PTI Waiting for a Big Change? | Aleema Khan Case | Trump’s Hormuz Move | India’s Nuclear Threat

In today’s major Pakistan and international news analysis, we discuss Najam Sethi’s claim that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is waiting for a major political change instead of actively creating one. According to him, a sudden event or political “big bang” could change the entire environment, just as unexpected developments weakened Ayub Khan, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, General Pervez Musharraf and General Zia-ul-Haq. Muzammil Aslam has also responded to allegations of dynastic politics, saying that Aleema Khan and Imran Khan’s other sisters are only campaigning for their brother’s freedom, health and legal rights. He argued that they are not seeking government positions, party offices or election tickets. We also examine the latest legal developments in the Al-Qadir Trust case. Lawyers representing Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi have filed chamber appeals against the Supreme Court registrar office’s objections. The registrar office had returned their appeals, stating that the matter should be heard by the Constitutional Court. PTI Lahore President Mian Akram Usman has announced a nationwide campaign from August 5 for the release of political prisoners and the restoration of the Constitution. PTI has also demanded transparent investigations into cases involving foreign nationals in Lahore, an audit of Punjab’s wheat reserves and purchasing policy, and action over rising inflation, petrol prices and flour prices. Another major development concerns the November 28 case involving Aleema Khan. Reports suggest that she may face conviction. Twelve co-accused have already been convicted after reportedly admitting their involvement, but PTI’s legal team has not challenged those convictions. Questions are now being raised about the party’s legal strategy and leadership. The controversial clauses of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa privileges bill have been sent back to the privilege committee. Information Minister Shafi Jan said the disputed provisions would be withdrawn on the instructions of the chief minister, and the revised bill would be presented in the assembly within one week. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also reportedly considering a reshuffle of the federal cabinet. Young and new political faces may be appointed as ministers of state, while underperforming ministers could lose their portfolios. Some ministries may also be merged to reduce the financial burden on the national treasury. We explain who is entitled to Pakistan’s blue passport. Reports suggest that between 52,000 and 57,000 blue passports are currently in circulation. Former four-star military officers, lieutenant generals, vice admirals, air marshals, federal secretaries, provincial chief secretaries, Grade 22 officers, former Supreme Court judges, former High Court judges and their spouses are reportedly among those eligible. A major political controversy has also erupted after Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s recent speech. Social media campaigns and trends were launched against him, while PML-N leaders Khawaja Asif and Abid Sher Ali strongly criticised his remarks about military personnel and their salaries. Critics said his statement disrespected the sacrifices of soldiers, police officers, civilians, martyrs and their families. In the kidnapping and rape case involving Raza Dar, the court has granted another four-day physical remand of four accused persons, including the main suspect. After completing the 14-day remand period, the suspects are expected to be sent to judicial custody, after which bail applications may be filed. The wife of one accused has alleged that poor workers are being implicated to protect wealthy and influential individuals. Former Pakistani diplomat Maleeha Lodhi has also highlighted reports that India may be preparing to install nuclear warheads on its submarines. According to the claim, around 12 nuclear warheads could be involved. The development has been described as a serious strategic threat to Pakistan and regional stability. US President Donald Trump has claimed that the Strait of Hormuz is open and that ships passing through it will be charged a 20 percent fee. He said the money would cover the security costs of protecting the strategic maritime route. Trump also said Iran’s naval blockade had been reimposed and that Iran and its trading partners could be prevented from using the strait. Mohammad Mokhber, adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, responded by describing the Strait of Hormuz as Iran’s “Battle of Uhud,” saying Iran would not retreat and would defend the waterway to ensure that Iranian ships would never have to pay tribute to an enemy. Finally, Pakistan’s Auditor General has reportedly been unable to obtain complete details about Rs75 billion released to federal ministries, divisions and provincial governments during the 2024–25 financial year. Audit officials said the Cabinet Division could not explain where the funds were spent, which projects received them, or whether they were used for approved purposes.