Easing Inflation
Pakistan has recorded its lowest inflation rate in six-and-a-half years, 4.9%, in November 2024. Hailing the economic milestone, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has hoped the development will ease burden on consumers and reduce prevailing financial pressures. Overall, in the first five months of fiscal year 2024-25, inflation has averaged at 7.88% compared to 28.62% during the same period last year.
Tackling Fake News
The federal government is aiming to amend the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 to form a new authority with powers to block online content and access to social media, and prosecute anyone who shares “fake news.” It also seeks the blocking of any ‘tool’ used to access social media, hinting at a potential legal avenue for blocking access to VPNs.
Seeking Political Consensus
The Pakistan Peoples Party has decided to engage with all political parties to work toward determining, and implementing, consensus on mutually agreed upon issues. A meeting of the party’s political coordination committee specifically noted the worrying surge in terrorism, stressing the need for a new consensus to counter the challenges arising from the threat.
Anti-Propaganda Task Force
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a 10-member Task Force, led by the PTA chairman, to investigate and counter a “malicious campaign” on local and international media aimed at “discrediting” Pakistan and its state institutions. It has also been directed to propose steps to reduce policy gaps. The Task Force will include representatives of intelligence agencies and submit its report within 10 days.
Imran Khan ‘Perfectly Healthy’
PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan has rubbished social media speculation regarding threats to former prime minister Imran Khan’s life. After a meeting with the party founder at Adiala Jail, Gohar said Khan had urged the party to “maintain unity.” He said Khan had also expressed sorrow over reported deaths of party workers and security forces in Islamabad and directed the party to raise the issue in Parliament.
Polio Resurgence
Pakistan has reported three new cases of the poliovirus, taking the national tally thus far this year to 59. Of these, 26 are Balochistan; 16 from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa; 15 from Sindh; and one each from Punjab and Islamabad. Authorities are planning another mass vaccination campaign in mid-December, aiming to reach 44 million children with the vaccine against the debilitating disease.
Balochistan Multi-Party Conference
Opposition parties in Balochistan have demanded the immediate recovery of “missing” persons, withdrawal of charges against political leaders, an end to raids on madrassahs and an end to the one-document regime at Chaman border. The 17-point declaration stresses core issue remains the illegal occupation and exploitation of Baloch resources and denial of people’s right to their ownership.
Armed Protesters
The Attock district police officer has alleged protesters of the PTI last week used Brazilian tear-gas shells against law enforcers and wielded guns that belied their “peaceful” claims. He has also alleged some protesters have links to militant organizations while others do not appear to be Pakistani citizens. He said the clashes injured 147 police personnel, 25 of whom are in critical condition.
Return to Normalcy in Kurram
Schools in Kurram district, shut for nearly two weeks due to violent clashes between warring tribes, have reopened after a Jirga-brokered ceasefire has restored calm. Authorities have also restored cellular services but have yet to reopen major arteries connecting Parachinar to provincial capital Peshawar. The provincial cabinet has decided to declare anyone spreading ‘hatred’ in the region a ‘terrorist.’
Trump’s Warning
U.S.-president elect Donald Trump has warned that if Israeli hostages are not released ahead of his swearing-in on Jan. 20, 2025, there will be “all hell to pay” in the Middle East. He has further warned those responsible will be “hit harder” than at any other point in American history. The statement makes clear Trump’s intent to support Israel’s ongoing genocidal actions once he is in power.