Still Seeking Peace
The Foreign Office has said Pakistan is continuing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between Iran and the United States, adding Islamabad’s engagement seeks to promote regional stability. A spokesperson further said China had expressed full support for Pakistan’s efforts, emphasizing the need for a sustainable ceasefire and dialogue.
Negative Campaign
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has alleged that a “coordinated negative information campaign” from outside Pakistan is attempting to discredit the country’s efforts for sustainable regional peace. In a social media post, he has claimed facts and verification by credible domestic media sources as well as multiple fact check forums has already rebutted the propaganda.
Foreign Terrorists
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has claimed 80% of militants and terrorists operating in the province are foreigners, adding prior to the return to power of the Taliban in Afghanistan, the situation stood reversed. In a media interaction, he has reiterated his calls for “dialogue” to restore peace while accusing the security establishment of lacking seriousness about the issue.
Challenging Solitary
Incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan has approached the Islamabad High Court, alleging her brother’s constitutional and human rights are being violated through solitary confinement at Adiala Jail. In her petition, she has sought orders for revival of meetings with him and an end to his alleged isolation for nearly 22 hours a day.
Lacking Transparency
Citing a “legitimate exception” allowing public officials to refuse applications for the right to information if it could endanger their safety, the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office has rejected two requests seeking details of vehicles in the provincial chief executive’s use, her foreign visits and a luxury plane acquired by the Punjab government. Former Punjab C.M. Usman Buzdar of the PTI had availed the same exception.
Fleeing Adversity
PTI lawmaker Iqbal Afridi, in a video statement, has confirmed that his son has fled to Europe and sought asylum, alleging this was the result of “high-handedness” from the federal government and institutions. The MNA further said his son, 28 years old, was an adult who was responsible for his own affairs, adding he was not answerable for his actions.
Embezzlement through Trash
The Anti-Corruption Establishment in Punjab, acting on instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has arrested seven officials after registering a case alleging financial irregularities in the government’s flagship Suthra Punjab Program. According to the case, the accused caused a loss of around Rs. 1 billion to the national exchequer through embezzlement of public funds.
28th Amendment
Amidst rumors of the government ramping up efforts to legislate the 28th Constitutional Amendment, key ruling coalition partner PPP has denied any immediate discussions on the matter. Previously, State Minister for Law Aqeel Malik had similarly claimed no official work is underway on any constitutional amendment. Nonetheless, the rumors persist, suggesting sweeping changes to provincial rights.
Seeking Chinese Investment
Pakistan has issued its first-ever Panda Bond in China’s onshore capital market. The 3-year fixed-rate instrument is a RMB-denominated sovereign issuance, attracting overwhelming investor demand of over RMB 8.8 billion ($1.26 billion), resulting in an oversubscription of more than 5 times. This exceeds Pakistan’s entire planned Panda Bond program size of RMB 7.2 billion.
IMF Validation
The global lender’s report on Pakistan’s third review under the EFF and the second under the RSF has praised the country’s “significant progress” in stabilizing the economy while stressing on maintaining strong macroeconomic policies and accelerating reform efforts to manage shocks from global developments and encourage higher sustainable medium-term growth.