Seeking Alliances
The PTI has ramped up efforts to establish an opposition alliance in hopes of pressuring the government after the collapse of talks aimed at achieving political stability. In addition to currying favor with JUIF chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the party has now roped in former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and is striving to convince former PPP senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar to join its ranks.
Export Concerns
Pakistan’s cotton and textiles industries have voiced alarm over indications that the country’s preferential trade status under the GSP+ regime is under threat. In recent weeks, the European Union has urged Islamabad to ensure implementation of international commitments related to human rights, warning a review mission due in June 2025 could restrict or suspend the GSP+ status if violations persist.
Support for Kashmir
Marking Kashmir Solidarity Day, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Asim Munir has assured the Kashmiri people that Pakistan will never abandon them in their just struggle against state-sponsored repression. In a separate statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on India to engage in meaningful and decisive talks to resolve the long-pending issue.
Infighting Intensifies
Disgruntled PTI lawmakers have decided to write to party founder Imran Khan seeking action against Chairman Gohar Ali Khan for “decisions against party interests.” The MNAs claim Gohar often opposes laws tabled by members of his party. Political bickering within the PTI has intensified since the incarceration of Imran Khan, with party leaders acknowledging multiple groups are working at odds.
Pak-China Ties
President Asif Ali Zardari has reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to its ties with China during an ongoing five-day visit to the neighboring state. The visit has attracted significant attention from observers as it coincides with rising tensions between the U.S. and China, suggesting Islamabad is unwilling to side with Washington at the expense of its ties with Beijing.
Missing Targets
The Pakistan Business Council has written to P.M. Shehbaz Sharif, claiming industries will miss his target for increasing exports of $60 billion within three years due to a surge in gas prices for captive power plants. Required by the IMF, the tariff rationalization aims to reduce the circular debt and encourage a shift to the national electricity grid.
Positive Trajectory
Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has claimed improving macroeconomic indicators, particularly declining inflation, indicate the country is proceeding toward economic recovery. In meeting with PMLN MPAs, he has praised the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, stressing such actions reflect the PMLN’s dedication to public service.
Not Cricket
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has criticized the PTI for planning protests on dates of Champions Trophy matches, alleging such actions attempt to isolate Pakistan. Claiming such protests are “anti-national,” he has accused the party of putting its political ambitions ahead of national interests. The PTI maintains it will not hamper the conduct of international matches during the Champions Trophy.
Inheriting Leadership
The Ismaili Muslim community has named Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan as its 50th imam. Rahim inherits the post from his father, Mawlana Shah Karim Aga Khan IV, who died at the age of 88 earlier this week. In accordance with tradition, the new imam inherits the spiritual and institutional leadership of the Ismaili community from his late father.
Gaza Outrage
U.S. President Donald Trump has been forced to issue a clarification amidst mounting global outrage over remarks indicating Washington aimed to “take over” the Gaza Strip and force Palestinians to resettle in neighboring countries. In a statement, a spokesman for Trump has claimed the U.S. has not committed to any troop deployment and is only seeking “temporary” relocation to allow for rebuilding.