New Blood
The National Assembly speaker has urged both the government and opposition to submit nominations for the next chief election commissioner and members of the Election Commission of Pakistan. The term of office of Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja expired on Jan. 26, 2025 but he remains in office until a replacement can be appointed.
Global Censure
Reporters Without Borders has warned recent amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act will stifle free speech instead of combatting disinformation. The watchdog has urged the government to repeal the amendments and stressed on the need to respect the people’s right to inform, be informed and have access to diverse sources of information.
Opposition Alliance
Senior leaders of various opposition parties have called for a united front to address challenges hampering Pakistan’s stability and recovery. The parties have agreed to organize an all-party conference to enhance their ties and establish a steering committee to draft a national agenda. They have also reiterated a demand for fresh elections.
Judicial Reference
Prime Minister’s Aide on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah has indicated that a reference can be filed against two senior judges of the Supreme Court for their conduct in certain matters. While he did not name the judges, he said they had a habit of “writing letters on every issue” and making sure the letters were shared with media before the recipients had even received them.
Awaiting Audit
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has criticized power distribution companies seeking hefty hikes to security deposits, stating it will withhold any determination on the matter until an audit of existing deposits is completed. During a public hearing, the regulator said the companies’ demand appeared an unjust attempt to shift burden of inefficiencies onto consumers.
Institutional Ire
National Assembly Speaker has delivered a sharp rebuke to reported remarks of the Islamabad High Court’s Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, stressing no one has the right to issue such statements against Parliament. A day earlier, during proceedings on delayed results of CSS exams, Kayani had said the “judiciary, parliament and executive have all collapsed.”
Committed to Reforms
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assured IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva that Pakistan will maintain reforms aimed at ensuring economic stability. During a meeting in Dubai, the IMF chief commended Pakistan’s efforts, particularly improving economic indicators and declining inflation. She also assured the country of the IMF’s continued support for its reform agenda.
Relief for Tax Evaders
A National Assembly panel has reduced proposed restrictions on non-filers in the Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Non-filers will now be permitted to purchase tractors in addition to vehicles up to 800cc and motorcycles. Lawmakers are also seeking further concessions, including having the government designate the value threshold for transactions rather than the Federal Board of Revenue.
Passing the Buck
Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi has told journalists he has forwarded a letter from former Prime Minister Imran Khan to the judges’ committee of the constitutional bench for further consideration. The CJP says Khan’s assertions pertain to Article 184(3), which is now the domain of the constitutional bench. He has noted that the letter contains “serious allegations” that merit a response.
Global Peace
Both the U.S. and Pakistan have informed the United Nations Security Council of threats to global peace posed by terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan. In separate addresses to the council, ambassadors of both nations stressed on the presence of Daesh in the war-torn state, especially its ability to mount recruitment campaigns and plot and conduct attacks.