Baloch Protests
Karachi Police have taken Baloch Yakjehti Committee leader Sammi Baloch into custody over violating Section 144 in the provincial capital by staging a protest calling for the release of the organization’s leader, Mahrang Baloch. Since Mahrang’s arrest on Saturday, protests and sit-ins have continued in some parts of Balochistan calling for her release.
‘Hard’ State
A meeting of the ‘Harden the State’ committee has directed relevant authorities to strengthen an ongoing campaign against all illegal activities, particularly the presence of undocumented migrants, human smuggling, unchecked begging and tax evasion. The government had earlier set March 31 as a deadline for the voluntary exit of undocumented migrants, warning of deportations from April 1.
Agricultural Uplift
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stressed on revitalizing Pakistan’s agricultural sector to achieve food self-sufficiency and boost farm exports. Regretting the country was lagging in its production of cotton and sugarcane, he has stressed on expanding their yields, noting the abundance of fertile land, water resources, agricultural scientists and graduates.
Security Threat
Citing security concerns, authorities in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Tank, North Waziristan, and South Waziristan have imposed a curfew from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. today (Tuesday). Residents of the three areas have been directed to remain indoors during the 12-hour period, while travelers have been urged to use alternative routes to avoid inconvenience.
Trying for Peace
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has supported a bid to sustain diplomatic engagement with Kabul to resolve all pending issues between the two countries. Ties between the neighbors have been strained due to security and border disputes, with the Afghan leadership seeking to delink trade and transit from other issues to sustain regional connectivity.
Anti-State Activities
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti has ordered strict action against any government employees involved in anti-state activities. In this regard, he has directed all divisional and deputy commissioners to identify and act against any officials engaged in activities that go against the state’s interests, stressing individual opinions cannot take precedence over state policies.
Drought Alert
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a drought alert, noting most of the country has experienced below-average rainfall, with the shortfall in some regions hitting 62%. It said Sindh was worst-hit with a 62% shortfall, followed by Balochistan with 52%, Punjab with 38% below normal, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa with a 35% deficit, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir with 29% less rain than average.
Not about Pakistan
A senior U.S. State Department official has reaffirmed that the Trump administration’s review of visas is not country-specific, amidst mounting concerns over looming travel restrictions on Pakistanis. Margaret MacLeon has stressed the new policy aims to protect the U.S. from external threats and any changes will apply to all countries, not just Pakistan.
Seeking Unity
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has urged the federal government to convene another huddle on national security to build national consensus with opposition parties on combating terrorism. Regretting that opposition parties had skipped last week’s security briefing, he said the country cannot overcome its current situation without unity among all political stakeholders.
No Shortage
Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has claimed the country currently has 6.5 million tons of sugar stock against annual consumption of 6.3 million tons, stressing there is no shortage requiring price hikes. He vowed sugar prices will not exceed Rs. 164/kg, adding strict action will be taken against anyone who tries to artificially raise prices of the commodity.