Kashmir Protests
Following the AJK government declaring the Joint Awami Action Committee a banned organization, security forces have clashed with its supporters, resulting in the killing of at least four policemen and injuries to 20 others. At least one trader has also been killed, with fears rising of more casualties as police continue to try to disperse charged demonstrators.
GB Votes
According to unofficial and preliminary results, the PPP is leading with 10 seats in results for 24 seats of the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly, followed by six for the PMLN and seven for independents, including two affiliated with the PTI. The polls proceeded peacefully, with a likelihood of the PPP forming the government with support of either independents or the PMLN.
Doctors on Strike
The Young Doctors Association has announced an indefinite strike in Quetta to protest an acid attack on a woman doctor on Saturday. The attacker has been killed in a police encounter with initial investigations suggesting he had attacked 29-year-old Mahnoor Nasir after she rejected his advances. The incident has triggered nationwide outrage and calls for greater security for medical professionals.
Iran War
Iran and Israel have once again traded missiles as a potential deal to end the conflict triggered by joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran remains deadlocked. Amidst the uncertainty, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has delivered a “special” message to Tehran’s leadership, while U.S. Donald Trump has claimed he would advise Israel to exercise restraint as a deal is “very close.”
Dissident Group
A group of dissident PTI lawmakers from KP have slammed the provincial leadership for failing to secure the release of incarcerated party founder Imran Khan, demanding an end to alleged inaction. Led by former minister Mushtaq Ghani, the group has denied being part of any forward bloc but has demanded that any sit-in or protest for Khan’s release should be sustained until its success.
Declining Savings
A report issued by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics has warned that Pakistan’s savings rate has fallen to its lowest level in three decades, with citizens saving just Rs. 6 out of every Rs 100 earned. PIDE has urged the government to launch a national savings drive, encouraging long-term savings and improving financial security.
Seeking a Foothold
The PPP is once again trying to revive its political capital in Punjab by announcing it would stage a “major” public rally at Lahore’s Minar-e-Pakistan on July 25. Coinciding with President Asif Ali Zardari’s birthday, the event seeks to outline the PPP’s plans to contest local government elections across all union councils of Lahore.
Contradictory Statements
While alleging efforts to make the preliminary results of the GB elections controversial, the PPP—which is leading with the most seats—has alleged “irregularities,” seemingly calling into question its own victory. The JUIF and the PTI have voiced similar concerns, though their showing in the elections suggests they are claiming rigging to paper over their own losses, as is routine in Pakistan.
Foreign Investment
The Saudi Pakistan Joint Business Council has expressed interest in investing in Pakistan’s motorway projects, specifically the M6 Sukkur-Hyderabad, M10 Karachi Port and M13 Kharian-Rawalpindi. Communications Minister Aleem Khan has offered these routes for investment, asserting they are “highly viable,” commercially lucrative, and representative of prime investment opportunities.
Beds Shortage
Patients in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have alleged a sustained shortage of beds in intensive care units across government hospitals, highlighting a wider healthcare crisis in the province. According to official figures, the province of over 40 million people has just 400 ICU beds, endangering the lives of critically ill patients. The provincial government has said it plans increase the health budget to tackle the crisis.