Another Ultimatum
PTI founder Imran Khan has reiterated his threat of launching a civil disobedience movement from Dec. 22 if the government does not accept his ‘legitimate’ demands. The former prime minister is seeking the release of under-trial political prisoners and judicial probes into the May 9, 2023 riots and the Nov. 26 Islamabad protest. PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi has advised a resolution through dialogue.
Sanctioning Pakistan’s Missiles
The U.S. has linked sanctions on entities linked to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program with protecting its national security. Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer has alleged Pakistan is developing missile capabilities that could eventually even reach the U.S. The State Department, however, has said that U.S. concerns with the missile program do not affect other bilateral areas of cooperation.
PPP Walkout
PPP lawmakers have continued their criticism of ruling coalition partner PMLN, staging a walkout from the National Assembly over the persistent absence of ministers. The party has slammed the PMLN’s cabinet members for making a ‘mockery’ of Parliament. They have also demanded that ministers attend proceedings personally rather than asking parliamentary secretaries to represent them.
Clemency for Aafia Siddiqui
A Pakistani delegation comprising senators and medical professionals has submitted a clemency petition for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui to the White House. It has urged President Joe Biden to grant her release before his term ends on Jan. 20. Siddiqui has been serving an 86-year sentence in the U.S. since 2010, when a court convicted her over alleged terror activities.
Pak-Bangladesh Ties
Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of Bangladesh, has called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to resolve outstanding grievances between their countries “to move forward.” In a meeting on the sidelines of the D-8 summit in Cairo, Yunus also expressed a commitment to revive SAARC, sidelined due to ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India.
GHQ Attack Indictments
An Anti-Terrorism Court has indicted 14 PTI workers and leaders, including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, in the General Headquarters attack case from May 9, 2023. Overall, 113 individuals have been charged in connection with the case. Among the prominent PTI leaders charged are Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Shibli Faraz and Shehryar Afridi.
Revised IPP Agreements
The federal cabinet has approved signing revised agreements with eight bagasse-based independent power producers. The revised deals require the IPPs to reduce the working capital component of their tariff by 50% with effect from Oct. 31, 2024. The government estimates the agreements will lead to savings of up to Rs. 238 billion, and yield lower prices for consumers.
Madrassa Registration
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to meet JUIF leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman in a bid to resolve differences over the amended madrassa registration bill. The JUIF chief has threatened to launch a protest movement if the government continues to delay implementing the legislation. The government claims the law requires further modifications to avoid backlash from global bodies such as the FATF.
Champions Trophy
Pakistan and India have finalized an agreement, allowing next year’s Champions Trophy to proceed under a hybrid model. The deal allows India to play its matches at a neutral venue rather than in Pakistan. In turn, Pakistan will also play all upcoming ICC tournaments hosted by India through 2027 in other countries.
U.A.E. Denies Visa Rejections
U.A.E. Consul General in Karachi Bakheet Ateeq al Rumaithi has announced that Abu Dhabi and Islamabad are in advanced stages of inking a free trade agreement. The measure, he says, will boost trade activities by reducing import duties on various goods. He has also rejected reports of the U.A.E. denying visas to Pakistanis, maintaining this is an inaccurate impression.