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SHARIF, ALIYEV FINALIZE MATTERS ON AZERBAIJAN’S $2 BN INVESTMENT IN PAKISTAN Tuesday, 25 February, 2025 I 26 Shaban ul Moazzam, 1446
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PAKISTAN, AZERBAIJAN SIGN MULTIPLE ACCORDS FOR COOPERATION IN ENERGY, EDUCATION, ENVIRONMENT
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PM VOWS TO HIMSELF OVERSEE INVESTMENT AND MUTUAL COOPERATION PROJECTS
the prime minister said US$2 billion investment in Pakistan announced by the President Aliyev will bring dividends to both countries. “This will be the first quantum jump in our trade and investment relations and will be a huge reflection of our fraternal
ties,” the prime minister said adding, “Our business, trade, and investment ties were not reflecting the true strength of our relations but today we have achieved that target and in a month’s time we will celebrate this great decision into action”. President Aliyev regretted that the bi-
lateral trade turnover was only several tens of million of US dollars that was needed to be increased. “I think we have the way how to do it,” he said, adding, “We received concrete projects from Pakistan and Azerbaijani representatives are evaluating them, today we put ambitious and realistic targets to finalize all the discussions within one month and by the beginning of April, the documents will be prepared for signing”. The President of Azerbaijan emphasized that these projects covered infrastructure development areas as well as energy, economic, mining and others. He said during his meeting with PM Shehbaz Sharif, they discussed important issues, and reaffirmed resolve to continue to support each other on all issues of international relations. He said they also discussed numerous issues of current international development and cooperation in defence area including defence industry.
BAKU
dertaken at the invitation of the President of Azerbaijan, underscores the deep-rooted, historic and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. Upon arrival at the Zugulba Palace, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was warmly received by President Ilham Aliyev. A smartly turned out contingent of Azerbaijan armed forces presented a guard of honour to the Prime Minister. Both the leaders had tête-à-tête meeting and reiterated the commitment to further strengthen the bilateral
cooperation in diverse fields. Both leaders reaffirmed the strategic partnership between the two countries and expressed satisfaction on the joint efforts to further strengthen the close and fraternal ties. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif noted with deep appreciation President Ilham Aliyev’s announcement of US$ 2 billion Azerbaijan’s investment in Pakistan during his July 2024 visit to Pakistan and discussed potential projects that are ready for investment.
BAKU
STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev on Monday finalizing the matters on Baku’s $2 billion investment in Pakistan, agreed to expand bilateral trade volume and promote joint defence production. This was agreed during a meeting between the two leaders in Baku. On the occasion, the two leaders also witnessed the signing of an amendment agreement for the Sale and Purchase of LNG cargoes related to Master LNG Sale and Purchase Agreement. The two sides also signed an agreement between the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) and Pakistan’s Frontier Works Organization (FWO) and Pakistan State Oil Company Limited for collaboration in Machike-Thallian-Tarujabba White Oil Pipeline Project. Later, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a joint press conference with the President of Azerbaijan, assured that he himself would oversee the investment and mutual cooperation projects in the sectors where Azerbaijan was investing, ensuring that there would be no disruption in the pace and effectiveness of these efforts. “I am happy to share that we also had extensive discussions regarding finalizing the portfolio of Azerbaijan investments worth US$2 billion in mutually beneficial projects in Pakistan and I look forward to my dear brother, President Aliyev visiting Pakistan in April this year to sign historic agreements involving this investment,” the prime minister said in a social media post on X. Addressing the joint press stakeout,
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Azerbaijan President hints at Pakistan visit in April to formalize $2b investment projects STAFF REPORT
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on Monday expressed his willingness to visit Islamabad this April to formalize agreements for $2 billion worth of investment projects in Pakistan. The intention was conveyed during a meeting between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President of Azerbaijan in Baku. The visit of the prime minister, un-
Punjab govt defends Bikers Lane project after KP criticism LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
FAFEN report ‘exposes’ Pakistan’s electoral representation crisis ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Punjab Minister for Information and Culture, Azma Bokhari, has responded to criticism from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government spokesperson Barrister Saif regarding the quality of paint used for Lahore’s newly introduced Bikers Lane. Addressing the media on Monday, Bokhari clarified that the Bikers Lane on Ferozepur Road was painted as part of a one-year testing phase, and the company responsible would be repainting it using high-quality materials. She emphasized that the Punjab government had not yet paid for the project, ensuring no financial loss to the province. In her rebuttal, she took aim at the KP government, highlighting safety concerns and financial irregularities in Peshawar’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. Bokhari claimed that despite five years of operation, the KP government still owed Rs60 billion for the Peshawar Metro project. She accused Barrister Saif of diverting attention from KP’s own governance failures while criticizing Punjab’s development initiatives. Furthermore, Bokhari announced that after successfully launching the Metro Bus and Orange Line projects, the Punjab government was now planning tram and underground Green Line projects to enhance public transport infrastructure. Despite the Punjab government’s defense, reports have emerged about serious irregularities in the awarding of the Bikers Lane contract. Sources claim that the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) did not properly prequalify companies with relevant experience, leading to the selection of a contractor who used substandard paint purchased locally from Ferozepur Road. Experts revealed that the paint should have contained a special adhesive powder to ensure durability, but this crucial step was neglected. Additionally, the project was executed without consulting engineering experts, including NESPAK, which would typically oversee such developments. To counter public backlash, sources allege that misleading reports were circulated in the media, falsely claiming that a show-cause notice had been issued to the contractor.
The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has released an analysis of Pakistan’s electoral outcomes from 2002 to 2024, highlighting a persistent representation gap in the country’s elections. The report suggests that national and provincial assemblies continue to be elected with the mandate of less than a quarter of registered voters and only about half of the votes cast. FAFEN’s data shows little improvement in electoral representation over the past two decades. In 2002, the National Assembly was elected with the support of 20% of registered voters and 47% of cast votes. This slightly increased to
22% and 50% in 2008. The assemblies formed in 2013, 2018, and 2024 represented 26%, 22%, and 21% of registered voters, respectively, with cast vote support standing at 48%, 43%, and 45%. The report further revealed that in the 2024 general elections, no candidate in any of the 265 constituencies secured a majority of registered voters’ support. In 202 constituencies, the winning candidates had less than 25% backing from registered voters, while in 63 constituencies, successful candidates secured between 25% and 50% of registered voters’ support. Only 69 constituencies had winners with more than 50% of cast votes, while 196 constituencies saw victors securing less than
half of the votes cast. A similar trend was observed in the provincial assemblies, where only two constituencies had candidates who secured more than 50% of registered voters’ support, whereas in 499 constituencies, the winning candidates received backing from less than 25% of registered voters. FAFEN also criticised Pakistan’s First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) electoral system, stating that it worsens the representation crisis by allowing candidates to win without securing the majority’s support. The organisation urged Parliament to reconsider the FPTP system and introduce electoral reforms to enhance voter participation and ensure more representative governance.
in discussions with the Chief Justice, he sought Imran Khan’s permission three times, which was granted. During the meeting, PTI presented its agenda, focusing on judicial reforms and human rights concerns. Ayub alleged that Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were being deprived of their fundamental rights in prison, citing restrictions on their family members from meeting them. He further asserted that while other former prime ministers had been tried in open courts, Khan was being subjected to an un-
precedented jail trial. He also accused authorities of using police force against PTI workers, claiming that party leaders across Punjab, Islamabad, Sindh, and Balochistan were being harassed. Meanwhile, the Islamabad AntiTerrorism Court (ATC) conducted a hearing in nine cases registered against Ayub. Presided over by Judge Abul Hasanat Zulqarnain, the proceedings were adjourned until April 10 following a request from the defense lawyer due to the absence of senior counsel Dr. Babar Awan.
Omar Ayub criticises Imran Khan’s jail trial as ‘unprecedented’ ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and senior PTI leader Omar Ayub has claimed that Imran Khan is the only former prime minister in Pakistan’s history to face trial while in jail. Speaking to the media outside the Judicial Complex in Islamabad, Ayub revealed that Chief Justice of Pakistan had invited him for a meeting in his capacity as Opposition Leader. He stated that before engaging
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Judicial Commission suffers blow as Advocate Akhtar Hussain steps down
irfan.farooq@pakistantoday.com.pk
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Advocate Akhtar Hussain – a member of the Supreme Judicial Council and the Pakistan Bar Council’s representative in the Judicial Commission – on Monday tendered his resignation over differences on judicial appointments. His resignation comes at a time when tensions within the Judicial Commission have intensified over the issue of seniority and the selection process for judges. Speaking to a private TV Channel, Advocate Akhtar Hussain stated that he did not agree with the Pakistan Bar Council’s stance on the seniority and transfers of judges and felt it was appropriate to resign. “I was representing the consensus opinion of the legal fraternity, but following the 26th Amendment, there are divisions within the Bar,” he said. He further emphasised his concerns about the appointment process, pointing out that non-judicial members currently hold the majority in the selection of judges, while previously, judicial members had the advantage. “Even back then, we raised objections. I wanted rules to be formulated to ensure transparency,” he added. In his resignation letter addressed to Chief Justice of Pakistan and Chairman of the Judicial Commission, Justice Yahya Afridi, Advocate Hussain noted that he had been unanimously nominated by the Pakistan Bar Council as a member of the Judicial Commission three times under Article 175(A)(2)(vi) of the Constitution. However, he expressed his inability to continue his duties in light of the recent appointments. “I have been performing my responsibilities to the best of my ability, but given the controversies surrounding judicial appointments, I find myself unable to carry on,” Mr. Hussain stated in his letter. “I am resigning from the membership of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan, though I remain committed to the struggle for the independence of the judiciary.” He further assured that his efforts for the strengthening of judicial institutions and democratic values would continue. A copy of his resignation has also been forwarded to the Pakistan Bar Council, requesting it to nominate a new member in his place in accordance with constitutional provisions. Following his resignation, the Pakistan Bar Council has scheduled an important meeting on Wednesday, February 26, to discuss the appointment of a new member to the Judicial Commission. Sources indicate that senior lawyer Ahsan Bhoon is likely to be nominated as the new representative.
Govt begins regulating VPN services with new licensing framework ISLAMABAD
MONITORING REPORT
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has introduced a licensing framework for Virtual Private Network (VPN) service providers, requiring them to obtain a class license to operate legally in the country. A class license allows multiple providers to function under general regulatory conditions without the need for individual approval. This move, announced on Monday, follows PTA’s renewed efforts to regulate VPN services after previous attempts failed to achieve compliance. According to a PTA statement, two companies have already been granted licenses under the new framework. The initiative is aimed at ensuring secure and lawful VPN usage while maintaining data privacy and regulatory oversight. “This step will help businesses use VPN services for legitimate purposes while ensuring transparency, security, and adherence to national regulations,” the PTA said in a press release. VPNs are commonly used in Pakistan to access restricted websites and online platforms. Last year, PTA intensified efforts to curb VPN usage, particularly in response to the ban on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), which authorities cited as a national security concern.
Pakistan, IMF begin talks on $1 billion climate resilience financing g
DISCUSSIONS TO ASSESS STRUCTURAL REFORMS, PUBLIC INVESTMENT PLANS, AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCE STRATEGIES PROFIT
NEWS DESK
A technical team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has arrived in Islamabad to begin discussions on Pakistan’s request for over $1 billion in additional financing under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). This engagement, starting today [Monday], will focus on climate adaptation and sustainability measures, alongside preparations for a policy review of the country’s performance under the ongoing $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF).
The IMF team will work closely with key ministries, including finance, planning, climate change, and petroleum, as well as the Federal Board of Revenue, provincial governments, and disaster management authorities. These discussions will span over three weeks, followed by a full policy review in early March. According to IMF Resident Representative Mahir Binici, the mission will assess Pakistan’s commitment to climate-focused economic reforms and technical aspects of the RSF arrangement. Government officials have prepared documentation for the Climate-Related Public Investment Management Assessment (C-
PIMA), outlining future budget priorities in line with IMF and World Bank recommendations. The upcoming budget will emphasize climate-resilient infrastructure, strategic ongoing projects, and initiatives in underdeveloped districts, with additional scrutiny on high-impact foreign-funded projects. Pakistan had formally requested $1.2 billion in RSF funding last year, seeking longterm financing to bolster climate resilience. The IMF has advised the government to allocate at least 1% of GDP annually—over Rs1.24 trillion—to climate adaptation efforts to mitigate economic disruptions caused by extreme weather events, particularly floods.