PSL X Kicks Off
The Pakistan Super League’s 10th edition will commence at Rawalpindi Stadium tonight (Friday), with defending champions Islamabad United facing off against the Lahore Qalandars. The event will launch with an opening ceremony before the start of play. This year’s tournament runs from April 11 to May 18, with matches to be played in Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi.
Another Tariff Hike
Gas consumers are facing another tariff hike in the next fiscal year, as the SNGPL and SSGC have both submitted requested to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority seeking price increases. The state-run gas companies have cited growing financial requirements for the tariff hike, with OGRA to take up their requests for hearing later this month.
PIA Privatization
The government’s adviser on privatization has reaffirmed that authorities will attempt to offload the national flag carrier before the end of the year. The process will begin with fresh expressions of interest later this month, with authorities expressing optimism that this round will not collapse like the previous attempt last year.
Consequences of Deportation
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has announced the government will block the passports of Pakistanis deported from other countries over criminal activities to deter Pakistani nationals from committing illegal acts while abroad. The minister has directed relevant authorities to complete all legal formalities regarding the new requirements. He has also vowed to implement policies to curb illegal migration.
Afghan Repatriation
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has warned that Afghan refugees awaiting resettlement to Western countries will be deported from Pakistan if their host nations do not accept them by April 30. Ruling out any blanket extensions to the March 31 deadline for the repatriation of Afghan Citizen Card holders, he said individual extensions were possible for unique circumstances.
Pak-Afghan Ties
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated that Islamabad has informed Kabul that the primary barrier to improved bilateral ties remains the presence of militant sanctuaries in Afghanistan. Pakistan has repeatedly urged the interim Afghanistan government to prevent the use of its soil for terrorism against Pakistan, with security forces even staging aerial strikes on suspected terror hideouts.
Restricted Visits
Segments of the PTI continue to struggle to gain access to incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan, as some party leaders are allowed to meet him while others are repeatedly denied entry to Adiala Jail. The restrictions have angered PTI leaders, who maintain they violate high court orders that had permitted the party to meet Khan twice a week.
Energy Reforms
The Government of Pakistan has agreed to several new commitments with the International Monetary Fund to reform the country’s energy sector, including regular tariff increases for both gas and electricity, transferring circular debt to the Central Power Purchasing Agency, and a complete halt on introducing new subsidies. The steps aim to reduce costs in the energy sector to achieve sustainability.
Back to Exports
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities concerned to consult industry experts on boosting the country’s exports, with a particular focus on facilitating the import of raw materials and machinery for export-oriented industries. The premier has also called for providing a level playing field for domestic manufacturers, stressing on the need to slash production costs.
Balochistan Unrest
As Akhtar Mengal’s BNP continues its sit-in at Lakpass, the Balochistan High Court has reserved its ruling on a petition seeking the release of detained Baloch Yakjehti Committee leader Mahrang Baloch, a key demand of the BNP. If the court allows the release of Baloch, and the order is implemented, it is likely that the sit-in that has paralyzed the region will come to an end.