Cholistan canal project: Protests continue despite political consensus I Pakistan keen on enhancing ties with Bangladesh
In Focus
Pakistan’s Continuing Responses to India’s Actions on Pahalgam Attack
On 26 April, speaking at the Pakistan Military Academy’s passing-out parade, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif termed India’s allegations against Pakistan vis-à-vis the Pahalgam attack an example of “perpetual blame game” and blamed India of perpetuating a “pattern of exploitation, levelling baseless allegations and false accusations without credible investigation or verifiable evidence”.” He also expressed the country’s willingness to indulge in “any neutral, transparent and credible investigation.” He also warned that any attempt to tinker with the flow of River Indus will be “responded to with full force and might.”
Addressing the same parade, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir re-emphasized Pakistan’s “readiness to defend itself” and its ability to withstand/thwart “any external threats.” On the same day, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emphasized that despite internal disputes over the six-canal project, the provinces will stand united in opposing India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and in giving back a “resounding response.” He also said that “The Indus is ours and will remain ours — either our water will flow through it, or their blood.”
On the same day, The News International quoted Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif’s interview to New York Times wherein he expressed the need for an “international investigation” into the Pahalgam attack and revealed that Pakistan was “ready to cooperate” with the same.
Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi aired his concerns over increasing tensions between India and Pakistan. Speaking to Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, he also offered to act as a mediator. On the contrary, responding to India-Pakistan tensions, US President Donal Trump dismissed the Kashmir dispute as having been fought between the two countries “for 1000 years.” He also said that tensions have persisted between the two neighbors from over 1500 years and they will resolve it “one way or the other.” Additionally, the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has also encouraged both countries to demonstrate “maximum restraint.”
On the same day, an editorial in Dawn titled “Time for restraint” called on both countries to “show restraint” as the situation on the subcontinent remains “dangerous.” The editorial lamented India’s evidence-less allegations against Pakistan and highlighted how calls for vindication in India, including its “condemnable measures” have created an “incendiary atmosphere.” Surprisingly, the editorial also argued that Pakistan should have stopped itself short of cancelling the visas of Indians currently visiting Pakistan.” The editorial also urged India to forsake blaming all things on Pakistan and heed to FM Dar’s request for evidence. The editorial also blamed the India media of “outdoing each other in hyper-nationalistic rhetoric.” The editorial cautioned that the two countries cannot “afford another war” and should consider “diplomacy.
References
“PM Shehbaz says Pakistan open to ‘neutral, transparent’ probe into Pahalgam attack,” Dawn, 26 April 2025
“Either our water or your blood will flow in Indus, Bilawal warns Modi,” The News International, 26 April 2025
“Trump says Pakistan, India fighting over Kashmir issue for 1,000 years!,” The News International, 26 April 2025
“Pakistan, India standoff: Live updates on escalating tensions,” The News International, 26 April 2025
Cholistan canal project: Protests continue despite political consensus
On 26 April, The News International reported on continued demonstrations against the canal project on the Indus river. Sit-ins led by lawyers and nationalist groups have disrupted court proceedings and halted road traffic in various parts of Sindh. Both vowed to continue their demonstrations until the government officially shelved the project. In Khairpur, the sit-ins by lawyers on the National Highway entered the ninth day. This follows a statement from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announcing that the canal construction will be suspended until a consensus is reached at a Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting.
On 26 April, an editorial titled “Canal consensus” in The News International welcomed the Pakistan Muslim League (N)’s (PML-N) decision to reach a consensus on the canal project after a series of unilateral decisions. Wide opposition to the canal was voiced right from the president and Chief Minister of Sindh to local political leaders and civil societies, and even the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). The editorial observed that it was perhaps after the PPP’s threat to leave the coalition that the federation decided to “re-evaluate a plan that could have deepened provincial fault lines.” However, the issue isn’t just about the canals. It was a question of provincial sovereignty that was granted by the 18th constitutional amendment. The main bone of contention was water allocation. Considering the current state of Pakistan and its climate vulnerability, any kind of water mismanagement would lead to inter-provincial discord and even an ecological disaster. In this regard, the editorial approved of pressure from the people and the PPP. It said: “This is why politicising water is not a crime.” The CCI meeting is a breakthrough, but the continued demonstrations in Sindh highlight how public trust is fragile. Hence, “verbal commitments and press conferences are not enough in a country where political backtracking is an all-too-familiar tale.” It is also a lesson for the centre on how it cannot circumvent provincial rights. A step in the positive direction will be dialogue with political stakeholders. “When done in good faith, can defuse even the most volatile disputes,” the editorial read.
On the same day, another editorial titled “A wise decision” in Dawn also welcomed the new development of the government’s decision to convene a CII meeting. However, the matter could have been resolved earlier, as interprovincial water distribution is a sensitive matter in Pakistan. The canal’s construction is on a pause and not cancelled altogether. It is enough to assure demonstrators in Sindh and mobilize them to lift blockades on the national highway. Importantly, the PML-N must do better and “avoid such controversies in the future.” (“Sindh sees continued unrest over disputed Indus canal plan,” The News International, 26 April 2025; “Canal consensus,” The News International, 26 April 2025; “A wise decision,” Dawn, 26 April 2025; “A wise decision,” Dawn, 26 April 2025)
Defence Minister Khwaja Asif expresses Pakistan’s keenness to enhance bilateral relations with Bangladesh
On 26 April, The News International reported that Defence Minister Khwaja Asif attended a ceremony which commemorated “54th National and Independence Day of Bangladesh.” He was accompanied by other ministers of the federal government – Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, Tariq Fazal Chaudhary, Moeen Wattoo, Qaiser Ahmad Sheikh, etc. He was welcomed by High Commissioner of Bangladesh Muhammad Iqbal Hussain. Defence Minister Asif informed that Dhaka and Islamabad were enthusiastically putting efforts to strengthen “economic, political and cultural” bilateral ties. He sent his wishes to all the Bangladeshis on the occasion of “National Independence Day.” He praised Bangladesh for their remarkable improvement in the “socio-economic sector.” He also pointed out how the two countries shared deep “historic and cultural” ties which brings two nations closer. The Bangladeshi High Commissioner Hussain appreciated the hospitality of Pakistan and emphasized on increasing collaboration and “mutual understanding.” He also expressed Dhaka’s wish to keep “strong and friendly” ties with Pakistan. (Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, “Islamabad aims at deepening ties with Dhaka: Asif,” The News International, 26 April 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
PTI demands release Imran Khan and party workers on foundation day
On 25 April, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) called for the release of PTI leaders, workers, and founder Imran Khan. In this regard, a resolution was passed on the party’s 29th foundation day. It condemned the recent actions and allegations made by India. It promised to respond to external forces with aggression. It reiterated the party’s stance of a stolen mandate while asserting that the PTI had won the majority in the 2024 elections. It called for the restoration of freedoms and human rights while weighing against “fascism” in Pakistan. It observed how the judiciary has been weakened by the 26th Constitutional Amendment and demanded that the Supreme Court and the Constitution be restored. Speaking at a function hosted at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House, National Assembly Leader Omar Ayub maintained that the party will struggle until the rule of law and constitutional supremacy are fully established. Commenting on the Indus Water Treaty suspension by the Modi administration, he said: “We, the Pakistani nation, will fight like a wall of lead. At this time, there is a need to unite the nation. Imran Khan can unite the nation and steer the country out of the current situation, but he has been tied up.” (“PTI demands Imran’s release as it marks foundation day,” The News International, 26 April 2025)
ECONOMY
PM Sharif emphasizes transparency in PIA’s privatization
On 25 April, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed relevant authorities to carry out the Pakistan International Airlines’ privatization within the stipulated timeline. While chairing a review meeting, he stressed maintaining transparency in the procedure via live broadcasts on television and digital platforms. He also emphasized the need to keep investors engaged. An investor outreach strategy has been created and will be implemented. (“Transparency central to PIA privatisation: PM,” The News International, 26 April 2025)
HEALTH
On the problem of Tuberculosis in Pakistan:
“If resistance to critical drugs develop, Pakistan may face a public health catastrophe,” says an editorial in The Express Tribune
On 26 April, an editorial in The Express Tribune titled “TB's alarming surge” discussed the problem of Tuberculosis in Pakistan. The editorial mentions how Pakistan has climbed up to the fifth spot in the infamous list of nations ranked based on “number of Tuberculosis cases.” The editorial expresses regret that even though a remedy exists for Tuberculosis if it is addressed at early stages and the patients receive “proper treatment,” Pakistan has not been able to eliminate the problem. The editorial highlighted how “misinformation” and not consuming the proper dosage of “antibiotics” have resulted in the promulgation of strains that are difficult to treat with available drugs. It mentioned that certain other drugs could be used to treat these strains. However, if another set of strains developed and are resistant to the high-end drugs, the country could witness a “public health catastrophe.” The editorial highlighted how some of the patients, due to having limited financial capability, are not “diagnosed” at all. It suggested that the government must put in efforts to promulgate correct information about the disease. Additionally, the government could deploy “mobile testing units” in places that lack proper health infrastructure. (“TB's alarming surge,” The Express Tribune, 26 April 2025)
SECURITY
Explosion kills four FC personnel of bomb disposal squad in Quetta
On 25 April, The News International reported that a devastating explosion took place beside the “bomb disposal squad” in Quetta, Balochistan. The explosion resulted in the killing of four personnel of the Frontier Corps (FC). Further, the blast ended up wounding three more FC personnel. After the explosion, a squadron of security forces arrived at the location of the blast. The security forces have initiated a “search operation” to detain the guilty. Noor Muhammad Khan, who is Balochistan’s food minister, denounced the attack. He expressed his “sympathy and condolences” for the people who lost their loved ones in the attack. (Mohammad Zafar Baloch, “4 FC men martyred in Quetta blast,” The News International, 26 April 2025)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan aims to persuade Chinese firms to set up bases in Gwadar after Trump’s imposition of tariffs
On 26 April, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan is working on a plan to lure Chinese firms to come to Gwadar, who are looking to shift their bases after the imposition of “tariffs” by the US. Pakistan is pursuing a “strategic framework” for giving concessions so that the Chinese firms decided to “relocate” their bases in Gwadar. The Cabinet Committee on Chinese Investment Project (CCoCIP) has instructed the “Ministry of Industry and Board of Investment” to submit a blueprint for the execution of the plan in “five days.” The plan would enumerate procedures to pick out the Chinese firms and lure them to set up their bases in Pakistan. CCoCIP has instructed the Ministry of Commerce to send out a “Statutory Regulatory Order” which would permit the exportation of “Potassium Sulphate fertilizer” from the port at Gwadar. Further, it has asked the Ministry of Maritime Affairs to carry out discussions with Pakistani fishermen on “international seafood transhipment” via Gwadar. (Zafar Bhutta, “Govt eyes Gwadar for China industry relocation,” The Express Tribune, 26 April 2025)
On foreign nationals forging documents to obtain fake Pakistani passports in Pakistan:
“Issues like these are bound to make even the most brotherly of nations view visitors with deep suspicion,” says an editorial in Dawn
On 26 April, an editorial in Dawn discussed the problem of Afghan nationals forging identities and pretending to be Pakistanis in other countries. The editorial highlights how a large number of people who were detained by the government of Saudi Arabia and who possessed “Pakistani passports” actually hailed from Afghanistan. As per the editorial, these people were somehow able to forge documents in Pakistan. The concerned authorities in Saudi Arabia put the number of people who were not Pakistani nationals, but possessed a Pakistani passport, to 1296. The editorial points out how it causes damage to the national reputation, which ultimately results in genuine travellers not being able to acquire visas. As per the editorial, there could be other countries as well in which individuals forged documents and claimed to be Pakistani nationals. The editorial urges the concerned departments to look into the issue and bring those people under the wrath of the law who are found guilty of aiding and committing the crime. (“‘Fake’ Pakistanis,” Dawn, 26 April 2025)
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Let there be no doubt: Pakistan shall continue to support the right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people until they achieve their rights. Pakistan, on the other hand, has always condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
- PMLN
To hide its weaknesses and fool the public, the Modi government is unilaterally suspending the Indus Water Treaty by making false accusations against Pakistan. But I want to stand by the Indus River in Sukkur and give a clear message to India that the Indus River is ours and will remain ours. Either our water will flow from this Indus or your blood!
- PPP
APPEASEMENT AND CAPITULATION BY SHEHBAZ SHARIF!!!! Shame on you Prime Muppet Shehbaz Sharif for capitulating before Modi without even firing a single shot!!! Your capitulation speech at the passing out parade of cadets at the Pakistan Military Academy will be remembered as 'abject surrender' and 'cowardice' in the face of the enemy. Shame on you for choosing PMAs passing out parade as the place and occassion to deliver your 'capitulation and surrender' speech.
- Omar Ayub Khan
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"A policy of compassion and empathy is needed for Balochistan."
- An opinion in Dawn, 'Rule by fear.’
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