Express Tribune Editorials 7th March 2025
Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2025 4:03 am
Terror index
Terrorism has pushed Pakistan into an existential crisis. The country is in the eye of the storm as non-state actors seem to be regrouping. Despite having lost more than 80,000 lives during the last two decades, Pakistan is on the edges as incursions from the western frontiers continue unabated.
It is highly unfortunate that Pakistan is ranked second on the Global Terrorism Index 2025, as terrorist attacks have risen by a staggering 45 per cent over the past year. The total number of deaths recorded in 2024 are 1081, with Pakistan ahead of a Balkanised Syria (ranked 3rd) and a war-torn Afghanistan (ranked 9th). Burkina Faso with one-fifth of all deaths globally tops the index.
This simply flags the gravity of dealing with an issue of global societal revulsion that inevitably brings with it death and destruction. As far as Pakistan is concerned, it is a victim of realpolitik and has been maneuvered and arm-twisted by major powers to become a frontline state fighting other's wars: be it the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan or the US obsession to bomb Taliban to Stone Age.
The dilemma is that after every expedition, Pakistan was left high and dry to deal with exigencies of civil strife and cross-border interventions from deadly entities – this time TTP, BLA and BLF. The restive provinces of Balochistan and K-P are, thus, the theatres of militancy, especially after the advent of Taliban 2.0 dispensation in Kabul.
The undesired ranking should lead Pakistan to do some introspection as to why its social mosaic is so divisive. It is a pity that Pakistan, despite having one of the best professional armies and intelligence systems, has not been able to stem terrorism. Perhaps, the armed forces have been dragged into matters that go beyond their mandate, like looking after the affairs of the state and civil functions.
The exigency on ground solicits armed forces complete devotion to their duty and not to be distracted with additional assignments in civil chores. Likewise, implementing National Action Plan and opting for a full-fledged hunt of monsters is the way to go.
Costly power burden
Pakistan's industrial sector is suffocating under the weight of exorbitant electricity prices, significantly higher than those in competing economies. At 13.5 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 2024, the country's energy-intensive industries are paying almost double the electricity costs of manufacturers in China, India and the US, where rates range between 6.3 and 7.7 cents per kWh.
Even in the European Union, where energy prices are traditionally considered high, industrial consumers pay 18% less for electricity than their Pakistani counterparts.
This severe cost disadvantage is eroding Pakistan's export competitiveness at a time when global markets are already challenging. With power making up a substantial portion of production costs, local manufacturers struggle to price their goods competitively. Consequently, Pakistani products lose out to cheaper alternatives from nations with more affordable energy.
This not only stunts export growth but also discourages foreign investment, as industries prefer to operate in countries where input costs are lower and profit margins are higher. The problem is exacerbated by an energy sector plagued by inefficiencies, circular debt and an over-reliance on expensive imported fuels.
Despite frequent tariff hikes, the government has been unable to address the structural flaws that drive up costs. Meanwhile, businesses continue to face erratic power supply, further hampering productivity.
The need for urgent reforms is evident. Pakistan must prioritise the development of a cost-effective, sustainable energy mix that reduces dependency on expensive imports. Greater investment in renewable energy and an improved transmission infrastructure are crucial to lowering industrial power costs.
Without decisive action, the country risks further de-industrialisation and a widening trade deficit. Reforms are needed before high electricity prices snuff out what remains of Pakistan's industrial competitiveness.
Terror index
Terrorism has pushed Pakistan into an existential crisis. The country is in the eye of the storm as non-state actors seem to be regrouping. Despite having lost more than 80,000 lives during the last two decades, Pakistan is on the edges as incursions from the western frontiers continue unabated.
It is highly unfortunate that Pakistan is ranked second on the Global Terrorism Index 2025, as terrorist attacks have risen by a staggering 45 per cent over the past year. The total number of deaths recorded in 2024 are 1081, with Pakistan ahead of a Balkanised Syria (ranked 3rd) and a war-torn Afghanistan (ranked 9th). Burkina Faso with one-fifth of all deaths globally tops the index.
This simply flags the gravity of dealing with an issue of global societal revulsion that inevitably brings with it death and destruction. As far as Pakistan is concerned, it is a victim of realpolitik and has been maneuvered and arm-twisted by major powers to become a frontline state fighting other's wars: be it the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan or the US obsession to bomb Taliban to Stone Age.
The dilemma is that after every expedition, Pakistan was left high and dry to deal with exigencies of civil strife and cross-border interventions from deadly entities – this time TTP, BLA and BLF. The restive provinces of Balochistan and K-P are, thus, the theatres of militancy, especially after the advent of Taliban 2.0 dispensation in Kabul.
The undesired ranking should lead Pakistan to do some introspection as to why its social mosaic is so divisive. It is a pity that Pakistan, despite having one of the best professional armies and intelligence systems, has not been able to stem terrorism. Perhaps, the armed forces have been dragged into matters that go beyond their mandate, like looking after the affairs of the state and civil functions.
The exigency on ground solicits armed forces complete devotion to their duty and not to be distracted with additional assignments in civil chores. Likewise, implementing National Action Plan and opting for a full-fledged hunt of monsters is the way to go.
Terrorism has pushed Pakistan into an existential crisis. The country is in the eye of the storm as non-state actors seem to be regrouping. Despite having lost more than 80,000 lives during the last two decades, Pakistan is on the edges as incursions from the western frontiers continue unabated.
It is highly unfortunate that Pakistan is ranked second on the Global Terrorism Index 2025, as terrorist attacks have risen by a staggering 45 per cent over the past year. The total number of deaths recorded in 2024 are 1081, with Pakistan ahead of a Balkanised Syria (ranked 3rd) and a war-torn Afghanistan (ranked 9th). Burkina Faso with one-fifth of all deaths globally tops the index.
This simply flags the gravity of dealing with an issue of global societal revulsion that inevitably brings with it death and destruction. As far as Pakistan is concerned, it is a victim of realpolitik and has been maneuvered and arm-twisted by major powers to become a frontline state fighting other's wars: be it the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan or the US obsession to bomb Taliban to Stone Age.
The dilemma is that after every expedition, Pakistan was left high and dry to deal with exigencies of civil strife and cross-border interventions from deadly entities – this time TTP, BLA and BLF. The restive provinces of Balochistan and K-P are, thus, the theatres of militancy, especially after the advent of Taliban 2.0 dispensation in Kabul.
The undesired ranking should lead Pakistan to do some introspection as to why its social mosaic is so divisive. It is a pity that Pakistan, despite having one of the best professional armies and intelligence systems, has not been able to stem terrorism. Perhaps, the armed forces have been dragged into matters that go beyond their mandate, like looking after the affairs of the state and civil functions.
The exigency on ground solicits armed forces complete devotion to their duty and not to be distracted with additional assignments in civil chores. Likewise, implementing National Action Plan and opting for a full-fledged hunt of monsters is the way to go.
Costly power burden
Pakistan's industrial sector is suffocating under the weight of exorbitant electricity prices, significantly higher than those in competing economies. At 13.5 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 2024, the country's energy-intensive industries are paying almost double the electricity costs of manufacturers in China, India and the US, where rates range between 6.3 and 7.7 cents per kWh.
Even in the European Union, where energy prices are traditionally considered high, industrial consumers pay 18% less for electricity than their Pakistani counterparts.
This severe cost disadvantage is eroding Pakistan's export competitiveness at a time when global markets are already challenging. With power making up a substantial portion of production costs, local manufacturers struggle to price their goods competitively. Consequently, Pakistani products lose out to cheaper alternatives from nations with more affordable energy.
This not only stunts export growth but also discourages foreign investment, as industries prefer to operate in countries where input costs are lower and profit margins are higher. The problem is exacerbated by an energy sector plagued by inefficiencies, circular debt and an over-reliance on expensive imported fuels.
Despite frequent tariff hikes, the government has been unable to address the structural flaws that drive up costs. Meanwhile, businesses continue to face erratic power supply, further hampering productivity.
The need for urgent reforms is evident. Pakistan must prioritise the development of a cost-effective, sustainable energy mix that reduces dependency on expensive imports. Greater investment in renewable energy and an improved transmission infrastructure are crucial to lowering industrial power costs.
Without decisive action, the country risks further de-industrialisation and a widening trade deficit. Reforms are needed before high electricity prices snuff out what remains of Pakistan's industrial competitiveness.
Terror index
Terrorism has pushed Pakistan into an existential crisis. The country is in the eye of the storm as non-state actors seem to be regrouping. Despite having lost more than 80,000 lives during the last two decades, Pakistan is on the edges as incursions from the western frontiers continue unabated.
It is highly unfortunate that Pakistan is ranked second on the Global Terrorism Index 2025, as terrorist attacks have risen by a staggering 45 per cent over the past year. The total number of deaths recorded in 2024 are 1081, with Pakistan ahead of a Balkanised Syria (ranked 3rd) and a war-torn Afghanistan (ranked 9th). Burkina Faso with one-fifth of all deaths globally tops the index.
This simply flags the gravity of dealing with an issue of global societal revulsion that inevitably brings with it death and destruction. As far as Pakistan is concerned, it is a victim of realpolitik and has been maneuvered and arm-twisted by major powers to become a frontline state fighting other's wars: be it the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan or the US obsession to bomb Taliban to Stone Age.
The dilemma is that after every expedition, Pakistan was left high and dry to deal with exigencies of civil strife and cross-border interventions from deadly entities – this time TTP, BLA and BLF. The restive provinces of Balochistan and K-P are, thus, the theatres of militancy, especially after the advent of Taliban 2.0 dispensation in Kabul.
The undesired ranking should lead Pakistan to do some introspection as to why its social mosaic is so divisive. It is a pity that Pakistan, despite having one of the best professional armies and intelligence systems, has not been able to stem terrorism. Perhaps, the armed forces have been dragged into matters that go beyond their mandate, like looking after the affairs of the state and civil functions.
The exigency on ground solicits armed forces complete devotion to their duty and not to be distracted with additional assignments in civil chores. Likewise, implementing National Action Plan and opting for a full-fledged hunt of monsters is the way to go.