Elusive Peace
Nearly three weeks since it was closed over unauthorized construction by the Afghan side, the Torkham border crossing is inching toward reopening following a meeting between Pakistani security officials and tribal elders. Customs officials claim the border closure is inflicting losses of around $1.5 million daily as there is a complete halt on exports to Afghanistan.
SIFC Steps Up
The joint civil-military Special Investment Facilitation Council has approved 28 major investment projects worth billions of dollars. The projects will be offered to Gulf nations for investment and include the construction of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam and mining operations at Reko Diq in Balochistan’s Chagai district. The approved projects span multiple sectors, including food, agriculture, and I.T.
Improving Performance
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has claimed the induction of new ministers, ministers of state and advisers to the federal cabinet will help improve the government’s performance and maintain the country’s journey to development and prosperity. He has stressed on reviving the Railways and utilizing the vast potential of the Maritime Affairs Ministry to drive economic growth.
Economic Gains
A Statista Travel and Tourism report has suggested Pakistan’s tourism sector can generate over $4 billion in revenue by the end of the year. The report projects the industry to grow at an annual rate of 6.75% from 2025 to 2029. It credits the growth of the sector to government initiatives to promote tourism, infrastructure development, and increased international connectivity.
Illegal Transactions
The Federal Board of Revenue has identified over 70 real estate agents allegedly involved in remitting dollars to the U.A.E. through hundi/hawala for investment in property markets, pressuring the exchange rate. The matter has now been forwarded to the FIA and other relevant authorities for further investigation. Real estate representatives claim the government must reduce taxes to discourage this.
Privatization Progress
The federal government has directed the Privatization Commission to offload the Roosevelt Hotel in New York through a competitive bidding process. However, it has not issued any orders on whether it should proceed with an all-out sale or opt for a public-private partnership. Earlier, a financial adviser had told the government a joint venture option would prove most beneficial for maximum proceeds.
Social Media Probes
A Joint Investigation Team probing alleged negative propaganda on social media has summoned Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan and Imran Khan’s sister Aleema for questioning. The move follows the Federal Investigation Agency last week summoning various other PTI leaders, with Chairman Gohar Ali Khan claiming he will raise the issue with party founder Imran Khan.
Captive Power Pricing
The federal government, on the directions of the IMF, has notified an immediate increase in gas rates for industrial captive power plants. According to an ordinance, captive power plants will now pay Rs. 4,291/mmBtu for the supply of gas. The government has also committed to increasing prices by 10% in July; another 15% in February 2026; and a further 20% by August 2026.
Forwarding Donations
The National Disaster Management Authority has informed the Public Accounts Committee that a $3 million grant provided by the Asian Development Bank for victims of the 2022 floods was diverted for the rehabilitation of earthquake victims of Turkiye and Syria. The NDMA has claimed it later recouped the amount and ensured relief was provided to Pakistani victims as per the grant’s aims.
Cholistan Canals
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has reiterated Sindh’s concerns over the proposed Cholistan Canal System, stressing the issue requires resolution through consensus. Urging the government to accept Sindh’s suggestions, he said this will ensure the project does not remain controversial and there is no sense of deprivation from any federating unit.