Insight Epicentre

21/12/2023

Court instructs ECP to resolve delimitation challenges post elections:

To adhere to the electoral timeline outlined in the Election Programme announced on December 15, 2023, the court directed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to organize and conduct elections in the disputed constituencies based on the final delimitation officially notified on November 30, 2023. The court opted to postpone the resolution of delimitation issues until after the general elections, ensuring the smooth continuation of the electoral process without interruptions. The case is scheduled for a hearing post the 2024 general elections.

21/12/2023

Nawaz Sharif Sets Sights on Political Comeback, Targets NA-15 in Mansehra for General Elections

30/11/2023

Saudi Arabia has opted to extend its $3 billion deposit with the State Bank of Pakistan for another year, a move announced by the SBP as part of Saudi Arabia's ongoing support to fortify Pakistan's foreign currency reserves and contribute to economic growth. Former Ministry of Finance adviser Khaqan Najeeb underscores the rollover's significance in meeting Pakistan's estimated $25 billion gross financing needs for FY-24, strengthening the existing IMF program. This deposit, initially established in 2021 and rolled over in 2022, plays a crucial role in confirming commitments from lenders and is expected to ease the approval of the second tranche of the $700 million IMF loan. This financial support aligns with the robust economic ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, showcasing the commitment of both nations.

30/11/2023

During a recent Senate panel session, FBR Chairman Amjad Zubair Tiwana unveiled the FBR's initiative to identify one million potential tax filers, aiming to broaden the tax net. Out of 11.4 million registered businesses, only 5.3 million filed returns last fiscal year, with 2.5 million potential non-filers identified. Notices have been dispatched to 450,000 non-filers, and utility disconnections loom for non-compliance. The session also exposed a suspected collusion involving five banks, enabling a single non-filer to deposit an astounding Rs42.772 billion. Despite the massive influx, banks neglected KYC and due diligence. The FBR addressed trade gap issues with China, revealing under-invoicing of $2 to $3 billion, and probed a solar panel import scandal, uncovering Rs69.5 billion in over-invoicing. Senate concerns about non-payment of 1,300 daily-wage teachers' salaries were raised, with the Finance Ministry attributing delays to the AGPR, prompting a detailed State Bank of Pakistan report on discussed banking irregularities.

30/11/2023

After a legal saga spanning over five years, former Prime Minister has been acquitted in the Apartments corruption case by the Islamabad High Court. The court, led by Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, also rejected NAB’s appeal against Sharif’s acquittal in the Flagship Investment reference, citing NAB’s expressed “inability” to argue the case. The Islamabad High Court’s decision allowed the appeal, stating, “The NAB has expressed inability to argue the case; therefore, the reasons to be recorded later on, the instant appeal is allowed.” Sharif’s counsel argued during the recent appeal hearing, highlighting the need for NAB to establish ownership, possession, title, and evidence of means for the properties, emphasizing the absence of direct evidence in the JIT’s report. Following the acquittal, Sharif expressed reliance on Allah, maintaining his appeal against the Al-Azizia case conviction and facing another case related to a vehicle in the accountability court.

19/11/2023

In a press conference held in Lahore, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Information Secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb asserted that political adversaries are foreseeing the return of Nawaz Sharif as the next prime minister after the scheduled February 8 elections.

Full story: https://insightepicentre.com/2023/11/19/political-landscape-needs-nawaz-sharifs-return-says-marriyum-aurangzeb/

19/11/2023

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar addressed recent allegations made by mainstream political parties, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), dismissing claims of a biased approach by the interim government. Speaking on Private Television program, Kakar suggested that the notion of a “victim card” might be part of any political party’s narrative.

Full story: https://insightepicentre.com/2023/11/19/caretaker-prime-minister-responds-to-level-playing-field-demands/

19/11/2023

In a recent political development, two prominent leaders from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Ali Nawaz Awan and Sardar Asif Nakai, have announced their departure from PTI to join the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP).

Full Story: https://insightepicentre.com/2023/11/19/two-more-pti-leaders-defect-to-ipp-in-political-shift/

19/11/2023

PPP continues aggressive election posture, as Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari delivered a notable address at a workers’ convention in Mardan, emphasizing caution regarding a specific political party’s pursuit of “electables.”

Full Story: https://insightepicentre.com/2023/11/19/bilawal-bhutto-zardari-cautions-electables-from-joining-pmln/

06/12/2021

“Thus, traversing beyond this new frontier demands an utmost caution as the information age ushers in an era of carefully orchestrated systematic misinformation campaigns, propaganda and psychological operations designed to achieve state interests.“

http://www.afham.org/2021/11/23/on-the-edge-of-a-new-frontier-information-age-and-the-threat-of-misinformation/

02/12/2021

01/12/2021