Pakistan witnessed a strong mix of economic momentum, political developments, and sporting highlights as key national updates unfolded across the country. The Pakistan Stock Exchange reached the 171,500 mark in December, recording nearly 300 percent growth over the past two years and positioning itself among the world’s top-performing markets. This surge reflects growing investor confidence, improving macroeconomic stability, and optimism surrounding ongoing structural reforms.
Meanwhile, the long-awaited bidding process for the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines has been completed with participation from three separate consortia. The Prime Minister described the transaction as the country’s largest privatisation effort, calling it a crucial step toward reducing financial burdens and improving operational efficiency. The move is being viewed as a significant signal for international investors monitoring Pakistan’s reform trajectory.
At the same time, progress under the Digital Pakistan Program continues to gain pace as authorities approved spectrum auction plans. Officials confirmed preparations for the introduction of 5G services in the near future. This development is expected to boost connectivity, encourage innovation, and support digital entrepreneurship nationwide.
On the political front, the Prime Minister stated that negotiations with PTI remain possible only on legitimate and constitutional matters. He stressed there would be no tolerance for political pressure or blackmail. Additionally, Shahbaz Sharif emphasised the importance of political harmony for national prosperity and clarified that the King Abdulaziz Award represents collective national recognition.
In parallel, President Asif Ali Zardari visited holy sites in Najaf and Kufa, where he offered prayers at the shrine of Imam Ali and performed nafl prayers at the Kufa Mosque. He also met local officials during the visit, highlighting Pakistan’s continued diplomatic and spiritual engagement abroad.
Domestically, controversy emerged over the suspension of the Protection of Ownership initiative. The Chief Minister expressed dissatisfaction, while Maryam Nawaz criticised the decision, stating it contradicts Supreme Court principles. She warned the move could benefit land mafias, especially as some land cases continue unresolved for decades despite a previously announced 90-day resolution limit.
In sports, stability was restored within tennis administration as Aisam-ul-Haq retained his position as President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation. The adjudicator ruled that appeals against the federation’s elections were inadmissible. Internationally, football fans saw Mohamed Salah score a decisive late goal as Egypt defeated Zimbabwe 2-1 in the Africa Cup of Nations. Meanwhile, Fulham secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League.
