Terror Resurgence
Security forces and law enforcement agencies have conducted 59,775 successful intelligence-based operations throughout 2024, says military spokesman Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry. These operations have killed 925 terrorists and led to the arrests of hundreds more. The same operations saw 383 personnel embrace martyrdom. He regretted militants continue to find shelter on Afghan soil.
Staggering Losses
State-owned enterprises have recorded losses of Rs. 408 billion during the first six months of fiscal year 2024-25. According to the Finance Division, these entities contributed Rs. 200 billion in taxes, a 14% decrease from the last six months of fiscal year 2023-24. The largest loss was reported by the National Highways Authority (Rs. 151.3 billion), followed by QESCO (56.2 billion), and PIA (Rs. 51.7 billion).
U.S. Targeting Pakistan’s Nukes
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has alleged an international conspiracy is being hatched against Pakistan’s nuclear and missile program. Addressing an event in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, he said U.S. lawmakers are using Imran Khan as pretext to target Pakistan’s security and has urged the PTI founder to clarify his position on the matter. Unity and political stability can counter these designs, he added.
Madrassa Registration
The federal cabinet has approved changes to the Societies Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2024, paving the way for the legislation to become law. The issue had become a source of contention between the government and the JUIF, which had threatened to launch a nationwide protest movement if the situation was not resolved.
PTI Hits Back at Military Spokesman
The PTI has criticized the military spokesman for describing its protests as “political terrorism.” Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram has blamed prevailing uncertainty on flawed state policies and narratives, urging a rethink of the state’s behavior and thought process. This “divisive” approach is bolstering conflict between the country’s institutions and its people, he has added.
Kurram Protests
Sit-ins organized in various cities over the ongoing unrest in Kurram district are causing traffic blockades, raising calls for a speedy resolution. The protesters, led by PTI ally Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen, have demanded the resignation of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. They have also vowed to continue their demonstrations until roads leading to Parachinar are reopened.
Refund to Consumers
K-Electric is set to refund Rs. 7.2 billion to consumers against their bills for November 2024 under the Fuel Charge Adjustment mechanism. According to data provided to NEPRA, KE has proposed a negative adjustment of Rs. 4.98/unit for its consumers. NEPRA has scheduled a public hearing on Jan. 15, 2025 to analyze KE’s data and provide consumers an opportunity to express their views.
Disrupting Regional Deterrence
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution condemning U.S. sanctions on entities linked to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. The resolution criticizes U.S. efforts to disrupt the regional power balance in favor of India. It also maintains Pakistan’s missile program is purely defensive.
Nuclear Power Plant
The Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority has granted a construction license to the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission for the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 in Mianwali. The C-5 unit is an advanced third-generation Pressurized Water Reactor with a 60-year design life. It will have a maximum generation capacity of 1,200MW, the largest of any nuclear power plants in Pakistan.
Scam Alert
The European Union has issued a warning to Pakistanis highlighting fake entries for member states’ embassies on Google Maps, with misleading information about visa and consular appointments. Blaming the scam on “criminal organizations,” the E.U. has stressed that only the websites of E.U. member states’ embassies provide authentic information and contact data for all visa and consular services.