PTI-Government Talks
The government and PTI are seeking to re-activate backchannel talks—separate from the public talks announced by the opposition party. Over the past week, various PTI leaders have claimed to media earlier backchannel talks had secured a deal for Imran Khan’s release. However, the agreement collapsed after the party proceeded to D-Chowk instead of Sangjani during last month’s protest.
Stock Exchange Slides
After weeks of gains, the Pakistan Stock Exchange has recorded a historic single-day fall of 3,790 points, the largest in its history. Most analysts point to concerns from investors about a proposed bill that aims to prevent non-filers from dealing in the stock market, purchasing property, or setting up bank accounts. Others have described the losses as a ‘correction’ arising from investor reassessment of valuations.
Greece Shipwreck
The Pakistan Embassy in Athens has announced at least 40 Pakistanis died in the capsizing of three boats near Greece. Authorities have found the bodies of just five victims, with the rest presumed dead as the Greek Coast Guard ends its maritime rescue efforts. The three shipwrecked vessels had 87 Pakistanis onboard. All rescued Pakistanis have been shifted to Malakasa refugee camp near Athens.
U.S. Sanctions Pakistani Entities
The U.S. State Department has imposed sanctions on four Pakistani entities, including a state-owned contractor, over their links to the country’s ballistic missile program. Washington has accused the four entities of facilitating the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or their means of delivery. Pakistan has slammed the decision as “unfortunate and biased.”
Verdict Awaited
An Accountability Court has concluded proceedings into the £190 million settlement case against former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra. The verdict has been reserved, with Judge Nasir Javed Rana saying it will be announced on Jan. 23. The trial spanned nearly a year, with the court recording testimonies of 35 witnesses, including former ministers.
Target: Non-filers
A new bill introduced in the National Assembly seeks to bar non-filers from opening bank accounts, purchasing property or purchasing vehicles over 800cc. Non-filers will also face restrictions on trading in the stock market. The bill proposes authorizing the government to seal the property and business of non-filers. Accused will have a chance to appeal any decisions against them.
Mounting Polio Tally
With nearly two weeks to go, Pakistan’s tally for new poliovirus cases this year has climbed to 64. According to the Pakistan Polio Eradication Program, Balochistan has reported 26 cases; Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 18 each; and Punjab and Islamabad 1 each. Last year, Pakistan has reported 6 cases of the poliovirus; the year prior it had recorded 20 cases.
Worsening Air Quality in Punjab
After a brief respite, the Air Quality Index of several Punjab cities has declined once more. Provincial capital Lahore has recorded hazardous levels of air pollution for the past three days, with cities such as Rawalpindi and Multan not far behind. The most polluted city in the country, however, is Peshawar, with its air quality hitting hazardous levels for nearly a week.
Kurram Still Cut-Off
Despite multiple claims of nearing consensus on resolving tribal tensions in Kurram, the region has remained cut off from the rest of Pakistan for over 70 days. The prolonged closures have triggered food and medicine shortages, with reports of several deaths. The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has linked the reopening of roads to the relinquishing of heavy weapons by local tribes.
Internet Disruptions
Minister of State for I.T. Shaza Fatima Khawaja has claimed in the National Assembly national security is the foremost priority. Seeking to defend ongoing internet disruptions, she has claimed the government is striving to improve services. Amidst criticism from ruling coalition partners, she has admitted to “challenges” for consumers in accessing online services.