Cheap Power
P.M. Sharif’s announced cut in electricity prices comprises Rs. 1.90 in quarterly tariff adjustments; Rs. 1.71 against Rs. 10/liter increase in PDL on petrol and diesel; Rs. 1/unit from a Rs. 791/unit grid levy on industrial captive power plants; and roughly Rs. 3 on account of revised contracts of independent power producers. The ad hoc approach raises questions about the long-term sustainability of the relief.
Advanced Weapons
A report compiled by Geneva-based Small Arms Survey has suggested that weapons left behind by Soviet and NATO forces in Afghanistan remain accessible in its eastern provinces and Pakistan’s tribal districts. The report indicates that restrictions imposed by Kabul are doing little to curb the illicit flow of ammunition, as well as small arms, light weapons and accessories.
Gas for Water
TPL Properties has reported that it discovered a gas pocket in Korangi Creek while drilling a test well for water exploration. The company has submitted a note to the Pakistan Stock Exchange stating that preliminary technical assessments and independent evaluations suggest the gas is likely low biogenic methane, which is naturally produced through the decomposition of organic matter.
Decades-Low Inflation
Pakistan’s headline inflation slowed to 0.7% year-on-year in March 2025, the lowest reading since December 1965, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. Month-on-month, inflation stood at 0.9%, compared to a 0.8% in February and 1.7% in March 2024. Hailing the development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said reducing inflation to single digits is realization of the PMLN’s election manifesto.
Quetta Long March
Balochistan National Party (BNP-M) chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal has announced his party will leave Mastung for Quetta on April 6 if Baloch Yakjehti Committee leader Mahrang Baloch remains imprisoned. He has vowed to stage a sit-in at Quetta until Mahrang’s release, warning the government of “consequences” if it attempts to prevent the party’s march.
Canals Conflict
In response to criticism from the PPP over the proposed Cholistan canals project, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has alleged that it is a longstanding tactic of the party to politicize the issue of canals. She has advised the party to first resolve whether it believes the water belongs to Sindh or Punjab, adding it should seek answers from President Zardari rather than Punjab C.M. Maryam Nawaz.
Diplomatic Response
Pakistan has decided to respond to Trump’s imposition of trade tariffs with diplomacy and seek a review of the decision. A high-level meeting has directed the Pakistan embassy in Washington to meet the U.S. trade representative and inform them that Pakistan’s trade weighted average tariffs on U.S. goods are 7.3% compared to 9.9% charged by the U.S.
Infighting Intensifies
The PTI’s Internal Accountability Committee has initiated a probe against former Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa finance and health minister Taimur Saleem Jhagra, accusing him of financial mismanagement, governance lapses, and corruption. The party leader has denied all accusations, terming them baseless and politically motivated. Jhagra is seen as a rival to KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
Placating Optimism
In a post on X, incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan has claimed he will be free before Eidul Azha, occurring in the first week of June this year. Khan’s statement follows reports that he has authorized several party leaders to negotiate with the establishment, though the party’s senior leadership denies this.
Agricultural Concerns
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has suspended the heads of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council and the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee over their failure to address the country’s cotton production decline. A key complaint against both organizations is an inability to innovate to counter the decline of cotton production through new cotton varieties that are resistant to the impact of climate change.