Military Action
Amidst reports of troop build-up on both sides of the Pak-India border, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has warned that “credible intelligence” reports indicate Delhi is planning military action against Pakistan within the next 24-36 hours. Stressing that any such action would trigger a decisive response, the minister said the “onus of escalatory spiral” and its consequences lie squarely on India.
Irrefutable Evidence
In a media briefing, military spokesman Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has made public evidence supporting Pakistan’s assertion that India is involved in state-sponsored cross-border terrorism. Chaudhry said authorities had apprehended a suspected terrorist trained in India and intercepted calls of serving Indian Army officers directing terrorists to cause civilian casualties in Pakistan.
Misappropriated Funds
A National Accountability Bureau investigation has uncovered evidence of a Rs. 40 billion scam in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government’s accounts regarding misappropriation of funds from 2020 through 2024. Initial investigations have suggested the involvement of influential political figures and senior government officials. The KP government has vowed a thorough probe into the matter.
Legal Response
Pakistan is preparing to launch international legal action against India over unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Minister of State for Law and Justice Aqeel Malik has said the government is considering three potential options: raising the issue at the World Bank; approaching the Permanent Court of Arbitration; or approaching the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
Drone Down
Over the past 24 hours, Pakistan has shot down two Indian quadcopters that violated the country’s airspace along the Line of Control (LoC) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities have alleged the drones were attempting aerial surveillance when Pakistani troops intercepted and shot them down. The incursion attempt coincides with a heavy exchange of fire across the LoC.
Unified Front
Incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that India’s aggression against Pakistan has united the nation. Supporting his assertion, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Gohar Ali Khan has said the party fully supports the decisions taken by the government in response to India’s actions, stressing authorities should facilitate meetings with Khan to build national support for the conflict.
Strike Over
Incarcerated Baloch Yakjehti Committee chief organizer Mahrang Baloch has ended a hunger strike a day after the Balochistan High Court admitted her plea for overturning her detention. The BYC leader and her supporters had been on hunger strike for five days over their detentions, raising fears of rapid health deterioration.
Resuming Trade
Lawyers and nationalist parties have called off all protests over the controversial Cholistan canals project, noting the Council of Common Interests’ decision as well as prevailing tensions arising from India. The decision has led to a resumption of trade between Sindh and Punjab, facilitating traders, exporters and transporters, who had been lamenting the loss of revenue due to the sit-ins.
Another Tariff Hike
The government has indicated a potential surge in electricity bills during the summer months, citing reduced hydropower generation and greater reliance on expensive fuels. The anticipated increases risks negating relief announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in March, which analysts had described as “temporary” despite ministers maintaining it was sustainable.
Mob lynching
A mob in India’s southern Karnataka state lynched an unidentified man for allegedly shouting “Pakistan Zindabad” during a local cricket match, Home Minister G. Parameshwara has confirmed. The incident occurred on April 27 and is currently under investigation, with the minister calling for peace and harmony. Thus far police have arrested 15 suspects of the 25 people allegedly involved in the assault.