Photo : PTI
NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : PTI
PR Daily Brief | 02 November 2025, Sunday | Vol 5, No.270
EXTERNAL
Ishaq Dar to attend the Coordination Meeting of Arab-Islamic Foreign Ministers on the implementation of the Gaza peace plan
On 2 November, Dawn reported that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is on a one-day visit to Istanbul on 3 November 2025 to attend the Coordination Meeting of Arab-Islamic Foreign Ministers. At the summit, the eight Arab-Islamic countries that worked with the Trump administration to conclude the Gaza peace deal will discuss implementing the agreement and regional efforts to consolidate the ceasefire. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had issued a statement stressing that Pakistan will highlight the need for the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement, complete withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the occupied territories, steady supply of humanitarian aid, and the reconstruction of Gaza. The statement also emphasised that “Pakistan will also reiterate the need for collective efforts aimed at achieving an independent, viable, and contiguous State of Palestine, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, based on pre-1967 borders, in accordance with relevant UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.” (“Dar to attend meeting of Arab-Islamic foreign ministers in Turkiye tomorrow to discuss Gaza ceasefire,” Dawn, 2 November 2025)
Asif Ali Zardari to hold high-level meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the World Summit for Social Development
On 2 November, Dawn reported that the Pakistan People’s Party President Asif Ali Zardari will attend the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha from 4-6 November. On the sidelines of the summit, Zardari will also hold high-level meetings “with global and regional leaders, including the leadership of Qatar, as well as heads of major multilateral forums such as the United Nations and other international organisations,” highlighted a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat. The summit will convene world leaders to explore strategies for advancing social development, promoting decent work and employment, and reinforcing inclusive safety nets. According to the statement, President Zardari will emphasize Pakistan’s commitment to inclusive growth and social protection, highlighting the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) “at the centre of efforts to reduce poverty and build resilience among vulnerable groups.” The Doha-aligned Social Protection and Jobs Compact (2026–28) initiative aligns Pakistan’s national development plans with the Doha Political Declaration and global commitments on social protection and development financing, highlighting the statement. He will also stress on Pakistan’s intention to collaborate closely with development partners and multilateral institutions to mobilize resources for social protection and green employment, pursued through instruments including the Sustainable Development Goals Stimulus, debt-for-social or climate swaps, and South–South cooperation under China’s Global Development Initiative. (“President to visit Doha, will hold ‘important meetings’ with global and regional leaders,” Dawn, 2 November 2025)
SECURITY
Punjab extends ban on protests and assemblies under Section 144, citing security concerns
On 2 November, Dawn reported that Punjab’s Home Department extended Section 144 across the province until 8 November, prohibiting protests, rallies, sit-ins, and public gatherings, citing concerns about terrorism and threats to public order. Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code allows district administrations to restrict gatherings of four or more people in an area for a limited period. A statement issued by the Home Department noted that “public processions and sit-ins can be soft targets for terrorists,” and that “malignant elements can take advantage of public protests and carry out anti-state activities to fulfil their nefarious intentions.” A complete ban on the display of all types of weapons and the use of loudspeakers has been imposed across Punjab. It added that publishing or distributing inflammatory, hateful, or sectarian material is also strictly banned. The Home Department explained that the decision to extend Section 144 aims to maintain law and order and safeguard human lives and property. “The Punjab government issued these orders in light of terrorism concerns and threats to public order,” it said, clarifying that the restrictions do not apply to wedding ceremonies, funerals, or burials. Initially imposed on 8 October for 10 days, the ban was later extended by another seven days on 18 October. The Cabinet Committee for Law and Order decided to prolong the restrictions for a further week during its 39th meeting at the Home Department, citing ongoing security threats and tensions with the banned religiopolitical party Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). Subsequently, on October 25, the Punjab government extended the enforcement of Section 144 for yet another week. (“Punjab extends Section 144 across province for 7 days citing security, law and order concerns,” Dawn, 2 November)
Pakistan’s Information Minister claims to have foiled an alleged Indian operation
On 2 November, The News International reported on Pakistan’s Intelligence, Information, and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar’s claims that India’s intelligence agencies had allegedly coerced a Pakistani fisherman to procure Army, Navy, and Rangers uniforms along with other sensitive items. At a joint press conference alongside Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Tarar announced the arrest of the suspect Ijaz Malah, who is claimed to have been arrested during his attempt to cross into India. Tarar alleges that Indian operatives had used “financial temptation and pressure” to recruit Malah. In an alleged confessional video statement, the suspect claimed that he was “instructed to bring Navy, Rangers, Army uniforms, 3 Zong SIMs, three mobile shop bills, Pakistani matches and cigarette boxes, lighters, and old notes of 100 and 50, after which I was released.” Tarar further alleged that the exercise was a “propaganda operation,” and Pakistan would foil any such efforts. (“Indian bid to use Pakistani fisherman to gather sensitive items for disinformation foiled: minister,” The News International, 2 November 2025)
AF-PAK
Pakistan reopens the Torkham border for the repatriation of illegal Afghans following ceasefire talks in Turkey
On 2 November, The News International reported that following the successful ceasefire talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Turkey, Islamabad reopened the Torkham border crossing on 1 November to allow the repatriation of illegal Afghan refugees. The repatriation of Afghan families from Pakistan was halted on 11October due to border clashes. Deputy Commissioner Khyber Bilal Shahid stated that the Torkham border crossing was temporarily reopened after 21 days to facilitate the return of undocumented Afghan nationals to their home country. He noted that hundreds of Afghan residents had gathered at the Torkham immigration centre, where officials were processing necessary formalities before allowing their entry into Afghanistan. He also clarified that trade operations and pedestrian movement across the border would continue to be suspended until further notice. Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif stated in a television interview that Turkey and Qatar were playing a key mediatory role in the dialogue, and expressed optimism that their mediation efforts would offer positive outcomes. He also highlighted that a clause under the ongoing negotiations stipulates that Afghanistan will be held accountable for any illegal activity from its side, asserting that “The only solution is for Afghanistan to end terrorism originating from its soil.” He staunchly rejected Kabul’s accusations of aggression from Islamabad, stating that “There has been no hostile activity from our side; the ceasefire violations are being committed by Afghanistan.” (“Torkham border reopened for repatriation of illegal Afghans,” The News International, 2 November 2025)
“The onus is on the Afghan regime because their soil is being used for terrorism in Pakistan,” says Pakistan’s Information Minister
On 2 November, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s Information Minister stated that following the establishment of a joint monitoring and verification mechanism, “the onus is on the Afghan regime because their soil is being used for terrorism in Pakistan by Fitna-al-Khawarij and Fitna-al-Hindustan.” The comments followed the second round of Pakistan-Afghanistan talks in Istanbul on 25 October, which aimed to resolve recent tensions from border hostilities and Pakistan’s concern over terror activities originating from Afghan territory. Mediation by Turkiye and Qatar restored the dialogue after an earlier stalemate, leading to a three-point understanding: continuation of the ceasefire, creation of a joint monitoring and verification mechanism, and penalties for violations. The mechanism’s operational details are expected to be finalised in a follow-up meeting on 6 November. The minister said, “Once the mechanism is established, there is joint verification and evidence is produced, then any party violating the agreement will be punished.” Responding to reports of Afghanistan’s offer to hand over terror suspects, he clarified that Pakistan had declined the proposal and questioned the rationale behind Kabul’s statements following the talks. He further called the Afghan Taliban as a “fractured regime” lacking full control over Afghanistan. The Minister stated that Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership are aligned and that allegations by Kabul must stop. (“Onus on Kabul to act against terrorists using Afghan soil: Tarar,” Dawn, 3 November 2025)