Deploying Security
The federal and provincial governments have announced the phased deployment of the Federal Constabulary in Balochistan in a bid to maintain law and order. Initially, per a meeting on law and order in Quetta, two wings would be stationed in the province, with around 3,000 personnel eventually deployed in sensitive areas to reinforce security.
Overloaded
At least eight women were killed and over 80 others injured after the roof of a shop collapsed in Rahim Yar Khan during the distribution of Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) cash. The women had gathered to collect their government welfare payments ahead of Eidul Fitr and authorities have blamed the private retailer’s device agent for the accident.
Cross-border Terrorism
The UNSC has unanimously extended the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan’s mandate for three months, with all 15 members, including Pakistan, backing the move. Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Deputy Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the U.N., said Islamabad hoped the next three months would allow a review of UNAMA’s role to support long-term peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Travel Disrupted
Amidst ongoing disruptions to flight operations across Pakistan due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, authorities say over 110,000 passengers traveling from the country to various other states have sought ticket refunds, leading to severe financial losses for airlines. On Monday alone, over 90 flights were cancelled from airports across the country as uncertainty persists.
Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq
According to security sources, Pakistani forces targeted the Afghan Taliban’s military installations on Monday night, destroying the technical support infrastructure and ammunition storage at two locations in Kabul. The sources said forces also targeted Afghan Taliban military installations at four spots in the Afghan province of Nangarhar, destroying logistics, ammunition and technical infrastructure.
Deliberate Strike
An investigation by Amnesty International has found that a U.S. airstrike that struck an Iranian school, killing 168 people, most of them children, was a deliberate, deadly attack. It has urged the authorities to ensure a transparent and thorough investigation to ensure accountability, emphasizing the U.S. violated international humanitarian law by failing to take all feasible precautions to avoid civilian harm.
Subsidized Fuel
The federal government is planning to subsidize a fuel scheme for motorcyclists and rickshaw drivers to offset the impact of a massive hike in oil prices caused by the Iran war. On Sunday, the government increased the price of kerosene oil by Rs. 40/liter and approved Rs. 23 billion as subsidy for oil marketing companies to keep petrol and high-speed diesel prices unchanged.
Running Empty
Ministry of Petroleum officers have informed a Senate panel that LNG will no longer be available in Pakistan after April 14 amidst supply disruptions caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict. During a briefing, they said Pakistan had two LNG supply agreements with Qatar, but out of eight cargoes scheduled for March, only two arrived, while the six remaining are unlikely to reach the country.
Intelligence-Based Implementation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has tasked the Intelligence Bureau with monitoring the implementation of the government’s austerity plan amidst a global fuel crisis. According to the Cabinet Division, the bureau would submit weekly reports with authorities, who would take immediate action against any officers found violating the austerity and fuel conservation plan.
Worsening Views
A new poll conducted by NBC News has found that American citizens’ views toward Israel have worsened, while their opinion of Palestinians have improved. According to the survey conducted between Feb. 27 and March 2, only 32% of Americans currently hold a positive view of Israel, compared to 47% three years ago.