Imran Khan Threatens ‘Civil Disobedience’
Former prime minister Imran Khan has demanded the government release all political prisoners and initiate a judicial probe into the May 9, 2023 riots and last month’s Islamabad protest. If these demands are not accepted, he warns, the PTI will launch a civil disobedience movement from Dec. 14. As part of this anticipated movement, Khan has urged overseas Pakistanis to ‘limit’ their remittances.
Army Wants Government to ‘Do More’
Pakistan’s military leadership has urged the government to enact and implement legislation targeting the ‘unfettered and unethical’ use of freedom of expression that seeks to boost societal polarization. In the 84th meeting of the Formation Commanders’ Conference, the military also urged the Afghan government to adopt ‘viable measures’ to prevent the use of its soil by terrorists.
Champions Trophy Accord
The Pakistan Cricket Board and the Board of Control for Cricket in India have ended weeks of uncertainty by agreeing to a ‘hybrid’ model for all future match-ups between the rival teams. Under the agreement, which applies to all International Cricket Council events through 2027, neither India nor Pakistan will tour each other’s countries. Instead, they will participate in tournaments at a ‘neutral’ venue.
PMLN-PPP Rifts
Ruling coalition partners PPP and PMLN have agreed to initiate dialogue to resolve contentious issues hinted at by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. The PPP leader has alleged the PMLN does not take his party onboard in policy-making, warning of reconsidering their alliance if such behavior continues. Both parties lack the numbers in Parliament to form government without the other’s support.
Prepping for More Smog
Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has warned of a smog resurgence following rains predicted by the meteorological department. Noting a 38 percent reduction in smog this year compared to last year, she said the government’s anti-smog initiatives will continue to further reduce air pollution and reduce the toxic haze that envelops large parts of the province every winter.
Rail Ties Between Pakistan, Russia
Pakistan and Russia are set to launch a new freight train via Iran and Azerbaijan, Energy Minister Awais Leghari has announced. The train will transport goods between the two countries, boosting bilateral trade. Overall trade turnover between Islamabad and Moscow currently stands at roughly $1 billion, though it is heavily tilted in favor of Russia.
Kurram Multi-Party Conference
A multi-party conference summoned by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has called for the immediate issuance of the 11 National Finance Commission award and the release of funds allocated for merged districts. It has also called for an effective local government system and a performance audit of the provincial government. The PTI, in power in KP, boycotted the summit.
Senate Debates Slow Internet
The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology has questioned the government on disruptions to various internet services, questioning its potential link to the implementation of a national firewall. Minister of State Shaza Fatima Khawaja has blamed the slowdown on a lack of investment in the I.T. sector in the last three years.
May 9 GHQ Attack Case
An Anti-Terrorism Court has indicted more than 100 PTI leaders and supporters, including Imran Khan, in a case pertaining to an attack on the General Headquarters on May 9, 2023. Charges against the accused allege they engaged in a “criminal conspiracy” to attack “sensitive” areas of the GHQ. The long-pending case will now proceed to a trial, with the next hearing set for Dec. 10.
PMLN’s Third Win
The Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) has won by-elections in PP-139 (Sheikhupura) for the third time in less than a year. The ruling party’s Rana Tanveer Hussain vacated the seat after winning it in the Feb. 8, 2024 general elections. PMLN’s Rana Afzal Hussain then won the seat in by-polls. He passed away in August. PMLN’s Rana Tahir Iqbal has now won it in fresh by-polls, achieving a hat-trick for the PMLN.