Politically Exposed Person (PEP) Weekly Digest – Volume 83

83rd PEP Weekly Digest:

Introducing the 83rd edition of The PEP Weekly Digest, where we present to you the most recent updates and news on the global political stage.

Recent and upcoming elections influence the worldwide political landscape in eight nations, slated between Dec 14, 2024 and Feb 09, 2025. These elections hold significant importance, as they will determine the direction and governance of each respective country’s future.

Chaos Unfolds as Witch Doctor July Moyo Appointed Energy Minister Amidst Nation’s Deepening Energy Crisis.

One noteworthy event has occurred in Zimbabwe, Chaos Looms as Witch Doctor July Moyo Becomes Energy Minister in a Nation Entrenched in Ritualistic Folklore. In a move that has ignited controversy, ridicule, and fear, the President of our beleaguered nation has appointed July Moyo, his long-time ritualistic witch doctor, as the new Minister of Energy. In a country already grappling with bizarre and deeply superstitious practices surrounding electricity production, this decision has sent shockwaves through both the public and international observers.

The appointment comes as the nation faces a dire energy crisis, marked by daily blackouts lasting up to 18 hours and industries crippled by erratic power supplies. But instead of pursuing tangible solutions rooted in science and technology, the government appears to have embraced the absurd. Moyo, notorious for his ritualistic practices, is expected to oversee the country’s energy portfolio, raising fears of even more unconventional and unscientific attempts to “generate” power.

Ajay Kumar Bhalla Sworn in as 19th Governor of Manipur Amid Ongoing Ethnic Violence

Shifting our focus to India, Former union home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla took oath as the 19th governor of Manipur during a function at the Raj Bhavan on January 3, Friday. Bhalla was administered the oath of office by Manipur High Court Chief Justice D. Krishnakumar. Bhalla inspected the guard of honor by Manipur Rifles personnel. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, MLAs, high-ranking officials, police officers, among others, took part in the oath-taking ceremony.

The reshuffle comes in the midst of ongoing ethnic violence that has plagued the northeastern state since May 2023. Bhalla, a 1984-batch retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, replaces Lakshman Prasad Acharya, who held the Manipur post since July 2023. President Droupadi Murmu appointed Bhalla the governor of Manipur last month. Bhalla, who has the rare distinction of being the longest-serving union home secretary, completed his five-year tenure in August last year.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch Appointed Pakistan’s New Ambassador to France

In Pakistan, Foreign Minister spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch as Ambassador to France. The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that its spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, has been appointed as the country’s new ambassador to France. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, confirmed this decision, acknowledging the significant contributions and services of Mumtaz Zahra Baloch. In a press briefing on Friday, January 3, 2025, Ishaq Dar stated that Mumtaz Zahra Baloch would begin her duties as the Ambassador of Pakistan to Paris in the coming days. He emphasized that during her tenure as spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Baloch had effectively managed the office, ensuring clear and efficient communication

Bermuda-Based Meritus Trust Company Fined $600,000 for Financial Regulation Violations

In the realm of regulatory affairs, a Bermudian-based company has been hit with civil penalties totalling $600,000 for failing to fully comply with financial regulations. In a statement released the Bermuda Monetary Authority said it had levied the penalty on Meritus Trust Company Ltd. The BMA said it was because of failures to adequately comply with some obligations under the Proceeds of Crime (Anti-Money Laundering & Anti-Terrorist Financing) Regulations 2008, the Trusts Act and the Corporate Service Provider Business Act 2012. The statement said Meritus had since remediated the identified breaches “to the satisfaction of the authority”. A spokesman for Meritus Trust said: “Meritus respects the important work the authority does to ensure its licensed entities are strictly adhering to the highest standards of regulatory compliance.

Former Gilgit-Baltistan CM Khalid Khurshid Khan Sentenced to 34 Years for Threatening Security Agencies

Shifting our attention to Pakistan, an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan sentenced Gilgit-Baltistan’s former chief minister Khalid Khurshid Khan to 34 years in prison for threatening the region’s security agencies. Cases of sedition and terrorism were registered against Khan following a protest in July 2024, where he was accused of delivering a threatening speech. The Anti-Terrorism Court No. 1 of Gilgit-Baltistan stated in its ruling that according to the prosecution, Khan had threatened the Chief Secretary of Gilgit-Baltistan, police personnel, and intelligence agencies during the protest in Gilgit on July 26, 2024. The former chief minister reportedly claimed he would not spare anyone if he came to power again. The case further alleged that Khan incited violence against sensitive institutions.

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