Photo : Dawn
NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Dawn
In Focus
PML-N secures decisive win in by-elections; Marks notable win in KP’s Haripur and secures six out of seven seats in the Punjab Assembly
On 25 November, Dawn reported that the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) secured victory in all the seats in the by-elections for six National Assembly constituencies, conducted on 23 November across 13 constituencies- six National Assembly and seven Punjab Provincial Assembly seats. The victory has secured the PML-N a simple majority in the National Assembly, no longer dependent on the coalition to implement legislative changes. The PML-N also won six out of seven Punjab Assembly seats in the province by securing 82.41 per cent of the polled votes. The PML-N bagged 564,400 votes out of a total 883,108 or 63.91 per cent of the votes cast for the six National Assembly seats, five constituencies in Punjab and the Haripur constituency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In Punjab, the Muzzafargarh seat was secured by the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) Mian Alamdar Abbas Qureshi. The six NA constituencies where polling was conducted included NA-18 (Haripur), NA-96 and NA-104 (Faisalabad), NA-129 (Lahore), NA-143 (Sahiwal) and NA-185 (Dera Ghazi Khan). Five of these seats, except Lahore, were vacant due to the disqualification of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s (PTI) members, for their alleged participation in the violent 9 May riots in 2023, following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan. The Lahore-XIII constituency fell vacant after the death of Miaz Azhar, former Punjab governor and father of PTI leader Hammad Azhar. The PML-N’s Haripur victory against the PTI was a surprise outcome, particularly because the province is governed by the PTI. The PTI had officially boycotted the polls in all constituencies except Lahore and Haripur, while the PML-N fielded its candidates on all seats except in Muzaffargarh
The PTI had alleged that severe rigging had taken place prior to the elections. Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Moeen Riaz Qureshi had accused the authorities of “uprooting almost 99 per cent” of the PTI’s camps outside polling stations in Lahore. He alleged that the low voter turnout was because the PML-N attempted to “sabotage the by-polls by distributing more than half of the polling stations’ lists” in other areas, resulting in voters heading to the wrong polling stations. Former KP minister Yusuf Ayub had also accused the Election Commission of Pakistan of being biased against their candidate Shehrnaz Omar Ayub. “The election commission’s biased approach is evident from the posting of presiding officers, other polling staff, and changing our election symbol,” he said.
An editorial in Dawn, titled “Hollow Victory,” that the PML-N’s sweeping victory “is hardly a popular endorsement of its development narrative,” and is largely a result of PTI’s absence from the contest. It also accused the PTI of deploying the state machinery to “allegedly manipulate results for inflating its votes in many constituencies.” The article argued that “A victory that requires the absence of a credible opponent from the contest and a suspect voting process is without substance.” Responding to the PTI’s abstention, the editorial stated that “the PTI has done itself or democracy no service by staying away from the process.” It also highlighted that the PPP’s hopes of regaining influence in Punjab had been squashed. The article emphasised that “it is not just that major political parties have lost something on the weekend; democracy too has emerged as a loser in the process.” (“PML-N bags most votes in by-elections,” Dawn, 25 November 2025; “Hollow victory,” Dawn, 25 November 2025; “PML-N largely sweeps lacklustre by-elections,” Dawn, 24 November 2025; “By-elections held for 6 NA, 7 Punjab seats; PTI alleges rigging,” Dawn, 23 November 2025)
Chief of Saudi Armed Forces visits Pakistan; conveys Riyadh’s aim to elevate defence and strategic ties to “new heights”
On 25 November, Dawn reported on Saudi Armed Forces Chief of General Staff General Fayyadh Bin Hameed Al Rowaili’s visit to Pakistan. He met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir and other senior officials, conveying Riyadh’s intention to elevate defence and strategic ties with Pakistan to “new heights.” PM Shehbaz Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to enhance the “historic fraternal relations” between the two states in economic, defence and security spheres. The meeting focussed on defence cooperation, counterterrorism coordination and regional stability.
Central to the talks was the recently signed “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The Prime Minister described the pact as a “milestone” to be operationalised through joint training, military exercises and exchanges of expertise. He added that Pakistan views security cooperation with the Kingdom as important for regional peace and regards the partnership, grounded in shared faith and mutual confidence, as an important pillar of its foreign and security policy. At General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, Field Marshal Munir and General Al Rowaili met, where “both leaders discussed matters of mutual interest, with a particular focus on strengthening strategic military cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia,” according to the ISPR statement. The statement added that they sought to enhance “longstanding and strategic” cooperation in defence, security and counterterrorism efforts.
In September, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement,” under which "any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both," according to a Joint statement by the countries. The pact was signed during PM Sharif’s visit to Riyadh. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have a longstanding strategic and defence cooperation, but this pact is viewed as particularly important in light of recent regional developments, including Israeli strikes on Qatar.
In a parallel development, a high-level Iranian delegation is visiting Pakistan
On 24 November, Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, arrived in Pakistan for talks with senior Pakistani officials. During his stay, Mr Larijani is expected to meet both the country’s political and military leadership.The visit comes shortly after the trip of Majlis Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf to Islamabad last month, making this the second high-level Iranian delegation to Pakistan in weeks. In a post on X, Mr Larijani said: “Iran and Pakistan are two important and influential countries in ensuring lasting security in the region, and we always pay close attention to the brotherly relations between the countries of the region.” (Khalid Mehmood, “Pakistan, Saudi Arabia move to deepen defence partnership,” The Express Tribune, 25November 2025; “Saudi military chief relays desire to elevate defence ties,” Dawn, 25 November 2025)
In Brief
SECURITY
Hunt underway for facilitators after Peshawar FC HQ attack
On 25 November, Dawn reported that the Federal Constabulary headquarters in Peshawar became the target of a suicide attack that investigators now focus on identifying the attack organizers who killed three personnel and injured twelve more. The bomber exploded at the entrance of the building which enabled his two armed companions to enter the facility until snipers and an armored personnel carrier stopped them. The attackers spent 25 minutes circling the area according to CCTV footage which created doubts about potential inside help. State media confirmed that all three militants had their origins in Afghanistan. The support network investigation continues while officials assess new security measures for federal buildings. The President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Sohail Afridi expressed their condemnation of the attack while praising FC personnel for stopping a large-scale attack. (“Hunt underway for facilitators after Peshawar FC HQ attack,” Dawn, 25 November 2025)
Armed assault on Jaffar Express repelled in Bolan Pass
On 25 November, Dawn reported that the Jaffar Express train operating from Peshawar faced another armed attack when it passed through Kachhi district's Bolan Pass area which made it the sixth incident on this route during six weeks. The train faced mountainous gunfire after it left Mach station. The Railway Police on board responded to the attack which led the attackers to escape after a short battle. The train proceeded through the security check before authorities strengthened protective measures for the Quetta–Sibi rail route. The Jaffar Express has experienced multiple attacks during the past few weeks after a bombing occurred on the Quetta–Jacobabad track. (“Jaffar Express comes under attack at Bolan Pass,” Dawn, 25 November 2025)
PAKSITAN-OCCUPIED KASHMIR
Gilgit-Baltistan assembly completes tenure, caretaker CM appointed
On 25 November, Dawn reported that the Gilgit Baltistan assembly completed its five-year tenure. During the last session, 12 bills were passed by the assembly, including the GB Tourism Adventure Tourism Management and the GB Tobacco Control bill. Following Article 48-A (2) of the Government of Gilgit Baltistan Order, 2018, the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, being the Gilgit Baltistan Council Chairman, has appointed retired Justice Yar Muhammad as the caretaker GB Chief Minister. As per the GB Order 2018, elections must be held within 60 days. (“Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly completes five-year tenure,” Dawn, 25 November 2025; “Justice Yar Muhammad appointed caretaker CM of GB,” The News International, 25 November 2025)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan proposes a maritime cooperation framework with Bangladesh
The Dawn reported on 25 November that Pakistan introduced a systematic cooperation system between Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) and Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) to enhance their maritime relations. Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry introduced the proposal to Dr. M. Sakhawat Hussain who served as Bangladesh shipping adviser during their London meeting. The framework includes mutual operations for container and bulk shipping as well as synchronized port visits and maritime personnel exchange programs and safety measures and specialized training programs. The minister showed Karachi Port Trust's readiness to back regional logistics through its growing capacity and faster port operations and modernization work. The two parties backed improved port-to-port coordination because it would address traffic issues and reduce shipping costs while developing South Asian trade relationships. The minister suggested starting a Pakistan-Bangladesh Maritime Dialogue which would function as a permanent forum for shipping sector reform discussions and blue economy potential exploration and fisheries management and regulatory alignment and unified international organization representation. (“Shipping framework with BD proposed,” Dawn, 25 November 2025)
PAKISTAN-AFGHANISTAN
KP Assembly calls for talks with Afghanistan
On 25 November, The News International reported that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly called for negotiations with Afghanistan to end terrorism and unrest in the country. The assembly called for Jigra to hold a dialogue session in Kabul and Islamabad with the representation of all political parties and tribal elders. The speaker mentioned that the parliamentary committee formed to analyse the law and order situation in the province received briefings from relevant institutions before convening the Peace Jigra. During the session, the opposition leader stressed the need to reduce the friction between the provincial and federal governments for the benefit of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. He also suggested that the newly appointed KP CM be allowed to meet Imran Khan at Adiala Jail. (“KP Assembly calls for talks with Afghanistan,” The News International, 25 November 2025)
MILITARY
Outgoing CJCSC holds meetings with President, Prime Minister
On 25 November, Dawn reported that the outgoing Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, held separate meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The office of the CJCSC has been abolished under the recently passed 27th constitutional amendment. Also, amendments in army laws are being made, as the abolishment of the position is a major part of a major restructuring of Pakistan’s military hierarchy. During the meetings, his service to the country and contributions to the national defence have been appreciated. (“Outgoing CJCSC holds farewell meetings with president, prime minister,” Dawn, 25 November 2025)
EDITORIALS/OPINIONS
On the by-elections
Editorial, "Hollow victory, Dawn, 25 November 2025
"What was surprising, however, is that the party still felt compelled to deploy the state machinery to allegedly manipulate results for inflating its votes in many constituencies. The PML-N’s victory is real; but the method allegedly employed to construct a narrative of reclaimed popularity makes it questionable, even if it does not totally discredit this success. A victory that requires the absence of a credible opponent from the contest and a suspect voting process is without substance. On its part, the PTI has done itself or democracy no service by staying away from the process."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1957246/hollow-victory
Editorial, "The one-way ballot," The Express Tribune, 25 November 2025
"The PML-N's triumph on all the five National Assembly seats in Punjab by-polls was on the cards, as the opposition candidates were devoid of a level-playing field. Polling was held in 13 constituencies for six national and seven provincial assembly seats, as they had fallen vacant due to the disqualification of PTI legislators over the May 9 riots. The lackluster election, which saw a very low turnout, was broadly boycotted by the PTI, except for the two constituencies of Lahore in Punjab and Haripur in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. There too it was an impossible task for the PTI to even make its presence felt as the party faced political as well as legal discrimination."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2578919/the-one-way-ballot
Provinces
Barrister Zamir Ghumro, "Federalism, DRM and the FCC." The News, 25 November 2025
"Likewise, when the provinces are unable or reluctant to bring their disputes to the Supreme Court or the CCI, the cohesion within the federation falters. Chaos, instability, disaffection and insurgencies are signs of a suffering and increasingly tenuous federal bond. The provinces never trusted these two penultimate constitutional forums; hence the demand for the Federal Constitutional Court in the Charter of Democracy (CoD). The very letter and spirit of our 1973 constitution requires that provinces must have an equal number of judges in the Supreme Court and an equal representation in the CCI. However, the composition of both these forums remained blatantly misrepresentative."
https://www.thenews.pk/print/1382612-federalism-drm-and-the-fcc
Society
Editorial, "Violence against women," The News, 25 November 2025
"Pakistan alone recorded an alarming 173,367 cases of violence against women between 2021 and 2024 and, given the pressure on many women not to report the abuse they face, the real total is likely much higher. Other studies paint an even more dire picture, with a recent report from the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) finding that at least 85 women face violence daily in Punjab, the country’s most populous province."
https://www.thenews.pk/print/1382610-violence-against-women