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NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
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In Focus
National Economic Council approves PKR 4.22 trillion national development plan
On 5 June, Dawn reported that the National Economic Council (NEC) has approved a PKR 4.22 trillion national development plan for the upcoming financial year 2025-26, targeting 4.2 per cent GDP growth from the present 2.7 per cent. The approved plan comprises PKR one trillion public sector development programme (PSDP), and PKR 2.869 trillion from the provincial annual development plans (ADPs). This comes despite the International Monetary Fund (IMF) bringing down public sector development programme (PSDP) allocations by 29 per cent. It was noted that the development plan is fuelled by the 22 per cent increase in allocations for the provinces. Punjab leads the plan with PKR 1.204 trillion, more than the federal government. “This is the first time a federating unit has exceeded the federal allocation, showing enhanced financial muscle of the provinces.” stated Dawn. Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan’s development plans have also significantly gone up. This concerns the IMF as it wants the provinces to increase their savings in order to support the government in terms of debt repayment and fiscal discipline. The government ensured PKR 50 billion for parliamentarians scheme of the coalition partners and additional funds for the PML-N’s Road projects, despite limited funds. While regions such as Pakistan occupied Kashmir and sectors such as energy and water get less funding. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Provinces take the lead on Rs4.2tr in uplift spending,” Dawn, 5 June 2025)
IHC issues deadline for government to respond to petitions filed against PECA amendments
On 4 June, Islamabad High Court (IHC) declared the second week of July as the final deadline for the federal government to respond to the identical petition on the controversial amendments of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The petition was filed by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, media organizations, and anchor persons, who argued that the amendments to PECA amplified the scope of criminalizing journalism and inhibiting the press's freedom. Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas cautioned that “the hearing will proceed even if responses were not filed.” A final notice to submit the responses to PECA has been issued to the Ministry of Law and Justice, the Ministry of Information Technology, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.
Imran Shafiq, the counsel for the petitioners, revealed that responses were submitted by the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Information, but with partial responses. Mr. Shafiq condemned the government's use of the Holy Quran verses “that suggest caution before sharing information publicly” to legitimise the FIRs against journalists. He also accused the government's jurisdictional objections of being “delaying tactics.” Advocate Riasat Ali Azad further requested the court to prevent the registration of FIRs and the arrest of journalists. He also urged the court to impose a PKR 50,000 fine on the agencies that do not comply with the court orders. Adan Haider stated that the journalists “are fighting a war on social media just like the army defends the country in a war.” (“IHC to move ahead in Peca case, with or without govt reply,” Dawn, 5 June 2025)
PM Sharif begins his “two-day visit” to Saudi Arabia; to discuss bilateral trade and investments
On 5 June, PM Sharif would begin his “two-day visit” to Saudi Arabia. As per The Express Tribune, PM Sharif would thank the leaders of Saudi Arabia for playing a crucial part in diffusing tensions between India and Pakistan. As per the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PM Sharif would be meeting Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman for a discussion. The two sides are expected to deliberate upon bilateral “trade and investment” and furthering the “welfare of Muslim Ummah.” Previously, PM Sharif visited four countries- Iran, Turkiye, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan, following the military confrontation with India. (PM to embark on official visit to Saudi Arabia today,” The Express Tribune, 5 June 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Muhammad Zubair to quit PML-N, join PTI says The Nation
On 5 June, The Nation hinted that Muhammad Zubair who is erstwhile governor of Sindh and former spokesman of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif would soon be joining PTI. This came after Zubair expressed his unhappiness over the federal government increasing taxes in the budget. As per The Nation, PTI members have already held the discussion about Zubair joining PTI. Further, as per the sources of The Nation, Imran Khan has also given his assent to Zubair’s induction in PTI.
(“Muhammad Zubair likely to join PTI after parting ways with PML-N: Sources,” The Nation, 5 June 2025)
Massive jump in PML-N’s vote share in Sialkot by-elections
On 4 June, Dawn reported on the provincial by-election results of Sialkot, PP-52. PML-N’s Hina Arshad Warraich had clinched victory in the elections securing more than 70,000 votes. PTI-supported candidate Fakhir Nishat Ghumman bagged 40,037 votes. As per Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN), the overall turnout in the by-elections went down to 45 per cent as compared to 50 per cent during general elections held in 2024. PML-N increased its vote share by 18 per cent, whereas PTI’s vote share dwindled by six per cent in comparison to their vote share in general elections.
(“PML-N wins big in PP-52 amid low turnout: Fafen,” Dawn, 4 June 2025; “PML-N's Hina Arshad Warraich wins PP-52 Sialkot by-polls,” The Express Tribune, 2 June 2025)
SOCIETY
On challenges to Child Marriage Restraint Act
“Progress always meets resistance” argued The Nation
On 5 June, an editorial titled “A Firm Stance” on The Nation stated that the passing of the law to ban marriage of children under 18 was a landmark development in Pakistan. The editorial highlights how it aligns the country with international human rights standards and addresses growing consensus on protecting minors with focus on young girls. The editorial highlights the objection from hardcore religious groups to the reform. The editorial pointed out that the Council of Islamic Ideology, a state-mandated advisory body, stated that the law contradicts Islamic principles. The law was challenged in the Federal Shariat Court, claiming it violated both the Constitution and Islamic beliefs. The editorial highlights government’s challenge to uphold child protection in spite of the pressure from the conservative quarters. The editorial suggests that the government must take steps like appointing lawyers to defend the law legally and handle religious and political groups' efforts to use the issue for their leverage, argued The Nation. (“A Firm Stance”, The Nation, 5 June 2025)
On expanding influence of Tankers mafia in Karachi
“The mafia is no longer just a water issue” argued The Nation
On 5 June, an editorial titled “Tankers Sinking Karachi” on The Nation stated that tanker mafia in Karachi captivated the water supply in the city, they utilized this situation and made profits through monopolizing the water industry and sold them for high price through private tankers. The editorial highlights how the mafia impeded infrastructure of the city through haphazard drilling of wells that impacts groundwater level. The editorial mentions the recent incident in which traffic police personnel was kidnapped which reflects the network's growing strength to challenge state authority. The editorial highlights how the activities of tanker mafia have long-term impact on the environment and seismic activities. The editorial contends that government efforts like heavy vehicle inspection in Sindh and Karachi are not adequate. Further, it argues that progress would be evident only through the dismantling of the tanker mafia. (“Tankers Sinking Karachi”, The Nation, 5 June 2025)
SECURITY
Two residents shot dead in Kalat, Balochistan
On 4 June, Dawn reported that the bodies of two residents of the Pringabad area of Mastung district were found in the Ganda Gain area of the Sheikhri Union Council in Kalat. The victims suffered multiple gun wounds, which have been determined as the cause of death. The motive of the murders is yet to be ascertained. ("Two found shot dead in Kalat," Dawn 4 June 2025)
On Pakistan's prison security concerns
"Broken legal and criminal justice system results in overcrowded and poorly managed jails," criticized an editorial in Dawn.
On 5 June, an editorial in Dawn titled "Karachi jailbreak," highlighted the need for improved jail security and preparedness in light of the jailbreak at the Malir district prison in Karachi on 3 June. Over 200 inmates reportedly escaped after an emergency shift to the jail courtyard due to minor tremors and seismic activity. The editorial quoted the Chief Minister of Sindh and stated that the event was a reflection of a "complete breakdown in communication and preparedness." The editorial highlighted that Pakistan continues to follow colonial frameworks of prison administration and the event revealed the need "to speed up jail reforms countrywide." It identified overcrowding and mismanagement as the major causes of the crisis and highlighted the jail reform efforts by Pakistan's Chief Justice. The efforts must "examine all proposals designed to ensure prisoners’ welfare and rehabilitation, as well as address loopholes in the security of prisons," and "ensure that the federal and provincial governments implement them without delay," stated the editorial. ("Karachi jailbreak," Dawn, 5 June 2025)
EXTERNAL
PM Sharif hopes for a new phase in Pak-US ties
On 4 June, PM Sharif has acclaimed US President Donald Trump as a “man for peace” for playing the key role in bringing about a ceasefire after the recent Pakistan-India conflict. Addressing the audience at the US Embassy for the 249th US Independence Day, PM Sharif emphasized a new phase in Pakistan-US relations will focus on trade, investment and diplomacy. He gave credit to Trump’s focus on talks and economic measures, instead of military action, for preventing a further escalation.
President Trump stated that the ceasefire is a diplomatic victory due to the strong economic measures the Trump Administration took. Pointing out the significance of peace and de-escalation, he advised both the countries to trade rather than fight. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari urged Washington to facilitate a wider dialogue between India and Pakistan.
Dar emphasized that Pakistan remains ready for talks but not in desperation, outlining that the talks should focus on terrorism and disputes over water in accordance with the Indus Treaty. He criticized India's new approach of unilateral attacks and pointed out it as a political showdown before elections. While in the United States and at the UN, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari dismissed India’s position as a formidable security force in the Indo-Pacific.
At the same time, Pakistan engaged in serious diplomacy by sending delegates to visit global bodies, like the United Nations and countries like the U.S, Russia and those from the Middle East. The aim of the campaign was to present Pakistan’s side of the story, counter Indian narratives and build support for talks that could lead to solutions, mainly on Kashmir and the Indus Water Treaty.
(“ Shehbaz heaps praise on Trump, calls him 'man for peace',” The News International, 5 June 2025; “Trump asks Rubio to further Pak-India diplomacy,” Dawn, 5 June 2025; “Pakistan wants Trump to arrange talks with India,” Dawn, 5 June 2025; “Trump claims ceasefire credit ahead of Pakistani delegations visit,” Dawn, 5 June 2025; “Bilawal-led delegation reaches washington after wrapping up NY visit,” Dawn, 5 June 2025)
Pakistan looks to revive Pakistan Steel Mills with assistance from Russia
On 4 June Dawn reported that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed Russia's interest in reviving relations with Pakistan in "economic development, regional connectivity and counter-terrorism" during his meeting with Tariq Fatemi, the Prime Minister's special assistant and the head of the Pakistan delegation to Moscow. The revival of collaborative projects including the Pakistan Steel Mills and other Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) initiatives was also hinted at. The delegation presented Pakistan's perspective on the recent India-Pakistan tensions and its concerns over the Indus Water Treaty, highlighting "Pakistan’s commitment to peace and diplomacy." They also underscored Pakistan's "commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Russia, particularly in sectors such as energy, trade and infrastructure," and Mr Fatemi conveyed a letter from Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to Russian President Vladimir Putin. ("Russia, Pakistan discuss closer ties, regional stability," Dawn, 4 June 2025)
ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & WATER
On Plastic Pollution
“Pakistan, and most of the rest of the world, has not even begun to fully account for how serious this particular aspect of plastic pollution is and the damage it is doing” argued The News International
On 5 June, an editorial in The News International titled “Drowning in Plastic” highlighted the urgent need to address the growing challenges of plastic pollution, in the light of this year’s World Environment Day theme is “Beat Plastic Pollution”. The editorial emphasized that though global warming and its consequences are given more importance, but it is also important to look at equally increasing plastic pollution. According to the UN, about 400 million tonnes of single-use plastic products are produced every year in the world, out of which only 10 per cent is recycled. The rest ends up in water bodies, causing harm to marine ecosystems and also affecting humans through food supplies which are contaminated by microplastic. The common disposal method of burning plastic releases toxic pollutants into the air. The editorial noted that while the rich countries still dominate the list of top plastic producers and waste generators, plastic production and waste generation in the global south is also seeing a rapid increase. The editorial mentioned Pakistan’s plastic production and waste, which is about four million tonnes, and more than half of this waste remains uncollected or mismanaged. The urban and rural issues are also mentioned, such as blocked drains, flooding and contaminated crops, etc. Most parts of the country are facing an air pollution problem that reduces life expectancy by four years in Pakistan. The editorial warned that Pakistan and the world should take the plastic pollution seriously and suggested that the world needs to prioritise reducing single-use plastics, shift towards mostly recycling plastics and come up with sustainable alternatives to plastic. It also called for improving the plastic collection and disposal process. Since the global south is becoming more prone to plastic pollution, mainly due to rich countries disposing of the waste in regions where environmental regulations are less stringent, the editorial suggested that this needs to change and the global community needs to strengthen the rules.(“Drowning in plastic,” The News International, 5 June 2025)
On Water security
“Dams would only worsen the impact of climate change by reducing flows into the rivers” argued Dawn
On 5 June, an editorial in Dawn titled “Water Security” stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the provinces to increase Pakistan’s water storage capacity. As per the editorial, this came in response to India’s announcement of holding the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in abeyance. The decision is intended to prevent any controversies in the future, particularly among the federating units, who had previously clashed over these projects. The editorial also mentioned PM Sharif directing the authorities to speed up the construction of the Diamer-Basha hydropower project. The experts doubt whether new dams can effectively counter the threats posed to Pakistan’s water security or the shortages caused by climate change. The editorial warned that any illegal attempt by India to restrict water flows would be challenged by the dispute resolution methods provided under the Indus Water Treaty. The experts argue that the construction of new dams would be ineffective due to the increasing dry and snowless days, which is making it difficult to fill the existing reservoirs, and that the dams might worsen the impact by reducing the river flows. The editorial also questioned the expensive hydropower projects, especially when the country is facing a severe crunch and also when the solar and wind resources are available abundantly in Pakistan at a really low cost. The Planning Commission also warned the declining crop outputs, that is both industrial and food, are mainly due to poor policy decisions and climate impact. The editorial stated that Pakistan needs flowing rivers available regularly to keep the aquifers recharged, and should focus on sustainable and affordable water harvesting for economic growth and food security. The editorial suggested prioritising other socio-economic infrastructure and avoiding spending on large dams or hydropower projects.(“Water security,” Dawn,5 June 2025)
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