Madrassa Registration
JUIF Senator Kamran Murtaza has claimed that differences between the government and his party regarding the Societies Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2024 have been resolved. He has told media the amended legislation will become law within the next two days. The JUIF had earlier warned that if the bill did not become law, it could launch a nationwide protest movement.
Absolutely Yes!
In a significant U-turn from its rejection of U.S. interference in Pakistan’s affairs, several PTI leaders and supporters are now openly calling for America to help secure Imran Khan’s release. The party has embraced Donald Trump’s special envoy-designate Richard Grenell, who has spent weeks demanding Khan’s release. The government says it will not accept any interference in Pakistan’s internal matters.
Easing Visa Policy
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has announced Islamabad will ease its visa policy for fans wishing to attend matches of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Stressing that sports should be kept out of politics, he noted a majority of the tournament’s matches will be held in Pakistan. This, he said, will help promote Pakistan’s culture and boost its tourism.
Kabul Protests Airstrike
The interim Afghanistan government has lodged a strong protest with Islamabad over an airstrike near the Pak-Afghan border in Paktika province. Pakistani security officials claim the strikes targeted terrorist hideouts and were retaliation for an attack on security forces in South Waziristan that martyred 16 soldiers. Pakistani sources claim the strikes killed or injured at least 60 members of the banned TTP.
PTI-Government Talks
As part of confidence-building measures, the government has permitted members of a PTI negotiation committee to meet Imran Khan at Adiala Jail and apprise him of progress in talks that commenced earlier this week. The next meeting between the PTI and government teams will take place on Jan. 2, with the opposition party set to submit a formal list of its demands for further deliberation.
Kurram Unrest
Sit-ins against ongoing road closures in Kurram district are spreading nationwide, as locals report that nearly 100 children have died due to shortage of medicines. Multiple attempts to end the conflict between rival tribes have failed to take hold. The provincial and federal governments are now demanding the demolishing of all private bunkers and seizure of weapons in a bid to achieve peace.
Security Clearance
The federal government has made it mandatory for nominees to Boards of Directors of state-owned entities to be cleared from the Intelligence Bureau and the Inter-Services Intelligence. The move comes as the government ramps up efforts to privatize state-owned entities, with the incumbent government declaring all non-essential businesses should be privatized to reduce burden on the exchequer.
Inheritance Laws
The Lahore High Court has ruled that non-Muslims are not entitled to inherit any share from the estate of their Muslim relatives. According to the court, the Shariat Application Act, 1948, makes clear that only Muslims can demand a share of the estates from their Muslim relatives. It has noted that, as such, converts cannot inherit property from the estates of their Muslim successors or predecessors.
Genetic Testing
The United Arab Emirates had announced it is making premarital genetic testing mandatory for all Emirati couples from January 2025. The policy aims to prevent genetic illnesses and improve public health by enabling couples to make informed decisions before starting families. A pilot program conducted in 2022 screened over 800 couples, finding 86% were genetically compatible.
Minority Contributions for Pakistan
Chief of Army Staff Gen. Asim Munir has emphasized the remarkable contributions of minorities, particularly the Christian community, to Pakistan’s cultural, social, economic and national progress. In a statement issued on Christmas Day, he called on all Pakistanis to adopt a collective resolve to transform Pakistan into the peaceful, prosperous nation envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.