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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has claimed the Pakistan Air Force downed six Indian fighter jets and one drone during its clash with the Indian armed forces last week. Hailing the PAF’s combat excellence, he has reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to defend its sovereignty against any aggression, warning Delhi against any further misadventure.
Cyber Offensive
Security sources have claimed the cyber wing of the Pakistan armed forces played a major role in last week’s offensive, disrupting multiple Indian domains, including power infrastructure and petroleum systems. The sources claim Pakistani hackers took down servers at Indian airports, temporarily disabled electricity for 80% of Indians, and gained access to over 3,500 CCTV camera.
Indian Propaganda
Responding to reports in India media regarding a “Baloch leader” declaring an “independent Balochistan”, the United Nations has affirmed that it stands for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states, including Pakistan. A spokesperson has urged journalists to refer back to the U.N. Charter, noting it does not permit any such development.
Trump Offensive
U.S. President Donald Trump, in a veiled warning, has urged Pakistan and India against resorting to any further conflict in the coming days, stressing the two countries should focus on trade rather than war. He has also reiterated Washington’s intent to broker talks between the rival states, adding it is time for them to resolve their longstanding disputes.
Composite Dialogue
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said Islamabad seeks comprehensive dialogue with Delhi on all contentious matters so the countries can move toward peace and regional stability. He has reiterated Pakistan’s opposition to India’s revocation of Article 370 and warned that any unlawful suspension of the Indus Water Treaty will be construed as an act of war.
Nuclear Theft
Reacting to controversial remarks of India’s defense minister, Pakistan’s Foreign Office has called on the International Atomic Energy Agency to probe the “nuclear black market” in India following repeated incidents of theft and illicit trafficking of radioactive material in the neighboring country. It has further slammed the Indian official for his “ignorance” of the IAEA’s mandate.
Lacking Support
The government has failed to pass an important money bill in the National Assembly after failing to ensure the presence of the required 84 MNAs in the Lower House. The Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was introduced in the form of an ordinance last year and requires passage from Parliament for continuation of its enforcement.
Boosting Exports
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a five-year tariff reform plan aimed at drastically reducing customs duties, additional customs duties, regulatory duties on raw materials and semi-finished goods, and a phased reduction in overall tariff protections for select industries. The move aims to boost exports though has raised questions over the impact on external financial imbalances.
Another U-Turn
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has denied reports that incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan has agreed to initiate talks with the government, maintaining the party founder does not desire any “deal” for his release. The reports, however, had noted that the PTI wishes to proceed with talks in secret, raising questions over the legitimacy of its denials.
Ceasefire
Pakistan and India have agreed to maintain their ceasefire until May 18, says Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, adding the directors general military operations of both countries will continue discussions via hotline. The minister has also rebutted Indian claims of Pakistani seeking the ceasefire, saying the U.S. brokered it on the request of the Indian government.