Art of the Deal
A delegation led by the Ministry of Commerce will soon visit Washington to seek a new trade deal with the U.S. following the imposition of 29% ‘reciprocal’ tariffs by the Trump administration. Ahead of the anticipated visit, the ministry has sought proposals from all relevant ministries to devise a joint strategy regarding reciprocal trade.
Legal Fuel
The federal and Balochistan governments have directed the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority to exchange information with the province regarding a strategy to expand the network of oil marketing companies (OMCs) in the region. Authorities say the poor distribution of OMCs in Balochistan facilitates the smuggling and use of fuel from Iran, hampering the national economy.
Electricity Prices
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed officials to prioritize further relief in in power tariffs in the national interest. He has suggested maintaining petrol prices amidst a global decline in rates and diverting the savings to the power sector. According to the premier, a reduction in electricity prices will prove more beneficial for all sectors of the economy.
Heatwave Warning
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has declared an ongoing heatwave in a majority of Sindh province, warning daytime temperatures can surge 5-7°C above normal in several districts in the coming days. Amidst the rising temperatures, weather authorities have advised the public to avoid direct sun exposure, stay hydrated, and take protective measures between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Joint Efforts
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio have discussed the in Afghanistan, agreeing on the need to resolve the issue of U.S. military equipment left behind after the withdrawal of NATO forces in 2021. The American official has assured Dar that cooperation in economy and trade will be the hallmark of future relations between the two countries.
Judicial Stay
The Sindh High Court has barred the Indus River System Authority from proceeding with the planned construction of new canals on the Indus River over the allegedly illegal appointment of the body’s federal member for Sindh. The federal government has been granted 10 days to respond to the petitioner’s allegation.
Terrorists, Not Civilians
State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry has defended a recent security operation in Mardan’s Katlang area that killed at least 11 people, maintaining that all slain individuals were militants and not civilians, as alleged by the opposition. According to Chaudhry, the action was part of a broader intelligence-based campaign under the National Action Plan and was conducted in a region with no civilian population.
Prioritizing Health
The Economic Coordination Committee of the federal cabinet has approved a technical supplementary grant of Rs. 23.434 billion for the Federal Directorate of Immunization for the immunization of over eight million children under two years of age against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. It also approved Rs. 3.57 billion for the construction of a 1,000-bed academic medical center in Islamabad.
Not Our Fault
Even as the PTI’s U.S. cohort lauds the tabling of a recent U.S. act seeking sanctions on Pakistan Army officials, the party’s Pakistani chapter has maintained it has no connection to the legislation. PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan has also denied any contacts between the party and a U.S. delegation visiting Islamabad to attend the Pakistan Mineral Investment Forum.
Nuclear Talks
Despite President Donald Trump claiming the U.S. and Iran are poised to begin direct talks on Tehran’s nuclear program, Iran’s foreign minister has said the upcoming discussions in Oman will be indirect. The talks have taken on utmost importance, as Trump has warned that if they prove unsuccessful, Iran is “going to be in great danger,” hinting at a potential new regional conflict.