AGP Executive Report

Weather Watch: NDMA has issued flash flood, GLOF and landslide alerts as heavy rain, strong winds and hail are forecast across Punjab, KP, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, with Lahore and Rawalpindi among the risk areas. ODI Decider in Lahore: Pakistan beat Australia by four wickets in the 3rd ODI, dismissing the visitors for 157 and chasing 158 with Shaheen Afridi’s 3-30 and Shadab Khan’s 29* as the series ended 2-1. Trade Pressure: Pakistan’s trade deficit hit a record $34.75bn in the first 11 months, with exports down and imports rising, while SBP foreign reserves increased by $43m to $17.19bn. Pak-US Diplomacy: PM Shehbaz called Pak-US ties a “true and special relationship” at the US 250th anniversary event, while US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker praised a “results-oriented strategic partnership.” Tax Reform Push: PM directs an AI-driven automated tax system pilot via FBR reforms, aiming to reduce human discretion and boost transparency. Budget Ahead: Pakistan’s federal budget 2026-27 is set for June 10, as business groups warn a tax-heavy approach could hurt exports. Security Update: ISPR says four terrorists were killed in two intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Cricket Decider in Lahore: Pakistan and Australia go head-to-head in the third ODI at Gaddafi Stadium today, with the series tied 1-1 after Australia’s 41-run win in the second match. Court Justice: The Lahore High Court upheld death sentences for two men convicted of gang-raping a French tourist on the Sialkot-Lahore motorway in front of her children. Security Shock: A new report says militant violence surged in May, with 128 attacks and hundreds killed and injured across Pakistan. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: China’s envoy met PM Shehbaz Sharif to push follow-up on CPEC 2.0 cooperation. Education Row: Teachers’ groups in Punjab are outraged over education privatisation and outsourcing under PPP and “Schools of Eminence.” Trade Numbers: Exports rose in May but Pakistan’s July-May trade deficit hit a record $34.76bn. Markets: PSX rebounded, with the KSE-100 crossing 171,000 points as sentiment improved. Energy & Governance: Power regulator action begins as DISCOs face disciplinary steps over poor complaint handling. Japan Mosque Embarrassment: Japan ordered demolition of an “illegal” mosque inaugurated with Pakistan’s ambassador present.

Budget Countdown: DPM/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Finance Minister Aurangzeb met PPP leaders and agreed to recommend that Pakistan’s Federal Budget 2026–27 be announced on June 10. Weather Watch: PMD warns Islamabad, Rawalpindi and parts of Punjab/KP/Kashmir of rain, gusty winds and isolated hail, with hot, dry conditions elsewhere. Regional Security: Iran’s attacks on Gulf states have surged, with Kuwait among the most hit, even after a Pakistan-mediated Iran–US ceasefire. UK Travel Update: Pakistanis can now apply for UK visas fully online via GOV.UK, skipping agents. Diplomacy & Trade: India objects to an EU-Pakistan statement referencing Jammu and Kashmir. Public Health: WHO gave Pakistan the World No Tobacco Day award, citing a 15.7% drop in tobacco use (2014–2024). Economy & Energy: Pakistan reinstates early market curfew hours nationwide to save power. Sports: Pakistan and Australia set for the 3rd ODI in Lahore; Shaheen Afridi hit a rare first-ball ODI wicket milestone. Cricket & Youth: Pakistan U-18 hockey beat Bangladesh 5-2 to reach the Asia Cup semis. Markets: Gold in Pakistan fell Rs8,600 per tola; PSX closed sharply lower on heavy selling.

ODI Series in Lahore: Australia set Pakistan 232 after a spin-friendly, slow pitch at Gaddafi Stadium; Nathan Ellis starred with career-best 4-33 as Pakistan collapsed to 190, losing by 41 runs and leveling the series 1-1. Power Sector Accountability: Leghari ordered disciplinary action against worst-performing DISCO officers over unresolved consumer complaints logged via the national 118 call centre. US Tariff Pressure: The US Trade Representative proposed 10% or 12.5% forced-labour tariffs on imports from 60 economies, including Pakistan, after weak enforcement claims. Japan Mosque Row: Japan’s Kawagoe city ordered removal of a mosque built without required permits; Pakistan’s embassy said the ambassador attended only after organisers assured approvals. Regional Diplomacy: Ishaq Dar spoke with Kuwait’s FM, praising Pakistan’s US-Iran mediation role. Weather Risk: NDMA issued landslide alerts for northern KP and AJK amid rain and glacier melt. Business & Markets: PSX opened lower as Middle East tensions lifted oil prices; Pakistan’s budget presentation reportedly shifted to June 10. Energy Update: OGDCL announced an oil discovery at Bobi Deep-1 in Sindh.

Weather Watch: PMD warns more rain with strong winds and isolated hailstorms for Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Punjab, KP, Kashmir and GB through June 5, with temperatures easing slightly after hot, dry conditions. Markets: PSX bounced back as the KSE-100 climbed 421 points to close above 171,000, with investors showing selective buying despite regional uncertainty. SBP & Expat Finance: Naya Pakistan Certificates now accept Saudi Riyal and UAE Dirham for overseas investors, with profit rates up to 7.50% for five-year tenors. Security in Balochistan: Security forces launched intelligence-based operations across Mastung, Nushki, Zehri, Khuzdar and Kech, killing 17 militants and recovering weapons and explosives after the May 24 train incident. Middle East Diplomacy: Pakistan and seven other Muslim countries condemned Israeli settlers’ continued incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque, calling for an immediate halt. Lahore Sports: In the 2nd ODI at Gaddafi Stadium, Shaheen struck early, but Josh Inglis and Cameron Green powered Australia to 231/9. Business & Health Tech: Pakistan is in talks with Saudi Arabia to introduce a nationwide digital health records system to unify patient data across hospitals.

Counter-Terror Update: Maharashtra ATS says a Pakistan-linked terror network used a reconnaissance video of Bhiwandi’s Narpoli police station, with two suspects arrested by UP ATS. Telecom Oversight: Pakistan’s IT telecom committee grilled the IT ministry over poor mobile and internet services, citing the minister’s absence. Inflation Watch: May inflation hit 11.7% as food, transport and energy costs surged, squeezing households. Budget Pressure: IMF-linked conditions are blamed for low development spending—only Rs528bn of a Rs1tn PSDP used so far—while govt eyes Rs754bn for 2026-27 development. Energy Austerity: Islamabad ordered markets to shut by 8pm from June 1, sparking trader backlash over fuel and power costs. Security & Diplomacy: Pakistan urged an immediate Lebanon ceasefire at the UN and warned against trusting “mixed signals” from the Taliban on TTP. Economy & Trade: Mango exporters cut this year’s target by 30,000 tons due to Middle East disruptions; auto vendors fear the new EV policy could hurt local parts makers. Sports & Culture: PFF launched a National U17 Championship to revive domestic football; Punjab’s culture minister said film funds and a Film City aim to bring youth back to cinemas.

Middle East Diplomacy: Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar spoke with Iran’s Abbas Araghchi, urging both sides to keep the US-Iran ceasefire stable and warning against Lebanon ceasefire violations after Israeli concerns were raised; both agreed to stay in close contact. EU Engagement: EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas met PM Shehbaz Sharif, praising Pakistan’s mediation role and pushing deeper Pakistan-EU cooperation on trade, climate, security and migration. Aviation Expansion: South Air plans to start domestic flights linking remote KP areas like Dera Ismail Khan and Chitral, with further routes including Peshawar–Lahore. Terror Watch: Pakistan’s EU talks also covered terrorist activity allegedly operating from Afghan territory, with focus on TTP threats. Cricket (Lahore): Pakistan and Australia clash in the 2nd ODI at Gaddafi Stadium, with Lahore pitch conditions set to shape team plans. Women’s Cricket: ICC confirmed Pakistan as host of the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup, with India’s matches at a neutral venue. Weather & Safety: PMD warns of rain, thunderstorms and dust storms from June 2-5; in G-B, a jeep crash left seven missing after it plunged into a ravine. Economy: PSX closed sharply lower as KSE-100 slid over 3,300 points; OGRA raised LPG prices amid Middle East tensions.

EU-Pakistan Diplomacy: EU High Representative Kaja Kallas arrived in Pakistan to co-chair the 8th Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue with Ishaq Dar, with meetings lined up with top leadership and the Army Chief, aiming to deepen cooperation across political, trade and security tracks. Gilgit-Baltistan Polls: PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari landed in Skardu to kick off his election campaign, with rallies planned across Shigar, Skardu, Chilas, Ghizer and Gilgit. Markets & Energy Pressure: PSX opened lower as Middle East tensions pushed oil prices up; KSE-100 fell around 800 points amid renewed US-Iran ceasefire uncertainty. Sports Governance: Pakistan Olympic Association in Lahore backed performance-based funding for national federations under the National Sports Policy 2026, shifting grants away from influence toward results. Lahore Power Probe: LESCO suspended three officials after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif alleged a transformer was replaced following an Rs80,000 bribe, triggering a local accountability row. Muharram Forecast: Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council said Muharram 1448 is likely to start on June 17, with moon sighting conditions guiding the date. Cricket (Lahore): Pakistan host Australia for the 2nd ODI at Gaddafi Stadium on June 2, looking to build on their series opener win.

Cricket Buzz: Arafat Minhas made history on ODI debut, taking a five-wicket haul (5/32) as Pakistan beat Australia by five wickets in the first ODI at Rawalpindi, with Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghori steering the chase. EU Diplomacy: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas will visit Islamabad on June 1 to co-chair the 8th EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue with Ishaq Dar, meeting President Zardari, PM Shehbaz and COAS Asim Munir. IMF Pressure on Taxes: The IMF is pushing Pakistan to raise GST from 18% to 19% in Budget 2026-27, with possible higher taxes on EVs, hybrids and solar panels. Lahore Public Health: Endit Foundation launched a Lahore vaping survey, warning about rising tobacco harm-reduction use but calling for evidence-based regulation and safeguards. Karachi Daily Life: KWSC says Karachi faces a 54 MGD water shortfall after a K-Electric cable fault suspended power to the North East Karachi pumping station. Security & Region: Pakistan and Afghanistan talks continue as Kabul says dialogue remains open but rejects “unrealistic” demands, while officials also claim Pakistan-linked telecom signals are being used to aid terror networks in J&K. Sports (Women): Ireland beat Pakistan women by seven wickets in a Tri-Nations T20 match at Clontarf. Skywatch: A rare Blue Moon lit up skies across Pakistan, including Lahore, as clear weather helped stargazers catch the full moon.

Cricket (Rawalpindi): Pakistan chased Australia’s 201 with ease, winning the first ODI by five wickets and taking a 1-0 series lead. Debut hero: Left-arm spinner Arafat Minhas stunned everyone with 5/32 on ODI debut, becoming the first Pakistani to do so on debut, then helped seal the chase as Babar Azam made 69 and Ghazi Ghori 65. Hajj update: Pakistan’s post-Hajj repatriation began as the first return flight landed in Islamabad with 165 pilgrims; the operation runs until June 30 with dozens of flights scheduled across major cities. Politics (GB): PTI’s Asad Qaiser warned the party is “seriously considering” exiting the system over alleged denial of political space, after he claimed restrictions delayed him from reaching the airport for a GB campaign. Diplomacy: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is set to visit Islamabad for the EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue on June 1. Security/region: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth called Pakistan a “sincere friend” as Washington and Islamabad deepen cooperation around Iran peace efforts. Economy: SBP data shows IT freelancers’ foreign earnings jumped 49% to $959m in the first 10 months of FY2025-26.

Israel/Palestine Diplomacy: Ishaq Dar in Washington again ruled out any shift on Israel, saying Pakistan won’t join the Abraham Accords unless an independent Palestinian state is recognised on pre-1967 lines with Quds as capital; Rubio also praised Pakistan’s mediation role in US-Iran talks. Cricket (ODIs): Pakistan kick off a three-match ODI series vs Australia today in Rawalpindi, with the second and third ODIs in Lahore (June 2 and 4); Shaheen leads Pakistan, while Australia’s Josh Inglis captains with key pacers rested. Hockey (U18): Pakistan opened the Asia Cup in Japan with a 3-0 win over China, scoring through Muhammad Usman, Adeel and Salman Yaseen; next up is Malaysia. Hajj Repatriation: Post-Hajj flights start June 1, with 22 flights bringing 5,237 pilgrims back on day one; total return plan runs to June 30 with 471 flights. Economy/Markets: FX reserves rose to $22.65bn; PSX closed bullish, up 2,237 points, while gold slipped Rs500 per tola. Sports (Women): West Indies Women beat Pakistan Women by 25 runs in the T20 tri-series in Dublin. Local Security/Crime: West Bengal STF arrested two men over alleged SIM/OTP sharing for WhatsApp espionage linked to Pakistan’s ISI. Energy/Trade: China and Pakistan agreed to accelerate CPEC 2.0 and expand cooperation in AI, digital economy and agriculture.

US-Pak Diplomacy: Deputy PM/FM Ishaq Dar met US Secy of State Marco Rubio in Washington, with Rubio praising Pakistan’s “constructive” mediation role in US-Iran peace efforts and both sides pledging stronger ties on trade, security and counterterrorism. Iran Talks Watch: The meeting comes as US-Iran negotiations near a possible deal, with Hormuz reopening and sanctions/nuclear issues still central. Cross-Border Security: India’s NIA carried out raids in four states over a Pakistan-linked arms/IED/drone smuggling and terror plot. Digital Economy: Pakistan’s freelancers earned nearly $1bn in foreign exchange in the first 10 months, with computer and IT services exports up sharply. Fuel Relief: Pakistan cut petrol and high-speed diesel by Rs22 per litre, calling it Eid relief. Sports (Lahore): Pakistan host Australia for the ODI series starting Saturday (Rawalpindi), with Lahore hosting the next two matches; Chacha Cricket says the Lahore ODI could be his last home stadium appearance. Health/Weather: A dangerous sustained heatwave continues across India and Pakistan.

US-Iran Mediation Diplomacy: Deputy PM/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met China’s Wang Yi in New York, reaffirming Pakistan’s multilateralism and support for global governance reform, as Islamabad pushes for peace amid US-Iran talks. UN Peacekeeping: PM Shehbaz Sharif marked International Day of UN Peacekeepers, highlighting Pakistan’s long service in UN missions and urging “Invest in Peace.” Abraham Accords Pressure: Trump renewed calls for Muslim states, including Pakistan, to sign the Abraham Accords tied to an Iran deal—Pakistan has rejected the idea, citing Palestine and core principles. Kashmir Row: China and Pakistan again raised Jammu & Kashmir in joint statements after Shehbaz’s China visit, drawing sharp Indian pushback. Security & Rights: NCCIA arrested 11 social media activists in Punjab under PECA for alleged anti-state propaganda. Economy & Markets: PSX rebounded post-Eid, with KSE-100 up over 850 points early trading. Sports: Pakistan youth footballers missed AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers again due to funding gaps; Australia named Josh Inglis to lead ODIs after Marsh’s injury. Health & Climate: Heatwave risks persist across India and Pakistan, with heat-related deaths reported.

Pakistan-China Diplomacy: Deputy PM and FM Ishaq Dar met China’s Wang Yi in New York, with both sides reaffirming peaceful coexistence, multilateralism and support for Pakistan’s mediation role as they mark 75 years of ties. US-Iran Mediation: Dar is set to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington to discuss regional and global developments, amid a fragile US-Iran ceasefire and renewed tensions near the Strait of Hormuz. Economy Focus: President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan must be made economically strong, stressing constitutional governance and collective efforts to strengthen institutions. Youm-e-Takbeer: In Rawalpindi, leaders including Barrister Danyal Chaudhry and Hanif Abbasi hailed May 28, 1998 as a defining defence milestone and a symbol of sovereignty. Inflation Hit Home: Eid grave visits in Rawalpindi are getting costlier as flowers, incense and grave-cover items surge in price, adding pressure to already strained families. Sports Admin Warning: Pakistan’s U-20 football team was left out of AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers due to lack of funds, drawing criticism over planning. Cricket Schedule: West Indies confirmed home Tests vs Pakistan in July-August 2026, plus ODI series vs Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

Youm-e-Takbeer: President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Shehbaz Sharif, along with top military leadership, marked the 28th anniversary of Pakistan’s 1998 nuclear tests, calling nuclear deterrence a key shield for sovereignty and regional balance. Security & diplomacy: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Saudi Arabia’s interior minister in Mina, agreeing on training for Federal Constabulary personnel and expanded internal security cooperation. India-Pakistan tensions: India’s Amit Shah ordered demolition of illegal structures within 15 km of the border and pushed a zero-tolerance approach against infiltration, smuggling and terror financing. Terror crackdown (India): UP ATS and STF arrested four people tied to a Pakistan-linked sleeper-cell network, alleging digital recruitment and reconnaissance plans. Cricket (Pakistan in the Caribbean): Cricket West Indies confirmed Pakistan’s two-match Test series in Trinidad and Tobago (July 25–29 and Aug 2–6), with the first Test at Brian Lara Cricket Academy. Eid & society: A report highlights Pakistani Bengalis in Karachi struggling with citizenship and identity documentation, affecting marriage registration and access to services. Sports/health: WHO warned tobacco use in Pakistan is driving major deaths and economic losses ahead of World No Tobacco Day.

Eid-ul-Adha & Security: PM Shehbaz Sharif extended Eid greetings to Pakistan’s top military leadership and political figures, praising the armed forces’ readiness and sacrifices even during the holiday. Iran-US Mediation: Pakistan’s role in Iran-US talks stayed in focus as China backed Islamabad’s mediation and Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim said he discussed progress with Shehbaz, including Strait of Hormuz reopening talks. Abraham Accords Pressure: US President Trump’s push for Pakistan to join the Abraham Accords sparked fresh backlash, with Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif reiterating “not acceptable” to normalize with Israel and pointing to the passport’s “except Israel” rule. Border Crackdown (India): India’s Home Minister Amit Shah ordered demolition of illegal constructions within 15 km of the Indo-Pak border, citing infiltration and terror-financing concerns. Weather Alert: Pakistan Meteorological Department issued a heatwave warning with temperatures possibly soaring to 50C in parts of the country. Sports: Shan Masood, Babar Azam and Salman Agha climbed in the latest ICC Test rankings; Australia’s ODI tour captain Mitchell Marsh was ruled out with an ankle injury, with Josh Inglis set to lead. Lahore Angle: Lahore’s Hindu heritage road-renaming plan was reportedly put on hold after backlash from extremist elements.