Amendments to cybercrime and criminal laws I Relief Convoy reaches Kurram
In Focus
National Assembly approves the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill to advance the digitization agenda
On 23 January, the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT approved the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2024. This bill is aimed at fostering a digital society and digital economy. Chairman Syed Aminul Haque emphasized the bill’s importance and stated that it would help establish a shared digital governance ecosystem and transform Pakistan into a progressive digital nation. Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, highlighted the bill’s potential to enhance public service delivery, reduce corruption, and improve cybersecurity. She further noted the bureaucratic resistance as a key hurdle. The bill proposes creating three bodies: the Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) to oversee digital projects, the Strategic Oversight Committee to monitor performance, and the National Digital Commission to coordinate federal and provincial efforts. Meanwhile, the Senate IT Committee raised concerns over Elon Musk’s comments on Pakistanis in the UK. Furthermore, they discussed licensing for Starlink and other satellite-based internet services to ensure compliance with Pakistani laws. (Kalbe Ali, “NA panel okays Digital Nation bill,” Dawn, 23 January 2025)
National Assembly introduces amendments to cybercrime and criminal laws
On 22 January, the National Assembly introduced the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025. This bill proposed up to three years imprisonment and fines of PKR 2 million for spreading disinformation that causes public unrest. The bill seeks to replace the FIA’s Cybercrime Wing with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). It further seeks to establish a Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority in Islamabad to oversee platform registrations, enforce content standards, and block unlawful content. The authority can block content violating Pakistan’s ideology or targeting state institutions. Any non-compliant platforms might also face bans. The bill also proposes a tribunal for appeals and enforcement which will be chaired by a former high court judge. Additionally, the Law Minister introduced a bill to amend the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), to simplify FIR filings, curb police excesses, and enforce trial timelines. The Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (Implementation) Bill was also passed. Meanwhile, PTI lawmakers protested during the session, demanding the Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan’s right to speak. (Iftikhar A. Khan, “Changes to cybercrime law unveiled amid protest,” Dawn, 23 January 2025; “'Halt FBR's purchase of 1,010 cars’,” The Express Tribune, 23 January 2025; “Senate orders halt on FBR’s Rs6b vehicle purchase,” The Express Tribune, 23 January 2025)
Relief Convoy reaches Kurram
On 22 January, a convoy of 61 vehicles carrying essential relief supplies, including flour, medicines, and vegetables reached the Alizai area of Kurram district under tight security. The operation followed a deadly attack on a similar convoy on 16 January, which claimed ten lives. The convoy was escorted by police and security forces and proceeded to Parachinar. Separately, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government announced plans to convene a jirga to reinforce commitments to the December 2024 peace accord. In a meeting led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, officials prioritized de-weaponization, arresting suspects, and resettling displaced persons. The plans to demolish bunkers and secure Kurram Road were finalized. Meanwhile, a military operation in Ochat, Dadkamar, and surrounding areas concluded. This yielded a significant arms seizure. (Umer Farooq and Javid Hussain, “Relief convoy reaches Kurram amid heavy security,” Dawn, 23 January 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS
Senate’s Standing Committee on Finance demands halt to car procurement by FBR
On 22 January, the Senate’s Standing Committee on Finance presided over by Saleem Mandviwalla called for an immediate reversal of the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) PKR 6 billion purchase of 1,010 cars. The procurement which Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved at the request of FBR Chairman Rashid Mehmood Langrial bypassed bidding and favored a single assembler. Senator Faisal Vawda labeled it a “scam.” He further questioned the rationale behind acquiring vehicles without performance-linked outcomes amid a PKR 384 billion revenue shortfall. Toyota’s cost-effective offer was reportedly dismissed due to a technical specification favoring 1300cc cars. Senator Faisal Vawdaa was of the opinion that the FBR’s choice to opt for the Honda Atlas which has a one-year warranty, over Indus Motors, with a two-year warranty, was aimed at benefitting the Honda Atlas. In the FBR’s defense, these vehicles would enable these officers to increase revenue collection via better implementation. They argued that the officers were not familiar with the “manufacturing and value addition processes due to a lack of field visits in their areas of jurisdiction. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Senators call on PM Shehbaz to undo FBR ‘extravagance’,” Dawn, 23 January 2025)
Talks with the PTI: Government willing to engage ahead of fourth negotiation round
On 23 January, Senator Irfan Siddiqui told Dawn that the government was willing to participate with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI). He said that the government would uphold its promise and furnish a written response to PTI’s demand charter in seven working days, by 28 January. These statements come as the PTI’s leader, Omar Ayub tweeted: “No commissions, no negotiations” on X. He was referring to the PTI’s demand to constitute a judicial commission to probe into the events of 9 May and 26 November. Separately, when Pakistan Muslim League (N)’s Senator Irfan Siddiqui was asked about the PTI’s refusal to engage in the fourth round of negotiations, he said that the PTI would join the government. He added: “They should because the dialogue was started by them, as they first formed their negotiation committee.” He also believed that the PTI skipping the meeting would be irrational on its part as it was an opportunity for it to pose its conditions before the government. (Ikram Junaidi & Syed Irfan Raza, “Govt wants to give talks a chance after PTI threat to disengage,” Dawn, 23 January 2025)
JUDICIARY
SC bench stands its ground against administration
On 22 January, the regular bench of the Supreme Court, consisting of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Aqeel Ahmed, cited Article 190 of the constitution. The law suggests that the apex court ought to be supported by the executive and the judiciary across Pakistan, including those officers operating within the SC structure. They emphasized how the administration’s authority is restricted to aiding judicial orders, not issuing administrative orders. These observations come as a contempt of court case was filed against the SC’s registrar for transferring an ongoing case from the original court to the constitutional bench. In this regard, during the 21 January hearing, the bench highlighted two questions, one being whether the committee constituted under the constitution had the authority to withdraw a case fixed for the regular bench which did not deal with constitutional questions. The second question posed sought to understand whether the administration had the power to override a judicial order made by the regular bench. Hence, in the 22 January discussion, the bench debated over what entailed the committee's roles. (Hasnaat Malik, “SC says no one, including its staff, above law,” 23 January 2025)
Attorney General apprises SC of government’s plan to constitute commission on enforced disappearances
On 22 January, the Additional Attorney General of Pakistan, Amir Rehman apprised the Supreme Court’s constitutional bench that the government was planning to create a seven-member constitutional bench to address the issue of enforced disappearances. In this regard, retired Justice Faqir Muhammad Khokhar will be appointed as the chair of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (CIED). The commission will be constituted by the cabinet to formulate this legislation. However, Justice Jamal Mandokhail observed that a law pertaining to missing persons already existed. He believed that the law was already clear as intentionally making a citizen disappear was a crime. Hence, those who are guilty will be trialled, while those who are not will be released. He also expressed frustration over why the government had not addressed the matter yet as the legislature had the power to settle the illegal practices. (“Enforced disappearance: Legislation on cards, AGP informs SC,” The Express Tribune, 23 January 2025; “Ex-SC judge made chairman of panel on missing persons, SC told,” Dawn, 23 January 2025)
Islamabad High Court urges investigative agency to respond to Toshakhana II acquittal pleas
On 23 January, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) called upon the Federal Investigative Agency (FIA) to issue a response to the acquittal pleas submitted by Former First Lady Bushra Bibi and Imran Khan in the second Toshakhana case. In the Toshakhana case II, Khan and his spouse have been accused of illegally retaining a Bvlgari jewelry set at a low price, consequently causing a loss to the national kitty. At the hearing, Justice Raja Inam Minhas issued the notification. The lawyer requested a change in the bench, as Justice Gul Hassan heard previous cases. However, Justice Minhas responded that there was “no judicial precedent for staying criminal proceedings at that stage.” The applicant’s representative also requested the court proceedings be stopped. Justice Minhas rejected the request as witnesses’ statements were being recorded and “charges have already been framed.” Subsequently, the hearing was adjourned till 28 January. (Awais Yousafzai, “IHC seeks FIA reply on Imran, Bushra's acquittal pleas,” Dawn, 23 January 2025)
On judicial independence: “The apex court must acknowledge the objections that have been raised regarding the 26th Amendment and fix the matter before a full court,” suggests an editorial in Dawn
On 23 January, an editorial titled “A dying light,” in Dawn discussed the waning independence of the judiciary and the gaps in the 26th Constitutional Amendment. The editorial highlighted the ongoing debate about the transfer of an ongoing case from the regular bench to the constitutional bench. Senior judges expressed concern about how a part-heard case could not be transferred from one bench to another on the basis of an administrative decision. One of the justices further went on to remark over how this move may have a political undertone. “Where it is felt that the decision may be against the government, then the case is withdrawn from the bench. This is not correct,” they said. Additionally, even other judicial communities within the judiciary have questioned it as the court judges are the custodians of law and not promoters of “vested interests.” These clashes come about as the 26th Constitutional Amendment has left a loophole regarding “where the lines are drawn.” It has reduced the prestige and power of judges while the constitutional bench enjoys significant power. However, these bottlenecks were predicted before the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment and the existing differences may soon “come to a head.” (“A dying light,” Dawn, 23 January 2025)
PROVINCES
Sindh: University teachers protest against bureaucrats’ appointment as vice chancellors and hiring teachers on a contractual basis
On 22 January, protesting university teachers in Sindh continued their boycott of academic activities. They demanded the withdrawal of plans to appoint bureaucrats as vice chancellors and hire teachers on a contractual basis. The teachers from Karachi’s major universities, including the University of Karachi (KU), NED University of Engineering and Technology, and Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU), held demonstrations. In Karachi, protesters blocked University Road for two hours and urged the government to restore universities’ autonomy. Fapuasa President Dr Ikhtiar Ghumro announced plans for press conferences and protests at press clubs in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Khairpur. He warned of intensified actions like demonstrations outside the Sindh Assembly if the controversial bill is tabled. (Faiza Ilyas, “Teachers take to streets across Sindh amid boycott of classes,” Dawn, 23 January 2025)
Punjab: Government will provide PKR 10,500 gifts to minorities
On 23 January, The Express Tribune reported at an event attended by Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, and other groups, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif launched the first Chief Minister Minority Card of Pakistan in Punjab. These cards will enable each family in Punjab will be beneficiaries of PKR 10,500 every three months. In her speech, CM Sharif promised her audience that any threat directed at minorities would be met with an “iron hand.” She said: “Minorities also have an equal role in the development of Pakistan.” She added that the Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N) government has increased the budget of the minorities department by 60 per cent. She further stated that the amount would be gradually increased and would the beneficiary households, by 75,000. She further added that structures for religious minorities will be constructed. (“75k families to get Minority Cards,” The Express Tribune, 23 January 2025)
On Indus river water diversion plan: “One of the most contentious aspects of the project is its focus on irrigating barren land in Cholistan while potentially jeopardizing Sindh’s fertile agricultural regions,” says an editorial in The Nation
On 23 January, an editorial titled, “Diverting Indus,” in The Nation stated that a proposal to divert Indus River water to corporate farms has sparked intense controversy as Sindh also heavily on the river. The critics, including the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), argued that the plan prioritizes corporate interests over millions of citizens, with minimal public oversight. The residents of Sindh have strongly opposed the project as they fear it would harm their agricultural economy while benefiting barren lands in Cholistan. This is compounded by the lack of discussion in the Council of Common Interests (CCI) which has been dormant for over a year and has further fueled tensions. In this regard, stakeholders have urged reactivating the CCI to prevent the escalation of the unrest. Furthermore, they have called for transparency and public consultations to ensure inclusive decision-making that addresses the concerns of all provinces equitably. (“Diverting Indus,” The Nation, 23 January 2025)
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“I am deeply grateful to Saudi Crown Prince HRH Mohammed bin Salman for responding to my appeal and releasing nearly 7200 poor and deserving Pakistani citizens from Saudi prisons."
- Imran Khan
Is the women of the PTI not respected? They are being framed in false cases.
- PTI
Representation is not a privilege, it’s a right. Our minorities are an integral part of us.
- Maryam Nawaz Sharif
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"The external account seems to be healthy, so why is the state still taking expensive loans from commercial banks?"
- An opinion in Dawn, 'Unsustainable stability.'
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