Trains Security
Minister of State for Railways Bilal Kayani has informed the National Assembly the government has strengthened the security of trains in Balochistan after the Jaffar Express hijacking. He has said the Quetta Railway Station will be fenced, adding efforts are underway to improve passenger screening and enhance the capabilities of a bomb disposal squad.
Rewarding Oneself
Raising questions about the state’s claims of austerity and fiscal discipline, the federal cabinet has approved raising the salary of federal ministers by 159% and the salaries of ministers of state and advisers to the prime minister by up to 188%. The move follows parliamentarians granting themselves raises earlier this year.
Seeking Intervention
Some PTI leaders have urged leaders of the opposition alliance to meet with incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan and convince him to curb the party’s social media and assure authorities of support against terrorism in a bid to resolve differences with the security establishment. The party believes that its political standing can improve if it tamps down its criticism of the Army.
Tax Cut
The IMF has accepted a request of the Federal Board of Revenue to reduce the withholding tax on property purchases by 2% to encourage investment in the real estate sector. The global lender has also agreed to lower the tax collection target for March 2025 by Rs. 60 billion due to the increased number of official holidays due to the upcoming Eidul Fitr.
Federal Conflict
A Senate panel has warned the Punjab government against continuing to ignore a production order for incarcerated PTI leader Ejaz Chaudhry, provided he gets clearance by doctors and his family consents. The panel has also decided to take immediate action on the suspension of the superintendent jail and other relevant officers for violation of Rule 78 of Rules of Procedure and Privileges.
Permission Denied
The Lahore administration has rejected a PTI plea to hold a public gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan on March 22, citing security threats. In an order, the deputy commissioner noted a significant security threat from 76 suicide bombers directed to conduct large-scale terrorist activities across Pakistan. The PTI has slammed the decision, demanding the government ensure security for the public.
Blasphemy Goes Online
The Islamabad High Court has ordered the live broadcast of proceedings in a case seeking the formation of a commission to investigate allegations of fabricated evidence in blasphemy cases. Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan has observed the case is a matter of significant public interest and ordered its proceedings to be streamed online from next week.
Judicial Rifts
Infighting of the Islamabad High Court has once more come to the fore, with three judges declaring that neither the acting chief justice nor the president have the authority to dissolve or reconstitute the IHC Tribunal without legal justification. The three judges have also set aside the appointments of several judges serving in the subordinate judiciary for Islamabad on deputation basis.
Quetta Tensions
The Balochistan government has denied allegations of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee that police used excessive force against protesters in Quetta, killing three people and injuring dozens more. In a statement, the provincial spokesman has claimed the protesters attacked police, injuring several officers, adding authorities had acted to clear a blocked national highway.
Expanding the Net
I.T. and Telecommunication Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja has announced that Pakistan has approved the temporary registration of the Starlink satellite internet service, paving the way for it securing a full operational license. The PTA will oversee the final licensing requirements, with experts saying once all procedures are completed, Starlink may require up to a year to offer its services to consumers.