Team India’s participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan is uncertain, according to sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The BCCI has expressed reservations about traveling to Pakistan due to strained bilateral relations between the two countries. As a result, the venue for the tournament may be changed or a hybrid model implemented.
US Senator Chuck Schumer, the most powerful Democrat in Congress, has warned Pakistan that the safety of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan is a high priority for the United States. The warning followed concerns raised by Pakistani diaspora activists amid fears that the Pakistani military may harm Khan, who was removed from office in 2022.
Khan is currently incarcerated on corruption charges widely seen as politically motivated. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has faced significant repression since his ouster.
Schumer’s outreach to Pakistan comes as the country’s new coalition government seeks to consolidate power despite public disaffection over alleged fraud in a recent election.
Hayley Matthews’ second century of the series, a 141 off 149 balls, propelled West Indies to a crushing 88-run victory over Pakistan in the third and final ODI in Karachi, completing a clean sweep of the series. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain Matthews, who put the visitors in a commanding position with a 101-run partnership with Stafanie Taylor. Pakistan’s response was feeble, with Muneeba Ali’s 38 the highest score as they were bowled out for 190 in the 48th over. Matthews also contributed with the ball, taking 2 for 26 in eight overs, as West Indies sealed a comprehensive victory.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has rejected any formal invitation from the government for negotiations and denounced the recent by-elections as rigged. He stated that PTI founder Imran Khan had not received any message for dialogues and emphasized that the party was not involved in secret talks. The politico’s comments come in response to PML-N stalwart Rana Sanaullah’s call for reconciliation with PTI, amidst ongoing economic and political crises.
Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi embarked on the concluding leg of his Pakistan visit by arriving in Karachi under heightened security. Accompanying his three-day official trip from April 22-24, Raisi’s visit marks the first head of state visit to Islamabad since the February 8 elections. To facilitate the dignitary’s movement, strict security protocols have been implemented, including aerial surveillance and internet disruptions. Provincial governments in Lahore and Karachi have declared local holidays for public convenience.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has accused the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of orchestrating blatant rigging in the recent by-elections. As a result, the PTI has announced plans for nationwide protests starting Friday. The by-elections were reportedly held amid tight security, including the suspension of cellular and internet services in specific districts. The PML-N, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, emerged victorious in at least two national and 10 provincial assembly seats. PTI leaders have denounced the elections as a “black day” in Pakistan’s history and have urged the Election Commission of Pakistan to withhold the results. They allege that rigging and ballot stuffing occurred, and that the gates of polling stations were closed. The party has called for protests across the country, including a public meeting in Karachi on May 5th.
During a joint press conference, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif raised the issue of Kashmir but was met with silence from Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Raisi did not acknowledge Sharif’s remarks or make any mention of Kashmir in his own speech, despite Sharif’s thanks for Iran’s support of the Kashmir cause.
Gold prices in Pakistan have witnessed a significant decline, with the price per tola decreasing by 7800 rupees to 240,900 rupees. Moreover, the price of 10 grams of gold has also decreased by 6687 rupees, now being sold for 206,533 rupees. This downward trend aligns with the global currency market, where gold prices have dropped by 72 dollars per ounce. The decline is expected to stimulate the Pakistani jewellery market as consumers take advantage of the reduced prices to purchase gold ornaments and coins.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a weather forecast warning of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across the country from April 23 to 29. Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Sindh are expected to be affected by the inclement weather. The heavy rainfall may cause flooding and landslides in some areas.
Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has expressed optimism about the country’s economic outlook, stating that foreign exchange reserves are expected to reach $10 billion by June this year. He emphasized the need for energy sector reforms and privatization to address the country’s financial challenges. Pakistan has requested a new bailout package from the IMF, which the Finance Minister believes is crucial for economic stability. Despite the government’s efforts to control inflation and reduce deficits, the IMF has noted that Pakistan’s external buffers have deteriorated. The minister also highlighted the growth in tax collection and the improvement in the agriculture sector.
