Pakistan Current Affairs: July 2024 - December 2024

July 2024

Economic Challenges and IMF Bailout Talks
Pakistan’s economy remained under significant strain in July 2024, with inflation hovering around 30% and the Pakistani rupee continuing to depreciate against the US dollar. The government engaged in intense negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure the next tranche of a $3 billion bailout package. Talks focused on implementing stricter fiscal reforms, including reducing energy subsidies and broadening the tax base. Public discontent grew as fuel prices rose by 15%, leading to nationwide protests.

Political Turmoil
The ruling coalition, led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), faced mounting pressure from opposition parties, particularly the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which accused the government of mismanaging the economy. PTI leader Imran Khan, despite being imprisoned, continued to rally support through social media, calling for early elections. The Supreme Court began hearing a case regarding the legitimacy of the current government’s tenure, adding to the political uncertainty.

Climate Crisis
Pakistan experienced an early onset of the monsoon season, with heavy rainfall causing flash floods in Sindh and Balochistan provinces. Thousands were displaced, and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) struggled to provide adequate relief due to limited resources. The floods reignited debates about climate change preparedness and the need for international support.

August 2024

IMF Agreement Reached
After weeks of negotiations, Pakistan secured the next tranche of the IMF bailout, amounting to $1.1 billion. The agreement came with stringent conditions, including further increases in electricity and gas tariffs, which sparked widespread public outrage. The government defended the move, stating it was necessary to stabilise the economy and avoid default.

Protests and Civil Unrest
The PTI-led protests gained momentum in August, with large demonstrations in major cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. Protesters demanded the resignation of the government and the release of Imran Khan. Clashes between protesters and law enforcement resulted in several casualties and arrests. The government imposed Section 144 in multiple cities to maintain order.

Regional Tensions
Tensions with India escalated along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, with both sides accusing each other of ceasefire violations. Pakistan’s Foreign Office summoned the Indian envoy to protest against alleged cross-border shelling that resulted in civilian casualties. The situation raised concerns about the potential for further escalation.

September 2024

Flood Aftermath and Reconstruction Efforts
The monsoon floods affected over 2 million people, with Sindh province being the hardest hit. The government launched a reconstruction plan, funded partly by international aid, to rebuild infrastructure and provide relief to affected communities. However, critics argued that the response was slow and inadequate.

Energy Crisis Worsens
Pakistan faced a severe energy crisis in September, with prolonged power outages lasting up to 12 hours a day in urban areas and even longer in rural regions. The government blamed the crisis on circular debt and insufficient fuel supplies, while opposition parties accused the ruling coalition of corruption and mismanagement.

Education Reforms
The government introduced a new education policy aimed at improving literacy rates and modernising the curriculum. The policy included provisions for increasing funding for public schools and integrating technology into classrooms. However, teachers’ unions expressed concerns about the implementation and lack of consultation.

October 2024

Political Reconciliation Efforts
In an attempt to ease political tensions, the government initiated talks with opposition parties, including the PTI. The dialogue, mediated by the military, aimed to create a consensus on holding free and fair elections by mid-2025. However, progress remained slow, with both sides accusing each other of insincerity.

Counter-Terrorism Operations
Pakistan’s security forces launched a major operation against militant groups in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, following a surge in terrorist attacks. The operation, dubbed Zarb-e-Azb 2, targeted hideouts of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other extremist organisations. While the operation was praised for its initial successes, concerns were raised about civilian casualties and displacement.

Cricket Diplomacy
Pakistan hosted the England cricket team for a historic Test series, marking the first time in over a decade that a top-tier team toured the country. The series was seen as a significant step towards reviving international cricket in Pakistan and boosting the country’s global image.

November 2024

Economic Recovery Signs
By November, Pakistan’s economy showed tentative signs of recovery, with the rupee stabilising and foreign exchange reserves increasing slightly. The government attributed this to the IMF programme and improved exports. However, inflation remained high, and public dissatisfaction persisted.

Women’s Rights Protests
Thousands of women took to the streets in major cities to demand greater rights and protections against gender-based violence. The protests were sparked by the alleged murder of a young woman in Lahore, which activists blamed on systemic failures in the justice system. The government pledged to introduce stricter laws to protect women, but critics questioned its commitment.

Climate Change Conference
Pakistan participated in the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, where it called for increased global funding to help developing countries combat climate change. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate disasters and urged wealthy nations to fulfil their commitments.

December 2024

Election Preparations
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced preparations for general elections scheduled for mid-2025. Political parties began mobilising their campaigns, with the PTI emerging as a strong contender despite Imran Khan’s imprisonment. The PML-N and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) formed an alliance to counter the PTI’s growing popularity.

Winter Smog Crisis
Major cities, particularly Lahore, were engulfed in hazardous smog, leading to a public health emergency. The government imposed emergency measures, including school closures and restrictions on industrial activity. Environmentalists criticised the lack of long-term solutions to address air pollution.

New Year Optimism
As 2024 came to a close, Pakistanis looked ahead to 2025 with a mix of hope and apprehension. While economic and political challenges remained, there was cautious optimism about the potential for positive change, particularly with the prospect of elections on the horizon.