Federal Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal, has underscored the critical need for a “Security Charter” for Pakistan, drawing parallels to the previously agreed “Charter of Democracy” that garnered bipartisan support. In a recent statement, Minister Iqbal emphasized that the core challenge lies not in drafting such accords but in their diligent implementation. He stressed that national progress hinges on fostering stability, asserting that there would be no compromise on Pakistan’s security and steadfastness. The minister also cautioned against misinterpreting press freedom as a license for character assassination.
Adding to the political discourse, former federal minister Rana Sanaullah reiterated that key matters during a past period were handled with the consent of General Faiz Hameed, General Bajwa, and the founder of PTI.
On the security front, authorities remain vigilant against persistent threats of bomb blasts and targeted attacks. Intelligence reports indicate that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police continue to operate under arduous conditions without commensurate financial incentives. Nevertheless, law enforcement agencies are actively countering criminal elements; recent intelligence-led operations, bolstered by technical evidence, successfully targeted extortion groups led by Wasiullah Lakho and Abdul Samad Kathiawari. Further action saw Karachi Police apprehending several individuals, including Jawad Qadri and Shahzaib Mullah, on suspicion of involvement in extortion rackets. Meanwhile, Pakistan Rangers reported intercepting smuggled mobile phones cleverly concealed in secret compartments, being transported from Balochistan. The national emergency helpline, 15 Data, reported a 28 percent reduction in crime-related calls, suggesting improved law enforcement response or decreased incidents.
In a move towards digital economic transformation, Bilal Bin Saqib announced the establishment of a “structured, transparent, and globally benchmarked pathway for international exchanges,” marking a historic first. This initiative is geared towards embracing innovative thinking and driving institutional reform.
Adverse weather conditions have led to travel disruptions, with the Motorway M-1 from Peshawar to Rashakai temporarily closed. Snowfall is also impacting traffic flow on mountainous routes, with potential road closures expected at various locations.
In other local news, a robbery incident saw armed individuals absconding with 6 lakh rupees from a citizen, fleeing towards Kot Samaba. Tragic discoveries include the recovery of a foreign airline’s station manager’s body from their office at Jinnah Terminal, Karachi Airport, and the body of a woman reported missing from Orangi Town’s Sector 11.5. In a separate development, an Islamabad court issued a written order confirming conciliation between parties in a case involving the deaths of two girls, Samreen Hussain and Tabinda Batool, in a scooter-vehicle collision. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) firmly rejected what it termed as propaganda disseminated by specific political elements.
Regarding ongoing electoral processes, polling continued uninterrupted until 5 PM, with security protocols in place; out of 178 polling stations, 84 were classified as sensitive and 54 as highly sensitive.
**In Brief:**
Globally, WWE superstar John Cena symbolically left his wrestling gear in the ring, fueling speculation about his career. A Pakistani reality show, “La Zawal Ishq,” a local adaptation of ‘Love Island,’ was removed from YouTube in Pakistan after 50 episodes. Off the field, England’s cricket team security staff reportedly clashed with local media representatives in Brisbane and Adelaide. Meanwhile, Pakistani actress Hania Aamir continues to draw media attention amidst reports of alleged cosmetic procedures, despite her natural beauty.
