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NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
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In Focus
Islamabad court issues arrest warrant for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister
On 21 July, The News International reported that a district and sessions court in Islamabad issued an arrest warrant for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur after he failed to appear in the hearing again in relation to a weapons and liquor recovery case filed against him. This case had been pending for eight years. The arrest order was issued by judicial magistrate Mubashir Hassan after he rejected Gandapur's petition, which sought exemption from personal appearance. Hassan ordered state authorities to arrest the KP Chief Minister by 22 July and produce him before the court. Further, the court expressed disappointment over Gandapur's absence in the hearing, stating that the KP Chief Minister was intentionally avoiding recording his statement. Previously, the Islamabad court issued Gandapur's arrest warrants in the same case and granted a final opportunity to Gandapur to record his statement under Section 342. It is speculated that the court may issue a verdict in his absence. (Arfa Feroz Zake, “Liquor case: Islamabad court issues arrest warrant for KP CM,” The News International, 21 July 2025)
Bill in Senate seeks to prohibit children under 16 from making social media accounts
On 21 July, senators Sarmad Ali and Masroor Ahmed put forward a bill in the senate which sought to prohibit children less than the age of 16 from making social media accounts. The bill is seen as a measure for protecting children from “online exploitation, cyberbullying and harmful content.” As per the bill, if the social media companies are found guilty of allowing children less than the age of 16 to create social media accounts, they would be held liable for paying fines up to PKR five million. In addition to that, if any adult is found to facilitate minors for creating social media accounts, they could be given six months jail sentence as punishment. If the bill gets passed, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority would be obliged to delete all social media accounts whose owners are less than the age of 16. (Naseem Asghar, “Senate introduces bill to ban social media accounts for under 16s,” The Express Tribune, 21 July 2025)
PTI wins six seats and opposition secures five seats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Senate elections
On 22 July, The Nation reported that the Senate elections held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) resulted in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) winning six seats and opposition parties winning five seats according to the consensus-based formula agreed upon by the provincial government and opposition parties. All 145 members of the KP Assembly cast their ballots. PTI candidates, including Murad Saeed, Faisal Javed, Noorul Haq Qadri, and Mirza Afridi, won four out of the seven general seats. The three remaining general seats were won by PML-N’s Niaz Amir Muqam, JUI-F’s Maulana Attaul Haq Darwaish and PPP’s Talha Mehmood were also elected. The two reserved seats for women were won by PTI’s Rubina Naz and Pakistan Peoples Party’s Rubina Khalid. Technocrat seats were won by PTI’s Azam Swati followed by JUI-F’s Dilawar Khan. Despite efforts to preserve party unity, all ‘disgruntled’ PTI candidates withdrew. While Irfan Saleem, Waqas Orakzai, and Ayesha Bano withdrew after dialogue with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Khurram Zeeshan remained on the ballot.
On 22 July, an editorial in the Dawn titled ‘Senate polls’ appreciated the “rare display of understanding” between the KP provincial government and opposition parties during the Senate elections held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s assembly. The editorial asserted that PTI’s majority did not require such an agreement; however, the Supreme Court Constitutional Bench’s decision to grant rival parties additional reserved seats distorted the arithmetic and forced the government to finalise a seat agreement with the opposition parties to avoid any further setbacks. The editorial highlighted that members of PTI were not convinced by KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s argument of finalising a ‘seat adjustment’ to prevent horse-trading in the elections. The editorial pointed out that dissidents decided to contest elections separately from the party’s official nominees; however, after dialogue, some dissidents fell in line.
Further, the editorial argued that this confusion has cost the party, which could have won eight seats instead of six had its members adhered to the party line much sooner. Additionally, the editorial weighed in on accusations against KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur being a ‘sell-out,’ reaffirming that it was known that the KP government’s ‘compromise’ with opposition parties would not be welcomed by PTI’s loyalists. The editorial stated that it was “encouraging” to observe not just PTI but other parties and stakeholders are capable of behaving as “rational players and engaging in quid pro quo.” The editorial concluded by stating that this multiparty consensus must be extrapolated to address the security crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that is spiraling out of control. (“PTI grabs 6 Senate seats, Opp takes 5 amid consensus based formula,” The Nation, 22 July 2025; “Senate polls,” Dawn, 22 July 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS
PM calls for joint efforts to transform healthcare system
On 22 July, The Nation reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasised bringing a revolution in the healthcare sector with “coordinated efforts and determination by all the stakeholders.” PM Sharif launched a digital system for licensing, registration of medical devices, assuring that the under the new digital system, applications for registration of medical services and equipment would be determined within 20 days in a transparent and merit-based system. PM Sharif also blamed the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) for causing delays in the registration process of medical services. PM Sharif appreciated Minister for National Health Services, Mustafa Kamal, for his efforts to implement reforms in the health sector, especially achieving digitalisation. Kamal further referred to major issues in the health sector, including population growth and waterborne diseases, claiming that the government is making all efforts with available resources to overcome them. Further, he argued that the government is improving the healthcare system with public-private partnerships, to reduce the burden on main healthcare centers and strengthen the primary healthcare system. (Mateen Haider, “PM underlines joint efforts to revolutionize healthcare system,” The Nation, 22 July 2025)
PTI’s Salman Akram Raja announces countrywide protest on 5 August
On 21 July, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja has announced a nationwide protest on 5 August, urging citizens to rally behind what he called a “historic movement.” Raja stressed that this movement is not for the political survival of PTI but rather a fight for national sovereignty. Raja raised multiple issues including imprisonment of PTI founder Imran Khan, Punjab Assembly’s decision to send references against 26 PTI members to the Election Commission of Pakistan, systematic suppression of over 100 elected PTI members through the manipulation of Form-47 during the electoral process, misrepresentation of the 9 May 2023 protests, and the state’s use of anti-sedition laws and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to crush dissent in both politics and journalism. Further, Raja warned that “Pakistan’s political and judicial systems were at a critical juncture,” describing 21 July as “a dark day in political and judicial history.” Raja also rejected speculations about internal deals within the party, maintaining that PTI members remain united and committed to their political ideology. Raja affirmed that PTI remains strong both inside and outside the Parliament, stating that “the people are still with Imran Khan.” (Imran Adnan, “Salman Akram Raja announces nationwide PTI protest for August 5,” The Express Tribune, 21 July 2025)
ECONOMY
PDWP approves seven development schemes worth PKR 29.249 billion
On 22 July, The Nation reported that the 9th meeting of Punjab’s Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) for the fiscal year 2025–26 took place. In the meeting, seven development schemes were approved across various sectors, including the Walled City, School Education, IT, and Transport, with a cumulative estimated cost of PKR 29,249.902 million. The meeting was chaired by Planning & Development Board Punjab Chairman Dr Naeem Rauf. Development schemes approved include the CM Punjab School Meal Programme worth approximately PKR 6,928.140 million, Comprehensive Infrastructure Improvement & Rehabilitation of Underground Electric and Telecom Systems inside the Walled City of Lahore at approximately PKR 6,924.251 million, establishment of CERT and Data Center at PKR 1,334.441 million, and Feasibility Study for Mass Transit System in Sargodha (PC-II) at PKR 209.000 million. (“PDWP approves 7 development schemes worth Rs29.249b,” The Nation, 22 July 2025)
ENVIRONMENT
Monsoon rains cause 221 deaths, severe rains predicted to continue
On 22 July, The News International reported that over 221 people have been killed in monsoon rain-related incidents since the beginning of monsoons, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Since 21 July, two men and three children were killed while ten others were injured during the same period. Further, 592 individuals have suffered injuries in heavy rains-related accidents this monsoon season. 804 properties have been damaged and 200 heads of livestock have been lost. NDMA stated that cloudbursts are affecting most parts of the country, unleashing flash floods, landslides, and lightning strikes, particularly in mountainous regions. Rescue and relief efforts are in progress, but considering the forecast of additional rainfall, disaster management authorities have advised citizens to take precautions, especially those in flood-prone or low-lying areas. Additionally, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a detailed weather forecast for 22 July, warning of widespread rain, wind, and potential thundershowers resulting in urban flooding in low-lying areas of major cities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, “Azad Jammu and Kashmir,” Islamabad, Punjab, and Gilgit-Baltistan. The risk of landslides and mudslides remains in vulnerable hilly regions. (Nausheen Yusuf, “Monsoon death toll jumps to 221 amid more rains forecast,” The News International, 22 July 2025)
SOCIETY
Police arrest 14 individuals linked to Balochistan honour killing incident
On 21 July, police detained 14 individuals who were suspected to be involved in the Balochistan “honour killing” incident. This comes after the “honour killing” video surfaced on social media. Taking a suo-moto action, the chief justice of Balochistan High court asked the additional chief secretary and inspector general to provide information regarding the incident. As per post mortem reports of the killed man and woman, both of them were “shot from a close range.” As per The Express Tribune, the leader of the tribe Sardar Sher Baz Satakzai had “ordered” their killing. Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti assured that all the culprits would have to face the wrath of law. Further he informed that no one is coming forward to officially lodge a complaint against the culprits. He also clarified that the killed man and woman were not married to each other, however, both of them had children from their own respective marriages.
On 22 July, an editorial in Dawn titled “‘Honour’ kills,” highlighted how the Balochistan honour killing incident is not an isolated case, highlighting similar incidents from Lower Dir and Attock. The editorial points out how culprits can often walk free after getting involved in “honour killing,” if the children of victims decide to forgive the perpetrators. As per the editorial, courts are reluctant to engage in a case where the perpetrators and victim’s family members reach a settlement. The editorial strongly advocates against the practice of honour killings and calls for “upholding justice, constitutional guarantees, and accountability.” (“14 netted in shocking public killing of couple,” The Express Tribune, 22 July 2025; “‘Honour’ kills,” Dawn, 22 July 2025)
SECURITY
Militants kill eight Frontier Corps personnel near Afghan border, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
On 21 July, militants launched an assault on the convoy of Frontier Corps. This led to a skirmish between the two resulting in the killing of “eight Pakistani paramilitary troops.” Four militants were also neutralized by the forces. The skirmish took place in Daburi, Orakzai, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which is near the border with Afghanistan.(“Eight FC men martyred, four militants killed in Orakzai,” The News International, 22 July 2025)
Public and private transport barred from traveling towards Balochistan from Punjab after 5 PM
On 21 July, The News International reported that the concerned authorities in Dera Ghazi Khan will not allow “public and private transport” to travel towards Balochistan from Punjab after 5 PM. The measure was taken after the occurrence of several terror attacks. The Deputy Commissioner of Dera Ghazi Khan in Punjab, Usman Khalid informed that all public and private transport would be permitted to journey towards Balochistan from 5 AM to 5 PM. The vehicle owners are instructed to capture video of all the travelers in their respective vehicles at Dera Ghazi Khan bus station before departing. Further, all the public transport buses would be having “two armed private security guards” while journeying from Dera Ghazi Khan. The vehicle owners are also instructed to install CCTV cameras which would record the “interior and exterior of the vehicle.” In addition to that, all the vehicles must have “GPS tracking system and an emergency panic button.” Actions would be taken against those who do not conform to the measures taken for safety. (Saleem Buzdar, “Punjab restricts transport to Balochistan after 5pm over security concerns,” The News International, 21 July 2025)
EXTERNAL
President Zardari awards Nishan-i-Imtiaz to Chief of Royal Saudi Naval Forces
On 21 July, President Zardari awarded Nishan-e-Imtiaz to Vice Admiral Mohammed Bin Abulrahman Al Ghoraibi who is the chief of Royal Saudi Naval Forces. The award ceremony took place at the President’s residence in Islamabad. The award was given to the Naval Chief of Saudi Arabia for his efforts in enhancing ties between Pakistan’s navy and Saudi Arabia’s navy and his own “professional achievements.” The ceremony also saw the presence of senior military leaders of Pakistan Armed Forces. After the ceremony, President Zardari held a meeting with the naval chief of Saudi Arabia. The meeting also saw the presence of Saudi Arabia’s envoy to Pakistan Nawaf Saeed Al-Malkiy. President Zardari during the meeting underscored the significance of Pakistan-Saudi Arabia ties and thanked the people of Saudi Arabia and its government for backing Pakistan in tough times. President Zardari also urged for further strengthening ties between the navies of the two countries.(“President confers Nishan-i-Imtiaz (M) upon Saudi Naval Chief,” The Nation, 22 July 2025)
FM Dar expresses distress over India’s abeyance of Indus Water Treaty during his meeting with UN Secretary General
On 21 July, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a meeting with the Secretary General of UN Antonio Guterres at the UN headquarters in New York. During the meeting, foreign minister Dar asserted how India not adhering to the Indus Water Treaty could prove to be detrimental for the peace and stability in the region. He appealed to the UN for making sure that India does not breach “international agreements.” Further, he also stressed on the need to resolve dispute over Jammu and Kashmir and the foreign involvement in the surge of terrorism in Pakistan. The Secretary General of UN acknowledged Islamabad’s “active presence and initiatives” in the UN Security Council. For the month of July, Pakistan would be assuming presidency of UN Security Council. On the Israel-Palestine conflict, he urged for an “immediate ceasefire” and expressed Pakistan’s backing for a two-state solution. (“FM meets UN chief, raises IWT violations,” The Express Tribune, 22 July 2025)
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