Kurram Ceasefire
Warring tribes in Kurram district have signed a 14-point peace agreement aimed at establishing peace in the region after weeks of unrest. Under the accord, both sides will relinquish their weapons to the government and dismantle all private bunkers. Any deviations from the deal will face government action, with members of a grand Jirga hoping the situation will normalize within a month.
Looming Security Crisis
A report prepared by the Pak Institute for Peace Studies think-tank has warned Pakistan is on the brink of a security crisis amidst rising incidents of terror. The report has stressed on the urgent need for comprehensive counterterrorism strategies, drawing comparisons between the prevailing situation and the events that led to the devastating 2014 attack on Peshawar’s Army Public School.
Mounting Trade Deficit
Data provided by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) has reported that the country’s trade deficit widened to $2.44 billion in December, a 35 percent year-on-year increase. The deficit is driven by a sharp increase in imports. According to the PBS, Pakistan had $2.84 billion in exports in December compared to $5.285 billion in imports.
Prison Politics
The Standing Committee of the National Assembly on Human Rights has decided to visit Adiala Jail, where former Prime Minister Imran Khan is incarcerated, next week to observe facilities provided to prisoners. The committee has also summoned the inspector general of Islamabad police in its next meeting for a briefing of the crackdown on PTI protesters on Nov. 26.
IPP Renegotiations
The Power Division has informed a Senate panel that it is aiming to finalize negotiations with 16 additional independent power producers by the end of January. Earlier, the ministry had terminated the contracts with 5 IPPs in a bid to reduce the burden of capacity charges in electricity tariffs. The earlier termination, per the ministry, will save Rs. 440 billion annually.
India’s Assassins
A report published in The Washington Post has alleged that India played a role in the killings of at least six people in Pakistan from 2021 onwards. According to the report, the killings were similar to the operations allegedly conducted against Khalistan separatists in the United States and Canada. It has claimed the killings were conducted by Pakistani criminals or Afghan shooters hired by Indian agents.
No Legal Backing
The PTA has admitted before the Senate that there is no legal provision allowing for the blocking of the internet in specific parts of the country. The PTA chairman has said the ministries of law and interior must provide a specific legal opinion on the matter. The PTA also admitted that slow internet speeds in the country will persist until the country improves its digital infrastructure.
Wicked Collusion
The FIA has dismissed from services over 30 officers accused of colluding with human traffickers who illegally send Pakistanis abroad. The decision follows a probe launched in the aftermath of a boat capsizing off the coast of Greece that left nearly 50 Pakistanis dead. The FIA has also claimed to arrest several alleged human smugglers who have been facilitating illegal foreign travel.
New Census
The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics has launched the 7th Agricultural Census to gather data aimed at ensuring sustainable farming and food security. Data collection will take place from Jan. 1 through Feb. 10. Authorities maintain data gathered during the census will help modernize agricultural practices in the country and enhance the sector’s resilience.
Pension Reforms
Aiming to reduce expenses, the federal government has notified a raft of pension reforms. Under the new policy, future pensions will be calculated on average of salary drawn during last two years of service. Additionally, individuals entitled to more than one pension will only be permitted to avail one pension and future boosts to pensions will be granted on the basis of baseline pensions.