Time for New Provinces

This is with reference to the Editor’s Comment titled ‘Time for New Provinces’ that appeared in the April 2025 issue of SouthAsia. Dear editor! You are laying hands on a hornet’s nest. Governance emanates from the top and not from the bottom or roots. When the top is rotten, fumigation of the roots will not eradicate the cause.

Governance is not a handmaiden of baton but of erudition.

Present governance conditions need the signs of Shelley’s poem ‘Ode to West Wind.’ The poet says

Oh, lift me as a wave, a leaf, a cloud!
I fall upon the thorns of life! I bleed!

Aftab Qureshi,
Karachi, Pakistan.

Controversial Waqf Act

The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 has ignited significant concern among India’s Muslim community regarding their future rights and autonomy. The Act introduces substantial changes to managing waqf properties and charitable endowments integral to Islamic tradition. Notably, it permits non-Muslims to serve on waqf boards and grants the government increased oversight over these assets. These provisions undermine the community’s constitutional rights to manage religious affairs independently. There is apprehension that the inclusion of non-Muslim members and enhanced governmental control could lead to the erosion of Muslim cultural and religious heritage. Furthermore, the Act’s new ownership verification requirements raise fears of the potential loss of historically significant properties lacking formal documentation., and its implementation may exacerbate existing communal tensions and contribute to the marginalization of Muslims in India.

Faizan Ahmed,
Lucknow, India.

U.S.-China Trade War

The prolonged economic slowdown has disproportionately affected the average Pakistani citizen, who now looks to their leaders for stability, cooperation, and the prospect of a better future. Therefore, a careful and measured approach is essential in navigating the challenges of an increasingly uncertain global landscape. The economic fallout from the ongoing US-China trade dispute is expected to have adverse spillover effects on Pakistan since the country enjoys strategic and economic ties with both global powers. Meanwhile, the domestic environment in Pakistan is fraught with its own set of challenges, not to exclude the resurgence of militancy and persistent political discord. In this context, it is incumbent upon the country’s political leadership to transcend partisan divisions and work collectively to address the economic and security challenges.

Bilal Murtaza,
Sydney, Australia.

Excruciating Debt Burden

In its latest Asian Development Outlook, the ADB emphasises that sustaining recovery requires consistent policymaking and steadfast implementation of reforms to enhance resilience and support long-term, sustainable growth. The report warns that any deviation from this path or premature relaxation of macroeconomic discipline could reignite balance-of-payments pressures and jeopardise the country’s stability and continued financial support from multilateral and bilateral partners. Despite some considerable improvements in Pakistan’s external position and a rapid-than-anticipated inflation decline, the country’s substantial debt burden continues to render it economically vulnerable. Following sweeping US tariff measures that have disrupted global trade flows, adherence to structural reforms is imperative for Pakistan.

Tehmina Faruqui,
Jhelum, Pakistan.

Foreign Policy Status Quo

Over decades, the long-term focus of Pakistan’s foreign policy playbook has been India-centric based on the Kashmir dispute, walking unsteadily on the US-China tightrope and promoting might on the basis of strategic assets. Globally, relations with Iran and Afghanistan are transactional despite chest-thumping pronouncements of being brothers and neighbours. Diplomatic achievements with African countries are not much to write home about. The same is true for the South American nations. Ties with Central Asian countries are yet to achieve maturity. European nations have Pakistan as a lower priority except for granting GSP Plus status, but now it looks like it is wilting away. Economic diplomacy is mainly limited to MOUs. Foreign policy is nothing more than keeping up with the status quo.

Majyd Aziz,
Former President,
Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry,
Karachi, Pakistan.

Sluggish Economic Recovery

After the rise of Donald Trump as U.S. President, the potential implications of escalating American protectionism remain unpredictable, particularly if global economic conditions deteriorate further. On the surface, there appears to be no explicit account of the financial consequences of the steep reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States. Yet, the IMF and the State Bank of Pakistan have recently acknowledged the increasingly volatile international environment as a significant risk factor for Pakistan’s economic outlook. In the context of heightened global economic uncertainty exacerbated by the Trump administration’s trade war with China and other major economies, Pakistan should remain committed to the reform programme agreed upon with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). So far, there are several downside risks to Pakistan’s tenuous yet hard-earned economic recovery.

Shakeel Ahmed,
Karachi, Pakistan.

Future of Pakistan Cricket

The future of the Pakistan cricket team hangs in the balance following a string of underwhelming performances on the international stage. Once known for its unpredictable brilliance, the team faces criticism for inconsistency, lack of discipline, and strategic incoherence. Despite a rich talent pool, poor grooming and management have hindered the transition of young players into dependable international performers. Pakistan’s cricketing authorities must undertake serious structural reforms to revive their fortunes. This includes investing in grassroots development, improving domestic cricket standards, and ensuring merit-based selection processes. A clear, long-term vision for team building, with consistent leadership and a focus on mental toughness and fitness, is also crucial.

Farman Ghani,
Toronto, Canada.