Third Round
The PMLN-led ruling coalition and the PTI are set to resume talks on Jan. 16—just a day before an accountability court may issue its ruling on the Al-Qadir Trust case against former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra. The previous two rounds of talks failed to make any headway, with the government demanding the PTI submit a formal list of its demands.
Stars My Destination
Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission will launch the country’s first indigenous Electro-Optical satellite on Jan. 17. The satellite aims to improve the monitoring of natural disasters and enhance management of natural resources. It will launch from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center and marks a significant milestone for Pakistan’s space exploration efforts.
United Front
Chief of Army Staff Gen. Asim Munir has warned that anyone attempting to disturb peace and security will meet a “decisive and overwhelming force.” During a meeting with representatives of various political parties in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, he also vowed to ensure the war against terrorism comes to its logical conclusion. The politicians have pledged to put up a united front against extremism.
Kurram Peace
Authorities have demolished private bunkers in the Khar Kali and Balishkhel areas of Lower Kurram as implementation of a peace agreement signed between rival tribes continues. However, shortages of essential commodities persist amidst ongoing road closures. Traders have joined protesters demanding a return to normalcy, maintaining they no longer have any stock to sell.
Golden Discovery
Former Punjab minister Ibrahim Murad has claimed gold reserves valued at Rs. 800 billion have been discovered in Attock. Confirming the discovery, the incumbent government has said it has imposed Section 144 in the region to prevent theft. Authorities plan to auction rights to the extraction of the reserves with an aim to bolstering revenue generation.
Slamming Xenophobia
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has expressed deep concern over racist and Islamophobic commentary targeting British-Pakistanis in both political and media circles. In a statement, a spokesperson has noted the many contributions of Pakistanis to the U.K.’s development. They have also condemned the “demonization” of the large Pakistani community that resides in Britain.
Repairing Rifts
Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi has claimed the days of judges “taking positions against each other” have now ended. Speaking with journalists, he has welcomed media criticism of judges and judgments but stressed this should be constructive and aimed at improving the delivery of justice. He has also vowed to reduce case pendency through better case management.
Lagging Exports
Foreign remittances have surpassed Pakistan’s export revenue during the first half of fiscal year 2024-25, raising questions about the government’s export policy. Official data shows remittances totaled $17.645 billion against the $16.561 billion generated through exports. Economists blame the disparity on reduced industrial competitiveness arising from conditions imposed by the IMF.
Tackling Smuggling
The federal government has announced the opening of a new crossing point on the Pakistan-Iran border in Panjgur. The initiative aims to facilitate legal trade activities between the neighboring countries, discourage smuggling of goods and provide employment and business opportunities to the people living on both sides of the border.
NATO to Blame
Former caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has linked the surge in terrorism after the return to power of the Afghan Taliban to the weapons abandoned by NATO forces in Afghanistan. Stressing that the war against terror is a fight for regional stability, he has called for ending the practice of rationalizing terrorism under any pretext.