NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : X/PTV news
In Focus
PM Sharif backs Iran, calls out Israel for “unprovoked and unjustified aggression”
On 14 June, PM Sharif spoke to the President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian. With the ongoing military confrontation between Iran and Israel, PM Sharif affirmed support to Tehran and termed Israel’s actions as “unprovoked and unjustified aggression.” He denounced the assaults on Iran, highlighting how the Israeli assaults went against “UN charter and international law.” PM Sharif also expressed sympathy to those who lost their lives in Iran due to the Israeli attacks. Further, he also denounced Isarel’s actions in Gaza and demanded that all the countries and UN must step forward to restrict Israel from continuing its “aggressive behaviour and illegal actions.” Iran’s President expressed gratitude to PM Sharif for backing Iran, especially in the UN Security Council.
On 15 June, Balochistan government instructed to shut down all the entry points from Iran in Turbat, Panjgur and Gwadar for an unspecified time. This was preceded by Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar informing that around 450 Pakistani worshippers were brought back from Iran on 15 June. Further, he informed that worshippers who had gone to Iraq would also be brought back.
On the same day, Pakistan dismissed the media speculations of it providing Iran with “non-nuclear ballistic missiles.” The security officials of Pakistan called it as “misinformation” orchestrated from India. Further, they strongly dismissed efforts to involve Pakistan in “manufactured controversies.”
On 15 June, an editorial in Dawn titled “Deepening conflict,” denounced US President Trump for not being able to stop Israel from attacking Iran. The editorial criticizes the US President for backing Israel which has been receiving monetary and military assistance from the US. The editorial highlights how even some of the strongest supporters of US President Trump have called out Israel and criticized US backing for Tel Aviv. As per the editorial, US President urging Iran to restart negotiations on the nuclear deal is “laughable,” considering the present scenario where US backed Israel is launching military assaults against Iran.
References:
“Pakistan stands with Iran against Israeli aggression: PM,” The Nation, 15 June 2025
“Pakistan dismisses reports of missile supply to Iran as 'baseless propaganda,'” The Nation, 15 June 2025
“Iran border crossings in Balochistan closed ‘indefinitely’: district administration,” Dawn, 15 June 2025
“Deepening conflict,” Dawn, 15 June 2025
Government announces hike in petrol prices by PKR 4.8 per litre
On 16 June, the Nation reported that the federal government has raised the price of petrol by PKR 4.80 per litre and high-speed diesel by PKR 9.5 percent per litre, effective immediately for the next fortnight. The increase pushed up prices of petrol to PKR 258.43 per litre and diesel to PKR 262.59 per litre. This is the second fuel price hike in June, 2025 after oil prices were raised by PKR one on 01 June. This comes amidst changes in the trends in the world markets and exchange rates. Given what PM Sharif said earlier regarding his plans to convert the global oil price relief to social good by developing it further, these soaring fuel prices are set to create inflation, and higher transport costs among consumers.(“Government increases petrol prices for next fortnight,” The Nation, 16 June 2025)
Punjab government commits to maximize revenues from existing assets
On 16 June,The Express Tribune reported that the finance minister of Punjab, Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, will present the 2025-26 budget of the province in the Punjab Assembly, after cabinet approval. The budget is claimed to be people friendly, and in line with the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s push for development. Reportedly, there will not be any new taxes in the budget instead the budget wouldl concentrate more upon increasing the recouping of collected taxes and maximizing provincial resources by using provincial assets. The major priorities include maintaining the projects that have been successful in terms of education, health and social security along with offering technical and financial support to small as well as medium sized enterprises (SMEs). (“Punjab unveils budget today,”The Express Tribune, 16 June 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Police arrest PTI members during demonstrations in Karachi
On 16 June, Dawn reported that police arrested a number of PTI leaders who were involved in demonstrations in Karachi. The PTI members demanded freeing of party supremo Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi. The list of detained PTI includes Jansher Junejo who is the president of PTI Karachi’s youth wing. The president of PTI Sindh, Haleem Adil Sheikh alleged that a “civilian dictatorship” has been enforced in Sindh, claiming that PTI’s peaceful demonstration had resulted in detention of leaders. Junejo asserted that PTI members would not rest unless Khan is released from prison. He claimed that Khan has sacrificed a lot for country and has continued to be an “inspiration for his generation.” He claimed that the government passed the 26th constitutional amendment to undermine the courts and made amendments in Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to take away people’s right to “free speech.” (Imran Ayub, “Many PTI leaders picked up after rally for Imran’s release in Karachi,” Dawn, 16 June 2025)
ECONOMY
Balochistan: Finance Minister set to reveal PKR one trillion provincial budget for financial year 2025-26
On 16 June, Dawn reported that Balochistan Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani will announce the surplus provincial budget of more than PKR one trillion in the fiscal year 2025-26. The province is looking forward to getting PKR 743 billion federal revenues through the National Finance Commission Award and another PKR 70 billion of federal finance. It is estimated that Balochistan’s own revenue would exceed PKR 150 billion. It is estimated that non-developmental spending will exceed PKR 700 billion and over PKR 240 billion out of the provincial funds are to be spent on development. Important areas such as education (more than PKR 160 billion), law and order (more than PKR 100 billion), and health (approximately PKR 80 billion) will be recipients of huge funds. The recent demands on better pay and benefits are also anticipated to result in wage rises because the salaries of the government employees would be raised in line with the federal declarations.(“Balochistan to present PKR 1 trillion surplus budget tomorrow,” Dawn, 16 June 2025)
PM Sharif urges for a swift completion of Pakistan Electric Vehicles Policy 2025
On 16 June, the Nation reported that PM Sharif has urged for a swift completion and cabinet approval of the Pakistan Electric Vehicles (EV) Policy 2025. In a high-level meeting that he chaired, he emphasized the need to advocate the use of electric motorcycles, scooters, three-wheelers, cars, and buses across the country. PM Sharif highlighted the significance of developing essential charging infrastructure such as charging stations and battery swapping to facilitate the growing EV ecosystem.(“PM calls for finalization of Electric Vehicles policy 2025,”The Nation, 16 June 2025)
ENVIRONMENT
On mismanagement of plastic disposal:
“Pakistan's plastic problem has crossed a critical threshold — one that threatens both environmental integrity and public health.” stated an editorial in The Express Tribune
On 16 June, an editorial on The Express Tribune titled “Plastic wasteland” highlighted how the surge in plastic pollution has placed it in the top 10 plastic-polluting countries in the world. The editorial highlighted that the issue has crossed a critical threshold with two million plastics generated annually. Over 86 per cent of the waste is mismanaged. As per WWF-Pakistan reported, about 1.7 million tonnes of waste go to landfills, open dumps, waterways, and sometimes even the food system. The editorial underscored that plastic pollution is not just about waste management but also the failure of policy and a behavioral crisis. The editorial pointed out how people have increased the usage of single-use plastic. The editorial suggested that immediate actions be taken for the plastic mismanagement and that the reforms must go beyond token bans, urging the government to adopt a broader national plastic action plan. ( “Plastic wasteland”, The Express Tribune, 16 June 2025)
SECURITY
PPP woman’s wing leader Samrah Batool murdered in Punjab
On 16 June, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Women Wing’s central leader Samrah Batool was killed in a triple murder in Mandi Town, Bhakkar. Two men were also killed, including a man named Irfan Bhatti. The third victim had yet to be officially identified. Political activists claimed that Batool was a prominent figure in the district’s political landscape. Initial investigations suggested the killings were caused due to a targeted assault, but exact motives remain unknown. Based on CCTV footage and preliminary forensic analysis, police believed that a man first opened fire on Batool and Bhatti before turning the weapon on himself in an apparent double murder-suicide. Legal proceedings have commenced and police state that they are pursuing all possible angles to ascertain facts. District Police Officer (DPO) Shehzad Rafiq Awan emphasised that a comprehensive investigation is underway, assuring that the culprits, if any remain at large, will be apprehended within 24 hours and brought to justice. (Rana Amir, “PPP women wing leader among 3 slain,” The Express Tribune, 16 June 2025)
Militants attack Special Assistant to PM’s residence in Bajaur
On 15 June, The Nation reported that the residence of Minister of State and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Mubarak Zeb Khan, located in Bajaur district, was attacked on 14 June by unknown assailants with rockets. No injuries were reported. Previously, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded on 14 May at the main gate of the same residence. Khan said that the police have launched an investigation to determine the motive behind the attack and apprehend those responsible for it. The PM’s aide alleged that the recent rocket attack also bears the hallmarks of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Additionally, he stated that “the involvement of a banned outfit near the Pak-Afghan border, potentially with the support of some local elements, cannot be ruled out.” PM Sharif strongly condemned the rocket attack, expressing deep concern over the incident. He also directed the relevant authorities to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation, stressing the swift arrest of those involved in the attack. (“Rocket fired at house of state minister in Bajaur,” The Nation, 15 June 2025)
ON INDIA
Bilawal Bhutto criticizes India’s alleged negligence to resolve issues through dialogue
On 15 June, The Nation reported that the PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stressed the need for a comprehensive dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve all issues, including the dispute over Jammu and Kashmir. He addressed a press conference on 14 June in Brussels, where he highlighted that military actions are not solutions to any issue. He stated that Pakistan aspires for permanent peace in the region. He alleged that India wass not ready to make efforts and claimed that in the previous mediation process, India was disinterested in resolving problems. He urged the international community to play a role in mediation. (“India not ready to restart composite dialogue: Bilawal”, The Nation, 15 June 2025)
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