Author: Iftikhar A. Khan

Pakistan and the United States are set to hold a joint “Law Enforcement Dialogue” in October this year, as agreed upon during a meeting between US Ambassador Donald Blome and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad. The discussion revolved around enhancing bilateral cooperation in combating terrorism, narcotics trafficking, and strengthening security. Naqvi emphasized the importance of US support in bolstering Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies and highlighted ongoing discussions to enhance collaboration between the police forces of Islamabad and New York City. A delegation from Islamabad police will soon visit New York to explore cooperation opportunities, including training programmes. The interior…

Interior Minister admits releasing TTP militants in 2021 was a mistake Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi acknowledged during a Senate meeting that the release of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants back in 2021 was a mistake. Over 100 TTP prisoners were released by the government in November 2021 as a “goodwill gesture” following a ceasefire announcement by the outlawed group. The surge in terrorism cases in Pakistan today is attributed to the release of these prisoners. Naqvi clarified that the release was not in response to any demand from the TTP, who are currently in negotiations with the government. The Interior…

PM Shehbaz Sharif Assures No Wheat Exports as Controversial Bill Passes in NA Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the National Assembly, stating that the government has not decided to export wheat from the country amidst the passing of the State-Owned Enterprises (Governance and Operations) Bill, 2024. The bill allows the government to remove board members of State-Owned Enterprises based on recommendations from the board nomination committee. The Senate had already passed this controversial amendment, which will become law once President Asif Ali Zardari gives his assent. During the session, opposition leader Omar Ayub accused Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi of an…

Interior Ministry Defers Decision on Suspension of Social Media Platforms The Ministry of Interior has deferred a decision on the Punjab government’s request to suspend six social media platforms during Muharram. The interior ministry stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would make the final decision on the matter and that no decision had been taken yet. While the requests for internet shutdown from other provinces were not specified, it was mentioned that Punjab was not the only one seeking this action. Despite earlier plans for blocking social media, security arrangements will be strengthened, with possible temporary cellular service suspensions in…

The Senate has recently passed the State-Owned Enterprises (Governance and Operations) Amendment Bill amidst a walkout by opposition senators. The bill allows the government to remove board members of SOEs and nominate independent directors through an institutionalized mechanism. However, opposition leaders have criticized the move, alleging that it aims to privatize profit-making institutions by undervaluing their assets. The opposition members staged a walkout in protest against the controversial bill. In response, the Law Minister defended the amendment, stating that it aimed to enhance the efficiency of SOE boards. He assured transparency in the privatization process and adherence to due process.…

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed disappointment in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for not establishing the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) despite receiving Rs590 billion over the past 14 years. The PM highlighted that KP had received additional funds to enhance its counterterrorism efforts under the National Finance Commission (NFC). Defence Minister Khawaja Asif accused the PTI of having links with the Taliban and warned of retaliatory attacks inside Afghanistan if terrorism continued to be exported from there. Asad Qaiser raised concerns about the delay in clearing Rs111bn in net hydel profit arrears and urged for KP’s NFC share to be honored. He…

In a recent budget discussion in the Senate, lawmakers highlighted the importance of a consistent economic policy to attract foreign investment and stabilize the economy. They emphasized the need to reduce government expenses, widen the tax net, and harness the country’s natural resources. The proposal to pass a two-month budget for administrative purposes was made to allow for thorough discussions and amendments. Senators also raised concerns about the budget’s impact on the salaried class, suggesting long-term economic policies endorsed by the parliament and national security council for stability. The debate included calls for renegotiating agreements with independent power producers to…

The PTI staged a protest in the Senate against the anti-people budget proposals before the start of budget discussions. Leader of the Opposition, Syed Shibli Faraz criticized the tax proposals, claiming they would worsen people’s misery amid high inflation. He condemned the government’s actions, stating that the country is facing its worst economic scenario in 50 years due to incompetence and mismanagement. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar defended the budget, emphasizing the need to balance resources and revenues. He supported salary increases for government employees and pensions. The opposition criticized the budget, leading to chants during the session. The Finance Bill…

Government Seeks Parliamentary Approval for NAB and Election Law Amendments The federal government has introduced the Election (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 and National Accountability (Amendment) Ordinance 2024, enhancing remand periods and allowing the hiring of retired judges for election tribunals. The move has sparked criticism, with PTI labeling the laws as politically motivated. Wheat Scandal and Agriculture Sector Updates Meanwhile, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the government against a judicial probe into the wheat import scandal, asserting that investigations were ongoing. He emphasized the significance of the agriculture sector, detailing measures taken to support farmers. Chaman Sit-In and Other Concerns…

Despite contempt notices being issued to politicians for criticizing the judiciary, Senator Faisal Vawda moved a motion against a Supreme Court judge, claiming his remarks damaged his integrity and that of the house. Vawda demanded evidence for the judge’s accusations and criticized the judiciary for not taking action against misconduct. PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui joined Vawda in criticizing the judiciary for historically supporting violators of the Constitution and suppressing democracy. Siddiqui questioned the judiciary’s labeling of individuals as Sicilian mafia or proxies. In another development, a bill to ban dual national judges in superior courts has been submitted. Furthermore, Federal…