Back to Islamabad
U.S. President Donald Trump has said he thinks the Iran war is “close to over,” adding he believes Tehran wants to make a deal “very badly.” He told journalists a second round of talks between Iran and the U.S. could resume in Islamabad within two days, as he praised Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir for mediating the first round that ended inconclusively last week.
‘Peak Relief Strategy’
The Power Division has announced 2.25 hours of daily ‘loadshedding,’ dubbed ‘Peak Relief Strategy,’ between the hours of 5 p.m. and 1 a.m. in much of the country. Sindh has been exempted from the power outages because its plants consume minimal furnace oil, with the Power Division claiming the move aims to prevent a hefty increase to electricity prices amid the Middle East conflict.
Money Talks
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has urged businessmen of the country to bring back at least 30% of their money from abroad, claiming it is not difficult to bring $10 billion back before the next budget is due in June. The federal minister has claimed the government would be more inclined to take measures to facilitate the business community if they invest in the country.
Financial Support
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said Saudi Arabia has committed $3 billion in additional financial support for Pakistan, adding the Gulf kingdom is also extending its existing $5 billion deposit for a longer period. According to the minister, the support comes at a critical time for external financing needs and will help bolster reserves and strengthen the external account.
Seeking Relief
PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan has urged the incumbent PMLN-led government to work toward a “ceasefire” with opposition parties, while noting there are currently no talks with his party. Praising the country’s mediation efforts between Iran and the United States, he has claimed that “internal stability” in the country is essential for “global stability.”
One More Charge
The FIA has reportedly finalized a charge-sheet in the foreign funding case, designating incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan as the prime accused. The case alleges the accused received illegal funding amounting to $2.1 million, adding the PTI received an additional $2.1 million from a company named “Wootton Cricket Limited,” which the party says is owned by Arif Naqvi.
Recession Woes
The IMF has warned of a potential global recession if the Iran war worsens, adding it expects growth scenarios to be either weaker, worse, or severe compared to its pre-war outlook. It has also noted that amidst higher expectations of inflation, central banks must take steps to bring inflation back down, adding this may inflict “more pain” than in 2022.
Taking Off
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to depart for official visits to Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Qatar. According to the Foreign Office, the trip aims to discuss bilateral cooperation as well as regional peace and security. He would also participate in the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum and present Pakistan’s stance in the Leaders’ Panel with other world leaders.
Outbreak
Sindh has reported 25 positive cases of mpox thus far this year, resulting in nine deaths, with authorities claiming all are linked to local transmission. The disease was initially reported among citizens with a travel history, particularly from the Gulf, but has now entered a dangerous phase of local transmission. Cases of the virus have also been reported in KP and Punjab but no deaths have been reported.
Resisting Eviction
At least eight policemen and dozens of villagers were injured after they clashed over an anti-encroachment operation launched by the Capital Development Authority in the Bari Imam area. The operation, per the CDA, sought to demolish illegal structures, with locals claiming they have resided in the area for generations and are being ousted without notice.