Uraan Pakistan
P.M. Shehbaz Sharif has unveiled an ambitious five-year economic reforms plan, Uraan Pakistan, aimed at promoting sustainable development and inclusive growth. The plan focuses on the 5Es—exports, e-Pakistan, environment and climate change, energy and infrastructure, and equity and empowerment. The ultimate aim, per the plan, is to make Pakistan a trillion dollar economy by 2035.
Parachinar Sit-ins
Law enforcement personnel have clashed with MWM protesters in Karachi as traffic remains suspended on several major arteries in the Sindh capital. The protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government of their ally PTI reopens roads leading to Kurram district. The protests risk sectarian strife, as the ASWJ threatens counter-protests.
New Year, New Resolve
In separate statements welcoming the New Year, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have voiced hopes for a world free from hunger, poverty, war, terrorism, crime, sectarianism, and class divisions. Both leaders have called on the nation to work toward a prosperous 2025 and offered prayers that the new year will prove transformative for Pakistan.
Dangerous Celebrations
Despite police warnings, residents of Sindh capital Karachi have celebrated the New Year with aerial firing, injuring 29 people, including two women. Law enforcers have arrested 30 people involved in the incidents. Similar incidents in Punjab capital Lahore have resulted in the arrests of 15 people allegedly involved in aerial firing and “unruly” behavior.
Brutal Year
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has reported that 2024 saw the highest number of Israeli settler attacks in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem since the agency started keeping records nearly two decades ago. It has said almost 1,400 incidents resulted in Palestinian casualties and damage to property, noting this amounts to nearly four incidents per day.
U.S.-Pakistan Cooperation
Outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome has reiterated his country’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms and growth. In a farewell call to Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, he also appreciated the strong and enduring partnership between the two countries. Both sides have expressed desire to further strengthen trade and economic ties.
KP Seeks Withdrawal of Military Court Rulings
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution demanding the immediate withdrawal of verdicts announced to civilians by military courts. The resolution has stressed on the fundamental right of a transparent trial for every citizens, maintaining that sentencing through military courts undermines justice and deprives citizens of basic rights.
Pricey Electricity
In a report, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority has revealed that, on average, electricity is generated at Rs. 7.62/unit but sold to consumers for Rs. 45/unit. The hefty tariff has been blamed on Rs. 15.28/unit in various taxes and Rs. 17.01/unit for capacity payments to power producers. Additionally, Rs. 1.37/unit is charged for transmission costs and Rs. 3.1/unit as margin for distribution companies.
Revenue Shortfall
The Federal Board of Revenue has missed its collection target for the first half of fiscal year 2024-25 by nearly Rs. 386 billion. The tax body’s collection target of Rs. 6.009 trillion was missed despite 26% higher collections due to the government’s failure in bringing traders into the tax net and risks derailing the IMF program inked with the global lender in 2024.
Diplomatic Huddle
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has chaired a meeting of Pakistan’s envoys at key multilateral and bilateral missions, outlining the country’s foreign policy priorities for 2025 and beyond. The discussions have mainly revolved around key concerns for Pakistan, including the new Trump presidency, the Afghanistan situation, and ties with China.