PTI Rejects National Government Rumors
Sheikh Waqas Akram, the PTI’s central information secretary, has rejected rumors of the party supporting the formation of a national government. He has described it as a “disrespect” to the people’s mandate. He has said anyone who voices support for a national government is no friend of the PTI. He has also rubbished reports of talks between the PTI and the government.
Imran Khan Lashes Out at His Party
Incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan has criticized his party leadership. The PTI founder has questioned their inability to ensure accountability for claims of the government using live ammunition against supporters in Islamabad last month. He has also vowed to proceed with a civil disobedience movement and an “international” day of mourning on Dec. 15.
No Resolution to Madrassa Issue
JUIF chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has reiterated his demand for the government to notify the Societies Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2024. He has maintained the legislation became law after the president failed to grant his assent or refusal within 10 days. He has vowed to move court if the government continues to delay notifying the bill, questioning why any issues were not raised in Parliament.
Moving toward Peace
The Foreign Office has said Pakistan is striving to resolve pending issues with Afghanistan through dialogue and constructive engagement, indicating a thawing of ties between the neighboring states. Accordingly, Pakistan’s head of mission in Kabul met the Afghan defense minister last month. The Afghan Charge d’Affaires in Islamabad also called on Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar this week.
World Bank Cancels Loan
The World Bank has cancelled over $500 million in budgetary support loan to Pakistan. Islamabad’s failure to implement conditions such as revising power purchase agreements of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor are to blame. If left unresolved, the decision can impact the government’s budget estimates of receiving $2 billion in loans during the current fiscal year.
New Gas Reserves
The Oil and Gas Development Company Limited has claimed the discovery of hydrocarbon reserves in Lakki Marwat, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. In a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange, the company has said the well flows at a rate of 2.14 million standard cubic feet per day of gas and produces 74 barrels of condensate daily. In October, the OGDCL discovered natural gas reserves in Khairpur, Sindh.
Still Working for Calm
A Jirga mediating between warring tribes in Kurram has claimed it is nearing resolution, with consensus on nearly 90 percent of issues. The proposed agreement urges all parties to demolish bunkers, relinquish heavy weapons, and work toward sustainable peace. Authorities have said they will reopen roads connecting the region with the rest of Pakistan once an agreement is finalized.
Provincial Dues
The federal government has asked all four provinces to clear their electricity dues—amounting to Rs. 150 billion—or risk power cuts. Power Minister Awais Khan Leghari has conveyed the warning through letters penned to the chief ministers of all four provinces. Sindh owes Rs. 59.68 billion; Balochistan Rs. 39.6 billion; Punjab Rs. 38.01 billion; and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Rs. 8.88 billion.
Homecoming
A special chartered plane carrying 318 Pakistanis stranded in Syria has reached Islamabad. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate Pakistani citizens requiring repatriation from the war-torn state. They were then permitted to enter Lebanon on a special request from Pakistan, with a plane from Beirut covering the last leg of their journey.
Justice Served
A Karachi man has been sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment after being found guilty of sharing “indecent” pictures and videos of his former fiancé on social media. Additionally, the court has imposed a fine of Rs. 90,000, noting the accused is a repeat offender. He was convicted of similar charges in 2017. The victim filed the case under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act.