Category: 1. Pakistan

THE humidity hangs heavily in the air but doesn’t deter the quiet protest by a small group of women. They sit silently, their heads bowed, a small splash of colour against the grey concrete. With their old-fashioned hand fans, they occupy a sheet of plastic in the middle of the road.

The nearby green areas, which once allowed Pakistan to bring its problems to Islamabad by holding protests there, is closed to these women. The earth and grass are far too comfortable for them to be allowed there. They have to sit on the road, close to a busy commercial area, but away from the business in the area, as traffic barriers create a boundary, separating them from life in the capital. They have been here for a month but have not managed to disturb the life of the city or the government. How can they when even the doors of the washrooms of the press club close by are closed to them? Those who should be the flag-bearers of freedom of information are now a part of a system which bears down on citizens rather than standing up for the oppressed.

So it’s not just the washrooms but also coverage which is denied. These protesters are ignored, blacked out. There was a time, when such a gathering would have galvanised enough opinion to put any government on the back foot. Not anymore. The women’s steadfastness in this heat and in these circumstances moves no one. Perhaps partly because most people do not even know they are here and partly because this government has no space to even pretend to care about human rights.

The protest has been rendered invisible.

But then the political suffering of women has been normalised in the abnormal times we live in — the women in Islamabad who are not even allowed to sit on grass lest it prove too comfortable, or Mahrang Baloch who has been imprisoned with little chance of any relief in the near future. In Lahore, Yasmin Rashid has been behind bars for two years, with little concern for anyone outside of her party (which can barely do more than pay lip service to the matter). Her age moves no one; neither do the elderly women sitting on the road in this heat in a corner of Islamabad, carrying pictures of their missing loved ones in their heavily wrinkled hands. Their endless wait is for closure as well as some compassion from those in charge.

Ask the government about anything untoward and they simply shrug it off.

But suffering and lack of compassion have been normalised in the abnormal times we live in. As has been the indifference of political parties, which can no longer even pretend to care. Not even those who continue to bask in the glory of a woman who was once the lone symbol of suffering and the target of the powerful ones.

This is not all that has been normalised.

Consider journalism. Arrests, FIRs, disappearances — temporary and permanent — were part of what journalists signed up for. What it meant was that only the brave ones would continue down certain paths (most opened the door and walked through to the compound where awards adorn one’s resumé). But despite this, we have seen a fair share of brave souls who continued to face the dangers. Here too, though, there is an effort to remind them that this may not prove enough.

In recent times, at least two journalists have spoken about how the bank accounts of family and even acquaintances have been blocked. Parents, siblings and even vendors who made the mistake of selling to pesky journalists have been affected. The only recourse left to them were the courts, which, too, are now enveloping themselves in the mantle of indifference. But the message is that collective punishment is the fate of those who will not heed more specific messages about falling in line. Or that the element of surprise will always be their fate. When blocked bank accounts did not prove enough, one of them was stopped from flying out of the country recently. Since then, a PTI politician’s daughter has also found her way to the list. Her father is neither in power nor in parliament and is perhaps not in a position to make any decision but still had to be sent a message. And for this, a university student was stopped from leaving the country, putting her education at risk.

In all of these random, seemingly disconnected incidents, there is a commonality — no one can be asked about them or even shamed. The government has moved beyond this — ask them about anything untoward and they simply shrug it off. There must be a reason, a valid reason, is the only answer. If it’s a journalist, he or she must have done something wrong to attract the ‘long arm of the law’. And if there is a story involving a politician from the opposition, the easiest response is to either hint at the former’s non-patriotic credentials or feign ignorance and move on.

Indifference has been normalised in these abnormal times.

And while some of us do express horror, grief and shock, it amounts to little; the second such incident is taken in its stride. It has already happened to others and if the previous incident was accepted, so should the new one. The shock and horror turns into acceptance.

But then, these are abnormal times, we tell ourselves. And they might not last and neither will these stories. However, this provides little comfort for I can remember when we first began to hear of ‘missing people’; when stories about the missing were read avidly because it was so new. Or when suicide bombings first happened in Pakistan. Then the times changed, leaders changed but we learnt to live with the missing and the suicide bombers. Times don’t last necessarily but the abnormal soon becomes normal.

The writer is a journalist.

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2025

NONE of our past regimes established durable progress and many have even put us back. But perhaps only Zia’s era, our worst one by far, matches the reversals we have seen under the current hybrid set-up in just 18 months, contrary to claims of making major progress.

The main harm has been done to democracy as civilian sway is at its lowest in key areas. While our two oldest parties are ruling overtly, they seemed to have nixed the political progress of yore. They began by violating their Charter of Democracy oath not to win power with the establishment’s aid. In 2013, they had ensured our only fair civilian power transfer but won this time through arguably our most rigged poll since the 2002 one held under martial law. To end rigging by incumbents, both had adopted the global good model of neutral caretakers that bars them from joining the next set-up to reduce conflict of interest. But in 2024, they bent their own good law to induct caretakers in cabinets.

Our post-2009 higher judiciary hiring system too was among the best globally as its use of judicial and balanced bipartisan assembly committees ended the executive’s hold. But instead of improving it by adding merit criteria and open applications, they re-cemented the executive hold, which has harmed the judiciary. A crackdown is underway against the PTI, nationalist Baloch and KP groups and even ordinary citizens reminiscent of the Zia era. Media and other freedoms are being nixed via bad laws. While they had rightly criticised the PTI’s era for such political sins, their own have now left the former behind.

The government has achieved fragile economic stability but is clueless about durable growth. The real economic reversal, though, is the loss of ambition. CPEC, along with the Gulf inflows, was a solid way of industrialising. But 10 years later, greater attention is focused on US ties in controversial areas like crypto and natural wealth — a globally feared curse for misruled states like ours — plus remittances and establishment-led farming. The last seems to reflect a concern that greater industrialisation may bring in meritorious rulers, and so dubious sectors are a better focus for the rulers’ narrow interests. Zia had done the same. Ayub and Bhutto had at least adopted varied, though faulty, state-led ways to industrialise. But Zia moved the focus to predatory sectors such as US aid, real estate, etc.

The main harm has been done to democracy.

Insecurity is increasing and negatively affecting the gains of the 2008-18 era. While this set-up rightly pins the blame for this trend on the PTI-era hybrid government for resettling TTP fighters in KP, its own steps have exacerbated matters. Its forcible approach to Balochistan, even towards peaceful marchers, is pushing common people away from normal politics. Oddly, we tell other states facing terrorism to address the root causes but avoid doing so ourselves in Balochistan. Many say the state’s distinction among ‘good and bad’ Taliban stokes terrorism in KP and new operations will only add to people’s miseries.

The big reversal externally is the rekindling of that old, on-off romance with the US via personal, non-civilian ties instead of normal state ties. While the regime calls it progress, many vividly recall the damage three decades of such ties did. The chances of us being fourth time lucky are slim as the key actors on both sides resemble past ones. For us, it’s again a set-up desperately seeking global patrons to overcome its low domestic legitimacy and su­­­-rvive. For the US, it’s a very short-visioned and self-centred (Trump) regime even by US norms. So, many fear the results may benefit our ruling elites but harm the masses.

So, all the reversals approach those in non-civilian eras, making one wonder if this will be the worst civilian era ever and how much more harm it will cause. Sages say talks are the best way out of the mess. But strong autocracies don’t voluntarily concede; instead, they use talks to pressure dissidents to yield and give themselves legitimacy. The current set-up might only accept calls for fair polls, civilian sway, judicial freedom and end to crackdowns if dissidents form a strong joint platform, which seems unlikely for now.

Though the nation is angry, it remains divided. Diverse angry groups are angry on diverse issues and often don’t relate to and even oppose the basis of anger of other angry groups. So, regime may cave in under the weight of its own missteps, as always pushed gently and jointly by dissidents.

The writer has a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, in political economy and 25 years of grassroots to senior-level experiences across 50 countries.

murtazaniaz@yahoo.com

X: @NiazMurtaza2

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2025

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued a new, “Electronic Foreign Income and Assets Declaration for Resident Individuals” for tax year 2025.

A separate return has also been notified; i.e., “Electronic Return for Non-Resident having no source of income in Pakistan”.

The FBR has notified the declaration through issuance of SRO. 1562(I)/2025 here on Monday.

Foreign assets immune from taxes: ATIR

In this regard, the FBR has amended Income Tax Rules, 2002.

According to a FBR’s notification, a “Simplified Electronic Return for Individuals” has been notified, as well.

Through SRO 1562 (I)/2025, the FBR has also issued final income tax return forms (electronic) for companies, association of persons and individuals for tax year 2025.

Under the notification, the FBR has also released final Electronic Return for manufacturer, Electronic Return for traders and Electronic Return for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The FBR has also issued another S.R.O. 1561(I)/2025 to notify the “Simplified Electronic Return for Individuals”.

Any changes in the return available in IRIS shall be deemed to have always been present; however, this will not cause any prejudice to the taxpayers having filed the return prior to the change.

This Notification shall be applicable for the tax year, 2025, FBR added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

ISLAMABAD: The National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (NJPMC) has reaffirmed the necessity of establishing a comprehensive mechanism to ensure the production of detained persons before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest. Besides it also approved uniform timelines for disposing of various case.

The 54th meeting of the NJPMC was held at the Supreme Court under the chairmanship of Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi. The meeting was attended by the chief justices of all high courts, while the Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) participated on special invitation. The committee reviewed the implementation status of decisions taken during its 53rd meeting and deliberated on key policy matters.

Unanimously, the committee reiterated its commitment to strengthening institutional capacity, expediting access to justice, and ensuring efficient justice delivery. In this regard, the committee emphasised the need for a structured mechanism, particularly in cases of enforced disappearances, to ensure detainees are presented before a magistrate within 24 hours.

The AGP assured the committee that such a mechanism would be developed and presented in the next meeting. The forum appreciated his assurance and efforts. Regarding safeguarding judicial independence, the committee commended the high courts for formulating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) but stressed the inclusion of stage-wise timelines from complaint filing to final resolution. It was decided that any instances of external influence the relevant judge must report it within 24 hours, with actions finalised within 14 days.

The SOPs should also provide immediate redressal measures to protect the dignity of the judge concerned. Additionally, a reporting mechanism to the Chief Justice of Pakistan was proposed for necessary intervention. The high courts will notify these SOPs and share them with the Law & Justice Commission of Pakistan.

On strengthening the commercial litigation framework, the committee acknowledged significant progress by the high courts in commercial litigation reforms. To address prolonged litigation and injunctive orders in commercial, revenue and fiscal cases, a sub-committee was formed under Supreme Court Justice Shafi Siddiqui. The committee includes Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh from the Lahore High Court (LHC), Justice Agha Faisal from the Sindh High Court (SHC), Justice Arshad Ali from the Peshawar High Court (PHC), the AGP and Federal Board of Revenue chairman. This committee will also examine the AGP’s suggestions on recognising and enforcing foreign arbitral awards and present recommendations in the next meeting.

The committee approved uniform timelines for disposing of various case categories, which will serve as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for judicial evaluations. The prescribed timelines include declaratory suits for land disputes within 24 months, inheritance disputes within 12 months, injunction suits for land disputes within 6 months, recovery suits for public revenue matters within 12 months, specific performance cases within 18 months, rent cases within 6 months, family suits within 6 months, uncontested succession cases within 2 months, execution petitions for family court decrees within 6 months, banking court decrees within 12 months, civil court decrees within 12 months, rent matters within 3 months, juvenile offender trials within 6 months, criminal trials with punishments up to seven years within 12 months, more severe criminal trials within 18 months, murder trials within 24 months, and labor cases within 6 months.

The committee praised the SHC and PHC for their progress in establishing Model Criminal Trial Courts, noting their role in enhancing timely justice delivery. On court-annexed mediation, the committee recognised advancements in pre-trial mediation and was assured by the AGP that updates on legislative measures for mandatory mediation would be presented in the next meeting.

Regarding district judiciary matters, discussions covered performance evaluation, standardised recruitment, and the establishment of a District Judiciary Policy Forum. The committee decided to include the LHC chief justice in formulating recommendations on these issues. The committee expressed satisfaction with progress on the Professional Excellence Index, acknowledging its role in enhancing judicial standards.

High courts were directed to establish accessible, user-friendly forums at both high court and district court levels for public grievances and information dissemination. Appreciating the LHC’s efforts, the committee encouraged pilot initiatives for resolving the oldest civil cases under a time-bound regime.

On jail reforms, the committee resolved to share provincial sub-committee reports and a Prison Reform Action Plan with high courts for input before finalising a National Prison Policy. Other key issues addressed included suspension of sentences pending appeal under Section 426 CrPC, repatriation of judicial officers from special courts and tribunals, implementation of biometric verification at case institution by the LHC, and hearing bail applications in narcotics cases by division benches. The next NJPMC meeting is scheduled for October 17, 2025.

ISLAMABAD: A local court on Monday sought arguments on bail applications of 23 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers in a case registered against them in connection with the violation of Section 144 on August 15.

Duty judge Rizwan Uddin, while hearing the case, sought arguments on PTI’s workers’ bail pleas today (Tuesday) in a case registered against them at Industrial Area Police Station under different sections of the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order (PAPO) Act and Section 144.

The same court in another case registered against 40 PTI workers at Margalla police station issued notices to defence and prosecution for the submission of arguments on the bail applications.

During the hearing, the court asked both parties to present their arguments on bail pleas during the next hearing to be held on August 20.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

The fate of the Rs1,275 billion power sector circular debt settlement—through refinancing the amount by 18 banks to disburse to the companies in the power sector chain, including Chinese IPPs—is contingent upon Chinese government approval. Authorities are hoping the PM will get the green light during his upcoming visit to China.

The plan has been approved by the IMF on the assumption that all Late Payment Surcharges (LPS) will be waived.

One of the reasons the Fund approved the plan is that it includes a form of rescheduling (or reprofiling) of the power sector debt within CPEC. However, if the Chinese do not agree, chances are the IMF may not entertain any revised plan that excludes the waiving of Chinese LPS.

The Chinese may be reluctant to accept this based on optics. If they allow CPEC loans to be altered, it could set a precedent for the 50-odd other countries under the BRI to ask for relief. Some people say the Chinese may do it for us, as they have done some reprofiling in the case of nuclear power plants (K2 and K3 loans). However, that is a different story, as K2 and K3 are not part of CPEC.

Thus, the widespread view is that the Chinese may not accept the proposal, based on optics, to avoid setting the wrong precedent for other borrowing countries. However, if we get lucky and China agrees to waive full (or partial) LPS, this may come with new—and perhaps harsher—conditions, IMF-style, which will be non-negotiable in the future.

The question is what type of conditions the Chinese may apply, and whether these will be acceptable for us. Sources close to the Chinese say that one requirement could be to open a revolving account for IPPs under CPEC. This would ensure timely payment of all capacity charges going forward, and in case of non-compliance, it might effectively be treated as a default on due payments.

This would mean invoices generated for August 2025 payments must be released within October 2025 to avoid any further delay and prevent additional LPS going forward. In effect, no new circular debt would be created in the future. That would be a tough condition, and given history, it is difficult to commit to payments for the next 10–20 years.

If that happens, the Chinese may start repatriating dividends in large chunks. That would be different from the current situation, where IPPs get unsecured credit against pending payments. There could also be a second condition on the upfront tariff, as well as requirements to ensure the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan.

Sources say that even with all these conditions, the Chinese may, at best, accept a 50 percent waiver—against the government’s wish for 100 percent. And if the government delays any payment in the future, the waived LPS could become part of the due payments.

That is a slippery slope, as China must keep the overall BRI in mind during negotiations. There will be no carte blanche. Fingers crossed.

ISLAMABAD: A special task force formed by the government held a meeting at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) headquarters to ensure action against foreign nationals illegally residing in different districts and to enhance coordination among relevant institutions in this regard.

The meeting held under the chairmanship of CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Mohammad Ali Randhawa was attended by members of the task force, including district administration and police officers from Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Murree and Haripur, as well as senior officers from the Ministry of Interior, Nadra, FIA and CTD.

During the meeting, it was decided that action will be taken against foreign nationals residing without valid visas in the districts of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Murree and Haripur. The chief commissioner directed to formulate a plan to prevent the future illegal resettlement of foreign nationals in the districts.

He emphasised the need to develop an integrated database containing complete information, residential addresses and other key details of such individuals.

He instructed FIA, Nadra and other relevant institutions to enhance data sharing and coordination to declare these five districts as ‘Safe Zones’. Additionally, authorities were directed to monitor the presence of foreigners without valid visas in adjoining areas and to take immediate legal action against them. The meeting also decided to ensure action against unregistered foreign tenants residing in houses and hotels.

He directed the appointment of focal persons in relevant districts and departments to strengthen coordination against illegal immigrants.

The chief commissioner stressed the need for seamless data synchronisation among concerned institutions to ensure that only foreigners with valid visas are allowed to stay, failing which strict legal action will be taken.

In line with the direction of the chief commissioner, the deputy commissioners will immediately collect data on foreign nationals residing without visas in their respective districts.

The meeting also unanimously agreed to halt the issuance of stamp papers for property transactions involving illegally residing foreigners and strictly enforce the Tenancy Act. Furthermore, it was decided that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will not issue mobile SIMs to illegally residing foreign nationals without valid visas.

He said the government was committed to ensuring national security and stability by taking effective legal action against illegal immigrants. He said all relevant institutions were jointly working to implement measures for a permanent solution to this issue.

Pakistan has extended the deadline for the deportation of foreigners without proper documents to September 1, 2025.

About 1.4 million Afghan refugees are registered with the UN Refugee Agency and have the Proof of Residence Cards (PoR) issued by the government Pakistan.

A police officer said the number of Afghan nationals staying in the capital illegally was much higher compared to those holding valid documents.

Thousands of Afghan nationals used Islamabad as a transit point to fly to European, Western and Middle Eastern countries. Moreover, hundreds of families and individuals were also coming to the city for medical treatment.

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2025

LONDON: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday said that the country was “running well” and experiencing stability and economic improvement, adding that there was no need for a 27th Const­itutional Amendment, Dawn­.com reported.

Even as the 26th Amendment remains mired in controversy, the power corridors in Islamabad have been abuzz with talk of a possible 27th Const­itutional Amen­dment, which, according to insiders, would further ‘fine tune’ the structure and the functioning of the superior judiciary.

Speaking to reporters in London during a visit to the United Kingdom, the deputy premier said: “We are still digesting the 26th Constitutional Amendment, so there is no need for a 27th right now. The country is running well. There is stability and economic improvement.

“We are putting our full attention towards GDP growth and development. Under [Prime Minister] Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, all efforts are being made.”

Meets British under-secretary, parliamentarians of Pakistani origin

Dar said that under the leadership of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in 2017, Pakistan was “the 24th-biggest economy” and added that the government was working to bring the economy back to that point.

“We are headed that way very quickly, and we are getting ready to become part of the G20,” he said.

In June, amid speculation in legal circles about the government planning to bring in the 27th Amen­dment, the Islamabad High Court Bar Association had endorsed a possible amendment while calling for broa­d-based judicial reforms, including the nationwide rotation of judges.

Sources had said certain contentious matters, such as a separate constitutional court, left unresolved in the 26th Amendment, would be taken up in the new amendment. Though speculations had been rife since then, there had been no official word regarding the 27th Amendment.

Meets British-Pakistani lawmakers

Separately, Mr Dar held “productive meetings” with British lawmakers of Pakistani origin, according to a statement from the Foreign Office.

The deputy PM arrived in the UK on Saturday ahead of diplomatic engagements with British and Comm­onwealth leadership from August 17-19.

The FO said earlier this week that he would meet British Deputy Prime Min­ister Angela Rayner and Parli­amentary Under-Secr­etary of State for Pakistan Hamish Falconer.

In a fresh statement, the FO said Dar met British mem­­­bers of parliament (MP) Mohammad Yasin, Tahir Ali, Imran Hussain, Ayoub Khan and Adnan Hussain.

“The deputy prime minister/foreign minister underscored the deep historical and cultural bonds between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, which are further strengthened by the vibrant Pakistani diaspora in the UK,” the statement read.

During these meetings, the deputy premier highlighted the diaspora’s pivotal role as a bridge between Islamabad and London, fostering mutual understanding, cultural exchanges and robust people-to-people connections, the FO added.

Dar “emphasised Paki­stan’s strong commitment to enhancing bilateral parliamentary exchanges with the United Kingdom”, the statement read. “He noted that such engagements facilitate the sharing of democratic experiences, international best practices and core democratic values, which are vital for the growth and stability of democratic institutions in both countries.”

The FO said the deputy premier appreciated the efforts of the MPs to bring greater attention to the issue of human rights violations in occupied Kashmir and commended them for raising awareness on the situation in the UK.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also met UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan Hamish Falconer at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in a “productive” meeting.

“During the meeting, both sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening cooperation across political, economic, climate and people-to-people domains,” the FO stated.

Dar and Falconer also exchanged views on regional and global developments, while the deputy PM highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to economic reforms and shared Pakistan’s perspective on peace and stability in South Asia. “He (Dar) underscored the importance of the just and peaceful resolution of [the] Jammu and Kashmir Dispute, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions,” the FO statement read.

According to the FO, both sides appreciated the trajectory of UK-Pakistani relations and noted the importance of regular, high-level interactions to maintain ties and open up new avenues for cooperation.

With input from APP

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2025