Money Flows
The country’s foreign remittances reached $3.1 billion in December 2024, a 29.3% increase year-on-year and 5.6% hike month-on-month, according to the State Bank of Pakistan. Analysts have credited the rise to Pakistan’s economic recovery, a stable rupee, and a growing diaspora. Additionally, reforms aimed at curbing illegal foreign exchange trading have played a role in facilitating legal money transfers.
No Dual Nationals
The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat has recommended a complete ban on dual nationality for civil servants, including judges and bureaucrats. The panel has sought a comprehensive report on civil servants holding dual nationalities, noting it is not possible for an individual to be equally loyal to two countries.
Ready for Extension
PTI Senator Shibli Faraz has claimed his party is willing to extend the Jan. 31 deadline set by Imran Khan for talks with the government in case of “positive” developments. Despite two rounds of dialogue, there has been little progress between the two sides, with the government demanding the PTI first submit a written list of its demands. In recent days, both sides have questioned each other’s sincerity on talks.
Military Courts
The constitutional bench of the Supreme Court has questioned the competence of presiding officers in military courts, asking whether they have sufficient legal expertise to impose severe punishments. During proceedings, judges have also questioned the jurisdiction of military courts and the matter in which certain cases are transferred from civil courts to military courts.
‘Real World Harm’
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has indirectly criticized Meta’s decision to remove content moderation after alleging it fosters censorship. In a statement, he has warned of “real world consequences” for allowing hate speech and harmful content online. He has also stressed that regulation is not censorship and called for accountability in the digital space.
Seeking Foreign Aid
Incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, has claimed the family will approach “international institutions” over the dozens of cases against her brother. She has accused jail authorities of “troubling” Khan and alleged that denying the former prime minister’s personal physician a meeting with him is tantamount to torture.
Paris Je T’Aime
After a gap of four years, PIA has resumed direct flights to Europe. The first such flight has landed in Paris, with the national flag carrier hoping to expand its services to the rest of the continent shortly. The development is seen as a major win for the government, which has expressed the hope that the resumption of profitable routes will help expedite PIA’s privatization.
Empowering Girls
Pakistan is hosting the International Conference on Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities: Challenges and Opportunities in Islamabad. The summit brings together over 150 dignitaries and academia from 44 Muslim and friendly countries, as well as representatives of various international organizations. Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai will also attend the two-day conference aimed at empowering Muslim girls.
Conviction without Punishment
A U.S. judge has ruled that President-elect Donald Trump will not go to jail or pay any fine over his criminal conviction in a hush money case. The sentencing of unconditional discharge, however, places a judgment of guilty on Trump’s record. The president-elect has vowed to appeal the guilty verdict, maintaining he is a victim of a “political witch-hunt.”
Racking Up Wins
Muhammad Asif, Pakistan’s world amateur snooker champion, has clinched the title at the third SAARC Snooker Championship, defeating Sri Lanka’s Thaha Irshath 5-0. This is Asif’s eighth career title. Speaking with media after his match, he declared that winning the title was a moment of great pride for both him and Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari has praised Asif for his victory.