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Pakistan concluded a week marked by intense diplomatic activity focused on economic cooperation, major security successes, and critical internal governance challenges, set against a backdrop of social extravagance and severe environmental threats.
### Diplomacy and State Governance
President Asif Ali Zardari dominated the high-level agenda, administering the oath of office to Zafar Hijazi as the Federal Tax Ombudsman in Islamabad. Separately, the President met with Maryam Madiha Aftab, Pakistan’s Ambassador-designate to Ireland, emphasizing the crucial need to deepen bilateral economic partnership between the two nations.
In Sindh, Governor Kamran Tessori hosted the new UAE Ambassador, Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi, initiating discussions focused on boosting Pakistan-UAE relations, mutual investment opportunities, and various other strategic affairs.
Provincial leadership also addressed urgent matters: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti announced comprehensive planning is underway to combat the escalating and severe drought conditions gripping the province. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi visited Central Jail Peshawar, where he granted a special two-month remission of sentences to prisoners.
Legislative actions included the Sindh Assembly passing resolutions to modernize the province’s fire brigade systems and a resolution paying rich tribute to the armed forces and Biharis who made sacrifices during the 1971 East Pakistan tragedy.
### Security Operations and Crisis Management
Law enforcement reported a significant success with the safe recovery of all 14 passengers who had been abducted from a passenger bus traveling between Sadiqabad and Quetta.
However, crime and infrastructure damage persisted. A railway track near Humayun, Shikarpur, was hit and damaged by an explosion. Karachi experienced a concerning spike in urban crime, with two supermarkets in Gulshan Hadeed targeted and looted by separate assailants within a 48-hour period. Additional Inspector General of Police Karachi, Javed Alam Odho, chaired a meeting to finalize extensive security arrangements for the upcoming Christmas holidays. Separately, a fire erupted at a CNG station in Nowshera.
On the personnel front, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Usman Haider was suspended following his arrest on charges related to the alleged murder of his wife and daughter.
### Political Consultations and Rights Advocacy
Delegations from the Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Aaeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), a movement dedicated to protecting the constitution, held consultations with leaders of major political parties, including a visit to the Jamaat-e-Islami office in Islamabad and a meeting with National Awami Party (QWP) chief Aftab Sherpao.
The Peshawar High Court received an application seeking the removal of Provincial Minister Amjad Ali’s name from the Exit Control List (ECL) and the Provincial National Identity List (PNIL).
In a highly publicized social incident, an extravagant wedding procession took place in Gujranwala, where the groom’s friends and relatives—many of whom had returned from Italy—showered the attendees with large amounts of both Pakistani and foreign currency along the GT Road route.
The Human Rights Council of Pakistan (HRCP) issued a strong public reaction, condemning the controversial actions of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for pulling the veil (niqab) off a Muslim female doctor during a public event.
### International and Cultural Highlights
In connection with the recent terrorist attack in Sydney, Australia, Muhammad Fateh, the father of the civilian who bravely subdued the attacker at Bondi Beach, issued a statement affirming that his son’s heroic actions saved the lives of dozens of innocent people.
Separately, Indian Police released an update regarding Sajid Akram, the suspect linked to terrorism at the same Sydney location.
In cultural news, renowned Bollywood actor Anupam Kher opted to travel by train after missing a connecting Indigo flight from Varanasi to Khajuraho, describing the rail experience as fascinating.
Finally, the family of veteran politician Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo confirmed his passing.
