Indian Sponsorship
In a joint press conference, ISPR’s Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti have pointed to India as the main sponsor of terror incidents in Balochistan. Briefing media on the Jaffar Express hijacking, the two officials alleged that India’s RAW had facilitated an alliance between various militants groups that were responsible for a terror resurgence nationwide.
Cracking Down
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities concerned to launch crackdowns against any individuals involved in sugar hoarding and price manipulation. Officials claim cartels have created an artificial shortage of the commodity during Ramzan to drive up prices, with the government vowing to prosecute profiteers and hoarders and ensure the availability of sugar at approved prices.
Water Wars
A World Bank official has warned that Pakistan faces groundwater depletion by 2030 and surface water depletion by 2037. Basharat Ahmed Saeed has called for measures to improve water distribution and extraction, stressing that ignoring the issue can trigger conflict in the near future. He has claimed average annual water availability is largely unchanged but variability has surged due to climate change.
Watching the Watchmen
Punjab police have decided to monitor the social media of its personnel, warning of strict departmental action against anyone uploading inappropriate posts or content. Authorities have also warned any lapse in monitoring will trigger departmental action against relevant Public Relations Officers. The decision follows complaints of police personnel posting inappropriate content about government institutions.
Facilitating Business
P.M. Shehbaz Sharif has accepted a request of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry to expedite the release of containers stuck at ports. In meeting with the premier, the LCCI president had noted that prolonged delays in clearing thousands of containers stuck at ports were disrupting supply chains, increasing operational costs, and causing raw material shortages for industries across Pakistan.
Double Standards
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has criticized opposition parties, particularly the PTI, for availing all perks and privileges while deriding the current Parliament as “fake.” He lamented that Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub Khan often misled people, claiming he was not allowed to address the Lower House despite speaking at length on the floor of the House on multiple occasions.
‘Strong’ Implementation
The IMF, in an end-of-mission statement, has described Pakistan’s implementation of its $7 billion Extended Fund Facility as “strong,” adding discussions have made considerable progress in several areas related to structural reforms. While a staff-level agreement has yet to be inked, authorities say Pakistan is likely to receive the next tranche of $1.1 billion by next month.
Chinese Support
Chinese Consul General in Karachi Yang Yundong has said his country is closely monitoring the situation in Pakistan after the Jaffar Express hijacking. He said international cooperation could help Pakistan curb resurgent terrorism, adding Beijing continues to support Islamabad in its fight against militancy. He also pledged China’s assistance in bringing the perpetrators to justice and restoring law and order.
Looming Travel Ban
Fears are mounting in Pakistan over potential U.S. restrictions on the issuance of visas for Pakistanis. According to Reuters, Trump’s latest travel ban will target 41 countries divided into three groups. One group will face a total visa ban; a second will face a partial ban; while a third—which includes Pakistan—would face a partial ban if their governments do not “address deficiencies” within 60 days.
No Politics—For Now
After an interview appeared to launch him in the political arena, Zulfikar Bhutto Jr. has clarified that he is still learning and understanding Pakistan’s political landscape. In a statement posted on social media, he said he had no position or membership in the PPP-SB, adding only statements issued by his official accounts should be considered authentic.