Expanding Infrastructure
Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja has meta delegation ofStarlink to review progress on approving the satellite-based internet service provider’s operations in Pakistan. The government has said it hopes to address the lack of internet in far-flung areas of the country through satellite-based connections, including Starlink.
Another Round of Talks
The PTI has said it will continue talks with the federal government for a third round, during which it will submit a written list of demands. However, the party has lamented that despite assurances to the contrary, it has not been provided “unrestricted” access to the incarcerated Imran Khan for his input on the negotiations.
Riot Police in Punjab
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved a summary to raise a new riot management police in the province to handle large crowds and violent protests. Consisting of 5,000 personnel, the new force will be headquartered in Lahore. It will initially be made operational in Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan and Sargodha, with an expansion to other districts at a later stage.
Second Shot at Privatization
The government has confirmed it has resumed the privatization process for PIA. The National Assembly Standing Committee on Privatization has been informed that recommendations for the sale of the Roosevelt Hotel in New York are finalized. Additionally, prospective buyers will get GST relief for new aircraft. Applications for a new Expression of Interest will be invited by the end of the month.
Soaring Deportations
Approximately 258 Pakistanis have been deported from seven countries in just 24 hours. The majority, 232, were deported from Saudi Arabia. Another 21 were deported from the U.A.E., while China, Qatar, Indonesia, Cyprus and Nigeria all deported 1 Pakistani each. Of the deportees, just 14 had valid Pakistani passports, while 244 were deported on emergency travel documents.
Seesawing Inflation
State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad has said the central bank expects inflation to decline further this month but fluctuate subsequently, potentially troubling consumers and businesses. He has also stressed on a need to boost exports, stressing the country will continue to struggle with managing its current account and balance of payments if it primarily relies on remittances.
Internal Bickering
Rifts within the PTI have emerged once more with a war of words between the party’s secretary general, Salman Akram Raja, and senior leader Sher Afzal Marwat. Raja has questioned Marwat’s “competence” to serve as party spokesman. Marwat, in turn, has questioned the legal status of Raja’s designation. The clash hints at growing unease within the PTI amidst efforts to secure Imran Khan’s release.
Captive Power
Energy Minister Awais Leghari has announced the government has terminated about 10,000MW of upcoming IPP projects that will yield “expensive” electricity generation. He has said the government aims to implement a competitive electricity market by March. He has also claimed the government hopes to resolve the issue of captive power plants by the end of January.
Taking Hostages
Police have recovered eight of 17 Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) private workers kidnapped by armed militants in Lakki Marwat. Armed militants intercepted the PAEC employees en route to a project site. The militants subsequently issued videos of the abducted workers, who appealed to the government to meet the militants’ demands for their release.
Lagging Behind
The Henley Passport Index 2025 has once again ranked Pakistan’s passport among the weakest in the globe, placing it at 103. Of the countries ranked, Pakistan’s passport is stronger than those of Iraq (104), Syria (105), and Afghanistan (106). Somalia, Nepal, Palestine, and Bangladesh are ranked just above Pakistan. The Pakistani passport offers visa-free travel to just 33 countries.