NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
In Focus
UNHCR appeals for protection of vulnerable Afghan refugees amid deportation plan
On 7 August, Dawn reported that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has urged Pakistan not to expel Afghan refugees, particularly women, girls, and other vulnerable groups, citing risks of persecution and human rights violations in Afghanistan. The agency called on Pakistan to exempt Afghans with “ongoing international protection needs” from forced repatriation and ensure any returns are of their own accord, without harm, and with respect. This request follows Pakistan’s announcement of the deportation of over 1.3 million Afghan refugees who possess Proof of Registration (PoR) cards from 1 September, as their legal status had expired on 30 June. UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch emphasized that forcibly returning long-recognized refugees would breach humanitarian principles and the international norm of non-refoulement. Reports have emerged of PoR cardholders being arrested and detained. UNHCR also appealed for leniency for Afghans with medical needs, students, and those in mixed marriages. Over 2.1 million Afghans have already returned or been expelled from Pakistan and Iran this year, placing immense pressure on Afghanistan’s fragile infrastructure. Pakistani officials have declared that all Afghan nationals lacking valid visas must exit the country. This deportation initiative is part of the “Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan,” which was introduced in late 2023. (“Pakistan begins deporting documented Afghan refugees,” The News International, 7 August 2025; Amin Ahmed, “UNHCR asks Pakistan not to expel Afghans at risk of persecution,” Dawn, 7 August 2025)
Terror attacks in KP and Balochistan, 11 killed
On 7 August, Dawn reported that multiple coordinated terror attacks across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan claimed the lives of eight security personnel and three civilians. In Balochistan’s Mastung district, an IED attack by the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) killed three security personnel and injured three others. In the Karak district, militants from the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ambushed a Frontier Constabulary vehicle, killing three soldiers and a civilian driver. Separately, an off-duty soldier was shot dead in Lakki Marwat. In Peshawar, unidentified assailants opened fire on a police officer and his companions, killing all three. A convoy carrying South Waziristan’s Deputy Commissioner also came under attack; two police officers sustained minor injuries. Additionally, a Pakistan Navy commando on leave was shot and injured by armed motorcyclists in Lakki Marwat. Investigations and search operations have been launched across all impacted areas. (Syed Yasir Shah, “Three FC men, driver martyred in Karak attack,” The News International, 7 August 2025; Ghulam Mursalin Marwat, “11 martyred in terror attacks across KP, Balochistan,” Dawn, 7 August 2025)
Jirgas urge direct engagement with Afghan government
On 7 August, Dawn reported that a jirga organised by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government stated that military offensives could not restore peace to the region. Representatives from various tribal districts, including Waziristan and surrounding subdivisions, stressed that dialogue with both banned groups in Pakistan and the Afghan interim government was essential. These regional jirgas follow a 24 July multiparty conference that advised district-level consultations before convening a grand jirga. Earlier jirgas from Orakzai, Bajaur, and Mohmand also opposed forced displacement and advocated for inclusive negotiations. Participants criticised the lack of a security briefing and rejected the state’s distinction between “Good” and “Bad” Taliban, stating, “We do not accept this policy. We do not want any of them, and the state has to chain the Good Taliban.”They called for a clear stance and firm action against all militant factions. KP’s Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur sought public backing to press the matter with higher authorities. At the same time, provincial spokesperson Barrister Saif accused the federal government of neglecting the peace process by delaying responses to proposed negotiation terms. (Umer Farooq, “Jirgas demand direct talks with Afghan govt, banned outfits,” Dawn, 7 August 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS
National Assembly unanimously adopts resolutions targeting honour killings,cyber harassment, and Palestine
On 6 August, the National Assembly of Pakistan unanimously passed multiple resolutions addressing honour killings, digital harassment, and support for Palestine. A resolution introduced by Pakistan Peoples Party’s Shahida Rehmani strongly condemned “honour killings" and advocated for a zero-tolerance policy. The resolution also recommended creating an interprovincial task force to coordinate efforts against honour-based violence. In another resolution, Pakistan Muslim League -Nawaz’s Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar called for stronger legal measures “against unauthorized video recording, cyber harassment, and digital defamation.” The resolution urged the federal government to enhance law enforcement and launch public awareness campaigns on digital rights, personal data protection, and systems for reporting harassment. It further proposed introducing educational modules on digital ethics, privacy rights, and anti-harassment laws in schools and colleges, alongside the creation of dedicated desks at police stations. Additionally, the Assembly also passed a resolution reaffirming Pakistan’s longstanding support for the Palestinian people and urged the United Nations, the international community to swiftly end aggression, protect civilians, and ensure unhindered humanitarian access. (“NA passes resolutions against honour killings, digital harassment,” The Express Tribune,7 August 2025)
ECONOMY
Pakistan’s merchandise exports see 16.9 per cent surge in July
On 7 August, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s merchandise exports witnessed an upswing in July 2025, rising by 16.91per cent to USD 2.69 billion, posting a sharp recovery from the previous month’s 0.59 per cent decline. In fiscal year 2024-25, total exports stood at USD 32.106 billion, a 4.67 per cent rise from USD 30.675 billion in the previous year. However, export growth had showcased a downward trend earlier this year, even turning negative in February (-5.57 per cent), April (-7.36 per cent), and May (-10.07 per cent ) after a brief 3.08 per cent increase in March. This resurgence in July reflects a positive trend following several months of contraction. A key factor behind the recovery is a shift in global clothing orders from Bangladesh and China to Pakistan, offering local exporters a chance to expand their market share. The data, released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, highlights the potential for continued export growth if the present trend persists. (“Exports rise 17pc in July,” Dawn, 7 August 2025)
SOCIETY
HRCP flags deepening human rights crisis in Balochistan
On 6 August, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) stated in a press conference that Balochistan is facing a deepening human rights crisis. A recent fact-finding mission revealed “continued enforced disappearances, shrinking civic space, erosion of provincial autonomy, and a climate of impunity, fueling public alienation and political unrest.” While state officials now acknowledge enforced disappearances, the HRCP warned that framing them as security issues risks normalising a crime under international law. The commission criticised the Anti-Terrorism (Balochistan Amendment) Act 2025, which allows 90-day detentions without proper judicial oversight, urging its withdrawal. The commission also highlighted electoral manipulation, suppression of nationalist parties, and the need to depoliticise civil society groups like the Baloch Yakjehti Committee. HRCP called for the demilitarisation of law enforcement, revival of constitutional protections under the 18th Amendment, and local consultation on controversial resource projects and amendments to the Mines and Minerals Act. The commission warned that without urgent, inclusive reforms, instability in Balochistan would worsen and could have broader implications for national unity. (Jamal Shahid, “HRCP warns of ‘grave’ human rights crisis in Balochistan,” Dawn, 7 August 2025)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan and Iraq sign MoU to launch ferry service between Gwadar and Umm Qasr
On 7 August, Dawn reported that Pakistan and Iraq have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a ferry service between Gwadar Port and Umm Qasr Port, aiming to boost religious tourism and bilateral trade. The agreement was reached during a meeting between Pakistan’s Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and a delegation from the Iraqi Embassy, led by Deputy Head of Mission Abdulqadir Sulyman Alhimiri. The ferry is expected to provide a crucial alternative for Pakistani pilgrims travelling to Iraq for Arbaeen, especially after the government banned overland travel to Iran, which previously served as a transit route. Around one million pilgrims travel annually to Najaf and Karbala. Pakistan also plans to launch ferry routes with Iran and the GCC countries. Minister Chaudhry proposed increasing Pakistani exports of medicines, meat, and rice to Iraq, while boosting oil imports. He also highlighted Gwadar’s potential to meet Iraq’s demand for potassium sulphate. Iraq pledged support for Pakistan’s upcoming bid in the International Maritime Organization elections. (Kalbe Ali, “Pakistan, Iraq sign MOU for ferry service,” Dawn, 7 August 2025)
Editorials/Opinions from Pakistan
On Saudi Arabia being a top destination for Pakistan's migrants
Aimen Siddiqui, "Explainer: Why Saudi Arabia is now go-to destination for Pakistani workers," The News, 7 August 2025
“According to the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BE&OE), 242,337 Pakistanis registered for employment in Saudi Arabia during the first half of 2025 -- accounting for over 70 per cent of all overseas job registrations. This represents a staggering gap with the UAE, where only 13,865 workers were registered in the same period -- a 94 per cent decline compared to over 229,000 in 2022.”
https://e.thenews.com.pk/detail/?id=423502
On Pakistan-China-US axis
Inam Ul Haque, "Pakistan — between Beijing and Washington," The Express Tribune, 7 August 2025
"Avoiding bloc politics, Pakistan's diplomatic work endears it today to the world powers — China, the US and Russia — increasingly through its geo-strategic relevance, and gutsy and matured dealings with a bellicose and arrogant India. Islamabad's foreign service understands that 'survival and prosperity depend on cultivating relationships with all major players'. It has been able to balance the dictates of BRI/CPEC through increasing cooperation with the US on Afghanistan, counterterrorism, and now, potentially on minerals, oil and gas. The oil deal marks a watershed in exploiting Pakistan's untapped hydrocarbons with American money and technology. These "fourth largest" reserves would catapult Pakistan from energy import to export, rewriting the region's geo-economics."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2559983/pakistan-between-beijing-and-washington
On the US tariffs on India
Editorial, "The trade brawl," The Express Tribune, 7 August 2025
"This singling out of India is likely to have an impact in strategic terms with the US, as Delhi has no choice but to stick to its oil imports from Russia that account for one-third of its consumption. Will this jeopardise the special relationship Trump and Indian PM Narendra Modi were eager to strike in South Asia in terms of containing China is anybody's guess. India would be better advised to value regionalism, and open new vistas of cooperation with Beijing as well as Islamabad. There is a lot in geo-economics to share, and India's attitude of segregation is costing connectivity and prosperity in the region."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2559979/the-trade-brawl
On Pakistan and the US
Ishrat Husain, "No room for complacency," Dawn, 7 August 2025
"Recent external developments have been quite favourable for Pakistan — some of them unexpected. Pakistan’s emerging importance after the May skirmishes with India, President Donald Trump’s soft pronouncements coupled with a warm welcome to the top leadership, the souring of US-India ties, a reasonably good deal on reciprocal tariffs, the upgrading of credit ratings, prospective investment in ‘massive’ oil reserves and minerals, etc, have led to euphoria."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1929239/no-room-for-complacency