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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued a critical directive demanding the accelerated privatization of state-owned power generation and transmission/distribution companies (GENCOs and DISCOs). Chairing a high-level review meeting in Islamabad focused on reforms within the electricity sector, the Premier affirmed that establishing a competitive, market-driven structure through privatization is the only viable and sustainable solution to Pakistan’s enduring energy deficits.
The Prime Minister underscored the urgency of modernization, stressing that projects aimed at enhancing the electricity transmission system must be completed on a priority basis. He emphasized the necessity of bringing the entire power infrastructure into alignment with contemporary global standards. Furthermore, PM Sharif called for immediate engagement with the private sector, utilizing Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models, to deploy advanced Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) nationwide.
### Diplomatic and Federal Appointments
In parallel governance activities, President Asif Ali Zardari met with Maryam Madiha Aftab, Pakistan’s newly designated Ambassador to Ireland, urging her to focus efforts on enhancing economic partnership between the two nations. Separately, President Zardari administered the oath of office to Mr. Zafar Hijazi, who officially assumed his duties as the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) in Islamabad.
Strengthening international ties, the new Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi, visited Governor House Sindh and met with Governor Kamran Tessori. Discussions centered on reinforcing bilateral relations, exploring investment avenues, and future cooperation between Pakistan and the UAE.
### Security and Provincial Developments
Security forces achieved a significant breakthrough by safely recovering all 14 passengers who had been abducted from a bus traveling between Sadiqabad and Quetta. Law enforcement agencies remain vigilant, with an emergency meeting chaired by Additional Inspector General Karachi, Javed Alam Odho, held to finalize comprehensive security plans ahead of the upcoming Christmas holiday period.
On the provincial front, Chief Minister Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti warned that the province is facing a severe and worsening drought situation, necessitating immediate and comprehensive strategic planning to mitigate the crisis. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Sohail Afridi announced a two-month special remission in sentences for inmates during a visit to Central Jail Peshawar.
In Karachi, the Sindh Assembly passed a resolution advocating for the immediate modernization of the city’s firefighting infrastructure. A separate resolution was also presented in the assembly paying tribute to the sacrifices made by the armed forces and the Bihari community during the 1971 East Pakistan conflict.
### Human Rights and International Reactions
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) issued a strong condemnation following reports that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had pulled the veil (niqab) from a Muslim female doctor in India.
In news related to the recent terror incident in Sydney, Australia, Muhammad Fateh, the father of the civilian who courageously subdued the attacker at Bondi Beach, stated that his son’s heroism was instrumental in saving dozens of innocent lives.
Additionally, key political meetings took place, including a delegation from the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Aaeen-e-Pakistan visiting the Jamaat-e-Islami office in Islamabad and later meeting with National Awami Party (QWP) chief Aftab Sherpao. In a separate development, DSP Usman Haider was suspended following his arrest on charges related to the alleged murder of his wife and daughter. The demise of veteran politician Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo was also confirmed by his family.
