Federal Ministers have sharply criticized past political actions while emphasizing the government’s commitment to national institutions and economic stability, as a myriad of national developments unfold across Pakistan.
Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, delivered a scathing address in Lahore, condemning what he termed politically motivated “attacks on national defense institutions for personal gain.” He alleged a “conspiracy” aimed at “poisoning the minds of the new generation” against former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Minister Tarar asserted that the slogan of “change” had, in reality, ushered in “destruction,” accusing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of promoting a divisive politics of “hatred, division, and character assassination,” particularly citing the alleged mismanagement and “devastation” of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the past 12 years. Lauding Nawaz Sharif’s legacy, Tarar credited him with spearheading industrial development from Karachi to Peshawar and championing a “politics of service.” He highlighted that international bodies are now acknowledging Pakistan’s improving economic outlook, attributing national development projects and crucial infrastructure, such as motorways capable of wartime aircraft landings, to Sharif’s vision. Tarar concluded by emphasizing that Nawaz and Shehbaz Sharif have consistently guided the nation towards progress, stabilizing the economy under the current Prime Minister’s leadership, with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)’s core mission being public service. He recalled Shehbaz Sharif’s proposition for a “Charter of Economy” during his time in opposition, contrasting it with the “false justice” and “change” slogans he believes led to national decline, while reaffirming Nawaz Sharif’s promotion of tolerant politics.
Concurring with the government’s stance, Senator Talal Chaudhry, Minister of State for Interior, confirmed ongoing efforts to repatriate absconding suspects. He notably pointed out that the PTI stands alone among political parties in having petitioned the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to halt financial assistance to Pakistan. Chaudhry underscored the unprecedented nature of recent political discourse, where calls for economic collapse or public protests against citizens traveling abroad have alarmingly emerged.
**Key Developments Across the Nation:**
**Economic and Institutional Initiatives:**
In a significant stride towards modernizing financial infrastructure, Bilal bin Saqib announced the establishment of a systematic, transparent, and globally compliant pathway for international exchanges, signaling a new era of institutional reform and innovative thinking. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has also firmly rejected propaganda disseminated by specific political elements, reinforcing institutional integrity.
**Law Enforcement and Public Safety:**
Positive trends in public safety have been reported, with One Five Data indicating a 28% reduction in crime-related calls. Law enforcement agencies have been active, with Rangers successfully intercepting suspects involved in smuggling mobile phones from Balochistan, hidden in secret compartments. In Karachi, police arrested multiple individuals, including Jawad Qadri and Shahzeb Mullah, for alleged involvement in an extortion gang. Tragic incidents included the recovery of a body of a foreign airline’s station manager at Jinnah Terminal, Karachi Airport, and another of a missing woman in Orangi Town, Karachi. An Islamabad court formalized a settlement in a distressing case where two young women, Samreen Hussain and Tabinda Batool, tragically lost their lives in a vehicle collision. Separately, robbers looted PKR 600,000 from a citizen before fleeing towards Kot Sabma.
**Infrastructure and Travel Disruptions:**
Adverse weather conditions are impacting travel and infrastructure, with heavy snowfall causing disruptions on mountainous routes and threatening road closures in various areas. The Motorway M-1, stretching from Peshawar to Rashakai, has been temporarily closed for safety reasons.
**Electoral Updates:**
Polling is actively underway, continuing without interruption until 5 PM. Out of 178 polling stations, 84 have been designated as sensitive, and 54 as highly sensitive, indicating heightened security measures are in place.
**Urban Governance and Political Commentary:**
Wildlife officials are grappling with the challenge posed by a leopard captured five days ago in the Galiyat region with the help of local residents. In Karachi, Jamaat-e-Islami continues its protest sit-in at Numaish Chowrangi, while Mayor Murtaza Wahab confirmed police action taken in response to incidents that occurred during Sindhi Cultural Day celebrations. On the political front, Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain reiterated Nawaz Sharif’s enduring ideology of civilian supremacy. Meanwhile, Rana Sanaullah commented on past political dynamics, stating that affairs were previously conducted under the directives of Faiz Hameed, General Bajwa, and the PTI founder.
**Culture, Sports, and Entertainment:**
In international sports news, wrestling icon John Cena symbolically left his gear in the ring, fueling speculation about his retirement. Domestically, Pakistan’s reality show “La Zawal Ishq,” which bears resemblance to the UK’s “Love Island,” was removed from YouTube in Pakistan after airing 50 episodes. Reports from international media also highlighted altercations between England cricket security staff and local media representatives in Brisbane and Adelaide during the team’s tour. In the realm of celebrity news, actress Hania Aamir continues to garner attention amidst reports of alleged cosmetic procedures, despite her celebrated natural beauty.
