No Deal
Iran has rejected a U.S. proposal to end the ongoing war, with state-owned broadcaster Press TV saying Tehran would not allow President Donald Trump to dictate the terms of the conflict’s end. A key barrier to the talks, per an Iranian official, is two previous rounds of negotiations from the spring and winter of 2025, after which the U.S. carried out military operations against Iran.
Talks Still On
Despite Iran rejecting a U.S. proposal for peace, the International Atomic Energy Agency’s director-general has said the two sides are expected to hold negotiations covering a wide range of issues in Islamabad this week. These potential talks, if they proceed, would cover missiles, militias allied with Iran and security guarantees for the country.
Punjab elections
A PTI lawmaker has sought a clarification from the Election Commission of Pakistan as to how local government elections would be held on party basis under the Punjab Local Government (Election) Rules 2026. The provincial government had earlier said the local government elections would be conducted on party basis.
Back to War
Pakistani forces have resumed Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq after a pause for Eidul Fitr, with security sources claiming it is proceeding precisely against the terrorist leadership, their support, and command infrastructures, logistics networks, and all facilitators and abettors under the interim Afghan Taliban government-controlled areas.
Human Rights
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s son, Kasim, has urged the United Nations Human Rights Council to intervene and press the Government of Pakistan for the immediate release of his father. According to Kasim, his father’s case is part of a “broader” pattern of oppression that runs counter to Pakistan’s commitment under the GSP-Plus framework.
Fuel Subsidy
The federal government has slashed the development budget by Rs. 100 billion to pay for fuel subsidies, cutting Rs. 22.3 billion from the budget of the National Highway Authority; Rs. 13 billion for critically important water sector projects; and Rs. 10.2 billion for provincial schemes. The funds have been transferred to the Prime Minister’s Austerity Fund, on directions of the Finance Ministry.
Ousting Illegals
The Punjab police department has claimed to deport more than 33,000 illegal foreign nationals, including Afghans, from the province during the ongoing repatriation drive, adding 12,565 of these were men, 6,695 women and 13,760 children. The police have maintained they exercise is proceeding in line with international laws and human rights are being ensured.
Another Gaza
Citing serious harm to civilians in Lebanon during Israel’s strikes on Hezbollah, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned the country cannot be allowed to suffer the same fate as Gaza. Describing the Middle East conflict as “out of control,” he stressed that Hezbollah must stop launching attacks into Israel while And Israel must stop its military operations and strikes in Lebanon.
Sharing the Burden
The federal government has reportedly asked provincial governments to share the additional cost of higher international prices to avoid hefty hikes prices of essential petroleum products. In particular, the center has asked Punjab and Sindh to facilitate fiscal space required to maintain petrol and diesel rates for consumers.
Fuel Crisis
The All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association has warned of a nationwide shutdown of petrol pumps if their concerns remain unaddressed. Seeking an immediate meeting with Petroleum Minister Ali Pervez Malik, the representative body has warned pump owners are facing serious challenges related to operations, finance, pricing, and sudden disruptions caused by force majeure situations.