SOURCE: Ausaf, Ummat, Daily Pak, Nawa-i-Waqt, Urdu Point, Daily Jinnah, Awami Awaz, Daily Dharti, Jasarat, Kawish, Daily Intekhab, Daily Times, Jang, Ibrat, Khabrain, Roznama Dunya, Hizb Media, Al Qalam Weekly, Baad-e-Shimal, Bang-e-Sahar, Sindh Express, Pk Voices.

HUMAN RIGHTS
1. Police have sought legal opinion on a complaint of insult of prophet against Salman Haider and four other bloggers. An application has been filed by civil society against Fatima Jinnah University Lecturer Salman Haider and four others. The application has been forwarded to the legal cell for opinion. After receipt of the opinion, an FIR will be filed against them. (Jasarat)

2. It is more than a week when the disappearances took place. Yet there is no information about Fayaz Khamisani. Advocates in five districts of Sindh boycotted court proceedings in show of solidarity with Fayaz Khamisani. He was abducted a week ago from Khairpur, Sindh. Reacting to his abduction, Sindh United Party has announced to hold protests on Jan 19. The party leaders have said in a press conference that Fayaz has been abducted from outside his residence. The Sindh United Party also announced hunger strike, demonstrations and blockade of highways. Party leaders will convene seminars to highlight growing menace of abductions and will give a call for joint protests along with other groups. It was because of such attitude of the government, East Pakistan had separated to become Bangladesh. It is because of this attitudes that country’s roots are getting weaker. Without naming ISI or Army, Sindh United Party leaders stated that wrong polices of real rulers (establishment) are harming country’s interests. They demanded release of abducted persons at the earliest saying that these victims are neither militants nor terrorists. If any of these persons had any case against him, let that person be produced before the court. (Sindh Express)

CHINA
1. China has handed over two naval ships equipped with state of the art technology and weapons to Pakistan Navy at Gwadar. China will provide two more such ships, which are needed to foil the efforts of Pak-China enemies to harm the CPEC project. Indian PM Narendra Modi has openly held CPEC project as unacceptable. Indian secret agencies are on the job to damage CPEC. Even India’s biggest supporter, the US considers CPEC as against its international influence. To make CPEC really successful, all the provinces of Pakistan should be made partners in the venture. (Jang Edit)

US/UK/RUSSIA
1. Trump administration should be informed about all the aspects of terrorism in Pakistan and Pakistan’s role in countering the menace. The new US Administration should also be made aware of India’s mischievous acts and its involvement in Afghanistan. Pakistan should start lobbying with the new Administration before it is too late because India has already opened its doors to the White House. (Nawa-i-Waqt Edit)

2. Pakistan’s ambassador to US, Jilani has expressed the hope that Pak-US cooperation will be further strengthened in the fight against terrorism with Washington revisiting the sale of F-16s and Coalition Support Fund issues. Due to India-Afghanistan nexus, Pakistan’s efforts of eliminating terrorism are not appreciated. The new US administration should have a dialogue with the Indian leadership on India- Pak relations, the Kashmir issue and Indus Water Treaty. Noteworthy in this context are the views of US’ new Vice President on mediation in the resolution of the Kashmir issue. (Ausaf Edit)

3. PM’s Foreign Affairs advisor, Sartaj Aziz expects US President Trump to play a role in supporting Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. In his TV talk yesterday, he regretted that both Democrats and the Republicans have always supported India. (Roznama Dunya Edit)

AFGHANISTAN/SAUDI ARABIA
1. Armed groups attacked Qatar Prince’s hunting caravan which was returning from Musa Khel district to Quetta, injuring 3 Levis personnel including DPO. (Roznama Dunya)

2. Pakistan has expressed serious concerns over nexus between Indian agency RAW and Afghanistan’s spy network NDS. Pakistan also said that the external elements are posing a big threat to peace and stability. Afghan soil is being used against Pakistan. The spokesman for Foreign office said Pakistan desires peace and stability in Afghanistan, not only for the region, but because it is important for and is in the interest of Pakistan. Unfortunately, all these attempts for stability in Afghanistan are being given different colour. Pakistan is being defamed. Besides India, Afghan leadership is also part of those who are defaming Afghanistan. This is not in favour of the interests of the region. Yet, Pakistan will keep co-operating with the world community to defeat militancy in the world. The fact of the matter is that Pak forces have sacrificed their lives to uproot militancy in Pakistan. Their networks are dismantled in Pakistan. However, India, Afghanistan and other cohorts are not prepared to digest this and that is the big reason why hostile forces do not want to see Pakistan safe and stable. Enemies of Pakistan who have been promoting militancy are trying their best to interfere in Pakistan through these militants. Be it through LoC, working boundary or the long Afghan-Pak border, Pakistan is being targeted. Like in the past, these attempts to interfere and intrude into Pakistan through militant elements will be defeated. (Ibrat Edit)

INDIA-
1. There would be a national holiday on 5th February to mark ‘Solidarity with Kashmir’ day. (Daily K2)

2. AJK Kashmiri leaders have welcomed lauded JuD Chief Hafiz Saeed decision to declare 2017 as the Year of Freedom for Kashmir. This is the first step in creating awareness among masses and convincing people on their obligation towards Kashmir. Kashmiris consider Hafiz Saeed as their real mentor and advocate. (Daily Pak, Nawa-i-Waqt, Ausaf)

3. Kashmir leaders, Abdul Sattar Bijrani, Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Muhammad Farooq Rahmani, have told Ummat that the Kashmir committee, which Maulana Fazl-ur Rehman heads at present, should consist of parliamentarians. They also demanded that Chairman of the Kashmir committee should be made a person who can play actual role. Pak govt. should make the Kashmir committee more effective and functional. (Ummat)

4. Federal government informed the Supreme Court that at present 135 Pakistani fishermen’s are in Indian jails. (Jang)

ARMY/SECURITY FORCES
1. A huge cache of weapons were recovered from a vehicle coming to Gujranwala and foiled a terrorist conspiracy. (Jang)

2. Intelligence agencies say that security threats have shot up with return of people associated with the ISIS in Syria. These people have apparently gone from Pakistan to fight war in Syria. They are returning via Afghanistan. Earlier there were indications about Pakistanis participating in the Syrian war. They had become part of the on-going war between Syrian forces and ISIS. (Sindh Express)

TERRORISM & EXTREMISM
1. According to local spokesperson for MQM London, four plain cloth officials have taken away a former sector in charge of MQM Adil Zaidi from his Hyderabad office at Hyder Chowk. Only few days ago Khalid Hussain, a member of former MQM committee, Sindh organisation committee, was taken away by plain clothes persons with arms. (Sindh Express)

2. Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan has spoken of a new fast track judicial system to tackle terrorism cases. Even if he wants to distinguish between terrorism and sectarian fanaticism, peace should be on priority. Stringent laws should be made so that culprits would not go free. (Daily Pak Edit, Khabrain Edit, Roznama Dunya Edit)

3. PPP spokesperson, Farhatullah Babar, once again strongly criticized Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar for distinguishing between Sectarian and terrorist organizations. He declared that the Nisar-speak is dangerous for the state and the society. He said that Asif Zardari does not have soft corner for Difa-e-Pakistan Council. He added that Interior Minister is well aware that Difa-e-Pakistan Council openly instigates public for jihad in a neighbouring country and invites banned outfits to use its platform for the purpose. (Roznama Dunya)

4. The government did well by placing the IT department under the Police for keeping track of the social media usage. This is necessary as social media is being used to spread extremism in the country. (Baad-e-Shimal Edit)

ECONOMY/POWER/WATER
1. Khyber Pakhtunkhwah government has decided to prepare joint strategy with other provinces against federal government’s delay on issuing NFC award. (Jang)

SINDH
1. Small rain has brought big trouble to Karachi, as this city like other places across Sindh don’t have proper drainage system and other basic infrastructure. The scenario is getting worse from year to year. Besides making drainage and sewerage systems function in a better way, emergency teams should be kept ready during rainy times, so that they can rush to wherever required.Karachi is the provincial capital. It is also a global city and an economic hub. Almost all the media have their headquarters here. So rain-related problems get wide coverage. Karachi mayor refused to tour affected parts of the city along with Sindh Chief Minister. Karachi mayor also said that the problems in Karachi have been piling up for eight years. It will take time to redress them. On the other hand, the CM said that Karachi mayor has been given all the powers as per law. If he still grumbles, then it only means that he or Karachi civic body do not want to deliver. Of late, Sindh CM started undertaking developmental works in Karachi leaving the impression that his government too is concerned over Karachi unlike in past when only MQM-dominated civic body was expected to look after the city’s interests. PPP seems to have realised that if Sindh government does not deliver, it will be difficult for the party candidates to approach the electorate during next polls. Be it Sindh government or Karachi civic administration, they have to think of Karachi interests above party brands. Karachi city and Sindh want all concerned to work for the betterment of the city. . (Awami Awaz Edit, Sindh Express Edit)

2. MQM- London is organising a program in Karachi on January 21. Afaq Ahmed Chairman of Mohajirs Qaumi Movement is expected to attend this program. It is likely that he might be declared MQM Chairman on this occasion. Muttahida Qaumi Movement led by Altaf and Mohajirs Qaumi Movement led by Afar were traditionally rival parties. Altaf’s party was a breakaway group from Afaq’s Mohajirs Qaumi Movement. There is a long history of bloodshed between the two. Afaq’s MQM was more at receiving end from Altaf’s MQM because it was Altaf’s MQM that has remained part of the government, either in Sindh, Islamabad or at both the places. Now that Altaf is humbled because of crackdowns in the aftermath of his controversial statement on 22 August 2016, it seems that the establishment is trying to place Afaq Ahmed in the saddle in the place of Altaf Hussain. Afaq Ahmed had gone to London last week. It is learnt that he called on Altaf Hussain. It is learnt that Altaf has tendered an apology to the establishment for his August 22, 2016 address against Pakistan. He also said that he will never again do any such thing that could hurt peoples’ sentiments (Ibrat)

3. National Sindh Front’s Chairman Mumtaz Bhutto said that ‘can anyone believe that a government in Sindh that has been ruling for nine years has not been able to clean gutters and nallahs in Karachi. There is steep corruption in Sindh. Sindh Ministers have now gone out of country to save their lives. Bureaucrats are reduced to being personal slaves of Zardari. Though there are several aspirants to contest against Zardari and Bilawal in the by- polls at Nawabshah and Larkana, what is the use of the ballot if people are not allowed to cast their votes, as it had happened in the past. (Sindh Express)

4. Special powers given to the Rangers to operate in Karachi expire today. Till now, Sindh government has not sent any recommendations seeking to renew Rangers’ powers. Once the Rangers’ power expire at midnight tonight, they will not have any powers to arrest criminals or militants until their powers are renewed. (Ibrat, Jang, Roznama Dunya, Jinnah)

5. Sind government has decided to set up a committee on the issue of Deeni Madrasas. It will be led by Dr. Abdul Qayyum Soomro, advisor to Sindh on religious matters. Religious scholars from different sects will get equal representation on this committee of 11 members. This committee will address registration of madrasas. (Sindh Express)

6. Rashid Memon in his article on ‘what should Sindh do before population census survey’, writes: These survey might be an easy job for rest of the country but not in Sindh because over 30 lakh foreigners are living here illegally. Lakhs from other parts of Pakistan also live in Karachi. Most of these illegally staying people have identity cards and domicile documents too. Hence, it is very likely that they will be counted as the people of Sindh. The government has not made any announcements so far that such people will not be treated as Sindh people. If such people are taken as Sindh people, then not only these people will become permanent citizens of Sindh but this will also threaten majority status of Sindhis. The Sindh government needs to talk to the Federal government before this census to ensure strict examination of identity cards. Reject all those identity cards that are issued illegally to those from outside Sindh. Sindh’s awakened people, political parties and nationalist groups along with civil society members need to play their positive role. They should start campaigns effectively. Effective campaigns were held in Sindh against dual civic system during PPP rule around 2009 or 2010). Some such campaign should be started, so that population surveys are carried out transparently without any tampering by the mafia (that is without any interference from the MQM). (Kawish)

BALOCHISTAN/KP/PUNJAB
1. The government must work overtime to restore connection with Balochistan, Swat and other northern areas which are cut off due to heavy rains and snowfall. Food and other relief material should be sent to these areas. (Jang Edit)

2. PPP leader and Punjab unit Chief, Qamar Kaira said that PPP will start agitations against the government from January 19. (Kawish)

3. The central organizer of National Party Dr. Abdul Hai Baloch met eminent nationalist leader Sardar Ataullah Khan Mengal along with a delegation. They discussed international, national, provincial and political situation. The leaders expressed grave concern over situation in Balochistan, CPEC project and census operations. They said that the Baloch people have not been able to enjoy benefits of Recodec (Reko Diq), Saindak, Sui Gas and other projects for over half a century. CPEC is an exploitative project. Onslaught of foreign countries and companies will affect our identity, they opined. Thousands of Baloch residents have fled Balochistan due to continuing atrocities. They alleged that Baloch people are being shunted out on the name of CPEC project. All investments are, in reality, for China and Punjab. Resources of the province will be looted. The two leaders said that Baloch people will not accept census operations as long as foreign refugees are present in Balochistan. These census operations too are a ploy to convert Baloch race, the original residents of the province, into a minority. (Daily Intekhab)

POLITICAL SCENE
1. Students unions used to throw up leaders for mainstream politics in Pakistan before ban was put on student unions. These unions play a key role in strengthening the democratic system. Every working person is allowed to form union. So why not students. All the political parties should not only raise their voice against this ban but also work to get the ban lifted. (Kawish Edit)

2. Musharraf will have to face imprisonment on his return to Pakistan. In the past Adyala Jail, Rawalpindi was readied to house Musharraf but powerful circles recused him. This time there is no possibility of support to Musharraf. Even the establishment have not given any indication Musharraf is neither President nor Army Chief of Pakistan, therefore his security expenditure should be paid by himself (Ummat)

3. It is learnt that government has settled JuI (F)’s reservations against FATA recommendations. Fazl-ur Rahman has agreed to support Committee’s recommendations as per which FATA will merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwah. (Roznama Dunya)

4. JUI (F)’s Fazal-ur Rahman has said that his party is trying to spread Islam and redress peoples concerns. His party will be organising a three-day global conference from April 7th in Peshawar. This conference will make an impact on Pakistan politics as well, he said. (Sindh Express)

5. PTI has announced to intensify mass contact program this month. A press release from PTI central secretariat office says that public meeting will be held on January 15 at DG Khan, on January 22 at Kasur and on January 29 at Sahiwal. (Kawish)
6. Abdul Gafoor Shaikh in a special report says: Federal Home Minister Nisar Chaudhary seems to be emerging as spokesperson for Taliban. PM and his family now stand exposed on the Panama issue. If Nisar Chaudhary has any evidence that opposition is in touch with Taliban, then he should come out with it. He should name those who have such connections with Taliban. Leading to huge unemployment. The government is working only for Lahore. It is incomprehensible as to why the government is keeping quiet on growing cases of abductions (at the hands of intelligence officials). (Ibrat)

7. Zardari has gone back to Dubai and is likely to fly to the US. When Zardari returned to Pakistan on December 23, after one and a half years of self-imposed exile, there was talk that he would go back soon. After leading rallies in Punjab, Bilawal too is going to Dubai on January 20 and from there Bilawal will be travelling to the US on January 25. PPP sources say that Bilawal and Zardari have to attend several programs in the US including Obama’s luncheon on February 2. They will have meetings with the new administration officials in the US. (Sindh Express, Roznama Dunya)

8. Jamhoori Watan Party Chief Shah Zain Bugti said that they will not become a part of any conspiracy against the PML (N) government. They demanded that PM Sharif should fulfil his promise made to Baloch communities. He added that if there is any external insurgency in Baluchistan, it is government’s responsibility to expose it before the world. (Roznama Dunya, Daily K2)

POK/G-B NEWS
1. Gilgit-Baltistan Interior Ministry has issued security alerts in Ghizer, Jundullah is planning terror attacks in Ghizer and security has been increased at religious places and in sensitive areas. (Daily K2)

2. Minister of State and Benazir Income Support Program Chairperson Marvi Memon said Gilgit-Baltistan will be soon given the status of a constitutional province. She added that the committee working under the supervision of Foreign Advisor Sartaj Aziz has completed its work and very soon people of Gilgit-Baltistan will get happy news. (Baad-e-Shimal)

3. Senate’s CPEC Committee Chairman Mushahid Hussain said that people of Gilgit-Baltistan need not worry as there will be good news soon with regard to health, education and other important projects. He claimed that a big economic and education package has been prepared and lots of facilities will be given to Gilgit-Baltistan only because it is the gateway of the CPEC. (Baad-e-Shimal)

4. Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Mir Ghazanfar Ali said that federation would provide special funds for development in the projects. He added that the government’s aid is necessary for promotion of the cultural activities. Cultural hall will be constructed in Islamabad and Hunza. (Daily K2)

5. Opposition leader in the National Assembly, Khurshid Shah, has alleged that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan are disloyal to PPP and that they have betrayed the PPP. People are not so blind or mad that they will keep voting PPP blindly. Shah should keep his mouth shut because if people start speaking, PPP may be wiped off completely from Gilgit-Baltistan. (Daily K2 Edit)

6. G-B chief minister Hafiz-ur Rahman deserves a part for his stand on constitutional rights for Gilgit-Baltistan. It is necessary that everybody comes on one platform keeping differences aside for this important step. (Daily K2 Edit)