Pakistan plans to secure 2.3 billion inflows before fiscal end I PKR 40 billion embezzled from government accounts in KP
In Focus
Islamabad continues to claim on the possibility of Indian incursion
On 30 April, Attaullah Tarar who is the information minister, claimed to possess reports that signal an Indian “military” strike against Pakistan. As per the information minister, the strike is likely to take place in the “next 24 to 36 hours.” He claimed that Pakistan, which itself has witnessed a growing number of terrorist attacks, comprehends the “pain” of losing lives to terrorism. He alleged that New Delhi has chosen the road of “irrationality and confrontation” which will lead to devastating results. According to him, India’s refusal to agree on holding a fair inquiry into the incident signifies its “real motives.” Dawn has claimedthat India has not provided “any evidence” that would substantiate Pakistan’s involvement in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. PM Sharif has expressed his willingness to participate in a fair investigation into the terrorist attack. Previously, Defence Minister Khwaja Asif informed that Pakistan has re-strengthened “its forces” and was prepared to defend any possible “incursion” by India. In India, PM Modi has given a free hand to the military for responding to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
Claims by Foreign Minister
On 29 April, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar affirmed that the “first strike” would not come from Pakistan. However, he stated that it would give a befitting response to any Indian act of “aggression.” He claimed that New Delhi has been unsuccessful in promulgating its “narrative.” He also highlighted how most of the countries have taken a neutral stance, and asked both India and Pakistan to maintain maximum restraint. He also claimed that Islamabad has reports of India looking towards spiking “tensions.” He warned that if India attempts to attack Pakistan, “a brick will be answered with stone.” Further, he asserted that politicians in India have been insisting on PM Modi to resign. In addition to that he denied Pakistan’s hand in the recent attack and said “ I am saying with confidence and satisfaction that Pakistan has nothing to do with the incident and PM Sharif had already called for an independent and transparent inquiry. According to him, China and Turkiye’s have adopted a “clear stance.”
Claims by the Army
On 29 April, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry claimed that New Delhi has “activated its assets” to increase terror incidents in Pakistan. He addressed a press conference, whose main objective was to substantiate New Delhi’s role in carrying out terror attacks in Pakistan. He criticized India for not providing any conclusive “evidence” that would confirm Pakistan’s role in the Pahalgam terror attack. On the issue of 54 Tehreek-e-Taliban militants attempting to trespass the border along Afghanistan, he claimed that the outlawed entity had received financial backing from India. In addition to that, emphasizing his claims of India supporting a large terror nexus inside Pakistan, he put forward the case of Abdul Majeed. DG-ISPR claimed that Majeed was hired by an Indian Army officer to carry out attacks inside Pakistan.
Claims by civil society and print media
On 30 April, in an opinion in The News International titled “India’s war dance,” Raashid Wali Januja claimed that India wants to behave as a regional hegemon. He claimed that India has abandoned its moral obligation to adhere to “international law.” Januja equated India to a “bull” which is destroying the “regional peace” and does not care about the “consequences” of it. Januja further claimed that if India decides to annex Pakistani posts, it is poised to lose some of its own. Januja alleged that if India is considering a similar response which it gave after the Pulwama terrorist attack, it must be ready to face a “similar embarrassment.” As per Januja, India has been unsuccessful in its objective to create havoc in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which is why it has put the blame for Pahalgam terror attack on Pakistan. Januja further alleged that the Indian government is destroying the houses of the residents of Jammu and Kashmir for settling other people from India.
On 30 April, an opinion in Dawn, titled “Disturbing escalation,” claimed that New Delhi has projected Pakistani involvement in the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack to up its “warmongering.” As per Zahid Hussain, India has not been able to substantiate it’s claims of Pakistan being involved in the recent attack. As per Hussain, the desperation of the Indian government is because the recent terror attack has allegedly demolished all claims put forward by New Delhi of Jammu and Kashmir returning towards “normalcy.” As per Hussain, voices from India have pointed out how the terror attack had the backing of the “local” population of Jammu and Kashmir. Hussain alleged that New Delhi’s “warmongering” is an attempt to hide its own “failure” in Jammu and Kashmir. Hussain asserted that a “limited military strike” can result in a broader conflict. As per Hussain, the possibility of war post Balakot strikes was only avoided through US’s “diplomatic intervention.” Hussain also claimed that New Delhi believes in its claims of “military superiority” which is why it is involving itself in “warmongering.”
On 30 April, an editorial in Dawn titled “Info wars,” discussed the Indian government putting a ban on Pakistani “news” outlets. The editorial mentionedabout India believing that Pakistani news outlets are promulgating “provocative and communally sensitive content.” The editorial noted that this step taken by the Indian government was “laughable.” As per the editorial, there are many news outlets in India which promulgate “anti-Pakistan and anti-Muslim” rhetoric. One of the reasons given by the editorial for blocking Pakistani media outlets was because New Delhi has not been able to come up with any evidence which would substantiate its claims of Pakistan being involved in carrying out the terror attack in Pahalgam. The editorial suggested that the “government” of India and “media” outlets must look to embrace a “more rational approach.”
Pakistan’s latest responses
On 30 April, Dawn reported that Islamabad is gearing up to initiate an “international legal action” against New Delhi’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty. Aqeel Malik, who is the minister of state for law and justice informed that the federal government is mulling over “three different legal options.” One of the options which the government is considering is to raise the matter at the World Bank. Islamabad is also considering raising the issue at the International Court of Justice and claim that New Delhi breached 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. After the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, New Delhi walked out of the Indus Water Treaty which was inked in 1960. Pakistan has been continually rejecting India’s claims of the former being the facilitator of the terror attack. To take the legal action, the Supreme Court Bar Association has formulated a “committee” which will give “legal assistance” to the government.
On 30 April, The Express Tribune reported on the recent phone call between PM Sharif and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. PM Sharif has requested the Secretary General to advise India to showcase “restraint” amidst the surge in “tensions” between the two countries. PM Sharif informed Guterres that Pakistan will protect its “sovereignty and territorial integrity” in the event of an attack from India. He also reiterated Pakistan’s claims of it denouncing “terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.” Further, he pointed out how a huge number of Pakistanis lost their lives in the “war against terrorism.” He also voiced distress over New Delhi wanting to “delegitimize Kashmiri freedom struggle” by putting forward the issue of “terrorism.” He also informed Guterres about India walking out of the Indus Water Treaty as being “unacceptable” and how 24 crore Pakistanis rely on the Indus river.
(“Credible intel shows India intends military action against Pakistan in next 24-36 hours: info minister,” Dawn, 30 April 2025, Ali Raza and Mumtaz Alvi, “No first strike but will respond forcefully if India attacks: Dar,” The News International, 30 April 2025, Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Military blames India for recent terrorism spike,” Dawn, 30 April 2025; Raashid Wali Januja “India’s war dance,” The News International, 30 April 2025; Zahid Hussain, “Disturbing escalation,” Dawn, 30 April 2025; “Info wars,” Dawn, 30 April 2025; “UN urged to prevent Delhi from escalation,” The Express Tribune, 30 April 2025; “Legal action in the works over India’s water treaty move,” Dawn, 30 April 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
On the Council of Common Interests’ decision:
“Infrastructure planning – especially on water – cannot be divorced from inter-provincial cooperation, environmental assessments or economic consequences,” argues an editorial in The News International
On 30 April, an editorial titled “CCI decision,” in The News International commented on how the opposition to the six-canals Cholistan project should have been dealt with. It stated that the matter need not have spiraled into a political crisis as it posed a serious existential threat to Sindh. The Pakistan People’s Party threatening to leave the government and a blockade from demonstrations that disrupted the national supply chain could all have been avoided. It wasn’t until a press conference between PPP’s Bilawal Bhutto and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that matters eased. But by then, the social, economic, and political faultlines surfaced. Besides, the issue is not just related to these factors as water and is distribution is a sensitive issue in Pakistan. “Any attempt to divert water, especially without consultation, not only undermines trust but can unravel the very fabric of national unity,” the editorial remarked. Furthermore, there are ecological factors that must be accounted as any wrong move could risk heightening water shortages in downstream, pushing low riparian zones to desertification. Hence, “the rush to ‘green’ deserts cannot come at the cost of depriving fertile lands of their due share of water.” Instead, infrastructure must be planned to serve long-term objectives and not short-term regional or political goals.(Waseem Shamsi, “Lawyers protesting canals project end Khairpur sit-in,” Dawn, 30 April 2025; “CCI decision,” The News International, 30 April 2025)
On incompetent tribunals:
“The tribunals could have played a constructive role by rebuilding public trust in the system. Unfortunately, that does not seem to be a priority for the state,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 30 April, an editorial titled “Tribunal delays” in Dawn commented on the inert nature of tribunals in Pakistan following a Free and Fair Elections Network report highlighting how two-thirds of disputes linked to the 2024 general elections remain unresolved. It censured the lack of initiative among these bodies in general and the performance their duties after a lapse in the dispute settlement deadline. Their failure to uphold their democratic and constitutional duties have led to an erosion in trust among the public towards the state. Other faultlines between both appear when an external aggression reveal Pakistan’s vulnerabilities. In this regard, the editorial commented that Pakistan would have a “stronger position to confront its many challenges if the tribunals had done their job without fear or favour.” In reality, the federation, its branches, and the election commission have ensured that the country has limited choice but to follow a poll results type of governance set-up. However, its life is doubtful as the state faces mounting challenges by the day. It is further compounded by the lack of public trust. In such a situation, “the tribunals could have played a constructive role by rebuilding public trust in the system” but this may not be the state’s priority. (“Tribunal delays,” Dawn, 30 April 2025)
ECONOMY
KSE-100 further falters amid growing India-Pak tensions
On 30 April, in the early hours, the KSE-100 index declined by 1,1717.35 or 1.5 per cent points to stand at 113,154.83. Later at 1038 hours, the index fell by 2,073.42 points or 1.8 per cent from the previous close. Some of the reasons behind this growing slump can be linked to news of a potential military incursion by India. According to AKD Securities research director, Awais Ashraf, investors have grown wary of the current equation between India and Pakistan after the information minister claimed that India would conduct military action in the next 24 to 36 hours, amidst tensions following the Pahalgam attack in Kashmir. On the other hand, Indian shares witnessed moderate shifts as the gains in HDFC Bank helped offset risks arising from tensions with Pakistan. While the Nifty 50 was down by 0.05 per cent at 24,523, the Bombay Stock Exchange Sensex declined 0.07 per cent to 80,236.6. (Mahira Sarfaraz, “Shares at PSX slump on heightened Pakistan-India tensions,” Dawn, 30 April 2025)
Pakistan plans to secure 2.3 billion inflows before fiscal end
On 30 April, The News International reported on Pakistan’s plans to secure loans worth USD 2.3 billion ahead of the upcoming fiscal. It aims at sourcing USD 1.3 billion from the International Monetary Fund and USD 1billion in loan with 7.3 per cent interest from the Standard Chartered Bank before 30 June 2025. A policy credit guarantee for five years has been sought from the Asian Development Bank under the Domestic Resource Mobilization Programme. Quoting an official, The News reported that without the ADB guarantee, Pakistan would be liable to pay 10 to 11 per cent interest. Moreover, the commercial loan will be disbursed at three per cent risk-free Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR). The SOFR is an alternative to the London Inter-Bank Offered Rates (LIBOR) that calculates interest from actual transactions in the repo market of the US Treasury and is published by New York’s Federal Reserve Bank. (Mehtab Haider, “Pakistan eyes $2.3bn inflows by end of fiscal year,” The News International, 30 April 2025)
On absent economic growth:
“Our economy needs shock therapy; spirin will not work where surgery is required,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 30 April, an editorial titled “Missing growth” in Dawn highlighted the lack of growth despite economic stability in Pakistan. Quoting the State Bank’s report, the editorial alluded to how sustainable and long-term growth remains a challenge and its impact on competitiveness. However, Pakistan’s reality is such that its productivity is low, as the economy is driven by consumption and not investment in relevant sectors to enhance productivity in the economy. Low investments in industrial and agricultural sectors have led to low production of goods to sell in domestic and international markets. As a consequence, the country grows dependent on loans and bailouts to keep the economy functioning and pay for imports. In such a situation, any attempt to grow above three to four per cent calls for restructuring of the economy and improving industrial and agricultural productivity. Despite this knowledge, significant efforts are not being made to adopt corrective measures in this respect. (“Missing growth,” Dawn, 30 April 2025)
SECURITY
10 terrorists killed in different operations in Balochistan
On 30 April, according to Dawn, 10 terrorists were killed in operations launched in different parts of Balochistan after gaining intelligence of militant activity in the respective areas. An Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement reported that three militants were killed in an intelligence-based operation in Turbat, Kech district, following a heavy exchange of fire between them and security personnel. Separately, the security-led operations in Choteer and Sanjavi areas in Ziarat led to the killing of seven militants in the former location. (“Ten terrorists killed in Kech and Ziarat operations,” Dawn, 30 April 2025)
PROVINCES
Nearly PKR 40 billion embezzled from government accounts in KP
On 30 April, according to The News International, over PKR 40 billion have been reported misappropriated from government accounts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to sources reported by The News, this inquiry was launched after the accountability bureau’s chairman received information of major irregularities in Upper Kohistan’s financial activity. Despite an annual development budget allocation of PKR 500 million to 1.5 billion, nearly PKR 40 billion were embezzled over five years from 2020 to 2024. Investigations further revealed that a dumper driver’s bank accounts held PKR 4.5 billion, which were later frozen by the National Accountability Bureau. A deposit of nearly PKR seven billion was found in his account from “suspicious transactions.” About 1,000 fake cheques from the district government’s accounts were issued, and investigations also reveal growing involvement of provincial-level political actors and officials. (Arshad Aziz Malik, “Rs7bn in dumper driver’s account!: NAB digs out Rs40bn scam in KP govt contracts,” The News International, 30 April 2025)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan High Commission urges British authorities to take legal action against recent vandalism incidents
On 29 April, a Pakistan High Commission statement denounced recent attacks outside its premises on 27 April and 25 April. It urged British authorities to take legal action against the perpetrators. The perpetrators had reported launching a stone-pelting attack and resorted to damaging the commission’s property. It also accused protestors of hurling anti-Pakistan and Islamophobic slogans while clashing with law enforcement personnel. The statement highlighted concern over growing hostilities and reminded the UK government of its Vienna Convention obligations of protecting diplomatic missions. Meanwhile, in a statement, UK Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer tried to allay Indian and Pakistani communities as lawmakers expressed worry over the tensions that followed the Pahalgam attack. Speaking at the parliament, he said: “These issues have long been discussed with passion on British streets and we call on sides, all community leaders, all involved to call for calm at a time of tension in the region.” (Atika Rehman, “Pakistan seeks action against London mission vandals,” Dawn, 30 April 2025)
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Internal unity is the need of the hour.
- Nadeem Malik
16 Kashmiri shawl sellers leave Mussoorie after 2 are ‘assaulted by locals’ Police never protected any Kashmiri Muslim. No one stood for them.
- Hamid Mir
"Why is Nawaz Sharif silent today because he has not been able to speak against India? He could have made a statement against the then Army Chief in a Gujranwala rally while sitting in London. Why is Nawaz Sharif not making a statement against the Indian Army Chief today?
Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar
- PTI
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"Indian leaders in their hubris seem to forget the perils of military escalation.."
- An opinion in Dawn, 'Disturbing escalation.’
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