Photo : Dawn
NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Dawn
In Focus
ECP disqualifies nine PTI lawmakers; PTI protests falter amid crackdown and leadership vacuum
On 6 August, Dawn reported that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has disqualified nine lawmakers, including opposition leaders Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz, after their conviction in 9 May-related cases by an anti-terrorism court. Following the decision, one seat in the Senate, five in the National Assembly, and three in the Punjab Assembly have now been declared vacant. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Barrister Ali Zafar criticised the move as a “disqualification spree,” arguing that under Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution, disqualification requires a final conviction involving moral turpitude with a sentence of more than two years. He asserted that a trial court’s verdict does not attain legal finality if an appeal is pending before a higher court. Citing the 2018 Nawaz Sharif case, Zafar said disqualification can only take place after the highest appellate court upholds the conviction. Zafar accused the ECP of institutional overreach, stating it lacks original jurisdiction to determine disqualification and must uphold due process and the presumption of innocence.
Meanwhile, over 800 PTI supporters were arrested across Punjab as the party attempted to mark two years since Imran Khan’s arrest with protests. Despite calls for mass rallies, turnout was low outside Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where CM Ali Amin Gandapur led a major procession in Peshawar. In Lahore, PTI claimed 300 arrests, while Punjab police reported 980 detentions across the province, including 11 Members of Provincial Assemblies. In Karachi, tear gas was used; in Quetta, police briefly detained 40 activists. PTI’s Waqas Akram described Punjab as a “lawless zone” and denied claims that the party had not sought rally permits. The protests struggled to gain momentum as many supporters responded primarily to Imran Khan’s direct calls, while much of the senior PTI leadership remained underground, weakening coordination and mobilisation efforts. ( “ECP disqualifies Shibli Faraz, Omar Ayub, seven other PTI lawmakers,” The Express Tribune, 6 August 2025; Iftikhar A. Khan “Main opposition leader ‘booted’ from parliament,” Dawn, 6 August 2025; Arshad Aziz Malik & Bureau report & Jamal Khurshid & Khalid Iqbal & Mumtaz Alvi & Shakeel Anjum & Sohail Khan “Hundreds of workers arrested as PTI stages underwhelming protests across country on Imran’s 2nd jail anniversary: PTI opposition leaders among 9 MPs disqualified by ECP,” The News International, 6 August 2025; Mansoor Malik, “PTI’S August 5 plans ‘thwarted by crackdown’, Dawn, 6 August 2025)
Repatriation of over 1.3 million Afghan refugees to start in September
On 6 August, Dawn reported that the federal government has notified provinces that formal repatriation and deportation of over 1.3 million Afghan refugees holding expired Proof of Registration (PoR) cards will begin on 1 September. The interior ministry had earlier declared that PoR cardholders became unlawful residents after their cards expired on 30 June. Pakistan has hosted approximately 2.8 million Afghan refugees over the past four decades, following their displacement due to prolonged conflict in Afghanistan. A letter dated 4 August from the Interior Ministry has instructed provincial authorities to start voluntary returns immediately, while formal deportations would begin in September under the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP). Provinces have been directed to map PoR holders, set up transit points, and arrange transportation and financial logistics.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Steering Committee (PSC) has directed district administrations, police, and Special Branch to form teams, recommended holding jirgas with Afghan elders to encourage voluntary returns, and ordered Nadra and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to reestablish the Peshawar and Landi Kotal transit points to full operational capacity. PSC also instructed the de-notification of refugee camps as “they no longer serve any purpose.” PSC further stated that deportation routes will be managed by deputy commissioners in consultation with security agencies, with Torkham as the main exit point. Pakistan had informed Afghan officials in March that PoR extensions would end in June. The UNHCR acknowledged Pakistan’s long-standing support for refugees but warned that forced returns would violate international norms, including the principle of non-refoulement. (“Afghan card holders to be deported from Sept 1,”The Express Tribune, 6 August 2025; Manzoor Ali, “Govt to begin repatriation 1.3mn Afghan POR holders from Sept 1,” Dawn, 6 August 2025)
Pakistan’s National Assembly passes resolution on Kashmir amid Youm-e-Istehsal observance
On 6 August, The News International reported that a seminar on “August 5, 2019: Another Turning Point in the Jammu and Kashmir Dispute” was organised by India Study Centre (ISC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI). In the seminar, speakers alleged that India’s actions in Jammu and Kashmir following the revocation of Articles 370 and 35A have intensified human rights violations and demographic changes. Former Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood claimed the region had become heavily militarised and accused India of pursuing a "settler-colonial project.” Other speakers, including Ambassador Masood Khan and Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, echoed similar views, alleging violations of international law and democratic norms. They reiterated Pakistan’s support for the “right to self-determination” of the Kashmiri people. Speakers urged the international community to recognise Jammu and Kashmir as a “flashpoint” in South Asia.
Meanwhile, as part of the observance of Youm-e-Istehsal, which marks the anniversary of India’s constitutional changes in Jammu and Kashmir on 5 August 2019, various events, rallies, and discussions were held across Pakistan and in parts of the diaspora. The National Assembly of Pakistan passed a unanimous resolution reaffirming what it described as the country’s political, diplomatic, and moral support for the Kashmiri people and their "right to self-determination”. (Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, “ Youm-e-Istehsal: Pakistan must remain vigilant of any new IIOJ&K development, respond to it strategically, says Masood Khan,” The News International, 6 August 2025; “ NA unanimously reaffirms all out support for Kashmiris,” Dawn, 6 August 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS
Law Minister defends 26th amendment, invites opposition to dialogue
On 6 August, The Express Tribune reported that while speaking at a session in the National Assembly, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the 26th constitutional amendment, which restructured how judicial appointments are made. The minister asserted that the updated judicial appointment process has been designed to enhance transparency and broaden participation and is consistent with global best practices. The minister further stated that "It was corrected to ensure that Parliament, as the mother of all institutions, is given the role it truly deserves,” and invited the opposition to discussions if they believed that the amendment required improvements. He also voiced concern over the persistent delays in the justice system, particularly the massive backlog of cases that have remained unresolved for years. Tarar disclosed that a draft containing 108 proposed constitutional amendments is presently under review by the Law and Justice Committee. He also reflected on the political events of April 2022, when the National Assembly was abruptly dissolved to prevent a no-confidence vote stating “You now criticise the government's actions, but at that time, a resolution was dismissed in just 90 seconds. Decisions like these disregarded the democratic will of 250 million people.”. (“Govt invites opposition for dialogue on 26th Amendment,” The Express Tribune, 6 August 2025)
SOCIETY
Fresh polio case in Lakki Marwat, cases rise to 19 nationwide
On 6 August, Dawn reported that a fresh case of polio has emerged in Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, bringing the total number of cases reported this year to 19. The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication confirmed that the affected child is five months old. This marks the 12th reported case from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2025. A laboratory official emphasised the importance of multiple rounds of vaccination for complete protection against the polio virus. He also added that the present polio cases pose a continued risk to the well-being of children, particularly in those groups where vaccine hesitancy is high. ( Ikram Junaidi, “Another polio case takes tally to 19,” Dawn, 6 August 2025 )
EXTERNAL
Labour market shifts: Saudi Arabia dominates, UAE sees 94 per cent drop in Pakistani migrants
On 6 August, The News International reported that during the first six months of 2025, Saudi Arabia emerged as the primary destination for Pakistani migrant workers, accounting for over 70 per cent of all overseas employment registrations. A total of 242,337 Pakistanis registered for jobs in the kingdom, likely boosted by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 development agenda and its growing need for both skilled and unskilled workers. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates saw a dramatic decline in demand, with only 13,865 registrations, down from 229,000 in 2022, a 94 per cent drop in just three years. This drop is due to stricter visa rules and a shift toward workforce localisation. In total, 336,442 Pakistanis registered for employment abroad. The majority were labourers (200,882), followed by drivers (73,342). Skilled professionals such as electricians, technicians, and carpenters also featured prominently. While fewer in number, engineers, doctors, and accountants also continued to seek overseas opportunities. Qatar and Bahrain also showed notable inflows, with 26,448 and 18,679 registrations, respectively. Remittance inflows remain crucial, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE contributing USD 823.2 million and USD 717.2 million, respectively, in June 2025 alone. Beyond the Gulf, Pakistani workers are also drawn to Turkiye and Germany, accepting 1,688 and 523 Pakistani workers respectively in the above-mentioned period. (Aimen Siddiqui, “ Saudi Arabia emerges as top destination for Pakistani workers, data shows,” The News International, 6 August 2025)
FO rejects allegations of Pakistani nationals fighting in Ukraine
On 6 August, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) has firmly denied Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s claim that Pakistani nationals were involved in the ongoing conflict in northeastern Ukraine. Zelensky had alleged that Ukrainian forces were encountering foreign mercenaries from countries including China, Pakistan, and several African nations. In response, the FO issued a statement rejecting these allegations as “baseless and unfounded,” asserting that Pakistan has neither been formally contacted by Ukrainian authorities nor provided with any verifiable evidence. Reiterating its neutral stance, Pakistan emphasised its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter. (“ FO rejects Zelensky’s claim on Pakistani ‘mercenaries’,” Dawn, 6 August 2025 )
CHINA &CPEC
Chinese firm signs LoI to boost investment at Gwadar Port
On 6 August, Dawn reported that China’s Xinning Enterprise signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) on 5 August, which marks a key development in the government's efforts to attract industrial and commercial investment to Gwadar Port and its Free Zone. The LoI, signed by Yi Jiang on behalf of Xinning Enterprise, outlines various projects aimed at driving economic activity in the region. According to an official press release, the proposed initiatives include “transforming Gwadar Port into a regional transshipment hub,” launching new industrial ventures, upgrading current facilities within the Free Zone, and relocating industries to the area. The Chinese delegation, led by Yi Jiang, who also holds the position of Director at the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), met with Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry to discuss ways to boost the port’s efficiency. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing Gwadar Port’s development per Pakistan’s legal and regulatory norms. They also agreed to continue constructive engagement to identify investment prospects and set up systems for sustained collaboration. ( “Chinese firm partners with Gwadar Port to boost trade,” Dawn, 6 August 2025)
AF- PAK
Muttaqi’s Islamabad visit postponed amid UNSC restrictions
On 6 August, Dawn reported that Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s planned visit to Pakistan, which was initially set for 4 August, has been postponed due to restrictions imposed by a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) travel ban. Muttaqi’s three-day visit to Pakistan was part of an ongoing effort to recalibrate bilateral ties. The visit was initially delayed because of UNSC sanctions. Although Muttaqi is among senior Taliban leaders on the sanctioned list, he had previously been granted waivers to travel and has led delegations to cities like Moscow and Beijing. This, however, marks the first occasion he has been denied international travel. It has been reported that Pakistan is actively seeking UNSC approval to allow Muttaqi’s visit. While Pakistani authorities publicly attributed the postponement to “technical reasons,” insiders confirmed that the travel ban appears to be the actual cause. (“UN travel ban delays Afghan FM’s visit to Pakistan,” Dawn, 6 August 2025)
Editorials/Opinions from Pakistan
On the need to focus non-military security issues of Pakistan
Zahid Hussain, "Rethinking national security," Dawn, 6 August 2025
"Unfortunately, the state has never prioritised the development of human infrastructure in the country, as reflected in its abysmal HDI ranking. Spending in the education and health sectors is not even 1pc of GDP — below even that spent by regional countries, barring perhaps Afghanistan. With its numbers growing at 2.5pc annually, the population is projected to reach 320m by 2040. It is a nightmarish scenario, with sluggish economic growth and little investment in health and education. We are sitting on a ticking time bomb. Nothing could be more dangerous for national security....We must rethink our national security paradigm before it is too late. Being a nuclear power cannot save us from implosion."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1929048/rethinking-national-security
On India, its neighbours and building peace in the region
Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, "Building peace in South Asia," Dawn, 6 August 2025
"The smaller countries of South Asia have always sought some sort of counterbalance to the overwhelming presence of India. The strategic entry of China into South Asia along with its globally attractive BRI, CPEC, and BRICS initiatives has confronted India with a strategic challenge. None of India’s alternatives to Saarc such as BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal) or Bimstec (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) have much attraction for the smaller countries of Saarc when compared with what China has to offer. So, how can peace be built in South Asia? As long as India insists on regional hegemony, building peace and security will remain a pipe dream...Pakistan should not abandon efforts to improve relations with India. If they succeed, they will alleviate the concerns of the smaller Saarc countries that are not able to challenge India individually or collectively."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1929049/building-peace-in-south-asia
On PTI's protests and Imran Khan
Editorial, "Another attempt," Dawn, 6 August 2025
"IT has taken the PTI two years to arrive at an impasse. Despite persistent efforts — big and small, peaceful and chaotic — the party has remained unable to secure the release of its founder. Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s reluctance to engage in dialogue has only deepened his isolation. It is unclear how much longer the PTI can sustain its resistance, or how far its leader is willing to go. So far, pressure and disappointment do not appear to have broken him. But with the party’s organisational capacity severely diminished, questions remain about how long its stand-off with the state can continue. Aug 5 was supposed to mark a symbolic turning point: two years since Mr Khan’s arrest."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1929052/another-attempt
On Media freedom in Pakistan
Editorial, "Still in chains," 6 August 2025
"While 75 years of activism do mark a milestone for the PFUJ, it is a sad fact that nearly all unions in Pakistan have been weakened, and media organisations work in an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship. Today, rights bodies limit themselves to issuing press releases, or staging token protests. While it is true that activists and journalists face threats from state and non-state actors, in previous decades, brave individuals and organisations confronted powerful quarters, often at great personal cost, in their defence of basic rights. The Ziaul Haq dictatorship immediately comes to mind — an era when journalists were lashed and jailed for confronting the military strongman. Today, as we face an equally suffocating atmosphere, journalists, rights groups and civil society must continue the struggle for a more egalitarian society, and democratic rights."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1929051/still-in-chains
On the role of jirgas today
Mohsin Saleem Ullah, "Regressive jirgas," The Express Tribune, 6 August 2025
"The initiative to reinstate this system signals not only a betrayal of the promises made to the tribal population but also a troubling attempt to offload state responsibility for justice onto a parallel, informal, and often brutal institution. Undoubtedly, jirgas operate entirely outside the constitutional framework and the rule of law. They violate the principle of separation of powers, usurp judicial authority, and often lead to egregious human rights violations. Most disturbingly, jirgas are structurally biased against women."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2559804/regressive-jirgas