End is Near
U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated claims the Iran war is nearing its conclusion. In a nationally televised address, he vowed to strike Iran “extremely hard,” and maintained the U.S. had already “won” the conflict. His words did little to reassure oil markets, which saw prices shoot up after his address after a brief decline the day prior.
Ceasefire Option
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has recently communicated with intermediaries from Pakistan about the Iran conflict, signaling that Donald Trump is open to a ceasefire as long as certain American demands were met. According to Reuters, Vance also delivered a “stern message” that Trump was impatient and would start targeting Iranian infrastructure unless Tehran agreed to a deal.
Mutual Destruction
Iran’s military has warned of “more destructive” attacks if its opponents, Israel and the United States, don’t “surrender.” In a statement, the spokesperson of its armed forces’ unified command said U.S. and Israeli assessments of Iran’s military capabilities were “incomplete” and Tehran had “more crushing, broader and more destructive” attacks in store for its adversaries.
Terror Down
Pakistan recorded a 35% reduction in combat-related fatalities during March, coinciding with Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq, according to data compiled by an independent think-tank. The data notes that the while overall number of attacks increased during the month, high-profile attacks decreased, triggering a reduction in human losses.
Population Planning
Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has warned Pakistan may surpass Indonesia in population growth within the next five years, dubbing the situation a national challenge that places immense pressure on healthcare, education, infrastructure, and employment. He said it was not possible to achieve sustainable development unless the government controlled population growth.
Unconstitutional Release Force
The Federal Constitutional Court has sought a response from KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi regarding his stated plan to form an “Imran Khan Release Force” after taking up a petition maintaining it violates Articles 5, 17, and 256 of the Constitution, as well as the Private Military Organizations (Abolition and Prohibition) Act, 1973.
Ending the Subsidy
Pakistan has committed to the IMF that it will raise domestic fuel prices in line with global trends if it cannot identify additional savings to maintain current levels. Reportedly, the government has informed the lender the existing subsidy on petrol and diesel is “temporary,” adding discussions are ongoing with provinces to find more fiscal space for maintaining the fuel prices.
Border Fencing
The Information Ministry has dismissed claims from Afghans on social media alleging the removal of barbed wire fencing along the Pak-Afghan border. Dubbing the report “fabricated and devoid of facts,” it said the fence remained intact, adding all attempts to remove the fence received an immediate, heavy and disproportionate response.
Empowering Youth
The State Bank of Pakistan has introduced a new framework of bank accounts for teenagers, enabling them to independently own and operate bank accounts and digital wallets. The central bank said the initiative aims to empower the country’s youth to save securely, transact confidently, and develop responsible financial habits.
Deregulating Sugar
The federal government has finalized a new national sugar policy aimed at ending political control over prices, production and sales, opening the highly controlled sector to competition. The draft National De-Regulation Policy aims to promote market efficiency, enhance competition, safeguard consumer welfare, and unlock the true economic potential of the sector, farmers and millers.