Underage Marriage
JUIF chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has condemned a bill seeking to ban underage marriages in Islamabad, threatening protests against it. Urging the government to forward the legislation to the Council of Islamic Ideology for approval, his opposition highlights the barriers to progressive legislation that plague Pakistan’s provincial and national assemblies.
Ceasefire Confusion
India continues to dismiss claims that Washington brokered a ceasefire between Islamabad and Delhi, despite both Pakistan and the United States acknowledging the development. India’s resistance stems from its desire to avoid third-party mediation in its disputes with Pakistan, a longstanding tactic aimed at preventing the issue of Kashmir from being taken up by multilateral forums.
Another Heatwave
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that the country will experience a severe heatwave for the next four days—until May 24. During this period, it has said, maximum daytime temperatures in Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan will remain 4°-6°C above normal, while those in central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, KP, Kashmir, GB will be 5°-7°C above average.
Internal Differences
Seemingly rebutting an earlier statement of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser, Chairman Gohar Ali Khan has categorically denied reports that his party is planning to table a no-confidence motion against either Speaker Ayaz Sadiq or Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The speaker has already rejected the reports, maintaining he does not expect mass support for the measure.
Return to Peace
Pakistan and India have reached a mutual understanding through talks between their respective directors general of military operations to reposition their armed forces back to peacetime deployments along the Line of Control and international border by May 30. Officials have described the de-escalation as a “continuation of confidence-building measures” aimed at restoring calm between the rival states.
Israeli Brutality
Amidst growing condemnations for Israel’s “egregious actions” in Gaza, the Israeli prime minister has claimed it would “take control” of the Gaza Strip. The global anger has prompted Israel, after several months, to allow limited aid into Gaza. However, the aid resumption coincides with a brutal offensive that has left hundreds dead in the past week alone.
Praising the Navy
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has praised the Pakistan Navy, maintaining India’s aircraft carrier Vikrant was forced to retreat after observing the preparedness of the armed forces. Noting the Navy’s preparedness, the premier has expressed confidence in its ability to give a robust response to India if the neighboring country attempts to attack Pakistan using its fleet.
Inching toward Normalcy
India’s Border Security Force has resumed the traditional beating retreat parade at the Wagah-Attari border after a 12-day suspension triggered by tensions between the neighboring states. However, while both sides are conducting their usual parade routines, the border gates remain closed, and there are no handshakes between the personnel of the two countries, indicating persistent tensions.
Education Shortfall
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Education Department has failed to meet its enrolment targets for government schools, extending an ongoing admission campaign until May 31. The department has reportedly fallen short of its target to enroll one million of the 4.9 million children who remain out of school across the province.
Ukraine War
U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to secure peace in Ukraine are gaining pace, with Russian President Vladimir Putin saying talks are on the “right track.” He has said Moscow is ready to work with Ukraine on a future peace accord, and thanked Trump for supporting the resumption of direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv. However, he added, how to move toward peace remains a key question.