National Security
The government is convening an in-camera meeting for parliamentary representatives to discuss resurgent terrorism in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The briefing will include the participation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army chief Gen. Asim Munir. It aims to apprise the participants of the current security situation and steps underway to address the crises.
Playing Spoiler
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has criticized the federal government’s directive to expel Afghans without valid visas after March 31. The PTI leader has said that, as the chief executive of his province, he will decide how and when to expel Afghans from KP. He has claimed it is ‘inhumane’ to repatriate the Afghans until their home country can ensure proper facilities for them.
Taxpayers’ Burden
The National Highway Authority is emerging as a major loss-making state-owned enterprise, with the communications minister informing the National Assembly its net deficit for FY24 was Rs. 318.03 billion. Its annual revenues, meanwhile, stand at around Rs. 54.15 billion, forcing the government—and in turn taxpayers—to foot the bill.
Under Curfew
The district administration has imposed a 12-hour curfew in lower and upper South Waziristan from 6 a.m. on Monday (today), restricting public movement amidst ongoing security concerns. A notification issued by the office of Tank deputy commissioner stated the decision was prompted by a “request of law enforcement agencies due to heightened threat to their movement.”
No ‘Grand’ Operation
Adviser to the P.M. on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah has claimed there is no need for a “grand” operation in Balochistan to address a surge in terrorism in the province. He told media that security forces were conducting intelligence-based operations daily, adding the entire nation and all institutions are committed to eradicating the menace of terrorism from the country.
Abrupt Policymaking
The business community has urged the government withdraw its recent revision of the net metering policy, warning it risks derailing efforts to promote renewable energy. In a statement, various business leaders accused the government of seeking to divert attention from capacity payments to non-functional units and the billions lost to power theft and non-payment of utility bills.
Post-Eid Plans
JUIF chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has announced plans to stage protests against the incumbent government after Eidul Fitr, claiming authorities are neglecting worsening security concerns in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. However, he has not committed to allying with the PTI in this endeavor, saying a final decision in this regard will be taken in an upcoming meeting of his party’s leadership.
Single-Window Operation
The Adiala Jail superintendent has urged the Islamabad High Court to club together all petitions regarding prison facilities provided to former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his rights in jail. The petition argues that “inconsistent” and “conflicting” judgments from different benches are causing “confusion” and compromising efficient management of prison affairs.
Maintaining Peace
Amidst ongoing deterioration in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s security situation, the Peshawar administration has imposed a ban on the sale and use of toy guns and firecrackers for the next 30 days to discourage “nurturing of militant tendency” and ensure peace during Eidul Fitr. The notification warns that any violations to the directive will invite action under Section 188.
Education Lapse
Around 10 million children in Punjab are out of school, according to the non-profit Population Council, which has urged the government to create educational opportunities for them. A report cites shortage of facilities, infrastructure, inflation and unemployment as major reasons for high dropout rates of children. It notes the province needs 19,000 more schools by 2040 to cater to its rising population.