Minimal Transparency
Pakistan is considering withholding a major portion of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption’s Country Review Report—despite having pledged to make it public in full to the IMF. The decision comes as an IMF Review Mission visits Pakistan to seek the implementation status on Pakistan’s commitments to the lender ahead of the release of the next tranche of its $7 billion bailout.
Border Closures
Pakistani forces and the Afghan Taliban are continuing to trade fire at the Torkham border, which was shuttered nearly two weeks ago over the Afghan side’s unilateral modification and renovation of an existing border structure in a disputed area. Locals hope the situation will soon normalize, allowing the reopening of the border to resume trade and pedestrian movement.
Year that Was
The federal government is hosting a special gathering to share with media its performance after one year in office. Authorities have also invited the media and high-achieving youth to the session. Earlier, P.M. Shehbaz Sharif had praised the government’s performance, stressing improving economic indicators were testament to all institutions working together for the betterment of the country.
Clash Fallout
After a contentious public interaction between U.S President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Oval Office, Washington has suspended all military aid to Ukraine. The White House has said aid will resume if it can determine it is contributing to a solution to the Russian invasion. Observers fear the move risks rapidly weakening Ukraine’s chances of beating back Russia.
Optional Renegotiation
Pakistan has assured major international lenders, including the IMF, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank, that independent power producers unwilling to renegotiate contracts can opt for either a forensic audit or international arbitration. The assurance follows the receipt of a joint letter to the government voicing concern over “non-consultative revisions” to IPP contracts.
Hale and Hearty
A team of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences has examined former Prime Minister Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, declaring he is in perfect health and capable of fasting during the month of Ramzan. The PTI has also reiterated that the party founder is healthy. However, the party has accused the government of detaining him in solitary confinement to “pressure” him into accepting a “deal.”
Review Demands
As part of its ongoing review ahead of the release of the next tranche of Pakistan’s $7 billion Extended Fund Facility, the IMF has urged Pakistan to crack down on tax evasion in the real estate sector. Authorities claim they will soon implement a plan to penalize with imprisonment and fines individuals who declare false property values.
Jobless
The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics has released detailed results of its first digital census, revealing around 7.8% of Pakistan’s 241 million population is unemployed. It further revealed that unemployment among the country’s working population stood at around 11%. Among the working population, 23,157,355 are paid employees while 3,738,577 are employers.
Strike Averted
The All Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association has withdrawn a nationwide strike call after successful negotiation with the federal government on its deregulation policy. A spokesman of the organization said the government has assured them deregulation will not dent their profit margins. He said authorities have also vowed to curb oil smuggling from Iran.
Entrapment
Six Pakistanis escaped from a forced labor camp near the Thai-Myanmar border, sharing a harrowing tale of human trafficking that lures educated individuals with promises of jobs in Thailand. Authorities claim hundreds of Pakistanis are trapped in such online scam centers and forced into cybercrime. Pakistan’s High Commissioner in Thailand has vowed to evacuate all Pakistanis imprisoned in Myanmar.