PTI-Government Talks
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has offered to mediate talks between the government and the PTI in a bid to resolve political impasse. The decision comes as the PTI prepares to launch a civil disobedience movement at the behest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The government has warned it will not be ‘forced’ into accepting any demands and talks must not carry preconditions.
Madrassa Registration
JUIF chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has voiced optimism about the speedy resolution of the Societies Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2024 controversy. After meeting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he hoped the government will take practical steps in accordance with the Constitution. The JUIF leader has threatened a protest movement if the matter is not resolved as per his party’s demands.
Disinformation Drives Elections
A report published by the Digital Rights Foundation has accused various social media platforms of failing to moderate harmful content ahead of Pakistan’s elections. It has also noted a lack of transparency regarding money spent on political advertisements. It said only Meta provided such details, with major political parties spending a collective Rs. 54 million for ads on Facebook and Instagram.
Saudi Man Arrested in Germany
German police have arrested a Saudi man after he rammed his car into a Christmas market, killing two people and injuring 68 others. The suspect, a medical doctor, has lived in Germany since 2006. Authorities have said he appears to be a lone attacker and there are no concerns of further danger. The incident has ignited anti-immigrant voices, who are questioning the government’s policies.
Acquittal Pleas Rejected
An Anti-Terrorism Court has rejected the acquittal please of various PTI leaders, including Imran Khan, Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Shibli Faraz, in the GHQ attack case from the May 9, 2023 riots. The court ruled that the acquittal pleas became infructuous after the indictment of the accused in the case earlier this week. In total, 113 suspects have been indicted in the case thus far.
Soaring Debt
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa finance department has conceded that the province’s outstanding debt portfolio increased from Rs. 530.723 billion as of June 30, 2023 to Rs. 679.547 billion on June 30, 2024, a 28.04% spike. International lenders have warned the provincial government it risks solvency issues beyond March 2025 if it does not introduce and implement corrective measures.
Kurram in the Spotlight
A meeting of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Apex Committee has decided to resolve unrest in Kurram district by dismantling private bunkers and seizing weapons from rival tribes. Until the situation can be normalized, it was decided, roads connecting the region to the rest of Pakistan will reopen at intervals on humanitarian grounds. The meeting also decided to cleanse militants from Khyber and Bannu.
Balochistan Takes Aim at Poppies
Levies forces have eradicated 16 acres of the illegal poppy crop along the Pak-Afghan border over the past week. The Quetta commissioner has said poppy cultivation breaks the law and endangers society by fueling the drug trade. He has stressed the provincial government has directed the elimination of opium crops throughout Balochistan.
Cabinet Rejects Import of Vintage Cars
The federal cabinet has refused to exempt vintage cars from the applicable Import Policy Order. Several vehicles have been stuck at various ports since October 2022 due to an import ban. Influential politicians have sought their release with fines. The cabinet decision notes the vintage cars in question were imported despite the ban and such violations cannot be legitimized with a one-time relaxation.
Digital Pakistan
The State Bank of Pakistan has issued its Quarterly Payment Systems Review for the first quarter of FY2024-25. It states digital channels now account for 87% of retail payments by volume. This indicates a gradual, but growing, societal shift away from cash and paper-based transactions. Per the report, the first quarter also saw 16% growth in retailers accepting digital payments.