Conditional Rulings of Military Courts
The constitutional bench of the Supreme Court has granted military courts conditional permission to announce its rulings in May 9, 2023 cases involving 85 suspects. The judgements, said the court, will be conditional on the cases pending before it. It directed the release of all eligible suspects. It also ordered the transfer to jail after sentencing of those who cannot be released.
PTI Leaders Booked in ‘Triple Murder’ Case
Police in Islamabad have registered a case of “triple murder” against various PTI leaders, including Imran Khan and his wife Bushra, for the deaths of three Rangers during last month’s Islamabad protest. The FIR alleges the martyrdom of the paramilitary officials was at the ‘behest’ of the PTI founder. It claims some inmates and employees of Adiala Jail’s undercover police ‘witnessed’ the plan.
I.T. Sector Exports
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said the government hopes to increase I.T. sector imports to $4.2 billion in the next fiscal year. Chairing a high-level meeting, he admitted a substantial portion of I.T. exports’ revenue remains un-remitted. The meeting also stressed on securing access to global payment gateways to empower I.T. professionals and enhance Pakistan’s global competitiveness.
Deadly 10 Months
The Interior Ministry has informed the National Assembly that terror-related incidents claimed 924 lives in the first 10 months of 2024. It has said 1,566 terrorist incidents occurred during this period, with 2,121 people injured. The worst-hit province is Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, with 948 incidents. Counter-terrorism operations, it said, had slain 341 terrorists.
CPEC’s Benefits for Pakistan
Chinese Ambassador Jiang Ziadong has said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has enabled Pakistan to receive $25.4 billion in direct investment. It has also produced 236,000 jobs and built 510km of highways. He said CPEC enabled the production of over 8,000MW of electricity and 886km of core transmission. He said the network has played a critical role in promoting Pakistan’s economic and social development.
Champions Trophy Gets Go-Ahead
The Pakistan Cricket Board and the Board of Control for Cricket in India have agreed to a ‘fusion’ model, allowing the Champions Trophy to proceed. Under the model, India’s cricket team will play its matches at a neutral venue. Pakistan will similarly play its matches of the India-hosted 2025 Women’s World Cup and 2026 T20 World Cup at a neutral venue.
Another Judicial Letter
Supreme Court Justice Mansoor Ali Shah has written yet another letter—this time to Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail. In the letter, the senior puisne judge has urged the Judicial Commission of Pakistan to devise “clear and transparent” rules for appointing judges to constitutional benches. He has also reiterated his concerns regarding the 26th Amendment, alleging it risks politicizing the judiciary.
PTI Dithers on Talks
Maintaining no formal dialogue has been initiated with the government, leaders of the PTI have reiterated threats of launching a civil disobedience movement if their demands are not met. Members of a committee designated by Imran Khan to negotiate with the government have said they will not accept any ‘minus Imran’ formula. They have also criticized the government’s “derisive” response.
Journalists, Vloggers in the Dock
The Federal Investigation Agency has lodged a case against over 150 individuals, including journalists and vloggers, for allegedly spreading a false anti-state narrative over the PTI’s Islamabad protest last month. The accused have been booked under Sections 9, 10, 11, 24 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. Over 20 suspects are already in the FIA’s custody.
JUIF Threatens Government
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has reiterated threats of mass protests if the government continues to delay implementation of the Societies Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2024. President Asif Ali Zardari has explained his reluctance to sign the bill into law in a letter to P.M. Shehbaz Sharif. He has warned the proposed changes risk inviting sanctions from global bodies and undue criticism against Pakistan.