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NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
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In Focus
Senate approves Criminal Amendment Bill despite opposition
On 19 July, Dawn reported on the Criminal Amendment Bill, which was introduced by the Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, in the Senate. The bill seeks to decrease the punishment for crimes such as “harboring hijackers and publicly stripping a woman of her clothes.” Despite opposition from a number of members of the Senate, the bill was passed in the House. The two crimes under the current law are liable for the death penalty. After the passage of the bill, the crimes would be liable for life imprisonment. Pakistan is under the compulsion from the EU to restrict awarding the death penalty only for the “most serious crimes” to maintain its Generalized System of Preferences (GSP+ ) status with the bloc. PTI’s Barrister Syed Ali Zafar in the senate argued that “stripping a woman in public” deserves the same punishment as that of murder. Balochistan Awami Party’s Samina Mumtaz Zehri, who is a member of Senate, argued that punishments for “crimes against women” must not be decreased. According to her, decreasing the punishments for crimes against women would “embolden criminals.” Minister for Law Nazeer Tarar contended that stricter punishments for crimes will not decrease the crime rate. He highlighted that crime rates are low in Europe, even though death sentences are not awarded to the culprits. (Iftikhar A. Khan, “Senate passes bill to end death penalty for key offences,” Dawn, 19 July 2025)
Pakistan expresses interest in increasing collaboration with the US in “IT, minerals, and agriculture”
On 18 July, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb held a discussion with the US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer in Washington, DC, US. Pakistan’s finance minister acknowledged that the US continues to be the “largest trading partner” of Pakistan and conveyed the latter's interest to increase collaboration in “IT, minerals, and agriculture.” Previously, both countries finalized a “critical round of trade negotiations” regarding a trade deal. After the Chief of Army Staff, Asim Munir, met the US President, there were speculations around both sides looking to sign a Preferential Trade Agreement or Bilateral Trade Treaty. According to The News International, the US could decrease the duties on textile imports from Pakistan in return for Pakistan lowering the import duties on cotton and soybean exports from the US.
Separately, on the same day, US President Donald Trump claimed that around “five fighter jets” were downed during the brief military confrontation between India and Pakistan in May. He said, “in fact, planes were being shot out of the air, I think five jets were shot down actually.” Previously, Trump had asserted that he mediated between India and Pakistan to bring hostilities between the two countries to an end. New Delhi, however, had refuted the US President's claims. (Tahir Sherani, “Aurangzeb in US to advance economic cooperation: finance ministry,” Dawn, 18 July 2025; Mehtab Haider, “Aurangzeb holds 'productive' trade talks in Washington,” The Express Tribune, 19 July 2025; “Up to five jets downed during Pakistan-India standoff, says Trump,” The News International, 19 July 2025)
Pakistan records annual current account surplus of USD 2.1 billion
On 18 July, Dawn reported that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) announced that Pakistan recorded a current account surplus of USD 2.1 billion during the current fiscal year. According to SBP statistics, the current account saw a surplus of USD 2.1 billion, compared to a deficit of USD 2.1 billion during the previous fiscal year. Adviser to the Finance Minister, Khurram Schehzad, stated that the country’s current account for June 2025 closed at USD 328 million surplus, taking the full-year surplus to over USD 2.1 billion, highlighting that the surplus was the highest in 22 years. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude for the current account surplus, stating, “foreign exchange reserves have exceeded USD 19 billion due to government measures.” He also argued that a significant increase in remittances and exports is the main reason behind the stabilization of the current account surplus, stating that “improving financial and economic indicators” demonstrate the country’s path towards economic stability. The country posted a current account deficit of USD 103 million in May 2025 compared to a USD 47 million surplus in the preceding month and USD 1.2 billion in March because of a widening trade gap and higher external debt servicing. (Tahir Sherani, “Pakistan records annual current account surplus of $2.1bn: State Bank,” Dawn, 18 July 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS
PTI’s senate poll campaigning reveals cracks within party
On 19 July, Dawn reported that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Peshawar chapter has expressed disappointment with the party leadership regarding ticket distribution for the upcoming elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, arguing they will contest the elections independently. On 17 July, leaders of opposition parties had met Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur at the CM House to discuss seat adjustment modalities. It is speculated that an understanding has been reached whereby PTI shall get six out of 11 Senate seats, comprising four general, one technocrat, and one reserved for women. The opposition would receive five seats, including two seats each for JUI-F and PPP (one general and one technocrat each), and one general seat for the PML-N. However, these arrangements are contingent upon the withdrawal of five ‘disgruntled’ PTI candidates who intend to contest elections independently. PTI’s senior leadership has conducted meetings with the five dissidents, but at least two rounds of meetings remained inconclusive. Additionally, one of the candidates and President of PTI’s Peshawar chapter, Irfan Saleem, told media reporters that they are “not ready to withdraw,” stating that the PTI-opposition arrangement benefits only “pro-establishment elements.” There is discontent brewing against PTI’s senior leadership for denying a ticket to Saleem. Party leaders of the Peshawar chapter claimed that “Irfan Saleem is Peshawar’s Imran Khan,” arguing that he has been associated with the PTI for the last 23 years and has made “tremendous sacrifices for the party” before and after the 9 May , 2023, protests. Further, JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza claimed that the PTI had also approached it for an alliance for the Senate elections. (Mohammad Ashfaq, “PTI’s Senate poll campaign beset by political wrangling,” Dawn, 19 July 2025)
PM Shehbaz Sharif calls for modernization of the civil service
On 19 July, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presided over a meeting on civil service reforms, emphasising the need to align the country’s civil service with modern technologies and international standards of public service, stressing its revitalisation to enhance policy delivery. PM Sharif stated that the civil service played a critical role in the performance and implementation of the government’s policies on-ground, spanning various ministries and sectors. Further, he directed that inputs and feedback from public representatives and government officials should be incorporated in the policy loop to initiate “administrative and institutional reforms of the civil service.” Federal Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal, briefed PM Sharif on the proposed civil service reforms. He stated there was scope for improvement in the current framework of recruitment, promotion, training, and capacity building of civil servants. (Syed Irfan Raza, “PM wants civil service to be ‘modernised’,” Dawn, 19 July 2025)
Interior Minister indicates two-star general could head civil armed forces
On 19 July, Dawn reported that the Interior Minister of Pakistan, Mohsin Naqvi, stated that the government is considering a proposal to appoint a senior serving or retired army officer of the rank of a major general to head the ministry’s civil armed forces wing. Naqvi highlighted that such an appointment would ensure smooth coordination of the civil armed forces (which fall under the jurisdiction of the interior ministry) with the army and other agencies for effectively conducting counterterrorism operations and “to improve delivery, efficiency, and end the pendency.” Naqvi clarified that such an appointee would operate under the interior secretary and would not interfere with the work of other departments of the ministry, which oversee internal security, immigration, and anti-corruption. Naqvi stressed that the necessity of a federal force is critical, demonstrated by the conversion of the Frontier Constabulary into a countrywide Federal Constabulary. He assured that this decision would not have any impact on personnel currently serving in the force. (“‘Two-star general could head civil armed forces,’” Dawn, 19 July 2025)
ECONOMY
Clash emerges within traders' community over strikes against federal government
On 19 July, The Express Tribune reported that disagreements have arisen within the traders' community over the planned strike on 20 July, with some groups suspending the call for strike after negotiations with the government, while others remain adamant about conducting the protests. After talks with the government, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President, Atif Ikram Sheikh, announced that the countrywide ‘shutter-down’ strike had been called off, citing the government’s acceptance of the business community's demands. He also said that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) would “not exercise its newly granted powers for the time being.” In contrast, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) took a strong stance and declared that they would not call off the strike. KCCI President, Javed Balwani said that “he government accepted most of our demands verbally, but we were not given a written assurance, so we have decided to go ahead with the strike.” Balwani demanded that the federal government immediately withdraw all the ‘black laws’ of the FBR, stating they “will not retreat under any circumstances until the abolition of FBR's controversial powers.” (“Cracks emerge in traders' ranks over strike,” The Express Tribune, 19 July 2025)
ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & WATER
Death toll due to heavy rain in Punjab reaches 123
On 18 July, the rain and its after-effects resulted in the death of ten more people in Punjab. From 25 June, a total of 123 people have lost their lives due to heavy rain in Punjab. 71 people in the province lost their lives in just two days. Another 462 people have been wounded due to the rain. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted more heavy rain from 20 June.
On 19 July, an editorial in Dawn titled “Rain havoc,” argued against blaming the loss of lives due to rain solely on “climate change.” The editorial highlighted how the concerned authorities were not prepared enough to tackle the disaster. The editorial pointed out how the concerned authorities were unable to execute preventive measures in spite of receiving “early warnings” regarding heavy downpours. The editorial criticized the Punjab government for wasting money on publicizing its achievements, which could have been spent on efforts to increase flood resilience.
On 19 July, an editorial in The Express Tribune titled “Monsoon mismanagement,” urged the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to draw lessons from the floods that took place in 2022 and implement preventive measures. There is an absence of cooperation between the meteorological department and government’s institutions which are tasked to manage disasters, which as per the editorial demands “scrutinization.”(Imran Gabol & Aamir Yasin, “Punjab braces for more after rains claim 70 lives in 48 hours,” Dawn, 19 July 2025; “Rain havoc,” Dawn, 19 July 2025; “Monsoon mismanagement,” The Express Tribune, 19 July 2025)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan looks to partner with Sudan and Saudi Arabia to initiate “joint agricultural ventures”
On 18 July, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain held a meeting with Sudan’s envoy to Pakistan Salih Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed Siddig. The federal minister expressed interest in initiating “joint agricultural ventures” which would receive “investment” from Saudi Arabia to use “fertile lands” of Sudan through Pakistan’s “expertise” in the agriculture sector. Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain highlighted how the joint ventures would help in increasing “regional prosperity.” He also apprised the Sudan’s ambassador to Pakistan about how the “new international agricultural alliances” would increase “food security, investment, and promote South-South cooperation.” Further, the minister boasted about Pakistan’s advancement in “crop production, irrigation, and livestock,” claiming that the same would be apt for Sudan to enhance its agricultural production.(Amin Ahmed, “Pakistan seeks partnership with Saudi Arabia, Sudan in agriculture,” Dawn, 19 July 2025)
Pakistan and Libya look to strengthen defence ties
On 18 July, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir held a meeting with Commander-in-Chief of Libyan Armed Forces Saddam Khalifa Hafta in Rawalpindi. The two sides decided to strengthen defence ties via “industrial collaboration and exchange of technical expertise.” Both the leaders delved into issues of common interest, conveyed their resolve to enhance defence relations. After meeting the Chief of Army Staff, the Libyan military general met with PM Sharif. PM Sharif conveyed his interest to see increased cooperation between the two countries in areas such as “defence, economy and people to people to people ties.”
On 19 July, an editorial in The Nation, titled “Quiet Strength,” views the meeting between Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Libya’s Commander-in-chief as a testimony to Pakistan’s increasing “credibility” in defence related issues. The editorial claims that because Pakistan dealt the confrontation with India with “strategic composure,” other countries are keen to increase defence related collaboration with Pakistan. As per the editorial, the cooperation in defence would also bring other benefits such as growth in number of jobs, transfer of technology and help in maintaining peace and stability in the region.(“COAS Asim Munir, Libyan army chief discuss defence ties,” The Express Tribune, 18 July 2025; “Quiet Strength,” The Nation, 19 July 2025)
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