Feeling tired all day and devoid of energy can be a sign of many diseases. Most chronic systemic disorders start with the symptom of tiredness.
This list includes infections, cancer, depression, and so on. However, tiredness can occur without significant diseases, and it is a common symptom for which no cause can be found even after extensive investigations. It is essential to understand the biology of it. Lifestyle choices play an important role in feeling tired all the time. The food you eat is the main source of micro and macronutrients.
Correcting a nutritional deficiency or treating underlying medical conditions like sleep apnea can help you get rid of fatigue.
If you constantly indulge in food that has poor nutritional value, the result will be either a disease due to nutritional deficiency or a sense of weakness and fatigue. Sleep is another important factor in rejuvenating your body after work. If you have an erratic sleep pattern you will not feel fresh and will feel tired. For sleeping well, exercise and workouts have their own role. So what I can say is a disciplined healthy lifestyle is key to feeling energetic and not tired. In most cases, fatigue can be remedied by lifestyle and dietary modification. In the rest of the cases, correcting a nutritional deficiency or treating underlying medical conditions like sleep apnea can help you get rid of fatigue.
Feeling tired all the time is associated with some red flag signs like unintentional weight loss, vomiting, bleeding through some part of the body, swelling in a part of the body, or being pale. It shows some serious disorders in the body which can be some curable or manageable disease. Otherwise, if no red flag sign is present and your energy levels are constantly low. Your symptoms are neither increasing nor decreasing. Then, most probably, you do not have a major disease. Fatigue is also like an emotion that occurs when there is a conflict between your goals and behaviors. If we continue with the activities that we find unrewarding, we feel tired. We experience a fatigue continuum. We experience fatigue at the beginning of an act we do not like. We ignore it and try to increase our performance by resisting it and we constantly increase our effort to overcome it. This resistance and saying no to body signals can result in chronic fatigue or tiredness all the time. This fatigue is the result of the psychological strain of doing more. If you think you are resting enough and you still feel tired, you are not resting enough. One way to combat this and avoid converting it into a chronic condition is to stand up and move away. Try to do things that you like to do to recharge your mental battery. If you cannot take a break immediately, then schedule a recovery time so that you can come back with full energy the next day. Ultimately, try to do the things that you find interesting and that align with your goals and values.
Getting enough sleep is very important for our health and performance. Unfortunately, most of us are not getting enough sleep. During sleep, our body performs many important functions like repairing and regenerating cells. We feel fresh when we wake up after enough uninterrupted sleep. Adults should get at least seven hours of sleep at night for better health. Again, sleep, exercise, and proper nutrition are interrelated. You will get good sleep if you have proper nutrition and are physically active. Sleep is an important part of the rejuvenation of our body. When we have trouble sleeping and feel tired all the time, we should address all the factors, including stress and anxiety. Relaxation exercises, yoga, and meditation have their role and are good for sleep problems.
If we eat highly processed food, it will impair our energy levels
Nutritional deficiencies can lead to feelings of exhaustion for obvious reasons. The body does not have enough fuel to work properly. We should always count our calories. We should not overfeed ourselves. While counting calories, we should take care of micronutrients. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia. Vitamins are necessary for the proper functioning of the body. There is a role of Magnesium and zinc in the maintenance of our body functions. Again fresh food rich in fruits and vegetables along with good protein will lead to proper nourishment of our body, and chances of feeling weak or tired are less. We need nutrient-dense food to maintain energy and get nutrients to perform critical functions of our body. If we do not take in enough calories and protein, our body starts using body muscles and fat, which leads to fatigue or tiredness. In addition to that, if we eat highly processed food, it will impair our energy levels. They are rich in sugars but devoid of essential nutrients, leading to chronic high blood glucose levels and fatigue. Proper hydration, like an adequate amount of water, is also important to prevent fatigue.
Some amount of stress is normal and good for our health. Excessive, longstanding stress can lead to fatigue. We feel tired all the time because everything we want to do becomes difficult while coping with the stress. It leads to exhaustion. Moreover, chronic fatigue produces structural and functional changes in the brain that lead to inflammation. Inflammation is another cause of chronic fatigue. It will become a vicious cycle. Although caffeinated beverages boost your energy. Over-reliance on them makes you sleep disturbed. It will produce two effects which will result in fatigue. They give you a temporary feeling of high energy, and then a dip is necessary due to body exhaustion. Second, if your sleep is disturbed, your body is not rejuvenated properly and you will have fatigue in the long term. Excessive caffeine is not a solution to tiredness; rather, it is harmful and increases stress levels. Coffee and green tea are good in moderation for health. Energy drinks that are high in caffeine and sugar should be avoided as much as possible.
If we summarize, being tired all the time can be a sign of a serious disease. But if your tiredness persists for months or years at the same level then most probably it is an emotional reaction to doing things that you do not desire to do. Alternatively, it is the result of poor lifestyle choices like overwork, less sleep, bad diet, substance abuse, and lack of exercise.
The author, Dr. Attia Anwar is a consultant family physician with a postgraduate degree from the Royal College of GP UK. She is a strong advocate of health and well-being and wants patient participation in decision-making regarding health.
Monitoring Desk: The 2025 National Trade Estimate Report on FOREIGN TRADE BARRIERS of the President of the United States on the Trade Agreements Program has discussed at length US-Pakistan trade relations and has shown concerns over using promulgation of statutory regulatory orders (SROs) without providing for stakeholder consultations or allowing importers time for implementation and compliance. Under previous International Monetary Fund (IMF) programs, Pakistan pledged to limit the use of SROs to genuine emergencies. However, SROs continue to be issued, and Pakistan has not provided a timeline for their removal.
The features of the Report are hereunder:
TRADE AGREEMENTS
United States–Pakistan Trade and Investment Framework Agreement
The United States and Pakistan signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) in June 2003. This Agreement is the primary mechanism for discussions of trade and investment issues between the United States and Pakistan.
IMPORT POLICIES
Tariffs
Pakistan’s average Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) applied tariff rate was 10.3 percent in 2023 (latest data available). Pakistan’s average MFN applied rate was 13.0 percent for agricultural products and 9.9 percent for non-agricultural products in 2023 (latest data available). Pakistan has bound 98.6 percent of its tariff lines in the World Trade Organization (WTO), with an average WTO bound tariff rate of 60.8 percent. For agricultural products, the average WTO bound rate is 96.2 percent. The average WTO bound rate for non-agricultural products is at 55.2 percent.
Despite the reduction of applied tariff rates since 2013, U.S. companies have cited concerns that Pakistan has been imposing high tariff rates and, in some cases, additional duties, on products such as automobiles and finished goods. In addition, Pakistan grants sector- and product-specific import duty exemptions, concessions, and protections through the promulgation of statutory regulatory orders (SROs). SROs may be issued without providing for stakeholder consultations or allowing importers time for implementation and compliance. Under previous International Monetary Fund (IMF) programs, Pakistan pledged to limit the use of SROs to genuine emergencies. However, SROs continue to be issued, and Pakistan has not provided a timeline for their removal.
Non-Tariff Barriers
Pakistan permits the importation of certain goods only by the public sector or industrial consumers (e.g., active ingredients for the formulation or manufacturing of pesticides). Some imports require approvals from federal-level ministries such as the Ministry of Climate Change, Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination. Imports of certain products, including food colors, waste, parings, and scrap plastics, must receive official certification by the exporting country or by a specialized pre-shipment inspection company.
Import Bans
On July 11, 2024, Pakistan issued SROs 1021 and 1022, which banned the import and export of wheat. Pakistan officials have stated that the bans were put in place to stabilize local prices given record domestic production and high stocks. Consequently, Pakistan has not imported wheat during the current marketing year. The Government may review the import ban in the latter part of the marketing year, but imports are unlikely to be more than 300,000 tons.
Customs Barriers and Trade Facilitation
U.S. food and consumer product exporters have expressed concerns regarding a lack of uniformity in customs valuation in Pakistan that negatively affects U.S. stakeholders. Similarly, in the machinery and materials sectors, there are reports that customs officials have erroneously assessed the customs value of goods based on a set of minimum values rather than the declared transaction value.
U.S. companies have reported being adversely affected by Customs Rules 389 and 391. Customs Rule 389 requires the placement of a physical invoice and packing list in the shipping container, while Customs Rule 391 places the responsibility of including such documents, and liability for failure to comply, on the owner of the goods and the carrier. Such rules pose compliance challenges for companies that use intermediaries, re-invoicing, or the storage of goods at various points during transit. They also create additional burdens for shippers who are required by other countries’ customs requirements to provide this information only through electronic filings and may, therefore, not have paper documentation available. Many companies’ invoicing, accounting, and shipping systems do not permit the generation of invoices and packing lists prior to the departure of the goods from the company’s production or storage facilities. Customs officials impose penalties on companies lacking invoicing systems incapable of producing paper documentation for each container. While Pakistan has shown openness to addressing the issue, and U.S. authorities have worked with Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to that end, the rules remain formally in place and customs officials can implement them at any time.
Pakistan notified its customs valuation legislation to the WTO in May 2001, but has not yet responded to the WTO Checklist of Issues that describes how the Customs Valuation Agreement is being implemented.
TECHNICAL BARRIERS TO TRADE / SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY BARRIERS
Technical Barriers to Trade
Pakistan generally accepts imported food as packaged in the exporting country. A notable exception, however, is food packaging for vegetable oil. Pakistan requires refined vegetable oil to be imported in bulk for re-packaging.
In February 2019, Pakistan issued SRO 237 but failed to notify the WTO Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Committee) for comment. This measure mandates that all edible product shipments include a halal certificate and prohibits the use of stickering, overprinting, or stamping to meet the requirements, even on an interim basis. Although Pakistan resolved the issue for wholesale bulk food items by permitting the use of stickers, the issue remains for retail sales. SRO 237 also requires all products to have 66 percent of shelf-life remaining from the date of manufacture. When taken together, manufacturers report that these onerous requirements introduce significant uncertainty and operational barriers. After notification requests from the United States, Pakistan eventually notified SRO 237 to the WTO TBT Committee in May 2020. The United States raised concerns with Pakistan’s requirements at WTO TBT Committee meetings between November 2019 and May 2020. The United States continues to monitor updates to SRO 237. During the April 2024 TIFA intercessional meeting, U.S. and Pakistan officials discussed SRO 237 and additional clarifications needed on Pakistan’s import regulations with a particular focus on labeling requirements.
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Barriers
Pakistan continues to ban imports of beef and beef products from the United States. However, during the February 2023 TIFA Council meeting, Pakistan and the United States reached an agreement in principle on
an export certificate that would re-open the market for U.S. beef. Finalization of the agreement was still pending as of December 2024.
In October 2022, Pakistan customs authorities detained two shipments of U.S. genetically engineered (GE) soybeans. The MNFSR reiterated the requirement to apply for an import license for GE products, a process at the time stymied by a lack of implementing regulations for approval of GE soybeans for food, feed, and processing (FFP). In December 2022, Pakistan formed a committee to evaluate the issue. On November 24, 2023, Pakistan’s cabinet passed amendments to the Biosafety Rules aimed at restarting the importation of GE commodities for FFP purposes. As per the approved Biosafety Rules, the Director General of Environment at the Ministry of Climate Change received 16 applications for the import of soybeans that were approved by the Technical Evaluation Committee. In October 2024, the National Biosafety Committee (NBC) approved the requests of Pakistani importers to import GE soybeans under the new Biosafety Rules. U.S. companies expect Pakistani imports of U.S. soybean to resume in the first quarter of 2025. The U.S. Government continues to engage with the Government of Pakistan on this issue. Following publication of the NBC meeting minutes, the approved applicants will need to request an import license from Pakistan’s Environmental Protection Agency before they can begin shipping soybeans.
GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT
Since 2014, Pakistan has relied more on technical qualifications in its procurements over lowest cost, but U.S. companies continue to complain of losing tenders based on price. Some U.S. companies report instances in which the procuring agency used a bid from a U.S. supplier as a basis for, and to incentivize, further negotiations with other suppliers, rather than accepting the lowest-priced and technically superior bid as outlined, and required, by applicable bidding regulations. Most notably, this has occurred with Chinese firms. U.S. companies also report concerns that Pakistan’s practice rewards anticompetitive behavior, and may facilitate the use of lower bids in an effort to negotiate below-market prices from U.S. and other foreign companies.
Pakistan authorities have worked with international financial institutions on improving the transparency of their procurement regime, and Pakistan is receiving World Bank support for the development of an electronic procurement system that will publish information on both central and sub-central procurement contracts and information regarding the successful bidders. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as of October 2024, the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority had implemented the electronic procurement system across 38 ministries and 342 government departments.
Pakistan is not a Party to the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA), but has been an observer to the WTO Committee on Government Procurement since February 2015.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION
Pakistan remained on the Watch List in the 2024 Special 301 Report. Intellectual property (IP) concerns in Pakistan were raised during the April 2024 TIFA intersessional meeting. Although Pakistan has made gradual improvements toward better coordinating its IP enforcement efforts and updating its IP laws, serious concerns remain, particularly in the area of IP enforcement.
Pakistan’s federal IP Policy Board met regularly in 2023 and 2024, but has been hampered in its efforts to improve IP enforcement by a lack of public awareness, as well as budgetary and human resource constraints. The Competition Commission of Pakistan has made some progress in cases involving counterfeit trademarks and other trademark related anti-competitive violations.
Pakistan’s establishment of IP tribunals in five cities has been an encouraging development. However, litigants with experience in Pakistan’s tribunals have raised concerns over a lack of capacity, inconsistency of rulings, nominal fines, a general lack of expertise among tribunal judges, and confusion over standards by which courts review tribunal decisions. In addition, judicial bodies in Pakistan have limited jurisdiction to adjudicate criminal complaints for IP violations.
Counterfeiting and piracy in Pakistan remain high, particularly in the areas of pharmaceuticals, printed works, digital content, and software. Stakeholders report an increase in domestic manufacturing of counterfeit goods, and there are reports of numerous cable operators providing pirated contents.
Pakistan acceded to the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks (Madrid Protocol) in 2021 and the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled in 2024 (Marrakesh Treaty) and the United States welcomes Pakistan’s interest in joining other international treaties, such as the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Internet Treaties.
SERVICES BARRIERS
Insurance Services
The National Insurance Company, a majority state-owned enterprise, has the exclusive authority to underwrite and insure public sector firms, assets, and properties. Pakistan has the discretion to grant exemptions to this requirement. Private sector firms may use foreign reinsurance companies to meet up to 65 percent of their re-insurance needs, but the remainder of reinsurance must be ceded locally. In the case of facultative reinsurance, there is a system of mandatory cession; business must initially be offered to the state-owned Pakistan Reinsurance Company, which may choose to accept the business or not.
ELECTRONIC COMMERCE / DIGITAL TRADE BARRIERS
Data Localization
Pakistan released a final version of the Personal Data Protection Act in early 2025. The draft act establishes strict processing requirements for “certain personal data” and empowers the Government of Pakistan to restrict transfers of “certain personal data” to jurisdictions outside of Pakistan. It also places additional requirements on organizations processing data who meet certain thresholds and are identified as “significant” by the Commission. The draft act does not clearly define the thresholds, but requirements include registering a data protection officer. The draft act permits the transfer of personal data outside of Pakistan only in limited circumstances, such as when the service provider has obtained explicit consent from the data subject to transfer of data outside of Pakistan, when a binding contract is in place, or when the data is transferred to a country that provides an adequate data protection legal regime, among others.
Internet Services
Pakistan routinely blocks access to Internet services for hosting content deemed to be blasphemous or immoral, or on grounds that such services can be used to “undermine national security.” Under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), Pakistan routinely blocks entire social media platforms or demands that sites geo-block posts considered “unlawful online content.” An e-Safety Bill and the pending establishment of a Digital Rights Protection Authority and National Center for Cyber Investigations would increase financial and criminal penalties associated with online speech.
Shutdowns and Other Threats to the Open Internet
Pakistan has repeatedly suspended access to mobile data and certain online services in major cities in response to planned protests, large-scale demonstrations, and other perceived unrest. These suspensions undermine a free and open Internet and impede trade in the digital economy by restricting access to information and services and disrupting commercial operations. The United States continues to monitor the impact of these events on U.S. trade and investment, including services exports.
Electronic Commerce Regulation
Pakistan drafted an Electronic Commerce Policy Framework in August 2019, with the aim of increasing exports and strengthening the digital economy. The framework, adopted in January 2022, contains some restrictive requirements. For example, the policy contains licensing, registration, and local presence requirements, as well as broad restrictions on cross-border data flows.
INVESTMENT BARRIERS
Pakistan generally permits foreign investment and introduced a new Pakistan Investment Policy (PIP) in 2023 to enhance its investment promotion efforts and attract foreign investment. Pakistan continues to limit foreign ownership through equity caps in certain sectors including agriculture, aviation, banking, media, insurance, and securities. Ostensibly to combat tax evasion, in which companies report operating losses but remit royalties, Pakistan has limited foreign investors’ remittance of royalty payments (except in the manufacturing sector) to a maximum of $100,000 for the first payment, with subsequent payments capped at 5 percent of net sales for the following five years.
Although Pakistani law allows repatriation of profits, subject to restrictions listed in Chapter 14, section 15 of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Foreign Exchange Manual, U.S. and other companies continue to face bureaucratic hurdles repatriating profits, dividends, and royalties from Pakistan, generally coinciding with the government’s focus on stemming outflows of U.S. dollars. Local franchises of U.S. brands report limitations and extended delays in remitting funds to the United States as a result of SBP policies. Balance of payments challenges in 2022 and 2023 further exacerbated repatriation delays. The 2023 PIP reiterated the right of foreign investors to repatriate investment-related capital, and in 2024, U.S. and other foreign investors reported fewer repatriation issues as Pakistan’s balance of payments position stabilized. According to the SBP, foreign repatriations increased to $2.2 billion during Pakistan’s fiscal year 2024 (July 2023 to July 2024), compared to $331 million in fiscal year 2023.
U.S., global, and domestic firms reported facing arbitrary restrictions on letters of credit due to the balance of payments situation in 2022 and 2023, but reported fewer problems in 2024. Stakeholders reported delays in banks’ issuance of letters of credit, on account of informal limitations by the SBP on commercial banks borrowing foreign currency through the interbank market.
Industry stakeholders report that contract enforcement can be difficult for U.S. and other foreign investors in Pakistan due to significant delays and lack of enforcement of court rulings.
Taxes
Pakistan has one of the lowest tax compliance and tax-to-Gross Domestic Product ratios in the world, 9 percent in FY2024. Pakistan relies heavily on multinational corporations for the revenue generated by tax collection. Foreign investors in Pakistan regularly report that both federal and provincial tax regulations are difficult to navigate, frequently citing the lack of transparency in the assessment of taxes.
Improving and broadening tax collection is a key focus of the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Pakistan, approved in September 2024. Under the program, the target is for Pakistan to increase its tax revenues to $40 billion in FY2025, an increase of $6.4 billion from the collections made during FY2024. Under the EFF, the government has also committed to expanding taxation into the under-taxed retail and agriculture sectors and to improving tax administration. However, Pakistan authorities have long delayed key politically sensitive tax reforms recommended under previous IMF programs. U.S. companies have experienced increased pressure from the FBR to prepay anticipated tax liabilities and have expressed concern that many of their local competitors still do not pay taxes at all or engage in tax evasion. For example, Pakistan amended its tax laws in June 2024 to limit corporate tax deductions on marketing expenses for firms that pay royalties, a provision that multinational companies complain is designed to discriminate against international companies. The U.S. Government has repeatedly engaged with the Pakistan Government on issues involving unfair and disproportionate taxation of U.S. companies and continues to reinforce the importance of Pakistan broadening its tax base.
OTHER BARRIERS
Bribery and Corruption
U.S. companies cite corruption and a weak judicial system as substantial disincentives to foreign investment in Pakistan. Pakistan’s federal anticorruption agency, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), provides a legal framework to combat corruption. However, business and civil society stakeholders have expressed reservations about the body’s effectiveness and perceived politicization. The NAB’s broad exercise of its remit to investigate government operations and business dealings have led to a number of cases where it reopened established policies and targeted reputable businesses, potentially dissuading foreign investors and making officials reticent to exercise authority.
Export Bans
Although wheat and flour exports are officially banned, exports to Afghanistan are estimated at 500,000 tons. These exports are not reflected in the official data.
Whatever is going on in Balochistan is portrayed as “a struggle” by those who are doing it and “a foreign conspiracy” by those who are trying to mitigate it. Practically, there is no third standpoint over Balochistan available historically and politically.
This writer has no third viewpoint either; however, sharing some interesting information already available in academic books can be useful for readers. There is one stimulating observation this writer wishes to share is that neither the government nor state-funded think tanks are initiating academic discussions over Baluchistan’s sensitive situation and the alleged involvement of Afghanistan, India, sardars, and reactionary forces.
Recently, while browsing certain documents, this writer went through some writings of Sashanka S Banerjee, a retired Indian Diplomat. He is the author of several books, including “India, Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh Liberation and Pakistan” (A political treatise). He was posted in London during 1971-72. He claimed that Abdus Samad Azad, Bangladesh’s leader, organised a meeting that took place at the Charing Cross Hotel near Trafalgar Square in London on December 16, 1971—the day Bangladesh achieved independence. This secret conclave, referred to as the “London Club,” was attended by prominent Baloch leaders, including Khair Bakhsh Marri, Ataullah Mengal, and Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti. The assembly deliberated on the prospect of Balochistan’s liberation from Pakistan, drawing parallels with Bangladesh’s recent secession. Sashanka’s claimed consolidated information already available in Indian books that late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi after defeating Pakistan in “Operation Jackpot (Bangladesh separation) ordered Indian Army to get ready for “Operation Surprise” (independence of Balochistan) but Indian army chief Sam Manekshaw refused to take assignment stating that Balochistan did not border with India so there can not be the army action and he suggeted that she (Indira Gandhi) should call intelligence chiefs to handle this assignment.
According to some 1973 cabinet members of Bhutto, the information was shared with Bhutto with a suggestion to dismantle provincial governments of the then NWFP (KP now) and Balochistan as information confirmed that Afghanistan’s government was actively supporting insurgency in NWFP and Balochistan. In February 1973, Bhutto dismissed the NAP-led government. The government further claimed that a raid on the Iraqi embassy in Islamabad had uncovered a cache of arms intended for Baloch rebels. This provided the official justification for a widespread crackdown, which soon escalated into a full-blown armed insurgency.
Information gathered from some former military and civil intelligence top officials, this writer has reason to believe that Bhutto was also briefed that Sardar Daud Khan who seized power in Afghanistan was actively supporting Baloch rebels by providing arms, training, and logistical support. Indian operatives maintained liaison offices along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border to facilitate the transfer of weapons and financial assistance. By supporting dissident groups in Balochistan, Daud Khan aimed to undermine Pakistan’s control over its western regions and advance the broader cause of Pashtunistan. This information should be reviewed through a declassified British Foreign Office memoranda (1974–1976) that says:
“Afghan authorities under President Daud Khan have pursued a policy of providing refuge to dissident groups opposing Pakistani centralisation, a move that is viewed as part of a broader strategy to challenge Pakistani hegemony in the region.”
U.S. State Department cables (1974) say:
“Pakistan has expressed concerns over Afghan support for Baloch separatists, noting that safe havens in Afghanistan are prolonging the insurgency”
This information is enough to understand why Afghanistan is still a launching pad of terrorism against Pakistan and Afghanistan’s direct support to BLA and other separatist organizations of Balochistan because Kabul always considers a strong and prosperous Pakistan as a threat to Afghanistan.
Sensing the gravity of the situation, Bhutto, on May 19, 1976, introduced “THE SYSTEM OF SARDARI (ABOLITION) ACT” for clamping the powers of Sardari system (Chieftains) of Balochistan. When the roots of a system that was exploitative, anti-people, and anti-Pakistan were shaken, and the status quo was challenged, the vested interests sharply reacted against Bhutto. Just after one year of this historic move of the government of Pakistan, Martial law was clamped in Pakistan in 1977, and the hatred for Bhutto, who abolished the Sardari system, was used for political manipulation in Balochistan.
Martial law was clamped in Pakistan in 1977, and the hatred for Bhutto, who abolished the Sardari system, was used for political manipulation in Balochistan.
By 1985, almost all Sardars came into power through 1985 party-less elections, and the British arranged the Sardari system got firm hold of the province under new brand —–the Political Sardari System. This outworn system pitted against the helpless and voiceless public, and no genuine leadership ever emerged in Balochistan. The children of Sardars were inducted in civil services through the quota system, giving total control on power structure to Sardars and their families and the powers of the privileged classes would continue in perpetuity. They claimed the mountains and the valleys to be theirs, and their power overshadowed the power of the state of Pakistan as the state followed the same modus operandi that was left by the British Raj —empowering the Sardari system, pleasing them, and granting public resources at their disposal.
A researcher and academician, Gul Khan Naseer, in his book Tareek-e-Balochistan, mentions that Sir Robert Sandeman introduced a new administration of the Khanate of Kalat. On August 1, 1876, Sandeman, on the wishes of Sardars and with the consultation and authorization of Khan, recommended a method for running the Balochistan administration. Khan authorized it and promulgated orders for its future implementation. As per the new method of governance, the civil administration was divided into four parts: (i) collection of taxes, (ii) civil cases, (iii) Criminal cases, and (iv) Aid and assistance of civil officers through the army. In a civil matter, where the parties to the case are from the tribe, then the concerned Sardar or Sardars would have the jurisdiction to decide the case, but where the claimant is a tribesman and the defendant a resident of the Khanate of Kalat. Still, from not a tribesman, then the case would be in the jurisdiction of ‘Naib’ to decide. On the contrary, where the claimant is an alien or non-resident of the Khanate of Kalat and the defendant is a tribe member, such a case would be for the concerned Sardar to decide. However, in all situations and circumstances, the appeal would have lied to the Khan and whose decision would be final. The primary purpose of introducing the changes was to firmly establish and secure British interest in the frontier of the British India Empire in Balochistan. Khanate of Kalat was based on a feudal system in which the Khan of Kalat ruled over all the Sardars (tribal chiefs) of the tribes, who in turn ruled over the tribe members. Sandeman wanted a federal state or confederacy, where Khan exercised specific power of external affairs, and internally, Sardars were the real power holders with little control of Khan over them. He introduced certain institutions to implement and achieve his goals and intentions; the prominent one was Jirga. After this system had been implemented, nobody could raise a finger against Sardars, and Jirga was under the total control of the Sardar and Nawab families. This very brief history mentioned above is helpful to understand why Sardars, Maliks, and Nawabs still consider that the land (resources) under their feet belongs to them and why they do not like the modern state of Pakistan. They always work slowly but firmly to weaken the state of Pakistan and since 1976, created reactionaries, Fararis and several other anti-modern state elements and ironically with the help of finance resources the state of Pakistan rendered them. Now, all the powers of the reactionaries, the Sardars and the Nawabs, have been collected together by the enemies who do not want a prosperous Balochistan from where the Chinese flagship project CPEC can go without any problem. The recent tug of power and, at the same time the collaboration between Mahrang and Akhtar Mengal is quite interesting.
One can ask questions that all the chieftains of Balochistan who have taken an oath under the Constitution of Pakistan recognize the Constitution of Pakistan. If they recognize the Constitution of Pakistan, then they recognize the State of Pakistan. If they recognize the State of Pakistan, then how can they be the spokesperson of the Baloch Solidarity Council, or how can they represent Mahrang Baloch? The answer is given above that since 1976 Baloch chieftains had been power banks of reactionary forces behind the scene. Yes, there can be a soft infighting between anti-statement elements such as Mahrang Baloch and Akhtar Mengal for the time being because product is one and seller are two—the product is destabilization in Balochistan and both want to sell it with their brand names to foreign masters. This can be considered a business rivalry and nothing more. Some members of the Baloch Solidarity Committee have expressed strong concern over self-serving characters like Akhtar Mengal and Bahram Bugti using the Baloch Solidarity Committee forum to shine their politics. These members say that Akhtar Mengal is using the Baloch Solidarity Committee’s shoulder to revive his sinking politics and is trying to hijack the organization by creating a narrative of support for Mahrang Lango. These innocent members do not know that Baloch Solidarity Committee sardars were behind reactionary forces such as Baloch Solidarity Committee, and innocent youth was just used by sardars and their pawns such as Mahrang Baloch.
Whosoever wants to read between the lines about what is going on in Balochistan should read a history of the last 50 years to understand the role of Afghanistan, India, Sardars, and the reactionary elements created by Sardars. People such as Akhtar Mengal or Mahrang Baloch are just puppets and new faces in old theatre.
Islamabad, Pakistan: The 268th Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) has stressed the swift and effective implementation of Vision Azm-e-Istehkam under the ambit of the National Action Plan (NAP).
The forum underscored the imperative of a whole-of-the-nation approach and lauded the initiation of District Coordination Committees across Pakistan for coordinated efforts in alignment with governmental directives to expedite the implementation of NAP, ensuring seamless inter-institutional collaboration.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir chaired the 268th Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) at the General Headquarters (GHQ). The forum received a comprehensive briefing on the prevailing geo-strategic environment, emerging national security challenges, and Pakistan’s strategic response to evolving threats.
Undertaking a meticulous assessment of regional and internal security dynamics, the forum reaffirmed its resolve to eradicate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations regardless of the cost. It reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to bringing the full force of the state against facilitators and abettors acting on the behest of hostile elements seeking to destabilize the country.
The forum reaffirmed that, “No one will be allowed to disrupt peace in Balochistan and nefarious designs of foreign-sponsored proxies including social disruptive elements and their so-called political supporters advancing their narrow political interests at the cost of stability and prosperity of Balochistan will be decisively thwarted with the unwavering support of the people of Balochistan, InshaAllah. The real face of all foreign and domestic elements, the nexus between them and their endeavours to induce chaos and thrive on it stands fully exposed and will be dealt with without impunity. “
COAS reiterated that the “Pakistan Army will extend full support to the government and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in enforcing stringent legal measures against illicit economic activities, which are intrinsically linked to the financing of terrorism. There is no space for terrorists and their facilitators in Pakistan”.
Expressing deep concern over the persistent and egregious human rights violations in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and the Indian Army’s unprovoked ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC), the forum underscored “Pakistan’s deep and unwavering support to the just cause of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the need of sustained diplomatic engagement to highlight ongoing human rights abuses and violations on the global stage.”
The forum expressed complete solidarity with the people of Palestine and condemned serious human rights violations and war crimes being perpetrated in Gaza. The forum also reiterated unequivocal diplomatic, political, and moral support to the people of Palestine.
In the end, COAS directed field commanders to uphold the highest standards of operational readiness and professional excellence, ensuring rigorous training to maintain peak combat preparedness.
The forum offered Fatiha and paid profound tribute to the supreme sacrifices of the Shuhada of the Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies, and the citizens who have laid their lives for peace and stability in the country.
With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Professor Dr. Syed Haroon Ahmed, a pioneer in psychiatry, a dedicated mentor, and a tireless advocate for mental health. Born in 1931 in the historic city of Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, he embarked on his eternal journey on April 3rd, 2025, after a prolonged illness. following a post-COVID stroke. He leaves behind his beloved family, dear friends, countless well-wishers, and an enduring legacy that transformed psychiatric care in Pakistan.
From an early age, Professor Haroon was committed to progressive thought and social change. In 1950, he founded the Democratic Students Federation, marking the beginning of a lifelong dedication to advocacy. After earning his MBBS in 1953, he pursued advanced psychiatric training at Maudsley Hospital, UK.
Upon returning to Pakistan, he played a pivotal role in shaping modern psychiatry. As a senior psychiatrist at Jinnah Hospital’s Ward 20, he contributed significantly to the development of psychiatric care. He co-founded the Pakistan Psychiatric Society in 1972 and, earlier in 1965, established the Pakistan Association for Mental Health (PAMH) milestone that enabled him to extend care to those most in need.
In 1995, PAMH launched the Institute of Behavioural Sciences (IBS) in Karachi, a premier psychiatric facility offering state-of-the-art treatment and academic training. Professor Haroon was also a pioneer of community psychiatry, championing the concept with the slogan:
*“Mental Health at the Doorstep of the Community.” *
Beyond his contributions to mental health, he was a fervent advocate for peace and human rights. As President of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, he was one of the few courageous voices to campaign against Pakistan’s nuclear armament in 1998. His dedication to human rights was further reflected in his long-standing association with the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP).
Professor Dr. Syed Haroon Ahmed
One of his most significant contributions was in mental health law reform. Recognizing the outdated nature of Pakistan’s psychiatric legislation, he spearheaded efforts to replace the archaic Lunacy Act 1912 . His perseverance led to the passage of the Sindh Mental Health Act of 2013, the first law in Pakistan to provide safeguards for individuals with psychiatric illnesses, including those accused under blasphemy laws. His relentless advocacy ensured its enactment, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s legal framework.
Professor Haroon is survived by his devoted wife, Mrs. Anis Haroon, his children, Nadia, Adnan, and Irfan, and a vast network of friends, disciples, mentees, and psychiatrists who continue his mission in Pakistan and across the world.
His life was a testament to service, compassion, and justice. While his absence leaves an irreplaceable void, his legacy will continue to illuminate the path for generations to come.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Karachi, Pakistan: A Rs7.69 cut in the per-unit electricity tariff to industries instantly impacted the economy, as PSX hit a record high and KSE-100 crossed 120,000 trading in one day.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated industrialists and traders for their confidence in the government’s initiatives that resulted bullish trend as the benchmark KSE-100 index surged by 1,729.48 points, or 1.45%, current index at 120,667.59.
The trading volume stood at over 60 million shares, reflecting strong investor participation with a trading value that amounted to 5.12 billion.
According to a press statement issued by the PM Office, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction over the Pakistan Stock Exchange rising 1800 points in a single day and crossing a new high of 120,000
PM Said:
“The positive direction of business in the Pakistan Stock Exchange reflects the growing confidence of traders and investors in the government’s economic policies. A major reduction in electricity tariffs has been made, which will not only provide relief to domestic consumers but is also welcome for the business community and industries. The improvement in economic indicators and business environment during the past year has been possible due to the government’s economic policies. The government is providing all facilities on a priority basis to provide a positive environment for business and investment in the country”, said PM Sharif.
Monitoring Desk: Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which is known as Khwarjis by the government of Pakistan, has said it has no problem with global powers such as Israel, India, the United States, etc, and their only target is the Pakistan Army.
In a statement issued by TTP dated April 2, 2025 vide number 30/18-TTP-MDK-2025, TTP said that it has no foreign agenda and it is fighting against killing, oppression, force disappearance, fake encounter and other major crimes in the country claiming that Pakistani forces are involved in violation of human rights and international laws.
The logical dissection of phrases and language used in the letter indicates that this has been released to gain multiple targets; one of them is to ease global pressure on the interim Afghan Government for hosting TTP in Afghanistan. Moreover, the majority of TTP is not converted to any language other than Pushto, and the English written in the letter is flawless. It has been checked by DND that the content is not AI-generated therefore, it is “human-written” content with diction most used by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and other terrorists are using against Pakistan.
When contacted to comment, some journalists who follow TTP or have been covering Afghan issues believe that the letter was written on the instruction of the Afghan Taliban government, which is facing global outcry that it is hosting and providing financial support to global terror organizations such as TTP.
“They are using innocent people as fodder and earning money from their masters. Human rights and laws are for humans and not for beasts. When you slit the throats of innocent people and play football with heads of fallen soldiers, then don’t you remember such laws and humanly behavior”, commented a senior journalist in Islamabad. Another journalist was of the view that TTP has confirmed that it is the enemy of Pakistan, neither of Israel nor India because it has never condemned genocide of Muslims in Gaza or in Indian Occupied Kashmir.
In an interview with a private television channel, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur claimed that military operations are ineffective and there was no need for Pak-Afghan border fencing.
According to him, past military operations failed since terrorists have re-emerged in these areas, and despite billions being spent on border fencing, security remains fragile. He did not mention in the interview who invited and resettled terrorists in Pakistan and turned the table in favour of terrorists. Everybody remembers that it was former Prime Minister Imran Khan who resettled terrorists in Pakistan on the advice of the Afghan Taliban, and Pakistan started losing the war that it won during the 2014-2018 military operations.
However, the truth is that all military operations conducted to eradicate terrorism in the country followed the “clear, hold, build, transfer” strategy. The military successfully executed the “clear” and “hold” phases, liberating 46,978 square kilometers from terrorist control and dismantling their networks. Yet, the “build” and “transfer” phases—entrusted to local and provincial governments—proved inadequate, creating a governance vacuum that enabled terrorist factions to regroup. Since PTI was ruling the province and it had wonderful political relations with the then establishment therefore nobody gave heed that PTI’s provincial government was failing in the “build” and “transfer” phases.
Ironically, during PTI’s tenure, several detained terrorists were released under reconciliation policies, many of whom rejoined militant groups. Simultaneously, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) failed to take effective measures. Presently, CTD personnel in the province number only 537—drastically below the required strength.
According to official data spreading over 15 years, since 2010-11, the KP has received PKR 561.4 billion under the War on Terror (WoT) fund, including PKR 108 billion for the fiscal year 2024-25. Under the NFC Award, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has received PKR 4,786 billion since 2010-11, with PKR 903 billion allocated for 2024-25. Additionally, PKR 115.5 billion was provided under the Annual Development Plan (ADP), along with PKR 147.6 billion under the Accelerated Implementation Plan. Despite these substantial allocations, the provincial government’s poor strategic planning has rendered these funds ineffective in security and development projects.
The Chief Minister’s assertions regarding border security also contradict ground realities. As of now, 98% of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border fencing is complete (98.95% in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 96.65% in Balochistan), while 91% of the Pakistan-Iran border fencing has been completed. Moreover, 78% of border forts along the western frontier have been constructed; 92% on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and 40% on the Pakistan-Iran border. These milestones have been achieved through the immense sacrifices of security personnel, who have laid down their lives while securing the border.
One of the primary reasons for cross-border terrorism is the failure of local administrations to dismantle terrorist networks and curb illegal activities. Additionally, the Afghan government’s lack of cooperation exacerbates the situation. While Pakistan has established 1,452 border checkpoints, Afghanistan has set up only 267, leaving significant gaps. Concrete evidence suggests Afghan authorities facilitate illegal movement and provide sanctuary to terrorist elements.
Relentless counter-terrorism operations continue. In 2024 alone, 59,775 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) were conducted, with 11,654 operations already executed in 2025. Approximately 72% of former tribal regions have been cleared of landmines and explosive devices. During the 2024-25 period, 536 security personnel have been martyred, while 1,250 terrorists have been eliminated. More than 180 IBOs are being carried out daily to uphold national security and maintain peace.
Whether the Chief Minister’s statements are mere rhetoric or grounded in reality is for the public to decide. However, one truth remains unshaken: while the burden of the war on terror is borne by the security forces and the people, governance failures have created a void that security institutions must fill—at the cost of their blood, every single day.
Lahore, Pakistan: Terrorist attacks increased in March 2025, and a single month reported 105 attacks- the highest since November 2014.
The effective response of security forces also increased during the said period, and hundreds of attacks were neutralized before execution.
The last week of March 2025 (March 21-27) was lethal regarding rising terrorism in Pakistan as Pakistan experienced the highest number of militant attacks recorded this year, with 35 incidents compared to 31 incidents during March 14-21, said a report of the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies PICSS.
According to the report, Balochistan and erstwhile FATA saw a surge in violence, with a 133% and 50% increase, respectively.
The report indicated that the majority of attacks involved tactical assaults, target killings, IED explosions, and grenade attacks.
The report mentioned alarming information that the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has adopted cryptocurrency for fundraising, marking a shift from traditional financing methods such as hawala networks and cash transactions. This method offers anonymity and global reach, complicating counter-terrorism financing efforts.
Overall security situation in March 2025
March 2025 was the worst in the last 11 years as terror attacks crossed 105 attacks, the highest since November 2014, killing 228 people, including 73 security personnel, 67 civilians, and 88 terrorists. As many as 258 people were injured, including 129 security personnel and the same number of civilians.
Six suicide attacks were recorded in March 2025, the highest number in any single month in recent years. These attacks killed 59 people, including 15 civilians, 11 security personnel, and 33 terrorists, while 94 people were injured, including 56 security personnel and 38 civilians. Three attacks took place in Balochistan, two in the central districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and one in the former FATA (now merged districts).
The hijacking of the Jaffer Express on March 11 was a major incident for which the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) Bashir Zeb Group claimed responsibility. At least 26 hostages were killed in the incident, while 33 terrorists were also killed in the cleanup operation.
A total of 122 people were killed in Balochistan, including 40 civilians, 37 security personnel, and 45 terrorists, during March 2025. One attack was allegedly carried out by a female suicide bomber from the BLA Harbyar Marri Group (BLA-Azad), while the other was claimed by the BLA Bashir Zeb Group. No group has claimed responsibility for the BNP-Mengal rally blast.
At least 206 people were killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including 49 security personnel, 34 civilians, and 123 terrorists in March 2025.
TTP also targeted Punjab in March 2025, with at least seven attacks reported. According to PICSS, these are the highest number of attacks in any single month in the past decade. Six of these attacks occurred in Dera Ghazi Khan, where the TTP is trying to strengthen its network. A total of six people were killed in Punjab, including three civilians and three terrorists. Punjab Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested at least 22 people belonging to various militant groups, including members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). All these arrests were made in Lahore city.
French populist politician Marine Le Pen has been banned from running for political office for five years after being found guilty of embezzling European Union funds.
She will not be allowed to participate in the 2027 French Presidential Election. Like any populist political figure, she claimed that the court’s decision is a “political decision”. Le Pen will face a four-year prison sentence with two years suspended (to be served under house arrest) and a €100,000 ($108,000) fine.
The judge of the court, Bénédicte de Perthuis, called the corruption of Le Pen a “serious and lasting attack on the rules of democratic life in Europe, but especially in France.” The court observed immediate ban on the convicted is to avoid “democratic public unrest” that would result from the election of a person (Le Pen) convicted of embezzlement.
“No politician in Europe can dare to justify his/her extramarital relations, audio or video sex tapes of phone sex. In Pakistan, the populist leader Imran Khan had been proud of his extramarital relations and his audio phone sex”
In the politics of populism, where the law is suppressed by narrative, public sentiments are made an obstacle in the path of justice, and corrupt governance is imposed by weakening state institutions. Recently, in Pakistan, it has been proven that whether it is a populist leader or a common criminal, if the crime is committed, it will be punished.
There are unique similarities found in the majority of populist leaders all over the world, and one of them is that the majority of populist of them claim that they are innocent and cannot be corrupt if they are found guilty of corruption by a court of law. There is only one difference between European populist leaders and South Asian that is their standing position over moral corruption. However, no politician in Europe can dare to justify his/her extramarital relations, audio or video sex tapes of phone sex, but in Pakistan, the populist leader Imran Khan had been proud of his extramarital relations and his audio phone sex.
A look into the fate of Western politicians who lost their political careers due to their alleged low moral values includes several scandals such as the Profumo affair (British politics during the early 1960s), Griveaux scandal (France), Chris Pincher scandal, former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi scandal (bunga bunga sex parties), Hungarian MEP József Szájer scandal, Dominique Strauss-Kahn scandal (French politics), Deputy Secretary of State Randall L. Tobias Scandal (USA) and Sen. Larry Craig of Idaho scandal (USA) and Sen. John Edwards scandal (USA) are immediate examples in which politicians have been guilty of double standards because they were found lower than morality being expected from politicians.
Like Imran Khan, Le Pen also claimed that the “rule of law was completely violated” (on her conviction in corruption charges. Imran Khan also claimed that the “rule of law was completely violated” when he was convicted in the 190-million-pound corruption case.
There was a time when right-wing extremist and populist leaders were considered above the law in Europe and America, and their public popularity controlled the media. It was difficult to punish them, let alone register a case but there is no doubt things have been changed globally.
By punishing a person like Le Pen and Imran Khan a new example of the rule of law looks emerging.
A study of Khan’s conviction and Le Pen’s indicates that immediately after their conviction, Western media tried to call it “political revenge”, but this wave died down in hours in France when her opponents came up with a clear position about her corruption. However, it was lacking in Pakistan where Khan’s opponents had been loaded with contradictory statements and could not establish the truth that Khan is a morally, legally and financially corrupt person. The Le Pen case is an example for politicians in Pakistan of how to handle serious legal matters in media, and politicians who are against Khan should learn from the French political cadre. In French media, statements were short, clear, with no press conferences. Press statements focusing only legal aspects of Le Pen’s corruption appeared from her opponents. However, a section of sane and educated media played a pivotal role in exposing Imran Khan’s deep involvement in financial, legal, and moral corruption. That act of media proved to burst the bubble of Khan’s popularity.
The time has proven that the Pakistani court punished Imran Khan correctly based on all the authentic and irrefutable evidence, and today, the Western media is accepting that the world is full of corrupt populist leaders. If seen, this is a clear acknowledgement of the supremacy of the law prevailing globally, and one can say without exaggeration that Pakistan has set an example in this regard, which is being emulated by European countries today.
The conviction of populist leaders like Imran Khan and Marine Le Pen of France is not a mere coincidence but an indication of a new judicial trend at the global level, where states have understood that if the implementation of the law is not uniform, then democracy and the judiciary will remain a mere spectacle.
The conviction of Marine Le Pen in Europe is proof that world views are changing, and the sphere of justice is now reaching even the “big names” who used to blackmail states in the past due to fame.
It is Pakistan that is not only setting new examples of justice for itself but is also showing the world the path of justice. This proves that Pakistan’s judiciary has emerged as autonomous after the 26th Amendment and its prestige has also started increasing.
On the other hand, there is no denying the fact that not only the law but also the public level, the narrative of populism is clearly dying – there was no significant reaction from the public immediately after the conviction of the founder of PTI, who claimed to be popular in Pakistan, which is clear evidence that the impression of Imran Khan’s popularity is just a social media invention that has no connection with the ground realities.
The author, Dr. Attia Anwar is a consultant family physician with a postgraduate degree from the Royal College of GP UK. She is a strong advocate of health and well-being and wants patient participation in decision-making regarding health.
