Military Courts
The counsel for the complainants has argued military trials of civilians involved in the May 9 riots do not meet the right to a fair trial. The lawyer has said the Army is an affected party in the case and cannot serve as prosecutor, judge and jury. In the proceedings, the Supreme Court’s constitutional bench has questioned the benefits of military trials of civilians and highlighted the need for impartial trials.
For their Own Benefit
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a nearly 300 percent increase to salaries of parliamentarians. The decision has triggered criticism amidst an ongoing economic crisis, with citizens lamenting that lawmakers are benefiting themselves without ensuring relief for their constituents. The salary raise saw rare unity between the opposition and government, with both sides supporting it.
Tackling Cybercrimes
A joint operation between U.S. and Dutch authorities has claimed to dismantle a Pakistan-based cybercrime network accused of selling hacking tools and fraud-enabling services to criminals globally. The network, identified as HeartSender, had been in operation for over a decade and had allegedly inflicted financial losses exceeding $3 million in the U.S. alone.
Going Electric
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has launched an electric bus service in provincial capital Lahore. The 30-seater buses will allow for the transport of 80 passengers and cover a distance of 250km per charge. In the initial phase, 27 buses will operate on the city’s longest 21km route. The government has estimated that 17,000 people will be able to commute on these buses daily.
Hefty Shortfall
The Federal Board of Revenue has announced it collected Rs. 6,496 billion against the assigned target of Rs. 6,964 billion in the first seven months of fiscal year 2024-25, a Rs. 468 billion shortfall. In January alone, the tax body recorded a shortfall of Rs. 84 billion. It remains unclear if the failure to achieve the target will prompt the IMF to seek additional taxes on citizens ahead of next year’s budget.
Ramping up Deportations
U.S. authorities have deported over 7,300 undocumented migrants since Donald Trump took oath of office on Jan. 20. Vice President JD Vance has announced that the president has set a target of arresting and deporting 1,800 illegal immigrants daily. The U.S. has used military aircraft to facilitate the deportations, largely to Latin American countries.
Pakistan’s Illegal Migrants
The Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees has revealed that around 0.7 million Afghans residing in Pakistan are unregistered while 1.4 million are registered with authorities. In a briefing to a Senate panel, the official said voluntary repatriations are ongoing, adding the state is providing humanitarian assistance to refugees.
Judicial Bickering
Seven judges of the Islamabad High Court have written a letter to the chief justices of the Supreme Court and high courts expressing concern over “reports” that a judge could be transferred to the court and appointed its next chief justice. While acknowledging the legality of a transfer, the judges have argued it risks judicial independence and is in violations of judicial norms.
No More Talks
The ruling coalition has decided to formally conclude its dialogue with the PTI following the opposition party’s refusal to continue talks until the formation of judicial commissions into the May 9 and Nov. 26 incidents. PMLN Senator Irfan Siddiqui has maintained the government was willing to negotiate further with the PTI, but saw no hope for progress amidst the opposition’s rigid stance.
PECA Protests
Journalists across Pakistan protested against amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act, 2016, signed into law earlier this week. Describing the legislation as a “black law,” the journalists threatened sustained protests if the government did not withdraw it. They have claimed that in attempting to tackle fake news, the law is attacking freedom of expression.