Resolving Differences
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has assured ruling coalition partner MQM-P that the government will allocated funding for development projects in Karachi and Hyderabad. The commitment follows hints from MQM-P that they may reconsider their alliance and join the opposition if delays in executing uplift project persist.
Judicial Rift
Islamabad High Court Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan has sought clarification of the High Court Rules, questioning how the chief justice can withdraw a case pending hearing and transfer it to another bench. The judge has observed that, barring legal cover, the move is tantamount to contempt. However, he has remarked, he will not issue any contempt notices and only seeks clarity as a matter of principle.
Military Operation Shelved
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has dismissed speculation of a fresh military offensive to curb resurgent terrorism. Stressing that no such possibility was discussed during a recent in-camera national security briefing, he said the government and military will continue to utilize the National Action Plan and Vision Azm-e-Istehkam to eradicate terrorism from the country.
No Reprieve
The Foreign Office has reiterated that there will be no extension to the March 31 deadline for Afghan Citizen Card holders and undocumented migrants to leave Pakistan. Anyone who does not leave voluntarily will risk deportation. However, Afghan refugees with Proof of Registration cards have been permitted to remain until June 30, while those with valid visas face no restrictions.
‘Missing’ Persons
Relatives of “missing” persons have protested in Quetta, seeking access to bodies of militants killed after the hijacking of the Jaffar Express. The protesters have claimed some of their family members may be among the slain terrorists, with Baloch Yakjehti Committee activists confirming that they had forced their way into the morgue and confiscated at least five bodies before police dispersed them.
PIA Flight Ban
The Pakistan International Airlines is optimistic about regaining access to profitable British routes after a positive meeting with the British Air Safety Committee. PIA was banned from plying British routes in 2020 over then-aviation minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan’s claims that a majority of the flag carrier’s pilots were operating planes without valid licenses.
Legalizing Crypto
Pakistan Crypto Council CEO Bilal bin Saqib has said the country wants to devise a clear regulatory framework for governing digital-asset activities to boost the local ecosystem and attract foreign investment. He has noted U.S. President Donald Trump is making cryptocurrency a priority and all other countries, including Pakistan, must respond in kind.
Trading Barbs
Power Minister Awais Leghari has pushed back against former finance minister Miftah Ismail slamming the federal government for backtracking on its commitment to rooftop solar setups. Accusing Ismail of misleading the public with incorrect figures, Leghari has claimed that changes in net metering regulations only increase the time required to recover investment, but do not discourage its uptake.
Indian ‘Lies’
The Pakistan Cricket Board has rebutted Indian media claims that the organization lost $85 million by hosting the Champions Trophy. In a press conference, Adviser to PCB chairman Amir Mir slammed the “propaganda,” adding Pakistan’s hosting of the tournament is expected to generate a profit of Rs. 3 billion, exceeding initial projections of Rs. 2 billion.
Ongoing Genocide
The U.N. refugee agency for Palestinians has warned of a “deepening” humanitarian crisis in the West Bank, noting Israel is targeting refugee camps, forcing thousands of Palestinians to flee their homes. Amidst the ongoing genocide, Hamas has called on Arab and Muslim nations to take urgent action to halt the renewed offensive on Gaza. Israel has killed at least 504 people, including over 190 under 18.