Sindh Blockades
Exporters and traders are urging the Sindh and federal governments to resolve the ongoing sit-ins along major highways in the province, warning the demonstrations are inflicting significant losses to the economy. The PPP-led Sindh government has failed to convince the protesters that a proposed canals project will not proceed despite the center assuring it will be shelved without consensus of all provinces.
Counter-Terrorism
Security forces have foiled an attempt by terrorists to infiltrate into North Waziristan from the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, killing at least 54 militants. The military’s media wing has said this marks the highest-ever number of terrorists killed by the security forces in a single engagement during the entire campaign against terrorism.
Brotherly Neighbor
China has voiced its support for Pakistan’s efforts to safeguard its territorial integrity and sovereignty in the wake of mounting tensions with India after the Pahalgam attack. Urging both sides to show restraint, Beijing has backed Islamabad’s call for an impartial investigation, stressing conflict serves neither the fundamental interests of India and Pakistan, nor regional peace and stability.
Safe Destination
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has assured foreign investors Pakistan is a safe destination for investment, emphasizing the government is committed to protecting them at all costs. Describing the protection of investors as a top priority for the government, he said proactive measures are underway to protect investors and “strict action” launched against violent miscreants.
Water Wars
Over the weekend, India released water into the Jhelum river without informing Pakistan, raising the river’s water level 7-8 feet above normal. The release followed Delhi’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, though stood in contrast to the neighboring country’s claim of “stopping” water to Pakistan, as it instead boosted flows.
Brutal Crackdown
In the wake of the Pahalgam attack, Indian forces have launched a sweeping crackdown in India-held Kashmir, arresting more than 2,000 Kashmiris and demolishing several homes. Critics have described the actions as a form of “collective” punishment, mimicking Israeli tactics of occupation and dispossession to render Kashmiris homeless and break their resistance to Indian rule.
White Whale
Amidst the PMLN-led federal government’s privatization drive, the PMLN-led Punjab government has approved a plan to launch the ‘Air Punjab’ provincial airline, raising questions about the province’s financial management. Critics have noted that any funds for the airline are better spent on healthcare and education, not another potentially loss-making state carrier.
Salary Reforms
The federal government has formally notified that retired public servants rejoining government service, whether on a contract or regular basis, will have to pick between drawing a salary or receiving pension, and cannot claim both simultaneously. The move aims to reform policies that were placing additional burden on the government exchequer and hampering the career progression of existing employees.
Clash of Nations
Amidst ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India, protesters of both countries have clashed outside the missions of both countries in central London. The Indian protesters have also found support from pro-Israel voices. London police have thus far arrested several Indians suspected of stoking racial tensions or causing criminal damage to the Pakistani mission.
Calls for Relief
Ahead of the tabling of the federal budget for fiscal year 2025-26, calls are mounting for the government to stop burdening the salaried class, which has been repaid for its tax compliance with increasingly higher rates. Experts are urging the government to focus on expanding the tax net, noting prevailing policies are not fair, just or equitable.