CCI REJECTS FEDERAL GOVT’S PROPOSAL TO CONSTRUCT NEW CANALS FROM INDUS RIVER
ISLAMABAD
M I A N A B R A R
TH E Council of Common Interests (CCI) on Monday rejected the federal government s proposal to construct new canals from the Indus River, overturning an earlier decision by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) made in February
No new canals will be constructed without mutual understanding and consensus among all provinces, stated a release from the Prime Minister s Office following the meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
The CCI also strongly condemned the unilateral illegal and irresponsible steps of India after the incident of Pahalgam While representing the national aspirations, the CCI gave a message of unity and solidarity to the nation in the backdrop of the illegal Indian measures and in case of any kind of aggression by the hostile country
The CCI stated that Pakistan was a peaceful and responsible country but fully knew how to defend itself All the provincial chief ministers expressed unity and national solidarity in a unified voice against the illegal acts of India
The CCI fully welcomed the resolution in the Senate against the illegal and irresponsible steps of India Pakistan has the right to protect its water interests in view of the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and stoppage of its water,” the council noted The high-level meeting convened early at the request of the Sindh government was attended by the chief ministers of all four provinces Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Federal Minister Ameer
Muqam and other officials
The CCI agreed to withdraw provisional approval for the project and announced the formation of a federal-provincial committee to propose long-term agricultural and water management solutions in line with the 1991 Water Accord and the 2018 Water Policy
The government is committed to resolving all water-related disputes amicably, ensuring that the concerns of any province are addressed through due dili-
gence,” the statement added
Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur welcomed the move saying It has been decided to resolve issues through mutual understanding
He confirmed that some of KP s demands, including the recognition of tobacco as a formal crop and the review of the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award would be added to the next CCI agenda
The decision comes amid widespread protests across Sindh over the canals project The plan to construct six canals at an estimated cost of Rs211 4 billion faced strong resistance from the Sindh government and nationalist groups who warned that the move would deprive Sindh of its rightful share of water Sit-ins and blockades at key highways now lasting over 10 days, have disrupted the movement of goods between Sindh and Punjab, causing shortages of petrol and food supplies Stranded transporters reported increasing damage to vehicles as the protests continued without resolution
Despite PM Shehbaz s assurances to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari that no new canals would proceed without consensus, protests on the ground have intensified highlighting deeprooted distrust and regional tensions over water distribution
Security forces kill 71 Khwarij in Nor th
Waziristan during past three days
With
and India following Pahalgam attack Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday urged the federal government to convene an All Parties Conference (APC) to raise a strong voice to recent threats from the Narendra Modiled Indian government Addressing the Senate session today, PTI Senator Barrister Syed Ali Zafar said: “People know the script of Modi’s drama very well ” He said that the Indian government could not suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) unilaterally Terming the Indian allegations on Pakistan in connection with the Pahalgam attack wherein 26 people were killed, baseless , the PTI leader said that PM Modi was leading India towards destruction The April 22 attack claimed the lives of 26 people including one Nepali national and India’s government blames Pakistan for the attack a claim that Islamabad vehemently denied and also termed as a false flag operation
If the Modi-led government diverts even a drop of Pakistan s water, it will be considered as an enemy attack,” warned the PTI leader His remarks come in response to India’s unilateral decision to suspend the six-decade-old Indus Waters Treaty and also taking other steps against Pakistan in the aftermath of an attack on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) For his part, Leader of the Opposition in Senate Senator Shibli Faraz said: “We are united when it comes to defending Pakistan ” Taking the floor Faraz emphasised national unity and said that the country was grappling with both internal and external issues
Berating New Delhi, the PTI leader said that India has made every effort to break Pakistan and continues to build an anti-Pakistan narrative He said that they could not take the water threat by India as a “political statement” and termed the move as an act of war The PTI leader said that the enemy planning a lethal attack on Pakistan Earlier, Senator Irfan Siddiqui said that the international community has rejected India s false claims and propaganda against Pakistan following the Pahalgam incident “The world did not support India’s stance or its fabrications Their propaganda has been exposed he said while speaking on the Senate floor He maintained that India hastily blamed Pakistan without any credible evidence, noting that the FIR for the attack was registered immediately and accusations were leveled even before any investigation
managing the situation in a mature manner and will maintain communication with China and the interna-
tional community, he added Wang Yi said that China is closely following the developments of the current situation He said combating terrorism is the common responsibility of all countries in the world, and China always supports Pakistan s resolute implemen-
tation of counter-terrorism actions
and
Pakistan’s ironclad
and
in
and security interests China supports an
FINANCE MINISTER INVITES US INVESTORS TO JOIN PAKISTAN’S JOURNEY
Former finance minister terms SBP ’s dollar
Pasha said that the State Bank of Pakistan s (SBP) practice of purchasing dollars from the market which originated from informal hawala-hundi channels, to stabilise the rupee-dollar exchange rate and shore up foreign exchange reserves is not sustainable Speaking on a private television Dr Pasha said the government s current strategy of maintaining the rupee-dollar parity between Rs278 and Rs280 negatively affects exporters, who now face a full 29% tax on income due to IMF conditions, compared to the earlier 1% He noted that while regional countries like India and Bangladesh provide substantial incentives and tax relief to their exporters, Pakistan has removed similar incentives, further burdening the export sector
Dr Pasha explained that despite substantial government interventions economic growth is unlikely to exceed 2% during the current fiscal year, significantly below the target of 3 5% He attributed this slowdown to negative growth in large-scale manufacturing (LSM) and major declines in agriculture production particularly cotton which saw a 28% reduction Highlighting Pakistan s economic conditions, Dr Pasha noted that GDP growth for the first quarter of the fiscal year was only about 1%, with the country failing to achieve even a 3% average GDP growth over the past five years the lowest recorded level in its history Due to population growth exceeding 2 5% per capita income has declined, pushing around 44% of the population below the poverty line Unemployment has surged to 22%, the
highest ever recorded with around 20 million youth currently without jobs
Regarding inflation Dr Pasha stated it dropped significantly, registering below 1% in March However, he pointed out that core inflation which excludes volatile food and fuel prices remains between 6% and 8%
He expressed doubts about the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) data questioning reported declines of 34% in wheat prices and 15% in fuel prices, despite the government’s policy of keeping fuel prices unchanged
He warned that unless exports significantly improve Pakistan s economy would continue facing vulnerabilities with widening trade deficits reflecting structural weaknesses Dr Pasha also expressed concerns re-
garding the minimal foreign direct and portfolio investment which remained flat at $1 4 billion despite government expectations of $10-$15 billion following the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC)
Additionally he noted that the government has committed to the IMF to privatise Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and two distribution companies (DISCOs) a task yet to be completed He anticipated improved incentives for investors, including tax exemptions on new aircraft purchases to facilitate PIA’s privatisation Dr Pasha predicted a substantial shortfall in Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) collections likely exceeding Rs1 000 billion by the fiscal year s end further complicating Pakistan s position during upcoming IMF reviews
Proper ty tax revenue hits Rs169b, up 24% despite fewer deals g H I G H
erty sales) withholding tax rates increased to 3% for filers and 6% for non-filers, compared to the previous 2% and 4%, respectively For property purchases under Section 236K, the rates rose sharply from 2% for filers and 7 5% for non-filers to 3% and 10 5% respectively The breakdown of revenue shows collections under Section 236C rose to Rs84 billion, compared with Rs65 billion in the corresponding period last year, while revenue under Section 236K increased from Rs71 billion to Rs85 billion Meanwhile the government is con-
sidering abolishing the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on property as it contributed less than Rs2 billion in the current fiscal year s first nine months Officials indicated that while a parliamentary bill is likely, an ordinance may face resistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Currently FED on property is charged at 3% for filers 5% for late filers and 7% for non-filers
Separately, the salaried class continues to be the largest taxpayer group, contributing Rs370 billion so far in this fiscal year significantly surpassing propertyrelated and export sectors Salaried employees remain ahead of other profitable sectors in their total tax contribution The government has also imposed a 15% Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on property profits, to be declared with upcoming income tax returns
MInISTRy
environment
Inflationary pressures receded significantly, with headline inflation dropping to a multi-decade low of just 0 7 percent by March 2025 The SBP attributed this steep disinflation to tight monetary and fiscal policies improved
domestic supply conditions, moderation in energy prices and low international commodity prices In response to the cooling inflation the SBP reduced the policy rate by a cumulative 1,000 basis points between June 2024 and February 2025 The report noted that this easing in financial conditions, alongside a slight uptick in economic activity and lending linked to advances-to-deposit ratio (ADR) regulations fueled substantial growth in
vate sector credit during
However, the report pointed out that overall
growth
moderate This was largely due
cline in kharif crop production caused by reduced cultivated area lower yields policy uncertainty last year s weak crop prices and unfavourable weather conditions and a contraction in industrial activity While large-scale manufacturing, mining and quarrying and construction sectors registered declines small-scale manufacturing utilities and the slaughtering sub-sectors helped limit the contraction The services sector showed relatively better performance compared to the previous year On the external front a steady increase in exports and remittances dur-
ing H1-FY25 helped offset a rise in imports, resulting in a current account surplus This surplus, alongside IMF inflows and a pickup in
COMMENT Economic crossroads
PA K I S TA N’S economy is at a pivotal moment of recovery, with the government highlighting key achievements such as historic low inflation, doubled foreign exchange reserves, and increased foreign direct investment However the journey ahead requires sustained commitment to reforms and prudent fiscal management
The World Bank s growth forecast for Pakistan, though slightly lowered to 2 7%, still indicates a positive trajectory The government’s efforts to stabilize the economy, restore confidence, and reignite growth are evident in the current account surplus, recordhigh remittances, and reduced public debt-to-GDP ratio
To build on this momentum, Pakistan must prioritize transparency competitive processes and investor confidence Rightsizing government expenditures and privatizing lossmaking state-owned enterprises can save up to 2% of GDP annually Expanding digital banking, capital markets, and green finance can also contribute to a deeper and more resilient financial system
Human development is critical to sustaining high inclusive growth Investing in sectors like IT and green energy can create opportunities for Pakistan s future However this requires bold and necessary choices, including modernizing the economy and staying committed to reform
As Pakistan navigates its economic crossroads, unity and collective action are essential The government must work with all stakeholders to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities With prudent fiscal management, enhanced domestic financing, and tax reforms Pakistan can achieve a more stable and prosperous future
Ultimately Pakistan s future will be shaped by its ability to make difficult choices and invest in its people By staying committed to reform and prioritizing human development, Pakistan can emerge stronger, greener, and more competitive
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi
Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
NO T all transformations begin with upheaval Some of the most impactful changes come through quiet negotiations patient reforms and the willingness to examine hard truths In Pakistan one such truth lies at the heart of its food economy: the deepening debate over wheat pricing What seems like a simple policy matter is in fact a reflection of broader questions about equity, power, and the economic model we wish to pursue Wheat is not just a crop it is the daily sustenance of millions the anchor of our rural economy and a symbol of national stability Yet its price has become the epicentre of a complex tug-of-war On one side are farmers, particularly large-scale cultivators, who demand that the government purchase wheat at higher-than-market rates On the other side is a population struggling to afford basic food items already battered by inflation and stagnant incomes The state stands in the middle attempting to balance these opposing pressures In moments of market prosperity, when prices surge beyond government-set rates, as they did last year, touching Rs 3400 per maund, farmers advocate for deregulation and free-market access But in downturns the chorus shifts to calls for fixed prices and state bailouts This duality reveals a critical inconsistency: the push for policy flexibility only when it serves immediate gain It raises an ethical concern should public policy cater to shifting self-interest or remain grounded in long-term fairness? This isn’t a simplistic divide between big and small farmers The challenge transcends farm size The real issue is the sustainability of a system that is expected to absorb private risk while delivering public benefit The government s role in setting prices and intervening in markets is not just economic, it is social It ensures food security, tempers volatility,
structured financial support to farmers for future cultivation Storage mechanisms have also been revamped, excess wheat can now be stored in government facilities with the Punjab government subsidizing four months of rent Farmers receive digital receipts that allow them to borrow
C a u g h t i n t h e c r o s s f i r e : W h a t T r u m p ’ s t a r i f f s m e a n f o r A s i a ’ s e c
Revolutionar y tribute
that “China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China s interests If this happens China will never accept it and will resolutely take countermeasures The editorial also encouraged partner economies to strengthen ties with China and “other partners who stand in opposition to the tariff war launched by the Trump administration ” framing such alliances as pathways toward a more resilient and rules-based global economic order
In this environment Asian economies face a sobering reality: integration with global powers is a double-edged sword On one side it has delivered decades of growth, jobs, and development On the other, it exposes nations to severe vulnerabilities when geopolitical instability unsettles the rules of global trade
The legacy of Trump Tariffs may prove long-lasting They did not merely alter trade patterns they fundamentally shook the institutional foundations of the global economic system For Asia, this means bracing for a new era defined by economic nationalism, strategic decoupling, and heightened geopolitical risk The challenge for Asian policymakers moving forward is twofold: to shield their economies from external shocks while reimagining a new regional order that is less dependent on binary alliances Whether through strengthening intraAsian trade, diversifying export destinations, or forging multilateral pacts insulated from greatpower rivalries the region must adapt In doing so Asia will not only navigate the turbulence of Trump Tariffs but may also shape the architecture of tomorrow s global economy
Dr Usman Ali is a Research Associate at Dalian University of Technology, China He holds a PhD in International Economics with a specialization in China’s international financing and its implications for both home and host countries
PA K I S TA N stands at a critical juncture in its fight against vaccine-preventable diseases With a population of over 255 million and approximately 29 million children under the age of five, the country bears a significant responsibility to protect its youngest citizens from deadly infections like measles Yet despite notable progress immunization gaps persist leaving millions of children vulnerable to illnesses that could easily be prevented through timely vaccinations
The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in Pakistan was launched with the goal of shielding every child against twelve life-threatening diseases These include diseases like measles polio diphtheria pertussis and hepatitis B However the reality on the ground tells a different story
While the infrastructure exists barriers such as lack of awareness, vaccine hesitancy, logistical challenges, and disparities between urban and rural regions continue to undermine the programme’s effectiveness To achieve herd immunity the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that at least 95% of children receive their second dose of the measles-containing vaccine (MCV2) Encouragingly, Pakistan has made considerable strides, with MCV2 coverage rising from 30% in 2009 to 80% in 2023 according to WUENIC Pakistan However third-party verification (TPVICS report 2023) paints a less optimistic picture estimating coverage at just 65 6% This discrepancy highlights the urgent need to strengthen and verify immunization efforts on the ground to ensure that reported coverage reflects the real situation Provincial disparities remain a pressing concern For instance Punjab leads the way with relatively higher immunization rates, while Balochistan continues to lag behind These disparities are not merely statistical they translate into real-world consequences including preventable outbreaks hospitalizations and deaths With a birth cohort of 5–6 million children annually approximately 1 to 2 million children miss their second dose of measles vaccine each year Without strategic intervention, this number is projected to rise, putting millions of children at risk
Pakistan s education system presents a remarkable yet underutilized opportunity to bridge the immunization gap With over 56 million students enrolled in approximately 300,000 schools and madrassas nationwide, educational settings can serve as critical access points for healthcare interventions Schools have the infrastructure the reach and the trust of communities making them ideal platforms to integrate health initiatives alongside education A simple, practical intervention could change the trajectory of Pakistan’s immunization efforts: implementing mandatory health screenings before preschool or madrassa admissions A basic health questionnaire covering age immunization status general health, and speech development would help identify unvaccinated or undervaccinated children Given that only about 25% of children complete the full MCV2 course such a screening initiative could identify and help the 75% who might otherwise fall through the cracks This strategy hinges on coordinated partnerships between the Ministries of Health, Education, and Religious Affairs Schools and madrassas should be digitally linked via GPRS to the nearest immunization centers ensuring that any child flagged as unvaccinated can be promptly referred for necessary vaccines Admission should be conditional upon proof of vaccination an approach already successfully implemented in several countries worldwide to ensure high coverage rates Measles outbreaks developmental
e r i s i n g f ro m 3 0 % i n 2 0 0 9 t o 8 0 % i n 2 0 2 3 , a c c o rd i n g t o W U E N I C Pa k i s t a n . H o w e v e r, t h i rd - p a r t y v e r i f i c a t i o n ( T P V I C S r e p o r t 2 0 2 3 ) p a i n t s a l e s s o p t i m i s t i c
p i c t u r e , e s t i m a t i n g c ov e r a g e a t j u s t 6 5 . 6 % . T h i s d i s c r e p a n c y h i g h l i g h t s t h e u r g e n t
n e e d t o s t r e n g t h e n a n d v e r i f y i m mu n i z a t i o n e f fo r t s o n t h e g ro u n d t o e n s u r e t h a t
r e p o r t e d c ov e r a g e r e f l e c t s t h e r e a l s i t u a t i o n .
Bangladesh must diversif y its trade infrastructure after India’s ban
TH E visit of Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman to the Iranian capital Tehran this month and his meeting with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei carried several political implications, particularly as he delivered a written message from King Salman This indicates there has been communication between the highest authorities in Saudi Arabia and Iran highlighting the significance and confidentiality of the message s content
What does it mean for a letter to be handwritten? This approach to messaging involves assigning a person to write the message by hand dictated by the king who then signs it himself The message is placed in a special envelope within an elegant leather folder adorned with the emblem of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia A written message typically conveys respect, while it also signifies the importance of the content necessitating a high level of seriousness in its consideration
The written message was conveyed by Prince Khalid the son of the king and brother of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman He possesses both military and political expertise, having served as Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Washington He also participated in the initial stages of Operation Decisive Storm in 2015 and has been responsible for various political and security matters assigned to him by the crown prince, particularly regarding the Yemen conflict This background explains the presence of Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al-Jaber during Prince Khalid’s visit to Iran Al-Jaber s presence in the discussions between the Saudi delegation led by Prince Khalid and the Iranian delegation headed by Maj Gen Mohammed Bagheri indicates that the Yemeni issue was a significant topic of conversation This is particularly relevant given the strong ties between Iran and the Houthis led by Abdul Malik Al-Houthi
allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, the Kingdom simultaneously recognizes that war poses a significant threat to all Gulf Cooperation Council countries and thus has advocated for its prevention
which has conducted terrorist operations against the Kingdom in recent years However, Riyadh has reached an understanding with the Houthis to cease hostilities, paving the way for a lasting peace in Yemen that includes all parties and the formation of a national unity government in which the Houthis will participate In September 2023, Prince Khalid met with the Sanaa delegation, when it was reaffirmed that the Kingdom will continue to support Yemen and its brotherly people, and its constant keenness to encourage the Yemeni parties to sit at the dialogue table to reach a comprehensive and lasting political solution in Yemen under the supervision of the United Nations, according to the Saudi Press Agency Saudi Arabia aims to ensure stability in Yemen by promoting internal reconciliation fostering a genuine and serious political process and facilitating an open dialogue that includes all parties ultimately leading to the resolution of the existing division and political stagnation At the same time, there are risks threatening the security of maritime routes, particularly in the Red Sea and the Bab El-Mandab Strait due to the involvement of the Houthis in supporting Hamas and launching missile strikes against Israeli targets This has also endangered maritime navigation by targeting a number of commercial vessels under the pretext that they are Israeli or American or carrying goods for Israel prompting many shipping vessels to alter their routes This prompted the administration of US President Donald Trump to decide to intensify military strikes against Houthi leaders in Yemen, as well as their training centers and weapons depots, until the Houthis cease their military operations These events collectively heighten the level of tension in the Middle East and the Red Sea a tension that Saudi Arabia does not wish to persist as it jeopardizes its national and regional security
Hence, the ceasefire file in Yemen is a critically important issue Riyadh hopes that Tehran will exert genuine pressure and persuade the Houthis its ally to cease their military operations
It is true that there is a continuous Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, along with daily violations of the sovereignty of Lebanon and Syria and a systematic displacement of Palestinians from their lands However, despite the extreme brutality of these Israeli crimes they will not be halted by the missiles or drones of the Houthis Therefore it is essential to consider alternative solutions that are more effective
and lead to a just peace ultimately resulting in a two-state solution
There are also files concerning the armed factions in Iraq, Hezbollah and its weaponry in Lebanon and the relationship with the new regime in Syria All these files will be monitored for changes in the upcoming phase particularly regarding the performance of Iran s allies in these countries
Through these foreign issues, where the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran intersects, Riyadh seeks to ease tensions and push for comprehensive regional reconciliations that will reduce the likelihood of war This is because Saudi Arabia is concerned with consolidating peace and security so that its massive development and economic plans, outlined in Saudi Vision 2030, can succeed On the other hand there are ongoing Iranian-American negotiations facilitated by Oman regarding Iran s nuclear program To date three rounds of these discussions have taken place, with Saudi Arabia expressing its support for them Saudi Arabia’s support for a serious dialogue between Tehran and Washington has not been merely verbal; Saudi diplomacy actively engaged in its relations to avert any potential US military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities While Riyadh opposes any efforts that would allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, the Kingdom simultaneously recognizes that war poses a significant threat to all Gulf Cooperation Council countries and thus has advocated for its prevention
Another matter is that Saudi Arabia expects Iran to adhere to the terms outlined in the security agreement the two countries signed in 2001, which is commonly referred to as the Naif-Rouhani agreement This deal provides a regulatory framework from which current and future security cooperation can be initiated while also preventing any violations or interference in the internal affairs of either nation
A significantly positive atmosphere has been generated by Prince Khalid s visit to Iran and his meeting with Khamenei The next steps will depend on actions bilateral cooperation and the initiation of measures to strengthen the region and close any gaps that extremists in Israel or terrorists might exploit to undermine the fragile security in the Middle East Hassan Al-Mustafa is a Saudi writer and researcher interested in Islamic movements the development of religious discourse and the relationship between the Gulf Cooperation Council states and Iran P r i n c e K h a l i d ’ s I r a n v i s i t c r e a t e s a p o s i t i v e a t m o s p h e r e
India revoked a key transhipment facility that allowed Bangladesh to export goods to third countries via Indian borders This is a fresh blow to Dhaka at a time when it is already potentially facing steep US tariffs on its exports, although that story is still unfolding In a circular, India’s customs department announced the withdrawal of a 2020 provision that had permitted the movement of Bangladeshi goods through Indian customs stations to ports and airports using containers or closed-body trucks
Citing rising delays and logistical costs that were reportedly hampering India’s own exports and creating congestion the Indian Ministry of External Affairs defended the move as a necessity However the timing of the move with so many Asian countries facing major trading challenges, is unfortunate, to say the least The revocation is expected to disrupt trade flows to neighbouring countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar These are routes on which Bangladeshi exporters have increasingly relied for accessing regional markets Bangladesh s garment industry the largest contributor to our export economy, typically prioritises direct sea routes to key Western markets However, the development curtails opportunities for regional integration and logistics flexibility While the
MoDI prIorItIsIng war over De-escal atIon after paHalgaM: nYt
voiced strong backing for India s counter-terrorism efforts US President Donald Trump has described himself as friendly to both India and Pakistan but has not indicated any immediate mediation efforts “They will figure it out ” the US president told reported while onboard Air Firce One last week Experts noted that the United States has not yet appointed an ambassador to India, suggesting South Asia is not a top priority for Washington Daniel Markey, a senior fellow at Johns Hopkins University said India appears determined to deliver a spectacular response compared to the limited impact of its 2019 airstrike against Pakistan after the Pulwama attack Markey warned that both India and Pakistan may overestimate their ability to control escalation risking rapid conflict spirals
On Tuesday April 22 26 men were killed at a tourist site in Pahalgam area of Indian Illegally Occuppied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) India claimed without presenting any evidence that there were Pakistani elements linked to the attack, a claim Islamabad denies
Hundreds of Kashmiri students forced to return home from India
but major powers including the United States remain largely focused elsewhere The Trump administration has
On Wednesday April 23 the Indian Cabinet Committee on Security approved a series of actions including shutting down the Wagah-Attari land transit point, advising Indian nationals against travelling to Pakistan, and formally notifying Islamabad of the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
President X i stresses pooling strength of working class for rejuvenation of C hinese nation
Chinese President Xi Jinping on
Monday called for pooling the strength of the country’s working class and the broad masses of working people and translating the grand blueprint of realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation into reality through hard, down-to-earth work
President Xi also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission made the remarks at a grand gathering to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions and honor model workers and exemplary individuals
The gathering was presided over by Premier Li Qiang Senior leaders Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Ding Xuexiang, and Li Xi attended the event, and Cai Qi read out the commendations
A total of 1 670 people were honored as national role model workers and 756 were recognized as exemplary individuals
On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, Xi congratulated the
honorees and extended his greetings to workers, farmers, intellectuals, and other working people from all ethnic groups as well as to trade unions and their staff at all levels ahead of International Workers Day on May 1
Xi noted that the All-China Federation of Trade Unions has written a magnificent chapter in the workers’ movement over the past 100 years since its founding
Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012 trade unions at all levels have united and mobilized the broad masses of workers to make significant con-
tributions to the realization of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects as scheduled and advancing Chinese modernization Xi added
No matter how historical conditions and social groups evolve the status and role of the working class in China, the fundamental principle of relying wholeheartedly on the working class, and the nature and functions of the country’s trade unions cannot be shaken he said
He stressed that over the past century the most significant achievement in the theoretical innovation and practical development of the Party’s workers’ movement cause has been forming the socialist trade union’s development path with Chinese characteristics
The path upholds the overall leadership of the Party over the workers movement and trade unions, sticks to the fundamental principle of relying wholeheartedly on the working class commits to following and serving the central task of the Party maintains the trade unions political character pioneering nature and connection with the people, adheres to serving the working people as its lifeline
He said there is a tremendous potential for China-Pakistan agricultural cooperation and Chinese leaders have attached great importance
collaboration, identifying
sets
said that
with
and equipment worth 30 million yuan (1 16billionrupee) for free, including tractors, seeders, combine harvesters, and photovoltaic water pump systems and so on “This represents the largest China aided agricultural equipment project to Pakistan in recent years China and Pakistan are both traditionally big agricultural countries Pakistan boasts 30 5 million hectares of agricultural land, accounting for over 40% of its territory Three-fifths of its population resides in rural areas two-fifths of e m p l o y m e n t comes from agriculture, one-fifth of exports are agricultural products and one-fourth of GDP originates from the agricultural sector Pakistan ranks fourth, fifth, eighth, and ninth globally in sugarcane cotton wheat and rice production respectively, with livestock numbers reaching 225 million ” he said He said that it stands as the world s fourthlargest leather ex-
porter and fifth-largest milk producer
In2024, China s GDP reached 134 9 trillion yuan (USD 18 94 trillion), with agriculture contributing 6 8% The contribution rate of agricultural sci-tech advances exceeds 63%, overall mechanization rate in crop cultivation growth and harvest surpasses 75% and total grain output has exceeded 1 4 trillion jin (700 million tons) for the first time
Currently, China-Pakistan agricultural cooperation continues to deepen in four main aspects: First, institutional mechanisms have been strengthened The China-Pakistan Agricultural Joint Working Group mechanism has been established Last Tuesday the fourth JWG meeting was successfully convened in Beijing, following which multiple agricultural cooperation agreements will be signed Second, agricultural trade tie has grown closer Over the past three years, nine new protocols for Pakistani agricultural exports to China have been signed maintaining bilateral agricultural trade above $1 billion annually with Pakistan consistently maintaining a trade surplus, he added The envoy said that in Q1 2024, ChinaPakistan agricultural trade reached$228million, up 21 4% year-on-year Pakistan’s first exports of heat-treated beef fresh cherries and frozen buffalo embryos to China was witnessed last year he said and added that in February this year, the first batch of high-value-added buffalo dairy products arrived in China Third, personnel exchanges have intensified
“The Chinese government supports numerous Pakistani agricultural professionals to study in China every year Another 300young agricultural talents departed for training programs in Yangling Shaanxi Province, China just last week Fourth, agricultural-industrial cooperation has been consolidated Agricultural projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) now comprehensively cover grain cotton oil crops meat and dairy production The implementation of these projects will strengthen Pakistan s agricultural foundation in all aspects In June we will host the HighQuality Development Forum on China-Pakistan Agricultural Cooperation to pool collective efforts for elevating agriculturalindustrial collaboration,” he said Looking back Amb Jiang said China-
MARYAM FOR PROVIDING SAFE, HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT TO EVERY WORKER
Jordan
S TA F F R E P O R T Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has said that she considers the protection of media workers rights and being their voice as her responsibility and mission She said that under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s leadership, the Punjab government has taken historic steps over the past year for the welfare of journalists and continues to undertake every possible effort for the betterment of the journalistic community She made these remarks at a prestigious dinner hosted in honour of journalists and columnists who received the Sitara-e-Imtiaz from the federal government The event was attended by Secretary Informa-
General Public Relations Ghulam Saghir Shahid and other distinguished guests
The Information Minister said that providing accurate and authentic information to the public is the true responsibility of a journalist Journalists who engage in factbased reporting are always the standard-bearers of truth and the awards they receive are a true acknowledgement of their hard work and professional abilities
On this occasion, she also strongly criticized those elements disguised as journalists who promote lies provocation and misinformation through YouTube and social media stating that such individuals do not deserve to be called
journalists Azma Bokhari further mentioned that following special directives from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz concrete and historic steps are being taken to resolve journalists issues, ensure their protection, and provide them with the necessary facilities
The federal government has honoured renowned journalists Salman Ghani with Sitara-e- Imtiaz while Muzammil Suhrawardi Nasrullah Malik Kamran Shahid and Muneeb Farooq have been conferred with the Sitara-e-Imtiaz Paying tribute to them, Azma Bokhari said that this honour is a matter of pride not only for the individuals themselves but for the entire journalistic community
2023–24 marking a historic achievement for the Company SNGPL recorded its highest-ever profitability, with a remarkable profit before tax around Rs 30 billion Profit after tax stood at an impressive Rs 19 billion, translating into Earnings Per Share (EPS) of Rs 29 92 a significant surge from the Rs 10 6 billion profit after tax and EPS of Rs 16 66 recorded in the corresponding period last year Throughout the fiscal year, SNGPL demonstrated exceptional resilience and operational excellence, achieving notable milestones across all facets of its business Despite facing a challenging global environment marked by heightened geopolitical tensions and financial market volatility the Company delivered outstanding results reinforcing its strong foundation and future prospects The Board lauded the Management s commendable efforts, particularly in the area of UFG (Unaccounted for Gas) control, achieving lowest UFG in the past eighteen years, which is 4 93% and acknowledged the unwavering dedication and professionalism of the Company’s workforce in meeting and exceeding the targets set by the Board
LAHORE
tion Tahir Raza Hamdani, Director
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is expected to announce a 50 basis points (bps) cut in its policy rate to 11 5% during the upcoming monetary policy meeting scheduled for May 5 2025 according to analysts at Arif Habib Limited The expectation is based on a continued decline in inflation, a strong real interest rate cushion, and ongoing weakness in domestic industrial production Headline inflation dropped to 0 7% year-on-year in March 2025 the lowest level in approximately six decades, and is projected to fall further to 0 45% in April This significant moderation has pushed real interest rates to around 11 3% creating room for monetary easing while maintaining macroeconomic stability For the 10-month period of FY25 (10MFY25), average headline inflation stands at 4 88%, compared to 26 22% during the same period last year Core inflation however remains elevated with non-food
non-energy inflation (NFNE) projected at 7 72% year-on-year in April The high base effect supporting disinflation is also expected to diminish in the coming months potentially placing some upward pressure on future inflation readings On the external front Pakistan posted a current account surplus of USD 1 2 billion in March 2025 and a cumulative surplus of USD 1 86 billion during 9MFY25 largely supported by a 33% year-on-year increase in remittances Nonetheless an 11% year-on-year rise in imports during the same period suggests that domestic demand may be gradually recovering, which could introduce new pressures on the external account
Large-Scale Manufacturing (LSM) output contracted by 3 5% year-on-year in February 2025 reinforcing the case for additional monetary support to stimulate industrial activity Meanwhile, money market behavior has been mixed with longer-tenor yields trending lower while short-term
yields have moved up slightly indicating a cautious market outlook ahead of the monetary policy decision A recent survey by Arif Habib Limited found that 54 6% of respondents expect the SBP to lower the policy rate with 18 2% specifically forecasting a 50bps cut In contrast, 45 4% anticipate a status quo Compared to earlier market assessments, when a Topline Securities survey showed strong expectations for a rate cut but a baseline forecast of no immediate change current data now presents a clearer case for monetary easing Earlier, concerns regarding delayed external inflows and IMF guidance for tight monetary policy
in the
rate at this
Sanam Javed and husband arrested near Kot Lakhpat
Jail in Lahore
LAHORE
S TA F F R E P O R T Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activist Sanam Javed and her husband, Professor Atiq Ahmad, were arrested by police on Monday near Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore The couple’s detention followed Sanam Javed’s attendance at a court hearing related to the ongoing May 9 cases Sources confirmed that shortly after leaving the Kot Lakhpat Jail a large police presence surrounded the couple Several police vehicles were reported to have arrived at the scene, and the pair was swiftly taken into custody However, authorities have yet to officially comment on the reasons behind the arrests The couple was subsequently moved to an undisclosed location intensifying speculation about the nature of the arrest and the charges they may face Sanam Javed a prominent PTI member has been involved in multiple legal issues following the May 9 political unrest, which led to mass protests and numerous arrests of PTI leaders and workers Recently an anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi had canceled the interim bail of several PTI leaders including Sanam Javed for their involvement in protests These protests held on November 26 resulted in legal actions against various party members who failed to appear in court Among those affected by the bail cancellations were former provincial minister Raja Basharat, Mishal Yousafzai, Nadia Khattak, and journalist Sami Ibrahim The ongoing developments have added to the tension surrounding PTI figures with many speculating that the arrests are linked to the legal aftermath of the May 9 events and the government s crackdown on PTI s leadership
One of the militants died in the shootout while the other detonated himself during the exchange of fire Both terrorists were affiliated with the banned militant organization, Da esh The incident took place in the Darakhshan area of the city, where the CTD personnel also discovered a suicide vest and a significant stockpile of weapons and ammunition from the militants possession The intense gunfire lasted for over an hour, as law enforcement officials worked to neutralize the threat
According to CTD sources, the militants were reportedly planning an attack in the region but their plans were thwarted due to the swift response by the authorities This latest operation follows another successful CTD mission on April 18 2025 in which five terrorists were killed during a gunfight in the Balochistan city of Duki
These militants had been involved in multiple attacks targeting workers and law enforcement officers The bodies of the slain militants were transported to Quetta for identification and further investigation CTD officials revealed that the operation in Duki was based on in-
telligence reports about the presence of militants linked to a banned organization Upon being confronted by the law enforcement personnel, the suspects opened fire, triggering a gun battle in which five militants were killed T hese individuals were reportedly behind a series of attacks including kidnappings and assaults on workers particularly in the mining regions of Quetta
Pakistan makes historic c amel milk powder expor t to China
