Sindh protests to affect national supply chain I World Bank lowers Pakistan’s economic growth
In Focus
Mapping Pakistan’s Immediate Responses to Pahalgam terror attack
On 23 April, India announced the following measures against Pakistan: the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty “until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism,” closure of main border transit point (Integrated Check Post Attari), cancellation of Saarc Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals, declaration of defence attaches and advisers at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi as ‘Persona Non Grata,’ reduction in the total strength of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad from 55 to 30.
Pakistan convenes an emergency meeting to respond to India, post-Pahalgam terror attack
On 24 April, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee to mull the country’s response to a slew of “aggressive measures” that India announced against it in reaction to the Pahalgam terror attack. The committee will deliberate on a “comprehensive policy reaction” and chart the forward course.
Warning, False-flag accusation, and Conspiracy theories: What has been the first response from Pakistan’s leaders?
Following the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan’s Foreign Office released an official statement condoling the loss of lives. Other reactions, both from government officials and political parties, have been hostile. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in a TV interview, termed India’s response “immature” and “hasty” and called out the lack of evidence cited by India. He also stated that this was a “non-serious approach.”
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif pointed a finger at the Indian military’s long-term presence in the region and alleged human rights violations as the cause of the attack. He also emphasized that India should refrain from making false allegations against Pakistan. Asif also highlighted that India cannot unilaterally withdraw from the Indus Water Treaty and termed the suspension of the treaty a clear “violation of international laws.” He also warned that “Pakistan is capable of responding to any Indian aggression in a befitting manner.”
Political parties, including the PML-N and the PPP termed the Pahalgam attack as a “false-flag operation.” Speaking in the Senate, PML-N leader Senator Irfan Siddiqui termed the attack a “well-planned conspiracy” directed at implicating Pakistan, coinciding with US Vice President’s India visit.
PPP Senator Sherry Rehman claimed that finger-pointing at Pakistan has become India’s “boilerplate response.” JUI-F chief also called India’s accusations “baseless.” PTI expressed its ardent support for the security forces in Pakistan and cautioned that “any adventurism against Pakistan would be met with a united national response.”
Leaders from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) condemned the attack and called it a “sinister ploy by Indian agencies to discredit the Kashmir freedom struggle and falsely implicate Pakistan.” In this regard, “AJK” Information Minister Pir Mazhar Saeed reiterated that “Pahalgam false flag operation had flopped even before the script could unfold.”
What has been in the immediate reflections in Pakistan’s media?
An editorial in The News International titled “IIOJK attack” lamented that the attack in Pahalgam can exacerbate an “already volatile situation in the disputed region.” The editorial criticized India’s “knee-jerk blame game” for its allegations against Pakistan and claimed that it “lacks integrity” and would “fuel war hysteria in a region already brimming with tensions.” It referenced how a similar situation after the Pulwama attack had resulted in “a near-catastrophic confrontation between two nuclear-armed neighbours.” The editorial claimed that the people of Kashmir have for long “harboured deep resentment against their forced occupation and systematic suppression” while the Indian government has always tried to externalize the violence in the region as “cross-border terrorism.” According to the editorial, this approach is not only “dishonest” but also “self-defeating.” The editorial also emphasized that Pakistan is despite having make concerted and consistent efforts to eradicate terrorism, Pakistan has been a victim of “Indian state-sponsored terrorism.” The editorial also noted that Pakistan has “always sought peace” and that “diplomacy and dialogue must replace demagoguery and propaganda.” It also cautioned against any confrontation between two nuclear powers due to “media-fueled jingoism and political expediency.”
Another editorial in The Express Tribune titled “Pahalgam tragedy” termed the attack a “serious security lapse” given the ongoing visit of US Vice President and called for “deep introspection” by all. The editorial advised India to stop its “smear campaign” against Pakistan and rather indulge in taking a stock of “the broader canvas of terror” and “collective measures” for tackling terrorism. The editorial also highlighted that the responsibility of the attack was claimed by a relatively “unknown entity,” which makes the event look rather “suspicious.” The editorial also warned that any unilateral retaliation from India will “not remain limited then on.”
References
“Pakistan mulls response after India points the finger without proof,” Dawn, 24 April 2025
“NSC convenes today amid Modi's sabre-rattling,” The Express Tribune, 24 April 2025
Asim Yasin & Mariana Baabar, “Under fire over held Kashmir attack, India seeks to scapegoat Pakistan,” The News International, 24 April 2025
Syed Irfan Raza & Tariq Naqash, “Held Kashmir attack timed to defame Pakistan: leaders,” Dawn, 24 April 2025
Sindh protests to gridlock national supply chain
On 3 April, the Overseas Investor Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) cited significant monetary losses since the beginning of a six-day blockade led by lawyers and politicians on the National Highway in Sindh. Blockades and sit-ins in Sindh have blocked transport movement on critical routes, disrupting industrial operations and local trade. Around 3,500 trucks carrying exports, perishables, and industrial material remain stranded across north Sindh, forcing the supply chain into a gridlock. The blockade, particularly on the Sukkur Larkana division, has raised alarm among the government entities and business stakeholders as it takes place during the Kharif season. Crops like cotton, rice, and sugarcane require urea on time, as it could lead to lower yields, raise food prices, and increase costs for farmers. The Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) has raised concerns regarding the same with the Sindh government, as it could affect Pakistan’s food security. According to the OICCI, the disruption could lead to a potential shutdown of industries in other provinces as raw materials are stranded at the Karachi port. Business stakeholders like United Business Group’s SM Tanveer have expressed concern over the disruption and its implications on exports, as the last quarter saw a 12 per cent decline.
On the same day, an editorial titled “Stranded goods” in Dawn described how enterprises and industries have become collateral of political failure. These economic entities cannot wait until the government smoothens out the Pakistan People’s Party’s grievances regarding the canal project. It may entail a lengthy negotiation process. In this regard, the editorial emphasized that the federation to expeditiously address the concerns of protestors in a just manner. Likewise, the Sindh government must pacify the demonstrators, remove blockades, and avoid confrontation if it is satisfied with the federation’s measures. (“Sindh protests take a toll on national supply chain,” Dawn, 24 April 2025; “Highway blockade in Sindh cripples trade, warn industry leaders,” The News International, 24 April 2025; “Stranded goods,” Dawn, 24 April 2025)
World Bank lowers Pakistan's economic growth
On 3 April, the World Bank lowered Pakistan’s economic growth from 2.8 per cent to 2.7 per cent in its South Asia Development Update report titled ‘Taxing Times’. The lowered outlook is attributed to tight monetary and fiscal policies despite ease in inflation and fiscal surpluses. These growth estimates are linked to downside risks. The bank also noted the limited growth in the agriculture and service sectors and the decline in industrial activity. Though these areas are expected to strengthen over time, the slow economic growth is going to negatively impact job creation and poverty reduction amidst booming population growth rates. Nevertheless, the economic growth outlook for fiscal 2026 and 2027 stands positively at 3.1 per cent and 3.4 per cent, respectively. These assumptions will stand true if there is a continued fiscal restraint, realization of rollovers, new external financing, sound macroeconomic management, and progress in structural reforms.
Additionally, the Bank has identified under-taxation as a key roadblock to Pakistan’s economic growth. The report clubs Pakistan with Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, which suffer from an above-average tax revenue collection shortfall caused by structural factors. It highlights how a large agricultural sector and limited financial development across Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan is responsible for half of the tax revenue collection in the former and a third of the shortfall for the latter two. Hence, for Pakistan, increasing taxation on under-taxed sectors, like agriculture, will be an improvement in revenue mobilization.
On 4 April, an editorial titled “New IMF projection” in Dawn suggested ways in which the current global economic situation can help Pakistan grow. It noted that the International Monetary Fund’s growth projections for Pakistan have been lowered to 2.6 per cent by taking the US’ tariff policies into account. Pakistan is yet to identify a mutually beneficial deal with the US. Emerging reports suggest that the government may put its rare earth resources on the market and expand its share in the US markets.
Alternatively, the editorial suggested quicker structural reforms to enhance foreign direct investment, exports, and industrial and agricultural productivity. But given the context of Pakistan, the authorities often seek temporary solutions to avoid backlash from business lobbies and similar entities. Instead, the editorial argued that they should take “the more difficult route of mustering the political will to execute much-needed structural reforms.” (Khaleeq Kiani, “World Bank trims Pakistan’s economic growth forecast to 2.7 per cent,” Dawn, 24 April 2025; Mehtab Haider, “Pakistan’s economy on the mend, challenges persist: WB,” The News International, 24 April 2025; Mehtab Haider, “Pakistan’s growth relies on untaxed areas: World Bank,” The News International, 24 April 2025; “New IMF projection,” Dawn , 24 April 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Ruling elites fear rising political awareness among Baloch women, says BNP-M President Mengal
On 3 April, Balochistan National Party (M) (BNP-M) President Sardar Akhtar Mengal censured the government’s treatment of Baloch women, especially those who are imprisoned for demanding their rights. While speaking at a public meeting in Khuzdar, Mengal observed growing political awareness among women. He said: “Our women in Balochistan are now so aware that the rulers are losing their sleep over it.” He added that BNP-M resigned from the provincial assemblies as a demand for Baloch rights, as the region's issues cannot be resolved via political means. In fact, “things have only gotten worse,” he stated. (Abdul Wahid Shahwani, “People being jailed for seeking rights: Mengal,” Dawn, 24 April 2025)
SOCIETY
Militants kill levies personnel accompanying polio team in Mastung, Balochistan
On 23 April, unknown militants fired upon the Levies personnel who were guarding a polio team in Mastung, Balochistan. The attack resulted in two Levies personnel losing their lives. As per the officials, the attack took place when the polio workers were engaged in vaccinating. The Assistant Commissioner in Mastung informed that an operation has been initiated to look out for the gunmen. So far, the Counter-Terrorism Department, along with the Frontier Corps and Levies forces, have been able to detain two possible “suspects.” Up until now, no militant group has assumed the “responsibility” of the assault. Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti denounced the assault and paid respects to the Levies personnel who were killed by the militants. He vowed that the militants involved in the attack would be brought under the wrath of the law. Further, he stated that everything would be done to make sure that the polio vaccination campaign is a “success.”
On the same day, a fresh case of polio virus was detected in Torghar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. KP had previously reported one case of poliovirus in 2025. So far, in 2025, there have been seven cases of polio reported across the country.
On the same day, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal pointed out that those who give a “religious” angle to the inoculation of polio vaccine are the same ones who would stand in line wanting to get inoculated before traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj. Further, Mustafa Kamal stressed the significance of “awareness, empathy, community engagement” to eradicate the menace of polio. He also acknowledged that “religious misconceptions” continue to be a roadblock in the path towards the eradication of polio. He also informed that he has instructed the concerned authorities not to file an FIR against those parents who do not inoculate their children. According to him, the vaccine refusers need to be educated. He highlighted how it is not only a “health issue” but also a “societal issue.” As per him, contribution from “elders, relatives, and local religious leaders” is needed for fighting against the disease. (Saleem Shahid, “Two Levies men guarding polio team martyred in Mastung,” Dawn, 24 April 2025; Ikram Junaidi, “Pakistan reports polio case from KP; tally at seven,” Dawn, 24 April 2025; M Waqar Bhatti, “Those refusing polio vaccination take drops during Haj, Umrah: Kamal” The News International, 24 April 2025)
ECONOMY
Punjab farmers decide to grow less wheat as dissent next season
On 24 April, Dawn reported on the concerns raised by farmers in Punjab about dams not having enough water. The President of Pakistan Kisan Ittehad, Khalid Khokhar convened a press conference” in which he vociferously denounced the provincial government’s approach towards the concerns of the farmers. He said “throat of farmers and cultivators has been strangled.” Further, he declared that in 2026, they would grow less wheat, signifying the dissent of the farmers. He also dismissed the “aid package” offered by the provincial government and said “we do not want the package, you have ruined agriculture.” He demanded that the political parties should not “politicize” the problem. Further, he alleged that though PTI and PPP have expressed their discontent towards the PML-N government’s policies in Punjab, the same situation exists in KP and Sindh as well. KP is led by the PTI government, whereas Sindh is governed by the PPP. In response, Provincial Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, pointed out how the government has set aside a “record” high “allocation” for farmers in the state budget. Further, the government has also facilitated the farmers with “subsidies, seeds, tractors, loans,” etc. He also targeted PPP and PTI over their track record in their own governed provinces. (Amjad Mahmood, “Punjab growers threaten to cut wheat sowing next season,” Dawn, 24 April 2025)
On the contentious issue of diverting canals from the Indus River and the minerals bill:
“Federal government wants to lay claim to deeply held provincial prerogatives,” claims an opinion in Dawn
On 24 April, an opinion in Dawn titled “Canals and minerals” delved into two contentious issues- Sindh’s opposition to the construction of canals from Indus River and the passing of a minerals bill in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial assembly. Khurram Hussain pointed out the demonstrations that are being carried out in Sindh against the building of canals on the Indus River. He highlighted how the demonstrators have choked the National Highway at several points, which has impacted the transportation of goods. According to Hussain, it is not in the best interest of the government to build canals for supplying water to a desert, which is required for farming purposes in Sindh. On the minerals bill, according to Hussain, the federal government could anytime grab the “mineral wealth” which belongs to KP. He alluded it to how some of the PTI members of the Provincial Assembly remain adamantly opposed to the mineral bills. In this regard, the speaker of the KP assembly has stated that the bill would not be passed unless PTI supremo Imran Khan “authorizes” it. (Khurram Husain, “Canals and minerals,” Dawn, 24 April 2025)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan and Turkiye vow to root out TTP and BLA threat, says PM Sharif
On 22 April, PM Sharif landed in Ankara to embark on his “two-day visit” to Turkiye. Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and Information Minister Ataullah Tarar are also part of the entourage. During the visit, PM Sharif and President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged to deepen “strategic partnership” and increase bilateral cooperation areas, especially in combating terrorism. The two leaders held a “joint press conference” in which the latter expressed Turkiye’s commitment to back Pakistan and pledged to deepen “defence and economic” relations. PM Sharif expressed gratitude towards President Erdogan for backing Pakistan in critical situations such as the “floods in 2011 and 2022.” PM Sharif further stated that Turkiye and Pakistan would collaborate in rooting out terror groups such as Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and Balochistan Liberation Army. President Erdogan acknowledged Islamabad’s backing for the people of Palestine. Both President Erdogan and PM Sharif urged for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza and for “humanitarian assistance” to those who were impacted due to the conflict in Palestine. (Syed Irfan Raza, “PM Shehbaz, Erdogan pledge unity in terror fight,” Dawn, 23 April 2025)
CHINA AND CPEC
Two Pakistani astronauts to be trained at China-Manned Space Agency
On 24 April, Dawn reported that two astronauts from Pakistan would be traveling to China for training purpose in the China-Manned Space Agency (CMSA). It is anticipated that one of the astronauts would be included in the “future mission” of Tiangong Space station. This came after Pakistan and China inked a “bilateral agreement” in February 2025. CMSA informed that it has started the recruitment procedure for the astronauts. The Pakistani astronauts who would apply for the position would have to go through a rigorous “three-stage” selection procedure. As per the spokesperson of the CMSA, the recruit would be employed as a “payload specialist.” The astronaut would also carry out “scientific experiments for Pakistan.” China has been facing a prohibition from taking part in the International Space Station for the last 14 years. In 2011, the US forbade NASA from working with China’s “space agencies.” It was after this that China decided to cooperate with other countries, such as Pakistan, to enhance its “space programme.” (“Pakistani astronaut to be part of Chinese space mission,” Dawn, 24 April 2025)
Gan and Lee’s insulin cartridge gains access to Pakistan
On 24 April, The News International reported that the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan has given the “first biosimilar approval” to Gan and Lee Pharmaceuticals’ “insulin glargine cartridge.” It is anticipated that the approval would lead to a surge in “glucose-lowering medications” in Pakistan. As per the available statistics, around 3.45 crore Pakistanis are “diabetic patients” who fall in the age group from 20-79. Pakistan has the “highest prevalence rate” of diabetes among all the countries. As per Gan and Lee, their insulin cartridge would enable the patients to have a “safer” and more suitable “long-term option.” Further, the Chinese firm pointed out how China and Pakistan can increase their interdependency, given the former's superiority in “Research and Development and production” and the latter's huge “medical demand.” In addition to that, Gan and Lee informed that they have been collaborating with Pakistani firms for the transfer of technology and local production. (“Chinese insulin approved in Pakistan,” The News International, 24 April 2025)
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"This is a critical period in the country's history. Both our borders are currently unsafe. The need is that we restore the constitution, law and judiciary within the country and have true representatives of the nation in the parliament. We request our Pakistani nation to join us so that we can lead Pakistan towards stability. The stability of an artificial graveyard is no stability."
Secretary General of Tehreek-e-Insaf Salman Akram Raja
- PTI Islamabad
"Imran Khan has been in jail for more than 22 months. For 22 months, efforts have been made to keep Khan away from the public eye. Cases against him are being tried in a closed room inside the jail. This in itself is a violation of the law. Everyone has the fundamental right to have their case heard in an open court. Imran Khan is getting taller every day while sitting in jail. We have fallen into a pit of destruction and we have to get out of it."
Salman Akram Raja
- PTI
The Indian leadership should come to its senses and increasing tensions is in no way in the interest of India or Pakistan. Pakistan's policy is not one of interference or terrorism in India, but Pakistan is always targeted by terrorism by India.
Khawaja Saad Rafique, leader of the Muslim League-Nawaz
- PMLN
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"The entire supply chain for industry is now disrupted as the protests are escalating."
- An opinion in Dawn, 'Canals and minerals.’
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