Walk the Talk
PMLN Senator Irfan Siddiqui has challenged lawmakers of the PTI to resign from Parliament and take to the streets if they are genuinely convinced the 2024 general elections were rigged. In a statement, the PMLN leader noted that despite their grievances, the PTI lawmakers had supported a bill to increase their salaries, and were enjoying all perks and privileges.
Kurram Concerns
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has announced a fresh operation against militants in Kurram as attacks on aid convoys and security officials persist despite a ceasefire agreement between warring tribes. The attacks have hampered the supply of commodities in the region, with locals resorting to looting to make ends meet.
Justice for Palestine
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has urged the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to support a Saudi Arabia-led initiative seeking an independent Palestinian state as a prerequisite for normalization in the region. Addressing an OIC meeting, Dar, who is also the foreign minister, has stressed that Palestine remains a top priority not only for Pakistan, but also the entire Muslim world.
Infighting Intensifies
Former minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, who maintains affiliation with the PTI despite parting ways after the May 9, 2023 riots, has accused the party’s incumbent leadership of lacking genuine loyalty toward Imran Khan. He has further accused the present leadership of embezzling funds intended for the party and vowed to personally form a “release committee” to secure Khan’s freedom.
Diplomatic Outreach
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has claimed that Pakistan has the potential to act as a bridge between China and the United States. Speaking to media on the sidelines of the Munich Conference, the former foreign minister has also voiced optimism about improving ties with India, maintaining that peace, or at the very least trade, is possible between the rival states.
Shifting Goals
The government has decided to prioritize the privatization of power distribution companies while shifting the sale of PIA to the backburner after a botched attempt to offload the national flag carrier last year. The government has formally conveyed this plan to a visiting delegation of the World Bank that is meeting with government officials as a follow-up to the $20 billion Country Partnership Framework.
Back to Square One
The PTI has reiterated its demand for courts to expedite cases related to the 26th Amendment and alleged rigging in the 2024 general elections, as it continues efforts to form a joint opposition alliance. The party has also called for the release of all “political prisoners,” including Imran Khan, urging the judiciary to stand for the rule of law.
Banking on Tourism
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has claimed that Pakistan has immense potential for tourism, maintaining steps are underway to promote travel to her province. The statements echoes remarks of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who had similarly declared Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa as an untapped tourist destination and vowed to undertake development to facilitate travel.
Conflict of Interest
The chairman and members of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority have unilaterally granted themselves a 220% pay raise without securing approval from relevant authorities. Legally, the autonomous body is required to seek approval for any pay hikes from the federal cabinet. The abuse of power has attracted media ire, with calls for government intervention.
Latest Attempt
The PTI is endeavoring to patch up ties with the establishment once more despite multiple previous rounds collapsing—and the Army chief making clear he has no desire to personally engage with the opposition party. The party is now striving to revive backchannel talks through Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, as he often meets security officials as part of his official duties.