Gas Shortage
Gas supply to various parts of Quetta and some districts of Balochistan remained suspended on Monday night after unidentified armed men blew up the main gas pipeline at Western Bypass area. According to SSGC, the relevant staff has reached the area, and will commence repairs after security clearance is done. The government has also deployed security forces at gas installations in Quetta after the incident.
China in Hot Seat
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is set to visit China for a few hours today (Tuesday) as Islamabad and Beijing are expected to devise a framework for potential Iran-United States talks aimed at ending the Middle East conflict. The two countries have five key principles for talks, including an immediate end to hostilities, resumption of dialogue, protection of civilians, security of maritime routes.
Sharing the Burden
In a significant development, the provinces have finally agreed to share the burden of the oil subsidy announced by the federal government amid ongoing global economic challenges and fuel supply disruptions. The government has also decided to shelve a proposal to impose lockdowns in the country after determining there are sufficient fuel stocks available.
No Regime Change
Thousands of Iranians have marched in Karaj to express their support for the government and the military, according to state-run Press TV. The rally came a day after widespread power outages in Karaj and Alborz following an Israeli strike that affected an electric substation. Similar demonstrations were staged in Tehran as well as in Ardabil.
A Month’s Cover
The Committee to Monitor Petrol Prices has been informed Pakistan currently has stable stocks of petroleum products, with diesel stocks sufficient for 23-24 days of cover and “comfortable” petrol availability. The committee was also informed that crude oil stocks currently provide around 11 days of cover, with additional cargoes in transit.
Controversial Law
Israel’s Parliament has passed a law making the death penalty a default sentence for any Palestinians convicted in military court, which have a near-100% conviction rate, with the country’s European allies warning this will unfairly target Palestinians under military occupation. The legislation also includes provisions requiring sentencing within 90 days with no right to clemency.
Rain Spell
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), in a fresh weather advisory, has warned of widespread rain, thunderstorms and strong winds across much of the country from April 1-4. According to the advisory, the weather system will start in Balochistan, move to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, then Punjab and finally reach Sindh as it winds up.
Public Relief
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has credited timely decisions for averting any disruption to the supply of fuel despite an ongoing global crisis. Stressing the government is striving to ensure relief for the poor and middle-income classes, he vowed not to abandon them. He also noted that Pakistan is making every effort to restore regional peace through diplomatic means.
False Flag Warning
Intelligence agencies have reportedly exposed India’s plan to conduct a false flag operation in India-held Kashmir, with reports alleging the plot called for staging an incident with Pakistani prisoners along the border and blaming it on Islamabad. The incident, the sources have alleged, would then be used to justify escalation along the Pak-India border.
Hefty Fine
The Pakistan Cricket Board has imposed a Rs. 20 million fine on player Naseem Shah after finding him guilty of breaching various clauses of the central contract and social media guidelines following controversial posts on his X account regarding Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The PCB also blacklisted Shah’s social media adviser and banned him from working for any player.