NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Dawn
In Focus
Operation Sarbakaf recommences in Bajaur
On 12 August, Dawn reported that a “targeted military” operation, Operation Sarbakaf, resumed on 12 August in Bajaur’s Lowi Mamund tehsil after talks between the Bajaur Amn Jirga and militants failed to yield any concrete results. The operation was first launched on 29 July but was briefly halted for talks.The district administration, with KP Home Department approval, imposed a three-day curfew on about 27 villages, including Laghari, Gohati, Ghanam Shah, Bad-i-Siah, Gat, Kitkot, Regai, Daag, Ghundi, Damadola, Sultan Big, Shinkoot, and Bakaroo, and key roads such as Khar-Munda, Khar-Nawagai, Khar-Pashat Salarzai, and Khar-Sadiqabad-Inayat Kalley. Tribal elders in Salarzai vowed not to shelter militants, warning of expulsion for any member of the community who does so. In several parts of Mamon, positions deemed to be occupied by militants have begun to be shelled by gunship helicopters. In light of the resumption of the operation, large-scale evacuations have taken place, with estimates suggesting that over 2,000 families have left their homes in the affected Lowi Mamund and War Mamund tehsils. Relief efforts included 450 tents at Bajaur Sports Complex, the evacuation of over 300 public and 113 private schools, and medical camps run by the District Health Office, Khar Hospital, and Rescue 1122. Welfare groups provided food and water, while displaced families urged the government to ensure uninterrupted electricity during the summer heat. (Anwarullah Khan, “Bajaur ‘targeted operation’ resumes after talks failure,” Dawn, 12 August 2025; Hasbanullah, “Targeted operation launched in Bajaur,” The News International, 12 August 2025)
US declares BLA and Majeed Brigade as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTO)
On 12 August, The News International reported that the United States has officially listed the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its branch, the Majeed Brigade, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO), while also adding the latter to the BLA’s pre-existing Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) status, making any support to them in the US a criminal offence. The announcement, made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expands on the BLA’s 2019 SDGT designation and comes after a series of deadly incidents, including 2024 suicide attacks near Karachi airport and Gwadar Port Authority, and the March 2025 hijacking of the Jaffar Express, which left 31 dead. Rubio reaffirmed the US’s commitment to fighting terrorism and stated that “Terrorist designations play a critical role in our fight against this scourge and are an effective way to curtail support for terrorist activities.” The designations, under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, will be effective following the publication in the Federal Register. Welcoming the decision, Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti credited Pakistan’s federal government and army chief for it, and condemned BLA’s violent activities which according to Bugti have been done “under the false cover of ethnicity and rights,” (“US State Dept lists BLA, Majeed Brigade as terrorist organisations,” The Express Tribune, 12 August 2025; Mariana Baabar, “In diplomatic triumph for Pakistan, US designates BLA, its alias Majeed Brigade foreign terrorist outfit,” The News International, 12 August 2025)
ATC acquits Qureshi, hands out ten-year sentences to PTI leaders in 9 May Jinnah house case
On 12 August, The News International reported that, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore has cleared PTI Senior Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi of charges in two cases linked to the events of 9 May .while handing 10-year prison terms to Dr Yasmin Rashid, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, Mian Mehmood ur Rasheed, former Punjab governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema, and others over the Jinnah House vehicle torching incident. In the Shadman Police Station arson case, 12 of 25 accused, including Qureshi, were cleared. Several suspects were declared absconders, and one died during the proceedings. The PTI “strongly denounced and rejected” the rulings, with party spokesperson Waqas Akram branding the verdict as “a brazen affront to justice and the rule of law.” He alleged the convictions were based on “political vendetta,” citing “trials held late into the night, behind closed doors” with “fabricated testimonies” to ensure “predetermined outcomes.” Calling the verdicts “a mockery of justice,” Waqas said they were meant to subdue PTI and vowed the party would fight until the very end to overturn “politically engineered cases.” (“Qureshi acquitted in 2 May 9 cases; Yasmin, others jailed,” The News International, 12 August 2025)
In Brief
ECONOMY
IMF points out shortcomings in “corruption detection”
On 12 July, The Express Tribune reported that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has provided Pakistan with draft findings and recommendations ahead of the release of its Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment report, now scheduled for the end of August following an extension from July. The draft highlights weaknesses in identifying politically exposed persons (PEPs), citing limited data access, “absence of automated screening in smaller institutions, a lack of corruption-specific red flag indicators that would help detect misuse of public office.” PEPs comprise senior political, judicial, military, bureaucratic, and state enterprise figures. According to the draft report, the identification of politically exposed persons (PEPs) is governed by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) rules, which mandate measures like senior management approval, verifying sources of wealth, and continuous monitoring. Smaller institutions, however, often fall short in implementing these safeguards, depending on their systems and lacking clear guidance on corruption-related risks. To address this, the FBR has introduced an online system for screening senior civil servants and parliamentarians. While recognizing that Pakistan has established a basic framework to curb misuse of public office, the IMF urged adopting proven global practices, citing the example of Canada and Colombia, especially for monitoring state contracts. (Shahbaz Rana, “IMF flags gaps in Pak corruption detection,” The Express Tribune, 12 August 2025)
Pakistan to tackle PKR 2.47 trillion power sector debt with reforms, tariff cuts, and industry incentives
On 12 July, The News International reported that Pakistan’s circular debt in the power sector has risen to PKR 2.47 trillion by May 2025, driven by distribution company inefficiencies, unbudgeted subsidies, and delayed payments to producers. To address this, the government is securing a PKR 1,275 billion loan, which would be repaid over six years through the Debt Service Surcharge. Efforts to prevent future debt include IPP contract renegotiations, privatizing four distribution firms, cutting technical losses, market liberalization, and adopting least-cost capacity additions. A FY25–FY29 roadmap outlines measures such as energy audits, advanced metering, aerial bundled conductors, and recovery actions against defaulters. Electricity tariffs dropped from PKR 48.70/kWh in June 2024 to PKR 38.39/kWh in June 2025, supported by Independent Power Producers (IPP) savings. The government is phasing out cross-subsidies in favor of direct subsidies, with 18.3 million consumers still receiving support, especially those using up to 200 units monthly. Upcoming plans include surplus power packages for industrial and agricultural users, incremental consumption discounts, and special rates for greenfield industries, such as data centers and crypto mining. (Asim Yasin, “Rs1.27tr financing planned for Rs2.47tr circular debt, NA told,” The News International, 12 August 2025)
EXTERNAL
17,321 Pakistanis in prisons abroad, Senate seeks prisoner transfer agreements
On 12 August, Dawn reported that the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, led by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, examined challenges faced by Pakistani nationals imprisoned abroad. Out of 17,321 detainees, 17,236 are in Middle Eastern countries, while 85 are in Afghanistan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not provide details on the offences, prompting the committee to demand full global prisoner data, the nature of charges, and information on countries’ notification policies within 15 days. Community Welfare Attachés (CWAs) in Dubai, Doha, and Kuala Lumpur reported 3,523, 619, and 499 prisoners, respectively. The committee urged swift finalisation of prisoner transfer agreements, verification of the Afghan-held detainees’ citizenship, and passage of a consular protection bill to enable serving sentences in Pakistan. It also called for CWA performance evaluations, better inter-ministerial coordination, and enhanced welfare support for overseas Pakistanis. Khanzada criticised poor cooperation and data sharing among relevant ministries and stressed urgent legislation to protect the rights of Pakistani prisoners abroad. (Bakhtawar Mian, “Over 17,000 Pakistanis imprisoned abroad, Senate panel told,” Dawn, 12 August 2025)
PCA rules in favor of Pakistan in Indus Waters Treaty dispute
On 12 August, The Express Tribune reported that on 8 August, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) “issued a binding Award on the interpretation of the Indus Waters Treaty.” The PCA ruled in Pakistan’s favour in a dispute over India’s design of run-of-river hydroelectric plants on the Western rivers Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab, which come under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). Pakistan had argued that the designs violated treaty provisions by allowing India to reduce downstream flows. The PCA reaffirmed jurisdiction despite India’s April 2025 move to hold the IWT in abeyance, ruling that “the design and operation of run-of-river hydroelectric plants must hew strictly to the requirements in the Treaty [IWT], rather than to what India might consider an 'ideal' or 'best practices' approach.”
PCA further stated, “The general rule is that India shall 'let flow' the waters of the Western Rivers for Pakistan's unrestricted use. There are certain specified exceptions to this rule, including in relation to the generation of hydro-electric power, but these exceptions must be strictly construed. "It also prohibited low-level outlets unless “strictly necessary” for sediment control, mandated minimal size at the highest level, discouraged gated spillways, capped pondage at twice the seven-day minimum mean discharge, and limited freeboard to dam safety needs. The Award, “final and binding,” calls for early bilateral cooperation on designs and underscores that the IWT seeks to ensure equitable water use, and acknowledges Pakistan’s sensitivity as the “lower riparian state.” Lawyer Ahmer Bilal Soofi called it a major diplomatic win. The Kishanganga and Rattle dam disputes will be addressed in future proceedings. (Zafar Bhutta, “Pakistan wins water arbitration against India,” The Express Tribune, 12 August 2025)
Pakistan alleges early eviction orders for its diplomats in Delhi
On 12 August, Dawn reported that Pakistan has alleged that Indian authorities have ordered Pakistani diplomats in New Delhi to vacate their residences well before the expiry of their contracts. Pakistan has claimed that the diplomats are under constant surveillance, with frequent disruptions to their home internet services. It has been reported that four to five Pakistani officials have already been instructed to leave their residences ahead of time. This development adds to the worsening diplomatic relations between the two countries, which were already tense post the attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir and a consequent military standoff between the nuclear powers. Earlier in May, India declared two Pakistani officials at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi persona non grata, accusing them of engaging in activities inconsistent with their official diplomatic status. (“Pakistani diplomats ordered to vacate homes in Delhi,” The Express Tribune, 12 August 2025)
Pakistan denies “Nuclear Blackmail” amid India’s strong criticism
On 12 August, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan strongly rejected India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement calling out Pakistan for the use of “nuclear blackmail,” calling them “misleading and baseless.” The Foreign Office (FO) described India’s claims as “yet another demonstration of their chronic tendency to distort facts and twist statements out of context.” Pakistan reiterated its opposition to the use or threat of force and emphasized its role as a “responsible nuclear weapon state with an elaborate command and control structure under full civilian control.” The FO drew attention to Pakistan’s “sustained and credible counterterrorism efforts,” which have earned global acknowledgment and rejected the assertions made by the MEA as “spurious insinuations, without a shred of evidence.” Pakistan also criticised India’s attempts to engage other countries in the matter, calling it a “futile attempt” reflecting “India’s lack of diplomatic confidence.” Pakistan pledged to remain a responsible member of the international community while cautioning that any instance of Indian aggression or breach of Pakistan’s sovereignty will be met with a swift and equivalent reaction. On 11 August, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for MEA had stated that "Nuclear sabre-rattling is Pakistan's stock-in-trade," adding: "The international community can draw its own conclusions on the irresponsibility inherent in such remarks." This statement was in response to statements made by COAS Munir while on a visit to the United States pertaining to nuclear threats in South Asia. (“Pakistan rubbishes India's claim of 'nuclear blackmail',” The Express Tribune, 12 August 2025)
Editorials/Opinions from Pakistan
On 27th Amendment
Editorial, "Another amendment?," Dawn, 12 August 2025
"The dust from the 26th Amendment has yet to settle, but talk of a 27th one is already in the air. Given the acrimony that surrounded the last attempt to tinker with the Constitution, one wonders if it will be any different this time. Much has changed since the last amendment was forced through the legislature.”
https://www.dawn.com/news/1930330/another-amendment
On the youth of Pakistan
Soha Nisar, "Powering Pakistan through the youth," The News International, 12 August 2025
"Pakistan sits at a pivotal juncture in its demographic evolution, with over 60 per cent of its population under the age of 30. This reality offers both a challenge and an opportunity: a chance to harness the energy, creativity and resilience of young people to transform our society, or risk watching a demographic dividend slip into a demographic liability.”
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1335002-powering-pakistan-through-the-youth
On Climate Change
Editorial, "Climate’s human toll," Dawn, 12 August 2025
"The government must invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, building effective early-warning systems, and deploying trained disaster-response teams in GB. In the immediate term, it must restore the water supply and repair damaged links before more people are exposed to danger.”
https://www.dawn.com/news/1930328/climates-human-toll
On Bajaur Operation in KP
Arifa Noor, "Rinse and repeat, Dawn, 12 August 2025
“In the past week or so, a three-day operation was announced in Bajaur but it came to an abrupt halt because of pressure from the people. Taking to the streets in large numbers, they sent a powerful message. Such was the pushback that the operation was halted. Following this, negotiations were carried out by the community notables with the TTP.”
https://www.dawn.com/news/1930334/rinse-and-repeat
On India-Israel in Balochistan
Ibrahim Khalil, "Emerging India-Israel nexus in Balochistan," The Express Tribune, 12 August 2025
"Right after the onset of the current unrest in Balochistan, India hijacked militant movement to exploit this Achilles heel of its archrival. Indian support to armed groups like BLA and BLF is well documented. Lately, Israel has also jumped into the fray. Israel is long believed to have supported separatist/militant movements in Iran including those in Sistan-Baluchestan province.”
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2560845/emerging-india-israel-nexus-in-balochistan
On US-Pak relations
Editorial, "Pak-US reset," The Express Tribune, 12 August 2025
"Islamabad and Washington are in a proactive diplomacy aimed at cementing bilateralism and taking security cooperation to new heights. The second visit of Army Chief Gen Asim Munir to the United States in the last few weeks testifies to buoyancy in relations, especially in the sphere of military and economic cooperation.”
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2560841/pak-us-reset