Elusive Unity
A National Assembly debate on the Jaffar Express hijacking in Balochistan failed to achieve any significant gains, as lawmakers of both the opposition and treasury benches preferred to blame each other rather than discuss any viable solutions. Calls are mounting for an all-parties conference on the issue but may face roadblocks, as the PTI demands the release of Imran Khan as a prerequisite.
Penalizing Renewables
The Economic Coordination Committee has revised solar net-metering regulations, reducing buyback rates from the existing Rs. 27/unit to just Rs. 10/unit for new users. Ostensibly aimed at “protecting” grid consumers, the move stands in direct contradiction to the government’s claims of supporting renewables and actively discourages the uptake of solar by citizens.
Private Militias
A viral video from Lahore shows private security guards opening fire on a vehicle in a bid to clear traffic, raising concerns about the rise in “armed militias” acting in violation of law. Police in the Punjab capital have lodged a case against the culprits, with provincial lawmakers vowing to take up the matter and ensure such individuals do not threaten the lives and livelihoods of citizens.
Strengthening Ties
A Republican Congressman has met the Pakistani American Republican Club and underscored the importance of enhancing ties between Islamabad and Washington. Jack Bergman underscored the importance of a strategic framework to enhance bilateral cooperation, adding he will soon visit Pakistan with an aim to further strengthen US-Pakistan relations.
NAP 2.0
Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has urged the government to introduce and implement a revived National Action Plan to counter the resurgence of terrorism. During an address in the National Assembly, he lamented that political forces currently lack unity and political consensus, warning enemies of Pakistan and its oppressed people are taking advantage of this polarization.
No Canals
The Sindh Assembly has passed a resolution rejecting the construction of six new canals on the Indus River, declaring it a direct violation of the 1991 Water Accord. The resolution urges the federal government to honor the terms of the 1991 accord and ensure that all provinces receive their rightful share of water in accordance with the agreed principles of fairness, equity and justice.
Missed Target
The Federal Board of Revenue has collected Rs. 7,346 billion in the first eight months of FY2024-25 against the budgeted target of Rs. 7,947 billion, a shortfall of Rs. 601 billion. To achieve its target of Rs. 12,970 billion, the tax body must collect Rs. 5,624 billion in the remaining four months of the fiscal year, which officials say is unlikely. Overall, the FBR has projected a shortfall of over Rs. 600 billion.
Another No for Kalabagh
The Senate Standing Committee on Planning and Development has directed the Planning Commission to remove Kalabagh dam from proposals regarding pending projects, noting three assemblies have already opposed the project. The dam was first proposed in the 1950s but has yet to achieve any progress because downstream provinces believe it will reduce the water available for them.
Taxation Woes
The federal government has urged the IMF to allow it to slash tax rates on par with regional countries to discourage increasing capital flight. The IMF, meanwhile, has stressed upon the need to bring retailers, the real estate sector and agriculture into the tax net. The global lender has also urged the government to expedite the privatization process.
Reforming Judiciary
A judges’ committee has formulated a comprehensive draft of Supreme Court Rules, 2025. The draft aims to optimize case management through digital platforms, and expedite administrative tasks through automation. The ultimate aim is to reduce procedural delays, improve public access to judicial information, and ensure that justice is dispensed swiftly and transparently in line with global standards.