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NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
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In Focus
Havoc in Swat: Death toll due to flash floods rises to 10
What happened?
On 27 June, due to two days of massive rains in Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the water level in the Swat River abnormally surged, which led to flash floods. The flash floods resulted in the death of 10 people. As per The Express Tribune, the surge in the water levels of the Swat River swept 19 tourists. Out of the 19, three were saved by the concerned authorities. The dead bodies of 10 individuals were later retrieved. Many others continue to “remain missing.” As per the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the flood levels could be categorized as “very high.” According to the PDMA officials, many civilians remain stuck. According to a communique from the Chief Secretary of Peshawar Shehab Ali Shah, close to 75 people were stuck at various places, out of which the concerned authorities managed to rescue 58. Seeing the alarming situation, the district administration has enforced an emergency and instructed people not to go close to the Swat River. The National Emergencies Operation Centre has informed of further intense rains in various places in KP. Also, NEOC has predicted heavy monsoon rains in various places in Punjab and Sindh in the next two days.
What did the PM and the President say?
President Zardari and Prime Minister Sharif conveyed their sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives. PM Sharif has also instructed the relevant authorities to speed up the “search and rescue operation” to find the people who continue to remain missing. Further, he ordered the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Swat administration, and rescue departments to beef up “safety measures” beside rivers. He praised the work done by NDMA in saving the lives of people who were trapped because of the floods in Swat. On floods in Swat, President Zardari said, “we equally share the grief of the affected families during this difficult time.”
What is the response from the print media?
On 28 June, an editorial in The Express Tribune, titled “Drenched and defenceless,” highlighted the havoc in Swat due to the heavy downpour. As per the editorial, the wreckage caused in Swat could not be only blamed only on the heavy rains. The editorial pointed out the lack of preparedness to deal with the monsoon season. As per the editorial, Swat suffered due the lack of proper “early warning systems” and a well-built drainage system. The editorial pointed out that for dealing with unexpected crises like such, the administration should have emphasized upon “long-term planning” to enhance capability for withstanding natural calamities. The editorial suggested that for dealing with climate calamities, it must feature in “natural priorities.”
On 28 June, an editorial in The Nation titled “Deadly Neglect,” highlighted the lack of preemptive measures and readiness of the concerned authorities to withstand the natural disasters. As per the editorial, the fact that the rescue teams were not able to assist the people who were trapped due to the floods promptly highlights “government incompetence.” The editorial also highlighted that though the government has consistently expressed its resolve in enhancing its capacity to deal with natural calamities, it has failed to implement necessary measures.
References:
“19 swept away as Swat River surges dangerously after heavy rains,” The Express Tribune, 28 June 2025
“President, PM express grief over Swat flash flood tragedy,” The Nation, 28 June 2025
“Drenched and defenceless,” The Express Tribune, 28 June 2025
“Deadly Neglect,” The Nation, 28 June 2025
Constitutional Bench rules against PTI in the reserved seats case
On 28 June, The Express Tribune reported that the constitutional bench of the Supreme Court had overturned an order that had granted PTI the status of a “parliamentary party” through which it would have been able to get its share of reserved seats in the National Assembly.
Background to the Reserved Seats case
Previously, in January 2024, the Supreme Court had ruled that the intra-party PTI elections were not carried out fairly. Taking the hint from the ruling, Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had disallowed PTI members from contesting under their election symbol. This resulted in PTI members running as independent candidates in the 2024 general elections. 80 independent candidates who belonged to the PTI managed to secure victory in the elections. For receiving their share of reserved seats, PTI-supported independents joined the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC). Nevertheless, the ECP refused to allot the SIC it’s share of reserved seats, after which the latter filed a plea against the ECP in the Supreme Court. On 12 July 2024, the Supreme Court reaffirmed PTI’s “parliamentary party” status. The governing coalition then challenged this decision, which has resulted in the current ruling of the Supreme Court’s constitutional bench.
Consequences of the latest SC ruling in National Assembly
As a result of the latest ruling, close to 80 reserved seats in national and provincial assemblies would be allocated to every parliamentary party, barring SIC. The governing coalition would now exceed the “two-thirds majority” in the parliament. In the National Assembly, it would now have 233 seats out of a total of 336 seats. PML-N would receive 15 reserved seats. Seven seats would go to PPP, whereas JUI-F would be allocated three reserved seats.
Consequence of the latest SC ruling in Provincial Assemblies
In KP, 10 reserved seats would go to JUI-F, whereas PML-N and PPP would be allocated seven seats each. ANP will get one reserved seat. In Punjab, 23 seats would go to PML-N, two seats to PPP, and one to Istehkam Pakistan Party. PML-Q would also get one reserved seat in Punjab. In Sindh, PPP would be allocated two reserved seats, whereas PML-N would receive one.
Response from the PTI
On 27 June, PTI termed the latest Supreme Court ruling as “unjust and based on misinterpretation of the constitution.” As per PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, PTI deserved to get its share of reserved seats. The PTI Chairman stated that the party would protest against the decision “inside and outside of the parliament.” He also acknowledged that the party has exhausted all the legal options after the latest ruling.
References
Hasnaat Malik, “PTI loses court battle for reserved seats,” The Express Tribune, 28 June 2025
Ansar Abbasi, “PTI has lost ‘bat’, not party status: ECP,” The News International, 17 June 2024
Muhammad Anis, “Ruling allies to have 233 seats in NA,” The News International, 28 June 2025
“PTI calls SC ruling in reserved seats case 'unjust, misinterpretation of Constitution,'” The News International, 27 June 2025
Federal government increases natural gas prices by 10 per cent for industrial users
On 27 June, The Express Tribune reported that the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet approved a new natural gas pricing framework, including an average 10 percent tariff increase for bulk, industrial, and power sector users, in alignment with the structural standards established by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). For households, the ECC decided to maintain prevailing gas prices to protect domestic consumers from “additional burden” while permitting an “upward revision of fixed charges in the domestic sector to recover asset costs.”
Under the new framework, following the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) Ordinance, within 40 days of a decision by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), the government will notify revised consumer natural gas prices. The objective of implementing this pricing mechanism is to achieve “cost recovery, regulatory compliance, and fulfilling IMF commitments, including rationalising captive power tariffs and replacing cross-subsidies with targeted support for low-income consumers.” (“Govt raises gas prices by 10% for commercial users,” The Express Tribune, 27 June 2025)
SOCIETY
UN removes references to Pakistan in report on children and armed conflict
On 28 June, The Express Tribune reported that the United Nations Secretary-General decided to remove references to Pakistan in the annual report on Children and Armed Conflict. The Government of Pakistan termed this development a recognition of Islamabad’s efforts to protect child rights. Pakistan’s Foreign Office called this step a “significant outcome” and a demonstration of its effective engagement with the United Nations, particularly the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (SRSG-CAAC). Published on 17 June, the report acknowledged that an agreement had been formalised in June 2025 between Pakistan and the United Nations on a child protection roadmap. While observing improvements, the UN Secretary-General “expressed concern over reports of grave violations, including attacks on schools, especially girls’ schools, health workers, and incidents along the Afghan border.” However, he said that the country would not be listed in the next annual report in lieu of Pakistan’s cooperation and preventive measures adopted under the agreement. (“Pakistan welcomes UN decision to remove references in child conflict report,” The Express Tribune, 28 June 2025)
EXTERNAL
General Shamshad Mira meets Australian leadership, discusses expansion of bilateral military cooperation
On 28 June, The Nation reported that General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) of Pakistan, paid a visit to Australia to participate in the 14th session of Annual Defence and Security Talks. The Defence and Security Talks were conducted with an aim of “strengthening mutual understanding” and identifying opportunities for “further expanding defence collaboration” between the militaries of both countries. General Mirza met with the civil and military leadership of Australia including Admiral David Johnston, Chief of Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, Chief of Australian Army, Mr Andrew Shearer, Director General Office of National Intelligence (ONI), and Ms Gemma Huggins, Ambassador Counter Terrorism at Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. A wide range of issues was discussed, including the evolving global and regional security environment, security threats, and the potential to strengthen existing bilateral military exchanges. General Mirza also delivered a lecture at the Australian Defence College (ADC) and visited the Australian naval ship HMAS Adelaide. (“CJCSC Gen Shamshad holds meetings with Australian leadership,” The Nation, 28 June 2025)
ON INDIA
Court of Arbitration in the Hague rules on the Indus Waters Treaty, declares India cannot bypass arbitration
On 28 June 2025, The News International reported that the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that despite New Delhi’s declaration in April 2025 to hold the Indus Waters Treaty “in abeyance,” it retains full jurisdiction in the case brought by Pakistan under the jurisdiction of the treaty. In a unanimous and binding Supplemental Award, the Court dismissed India’s attempt to bypass the proceedings, stating that a party is not allowed to “unilaterally affect the Court’s competence after the dispute has already been initiated.” The ruling reaffirmed the Court’s earlier 2023 judgement on jurisdiction, ensuring arbitration over India’s Run-of-River (RoR) hydroelectric projects on the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers is continued. Further, the ruling also clarified that the competence of the Neutral Expert (appointed in a separate parallel process by India) is similarly unaffected by Delhi’s recent stance. The tribunal stressed that India’s decision does not pause the arbitration. (Israr Khan, “India can’t stall arbitration on water: The Hague court,” The News International, 28 June 2025)
COAS Asim Munir accuses India of being the region's top state sponsor of terrorism
On 27 June, The News International reported that Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, has accused India of being the foremost state sponsor of terrorism in the region, calling upon neighbouring states to be cautious of “proxy operations.” Field Marshal Munir emphasised that Pakistan wants to establish friendly ties with Afghanistan, “a brotherly Islamic country,” but expects Afghanistan not to provide space to India’s alleged terror proxies such as Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij. He claimed that India is the largest sponsor of terrorism in the region, stating that Pakistan would never accept Indian dominance. Field Marshal Munir said that the military remains completely prepared to meet the requirements of modern warfare. He declared Pakistan’s strong response during “Ma’rakah-e-Haq” as a “decisive reply to India’s unwarranted aggression.” Last month, Pakistan and India engaged in a four-day conflict in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. New Delhi concluded that Pakistani terrorists orchestrated this attack, an allegation that Islamabad denies. Field Marshal Munir also urged the officers to “embrace the identity of Pakistaniyat over individual or regional affiliations.” (Zarmeen Zehra, “India region's top state sponsor of terrorism: COAS Munir,” The News International, 27 June 2025)
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