Eradicating Terrorism
An in-camera meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security has resolved to tackle all terrorist groups with an “iron hand.” The meeting also stressed on the immediate implementation of the National Action Plan and emphasized strategic and unified political commitment to counter the prevailing terror threat with the full might of the state.
PTI Boycott
The PTI’s decision to skip the parliamentary briefing on terrorism has drawn criticism from its political opponents, including the PMLN, PPP and JUIF. Party leaders have questioned the party’s “person-specific” politics at the expense of the national interest. They have also pointed to the seeming ineffectiveness of the party’s remaining leadership if it cannot take any decision without Imran Khan.
Security Concerns
The Balochistan government has indefinitely suspended classes at the University of Balochistan; Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University; and the University of Turbat in view of prevailing security threats. Students of all three varsities have been directed to attend virtual classes until their institutions resume normal operations.
No Travel Ban
The U.S. State Department has dismissed reports suggesting Washington is drafting a new travel ban list imposing fresh visa restrictions on various countries globally. In a briefing, spokesperson Tammy Bruce claimed there was no such list and also rebutted reports that the U.S. government is reneging on a commitment to resettle Afghans who had assisted American forces.
Another Privatization Attempt
The Privatization Commission has once again recommended selling a majority of stakes in the Pakistan International Airlines to offload the loss-making state-owned entity. Taking lessons from the failed first attempt, the Cabinet Committee on Privatization has been advised to divest management control to negate the impression of undue influence on decision-making from the government.
Police Revamp
KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has directed the release of Rs. 5.5 billion for the police force to strengthen its capacity. Of this sum, Rs. 3 billion has been allocated for bulletproof vehicles, while Rs. 1.3 billion will be used to establish Special Weapons and Tactics teams equipped with modern technology; Rs. 500 million for construction of police stations; Rs. 720 million for specialized equipment.
Animal Rights
Civil society activists, students, and animal rights organizations have protested in Lahore against culling of stray dogs across Punjab, demanding humane population control measures. In a meeting with the CEO of the Metropolitan Corporation, the protesters presented legal documents and court rulings advocating humane methods, urging him to review the situation.
Net Metering
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority is expected to hold a public hearing on the revised buyback rates for net-metering consumers. The government’s move has attracted significant criticism, raising questions about the viability of the solar sector. Experts believe consumer groups will challenge the government’s decision, as it risks halting the rise in use of clean energy in the country.
Written Consent
Amidst rumors of strong-arm tactics, the federal government has secured written confirmation from Independent Power Producers stating they voluntarily signed revised Power Purchase Agreements and Implementation Agreements without any duress, coercion, or intimidation. Thus far, seven IPPs have filed applications for reduction in tariffs as per agreements with the government.
Hefty Taxes
The government’s move to raise the petroleum development levy by Rs. 10/liter has resulted in it collecting Rs. 107.12/liter in taxes, duties, and margins on petrol and Rs. 104.59/liter on high-speed diesel. The government claims the burden is necessary to enable a downward revision to the power tariff ahead of summer, when historically soaring electricity bills have triggered nationwide protests.