A book containing selected columns of the late journalist and columnist Irfan Husain, titled 'A life lived with passion', was launched in Lahore. The event, held at the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan's auditorium, saw friends and colleagues, including senior journalist Najam Sethi and women's rights activist Khawar Mumtaz, pay tribute to Husain's fearless journalism and his stand against dictatorship. Husain, who wrote for Dawn, is remembered for his progressive views and his impact on Pakistan's journalistic landscape.

The Lahore High Court Bar Association has called for a Supreme Court-led judicial inquiry into allegations of intelligence agency interference in judicial affairs, following a letter by six Islamabad High Court judges to the Supreme Judicial Council. The judges allege interference and intimidation by operatives, including those from the ISI, in judicial functions. The call for inquiry comes after the reinstatement of former IHC Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, who had been removed for alleging ISI's influence on judicial matters. The LHCBA held an emergency press conference to address the issue and emphasized the need for a judicial convention.

The Punjab government has introduced the Punjab Theatrical Performance Ordinance 2023 to address vulgarity in theatres, shifting script scrutiny and monitoring responsibilities to the Information and Culture Department. New rules allow for immediate penalties for offenders. The Punjab Council of Arts has called for script submissions for Eid performances. The Punjab Arts Council had previously enforced SOPs, but non-compliance has been cited as a reason for the industry's decline. Theatre closures threaten the livelihoods of those in the industry, despite its cultural significance and role in social reform. Past government actions under Information and Culture Minister Amir Mir included theatre closures and proposed amendments to tighten regulations. Producer Raheel Shah criticizes the lack of government support for training in discerning vulgarity.

Gilgit-Baltistan residents are suffering from severe electricity shortages and disruptions in mobile phone and Internet services, with urban areas facing up to 18 hours of loadshedding and rural areas up to 22 hours. The communication crisis has affected daily life, economic sectors, and has left many educated youths unemployed due to their reliance on the Internet for freelancing. The speaker of the Gilgit-Baltistan assembly, Nazir Ahmad, has formed a committee to ensure uninterrupted communication services, highlighting the impact on education, government operations, and the economy. The Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority noted that the communication breakdown is hindering rescue operations during natural disasters.

Gilgit-Baltistan residents are suffering from severe electricity shortages and disruptions in mobile phone and Internet services, with urban areas facing up to 18 hours of loadshedding and rural areas up to 22 hours. The communication crisis has affected daily life, economic sectors, and has left many educated youths unemployed due to their reliance on the Internet for freelancing. The speaker of the Gilgit-Baltistan assembly, Nazir Ahmad, has formed a committee to ensure uninterrupted communication services, highlighting the impact on education, government operations, and the economy. The Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority noted that the communication breakdown is hindering rescue operations during natural disasters.

Over 60 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters were arrested in Lahore on terrorism charges following protests against alleged election rigging. Police baton-charged peaceful protestors and detained prominent figures including parliamentarians. Terrorism cases were registered against 42 PTI workers, and FIRs allege violent actions against police. PTI MNA Latif Khosa and leader Salman Akram Raja were also detained but later released on bail. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan condemned the state's actions, emphasizing the right to peaceful assembly. PTI leader Hammad Azhar criticized the use of terrorism charges to suppress dissent.

On January 28, police in Lahore arrested over 50 workers from PTI and PTM during separate protests at Liberty Roundabout. PTM protested the arrest of their leader, Manzoor Pashteen, while PTI demonstrated as part of their election campaign. The police, citing Section 144, enforced restrictions on gatherings, leading to the arrests. PTI's Salman Akram Raja criticized the restrictions on their campaign activities, while PTM's Moin Wazir recounted the arrest and subsequent release of their colleagues. The imposition of Article 144 has limited the freedom of campaigning and protests, drawing criticism for being an oppressive move by the government.

Rallies and demonstrations have taken place globally in support of the Baloch solidarity march and sit-in by the Baloch Yekjehti Committee in Islamabad, protesting against enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan. Protests occurred in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, with the Baloch community demanding action from the British government and the UN. The Balochistan Martyrs’ Forum set up a camp in Islamabad, providing support to protestors. Former Caretaker Minister of Sports, Balochistan, Jamal Raisani, visited the camp, calling for military courts in Balochistan. The Islamabad High Court has ordered the release of arrested protesters and prohibited harassment, allowing the protests to continue.

The protest against enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Islamabad has reached its 16th day. Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Manzoor Pashteen, and others were booked for sedition by Khairpur police. The Islamabad High Court ordered protection for the protesters and appointed a focal person for communication, with the next hearing scheduled for January 19.

The protest against enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Islamabad has reached its 16th day. Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Manzoor Pashteen, and others were booked for sedition by Khairpur police. The Islamabad High Court ordered protection for the protesters and appointed a focal person for communication, with the next hearing scheduled for January 19.