Pakistan, Live Updates : Karachi faces water crisis after pipeline bursts near university

According to Pakistan Today, gold prices in Pakistan are closely linked to the strength of the Pakistani Rupee, which is affected by IMF loan disbursements and the stability of government economic policies. Government announcements regarding taxation on gold imports and political instability also influence gold prices, with political unrest potentially driving investment in gold as a safe haven. High gold prices can reflect negatively on the government's economic management and impact the purchasing power of citizens, while creating uncertainty for jewellers and gold traders.

Karachi is experiencing another water crisis after an 84-inch main pipeline burst near Karachi University, flooding the campus and surrounding areas, Dawn News reports. The damage to the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) infrastructure will result in a 40% water shortage for several neighborhoods, including Chanesar Town, Liaquatabad and Landhi, as repair work is underway. KWSC CEO Ahmed Ali Siddiqui has directed teams to expedite repairs, which are expected to take 96 hours, with water supply from the Dhabeji Pumping Station suspended during this period.

KWSC spokesman Abdul Qadir Shaikh stated that repairs have commenced and will continue around the clock, as reported by Dawn News. Residents are advised to store water and use it carefully to mitigate the inconvenience caused by the partial disruption. The city, which requires over 1,200 million gallons of water daily (MGD), will only receive 400 MGD out of its regular 650 MGD supply due to the repairs on Siphon No. 19, said Dawn News.

Dawn News reports that the Quetta Gladiators defeated the Multan Sultans in the HBL PSL 2025. Khurram Shehzad's bowling performance helped dismiss the Sultans for just 89 runs, and the Gladiators chased down the target in only 6.5 overs. Saud Shakeel and Finn Allen led the Quetta batting charge, securing a 10-wicket victory and moving their team to second place in the league standings, as per Dawn News.

The Multan Sultans struggled throughout the match, with only Mohammad Rizwan offering some resistance with the bat, Dawn News reports. Khurram was named Player of the Match for his contribution with the ball. The Quetta Gladiators are now second in the standings, while the Sultans are last, according to Dawn News.

The Express Tribune reports that the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted rain and thunderstorms in various regions of Pakistan, expected to last until May 4. The PMD warns that certain areas may be affected by heavy showers and hailstorms.

This weather forecast is particularly sensitive due to Pakistan's history of severe flooding, which has caused significant displacement, infrastructure damage, and economic losses. The government's response to this forecast and any resulting flooding will be closely scrutinized, potentially impacting its public approval and political stability.

Dawn News reports that the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has amended the Karachi Building and Town Planning Regulations 2002 (KBTPR), allowing commercial use of residential plots. The amendments, formalized through a notification issued in March, have been criticized for undermining urban planning and potentially leading to further dysfunction in Karachi's zoning regulations. Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani stated the amendments aim to provide legal cover to existing commercial establishments in residential areas, effectively regularizing violations of residential leases and land use prohibitions, according to Dawn News.

The parent statute, the Sindh Building Control Ordinance (SCBO) 1979, does not contemplate the regularisation of any unauthorised construction, Dawn News reports. The Sindh High Court has also previously challenged the SBCA's authority to regularize illegal constructions, particularly those altering the 'character' of the original building or prejudicing third-party rights. The amendments could change the complexion of construction and negatively affect third-party rights, potentially overriding lease conditions, zoning regulations, and master plan designations, Dawn News reports.

The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) is advocating for significant tax reforms in the upcoming budget to stimulate economic activity, according to Dawn News. OICCI President Yousaf Hussain has proposed doubling the income tax exemption limit to Rs1.2 million for individuals to boost consumption, while maintaining mandatory tax return filing for those earning over Rs0.6 million annually. Hussain also recommended an immediate reduction in the sales tax rate on goods to 17 percent, followed by a gradual annual decrease to 15 percent, aligning with regional averages.

Furthermore, the OICCI is calling for the gradual elimination of the ‘super tax’ within three years to foster a more predictable fiscal environment, Dawn News reports. Hussain stressed the importance of harmonizing sales tax rates between federal and provincial governments and expanding the tax base to include traditionally under-taxed sectors like agriculture and real estate. He also addressed the issue of illegal cigarette trade, which results in substantial revenue losses, and suggested treating major petroleum products as taxable supplies to broaden the tax contribution.

Lawyers protesting the construction of six canals on the Indus River have called off their sit-in on the National Highway in Khairpur following negotiations with a government delegation, Dawn News reports. Karachi Bar Association President Amir Nawaz Waraich and Sindh High Court Bar Association President Sarfraz Ali Metlo announced the end of the protest after receiving assurances from the government and an official notification addressing their concerns, according to Dawn News. The government has pledged to provide necessary legal documentation by May 7, detailing matters related to the legal and professional rights of lawyers, Dawn News reports.

The Sindh government delegation, including Law Minister Zia Lanjar and District Council Chairman Kumail Haidar Shah, held talks with the lawyers' committee, Dawn News reports. With the dismantling of protest camps, two-way traffic has been restored on the National Highway, according to Dawn News.

Dawn News reports that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced a new method for calculating the value of cement for sales tax collection. The new method, detailed in notification SRO746 of 2025, aligns cement valuation with the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The minimum retail price of cement will be calculated based on the average national retail prices published by PBS in its weekly SPI report. These values will be assessed twice monthly, using SPI data released just before the 1st and 16th of each month, and applied to the corresponding fortnightly periods.

The updated valuation mechanism will be implemented from May 1, 2025, and will serve as the standard for calculating sales tax at the prescribed rate mentioned under clause (a) of sub-section (2) of Section 3 of the Sales Tax Act 1990, Dawn News reports.

Petroleum dealers are advocating for the government to fulfill its pledge to increase sales margins by Rs1.40 to Rs2.20 per liter on petrol and diesel, which has been outstanding since July 2024, Dawn News reports. The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) presented its case to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Petroleum, protesting the non-implementation of the government's commitment, which the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) decided in September 2023 to revise their sale margins by Rs1.64 per liter for dealers and Rs1.87 per liter for oil marketing companies in four phases that year based on PSO’s operating cost.

Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik clarified that converting CNG filling stations into petrol pumps could be examined individually under the existing petroleum policy. Ogra Chairman Masroor Khan informed the committee that petroleum prices were set every 15 days with the government approval and about 50% of petroleum products demand was met by state-owned PSO, as reported by Dawn News.

Dawn News reports that an accountability court in Islamabad discharged former Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf and several others in three high-profile references related to the Rental Power Projects (RPPs). The court discharged 11 individuals, including Ashraf, in the Karkey Ship Rental Power reference, where the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had alleged corruption amounting to Rs22 billion. A Turkish energy company, Karkey Karadeniz Elektrik Uretim A.S., had also filed a $1.2bn arbitration claim against Pakistan at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), but the claim was later withdrawn.

In a second reference concerning the Bakhi Power Project, the court discharged six more individuals, including a former chairman of the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda). Separately, the court acquitted all accused in the Sharqpur Power Project reference, effectively closing proceedings in all three major cases, as reported by Dawn News. The RPPs were introduced during the PPP’s tenure to address power shortages but faced widespread allegations of corruption and inefficiency.

Pakistan and Kazakhstan concluded the 13th session of their Joint Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) with an agreement to sign a transit trade accord, Dawn News reports. The agreement will grant Kazakhstan access to Karachi, Bin Qasim, and Gwadar ports for trade. The two nations also signed seven memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to enhance cooperation in transport, trade, business, culture, and education. Ahad Cheema, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, and Kazakhstan’s Transport Minister Marat Karabayev co-chaired the IGC session.

Both countries also committed to accelerating the finalization of the Transit Trade Agreement and implementing a 'Roadmap for Trade and Economic Cooperation', Dawn News reports. Key areas of focus included regional trade corridors, particularly the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan and Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan routes. Further agreements encompassed electronic trade, agriculture, finance, tourism, cultural exchange, education, and information technology.

Ten terrorists were killed by security forces in separate intelligence-based operations in Balochistan’s Kech and Ziarat districts, as reported by Dawn News. Three terrorists were killed near Turbat in Kech district, with weapons and ammunition recovered from them. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for their successful operation.

In a separate incident, security forces killed seven terrorists in the Choteer area of Ziarat district, said Dawn News. Residents had previously blocked the Sanjavi-Ziarat road in protest against the presence of militants, but the road was reopened following negotiations led by Deputy Commissioner Zakaullah Durrani.

The Balochistan provincial cabinet has decided to advertise BPS 1-15 jobs, which are entry-level government positions, and release existing wheat stock in the open market, The Express Tribune reports. This decision comes amid ongoing economic challenges in Balochistan, including high unemployment and poverty rates, and potential issues related to wheat storage and budgetary constraints. The move to release wheat stock could affect wheat prices, potentially lowering them for consumers but also impacting farmers' profits.

Pakistan's Supreme Court is reviewing petitions filed by judges from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) concerning their seniority after transfers, Dawn News reports. Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan questioned the justification of these transfers under the concept of 'public interest,' particularly when a judge's reputation is debated, said Dawn News. Senior counsel Muneer A. Malik, representing the IHC judges, argued that transfers under Article 200 of the Constitution should be temporary and in line with federalism, as per Dawn News.

The court, led by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, is considering whether these transfers affect the judges' seniority and if the process circumvents the Judicial Commission of Pakistan's (JCP) role in appointments, Dawn News reports. Malik contended that the President cannot use Article 200 to usurp the JCP's powers, emphasizing that the power to nominate judges lies with the JCP, not solely with the Chief Justice of Pakistan, according to Dawn News. The arguments are ongoing, with a focus on interpreting Article 200 in relation to judicial independence and the JCP's authority, reports Dawn News.

The Express Tribune reports that nationalist leaders and activists are celebrating the temporary shelving of a canals project. They attribute this outcome to the combined efforts of various groups, including political figures, lawyers, students, farmers, and women. This perceived success could embolden nationalist parties and increase their political influence in the region, potentially leading to further demands from the government. The shelving of the project creates uncertainty for farmers who anticipated improved irrigation and agricultural productivity, and it may damage the government's credibility and ability to implement development projects.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister recently briefed counterparts from the UAE and Kuwait, focusing on Pakistan's current economic crisis and the need for external financial support, *The Express Tribune* reports. These briefings are part of Pakistan's broader diplomatic efforts to maintain strong relationships with key Gulf states, which are crucial for economic support and strategic partnerships. With potential elections on the horizon, the government aims to demonstrate its ability to manage the economy and maintain positive international relations, and securing financial support could boost the government's image.

The Express Tribune reports that Mahrang Baloch, a key activist in the Baloch student movement known for protesting enforced disappearances and human rights abuses in Balochistan, has ended her hunger strike during her imprisonment. Her arrest is part of a broader pattern of state action against Baloch dissent, amidst ongoing protests and government responses. The specific charges against Mahrang Baloch and the reasons for ending her hunger strike were not detailed in the provided context.

According to *The Express Tribune*, three terrorists were killed in Turbat, Balochistan. This incident is set against a backdrop of increased terrorist activity and separatist movements in Balochistan, where the Pakistani military is conducting ongoing operations against militant groups. The region's importance to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) adds another layer of security concerns, as terrorist groups often target CPEC-related infrastructure and personnel.

The incident is likely to reinforce the Pakistani military's justification for continued operations in Balochistan and could lead to increased resources for counter-terrorism efforts. It also highlights the challenges faced by the Balochistan provincial government in maintaining law and order and raises concerns within the Chinese government regarding the security of CPEC projects.

Islamabad is now among the 100 safest cities, according to The Express Tribune. This ranking likely reflects the ongoing efforts to improve law and order in Islamabad, including government initiatives, police reforms, and increased security measures designed to combat crime and terrorism. These measures encompass increased surveillance, improved police training, and community policing programs.

This development could contribute to a more positive international perception of Pakistan, potentially attracting foreign investment and tourism. The ranking could also be used by the ruling government to bolster public support, while opposition parties may question the ranking's methodology, The Express Tribune reports.

The Express Tribune reports that Pakistan is set to become a technology hub, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announcing $700 million in new foreign investment pledges for the IT sector. This development is particularly significant given Pakistan's ongoing economic crisis, which includes high inflation and negotiations with the IMF for a bailout package. The current government has emphasized the importance of developing the IT sector as a key driver for economic growth and export diversification.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar engaged in discussions with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's counterpart, addressing the evolving regional situation and areas of mutual interest, *Pakistan Today* reports. Dar also spoke with the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister, further emphasizing Pakistan's active diplomatic engagement in the region. These discussions highlight Pakistan's efforts to play a role in addressing regional tensions, given its strategic location and ties with Gulf states.

Two suspects allegedly involved in the recent killing of the PPP UC chairman in Karachi’s Orangi Town have been arrested, police said on Tuesday.

PPP Union Council Chairman, Amir Bhashani, was killed on April 17 by armed motorcyclists in a suspected targeted attack near Bismillah Chowk in Orangi Town. The case was registered under terror and murder charges by the Pakistan Bazaar police.

In response, the city council last week demanded that the provincial police and law enforcement agencies promptly arrest the killers of Bhashani and bring them to justice.

According to a statement issued by Karachi District West Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Tariq Illahi Mastoi, “A police team led by SP Manghopir initiated an investigation on different aspects and conducted technical and human intelligence-based action, apprehending two suspects, namely and recovering two pistols.”

During the initial probe, it was transpired that one of the suspects was directly involved in the killing, while another was an informer who had informed his accomplices about the presence of the UC chairman at his office, the statement said.

The planning to carry out the killing was done a week before the murder based on “land and financial matters”, the statement said.

Apart from the prime suspect, two other suspects were also found to be involved in the murder planning, it said.

So far, the investigation has revealed who the real mastermind of the murder is, it added.

According to the statement, the suspects told the interrogators that the prime suspect, along with two accomplices, went to the camp UC chairman’s office in a car on the day of the murder.

It said that the accomplices stepped out of the vehicle and stayed at a nearby restaurant, waiting for two hired assassins while the prime suspect remained seated in the car.

After the arrival of the assassins, the accomplices, with the help of the prime suspect, killed Bhashani, the statement said.

Later on, the suspects left in their car while hired assassins fled on their motorcycle, it added.

While the two suspects were under police custody, concerted efforts were underway to arrest the four remaining suspects in the case, SSP Mastoi said in the statement.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered the implementation of bylaws to remove roadside encroachments and prioritize road projects, *Pakistan Today* reports. During a meeting of the communications and works department, she reviewed the Lahore Ring Road Southern Loop project and requested a feasibility report for an expressway connecting the Layyah-Bhakkar road to the motorway, according to the report.

This initiative is part of a broader push for infrastructure development and urban renewal in Punjab. Past anti-encroachment drives in Pakistan have faced resistance, making relocation and compensation plans critical for the current order's success, as per the report.