Suspended Talks
The PTI has announced it will not participate in a fourth round of talks with the government next week. Citing instructions of party founder Imran Khan, it has said it will only participate if the government forms judicial commissions into the May 9 and Nov. 26 incidents. The government has yet to give any formal response to the Charter of Demands the PTI submitted last week.
Status Quo
The Indian foreign minister has confirmed that Islamabad and New Delhi have not engaged in any trade talks since last year. Recalling Pakistan suspended trade ties in 2019, he noted Delhi’s concern was Islamabad’s refusal to grant it reciprocal most-favored nation status. Prior to the 2024 general elections, the ruling PMLN had announced an intent to pursue trade ties with the neighboring nation.
Tackling Cybercrimes
The federal government has tabled the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, seeking three years’ imprisonment for the sharing of fake news. The proposed law also seeks the formation of regulatory and investigative bodies. It further requires social media platforms to comply with local laws and grants legal cover for the partial or total blocking of any platforms that violate the law.
Starlink in Doubt
A Senate panel has voiced concern over the potential registration of the Starlink satellite internet company, citing owner Elon Musk’s tirades against Pakistanis on X. The senators have urged the PTA to seek an apology from Musk prior to granting any license to his company. The Senators were informed a Chinese company is also interested in offering satellite internet services to Pakistan.
No End in Sight
The National Emergency Operation Center has reported the country’s first poliovirus case of 2025. The latest case emerged in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan district and comes ahead of a planned nationwide vaccination campaign in February. In 2024, Pakistan reported 73 cases of the disease, retaining its spot as one of just two countries in the world where the disease is endemic.
Costs of Terror
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned the country cannot prosper without the complete eradication of terrorism from its soil. During a visit to Azad Jammu and Kashmir, he has claimed unrest is costing the country Rs. 190 billion daily, vowing that all conspiracies against the state are bound to fail. He has appreciated the country’s security forces for leading the fight against militancy.
Kurram Operation
The district administration in Kurram has claimed a military-led operation against militants in the Ochat, Charkhel, Dadkamar and Zarana areas has concluded after four days. Authorities say they have confiscated a huge cache of arms and destroyed eight bunkers. They have also warned of strict action in case of any violations to the peace agreement inked between warring tribes.
No Cars for FBR
Amidst mounting public criticism over the Federal Board of Revenue’s purchase of over 1,000 cars, a Senate panel has urged the prime minister and finance minister to reverse the transaction. The lawmakers have noted the FBR did not engage in any bidding process. They have also questioned the need to spend nearly Rs. 6 billion for the cars amidst a revenue shortfall of Rs. 384 billion.
Missing Persons
The additional attorney general for Pakistan has informed the Supreme Court’s constitutional bench that the government is working on legislation to resolve “permanently” the issue of missing persons. During proceedings, the court was also informed that Justice Faqir Muhammad Khokhar (ret.) has been appointed as chairman of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearance.
Arrest Warrants
An Anti-Terrorism Court has issued non-bailable arrest warrants for PTI leaders Omar Ayub Khan, Shibli Faraz, Kanwal Shauzab, and former party leader Chaudhry Fawad Hussain over their failure to appear in cases pertaining to the May 9, 2023 riots. The PTI maintains the charges are politically motivated to sideline former Prime Minister Imran Khan.