Photo : Dawn
NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Dawn
In Focus
COAS in US: Asim Munir urges diaspora support, warns India on security and water rights
On 11 August, The Express Tribune reported that during his official US visit, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir held high-level meetings with American political and military leaders, attended the retirement ceremony of US Centcom chief Gen Michael E Kurilla, and engaged with the Pakistani diaspora. Addressing expatriates, he praised them as a “brain gain” for Pakistan, urging them to invest and use their “resources and influence” to spur national development. On security, he declared Pakistan “the last bulwark against terrorism,” reiterating “no sympathy for terrorists” and warning that any Indian ‘aggression’ would be met with a “befitting response.” He accused India’s intelligence agency of involvement in transnational terrorism, citing the Hardeep Singh Nijjar killing and the Kulbhushan Jadhav case. On water rights, Munir vowed, “We will wait for India to build a dam, and when they do so, we will destroy it,” stressing the Indus River was “not the Indians’ family property.”He credited US President Donald Trump with helping avert war with India and anticipated major investment from a Pakistan-US trade deal and MoUs with China, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and the US. (Kamran Yousaf, “COAS credits Trump with 'preventing many wars',” The Express Tribune, 11 August 2025; Anwar Iqbal “COAS says India won’t be allowed to choke Indus River,” Dawn, 11 August 2025; Muhammad Anis, “India bent on destabilising region: COAS,” The News International, 11 August 2025 )
Glacier Lake Outburst Flood wreaks havoc in Gilgit-Baltistan, 10 Dead
On 11 August, Dawn reported that a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) from the Shishper Glacier surged through Hassanabad Nullah, destroying parts of the Karakoram Highway and damaging public and private property in the region’s worst incident since 2018. Officials said the disaster was triggered after roughly an hour, water flow from the Shishper Glacier was blocked before it broke through, demolishing protective walls and damaging irrigation and drinking water channels serving Aliabad and nearby villages. In Gilgit’s Danyor Nullah, eight volunteers were killed in a landslide while repairing a damaged water channel, with several others injured and some still trapped. Flash floods from glacier melt also hit Supultar Nullah in Nagar Khas, blocking Hoper valley and isolating tourist areas, while rising waters in Shimshal Valley damaged the sole access road and protective embankments. Gilgit Baltistan has also been affected by recent floods and landslides, leading to 10 deaths, four injuries, and 300 homes being destroyed, along with major losses to roads and water infrastructure. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the region last week and distributed relief funds. He ordered swift restoration under a PKR 4 billion package. (Jamil Nagri, “Glacial floods sweeps away part of Karakoram Highway,” Dawn, 11 August 2025; “Eight volunteers die in Gilgit landslide during relief work,” The News International, 11 August 2025)
Leaders reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to minority rights on National Minorities Day
On 11 August, observed as National Minorities Day, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to safeguarding the rights, well-being, and active inclusion of minority communities. Both leaders acknowledged the vital role minorities play in nation-building, underscoring the ideals of interfaith harmony, equality, and mutual respect envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. President Zardari pledged to “work for the empowerment and advancement of minority communities” and to foster “interfaith harmony, brotherhood and unity to build an inclusive and prosperous Pakistan.” He highlighted that the Constitution ensures equal rights to all citizens regardless of religion, caste, or creed, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to oppose “all forms of discrimination, extremism, and religious intolerance.” Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to involve minorities in institutions and Parliament, calling their welfare “one of the priority duties of the government.” Citing Jinnah’s 1947 speech as an “ideological guarantee,” he vowed to uphold religious freedom and equal rights for all. (“President, PM vow to protect minority rights,” The Express Tribune, 11 August 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS
PML-N’s Irfan Siddiqui criticises PTI’s protest plan as continuation of “May 9 Mentality”
On 11 August, Dawn reported that Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz’s (PML-N ) leader and government dialogue committee spokesperson Irfan Siddiqui urged PTI to show “seriousness” in talks, noting the government had already extended an offer. Earlier negotiations stalled over PTI’s demands, including a commission on the May 9 violence. Speaking on a TV show, Siddiqui stressed that opposition in democracies should act through constitutional means, criticising PTI’s planned 14 August protest as a continuation of the “May 9 mentality.” He dismissed concerns over the protest, citing public rejection of PTI’s August 5 call. Siddiqui accused PTI founder Imran Khan of abandoning democratic norms and said the party’s boycott of the upcoming by-elections reflected “undemocratic practices.” He claimed it is PTI that faces internal rifts and divisions, while state institutions are functioning normally. (“PTI asked to be ‘serious’about dialogue,” Dawn, 11 August 2025)
ECONOMY
ADB grants USD 8.32 million to improve Punjab’s irrigation infrastructure
On 11 August, Dawn reported that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved USD 8.32 million in ‘project readiness financing’ for the Punjab government to prepare irrigation initiatives for future ADB funding, aiming to accelerate project execution and fund disbursement. The funding will be used to upgrade irrigation infrastructure, improve water availability, increase agricultural yields, reduce rural poverty, and strengthen food security and economic growth in Punjab. The province depends heavily on the Indus Basin Irrigation System (IBIS), which serves 15 million hectares but suffers from aging infrastructure and poor water management, causing inconsistent water supply. Additionally, a document released by ADB states that some arable lands lie outside IBIS coverage, relying on erratic rainfall or groundwater, which may lower water tables. Although Punjab has prioritised irrigation improvements, the ADB emphasises the need for further action to boost agricultural productivity and water-use efficiency to achieve sustainable growth and food security. These upgrades are expected to benefit rural populations and reinforce Punjab’s agriculture-driven economy. (Amin Ahmed, “ADB to provide Punjab with project readiness financing,” Dawn, 11 August 2025)
Pakistan moves to capitalise on copper reserves for global markets
On 11 August, Dawn reported that Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan informed the National Assembly that during negotiations on reciprocal tariffs, the US expressed interest in investing in Pakistan’s mines and minerals, including copper. He noted that while the US imposes 50 per cent tariffs on copper, iron, steel, and aluminum, refined copper is exempt, making it “more advantageous to export value-added copper” to the US. Pakistan, ranked fifth globally in copper reserves and mainly exports raw copper to China, missing lucrative markets like the US, the Middle East, and Europe. Kamal stressed that “strategic development” in mining, advanced technology, and regulatory reforms could boost exports and competitiveness and also “position the country as a responsible and reliable supplier in the international minerals market, contributing to both national development and global sustainability efforts.”The Geological Survey of Pakistan has been tasked with mapping untapped reserves, and infrastructure gaps will be addressed to attract investment. Kamal further said global demand for copper will surge due to its role in clean energy. After talks, the US cut tariffs on Pakistan’s exports from 29 per cent to 19 per cent, “the lowest amongst Pakistan’s competitors,” enhancing Pakistani prospects in the US market, especially for textiles. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Govt expects investment in mines, export of refined copper to US,” Dawn, 11 August 2025)
SECURITY
Locally made explosives derail Jaffar Express in Balochistan’s Mastung
On 11 August, The Express Tribune reported that a blast took place on a railway track in Balochistan’s Mastung district that derailed six bogies of the Jaffar Express, with no casualties reported. The explosion, near Spezant in Dasht Tehsil, targeted the Quetta–Rawalpindi passenger train, damaging its locomotive and coaches. An explosive device detonated as the train passed, forcing the engine and bogies off the track. Authorities stated that the blast involved locally made explosives, underscoring ongoing security challenges in the region. Following the blast, train services from Balochistan were temporarily suspended. The Jaffar Express, running between Quetta and Rawalpindi, has been targeted in comparable attacks in the past. The attack follows a series of recent incidents: a near-miss in Sibi three days earlier, blasts damaging the Bolan Mail on 24 July, and derailments of the Jaffar Express in Sukkur on 28 July. In April, a Karachi–Quetta service was halted in Jacobabad due to threats. Services from Quetta were only restored on 27 March after the hijacking of the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express. (Syed Ali Shah, “Blast derails Jaffar Express bogies in Mastung,” The Express Tribune, 11 August 2025)
Security forces ambushed by militants in South Waziristan
On 11 August, Dawn reported that a security personnel lost his life and two militants were killed during a firefight after security forces came under heavy fire in a clearance operation spanning North and South Waziristan, security sources said. Soldiers moving from Shawal Marrah (North Waziristan) into Sirnarai (Upper South Waziristan) were ambushed, with the slain and wounded personnel shifted to a military facility in Razmak. Officials confirmed clearance operations are ongoing as authorities are gathering intelligence on the attackers, amid a broader surge in militant activity in the region. Security in North, Upper South, and Lower South Waziristan has significantly worsened, with increased bombings, kidnappings, selective killings, and raids on security posts. In Birmal (Lower South Waziristan), the situation is especially dire, with armed groups disabling Wi-Fi systems, hampering communication and coordination for both civilians and law enforcement agencies. (A.K. Wazir, “Soldier martyred, two militants killed in Waziristan,” Dawn, 11 August 2025)
Editorials/Opinions from Pakistan
On terrorism in Balochistan
Editorial, "Terror spectre," The Express Tribune , 11 August 2025
“Security situation in Balochistan is getting precarious with each passing day. The uptick in terror attacks, especially on the armed forces, by the militant proxies at large is becoming a real challenge. The brave manner in which the army is taking on the faceless enemy is laudable.”
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2560504/terror-spectre
On increasing water crisis
Editorial, "Deepening water crisis," The Express Tribune, 11 August 2025
“Pakistan is hurtling towards an environmental emergency that demands urgent national attention. At the heart of this looming disaster is the rapid and largely unregulated over-extraction of groundwater, a practice that is steadily depleting aquifers and pushing vital freshwater ecosystems towards collapse. The threat is not distant; it is unfolding before our eyes.”
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2560661/deepening-water-crisis
On rain-related disasters
Naseer Memon, "Dissecting disaster," Dawn, 11 August 2025
“The first phase of the monsoon cycle has left death and destruction in the country. According to data from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), 289 people lost their lives and 698 were injured in five weeks. Punjab was the worst-hit province with 158 deaths, followed by KP where 64 people died. Additionally, the rains and floods damaged 1,580 houses, with Gilgit-Baltistan registering a third of the total.”
https://www.dawn.com/news/1930114/dissecting-disaster
On India
Maleeha Lodhi, "Frayed relations," Dawn, 11 August 2025
“If one day is a long time in politics, so it is in diplomacy. The most striking example of this is the extraordinary speed with which the special relationship between the US and India has been unravelling. In February, the familiar warmth of what Narendra Modi described as a “mega-partnership” was on display during his visit to the White House.”
https://www.dawn.com/news/1930116/frayed-relations
Amir Jahangir, "India’s war on civilians," The News International, 11 August 2025
“The deliberate targeting of civilians is one of the gravest crimes under international law, an unambiguous red line that no state can cross without violating the very foundations of humanity’s legal order. Yet, in the case of Operation Sindoor, India’s cross-border military action against Pakistan’s civilian population breached that line with calculated disregard.”
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1334705-india-s-war-on-civilians
On India-Pak relations
Ishtiaq Ali Mehkri, "Pakistan, India should talk before it is too late," The Express Tribune, 11 August 2025
“It's now years that Pakistan and India are in an uneasy peace, and are not talking. Their diplomatic interactions are at the lowest ebb, rather infructuous. Missions on either side of the divide are without High Commissioners for years, and are being run on an ad hoc basis with no care and concern for those who might be in need of instant consular assistance. That's a callous approach towards their respective citizens. Issuance of visas to divided families and genuine travelers in exigency is a cumbersome task."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2560665/pakistan-india-should-talk-before-it-is-too-late