Aaah, it’s Monday Aug 3, and I know I’ve been MIA for a few days. Breaks are needed for everyone in life but I will definitely give a heads up next time.
That being said thank you to those who pledged to support this newsletter! I’m truly very grateful and honestly, it makes one so happy to see that people appreciate the work they do. Despite 17 years in journalism, and many, many wins and accolades, connecting with people and knowing they value what you do, has a kick like nothing else. So, thank you 🙏🏾, and I hope that more of you do join in and pledge. The work gets intense and well, that’s the next step in our newsletter journey together. That said, I’m also on the lookout to adding more to this newsletter that will give you more value and I’ll be running that by you soon too! Lots to come!
Speaking of kicks, residents in parts of Karachi (including me) sensed a stronger-than-usual gas smell on Sunday, prompting (major) concerns about possible leaks. The Sui Southern Gas Company clarified that the smell was caused by testing a new pipeline near Abul Hasan Ispahani Road, during which extra odorant was added to the gas supply. The company said gas pressure remains normal and no leaks have been detected. Phew, but it had us scared for a bit yesterday!
LOTS happened over last week and I’m summarising it below (which is why no story is linked except Saboor Aly’s), including a video we made in recommendations that had people divided.
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The political fall out over Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s claim that Pak’s governance system has “collapsed” continued to intensify this week. Speaking at an economic summit on Friday, the interior minister argued that the country’s administrative structure was no longer capable of solving its problems and called for sweeping reforms, including the creation of new provinces. His remarks sparked criticism from both allies and opponents, with many questioning how a senior member of the govt could publicly declare the system was broken while remaining part of it (you can imagine a lot went on about the PCB and its management as well on social media this weekend). Defence Minister Khawaja Asif although agreeing with Naqvi’s assessment, urged him to begin with the interior ministry itself. Opposition figures, meanwhile, said that Naqvi was admitting the government’s failures. Today Nawaz Sharif stepped in to calm the controversy, urging PML-N leaders not to react publicly to Naqvi’s remarks and instead prioritise unity between the govt and state institutions.
The federal govt has accused the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of fuelling unrest in Azad Kashmir to disrupt the ongoing elections. Info. Min. Attaullah Tarar alleged that the group is pursuing a foreign agenda and receiving funding from India, while PMLN’s Talal Chaudhry vowed full support for AJK authorities to maintain law and order. (The video in recs is one to watch if you aren’t sure what’s going on in AJK). Election update is that in the first phase of the AJK elections, PML-N won 9 of the 13 seats in Mirpur Division, while in the second phase it secured 14 of the 19 contested seats, with PPP winning the remaining five.
Actress Saboor Aly has criticised the slow progress in the investigation into the death of Wafflix founder Mir Raza Ali, sharing a video that compared the case to the swift recovery of Cricketer Wasim Akram’s missing pet dog. Ali, the 25-year-old entrepreneur behind the popular dessert chain, disappeared from his home in Karachi’s PECHS area on July 16 and was later found dead the same day near Gulistan-i-Jauhar. Police initially, treated the case as a suspected abduction and murder. Weeks later, investigators are still trying to piece together his final hours, examining financial difficulties and even the possibility of suicide, while key question, including the whereabouts of his missing pistol, remain unanswered.
Iran says it is not currently holding talks with the US and is instead negotiating with Oman to establish a temporary safe shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz. While Trump claims a new round of US-Iran negotiations will begin today and that a deal is close, Tehran insists that no direct talks are underway. Iranian officials have blamed the US and Israel for regional instability and say the reopening of Hormuz depends on an end to military attacks.
Stomach bug going around might hit you today so don’t eat anything that might trigger you.
The Current values itself for being factual and reasonable in times of emotional upheaval and sometimes, it really isn’t what people want to hear. Unverified claims of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee regarding the situation in Azad Kashmir have flooded our social media feeds this week and continue to do so, with many calling for solidarity with the controversial group. While we strongly stand with the people of Kashmir, amid all the noise about a “massacre” vs. “militant protesters”, let’s talk facts.
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