4th November 2024

Week 43 Update (28th October to 3rd November)

• The FIA has summoned several students who scored over 90% on the September 22 MDCAT exam, suspecting their involvement in a paper leak following irregularities. The Sindh High Court had previously ordered a retake of the exam due to compromised test procedures and directed the FIA to complete its investigation within two months. Students were issued notices to appear for questioning and a “mock exam” to verify their scores, as achieving such high marks is deemed "practically impossible." An inquiry report revealed that students from rural areas like Tharparkar and Sujawal scored disproportionately higher than those from urban centers, prompting further scrutiny.

  Source: Dawn 30th October

• The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has formally expressed its intent to bid for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), surpassing the current highest offer of Rs10 billion by the Blue World Consortium. This was then followed by a bid from the Punjab Government who wants to create a new airline called Air Punjab.

  However, on Sunday afternoon, minister for privatisation, Aleem Khan hinted at all four provinces coming together and buying the airline. He suggested bringing in a foreign expert to run the failing carrier and eventually bring it to profitability.

  Who knew selling off one airline could be so exciting and full of drama.

  Source: Dawn 2nd November

• The Quetta Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has registered a terrorism case following a devastating blast in Mastung that killed eight people, including five children, and injured over 30. The explosion, caused by an IED planted on a motorbike, targeted a police vehicle escorting polio vaccinators near a girls' school where students were arriving. The blast, which occurred in a busy area at School-Hospital Chowk, resulted in casualties among schoolchildren, a police officer, and civilians.

  Source: Dawn 1st November

• The Pakistan Foreign Office expressed surprise over recent remarks by a Chinese envoy regarding terror activities, which seemed critical of Pakistan's handling of security issues. The Foreign Office noted that Pakistan values its relationship with China and emphasizes ongoing cooperation in addressing security concerns, particularly with China’s support for Pakistan's anti-terrorism measures.

  Source: ANI News / Foreign Office

• The Punjab government has announced a one-week closure of primary schools in Lahore due to severe smog, aiming to protect children and vulnerable groups from hazardous air conditions. Senior minister Maryam Aurangzeb emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that air flows from India are worsening the smog and calling for dialogue as a potential solution. Additionally, the government advised that 50% of the workforce should work remotely, encouraging parents to keep children indoors and provide them with masks.

  Source: Tribune 3rd November

• Following the recovery of PTI founding chairman Imran Khan’s lawyer, Intezar Hussain Panjutha, the party has condemned the incident as “scripted” and urged the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take suo motu notice. The PTI also demanded an FIR against the attorney general, alleging he had prior knowledge of Mr. Panjutha’s location based on his court statement promising the lawyer’s production within 24 hours. Panjutha was reportedly rescued by police in Attock while allegedly being transported by kidnappers, and was later taken to a hospital.

  Source: Multiple

Editorial of the Week

• Where are all the doctors going?

• Were China’s remarks about Pakistan’s pathetic security situation baseless?

Podcast of the Week

• What is the Youth of the country thinking about what’s going on. Find out in this Round table by Rafter Now

• Our friend who is currently under martial law. Was general Faiz Behind the 2018 elections?

Bubyeee

On Friday night, I was getting annoyed by the constant bangs outside. On Saturday, I found out it was Diwali and brushed it off. But on Saturday evening, while coming home from Clifton, I passed by the Jehangir Kothari Parade, which was full of people celebrating Diwali. Right next to it is the Abdullah Shah Ghazi Mazar, and between the two stands the Bahria Icon, the tallest building in the country. For this one night, it seemed like Karachi had it all figured out. Watching young boys whizz by, flashing peace signs and celebrating with joy, I felt a genuine happiness flow through me.

Isn’t that the Pakistan we all want? A place where every religion can celebrate freely, where everyone has the right to enjoy life in harmony, and of course, a Karachi where you don’t have to worry about getting mugged. It felt like a week where stability was within sight. Maybe we’re on our way towards stability.

Anyway, mental stability requires a hydrated mind! Make sure to drink enough water to keep yourself feeling good.

Have a great day, and if you’ve got an exam this week, I hope you kick some ass!

I’ll see you in your inboxes next week.