Austerity for Thee
Several parliamentarians from both the opposition and treasury benches have reportedly refused to adhere to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s decision to forego two months’ salaries as part of “austerity” measures after declaring them “direct interference in constitutional matters.” The same parliamentarians rarely take any stand against the imposition of new taxes on citizens.
No Engagement
Pakistan has reportedly informed China it will continue its policy of non-engagement with the Afghan Taliban until the interim government changes its stance on terrorist groups, including the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, operating from Afghan soil. Earlier, Beijing had called on both sides to exercise restraint and achieve a ceasefire amidst the ongoing conflict.
Flights Suspension
The Pakistan Airports Authority has issued a Notice to Airmen announcing a two-hour suspension of flight operations—from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.—at the Islamabad airport on March 17. According to the NOTAM, all landing and take-off activities would remain halted during this period, while six sectors under the Lahore Flight Information Region would also be temporarily closed for commercial flights.
Surplus Food
Despite a near-annual occurrence of a food crisis, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities concerned to devise a comprehensive plan to take advantage of global supply chain disruptions by exporting surplus food items to Gulf countries. According to an official statement, the prime minister has been informed Pakistan’s agricultural sector has significant export potential.
Trading Blame
Information Minister Ataullah Tarar has alleged the interim Afghan Taliban government targeted civilians in Bajaur district and attempted to accuse Pakistan of indiscriminate strikes in Afghanistan in an attempt to hide its own horrific actions. A day earlier, the Information Ministry said four civilians were martyred, and a five-year-old child was seriously injured in the attack in Bannu.
Eidul Fitr in Pakistan
The federal government has announced just two official holidays for Eidul Fitr—March 20 and March 21. Effectively, this means offices would be shut for four days, as March 23 remains an official holiday for Pakistan Day and Sunday falls on March 22. The decision has triggered some backlash, as citizens note this was an opportunity to announce additional holidays in a bid to conserve fuel.
Energy Crisis
Oil prices continue to hover around $100/barrel as the Iran war enters its third week, with no sign of an early end to the conflict. Amidst ongoing supply disruptions caused by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. President Donald Trump has urged other countries to send warships to keep the waterway open. However, he has offered no specifics or commitments from the U.S. to do the same.
Expanding Conflict
While Saudi Arabia announced it had intercepted 61 drones post-midnight on March 16, Dubai implemented a temporary suspension of flight operations at its international airport after a drone struck a fuel tank. Both countries have pointed the finger at Tehran, which alleges Israel is targeting Saudi Arabia using copycat drones.
Legal Action
The Punjab government has announced it will initiate legal action under the Defamation Law 2024 against individuals and platforms spreading “false claims” about the use of its newly acquired official aircraft. Little indication, however, of whether the government also plans to “correct” the provincial information minister’s initial claim of the plane’s acquisition for “Air Punjab.”
No Leniency
The National Highway and Motorway Police has initiated a fact-finding inquiry against its officials for allegedly showing leniency to a television anchorperson after he was intercepted for over-speeding on the motorway. The incident came to light after video of it went viral on social media, with the anchor maintaining he had sought to no leniency and was a law-abiding citizen.