Stalemate at ICC
A meeting of the International Cricket Council has failed to resolve an impasse between Pakistan and India over the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. India refuses to tour Pakistan for the upcoming tournament, demanding a ‘hybrid’ model; the PCB disagrees. The ICCI and PCB will meet again today, aiming to identify a mutually acceptable and workable solution for the tournament’s hosting arrangements.
FBR Misses Tax Target
The PMLN-led government has missed its five-month tax collection target by roughly Rs. 356 billion, raising alarm over a potential ‘mini-budget.’ Authorities note the Rs. 4.28 trillion collected in the first five months of this fiscal are 23% above last year–but fall short of the 40% required in the budget. Tall claims notwithstanding, the government has failed to rope in tax evaders or expand the tax net.
Thousands of PTI Workers Arrested
Special Anti-Terrorism Court in Rawalpindi has sent 4,185 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf workers on a physical remand of 5-7 days over their involvement in the Islamabad protest. Additionally, 749 accused have been sent on 14-day judicial remand, while 37 have been discharged. All the detained are PTI workers and supporters, with no leaders of the party in the dock.
PIA Cleared for Europe Routes
The European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency have ended the Pakistan International Airlines’ suspension to operate flights to Europe after 4 years. PIA lost direct air links to Europe in 2020 after then-aviation minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan alleged over 150 pilots had “dubious licenses” and a plane crash in Karachi raised concerns over the airline’s safety standards.
More IPPs Facing the Axe
Power Minister Awais Leghari has said the government is negotiating with 11 more independent power producers to reduce utility bills inflated by capacity charges. Pakistan earlier terminated power purchase agreements with five IPPs amidst controversy over strong-arm tactics. Costly electricity has hampered industries and angered citizens, inciting multiple protests during the summer months.
PTI’s Islamabad Protest Casualties
The PTI has claimed at least 12 of its supporters were killed during the Islamabad protest, contradicting earlier claims from some leaders of the death toll nearing 300. The party says it will register cases against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Ataullah Tara over the deaths. The government continues to deny any deaths due to gun violence.
No Talks with TTP
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has once again ruled out any talks between Islamabad and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch says any calls for dialogue with the terrorists are an affront to the families of thousands of their victims, adding neither Pakistan nor China have any proposal to engage with the militant group.
Rifts within PTI
In the aftermath of the Islamabad protest, PTI infighting has surged, with several leaders directing their ire at ‘apolitical’ Bushra, Imran Khan’s wife, for ‘interfering’ in political matters. Incarcerated leaders have urged the party to suspend its protest and unite for nationwide mourning. KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur remains undeterred, vowing to continue efforts to bring about a ‘revolution.’
No Peace for Kurram
The death toll from clashes between warring Sunni and Shia tribes in Kurram continues to rise, crossing 120, despite multiple attempts at brokering a ceasefire. A Jirga tasked by the provincial government to mediate peace has yet to visit the region, with life in the embattled district at a standstill. Road closures have triggered shortages of essential commodities, and cellular services remain suspended.
Impact of Smog
Ipsos survey finds nearly 79 percent of Pakistanis have been exposed to toxic effects of smog at least once in the past month. The survey claims over a third of respondents said their daily activities, work life and social events were affected by smog. Children were the most affected, as schools were shut down and public parks closed in a bid to reduce the air pollution sweeping across the country.