KARACHI: The Karachi operation, which was launched in 2013 against criminal elements, will continue in the same way with a different pace, despite the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s promise to “review” it as part of its power-sharing deal with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan, analysts and security sources have said.
The PTI entered into a power-sharing agreement with the MQM-P in exchange for its support for Imran Khan’s party in the center.
The third point of the nine-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the PTI Sindh President, Dr. Arif Alvi, and member coordination Committee of the MQM-P, Faisal Subzwari, reads: “The Karachi operation shall be reviewed in totality and in consultation with all stakeholders. All parties should have a level playing field.”
“Any deal can’t undo the sacrifices being rendered by law enforcement agencies for bringing peace in Karachi,” a security official said in his brief comment on the deal, while speaking to Arab News.
Mazhar Abbas, a senior political analyst, agreed that the point will bring no changes to Karachi’s targeted operation, which was started by Pakistan’s civil and military establishment in September 2013. Abbas recalls that a monitoring committee to stop violations had been the MQM’s demand from day one, and it was initially accepted by the PMLN’s government.
“However, the PPP’s provincial government rejected it, saying that since the Chief Minister, being captain of the operation, is monitoring there is no such need of any monitoring committee,” Abbas told Arab News.
Khawaja Khalid Farooq, former head of the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), said since law and order is a provincial subject, the PTI’s federal government may hardly give the MQM-P any leverage with ther operation as the provincial government will belong to the Pakistan People’s Party.
“Both the military and civil leadership would certainly want to address the genuine concerns of the MQM-P but it will not bring any changes to the operation,” Farooq told Arab News.
Zoha Waseem, a security analyst who has studied security, terrorism and political violence in Karachi, also agreed: “This appears to be a haphazardly constructed memorandum. The third point about the Karachi operation is structured in standard, diplomatic words to appease the MQM for the time being.”
How will the operation be reviewed and who will review it?
“This is a Rangers-led operation, which means that the Army has direct oversight on it, and that it is independent from political parties. The MQM has long asked for a monitoring committee over the operation, which never materialized,” Waseem told Arab News.
“Now that the MQM is in coalition with the PTI, will they be able to form a monitoring committee? Does that mean the MQM will have the same say as the Army over the operation? Or is the Army confident now that the MQM is weakened enough and this coalition cannot reverse their political standing?” she asked, adding: “It would be a mistake to think that.”
Waseem suggested that the PTI needs to tread carefully. “This is a need-based relationship between PTI and MQM and one in which the maintenance of Karachi’s security could be the source of this relationship’s insecurity. And as we know, Pakistan’s internal security is a domain of the military establishment, which means that political parties need to defer to other institutions for maintaining the city’s law and order, and that is where differences between the PTI and MQM could arise.”
Imran Ismail, central leader of the PTI, says the MQM had been claiming that that operation was targeted at the MQM. “We said to MQM that the operation is targeted toward terrorists and you had plenty of terrorists in the past,” Ismail told Arab News.
“We have agreed that if any injustice has been done with the MQM in past we will address that by reviewing the operation,” he said but clarified: “We are not changing the future course of the operation. In the past the Karachiites wouldn’t even vote with their freewill. The credit goes to the Army and Rangers,” he said.
“We believe that the peaceful election campaign and holding of elections are also indicators of Karachi Targeted Action’s relative success but now Karachi needs targeted development,” MQM-P’s central leader Faisal Subzwari told Arab News.
Subzwari says that for the Karachi’s targeted action all stakeholders, including federal and provincial governments, political parties and law enforcement agencies, should form a forum that can review the need of a continued or culminated action. “All legitimate and peaceful political parties must be given a level playing field. It is a genuine need of this hour,” he said.
Other noticeable promises
According to the power-sharing agreement, the local government system in Sindh and Punjab does not conform to the constitutional requirements under section 140-A, so the PTI will help the MQM-P in its legal battle for more powers for the local tier of the government.
“All appointments in the government should be based on merit and according to law through an accredited, impartial testing system,” the MoU reads, adding since the urban centers of Sindh, including Karachi, have been severely neglected in the past, direct financial package will be announced immediately that shall be disbursed by the federal government, with special emphasis on water.
“Both parties shall strive to introduce police reforms as implemented by the PTI in KP and promised by MQM(P) in its manifesto, so that police is de-politicized and recruited with merit in letter and spirit according to the law that envisages local recruitment.”
“The resolution passed by the National Assembly regarding the Karachi census and as decided in the Council of Common Interest should be implemented immediately,” it goes on. Both parties have also agreed to establish a university of international level and repute in Hyderabad.
Whether point-three or other eight promises????, experts say, it will not be easy for the PTI to implement them because of the delegation of more powers to provinces as a result of the 18th constitutional amendment. “Several legislations will forbid the PTI from bypassing the provincial government and the PTI will not be willing to give it to PPP’s Sindh Government,” Abbas said. The federal government can still initiate mega projects.
Subzwari says if the PTI, which has majority seats in Karachi now, does not implement the MoU, it will be a problem as all these points raised by the MQM-P are in the interest of the people of the city.
Ismail said that since the deal is for the betterment of the city, it will be implemented in letter and spirit. “We will ensure full implementation, which is better for both the parties and people of Karachi and other urban units of Sindh,” Ismail vowed.
Analysts see no change to Karachi operation as PTI promises review
Analysts see no change to Karachi operation as PTI promises review

- “The Karachi operation shall be reviewed in totality and in consultation with all stakeholders. All parties should have a level playing field,” reads the third point of the MoU signed by the PTI and the MQM as a power-sharing deal
- Formation of monitoring committee to check on the alleged human rights violations by law enforcers during operation had been a long-standing demand of the MQM, which was rejected by PPP’s Sindh Government
Pakistan security forces kill three burqa-clad militants in northwest – military

- Incident occurred in North Waziristan where the forces launched an intelligence-based operation
- Pakistani soldiers engaged a militant hideout, forcing those present inside to escape wearing burqas
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security forces killed three militants disguised in burqas during an operation in the country’s northwest, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said on Friday.
The intelligence-based operation was carried out in Datta Khel, North Waziristan, a district bordering Afghanistan that was once a hub of militancy before Pakistan launched military operations to reclaim the region from armed groups.
North Waziristan, along with the rest of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, has witnessed a surge in militant violence since a fragile ceasefire agreement collapsed between the government and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in late 2022.
Pakistan brands TTP fighters as “khwarij,” a historical reference to a radical sect in early Islam known for rebelling against legitimate authority, declaring other Muslims as apostates and justifying their killing.

“On the night of February 6-7, 2025, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Datta Khel, North Waziristan District, on reported presence of khwarij,” the ISPR said.
“During the operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location, as a result of which three khwarij were sent to hell, who were trying to escape wearing women’s attire (burqa),” it added.
The ISPR said weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants, whom the military said were actively involved in multiple violent activities in the region.
It added a sanitization operation was ongoing to eliminate any remaining militants in the area, reiterating that Pakistan’s security forces remain committed to eradicating militancy from the country.
PM Sharif urges ‘grants-based’ climate financing for developing nations like Pakistan

- Shehbaz Sharif says climate adaption and green transformation is not possible with global support
- He points at the ‘cruel paradox’ of Pakistan suffering despite accounting for 1 percent of global emissions
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called for “more flexible and grants-based” financial assistance to help developing countries like Pakistan build climate resilience in a message to a gathering focusing on the issue.
Sharif’s video message was played at the Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference, a two-day event hosted by Dawn Media Group in Islamabad. The event brought together nearly 100 global experts to address critical climate issues, aiming to foster collaboration and develop actionable solutions for a sustainable future.
In recent years, Pakistan has experienced erratic environmental patterns attributed to climate change, including extreme weather events such as droughts, heatwaves and floods. These events have led to loss of life, infrastructure damage and food security concerns.
“Pakistan’s climate story embodies a cruel paradox of our times,” Sharif told the gathering. “Our emissions are less than 1 percent, yet we are one of the most climate-affected countries with an unprecedented cycle of climate-induced floods, rapid glacial meltdown, blistering heat waves and soil-cracking droughts.”
“Developing countries like Pakistan need more predictable, flexible and grant-based financial support to build resilient infrastructure and invest in sustainable development,” he continued while reflecting on the nature of international support.
Sharif recalled that two years ago, one-third of Pakistan was submerged in floodwaters, displacing 33 million people and claiming 1,700 lives, transforming climate change from a distant threat to an urgent call to action.
He noted that without global empathy and support, “the path to climate adaptation and green transformation will remain elusive.”
“Therefore, let us make Breathe Pakistan a resounding call to action to ensure a cleaner, greener and more resilient Pakistan for generations to come,” he added.
Pakistan PM inaugurates renovated Gaddafi Stadium, hopes for Champions Trophy victory

- Sharif praises the national team for playing good cricket in recent month and winning people’s hearts
- He says the nation is praying for players and await the time of their ‘decisive victory’ over India in Dubai
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday ahead of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025, expressing hope for the national team’s victory in the tournament.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has renovated major cricket venues in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi for the first ICC event hosted in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup.
The PCB said a day earlier that Gaddafi Stadium had been transformed into a world-class facility, now featuring over 34,000 seats, new digital scoreboards and state-of-the-art floodlights to ensure clear visibility for players and spectators during night matches.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Sharif praised the national team for playing good cricket in recent months, saying Pakistani players had won “the hearts of the entire nation.”
“Championship Trophy is looking forward to your victory,” Sharif said, addressing the players present at the gathering. “We are all praying for you and will wait for the time when you will score a decisive victory against India.”

The prime minister specifically acknowledged star players, skipper Muhammad Rizwan, batting ace Babar Azam and leading pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, saying the nation had tremendous expectations from them.

Sharif also congratulated PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for overseeing the stadium’s transformation within just 117 days, adding the Punjab provincial administration would ensure foolproof security for the matches played at the venue.
He highlighted that Pakistan was hosting a major ICC event after 29 years and expressed his desire to watch the India-Pakistan match in Dubai, referencing the hybrid model of the tournament after India’s cricket board refused to play in Pakistan, citing “security concerns.”

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held from February 19 to March 9.
The stadium’s inauguration ceremony, attended by high-profile politicians and government officials, was followed by a fireworks display, light show and live music performances.

Oman eyes Pakistan’s indigenous defense production, deeper air force ties

- Both countries have history of defense cooperation, including military exercises and procurement
- Oman’s officials expressed interest in closer defense collaboration during Pakistani air chief’s visit
ISLAMABAD: Oman has expressed interest in expanding collaboration with the Pakistan Air Force and exploring Pakistan’s indigenous defense production capabilities, according to a statement by the military media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on Friday.
The announcement follows Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu’s visit to the Arab country, where he engaged in discussions with civil and military leaders. The air chief was received with full military honors, underscoring the importance of the visit in enhancing bilateral relations.
Sidhu highlighted that both countries had consistently supported each other in challenging times, and the Pakistan Air Force was committed to providing training and support for the Royal Air Force of Oman, from basic to tactical-level training.
“During the meetings, the leadership of the Sultanate of Oman showed keen interest in the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park and expressed a strong desire for enhanced industrial and technological collaboration,” the statement said, referring to a high-tech facility established by Pakistan to promote indigenous defense production, aerospace research and technological innovation.
“The leadership of the Sultanate of Oman expressed a deep desire to expand the existing Air Force-to-Air Force collaboration, underscoring the importance of joint bilateral and multilateral aerial exercises, exchange visits and knowledge-sharing platforms,” it added.
Pakistan and Oman have a history of defense cooperation, including joint military exercises and defense procurement. In October 2020, both nations signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen military ties through knowledge exchange and expertise-sharing.
Diplomatically, the two countries share close relations based on mutual cooperation and cultural ties. Oman has an embassy in Islamabad and a Consulate-General in Karachi, while Pakistan maintains an embassy in Muscat.
The ISPR statement informed the Omani officials acknowledged the participation of a Royal Air Force of Oman contingent as observers in Exercise Indus Shield-2024, expressing appreciation for the multi-domain airpower strategies demonstrated, particularly the integration of disruptive technologies in space, cyber and electronic warfare.
Pakistan’s LNG deal with Qatar open to renegotiation next year

- Country’s petroleum minister previously described the deal as ‘costly,’ expressing interest in revisiting it
- He says no renegotiation decision has been made, though Pakistan has a whole year to figure out options
KARACHI: Pakistan’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) pact with Qatar allows for either party to initiate renegotiation talks next year but no decision has been taken on whether to do this, Pakistan's petroleum minister told Reuters on Friday.
Musadik Malik was clarifying comments made to a parliamentary committee on energy, as reported in local newspaper The News, which had quoted him as saying: “The Qatar agreement is costly, and we will negotiate better terms next year.”
Malik told Reuters he had been laying out details of the various contracts Pakistan has for LNG. “One provision was price renegotiation could take place at the 10th year of the Qatar LNG deal,” he said, adding that Pakistan has a whole year to “figure out its options.”
Pakistan’s biggest LNG agreement was signed in 2016 between Pakistan State Oil and Qatar's Qatargas-2, the world’s largest producer, for up to 3.75 million tons of LNG a year for 15 years, although a cancellation option can shorten the deal to 11 years if the parties fail to agree a new price.
An economic crisis has slashed power use in Pakistan, which gets more than a third of its electricity from natural gas, saddling it with excess capacity it still needs to pay for under decade-old contracts with independent power producers.
Citing a surplus of LNG, Malik said in December that Pakistan had deferred five contracted cargoes under the Qatar deal for a year and would now receive them in 2026 instead of 2025, with no financial penalty.
He added that Pakistan was also negotiating to defer five more cargoes from other unnamed sellers.