More Heat
The National Disaster Management Authority has warned that most parts of Pakistan will experience a heatwave from April 22 (today) through April 27. According to an advisory, Balochistan and Sindh are forecast to experience significantly higher temperatures than usual throughout the week, while hot weather is also expected in most parts of Punjab, KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir.
Sustainable Reforms
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has assured International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva of the government’s commitment to reforms in a meeting on the sidelines of ongoing Spring Meetings in Washington. He has also thanked the IMF chief for the Staff-Level Agreement on the First Review under the Extended Fund Facility.
Entrenched Positions
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to formally cancel the proposed Cholistan canals project to alleviate public concerns prior to initiating dialogue on the initiative between the Sindh and federal governments. Speaking with local media, he has claimed this would end ongoing protests, stressing that they are increasing burdens on the public.
Overseas Employment
Data issued by the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment shows that more than 172,000 Pakistani workers went abroad for employment during the first three months of 2025. Of this figure, Saudi Arabia was the most popular destination with 121,970 workers, while the United States trailed by a comparatively paltry 257.
Selective Unity
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman have agreed to maintain their respective parties’ independent political paths while collaborating on national and public interest issues. Both leaders said they had found common ground on the Gaza genocide and resistance to government policies, but did not believe in any formal alliance.
One More Month
The Balochistan government has extended Baloch Yakjehti Committee leader Mahrang Baloch’s detention for 30 days. The activist was initially taken into custody on March 22 for 30 days’ detention under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance. Attempts to secure her freedom have failed to net any gains, with the Balochistan High Court directing the civil administration to consider her case.
No Grand Alliance
The PTI’s hopes for a “grand alliance” with the JUIF seem increasingly unlikely, as the parties struggle to overcome differences stemming from the former ruling party’s overtures to the security establishment. The JUIF’s decision comes as a blow to the PTI, which had hoped to utilize its former rival’s “street power” to exert pressure on the government.
Fiscal Shortfall
Authorities in Pakistan have managed to secure only $12.5 billion in foreign loans in the first nine months of 2024-25 against the budgeted target of $19.2 billion by June 30. Half of this portfolio is legacy rollovers from China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, while fresh loans and grant inflows amounted to $5.51 billion, almost 20% lower than the comparable period of the last fiscal year.
Single Window Woes
The Executive Committee of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has expressed annoyance at ministries for allegedly using delaying tactics in implementing its decisions and instructions in letter and spirit. The forum has stressed the SIFC’s directions are binding and made clear no excuses regarding the delay of summaries will be tolerated.
Tackling Smog
The Punjab Environmental Protection Department has launched the country’s first aerial surveillance initiative by establishing a dedicated drone-based monitoring company, dubbed the “Hawk Eye Project.” The project will conduct aerial environmental monitoring using thermal-equipped drones and a specially trained GIS wing to identify industries engaged in environmentally harmful activities.