Cheaper Power
The federal government hopes to decrease electricity prices by Rs. 6-8/unit within the next two months. Officials of the Power Division have told a Senate panel they are aiming to achieve this by slashing taxes on electricity bills. However, they have noted, implementation of any reduction is reliant on approval from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
PECA Protests
A consultative meeting of journalists and lawyers has urged the government to repeal recent changes to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. Both groups have stressed the amendments are in violation of Article 19 of the Constitution, guaranteeing right to freedom of expression. Bodies of both lawyers and journalists have already challenged the law in various courts across Pakistan.
Legalizing VPNs
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has initiated a process to license VPN service providers to regulate data services in the country. According to the regulator, it has approved the applications of two companies. The initiative, it has said, enables businesses to utilize VPNs for lawful purposes, ensuring data security, privacy and regulatory compliance.
Punjab Transplants
The Punjab government has unveiled the Chief Minister’s Transplant Program, offering five free transplant programs to eligible citizens. The program covers liver, kidney, bone marrow and cornea transplants, as well as cochlear transplants for children born with congenital hearing loss. Beneficiaries are required to register with the Punjab Human Organ Transplantation Authority to access the services.
Minimum Wage
A National Assembly panel has decided to formally request Speaker Ayaz Sadiq to recommend an appropriate course of action on the non-implementation of the minimum wage law across Pakistan. The panel has noted that despite a designated wage of Rs. 37,000/month, it remains unimplemented in various industries, exploiting low-income workers.
Digital Adoption
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has admitted the government has delayed commencing work on digital assets, adding authorities have initiated efforts to regulate the sector. He has called on relevant authorities to adopt the potential introduction of cryptocurrency with an “open mind,” noting significant developments in Pakistan’s digital banking sector in this regard.
Moon Sighting
The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission has said the new moon for Ramzan will occur on Feb. 28. However, it has added, there is a very low likelihood for its visibility due to its age and atmospheric conditions. Consequently, the organization has said the first day of fasting in Pakistan will likely be observed on March 2, with Eidul Fitr expected for March 31.
May 9 Riots
A cabinet committee report on the May 9, 2023 riots, prepared by the caretaker government, does not include the names of either Shah Mahmood Qureshi or Parvez Elahi. The omission has raised questions over the ongoing legal cases against both Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders, particularly Qureshi who remains an under-trial prisoner.
Judicial Notice
A five-member constitutional bench of the Supreme Court has fixed for hearing former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s petitions regarding alleged rigging in the Feb. 8, 2024 elections and the formation of a judicial commission to probe the May 9, 2023 riots. The petitions will be taken up on Feb. 28. Earlier this month, in a letter to CJP Yahya Afridi, Khan had lamented over the delay in fixing the petitions.
Climate Funding
An IMF technical delegation has reached Pakistan to discuss Islamabad’s request for climate financing. The four-member team will remain in the country until Feb. 28 and engage in talks with both federal and provincial authorities to review climate funding strategies, including green budgeting and tracking mechanisms. It will also discuss the potential introduction of a carbon levy in the upcoming budget.