This update is meant to identify key developments during the month on Performance of Democratic Institutions in Pakistan with selected high-profile international developments included occasionally.
- Pakistan worst loser in financial losses due to outages and shutdowns of internet and social media apps in 2024
- Pakistan Army announces remission for 19 activists convicted for May 09 2023 riots
- Dialogue between PTI and Government hits a snag
- CJP concern over widespread complaints of enforced disappearances
- Former PM sentenced in Al-Qadir Trust reference
- President signs Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025
- 11th Apex Committee Meeting of the SIFC
- Meeting of the NAP Apex Committee
- COAS interacts with KP politicians to discuss security situation
- Prime Minister’s Interactions with COAS
- Speaker National Assembly meets Foreign Dignitaries
- Chairman Senate meets Foreign Dignitaries
- Interactions of COAS with Foreign Dignitaries
- US President revokes security detail and clearance of former US CJCS
Pakistan worst loser in financial losses due to outages and shutdowns of internet and social media apps in 2024

A report released by Top10VPN.com, an independent VPN reviewer, termed Asia as the most affected region due to global internet disruptions in 2024 which lasted for 88,788 hours. Pakistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India were the top countries suffering shutdowns while Pakistan topped the global charts recording suffering US $1.62 billion in financial losses due to internet shutdowns in 2024.
In a briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology on January 1, Chairman PTA, Major General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman, acknowledged that blocking access to the internet was a ‘legal grey area.’ He called on the Ministries of Law and Interior to provide a final legal opinion to clarify the legality of internet shutdowns.
Pakistan Army announces remission for 19 activists convicted for May 09 2023 riots

On January 02, 2025, the Pakistan Army announced remission for 19 Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) activists convicted by Field General Court Martial (FGCM) for involvement in the May 09, 2023 riots.
The ISPR described the remission as a testament to fairness and due process adding justice should be balanced with compassion and mercy. Those granted remission will be released after completing procedural formalities.
On January 29, the Supreme Court stated that if the record of those who attacked military installations and were tried under Army Act was made public then people at large would know what crimes they had committed. A seven-member bench headed by Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan was hearing intra-court appeals (ICAs) against the apex court’s decision on the trial of civilians by military courts. The bench included justices Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi, Musarat Hilali, Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Shahid Bilal Hassan..
On January 30, Supreme Court's Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi, during the ICA hearing, asked if the May 9, 2023 offences allegedly committed by the PTI supporters were more serious than act of terrorism. During the proceedings, Ministry of Defence lawyer Khawaja Haris said that the military courts were not mentioned within the judicial system under Article 175 of the Constitution and were instead established under a separate recognised law. In response, Justice Jamal Mandokhail remarked that courts established under Article 175 have broad jurisdiction, whereas courts set up under specific laws have limited authority. He further said that the 21st Constitutional Amendment stated that military courts were established in wartime situations, and a constitutional amendment was required for the trial of civilians. In response, the defence ministry's counsel said that no amendment was needed for trials; rather, the amendment expanded the Army Act to include additional offences.
Dialogue between PTI and Government hits a snag

On January 23, after nearly a month, the dialogue process between the government and the PTI came to a standstill after the PTI chairman Mr. Imran Khan’s decision to call the talks off. He decided to do so over the government’s failure to form the judicial commissions to probe the violence on May 09, 2023 and November 26, 2024, while, for the sake of political stability, the government has urged the PTI to reconsider its decision.
In a statement posted on the X account of Mr. Imran Khan, the talks were called off due to a raid on the residence of Sunni Ittehad Council chief Sahibzada Hamid Raza. Mr. Khan, however, conveyed willingness to talk to the establishment in the country’s best interests, claiming that the establishment has control over all issues and all others are “puppets.”
On January 25, the PTI expressed its interest in coming back to the table, with Mr. Imran Khan seeking a meeting with his negotiators before the fourth round of talks scheduled for January 28, 2025. On January 28, the government decided to give one more chance to the PTI and announced that it would wait till January 31, 2025 to re-join the dialogue. Meanwhile, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker National Assembly said his doors remained open and expressed hopes that the opposition would hold talks to find a way forward.
On January 30, the Prime Minister said that he wholeheartedly wished to take forward the talks with the PTI for the nation's sake as country could not sustain more damage.
CJP concerned over widespread complaints of enforced disappearances
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Justice Yahya Afridi
Chief Justice of Pakistan[/caption]
On January 13, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Justice Yahya Afridi expressed concern over missing persons and acknowledged that widespread complaints of enforced disappearances had “jolted” him. He received complaints during visits to Ghotki, Gwadar, and Sadiq Abad, where bar associations raised concerns. He acknowledged that there were pending complaints against several judges before the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC). When asked about public disclosure of disposed complaints, he said he would discuss it with the council before deciding.
Former PM sentenced in ‘Al-Qadir Trust reference’

On January 17, a Special Accountability Court sentenced former PM Mr. Imran Khan to 14 years in prison and a fine of Rs. 1 million in the ‘Al-Qadir Trust reference’ based on a 190 million pound financial scandal. Mr. Khan was found guilty of corruption and abuse of power while his spouse and co-accused Ms. Bushra Bibi has been sentenced to seven years in prison and a fine of Rs. 500,000.
On January 23, Mr. Imran Khan urged the Bahria Town owner Malik Riaz to reveal the names of all those “judges, generals and politicians” who received monetary benefits from him over the past 30 years. Malik Riaz, an absconder in the £190 million case, had responded to the NAB announcement on X, threatening to share “secrets of the last 25 to 30 years (which) were kept safe with him along with evidence” stating that he was resisting (the urge to disclose), but he was sitting with a storm in his heart which, if broken, would dispel all illusions and expose reality about everyone.
On January 25, Mr. Imran Khan challenged his sentence.
President signs Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025

On January 29, President of Pakistan, Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, signed the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, commonly referred to as PECA Act, officially endorsing the legislation aimed at combating digital crimes.
The law includes new definitions, establishment of regulatory and investigative bodies, and stricter penalties for disseminating “false” information. The government aims to lower the punishment for spreading “fake information” online to three years, according to a draft of the document, while they may also face a fine of up to Rs. 2 million. Section 26A of the bill states that “whoever intentionally disseminates, publicly exhibits or transmits any information through any information system, that he knows or has reason to believe to be false or fake and likely to cause or create a sense of fear, panic or disorder or unrest in general public or society, shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend up to three years or with fine which may extend to two million rupees or with both,”. The law also states that a Social Protection and Regulatory Authority (SPRA) will be established. A key provision is the establishment of a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA) which will have powers to investigate complaints, remove content, and enforce digital ethics. A National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and a Social Media Protection Tribunal (SMPT) will also be established under the proposed legislation.
Signing of the PECA amendment bill came after political discussions, with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, raising concerns over the legislation. Reports had suggested that President Zardari had delayed signing the bill until consultations with journalists and relevant stakeholders took place. The amended PECA Act was approved by the National Assembly and the Senate before being sent to the President’s office for final approval.
The PPP, earlier, had raised concerns about the amended bill, stating that it was unaware of the lack of consultation on the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025 (PECA) bill, as they were told that all stakeholders would be taken on board which did not happen. However, the PPP had supported the bill in both houses.
After the signing of the bill, protests were held by journalist community throughout Pakistan with Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) leading and threatening to boycott government coverage if government did not alter the controversial amendments. Representatives from various media organisations, civil society groups, trade unions, lawyers' groups and teachers joined and supported the protest.
On January 28, the Senate passed the bill amidst protests of opposition. A day earlier, the Senate Standing Committee on Interior had approved amendments to the bill. On January 23, the National Assembly had approved the law a day after its introduction. Journalists had staged a walkout from the press gallery in protest against the bill’s passage.
On January 25, Amnesty International’s South Asia office stated that new amendments to the PECA could further tighten online expression and criticized the definition of misinformation as “vague and ambiguous” raising concerns about possible broad interpretation and misuse and also demanded meaningful consultative process involving civil society before making changes to PECA.
11th Apex Committee Meeting of the SIFC

On January 2, 2025, 11th Apex Committee meeting of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) was convened under Prime Minister. Meeting was attended by Chief of the Army Staff, Federal and Provincial Ministers, Provincial Chief Ministers, Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Chief Minister of Gilgit Baltistan.
Secretary Apex Committee briefed the forum about strategic focus, initiatives and contributions of the SIFC to support National Economic Transformation Plan 2024-2029 ‘Uraan Pakistan.’ The Committee showed profound satisfaction in improving the macro-economic conditions of the country while emphasizing upon the importance of collective efforts for ensuring unhindered economic growth and passing on the dividends to the masses. During the session, the Committee approved the Action Plan for Optimization of SEZs to rejuvenate industrial landscape of Pakistan. The Committee also reviewed the proposal of National Minerals Harmonization Framework with due consent of all stake holders. Forum was briefed on various initiatives in the domain of HRD. CMs also shared the ongoing initiatives in each province which would spur the economic growth. COAS expressed firm resolve of Pakistan Army’s support to Government’s initiatives for economic stability ensuring peace and security.
Meeting of the NAP Apex Committee

On January 03, Prime Minister addressed a meeting of the Apex Committee of the National Action Plan (NAP). He called for elimination of conspirators and their facilitators plotting against Pakistan and emphasized in maintaining peace in all provinces. The PM highlighted external threats and foreign involvement in destabilizing Pakistan, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Federal ministers, provincial Chief Ministers & Chief Secretaries, Prime Minister of Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, intelligence agency heads, and the FIA Director-General joined the meeting.
The PM noted that Pakistan recently assumed a two-year term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council saying this position would allow Pakistan to play a key role in global diplomacy and security matters. He called for a coordinated security plan involving federal and provincial governments, defence institutions, and intelligence agencies.
The PM condemned misinformation campaigns on social media as a serious threat to national security. He blamed external agents for spreading false narratives to destabilize Pakistan. He referenced recent false narratives following an attack in Islamabad (November 26, 2024), stating that failure to counter digital threats would undermine national efforts. The meeting reviewed the 2021 National Action Plan (NAP) and its implementation.
COAS interacts with KP politicians to discuss security situation

On January 13, 2025, General Syed Asim Munir, visited Peshawar where he was provided with a comprehensive briefing on the prevailing security situation and the ongoing counter-terrorism operations. Briefing was also attended by Federal Minister of Interior and Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The COAS, while praising the sacrifices of armed forces, emphasized that they had successfully degraded the operational capabilities of terrorist organizations, both within Pakistan’s borders and beyond. He made it clear that any attempt to disturb the peace of the nation would be met with decisive and overwhelming force adding enemy may try to sow discord and fear, but hostile elements will be dealt with an iron hand further adding that enemies would continue to suffer heavy losses, and their capacity to inflict harm would be decimated.
He also separately interacted with politicians of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa belonging to different political parties. The participants resolved consensus on the need for one political voice and public support against the scourge of terrorism. The political representatives showed vivid clarity on unflinching support of the Armed Forces and LEAs in nation’s fight against terror.
Prime Minister’s Interactions with COAS
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Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif
Prime Minister, Islamic Republic of Pakistan[/caption]
Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir met thrice during January 2025:
- On January 02, Prime Minister and Chief of Army Staff met during the meeting of the Apex Committee of the National Action Plan (NAP).
- On January 02, Prime Minister and Chief of Army Staff were together during the meeting of the Apex Committee of the SIFC.
- On January 30, both joined the funeral prayer of Major Hamza Israr Shaheed at Chaklala Garrison, Rawalpindi.
Speaker National Assembly meets Foreign Dignitaries
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Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, MNA
Speaker, National Assembly of Pakistan[/caption]
- On January 02, Speaker, National Assembly met Ambassador of Azerbaijan at the Embassy of Azerbaijan, Islamabad.
- On January 14, Dr. Irfan Neziroglu, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkiye to Pakistan called on Speaker, National Assembly at the Parliament House, Islamabad.
- On January 17, Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan called on Speaker, National Assembly at the Parliament House, Islamabad.
- On January 28, Ambassador of Japan called on Speaker, National Assembly at the Parliament house, Islamabad.
Chairman Senate meets Foreign Dignitaries

- On January 12, Chairman Senate met and addressed foreign delegates at the closing ceremony of the International Conference on ‘Girls' Education in Muslim Communities: Challenges and Opportunities’ at Jinnah Convention Centre, Islamabad.
- On January 14, Mr. Wu Xiaogui, Vice President of Shandong Kerui Group from China, and Mr. Hatim Tabani, Executive Director of Tabani Group called on Chairman Senate at the Parliament House, Islamabad.
- On January 21, Chairman Senate held a meeting with Ambassador of Sweden in Islamabad.
- On January 29, Chairman Senate met with Ms. Verona Murphy, Newly Elected Speaker of Irish Parliament in Ireland.
- On January 30, Chairman Senate met with Ms. Andrea Eder-Gitschthaler, President of the Federal Council of Austria.
- On January 31, Chairman Senate met with Mr. Walter Rosenkranz, President of the National Council of Austria.
Interactions of COAS with Foreign Dignitaries
[caption id="attachment_27258" align="alignnone" width="1500"]

General Syed Asim Munir
Chief of Army Staff[/caption]
During January 2025, there were two meetings of General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) with foreign dignitaries.
- On January 14, Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hassan, Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh called on General Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi.
- On January 21, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, called on General Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi.
US President revokes security detail and clearance of former US CJCS
[caption id="attachment_27259" align="alignnone" width="1500"]

General (Retd.) Mark Milley
Former US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff[/caption]
On January 29, the newly-elected President of the United States Mr. Donald Trump revoked the security detail and clearance of retired General Mark Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The move was ordered by US Defence Secretary, Mr. Pete Hegseth making it one of his first acts in office. In addition, Department of Defence Office of Inspector General was directed to investigate General Milley’s conduct and review his military grade. The inquiry will examine General Milley’s actions during and after Mr. Trump’s first presidency (2016-20). The review will determine if there is a need to reassess his military grade or take further actions against him.
After Mr. Donald Trump's second inauguration on January 20, 2025, a portrait of General Milley was removed from the Pentagon.
It must be noted that before leaving office, President Joe Biden had issued a pre-emptive pardon for General Milley to protect him from potential retribution under Mr. Trump’s second term. President Biden had clarified that the pardon was not an acknowledgment of wrongdoing. General Milley had thanked President Biden, saying that he did not want to spend the rest of his life fighting unjust political retribution.
General Milley had criticized Mr. Trump in multiple instances including calling Mr. Trump a “fascist to the core” and the “most dangerous person” for the US in Bob Woodward’s book ‘War’ (2024). In his final speech as CJCS in 2023, General Milley had said that the military did not take oath to a “wannabe dictator.”
Mr. Trump had earlier accused General Milley of treason for phone calls to China’s military during the final weeks of Mr. Trump’s first presidency (2021). General Milley had re-assured China that the U.S. would not launch a nuclear strike, which Mr. Trump called an “act so egregious” that it would have been punishable by death in earlier times. General Milley testified that these calls were coordinated with U.S. defence secretaries and were not unauthorized actions.
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