AGP Executive Report

Women’s Cricket Rivalry: India crushed Pakistan by 64 runs in the Women’s T20 World Cup opener at Edgbaston. Smriti Mandhana made 68 off 44 and Richa Ghosh hit 34 off 17 as India posted 170/6. Spin Domination: Deepti Sharma then produced a career-best 5/10, taking Pakistan from 75/3 to 106 all out in 17 overs, with Shree Charani adding 3/21. No-Handshake Culture: Captains Harmanpreet Kaur and Fatima Sana again avoided the toss handshake, keeping the “no handshake” trend alive. Storm Toll in KP: A strong wind-and-rain storm killed at least seven and injured 33 across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with more rain forecast for higher areas. Karachi Weather: Light rain and drizzle were reported in parts of Karachi late Sunday night. Karachi Infrastructure: Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah inaugurated the Rs1.56bn Azeempura Flyover to ease traffic near Shahrah-e-Faisal and the airport. AJK Polls: AJK Election Commission dismissed rumours of delaying the July 27 elections. US-Iran Mediation: Pakistan and Egypt’s foreign ministers discussed regional developments amid a possible US-Iran deal. Community Health: Pakistan Embassy and PNAN held a free medical camp in Nagarjun, serving over 100 patients.

US-Iran Peace Push: Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif says the US and Iran have agreed the “final” text to end the war, with Pakistan preparing for a possible virtual signing Sunday—though Iran says it won’t be signed tomorrow and wants more time. Budget & Taxes: The FY27 budget is framed as relief plus tougher enforcement: super tax scrapped, export taxes cut, but penalties for tax non-compliance increased and new levies/controls flagged. Security Operations: Pakistani forces killed 21 terrorists in intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with sanitisation continuing. Public Health: Karachi reports a new monkeypox case (10th in the city), raising fears of local spread; WHO also warns Pakistan faces a 2.3m annual blood donation shortfall. Sports & Society: Pakistan women open the Women’s T20 World Cup vs India at Edgbaston; captain Fatima Sana survives an injury scare. Road & Crime: Islamabad sees a fatal hit-and-run involving a speeding car; Lahore police report a resolved cheque fraud dispute involving PML-N MPA Saqib Chadhar. Weather (Karachi): Hot, humid conditions with sea breeze and winds expected.

US-Iran Peace Push: Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif says the US-Iran truce framework is “ready for signatures” and could be finalized within 24 hours, with an electronic signing ceremony expected Sunday—though Iran has signaled it may not happen that day; Trump also linked the deal to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Pakistan says technical talks follow next week. Diplomacy in Motion: Pakistan’s mediation drew fresh backing from Qatar and Switzerland, with Qatar’s PM praising Islamabad’s role and both sides urging constructive engagement as the “Islamabad” peace track nears the finish line. Security Update: Pakistan’s military says 21 militants were killed in intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Miranshah/North Waziristan area over the past 72 hours. Public Health: Karachi confirmed a new monkeypox case in a 40-year-old man with no travel history, raising fears of local transmission. Sports (Women’s T20 WC): Captain Fatima Sana reported a minor knee knock in nets but hopes to be fit for Pakistan’s opener vs India. Local Tragedies: Heavy rains in KP’s Bannu killed 4 and injured 16; residents also killed a suspected bomber after a motorcycle blast outside a mosque in Lakki Marwat.

US-Iran Peace Push: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif says the US and Iran have agreed on the “final, agreed-upon text” of a deal to end their war, with Pakistan working on next steps as officials warn of misinformation trying to derail talks. Budget 2026-27: Finance Minister Aurangzeb says the economy is shifting from stabilisation to growth, while the budget trims subsidies, cuts customs duties on thousands of industrial inputs, and boosts defence spending—sparking mixed reactions from business groups. Security Update: ISPR reports 21 “India-backed” terrorists killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa operations, including four ring leaders, as sanitisation continues. Navy Modernisation: Pakistan’s first Hangor-class submarine arrives at Karachi Port, built under a China deal, marking a major step in fleet upgrades. Punjab Weather: Lahore and parts of Punjab get rain relief after dust storms, though power disruptions are reported. Human Stories: A Lahore case alleges a shopkeeper tortured and killed a 14-year-old employee; in Chakwal, a 9-year-old girl is reported shot dead after police mistook her family’s car for robbers. Sports: Pakistan secures entry into the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup in Indonesia, competing in Division 1.

US-Iran Peace Push: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif says the US and Iran have agreed the “final, agreed-upon text” of a peace deal, with Islamabad now working on next steps; Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi echoed that the “Islamabad MoU” is “never been closer,” while both sides warn against misinformation as details remain disputed. Budget Relief & Pressure: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presents Budget 2026-27 with defence spending up 18% and development squeezed, but offers targeted relief—minimum wage raised 10% to Rs40,700 and a surcharge on salaried class removed. Fuel Cost Tweaks: Petrol cut by Rs4 and high-speed diesel by Rs2 per litre, effective June 13, as Islamabad links pricing to regional oil-market volatility. Tax on Creators: Govt proposes a 5% withholding tax on social media earnings for influencers, treating it as minimum tax liability. Governance & Public Health: KP CM condemns obstruction of a provincial delegation in Islamabad; Islamabad orders FIRs against those responsible for dengue larvae breeding.

Budget 2026-27: Pakistan is set to unveil a Rs17.5tr budget today, with a tax revenue target of Rs15.267tr, debt servicing at Rs7.824tr and defence around Rs3tr; officials say the government is weighing relief steps like salary/pension increases and a petroleum levy target of Rs1.727tr, while export and import targets are pegged at $32.8bn and $70bn. PIA Privatisation: President Zardari has signed the PIA (Conversion) (Repeal) Bill 2026, completing legal steps for the Arif Habib-led consortium’s 75% acquisition deal. Fuel Costs: Budget talks include a possible doubling of the Climate Support Levy on petrol and high-speed diesel from Rs2.5 to Rs5 per litre, raising fears of another transport and prices shock. Telecom & Digital: PTA released Q1 2026 QoS survey results; Economic Survey data shows smartphone users at 71.6% and ARPU rising to Rs326, while crypto users have crossed 40m. Karachi Heat & Services: PMD forecasts some relief in Karachi with temperatures around 36–38°C; Easypaisa users reported nationwide service disruptions. PoK Crackdown & Water Tensions: PoK unrest and civilian killings drew renewed criticism, while Pakistan warned India that blocking Indus waters would be treated as an “act of war.” Security/Politics: PTI and allies threaten protests over Imran Khan’s medical treatment during the budget session.

Karachi Heat + Power Crisis: Karachi residents say electricity outages are stretching beyond 12 hours amid extreme heat, while K-Electric disputes the figures, as the heat index pushes health fears. Naval Modernisation: Pakistan’s first China-built Hangor-class submarine, PNS Hangor, arrives at Karachi Port, boosting the Navy’s underwater capability and signalling deeper defence ties with Beijing. Economic Survey + Growth: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb unveils Economic Survey 2025-26: GDP growth hits 3.7% in FY26, economy size tops $452bn, remittances are set to cross $41bn, but health spending falls to 0.8% of GDP and poverty rises to 28.9%. Budget 2026-27 Pressure: Ahead of the budget, reports say the middle class and registered businesses may face more burden under IMF-linked austerity, as Iran-war shocks add to costs. Pakistan Railways Reform: PM Shehbaz approves a strategic roadmap to modernise Pakistan Railways with digitisation, track upgrades and private-sector participation. Public Safety + Tragedy: A Pakistan Army Mi-17 helicopter crash near Muzaffarabad kills all on board; funerals begin as a board of inquiry probes a technical fault. Afghanistan Tensions: UN and Afghan officials again raise civilian-casualty concerns after Pakistani airstrikes, while Pakistan warns India that blocking Indus waters would be treated as an “act of war.” Health + Crime: A Quetta acid attack on a female doctor sparks outrage over workplace safety. Sports: Pakistan ends a 74-year wait by beating Afghanistan 2-0 to win the Diamond Jubilee football title.

Afghanistan Cross-Border Strikes: Pakistan said it carried out “precise and calibrated” air strikes on alleged terror hideouts in Afghanistan, killing 26, while UNAMA reported 13 civilian deaths (including women and children) and urged de-escalation and a durable ceasefire. Diplomatic Push: Pakistan also urged the US and Iran to respect the April 8 ceasefire and “expand the space” for diplomacy, with FO stressing dialogue as the route to a negotiated settlement. Somali Pirate Hostages: The FO said Pakistanis held by Somali pirates for nearly 50 days remain in captivity despite efforts, with DPM Ishaq Dar contacting Somalia’s FM and release flagged as a top priority. Health Reforms: Health Minister Mustafa Kamal announced mandatory premarital thalassemia testing and warned of a rising diabetes burden among children, pushing prevention over treatment. Power Sector Governance: Pakistan set up its first public-sector Data Governance Council for the power sector to unify data and improve planning. Budget 2026-27 Watch: Reports say selective income tax relief for some salaried earners and possible removal of a 1% export tax are under review, as institutions and IMF-linked targets shape fiscal choices. Sports Joy: Pakistan ended a 74-year football trophy drought, beating Afghanistan 2-0 to win the Diamond Jubilee title, with PM Shehbaz and Tarar congratulating the team. Weather: Heatwave conditions in Sindh and Karachi are easing only gradually, while Lahore/Islamabad face rain, winds and hail alerts. Tragedy in Kashmir: A Pakistan Army Mi-17 helicopter crash near Muzaffarabad killed all on board after a reported technical fault. Culture & Society: A Lahore arts workshop trained young sculptors at Alhamra, while a Karachi café viral “fight” clip was denied by influencer Romaisa Khan.

Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions: Pakistan renewed airstrikes on Afghanistan, with Kabul/Taliban alleging civilian deaths (including children) while Islamabad says it hit militant hideouts and killed 26 suspects. Pakistan-Administered Kashmir: A Pakistan Army MI-17 helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad due to a technical fault, killing all onboard, as protests and a crackdown linked to the banned JAAC continue. Indus Water Treaty Row: India says it will stop “not a single drop” flowing to Pakistan, escalating a fresh standoff over the treaty. Economy Ahead of Budget: The Economic Survey 2025-26 is set for release and the next federal budget is due June 12, with inflation pressures and weak exports in focus. Digital Payments: SBP launched a nationwide feedback survey on digital payment services, running until July 10. Energy Transition: Solar-plus-battery storage is gaining momentum as Pakistan pushes its energy shift. Sports & Culture: Sahibzada Farhan named captain for Asian Games; Pakistan won the Diamond Jubilee football title over Afghanistan; Punjab approved a Rs9.38bn Lahore film and music school.

Afghanistan-Pakistan Cross-Border Clash: Taliban officials say Pakistan’s airstrikes in Kunar, Khost and Paktika killed at least 13 people, including 11 children, and wounded 14, with Kabul calling it a violation of sovereignty. Pakistan’s side says strikes target militants and “hideouts” after attacks on its territory. UN Diplomacy & Middle East Tensions: At the UN Security Council, Pakistan urged restraint in the US-Iran escalation, asking parties to “give peace a little more chance,” while warning diplomacy is fragile. Human Rights in PoJK: Amnesty International condemns Pakistan’s crackdown in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including moves to proscribe JKJAAC and restrictions on communications ahead of July 27 elections. Economy & Daily Life: Govt extends fuel-saving austerity measures till June 30 and keeps standalone grocery/kiryana shops closing at 10pm; gold falls Rs12,627 per tola to Rs442,436. Sports: PCB names Sahibzada Farhan captain for Pakistan’s 15-member Asian Games 2026 cricket squad. Transport: A Lahore-bound train derailed in Sindh, killing 1 and injuring 40.

PoK Unrest: Pakistan-administered Kashmir saw a fresh wave of violence after a ban on the Joint Awami Action Committee and a planned strike, with cities shut and reports of deaths and injuries; Amnesty and other rights voices cite mass detentions and an internet blackout. Diplomatic Fallout: India escalated the blame game at the UN and through its MEA, alleging Pakistan’s “misdeeds and abuses” and “fake news” amid the crackdown. Somalia Hostages: Pakistan’s FM Ishaq Dar called Somalia’s foreign minister to press for the early release of seafarers held after a hijacking off Somalia, including 11 Pakistani nationals. Security Updates: Pakistan reported an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Basima/Naal area killing 14 “Indian-backed” militants, while separate fighting near Peshawar killed six Federal Constabulary personnel. Public Health & Calendar: Lahore reported rising monkeypox cases (54 total) and Pakistan’s Ruet-e-Hilal committee set the Muharram sighting meeting for June 15, with Ashura expected around June 26. Economy & Governance: Pakistan Stock Exchange rebounded strongly; meanwhile, FIA flagged misuse of UK student visas for asylum and announced action against officials linked to human smuggling. Pakistan-China Ties: A Pakistan-China Joint Research Centre was inaugurated in Shenyang. Culture & Tech: Pakistan Post will issue Blue Pottery stamps for World Handicrafts Day, and Punjab launched “One Map Punjab” to unify land and infrastructure data.

UN Security Council Clash: India hit back at Pakistan at the UNSC over “Fitna al-Hindustan” remarks and alleged airstrikes in Afghanistan, calling them “state-sponsored misinformation” and “factory of hate,” while Pakistan urged the Taliban to take “verifiable, non-reversible” action against terror groups. Budget Watch: Pakistan’s federal Budget 2026-27 is now set to be presented in the National Assembly on June 12 after repeated rescheduling, with PPP support reportedly secured and remaining issues to be settled in technical talks. Power Relief: NEPRA cut electricity tariffs by Rs1.98 per unit for June–August 2026 under the quarterly adjustment, promising over Rs67bn relief. IMF Pressure on Revenues: The IMF pushed provinces to sharply raise tax collection targets for FY27, with provincial revenue targets rising to Rs1,947bn. Karachi Transport Facilitation: Sindh approved a one-window desk at Karachi’s New Sabzi Mandi to streamline route permits and documents for freight transporters. Regional Security: Pakistan and Lebanon defence chiefs met at GHQ to expand defence cooperation amid ongoing Middle East tensions. PoK Unrest: Clashes around JAAC protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir left at least 11 dead and dozens injured as authorities imposed bans and crackdown measures.

Kashmir Flashpoints: Clashes in Pakistan-administered Kashmir ahead of a protest by the banned Joint Awami Action Committee left 11 dead and 70+ injured as police and paramilitary forces tried to disperse protesters near a hospital morgue, with both sides trading blame over the violence. Budget Politics: The federal government has decided to convene the National Assembly budget session on short notice, with the session now set for June 12 and discussions expected to be fast-tracked to secure approval before Muharram; PPP has also given a green signal to pass the federal budget after Shehbaz Sharif and Asif Zardari-led talks. GB Elections Fallout: PPP is set to lead Gilgit-Baltistan’s next government in coalition with PML-N after election wins, while PTI rejected the results, alleging rigging and promising a white paper. Regional Diplomacy: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the “final objective” in US-Iran peace talks is “just about to be achieved” and urged restraint amid Middle East escalation. Religious Travel: Pakistan issued 737 visas for Indian Sikh pilgrims for a festival in Pakistan (June 10-19), including 541 visas approved for SGPC pilgrims for Guru Arjan Dev’s martyrdom anniversary. Security Ops: Pakistan security forces killed 27 terrorists in North Waziristan in intelligence-based operations over the past 72 hours. Economy Watch: Pakistan’s KSE-100 plunged over 1,500 points amid regional tensions, while early budget talk includes a possible rise in the climate support levy for petrol cars, raising concerns for entry-level buyers.

Iran-US Mediation: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is in Tehran to deliver a message from Army Chief Asim Munir to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as the US says it shot down two more Iranian drones near the Strait of Hormuz, raising fresh maritime and market fears. Markets & Energy: Oil jumped about 5% on Middle East escalation, while the PSX slid as investors cut risk; gold also fell in Pakistan, with per tola prices down Rs3,094. Heat & Utilities: PMD warns of a severe heatwave across Sindh and Punjab, with Karachi bracing for 39–42°C and Lahore facing worsening conditions; Hyderabad residents report worsening gas shortages despite scheduled supply hours. Public Safety: Quetta’s acid attack on Dr Mahnoor Nasir has sparked national outrage as she was shifted to Karachi for treatment; in Karachi, a wedding “celebratory firing” turned fatal when a bullet allegedly returned and killed a man. Kashmir Crackdown: Clashes in Pakistan-administered Kashmir left seven dead as authorities clamp down after the JAAC ban. Economy & Trade: Pakistan and Iran operationalized new road routes linking Gwadar/Karachi/Port Qasim to Iranian crossings to keep Central Asian trade moving amid Hormuz risks. Sports: PCB is reportedly considering changes after Bangladesh’s Test whitewash, while Abbottabad won the National T20 Cup title.

US-Iran Tensions: The Middle East war hit its 100th day as the US said it shot down two more Iranian drones over the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington signalled it won’t unfreeze Iranian assets without a deal. Pakistan Mediation: Against that backdrop, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran to deliver a “special letter” from Army Chief Asim Munir and PM Shehbaz Sharif to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, meeting Iranian officials as Islamabad pushes for a temporary understanding. AJK Politics & Protests: In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, the top court upheld constitutional protection for 12 refugee seats, even as authorities detained JAAC members and warned against unrest ahead of June 9 protests. Sindh Water Crisis: Reports say Punjab’s overdrawal is starving Sindh’s Dadu Canal and North Western Canal, deepening a political rift between PML-N and PPP. Budget Talks: PPP raised tax and development concerns in pre-budget meetings with Ishaq Dar, who assured proposals would be incorporated for FY2026-27. Security Update: ISPR said 27 militants were killed in North Waziristan operations.

US-Iran Mediation Push: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Tehran to hold high-level talks with Iranian officials, carrying messages from PM Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for Iran’s Supreme Leader, as Pakistan tries to revive a workable understanding amid stalled negotiations. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Naqvi also met Iran’s interior leadership and discussed border security, counterterrorism, drug trafficking and ways to reduce tensions. Lebanon Visit Amid War: Lebanon’s army chief Rodolphe Haykal is heading to Pakistan as funerals are planned for Lebanese officers killed in an Israeli strike, underscoring Pakistan’s mediator role in the wider US-Iran-Israel flare-up. Food Safety Drive: President Zardari and PM Shehbaz urged stakeholders to strengthen safe food practices on World Food Safety Day, stressing science-based controls across the food chain. Heatwave Alert: PMD warned of heatwave conditions from June 7-12, with Karachi and parts of Sindh facing extreme temperatures up to 51°C. Crime & Crackdowns (Lahore): FIA arrested four in Lahore—two over illegal currency exchange/hawala-hundi and two over copyright violations involving counterfeit branded goods. Karachi Water Crisis: KWSC replaced a 60-year-old main water line, while JI staged protests over worsening shortages. Elections & Protests (GB/AJK): PTI alleged pre-poll rigging in Gilgit-Baltistan, and AJK police arrested 72 supporters of the banned JAAC ahead of planned protests. Economy & Energy: Govt collected Rs1,430bn in petroleum development levy in 11 months; gold prices fell sharply, and Pakistan’s glass industry warned it may collapse if import duties are cut further. Viral Probe: In Pune, authorities opened an investigation after a “Made in Pakistan” bedsheet label surfaced at a religious fair.