Pakistan’s Internet Woes
Internet users across Pakistan are once again facing disruptions in accessing various online platforms and services, particularly WhatsApp, Gmail, Instagram and TikTok. The outages have been linked to the implementation of a national ‘firewall’ the government claims is meant to ensure national security. Minister of State for I.T. Shaza Fatima Khawaja maintains the disruptions are ‘temporary.’
Imran Khan’s Health
Rejecting social media rumors about a decline in the health of former prime minister Imran Khan, his sister Aleema Khan has advised supporters to reject baseless speculation. In a post on X, she has warned such reports are coming from the “establishment” and cannot be trusted until and unless Khan’s lawyers and family can confirm it after meeting him this week.
More Wins for PSX
After crossing a psychologically significant 100,000 points last week, the Pakistan Stock Exchange has maintained its streak. The PSX opened the week with a new record high of 102,000 points, underscoring investors’ confidence in macroeconomic stability, key policy reforms and various improving financial indicators. A key reason for the bullish streak is significant gains from commercial banks.
PTI Takes a Break
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has rubbished reports of the PTI organizing yet another major protest in Islamabad. Maintaining his primary responsibility right now is ensuring the welfare of party workers, he says the provincial government is providing treatment for injured and financial compensation to families of victims of last week’s protest.
BRICS Currency
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on member countries of the BRICS alliance if they continue to work toward a common currency to replace the U.S dollar for trade and commerce. Trump’s decision, posted on his official X account, has triggered calls for restraint from economists, who warn the move will only push more countries to shift away from the dollar.
Cracking Down on Unlicensed Weapons
The Punjab government is considering enacting legislation to make the possession of unlicensed weapons a non-bailable offense. The proposed amendments to the Punjab Arms Ordinance, 1965, also seek to impose heavier punishments and fines for anyone who carries and exhibits unlicensed weapons and bullets or operates unlicensed gun shooting clubs.
Widening Rifts within PTI
A leaked audio of PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan has shed new light on reported rifts within the PTI in the aftermath of last week’s Islamabad protest. In the audio, Khan says party founder Imran Khan allowed them to stage a sit-in a Sangjani and questioned the increasing role of ‘hereditary’ politics in the party, with Aleema Khan and Bushra Imran taking on more prominent roles.
Law and Order in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
Amidst resurgent terrorism and nearly 125 casualties in Kurram, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has claimed security of the province has “improved” under his government. Rejecting criticism of his administration’s response to prevailing security challenges, he has announced an additional Rs. 1 billion in funding for the Counter-Terrorism Department.
Syria’s Civil War
The revival of the 13-year-old civil war in Syria has seen opposition fighters gain control of the country’s second-largest city, Aleppo, leaving President Bashar al Assad’s regime scrambling to regain its authority. Key to the survival of Assad’s rule is support from Russia and Iran, both of whom are currently preoccupied with conflicts against Ukraine and Israel, respectively.
Whither Murad Saeed?
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has alleged absconding PTI leader Murad Saeed “personally” masterminded last week’s Islamabad protest while in hiding at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar. He has further claimed the PTI’s protest included 1,500 ‘hardcore’ fighters led by Saeed. The KP government has rejected this claim.