Photo : Dawn
NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Dawn
In Focus
Pakistan labels militants based in Balochistan as “Fitna-al-Hindustan” to highlight India’s alleged support to the groups
On 31 May, the federal government announced that all militant organizations based in Balochistan would be labelled as “Fitna-al-Hindustan.” As per the Ministry of Interior, militant groups are engaging in violent attacks on the directions from India. The Ministry sees the same as damaging to “Islamic faith” and “sovereignty” of the country.
On the same day, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Asim Munir attended a “grand jirga” in Quetta. The objective of the gathering was to have a discussion with the tribal elders of Balochistan regarding the alleged support from India to the militants in the province. The COAS claimed to possess “concrete evidence” that would substantiate India’s role in aiding the “terrorist networks” in the province. He asserted that peace in the province is “non-negotiable” and that the future of the country is connected with stability in Balochistan. PM Sharif also attended the “grand jirga” in Quetta. In his address, he warned that “terrorists in Balochistan must not be tolerated by the public, government or armed forces.” He called for steps to bring the militants on the right path, claiming they were “misled.” He claimed that “economic and social injustices” would not take place in the province under his party’s reign. He also informed the province would get PKR 250 billion as “development funds.”
The previous attacks in Balochistan
The militant attacks in Balochistan have led to Pakistan being ranked at the second position in the Global Terror Index. On 30 May, militants in Surab killed the Additional Deputy Commissioner in Balochistan. In addition to that, a bank was also robbed and several houses of government officers were assaulted. As per the Balochistan government, India backed the militants who were responsible for the attack. Previously, in April, Khuzdar in Balochistan witnessed a devastating bomb blast in a school bus that resulted in killing of three students and wounding 40 others. On 11 March, militants from the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army had carried out a hijack of a train named Jaffar Express in Balochistan. After the hijack, the security forces launched a “clearance operation” and neutralized all the 33 militants. The attack also resulted in the killing of 21 civilians and four Frontier Corps.
References:
“COAS Munir vows to ‘crush Indian-sponsored terrorists’ with support of Baloch tribal elders,” Dawn, 1 June 2025
“Terrorist groups in Balochistan designated as Fitna al-Hindustan,” The Nation, 1 June 2025
“At Balochistan grand jirga, PM stresses need to win back ‘misled’ people,” Dawn, 31 May 2025
Abdullah Zehri, “District official killed by terrorists in Balochistan’s Surab: govt spokesperson,” Dawn, 30 May 2025
Amin Ahmed, “Pakistan rises to second in Global Terrorism Index,” Dawn, 6 March 2025
Abdullah Zehri and Tahir Khan, “Jaffar Express operation complete, 33 terrorists killed: DG ISPR,” Dawn, 12 March 2025
In Brief
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Bilawal Bhutto-led delegation to appeal Pakistan's claims at the United Nations
On 2 June, Dawn reported that Pakistan's eight-member, 'high-powered' delegation led by Pakistan People's Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is set to meet the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, the president of the UN General Assembly, and ambassadors of all five permanent members of the Security Council, to "to present its perspective on the recent spike in tensions with India, and counter New Delhi’s growing lobbying presence." The delegation includes Senators Sherry Rehman and Faisal Subzwari, former foreign ministers Hina Rabbani Khar and Khurram Dastgir Khan, Federal Minister Dr Musadik Malik, and former foreign secretaries Tehmina Janjua and Jalil Abbas Jilani. The delegation will also address a joint session of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) envoys.
As part of the dual-track strategy of official and informal engagements, on 3 June, the delegation will meet with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials to convey their concerns on alleged "escalatory moves" from India. The delegation was announced on 17 May in an official statement which stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif "made a telephone call to the PPP chairman, asking him to plead Pakistan’s case and expose the Indian propaganda at the international level," reported Dawn on 18 May. ("High-powered delegation in US to argue Pakistan’s case," Dawn, 2 June 2025; "Bilawal to lead team to Europe, US to counter Indian propaganda," Dawn, 18 May)
Allegations on the free solar system project denied by KP government
On 2 June, The Nation reported on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government strongly denying the allegations against them regarding the irregularities and financial corruption in the distribution of solar systems for free to 130,000 low- and middle-class families. The government asserted in an official statement that the selection of the beneficiary families was through a transparent online e-balloting system. The report mentioned that the project was launched after the approval of the technical committee, which comprised representatives from the Finance, Energy, and Planning and Development departments. It also elaborated that the procurement follows a legal procedure under Section 22 of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (KPPRA) Act, which issues permits as per the availability of funds. The government dismissed the claims of mis-procurement as unrelated. The statement also emphasized that the initiative involves collaboration between China and Pakistan. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Bank of Khyber and PEDO to ensure the timely completion of the project. The government also highlighted that the negative rumors surrounding the project were not only unfounded but were stated to be misleading and aimed at distracting the public from the truth.( “KP govt denies allegation of irregularities in free solar system project,” The Nation, 02 June 2025)
ECONOMY
Government declares ‘War on Cash’, pushes for digital payments, additional taxes announced on cash sales.
On 2 June, Dawn reported that in the 2025-26 Budget as part of the government’s “war on cash” move, all petrol stations nationwide will be required to accept digital payments. Petrol bought with cash may cost PKR 2–3 more per litre. Through this, the government aims to incentivize digital transactions. Likewise, it aims to apply dual-tax structures across other sectors. Importers and manufacturers will pay 18 per cent GST on digital payments, while cash payment will involve another 2 per cent. To ensure small businesses can comply, low-cost options like QR codes would be prioritized over POS systems. All businesses, large or small, will have tax penalties for cash payments. This comes as part of the broader fiscal reforms driven by the Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. Tax burden is promised to be shifted from salaried class to undocumented sectors. The government is also aiming at digital tracking of petroleum products to curb smuggling and tax evasion. “We must declare war on cash if we aspire to join the G20 (a group of major economies),” stated the Finance Minister.
(Khaleeq Kiani, “Budget 2025-26: Dual pricing on the cards as govt ratchets up war on cash,” Dawn, 2 June 2025)
On Budget 2025
“The nation’s fiscal authorities have a formidable challenge ahead of them as they try to balance the IMF’s programme goals with the government’s growing desire to deepen the feel-good factor through some fiscal extravagance,” argued an editorial in Dawn
On 2 June, an editorial in Dawn titled “The cost of relief,” discussed the growing pressures faced by the Government as the 2025 budget approaches. Tax relief to the salaried class remained a core topic. The editorial discussed that this push is also motivated by the aim to capitalise on recent national optimism following the country’s recent tensions with India. The approach, however, faces resistance from the IMF. With budget talks remaining inconclusive especially regarding the proposed tax cuts and increased defense spending. The postponement of the budget to 10 June followed as a final agreement between the parties was not reached. Virtual discussions are in place but no resolution has been finalised. The IMF is demanding solid revenue alternatives. The IMF's stance remains reinforced given the PKR 1 trillion shortfall in tax collections in the first 11 months of this fiscal year. This comes despite record tax hikes and delayed tax refunds. The government faces a significant challenge, given it has to balance the IMF’s goals with the government’s fiscal desires.
(“The cost of relief,” Dawn, 2 June 2025)
Energy, Environment and Water
On the continual increase in global temperatures:
"Probability of breaching the 1.5C limit will likely rise to 100 per cent in the next two to three years" says an editorial in The News International
On 2 June, an editorial in The News International titled “Life post 1.5C” highlighted that 2023 and 2024 are recorded as the hottest years in terms of unprecedented warming experienced by the world. The chances of rising average global temperatures are 70% high as mentioned by the United Nations between 2025 and 2029, by a 1.5°C limit as per the 2015 Paris Agreement. The threshold can be breached within the next few years, as per experts. One of the significant contributing factors to climate change is human activity, which leads to extreme weather conditions. The Global South is disproportionately affected by it. Pakistan suffers the consequences of that lead to early heatwaves in Karachi and extreme rainstorms in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, whereas Pakistan makes a minimal contribution to global emissions. Necessary infrastructure and warning systems shall be prioritized for updating by Pakistan to cope with it. Preventive measures that can not be taken to reduce climate-related suffering; reactive measures like better buildings and improved distribution systems like food, water, and electricity, followed by urban planning, can result in climate resilience. Pakistan relies solely on international support, which may be risky; on the other hand, it should demand climate reparations. Its survival depends on proactive strategies and resilience, and relies on its adaptability. ( “Life post 1.5C,” The News International, 2 June 2025)
SOCIETY
On elimination of polio:
“Polio Campaign aims to immunise over 45 million children under five years of age,” states an editorial in The News International
On 2 June, an editorial in The News International titled “Polio hour-glass” reported that the polio eradication drive of Pakistan by the end of 2025 seems to be hard to achieve. Even though the current anti-polio program aims to protect more than 45 million children, the rise in cases to 10 and protests against polio drops in Peshawar due to power outages indicate that there are significant problems. Efforts to eradicate polio are made more difficult when health workers and their police escorts are attacked and killed. The virus is still common and can be seen in 50 of 89 districts. It is still active in Sindh, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. As a result of misinformation, mistrust, lack of confidence and political influence, hog-tie the aim of achieving complete immunization in Pakistan. (“Polio hour-glass,” The News International, 2 June 2025)
MEDIA
On opposition to PECA:
“HRCP’s recent call for the repeal of the Peca (Amendment) Act of 2025 should serve as a stark warning for a government increasingly reliant on coercive legislation to stifle legitimate dissent” states an editorial in Dawn.
On 2 June, an editorial in Dawn titled “Muzzling criticism” reported that the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) urged lawmakers to repeal the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act 2025 because it could be used to stifle freedom of speech. When it was set up, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act dealt with cybercrime, but now it is used to crack down on critics, journalists and even normal citizens under the offense of “false information.” More-restrictive laws and the rise of harsh penalties, together with the creation of an opaque cybercrime law, highlight a move toward authoritarianism. Intense repression occurs particularly in the regions of Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan. The HRCP report states that silencing the criticisms under the reason of disinformation is harmful to the health of democracy. For accountability to be restored, a united civil society at the national level is of paramount importance. (“Muzzling criticism,” Dawn, 2 June 2025)
SECURITY
Punjab police neutralizes four terrorists
On 2 June, Dawn reported on the killing of four “militants” by Punjab police near the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border. Dera Ghazi Khan, Regional Police Officer, District Police Officer Syed Ali, and retired Captain Sajjad Hassan Khan are the ones who supervised the operation. The operation was conducted by the Punjab police. The police spokesperson mentioned receiving information regarding the movement of the militant. In the area of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border, Kot Mubarak in the Punjab border. The fear and panic among civilians were created at various locations that were spread by militants. The operation was launched by the police team, which led to the killing of four militants, and other accomplices managed to escape.
The terrorists were heavily armed with weapons. The identification of dead militants has not been done yet. The weapons were seized by police from the deceased terrorists. The opportunity still continues for any remaining militants. (“Punjab police kill four 'militants' near KP border,” Dawn, 2 June 2025)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan and Afghanistan to finalise framework agreement on UAP Railway Line project
On 2 June, The News International reported that Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Afghan counterpart Amir Khan Muttaqi have agreed to an early finalization of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Line Project framework agreement over a telephone conversation on 1 June. The UAP Railway Line Project is aimed at enhancing regional connectivity by connecting Central Asia with the ports of Gwadar and Karachi through Afghanistan and linking Tashkent to Peshawar via Kabul. Muttaqi stated that the decision is "a very positive development in bilateral relations." The implementation of decisions taken during Minister Dar's visit to Kabul on 19 April was also reviewed during the conversation and the two leaders "vowed to continue working together to establish mutual trust between the two brotherly nations." ("Dar contacts Afghan counterpart: Pakistan, Afghanistan to finalise UAP railway project framework agreement," The News International, 2 June)
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- An opinion in Dawn, 'Powering the future' |