PTI Seeks Talks with Government
Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the vice-chairman of the PTI, has urged the government to enable a ‘conducive’ environment for talks with his party. In an informal interaction with media, the incarcerated leader has also sought relief for detained politicians and warned against imposing any ban on his party or resorting to Governor’s Rule in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.
Winter is Here
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast a cold wave for most parts of the country from Dec. 8. In its advisory, the department says the cold wave will likely persist through Dec. 14 and can result in a significant decline in temperatures of Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir. It has urged caution for any travelers to mountainous regions during this time.
Defunct CPEC Authority
The federal government has informed a Senate panel it is considering dissolving the defunct CPEC Authority, a proposal under consideration since 2022. The CPEC Authority was formed in 2020 as a “monitoring” body, but has been criticized for slowing down the implementation of projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, rather than facilitating them.
JUIF vs. Government
While clarifying his party has not finalized any decision to launch a long march on Islamabad, JUIF chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has warned his party will not tolerate any delaying tactics in enacting the Societies Registration (Amendment) Act, 2024. If this behavior persists, he says, the JUIF will have no option but to launch mass protests to ensure its legitimate demands are met.
PTI Divided Over Civil Disobedience
The senior leadership of the PTI believes party founder Imran Khan’s latest threat of a civil disobedience movement is unlikely to succeed. International discussions of the party leadership have noted it will be difficult to convince overseas Pakistanis not to send their money to their family members or for locals to stop paying their utility bills. They have expressed an intent to request Khan to reverse his decision.
Constitutional Bench Takes Up Political Cases
The Supreme Court’s constitutional bench has fixed for hearing the PTI’s petitions seeking a probe into alleged rigging in the Feb. 8 elections and the formation of a judicial commission on the May 9, 2023 riots. The bench will also take up a case seeking the annulment of civilian trials in military courts and a petition calling for Imran Khan’s transfer from Adiala Jail to a Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa prison.
Indefinite Ceasefire
Warring tribes in Kurram district have agreed to an “indefinite” ceasefire, according to the Kohat commissioner. The commissioner chaired a grand Jirga, attended by elders of rival tribes, after at least 133 people were killed and over 180 others injured during clashes that lasted almost two weeks. The rival groups have said they will continue talks to achieve “lasting” peace.
PIA to Resume Europe Flights
The Pakistan International Airlines has announced it will resume flights to Europe from Jan. 10 after a gap of over 4 years. The national flag carrier’s authorization to operate flights to Europe, the U.S., and the U.K. were suspended in 2020 over concerns about the Civil Aviation Authority’s ability to ensure compliance with international standards. Flights to the U.K. and U.S. remain suspended.
Punjab Launches Free Solar Panel Scheme
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has inaugurated a Free Solar Panel scheme in Punjab for 100,000 consumers utilizing up to 200 units per month. Suitable candidates can apply for the scheme through SMS or an online portal for a chance to receive a free 1,100W solar system. Launching the program, Nawaz said her government will ensure public resources are used only for public welfare.
Ongoing Protests in AJK
A coalition of civil society organizations, the Joint Public Action Committee, has ramped up protests against the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Ordinance, 2024, in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Following two days of a wheel-jam and shutter-down strike, the group has now closed all routes to and from Pakistan. The committee says its sit-ins and protests will continue until the ordinance is withdrawn.