Political consensus on six-canals project achieved I NEOC finds polio virus in 22 sewage samples from 44 districts
In Focus
Pakistan’s Defence Minister sees an “incursion” from India as “imminent”
Pakistan’s Defence Minister alleges attack from India “imminent”
On 29 April, Dawn reported on Defence Minister Khwaja Asif’s statement that Pakistan was prepared to thwart any possible attacks by India. Meanwhile, India and Pakistan have continued accusing each other of “trading fire” along the Line of Control. As per Khwaja Asif, Pakistan has restrengthened its “forces” in preparation for an adversity which is “imminent.” In an interview, Khwaja Asif said: “We should be mentally prepared, there is a war looming on the horizon.” The army has also informed the government about the likelihood of aggression from India. Asif did not cite any specific reasons to substantiate why he reckons that India might attack sometime soon. He separately told Geo News that the upcoming “two to three days were crucial.” Further, he stated that if India does not attack in the coming three to four days, the possibility of it attacking would subside. After the terrorist attack, New Delhi professed it had detained “two suspects.” India alleges that the suspects hailed from Pakistan. However, as per Dawn, India does not have any conclusive evidence to substantiate its claim.
Responses from political parties
On 28 April, the ruling PML-N claimed in the Senate that the international “community” has refused to back India’s anti-Pakistan stance. Both the government and members from the opposition parties in the Senate criticized India for leveling “baseless allegations” against Pakistan. PTI’s Syed Ali Zafar called for an All Parties Conference (APC) to discuss the evolving situation and also demanded the inclusion of PTI Founder Imran Khan in the APC. Further, he alleged that New Delhi does not have the right to walk out of the Indus Water Treaty. He claimed that India's breach of the Indus Water Treaty was “illegal and against international laws.” PML-N’s Irfan Siddiqui claimed that the international community has not backed New Delhi’s “position and lies.” Further, he alleged that the attack in Pahalgam was a “false flag operation.” He warned that Pakistan would give a “befitting reply” to any act of “aggression” from New Delhi. He compared the present situation to the time when 40 Sikhs were killed in 2000 amid former US President Bill Clinton’s visit to India. Shibli Faraz, who is the leader of the opposition, suggested that the government should permit Imran Khan to release a video in which he would ask all Pakistanis to walk towards the “Wagah border crossing.” According to him, Imran Khan is the “true representative” of the country and only he could provide a “strong” response to New Delhi.
Responses from the print media
On 29 April, an editorial in The News International titled “India’s credibility crisis” found India’s measures after the Pahalgam attack as misguided. The editorial criticized New Delhi for blocking Pakistan-based YouTube channels such as Geo News. As per the editorial, the platforms have been blocked by New Delhi for not adhering to “India’s state-approved narrative.” Further, the editorial pointed out how New Delhi is clamping down on Pakistani artists, films, and cricket. The editorial claimed that India’s allegations have been dismissed by world powers such as the US, EU, UK, Russia, and “regional” powers such as Turkey and China. The editorial also claimed that New Delhi itself has been involved in carrying out targeted “assassinations” on foreign soil, thereby it “cannot claim the moral high ground.” The editorial further argued that India’s move to suppress “voices from Pakistan” would not help in improving its “credibility.”
On 28 April, an opinion in The Express Tribune, “Pakistan, India on familiar path,” discussed how the surge in tensions between India and Pakistan has again drawn the likelihood of a possible “conflict” between the two countries. The author, Kamran Yousaf, claimed that New Delhi’s accusations against Pakistan pertaining to the Pahalgam attack will not acquit it from “its own security failure.” Yousaf also alleged that after the attack, the Indian government had vandalized homes of several people from Jammu and Kashmir, signifying “collective punishment.” Yousaf opined that New Delhi would dismiss PM Sharif’s willingness to be a part of a “neutral, transparent and credible” inquiry into the attack. Yousaf highlighted the response from Islamabad to the Balakot strikes by India and warned that any act of Indian aggression would lead to an “equal response.” Yousaf also expressed apprehension that “any miscalculation” could lead to a “larger conflict.”
On the Indus Water Treaty
On 28 April, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized that adherence to the Indus Water Treaty was pivotal for “regional stability.” He claimed that Pakistan would go to any extent for its “full enforcement.” Ishaq Dar alleged that New Delhi walking out of the Indus Water Treaty was “unilateral and illegal.” He highlighted how the water coming from the Indus River was crucial for the survival of 24 crore Pakistanis. The Indus Water Treaty was inked between India and Pakistan in 1960. As per the treaty, India has the right over the water flowing in Ravi, Beas and Sutlej, whereas Pakistan has the right over Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. The Express Tribune highlighted how some of the experts have expressed apprehension that India’s recent move might set a “dangerous precedent” for other countries. (“Pakistan is ‘prepared for anything’ India might try,” Dawn, 29 April 2025; “Forces reinforced as Indian attack seems imminent: Asif,” The News International, 29 April 2025; Baqir Sajjad Syed, “‘Indus Waters Treaty crucial for regional stability,’” Dawn, 29 April 2025; Kamran Yousaf, “Pakistan vows to protect water share under IWT,” The Express Tribune, 29 April 2025; “India’s credibility crisis,” The News International, 29 April 2025; Kamran Yousaf, “Pakistan, India on familiar path,” The Express Tribune, 28 April 2025)
Political consensus on six-canals project achieved
On 28 April, a Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif upheld the federal government’s decision to build new canals after securing mutual understanding among relevant actors. The Indus River Statutory Authority and Planning Division have been directed to consult all stakeholders to ensure “national cohesion and to address any and all concerns until mutual understanding is reached.” It also endorsed the federation’s decision to involve all provincial representatives and chalk out a long-term roadmap for agricultural development and water management across Pakistan and constitute a committee consisting of representation from the centre and its units to ensure ecological and food security in Pakistan. The committee will assist in addressing long-term agriculture needs and water use in alignment with the 1991 Water Apportionment Accord and 2018 Water Policy. According to PM Sharif’s media cell: “The provisional ECNEC approval dated 7 February 2024 for construction of new canals and the Irsa water availability certificate issued in its meeting dated 17 January 2024 be returned.”
The meeting originally scheduled for 2 May was convened on 28 April as ongoing demonstrations in Sindh negatively impacted the national supply chain. Before the meeting, Sindh Minister Sharjeel Memon confirmed his facts while speaking with the media agency Geo News. Responding to what he provincial government’s approach will be if protests continue, Memon stated that the government will engage protestors through dialogue.
Separately, the All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance held demonstrations outside the Sindh Chief Minister’s residence in Karachi despite requests from the provincial transport minister to call off the rally. The alliance had launched protests against the continued blockade that impeded the movement of several trucks, resulting in potential losses of millions and a halt in production.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) lauded the project’s shelving through political consensus. Speaking with journalists, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur stated that the commitment for equal water distribution among all provinces was reiterated at the meeting. However, lawyers in Baberloi refused to call off their sit-in. The group’s representatives stated that a core committee will be constituted to review the CCI’s minutes. They were concerned by the CCI’s suspension of the project and not its cancellation.
On 29 April, an editorial titled “Canal consensus” welcomed the political consensus achieved at the CCI meeting. It observed how this shall allay all suspicions of protesting groups in Sindh. It also upheld the CCI’s decision to engage with provincial governments in the agriculture policy and water management infrastructure across Pakistan, and an initiative to ensure food and ecological security. It said: “It is encouraging that the provinces are being given a direct say in proposing solutions to challenges being faced at the provincial and national levels where agricultural policy and water utilisation are concerned.” (Imtiaz Ali, Sanaullah Khan & Nadir Guramani, “CCI endorses govt move to halt contentious canals project until ‘mutual understanding’ among provinces,” Dawn, 28 April 2025; Asim Yasin, Ayaz Akbar Yousafzai, Imtiaz Hussain, Muhammad Anis & Sohail Khan, “CCI shelves controversial canals project after protests,” The News International, 29 April 2025; “CCI nixes divisive canals project - for now,” The Express Tribune, 29 April 2025“Canal consensus,” Dawn, 29 April 2025)
NEOC finds polio virus in 22 sewage samples from 44 districts
On 28 April, The Express Tribune reported on the information provided by the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) about sewage samples containing polio virus. As per NEOC, 22 sewage samples had polio virus, which were gathered from 44 districts of Pakistan. As per members of NEOC, the polio drives have brought down the transference of the virus. The second stage of the polio vaccination campaign took place from 21 April to 27 April in which more than 4.5 crore children who were below the “age of five” received the polio vaccine. NEOC claimed that consecutive polio drives in February and April had led to a decrease in transmission of the polio virus. In addition to that, it emphasized that constant monitoring is essential for inhibiting the transmission. The third countrywide polio drive would take place in May. NEOC assured the parents that “repeated doses of oral polio vaccine are safe and necessary to build long-term immunity.” (“Pakistan reports poliovirus in 22 locations despite nationwide vaccination drive,” The Express Tribune, 28 April 2025)
In Brief
JUDICIARY
Lahore legal fraternity challenges transfer of provincial judges to Islamabad High Court
On 28 April, the Lahore High Court Bar Association and Lahore Bar Association filed petitions at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the transfer of three judges. They alleged that it lacked transparency, was politically motivated, and was unconstitutional. These petitions were filed a day before the Supreme Court resumed its hearing on the seniority dispute of IHC judges. The petitions filed through counsel Muhammad Waqar Rana challenged the transfer of Justice Khadim Hussain Somroo from the Sindh High Court, Justice Muhammad Asif of the Balochistan High Court, and Justice Muhammad Sarfaraz Dogar of the Lahore High Court, saying it was a violation of Article 200 of the constitution. The petition submitted to the SC argued that substantial consultation with the Chief Justice of Pakistan and other judges was not taken before the transfer, noting how the transfer was carried on despite the Chief Justice of Sindh’s rejection of geographical representation in the transfer summary.
In another controversy, a division bench led by acting Chief Justice Dogar suspended an interim order of Justice Babar Sattar of the IHC. This comes as the bench heard an intra-court appeal challenging the issuance of show cause notices for contempt of court against the National Accountability Bureau director and the immigration and passports director general, while questioning Justice Sattar’s eight-page order. During the hearing, the acting chief justice rejected Justice Sattar’s decision as he issued the same verdict that had been previously rejected. Justice Dogar questioned how a single judge could pass an order by summoning the judicial deputy and IT deputy registrars and perform proceedings even though it wasn’t their case. (“Lahore lawyers challenges judges’ transfers to IHC,” Dawn, 29 April 2025; Awais Yousafzai, “Controversy as IHC division bench suspends Justice Sattar’s order,” The News International, 29 April 2025)
ECONOMY
10 per cent of total income tax collected paid by salaried class, reports The Express Tribune
On 29 April, The Express Tribune reported on Pakistan’s unfair tax regime as the salaried class paid PKR 10 in taxes between July and March, out of every PKR 100, while traders only paid 60 paise. Data from the Federal Board of Revenue revealed that the salaried class’s PKR 396 billion tax contribution in the current fiscal is more than PKR 23 billion of the total income taxes paid by the salaried class in the previous fiscal, at PKR 368 billion. The total income tax collected from the salaried class has increased by 56 per cent in the last nine-month period, compared to the last fiscal year. However, despite this burden on gross incomes, the government has made no effort to alleviate the citizens through adjustments or bring it up with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in recent talks. Quoting sources, The Express Tribune highlights a possibility of minor reductions in tax rates in the upcoming fiscal year as the current regime brings in substantial revenues. Contrastingly, the amount of taxes paid by retailers is 1,420 per cent less than the taxes paid by the salaried. Several unregistered retailers contributed PKR 26 billion by retaining income tax on their purchases, while wholesalers and distributors paid PKR 17.5 billion. In this regard, the article lamented Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s inability to keep his word of collecting due taxes from retailers. In the present budget, the government is trying to bring traders into the tax net by imposing 2.5 per cent; however, it did not attain its intended objectives, as it passed the additional taxes to the end consumers. In this regard, the IMF may inquire about alternate fiscal measures to offset the tax burdens on the salaried class in its upcoming meeting on 14 May. (“Salaried class pays 56 per cent in taxes,” The Express Tribune, 29 April 2025)
Stock Exchange witnesses 1,400 point decline amid India-Pakistan tensions
On 28 April, the Pakistan Stock Exchange witnessed a 1,400-point decline. It marked a slump as the KSE-100 index peaked at 116,411.13 and closed at 114,063.90. AKD Securities’ Awais Ashraf attributed this volatile situation to “corporate results of heavyweight companies.” Ashraf and Topline Securities’ Mohammed Sohail opined that the investors have been cautious due to the escalation of tensions between Pakistan and India after the Pahalgam attack. However, on a positive note, the monthly current account standing is stable with corporations reporting substantial profits, inflation is at a record low, and the real effective exchange rate is at 101. (Mahira Sarfaraz, “Shares at PSX shed 1,400 points as Pakistan-India tensions loom,” Dawn, 28 April 2025)
ENERGY
On renewable energy reforms:
“This transition goes beyond mere energy sector reforms,” argues an opinion in The News International
On 29 April, in an opinion titled “Pakistan’s energy crossroads,” in The News International, Shafqat Hussain Memon called for policy reforms that would help Pakistan harness its renewable energy resources to align with its national and climate goals. While countries around the world work to triple their renewable energy capacity by 2030, Pakistan has other priorities to work on. Beyond decarbonization, structural imbalances, regional disparities, industrial competitiveness, and energy poverty must be addressed for a climate-resilient, sustainable, and inclusive future. In reality, Pakistan’s renewable energy aspirations are impeded by weak transmission capacity and regulatory frameworks, outdated grid infrastructure, and concerns over grid stability and the financial well-being of distribution companies. This calls for a renewable roadmap in which capacity is expanded, grid infrastructure is improved, private capital is mobilized, and local innovation is encouraged. The author further highlighted the importance of financing, energy justice, structural reforms, energy efficiency, and climate-related trade investments are required for a clean energy transition. In conclusion, Pakistan’s transition to renewable energy does not solely rely on adapting to clean power but “macroeconomic stability, green jobs, social equity and Pakistan’s place in an evolving global economy.” (Shafqat Hussain Memon, “Pakistan’s energy crossroads,” The News International, 29 April 2025)
SECURITY/AF-PAK
On the continued threat of attacks by militant groups from Afghanistan:
“Pakistan needs to communicate to the Afghan Taliban that it is their responsibility to prevent terrorists from entering Pakistan,” says an editorial in Dawn
On 29 April, an editorial in Dawn titled “Incursions thwarted,” discussed the continuation of attacks perpetrated from Afghanistan despite the Taliban government assuring that they would not allow any militant groups to carry out assaults against Pakistan. The editorial mentioned a recent incident in which security forces successfully neutralized 54 militants who were attempting to enter Pakistan by trespassing the border with Afghanistan. The editorial claimed that if the security forces were unable to kill the militants, it would have had devastating consequences for Pakistan. The editorial highlighted how militants from Afghanistan continue to threaten Pakistan’s peace and security amid the latter already experiencing tensions with India. Amid deteriorating ties with India, the editorial opined that it becomes paramount for Islamabad to engage with Kabul again, over terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. The editorial stated that if Afghanistan is genuinely interested in “improving” relations with Pakistan, it must take action against the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and various other militant groups which are operating from its territory. Also, the editorial also pointed out that the army must remain alert to prevent any infiltration from Afghanistan. (“Incursions thwarted,” Dawn, 29 April 2025)
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Nobody in Pakistan has understood why within minutes of this very tragic attack in Kashmir on tourists, why India chose to escalate a war of words within minutes ? There was no evidence provided, no contact made and no rational explanation except a war hysteria by the Indian media, which also took only a few minutes to be choreographed, in a constant barrage of anti Pakistan rhetoric, it was literally media on steroids behaviour.
- Senator Sherry Rehman
We want Kashmiris to be given their democratic rights, for this the whole of Pakistan stands with Kashmiris!
- PTI
"We want terrorism to end not only in Pakistan but also in the entire region, because we ourselves have been victims of terrorism, but as far as India is concerned, whenever something like this happens there, they start blaming Pakistan to show off to their own people."
Chairman Pakistan People's Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
- PPP
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"The absolutism of the two states no longer seems to allow any space for peaceniks."
- An opinion in Dawn, 'With eyes wide open.’
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