PTI-Government Talks
The second round of talks between the PTI and the government have ended much the same as the first—with no tangible progress. The government has once again sought a written list of the PTI’s demands prior to formal negotiations. The PTI has similarly again sought time to “discuss” its demands with Imran Khan. The two sides will reconvene next week.
Taking Charge in Kurram
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has warned that any group that deviates from the peace pact inked earlier this week will be treated as terrorists. In a statement, spokesman Muhammad Saif has noted the deal calls for dismantling of all private bunkers within a month. It also calls for the rival tribes to submit detailed plans for surrendering their arms within 15 days.
Seeking Efficiency
The federal government has asked the governments of all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan to implement building codes that maximize energy conservation. In separate letters, Power Minister Awais Leghari has stressed on constructing buildings that support energy efficiency by reducing the high cooling loads required in summers.
Internet Woes
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has warned that some internet and broadband users in the country may experience disruptions due to a fault in submarine cable AAE-1 in Qatar. The AAE-1 is one of seven international undersea cables connecting Pakistan to the worldwide web. The development comes as parliamentarians continue criticizing the government for persistent internet disruptions.
Pakistan Gets Say at UNSC
Pakistan has joined Denmark, Greece, Panama and Somalia as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The five countries’ term in the 15-member body will span two years (2025-2026). This is Pakistan’s eighth term as a non-permanent member of the UNSC. The country will preside over the UNSC in July when it assumes its presidency in order of alphabetical rotation.
‘Father of the Nation’ No More
Bangladesh has introduced new textbooks for primary and secondary students declaring former president Ziaur Rahman, and not Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, declared the country’s independence in 1971. The books have also removed the title “Father of the Nation” for Mujib. In 2010, Sheikh Hasina’s government had declared that Mujib had declared independence prior to his arrest.
Election Tribunals
The Free and Fair Election Network has said election tribunals have thus far decided just 27 percent of poll-related petitions, with Punjab, Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa trailing far behind Balochistan. According to FAFEN, 80 percent of cases have been decided in Balochistan; 18 percent in Punjab; and 20 percent each in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh.
Reprieve for Military Courts’ Convicts
The military’s media wing has announced that 19 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters convicted by military courts over their involvement in the May 9, 2023 riots have been granted remission in their sentences on humanitarian grounds. The ISPR has said 67 convicts submitted mercy petitions, adding pleas of the remainder will be decided in “due course of time.”
Tit-for-Tat
China has imposed sanctions on 10 U.S. firms over arms sales to Taiwan, the second round of such measures in less than a week. According to Beijing’s Ministry of Commerce, subsidiaries of Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, and Raytheon that sole arms to Taiwan have been added to China’s “Unreliable Entities List.” The companies will be banned from import, exports or investing in China.
Eclipsed Views
Earth will see four eclipses this year—two lunar and two solar. Of these, says the Pakistan Meteorological Department, only one will be visible in Pakistan. A lunar eclipse set to occur on Sept. 7, 2025 will provide Pakistanis with a rare opportunity to witness the “Blood Moon.” The other three eclipses, occurring on March 14, March 29, and on Sept. 21 will not be visible in Pakistan.