The Indian government has strongly condemned China’s attempts to include the Shaksgam Valley in its territory. This move by China was met with strong protest from India, which views the Shaksgam Valley as its own territory. India has also warned China that it will take necessary measures to safeguard its interests in the region.
Danesh Kumar Palyani, a Hindu Senator of Pakistan’s Parliament, has criticized radical Islamists for allegedly forcing Hindu girls in Sindh province to convert to Islam. He cited the Holy Quran to address those who force conversions in the predominantly Muslim country and urged the government and citizens to stop these practices. Senator Palyani mentioned the case of 6-year-old Priya Kumari, a Hindu girl who was kidnapped and forcibly converted several years ago without any action being taken against the perpetrators.
Pakistan’s opposition leader, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, has harshly criticized the state of the nation, accusing it of being controlled by external forces and of selling out democracy. He questioned the responsibility for the country’s current struggles and expressed dismay over the unrepresentative nature of government formation in Pakistan.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has granted a $1.1 billion loan tranche to Pakistan, marking the conclusion of the second bailout package. This third and final installment completes a $3 billion standby arrangement aimed at preventing a sovereign default. Pakistan is expected to receive the loan disbursement soon, possibly as early as tomorrow. The country has already received two tranches totaling $1.9 billion. Pakistan is also seeking a new, larger IMF loan over a longer duration of at least three years to support economic stability and implement structural reforms.
Pakistan has received a much-needed financial lifeline as the IMF Executive Board has approved the release of a USD 1.1 billion loan tranche, completing the second bailout package. This third installment marks the end of a crucial USD 3 billion standby arrangement, which has played a vital role in preventing Pakistan from defaulting on its sovereign obligations. With the current arrangement expiring at the end of this month, the loan disbursement is expected to be received promptly, possibly as early as Tuesday.
The Child Protection Welfare Bureau (CPWB) has proposed a landmark Child Marriage Restraint Bill, aiming to raise the minimum marriage age for girls in Punjab to 18 years. The bill aims to combat the alarmingly high prevalence of child marriage in the province, with 18% of women aged 20-24 wed before turning 18. The modernized bill replaces the outdated Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929, prioritizing the health, safety, and well-being of young girls.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as the country’s Deputy Prime Minister. The decision was announced through a notification released by the Cabinet Division. Dar has also been included in the Council of Common Interests (CCI), replacing the Finance Minister. The CCI, chaired by Prime Minister Sharif, comprises all four chief ministers alongside other council members.
In a joint operation, the Indian Coast Guard, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and Gujarat Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) apprehended 14 Pakistani nationals near the International Maritime Boundary Line off the Gujarat coast. The operation was based on intelligence inputs, and approximately 90 Kg of drugs was seized. Further details are expected to be released in the coming days.
PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui has refuted claims that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was prevented from returning to the PM Office by an ‘unseen power’ or his brother, Shehbaz Sharif. According to Siddiqui, during meetings with Nawaz Sharif ahead of the 2024 elections, he sensed a lack of eagerness from Nawaz to assume the prime ministership for a fourth term. Siddiqui emphasized that Nawaz Sharif is still very much involved in decision-making within the party, providing input on matters such as cabinet appointments and economic policy.
The Pakistani government has banned private universities and companies from using the word ‘National’ in their names to prevent the public from being misled into thinking they are government institutions. The ban was issued by the Prime Minister and is effective immediately, with the Cabinet Division seeking an action report from all ministries and institutions to ensure compliance.
