DAWN Editorials 29th July 2026

AJK elections

CONSIDERING the political unrest that has rocked Azad Jammu and Kashmir in the recent past, free and fair general elections are essential to finding a democratic solution to AJK’s issues. Which is why the current three-phase exercise, which began on Monday with votes being cast in Mirpur division, should be conducted with absolute integrity — and without any phase of the electoral process influencing the outcome of the next.

The next phase is scheduled for Aug 2, covering Muzaffarabad division and 12 refugee seats, and the last round of voting will be on Aug 10 for Poonch. This is the first time that general elections in AJK are being held in phases. As per the preliminary results, the PML-N appears in pole position, with its main contender the PPP in second place.

While a more complete picture will emerge after the consolidated results are in, there are concerns that the announcement of results in the first phase will impact voters’ choices in the subsequent rounds. This paper is of the opinion that even if the security situation mandated phased polls, the results should have been announced when the entire exercise was complete.

The AJK election commissioner has said that the ongoing polls are “the most difficult” in the region’s history. These concerns are valid, as, despite the beefed-up security, clashes have been reported in Rawalakot between the now banned Joint Awami Action Committee and law enforcers, while reports of irregularities in some places have also emerged. Nevertheless, elections in Muzaffarabad division will be held on schedule, according to the election chief.

While AJK’s election laws may require the immediate announcement of results, the authorities should amend the proviso of immediately declaring results — especially since the decision to hold phased polls came just days before the election, with perhaps little thought given to how initial trends can sway voters in later rounds. In Pakistan, elections are not held in phases and therefore immediately announcing results are hardly an aberration — especially when controversial electoral authorities have good reason for the exercise to be perceived as transparent.

A free, fair and transparent election can lead to a lowering of temperatures, and prove a democratic solution to AJK’s unrest which centres on both political and economic issues. Sadly, trust deficit has figured prominently in these polls. The PTI, which formed the government in 2021, has boycotted the exercise because it believes that in the present circumstances, fair polls are not possible. The opposition TTAP alliance has also raised questions, while independent candidates backed by the banned JAAC were not allowed to contest as per reports. It is then quite clear that, apart from fair polls, the next government must engage all AJK’s political forces to address common challenges.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2026

Still vulnerable

THE State Bank’s decision to hold the policy rate at 11.5pc is a prudent response to the heightened risks the economy faces on account of the renewed conflict in the Middle East. The economy has gained some measure of stability, but the foundations remain fragile. Inflation has moderated, but remains above the SBP target range of 5-7pc, even if the bank expects it to fall gradually, most likely near the upper limit, going forward. Foreign exchange reserves have improved, the external account is broadly manageable due to a consistent rise in remittances and economic activity is showing signs of modest recovery. Still, much of this stability remains vulnerable to external shocks and could quickly come under pressure from higher global commodity prices, rising input costs, food inflation, domestic energy prices adjustments and climate-related events. The Middle East crisis makes the risks particularly acute. Pakistan remains heavily dependent on imported energy. Any sustained surge in energy prices would further push up the import bill, intensify inflationary pressures and put pressure on the current account and currency. The relief provided by the earlier de-escalation could be reversed.

The bank’s decision to wait, therefore, reflects a sensible balancing act. A premature rate cut could fuel inflation and weaken external stability. But the monetary policy has its own limitations. On its own, it cannot insulate Pakistan from oil shocks, fix the tax system, reform the energy sector or raise productivity. That is where the government’s responsibility begins. The present stabilisation has been achieved at a considerable economic and social cost. It cannot become an end in itself. Heavy external financing requirements, debt repayments and continued dependence on refinancing mean that we remain exposed to shifts in global markets and geopolitical conditions. An improved sovereign credit rating and stronger reserves provide breathing space. But neither should be confused with economic security. The message of the policy rate decision is more important than the decision itself. The government must use this breathing space to address the structural weaknesses that have pushed Pakistan towards economic crises. The challenge is not just to protect stability but to turn it into sustainable growth by increasing exports, attracting investment and creating employment without landing the country into another balance-of-payments crisis.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2026

Guarding the past

THE return of 513 smuggled archaeological artefacts from the US is a welcome homecoming for objects that should never have left Pakistan. That most belong to the Gandhara civilisation makes the recovery especially significant, given the region’s importance as a crossroads of Buddhist, Greek and Central Asian influences. Yet, the uncomfortable question remains: how were these treasures allowed to disappear in the first place? Repatriation, however valuable, is only the final piece of a puzzle that began with theft, weak protection and an illicit international market willing to profit from cultural plunder. The Senate committee is therefore right to demand a comprehensive account of the smuggling network, the value of the recovered relics and the fate of those still missing. While recovering heritage is commendable, preventing its loss is the greater obligation.

The proposed museum to display these artefacts will do well to strengthen public appreciation of Pakistan’s diverse civilisational inheritance. However, preservation requires far more than exhibition space. Archaeological sites remain vulnerable to encroachment, illegal excavation and poorly supervised development, as concerns over the reported demolition of a Mughal-era structure illustrate. Equally important is ensuring that conservation meets international standards. It is encouraging that Unesco’s reservations over restoration work at Taxila appear to have been addressed through adherence to recognised conservation principles. Maintaining that credibility matters if Pakistan wishes to secure inscription for more sites on the World Heritage List and expand cultural tourism. Technology, tighter border controls, specialised investigative units and closer international cooperation must become permanent features of the fight against antiquities trafficking. Protecting Pakistan’s inheritance demands sustained political commitment, professional stewardship and meaningful accountability. The recovery of these treasures is a victory, but ensuring that no more are lost would be the greater achievement.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2026