Second Tranche
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reached a staff-level agreement with Pakistan on a $1.3 billion second tranche of the ongoing 37-month $7 billion bailout. The global lender has noted Pakistan’s “significant” progress in restoring macroeconomic stability and rebuilding confidence over the past 18 months despite a challenging global environment.
No U.K. Tours for PIA
The U.K. Department for Transport has confirmed that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will remain on its air safety list, barring it from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the United Kingdom. It has cited a “robust” process that must be followed before any delisting, adding it is engaging with the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority in this regard.
Passing the Buck
The PMLN-led government has tasked PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari with engaging the PTI on counter-terrorism efforts. A day earlier, Bhutto-Zardari had said he had informed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif the PPP was willing to act as a “bridge” to foster dialogue with the opposition and build national consensus on the country’s counter-terrorism policies.
Seeking Sanctions
U.S. lawmakers Joe Wilson (Republican) and Jimmy Panetta (Democrat) have introduced a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives seeking sanctions on Pakistani state functionaries over alleged human rights violations, including the “persecution” of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The “Pakistan Democracy Act” will now proceed to the House Foreign Affairs and Judiciary Committees for further deliberation.
Combating Terror
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has finalized an 84-point Provincial Action Plan against terrorism, assigning a lead role to the civil administration and law enforcement agencies in counterterrorism efforts. The plan calls for strengthening the state’s authority, restoring public confidence in the system, continuing kinetic operations against terrorists, and strict enforcement of counterterrorism laws.
Valuable Assets
The OGDCL, PPL and GHPL have more than doubled their funding commitment to the Reko Diq mining project in Balochistan, from roughly $300 million to $627 million each, after a study confirmed it has over $60 billion worth of copper and gold reserves. The study claims the project will yield 13.1 million tons of copper and 17.9 million ounces of gold over the life of the mine.
Baloch Long March
Balochistan National Party Mengal chief Akhtar Mengal has announced he will lead a long march from Wadh to Quetta on March 28 against the detention of Baloch Yakjehti Committee leaders. He has invited all members of the Baloch community to participate, adding the time has come to unite as a single voice against “cruelty and persecution.”
Ensuring Security
Pakistan and China’s discussions about security measures for Chinese nationals working here are a “work in progress,” says Islamabad’s Ambassador to Beijing Khalil Hashmi. The statement comes amidst rising attacks on Chinese nationals in Pakistan, with Beijing pushing Islamabad to allow its own security staff to provide protection to thousands of Chinese citizens working in the country.
Unauthorized Travel
The Foreign Office has clarified that Pakistan’s position on Israel remains unchanged, adding Pakistani passports explicitly state they are “not valid for travel to Israel. In a statement, it noted recent reports regarding the travel of Pakistani journalists to Israel, stressing any such visit is illegal for Pakistani citizens under existing regulations.
Awaiting Relief
Power Minister Awais Leghari has claimed the government will reduce electricity tariffs at the “right time,” amidst criticism over Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif failing to announce any lower tariffs on March 23 despite earlier reports claiming otherwise. Earlier, the Prime Minister’s Office had defended maintaining fuel prices despite global declines by claiming the savings would be used to lower tariffs.