Mounting Criticism
The Joint Action Committee, representing various journalist bodies, has announced it will launch a protest movement against the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025 approved by the National Assembly. Describing the legislation as a “black law,” the committee has alleged it aims to criminalize dissent. It has urged a delay to its tabling in the Senate for further consultations.
Truth Comes Out
The Communications Ministry has informed the National Assembly the government incurred Rs. 151 million in losses due to the closure of six major motorways during the PTI’s November 2024 protest. At the time, to widespread disbelief, the National Highways and Motorway Police had claimed the motorways were being closed for “road maintenance.”
Moderated Optimism
The Foreign Office has expressed hope that Pak-U.S. ties will continue their “positive” trajectory under Donald Trump. However, a spokesman has stressed, this requires Washington to uphold the principle of non-interference in Islamabad’s internal affairs. In recent months, concerns over interference have mounted due to the PTI’s calls of American intervention for the release of the incarcerated Imran Khan.
Security Threat
The Cabinet Division has warned federal ministries, divisions and chief secretaries of all provinces of increased cybersecurity risks stemming from Indian interference in Pakistan’s critical information systems. In this regard, authorities have been urged to shun electronic devices and mobile phones made in India, as these could be used for data theft.
Concessions for Women
The National Assembly Secretariat has permitted female staff members to leave for home before sunset on days when parliamentary sessions extend into the night. In a statement, NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has said this decision will protect women’s rights and help them achieve balance between their professional and domestic responsibilities.
Declining Media Freedom
A report compiled by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has highlighted restrictions on media from 2022 through 2024, noting digital media has emerged as a means of circumventing censorship. However, the report notes, this has allowed for the proliferation of disinformation with no checks and balances. It has warned selective silencing of voices undermines democracy and erodes public trust.
Seeking Foreign Intervention
A handful of U.S. lawmakers and rights activists have urged the new administration to push back against anti-democratic measures targeting the PTI. Organized by PTI supporters, the event called for “targeted” sanctions and announced an intent to introduce a resolution in the U.S. legislature demanding full democracy in Pakistan.
Lauding I.T.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said Pakistan is home to the third-largest population of freelancers, maintaining information technology plays a crucial role in the country’s development and stability. He has also called for providing robust infrastructure and bandwidth to the I.T. sector, as citizens continue to complain about internet disruptions that have persisted for over a year.
Conditional Support
The World Bank has clarified its pledge of $20 billion for Pakistan under the Country Partnership Framework is an indicative figure, with the release of funds for any specific project driven by the pace of structural reforms. The lender has also said a mid-term review will occur in fiscal year 2030 to allow any course-corrections and a final decision on whether the framework will extend to a full decade.
Court Interference
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has lamented over his inability to remove three vice-chancellors accused of sexual harassment. Noting all three had secured stay orders from courts, allowing them to complete their tenures, he has stressed on the need to enact legislation that includes a requirement for administrative experience for the appointment of new vice-chancellors at universities.