No Shortage of Remittances
State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad has claimed Pakistan received a record $4.1 billion in workers’ remittances in March 2025. In light of the surge, the central bank has revised its projection for cumulative remittances in FY2024-25 to $38 billion from the earlier $36 billion. If the trend persists, he said, the current account may remain in surplus for the rest of this fiscal year.
Penalizing Dessert
The government is considering imposing a 20% “health” tax on food and drink products, including bakery and confectionary items, to boost revenue and promote public health. Among the items facing taxation are ice cream, cereals, preserved fruits, and even dessert mixes and baking items. The move risks spiraling costs for the baking industry, further burdening consumers.
No More Deals
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has rejected any possibility of the government inking any deal with those working against Pakistan’s interests, in an apparent reference to the PTI. The senior PMLN leader has also claimed the Punjab government is aiming to commemorate a “safe” Basant next year, with several strategies being considered to ensure the smooth functioning of the event.
Kurram Unrest
In accordance with the Kohat peace agreement, authorities have dismantled 979 bunkers in Kurram over the past two months. Officials have said 1,984 vehicles carrying food supplies and medicines have reached the affected areas over the past three months, adding local jirgas are working to devise a peace declaration aimed at achieving long-term stability.
Overseas Outreach
Hundreds of overseas Pakistanis from around 60 countries have reached Islamabad to participate in the Overseas Pakistanis’ Convention, organized by the government to engage with the overseas community and assure them their rights are a priority. The three-day event includes a cultural event and an address by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Canals Controversy
The Pakistan Kissan Rabita Committee has staged protests against corporate farming, construction of six canals, lack of wheat support price, and the privatization of the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation in 30 towns and cities nationwide. The protesters claim corporate farming hurts small farmers and prioritizes profits over sustainability and social justice.
Polio Hub
The federal health minister has announced that the country recorded 44,000 cases of polio vaccine refusal of which 34,000 were in Karachi alone. He said the bulk of refusals in Karachi were from Urdu-speaking families (15,000), and Pashto-speaking parents (10,000). He has urged the public to reject rumors about the vaccine, stressing the medicine is completely safe.
Targeting Terror
A U.S. congressional delegation visiting Pakistan has praised the Army for its critical role in combating terrorism and acknowledged the country’s resilience and strategic potential during meetings with the civil and military leadership. The delegation has also underscored their respect for Pakistan’s sovereignty and conveyed a strong commitment to advancing broad-based bilateral cooperation.
Seeking Justice
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has urged Iran to fully cooperate in investigating and bringing to justice those responsible for the murder of eight Pakistani nationals in the Sistan-Baluchestan province. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also called for the implementation of a coordinated regional strategy against terrorism, stressing that it is a threat for all regional powers.
Protesting for Gaza
The Jamaat-e-Islami and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl) have announced separate protests on April 22 and April 27, respectively to condemn the Israeli aggression in Gaza and call for global action against the violence. The JI protest will take place in Karachi, while the JUIF has said it will “march” in Lahore. Additionally, the JUIF has announced demonstrations in Multan and Islamabad.