distress over the events which unfolded in the initial days of May between Pakistan and India. He appreciated PM Sharif for his “remarkable leadership” which he claimed was crucial in maintaining regional “peace and security.”
Previous bilateral engagements
In December 2024, the two countries expressed their resolve towards improving bilateral collaboration especially in “trade, energy, agriculture, education and industry” The two countries inked an MoU which established collaboration between KP and Khatlon province of Tajikistan. Another MoU was inked that aimed upon increasing cooperation between the “football federations” of the two countries. In July 2024, PM Sharif traveled to Dushanbe and met President Rahmon. PM Sharif had briefed President Rahmon about the initializing of Gwadar port and invited Tajikistan to make use of sea ports in Pakistan. PM Sharif also held a meeting with Prime Minister of Tajikistan Kokhir Rasulzoda. He had vowed to strengthen ties with the countries in Central Asia in accordance with Pakistan's “Vision Central Asia policy.”
References
“PM Shehbaz touches down in Tajikistan to cap off four-nation tour,” Dawn, 29 May 2025
“Islamabad, Dushanbe to pursue new avenues for cooperation,” Dawn, 30 May 2025
“PM Shehbaz, Tajik president agree to enhance strategic cooperation,” The News International, 29 May 2025
“Pakistan, Tajikistan reiterate bilateral cooperation in multiple sectors,” Dawn, 11 December 2024
Abdullah Momand, “PM Shehbaz invites Tajikistan to avail Pakistan seaports for transit trade,” Dawn, 3 July 2024)
Imran Khan rejects 'Give-and-Take' deal, Fawad urges productive dialogue for PTI
On 29 May, former PM Imran Khan firmly rejected any ‘give-and-take’ arrangement for his release, stating that he will not seek personal concessions. PTI leader Barrister Ali Zafar spoke after a hearing at Adiala Jail stated that Khan is open to dialogue, but only for the interest of Pakistan and without seeking personal relief.
On the same day, former PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry who met Khan urged him to initiate dialogue both with the government and the establishment. He expressed concern that Khan is not receiving accurate political briefings, as many around him focus on either getting someone appointed or to get someone removed from the party rather than strategy to navigate the situation. He warned that PTI is now isolated against the government, establishment, and opposition all at once, and advised Khan to begin talks with opposition to build a joint political alliance and parallelly approach the government and establishment. He said that refusing to engage with political parties is undemocratic and counterproductive. He argued that this is how he believes political space can be created for the PTI. (Ikram Junaidi, “Imran has ruled out ‘give and take’ deal: Ali Zafar,” Dawn, 30 May 2025)
President Asif Ali Zardari emphasizes the need for political dialogue for democratic stability
On 30 May, The Nation reported on President Asif Zardari highlighting the need for “mutual harmony” and “political dialogue” to ensure the continuity of democracy and stability of institutions. He stated that consultation and cooperation with all segments of society are essential to find a lasting solution to the problems faced by the public. He held this talk at the Governor House in Lahore with a delegation of the People’s Party of South Punjab. The Governor of Punjab, Sardar Saleem Haider, was also present at the meeting. The discussions focused on the long-standing problems faced in South Punjab, and the delegation reiterated the details to the President. President Zardari praised all the political forces for their role in strengthening democratic values in the country. The meeting also featured delegations from Faisalabad, Gujrat, and Hafizabad. The President stated that youth are the capital and that the foundation of a prosperous Pakistan is through “education, training, and participation”. He highlighted that equitable development and national unity are of importance. The meeting also included a delegation of Punjab Assembly members and others who also met him, where they discussed issues related to inter-provincial cooperation, opportunities for the youth, and various others. The President called for a “coordinated strategy” to protect the rights of the workers, empower the youth, and strengthen the cooperation between the federation and the provinces as a guarantee for national security.(“For stability, political dialogue is need of the hour: President Zardari,” The Nation,30 May)
In Brief
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Opposition’s walk out results in postponement of motions in the Balochistan Assembly
On 30 May, Dawn reported on the walkout staged by the opposition members in the Balochistan Assembly against the alleged government’s decision to abolish the Levies Force in the province. The issue was raised during the session by the opposition leader Mir Younas Aziz Zehri. He stated that a former member of the National Assembly (MNA) from the Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) had written to the Prime Minister requesting the abolition of the Levies Force, which led to the chief secretary disbanding the force. He criticized the government for ignoring their letters and resolutions. The National Party’s MPA questioned how a former FATA member could influence decisions. Jamaat-i-Islami’s Maulana Hidyatur Rehman and JUI-F’s Zabid Ali Reki also condemned this interference. The Provincial Minister Abdul Rehman Khetran stated that the Balochistan government makes its own decisions, and he explained that it was the provincial decision to convert the Levies into police. CM Sarfraz Bugti remarked that “opposition often walks out in June.” The opposition walkout led to the postponement of several motions and notices such as the upgradation of the Rural Health Centre, land allotments, and the extension of the stalled road from Sabzal Road to Airport Road. The assembly session has been adjourned till 31 May.(“Opposition walks out of the Balochistan assembly over levies row,”
,Dawn, 30 May )
Pakistan will never compromise on the Kashmir dispute says Chief of Army Staff
On 30 May, The News International reported on Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s statements while interacting during the “Hilal Talks” at the Army Auditorium on 29 May. He stated that Pakistan will never compromise on the Kashmir dispute and that India must understand that Kashmir will remain an international issue and it cannot be suppressed. He added that Pakistan will never accept India’s hegemony and that water is a “red line” where the rights of 240 million Pakistanis would be protected. He emphasized that educators bear the responsibility of nation-building, and they must instill patriotism in future generations. He called the recent standoff between India and Pakistan Marka-e-Haq (battle for truth) and claimed that unity helped Pakistan stand strong. The report also mentioned him claiming that terrorism is India’s internal issue and rejected India’s claims linking Pakistan to terrorism. He also accused India of backing terrorism in Balochistan. (“India must understand: Pakistan will neither forget Kashmir nor abandon it, says COAS,”The News International, 30 May 2025, Mateen Haider, “Water is Pakistan’s red line, says Field Marshal Asim Munir,” The Nation,30 May)
JUDICIARY
Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan to include bar council members as non-official members
On 30 May, Dawn reported that on 29 May, Chief Justice of Pakistan's (CJP) Yahya Afridi's remarks on expanding the pool of Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan's (LJCP) at the 44th meeting of the LJCP. The non-official members can now be appointed from the bar as well and are not limited to the retired judges of superior courts, stating the "legal fraternity’s vital role in law reform." He also made recommendations to revive the commission and highlighted the need for "incremental progress on the commission’s research agenda to ensure tangible progress and practical outcomes."
An advisory committee aimed to identify key legal areas for monthly review, determined through" stakeholder input and public feedback" was also established under the convenorship of the secretary of the Ministry of Law and Justice. Additionally, the CJP also chaired the 19th meeting of the Access to Justice Development Fund (AJDF) and reiterated the need for "timely and effective utilisation of the funds released to respective high courts." ("Lawyers brought into fold as CJP revamps Justice Commission," Dawn, 30 May 2025)
ECONOMY
Pakistan: a new hub for digital innovation, says Special Assistant to the PM on Blockchain and Crypto
On 30 May, Dawn reported that although cryptocurrency is prohibited by law in Pakistan, the government has recently created a government-supported Bitcoin reserve, indicating they are looking towards modern forms of finance. At Bitcoin Vegas 2025, Bilal Bin Saqib, the newly appointed Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Blockchain and Crypto, outlined how Pakistan is planning to join the global arena of crypto by establishing a Digital Assets Authority and creating a National Bitcoin Wallet. According to the Finance Ministry and State Bank, no national regulations permit crypto transactions, yet Saqib views Pakistan as a new hub for digital innovation. By doing this, Pakistan hopes to welcome crypto, draw in partners from around the world and implement blockchain in its governance. At the same time, lawmakers pointed out issues with how legal it is, energy subsidies for mining, threat of money laundering and terror financing. Pakistan has over 40 million crypto users, the country is in tightrope between regulation and digital financial advancement.(“Crypto currency in disarray as SBP, ministry insist ban is still in placet”, Dawn, 30 May 2025, “Govt-backed bitcoin reserve unveiled as NA panel told crypto still illegal in pakistanA”, The news International,30 May 2025)
PAC expresses distress over illegitimate use of funds and unauthorized recruitment
On 30 May, Dawn reported that the Public Accounts Committee(PAC) has expressed concern about the illegal use of funds and the improper, unauthorised recruitment that exists in Pakistan Post. Fake recruitment paperwork and jobs that were sold were among the problems found by the audit officials. In spite of the department being told to improve, no improvements had been carried out. Confused by what the Finance Division said about the budget compared to what the Communications Ministry communicated, the PAC has insisted on answers and called in relevant government officials. The matter has now been sent to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for them to look into it further and decide on legal measures.(“Pakistan post under fire over fund misuse, illegal hiring,Dawn, 30 May 2025)
SECURITY
Four soldiers killed in operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan
On 29 May, Dawn reported on the death of four soldiers and 12 alleged terrorists during operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a statement that seven people claimed to be "Indian-sponsored khawarij (state-designated term for terrorists)" were killed in the North Waziristan district. The death of one alleged “Indian-sponsored khwarji” was reported in the Chitral district and the statement further claimed that five people claimed to be linked to “Indian proxy Fitnah-al-Hindustan” were killed in two separate operations in Balochistan, one of which in the Loralai district. President Asif Ali Zardari issued a statement underscoring his "resolve to eradicate Fitnah-ul-Hindustan." ("Four soldiers martyred, 12 terrorists killed in operations across KP and Balochistan: ISPR," Dawn, 29 May 2025)
EXTERNAL
On Taliban government in Afghanistan: "The Taliban leadership must realize that they are now the state – and ... govern in a manner that allows their people and their neighbors to live in peace," stated an editorial in The News International
On 30 May, The News International, in an editorial titled "Message from Afghanistan" highlighted Afghanistan Taliban's senior commander Saeedullah Saeed's condemnation of militant attacks against Pakistan "under the guise of jihad is illegitimate and a violation of the directives issued by the Taliban leadership" as a "potential turning point" in Afghan-Pakistan relations. The editorial claimed that the declaration following the China-Afghanistan-Pakistan trilateral meeting in Beijing is a "coordinated diplomatic effort to de-escalate tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan." The editorial warns that the words of assurance need to be followed up in actions, citing the failed 'confidence-building measures' of 2022-23 and the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan's (TTP) renewed and persistent offensive against Pakistan despite Afghan Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. The editorial calls for the dismantling of TTP and further criticized the Afghan Taliban leadership's violation of women's right to education and work. "A peaceful, stable region requires not just the absence of war but the presence of justice, equality and opportunity," the editorial reiterated. ("Message from Afghanistan," The News International, 30 May 2025)
WORLDVIEW
On the internal turmoil in Bangladesh: "The trust deficit between different parties may grow wider, adding to the instability that has been rocking Bangladesh," warns an editorial in Dawn
On 30 May, an editorial in Dawn titled "Bangladesh tumult" explored the friction within Bangladesh's leadership, identifying the disagreement over the election dates as the heart of the problem. While Muhammad Yunus, the leader of the interim government stated that the polls will be held between December and July 26, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, and the army intends to conduct the election by December, highlighted the editorial. The editorial recommends that the various political factions should "jointly prepare a roadmap acceptable to all to ensure a free and fair democratic transition," and that a tentative election date would remove the uncertainty and refocus the priorities of the political parties. It further urges the reconsideration of the Awami League's ban, stating that it undermines the democratic nature of the elections and that the decision should be left to the people. ("Bangladesh tumult," Dawn, 30 May 2025)