Unsustainable Debt
The Finance Ministry has informed the National Assembly the government was unable to reduce the debt level to 56.75% of the economy, as mandated by the Fiscal Responsibility and Debt Limitation Act. The country ended the last fiscal year with public debt equaling 67.5% of GDP, primarily due to surging interest costs.
More Infighting
In a first, former Prime Minister Imran Khan has publicly warned Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to ensure the safety of PTI supporters in the province or be held responsible for any alleged harassment. The expression of displeasure follows Gandapur’s ouster as president of the PTI’s KP chapter and furthers rumors that Khan is preparing to replace the chief minister.
No Protest in Lahore
The Lahore administration has denied the PTI permission to stage a rally at Minar-e-Pakistan on Feb. 8, citing security concerns arising from multiple high-profile events. The PTI had sought permission for the event to observe a “black day” on the first anniversary of the Feb. 8, 2024 general elections, when the party claims its mandate to form government was “stolen.”
Seeking Handouts
The Pakistan Business Forum has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take strict action against hoarding and market manipulators ahead of Ramzan to ensure stability in prices of essential commodities. The Forum has also sought subsidies on basic necessities during the holy month to provide relief to the masses.
Food Security
The Ministry of National Food Security and Research has claimed Pakistan will not import any wheat this year due to sufficient available stocks for domestic consumption. To ensure stocks are maintained, the ministry has further said it will work with the private sector to increase wheat storage capacity. However, it has warned, drought and early summer is likely to reduce wheat cultivation this year.
Sustainable Economy
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has warned that Pakistan’s overall economic situation ultimately depends on how the government tackles the threats posed by unchecked population growth and climate change. He has stressed on expeditiously addressing climate change-related issues, noting the time has come to move beyond policy prescriptions.
Challenging PECA
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists has filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court challenging amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 that it describes as “unconstitutional.” The government maintains the amendments are aiming at tackling fake news, but journalists allege they stifle public dissent and infringe on fundamental rights of freedom of expression.
National Mourning
Pakistan will observe a national day of mourning on Feb. 8 to mark its sorrow on the funeral of Prince Karim Aga Khan. To mark the occasion, the national flag will fly at half-mast nationwide. Aga Khan played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s development, establishing the Aga Khan University in Karachi and Aga Khan Health Services nationwide, as well as funding the restoration of various historical sites.
Football on Back foot
FIFA has once again suspended the Pakistan Football Federation over its refusal to adopt changes recommended for its constitution. The proposed amendments had sought to ensure fair and democratic elections. The suspension effectively bars Pakistan’s teams from participating in international competitions. It also denies the PFF any assistance from FIFA until the issue is resolved.
Executive escalation
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order claiming the International Criminal Court “abused its power” by issuing an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza. The order describes Israel as a “close ally” of the U.S. and imposes asset freezes and travel bans on ICC officials, employees and their family members.