Seeking Reconciliation
The PMLN-led federal government has agreed to initiate dialogue with the PPP’s Sindh government to address the deepening controversy over the Cholistan canals project. Adviser to the P.M. Rana Sanaullah has said the issue shouldn’t be politicized, emphasizing that the matter can be resolved through talks. Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon has welcomed the willingness for dialogue.
Perennial Infighting
Rifts within the PTI leadership continue to widen, as members of the party’s internal accountability committee are now also at odds with each other. Two of the three-member committee have criticized the third for unilaterally sharing an inquiry report into corruption allegations against KP Assembly Speaker Babar Swati with Salman Akram Raja, stressing it was for Imran Khan eyes only.
Zero Tolerance
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has emphasized zero tolerance for mobs targeting international fast-food outlets, alleging the assaults are part of an organized conspiracy against development and investment. She has noted the outlets employ 25,000 Pakistanis, adding 149 suspects have been taken into custody and will be prosecuted.
Protesting for Palestine
The Jamaat-e-Islami has called for a nationwide strike on April 26 to protest the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza. In recent weeks, the party has staged marches in Karachi and Islamabad, with chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman stressing that the global Muslim community must unite to bring a halt to the genocide. He has also urged all political parties in Pakistan to unite for Palestine.
Easing Tensions
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s one-day visit to Kabul has enabled easing of tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan—but security concerns remain a sticking point requiring sustained engagement. Another sore point between the two countries is the ongoing repatriation of undocumented Afghans, with Kabul lamenting the “mishandling” of the deportation process.
Sidelining Beggars
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has assured the Saudi ambassador to Pakistan that the country is ramping up efforts to wipe out Pakistani beggar gangs operating in the Gulf kingdom, acknowledging they are tarnishing the country’s image abroad. As evidence of ‘brotherly ties,’ the minister has noted that Saudi nationals have the facility of visa-free travel to Pakistan.
Eradicating Polio
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has launched a seven-day nationwide polio vaccinating campaign as the country continues to work toward eradicating the debilitating disease. The government learnt last week that no new cases of the virus have been reported since February, with the prime minister stressing the progress must continue on the “national cause” to achieve permanent relief from the disease.
Provincial Water
Amidst ongoing tensions between Punjab and Sindh over water rights, the Indus River System Authority has increased provincial water shares after a shortage predicted for Kharif season dropped from 43% to 27%. Authorities say this raises hopes for a better cotton harvest, as the predicted shortfall had triggered fears of a crop shortfall.
Support Price Withdrawal
The Food and Agriculture Organization has revealed that Pakistan’s removal of wheat support price since 2024 has increased market availability, lowering consumer prices of the staple. Recent global trends have similarly reduced export prices, further enabling a boost in supply for the open market that benefits consumers.
Boosting Connectivity
The Pakistan International Airlines has commenced direct flights from Lahore to Baku, Azerbaijan, reflecting the carrier’s strategy to expand its international network and boost connectivity between Pakistan and Central Asia. Government officials have said the move will facilitate tourism, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif maintaining PIA will soon launch direct flights with other friendly countries too.