Pakistan is currently beset by multifaceted issues. The economic challenges are particularly difficult and complex, and terrorist organizations are also creating problems. It appears that these terrorist organizations have established connections within Pakistan’s system, business, and commerce, and there are indications that they are receiving facilitation from within. The situation has become more critical since the establishment of the Taliban government in Afghanistan. The areas across the Pakistan-Iran border have also become sensitive.
As a result, the vast northwestern region of Pakistan has become a safe haven for terrorist organizations and criminal mafia gangs, and their movement has become easier. Certainly, Pakistan’s intelligence agencies possess significant information, which is why Pakistan’s security forces have initiated intelligence-based targeted operations against terrorists, and these operations are ongoing.
Recently, intelligence-based operations were conducted against terrorists in the Tirah Valley of Khyber District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and in Balochistan. According to media reports, since August 20, security forces have launched operations against the ‘Khwarij’ in KP based on intelligence reports. The ISPR (Inter-Services Public Relations) reported that on August 28 and 29, forces conducted effective attacks on ‘Khwarij’ hideouts in the Tirah Valley, resulting in the elimination of 12 ‘Khwarij.’ These operations have dealt a significant blow to the ‘Khwarij’ and their supporters, with 37 terrorists eliminated so far.
The intelligence-based operations (IBOs) will continue until peace is restored in the area and the ‘Khwarij’ are completely eradicated. Pakistan’s security forces are determined to rid the country of the scourge of terrorism. According to ISPR, on the night of August 29/30, three separate operations were conducted in the districts of Kech, Panjgur, and Zhob in Balochistan. During these operations, the forces killed five terrorists. Clearance operations will continue until all those responsible for these heinous crimes, as well as their facilitators and supporters, are brought to justice. ISPR stated that Pakistan’s forces, in collaboration with the nation, are committed to thwarting efforts to undermine peace, stability, and development in Balochistan. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have stated that the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces in the fight against terrorism.
Yesterday, during a Senate session, the question hour was postponed to discuss the situation in Balochistan. In the Senate session, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi categorically stated that those who recognize the state of Pakistan will be supported, and efforts will be made to resolve their issues. However, those individuals or groups who do not recognize the state of Pakistan and take up arms are terrorists, and the state and government will deal with them accordingly. The Federal Interior Minister mentioned that the incident on the night of August 26 was premeditated, and they know who is behind it.
Attempts are being made to disrupt the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) conference. Commenting on the Federal Interior Minister’s statement, Senator Umar Farooq remarked that the Interior Minister is talking about an SHO (Station House Officer), but first, let them retrieve the armored vehicles from the Kacha bandits. Balochistan has been in the hands of others since its inception. Balochistan has been deprived for seventy years; please have mercy on them.
Senator Bilal Ahmed Khan stated that the actions of a few individuals in Balochistan are affecting the entire province. He urged that the people of Balochistan should be considered as our own. Senator Dost Muhammad Khan suggested that the founder of PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) should be released from jail, as he is an expert in eradicating terrorism. The discourse in the Senate clearly reflects the quality and seriousness of the discussion. Regardless of party affiliation, the level of thought, wisdom, and prudence displayed by the senators on this serious issue does not seem to match the standards of American senators.
The remarks made by the Federal Interior Minister in the Senate are not to be taken as sarcasm or taunts. The Senate is an elected body of Pakistan, and like the National Assembly, it can legislate. Draft laws are also debated here. It is the constitutional duty of the members of this honorable house to prioritize the integrity of Pakistan. Whether it is the ongoing terrorism in Balochistan, the issue of TTP, or the problem with separatist violent organizations in Balochistan, it is essential to avoid partisan politics or unnecessary taunting.
If the honorable senators have concrete and actionable solutions to these issues, they should present their details before the house. It is well known that Pakistan is facing challenges such as terrorism, lawlessness, smuggling, extremism, and economic difficulties. Therefore, it is imperative that the elected representatives of the people speak for the protection and prosperity of Pakistan and its citizens. It is encouraging that the Ministry of Finance has claimed in its monthly economic outlook report that the current fiscal year has started with positive economic indicators. In the first month, a decrease in imports, an increase in exports, and remittances have significantly reduced the current account and trade deficits.
According to the Ministry of Finance, remittances amounted to $3 billion in July, a 47.6% increase compared to $2 billion in July last year. Exports recorded a 12.9% annual increase, reaching $2.4 billion, while total imports in July amounted to $4.8 billion, a 16.3% increase. Foreign investment also saw a 63.8% rise, and the current account deficit decreased by 78.1% on an annual basis. FBR (Federal Board of Revenue) tax collections also exceeded the target, while agricultural loans increased by 24.8%.
The report indicates that inflation was 11.1% in July, expected to be between 9.5% and 10.5% in August, and is likely to decrease further to between 9% and 10% in September. Exports in August are expected to range between $2.5 billion and $3.2 billion, imports between $4.5 billion and $5 billion, and remittances between $2.6 billion and $3.3 billion.
Meanwhile, the federal government has presented details of Pakistan’s domestic and foreign debts and the repayment schedule in the National Assembly. A plan has been prepared for the repayment of Rs 18,700 billion this year and Rs 66,000 billion by 2040. The details of domestic and foreign debts presented by the Ministry of Finance in the National Assembly indicate that by last June, the domestic debt stood at Rs 71,000 billion, with over Rs 47,000 billion in domestic debt and over Rs 24 billion in foreign debt. Thus, 66% of the total debt comprises domestic loans, while 34% comprises foreign loans. On the other hand, domestic loans are being raised through government securities, while external loans are being obtained from development partners and commercial institutions. A repayment schedule for the next 16 years has been presented, with total repayments amounting to Rs 1,000 billion in 2040, including Rs 800 billion in domestic and foreign debt.
These figures indicate that Pakistan’s economy is showing signs of improvement. Pakistan also needs to improve its foreign policy. Since the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) is in power in India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held the position for a third consecutive term, the BJP, being a far-right political party, has maintained a hardline policy towards Pakistan. Recently, Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, speaking at the launch of a book by Indian diplomat Rajeev Sikri, stated that the issue of Jammu and Kashmir was resolved with the abrogation of Article 370. After this move, now we need to consider what kind of relationship we can have with Pakistan and whether we even need one. Such remarks are against diplomatic norms. Jaishankar has made several controversial statements in the past as well. Nonetheless, Pakistan’s democratic political leadership, elected representatives, and scholars should begin efforts to define a course of action for their country.