No Social Media for Terrorists
The National Action Plan coordination committee has decided to block terrorist organizations from utilizing social media, and also halt the usage of illegal SIMs by militants. The meeting learnt 7,984 intelligence-based operations in 2024 have killed 206 terrorists and has decided to enhance coordination between the National Counter-Terrorism Authority and all provinces.
I.T. Industry’s Losses
The Pakistan Software Houses Association has claimed that just one hour of internet disruption causes losses exceeding $1 million for the country’s I.T. sector. The organization has warned that ongoing disruptions are encouraging clients to shift business away from Pakistan, adding once they leave, they are unlikely to return.
Missing Persons
The constitutional bench of the Supreme Court has urged Parliament to exercise its authority and resolve the longstanding issue of enforced disappearances. During a hearing on multiple petitions pertaining to the issue, the court regretted that recovered persons often do not reveal identities of their captors, preventing any legal inquiry from proceeding.
Imran Khan Stands by Bushra
In an informal interaction with media at Adiala Jail, former prime minister Imran Khan has backed his wife, Bushra, and her decision to lead protesters toward D-Chowk. Maintaining she acted on his directions, he has urged the party to unite ahead of yet another “phase” of the ongoing “struggle” against the incumbent government.
Smog in Punjab
Hearing petitions pertaining to environmental pollution in Punjab, the Lahore High Court has directed all government departments to ensure their vehicles are compliant with emission standards or risk their seizure. The court was informed efforts are underway to increase provincial capital Lahore’s tree cover, which is 71.2% less than the standards set by the World Health Organization.
Punjab C.M. Slams PTI
Criticizing the PTI for its serial protests, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has described the opposition party as “a group of terrorists” and said its “eradication” is a duty for all citizens of Pakistan. She has rubbished the PTI’s claims of “peaceful protests,” alleging the party has repeatedly proven it only seeks unrest and violence.
Uncertainty for Champions Trophy Persists
Indian media has reported the Board of Control for Cricket in India is hesitant to accept a proposal from the Pakistan Cricket Board to hold matches between the rival nations at “neutral” venues for the next three years. If the two sides cannot amicably resolve the situation, the International Cricket Council will step in and decide on how the Champions Trophy, due to be hosted by Pakistan, will proceed.
MBS in Pakistan?
Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has voiced a desire to visit Pakistan during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the ongoing, two-day ‘One Water Summit’ in Riyadh. During the meeting, the two leaders’ fifth in six months, the Saudi leader has stressed on maintaining meaningful cooperation to bring about economic growth and prosperity in Pakistan.
Explosive ‘Joke’
Authorities have detained two passengers flying from Islamabad to Karachi after they “joked” about a “bomb” on their flight. The incident on a private airline prompted a thorough search of the plane, leading to the flight’s delay by three-and-a-half hours. The two individuals, who are friends, have reportedly told authorities they were merely conversing among themselves.
South Korea’s Failed Martial Law
Within hours of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declaring an emergency martial law in his country, lawmakers rejected the move, forcing him to lift it immediately. This was the first time since the 1980s that martial law was declared in South Korea. Its lifting has triggered calls for the president to step down, as he now faces possible impeachment and even expulsion from his own party.