Pakistan news live: Tractor-trolley accident in Gilgit-Baltistan claims lives and injures others

The Express Tribune reports that the legal challenges against the formation of the audio leaks commission have been dismissed. The commission was formed to investigate the authenticity and implications of leaked audio recordings involving various public figures. The disposal of these pleas potentially allows the government to proceed with its investigation into the matter without further legal obstacles.

Four laborers have died in a road crash in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), Pakistan, The Express Tribune reports. The accident has raised concerns about labor rights and safety regulations in Pakistan, particularly in the construction sector, where increased infrastructure projects, including those related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), have led to a higher risk of accidents. This incident may increase pressure on the G-B government to improve safety regulations and oversight, and could be used by labor unions and opposition parties to highlight the need for stronger labor laws and government accountability.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) canceled six flights to the northern areas of Pakistan, *The Express Tribune* reports. This action is connected to the airline's persistent financial problems, which have led to cost-cutting measures and privatization discussions. The northern areas, known for tourism, experience fluctuations in demand, and flight schedules are adjusted accordingly. These cancellations could stem from low occupancy outside peak season or unforeseen weather, and also be interpreted as a strategy related to the government's privatization efforts for PIA, potentially making the airline less appealing to investors or reflecting underinvestment in anticipation of privatization.

The Express Tribune reports that Pakistan has cut the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel by Rs2 per liter. This decision comes amid ongoing negotiations with the IMF, which advocates for market-based pricing, and potential political considerations related to upcoming elections and public sentiment. The price adjustment also occurs against the backdrop of fluctuating global oil prices, which directly impact Pakistan's import costs and domestic fuel prices.

The Express Tribune reports that five justices of the Islamabad High Court have filed a formal complaint with the Supreme Court, alleging governmental interference through manipulation of financial transfers. The judges claim these actions were retaliatory, designed to punish the IHC for decisions unfavorable to the government. This development highlights ongoing tensions between Pakistan's judiciary and executive branches, particularly concerning judicial independence and alleged government attempts to influence court proceedings.

The complaint underscores concerns about the erosion of judicial autonomy and potential governmental overreach. Opposition parties are expected to leverage this situation to criticize the ruling party, while international observers may express concern over the rule of law in Pakistan. The 'transfers' in question likely refer to resource allocation to the IHC, which the judges suggest were deliberately altered to exert pressure, as reported by The Express Tribune.

A minister in Pakistan's government has characterized the current tariffs imposed by the United States as manageable for Pakistan, The Express Tribune reports. This assessment comes as Pakistan faces significant economic headwinds, including high inflation and ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund for a bailout package. The minister's statement suggests confidence in the government's ability to mitigate the tariffs' effects through measures such as export market diversification or domestic policy adjustments.

The US remains a primary export market for Pakistan, making trade policy changes, including tariffs, a critical factor in the economic relationship between the two countries. The Pakistani government's capacity to handle the economic impact of these tariffs could influence its stability, particularly given the existing economic vulnerabilities. For Pakistani exporters, the tariffs could mean increased costs and reduced competitiveness in the US market, potentially requiring them to explore alternative markets or improve efficiency, according to The Express Tribune.

The Express Tribune reports that the IHC will hear Bushra Bibi's appeal against her conviction in the Toshakhana case, which involves allegations of illegally retaining state gifts. This legal challenge occurs within the context of numerous legal issues faced by Imran Khan and a crackdown on PTI following the May 9th, 2023, riots. The outcome of the appeal carries significant political implications for Imran Khan and PTI, the judiciary, the ruling coalition, and PTI supporters.

The IHC's handling of the appeal will be closely watched as a test of judicial independence, and the result could impact the morale and mobilization of PTI supporters. Legal analysts are expected to focus on the merits of the appeal and whether due process was followed, while political commentators will likely frame the case based on their pro- or anti-PTI stances, as reported by The Express Tribune.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan's (HRCP) annual State of Human Rights in Pakistan report, released this week, points to a decline in the country's security and democratic practices, Dawn News reports. The report cites escalating violence, enforced disappearances, restrictions on freedoms, and a breakdown in law and order as key issues faced in the past year. HRCP Chairperson Asad Iqbal Butt stated that human rights have declined alarmingly, leading to widespread mental distress due to economic issues and law violations.

The report also sheds light on alleged extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and restrictions on freedom of speech. It condemns the rise in mob lynchings and 'honour' killings, as well as the increasing prevalence of cybercrimes. The HRCP urges the state to take immediate steps to address these issues and ensure accountability for perpetrators of human rights violations, Dawn News reports.

A police team in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Bannu district retaliated against a gun attack, resulting in the death of one assailant and the escape of another, *Pakistan Today* reports. The incident occurred near the Kot Adil area of the Saddar police station. Bannu Regional Police Officer (RPO) shared details about the event, as per *Pakistan Today*.

This incident occurs amidst increased militant activity in KP, particularly in districts bordering Afghanistan, with many attacks claimed by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistani security forces have been conducting operations against militant groups in the region, and Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring TTP militants, further straining relations, as reported by *Pakistan Today*.

In Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, specifically in the Bannu district, an assailant was killed, and another escaped with injuries after they attacked a police team, prompting a retaliatory response, Pakistan Today reports. The incident occurred near the Saddar police station in the vicinity of Kot Adil. Bannu Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sajjad Khan shared details of the event.

This incident occurs amidst increased militant activity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly from groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and ongoing security operations by Pakistani forces. Failed negotiations between the Pakistani government and the TTP have contributed to a rise in violence, reflecting the broader security challenges in the region.

The federal government has announced a reduction of Rs2 per litre in the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) for the upcoming fortnight, setting the new price for petrol at Rs252.63 and HSD at Rs256.64, Dawn News reports. This decision follows a prior governmental action to amend the Petroleum Products (Petroleum Levy) Ordinance 1961, which prevented a larger price decrease by increasing the petroleum levy to Rs80 per litre.

The government had previously stated its rationale for maintaining higher prices was to control demand, limit carbon emissions, and manage foreign exchange costs; funds raised from the levy increase are planned for road construction in Sindh and Balochistan, Dawn News reports.

Dawn News reports that the National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC) launched its inaugural State of Children in Pakistan Report 2024, a comprehensive overview of the situation of children, covering health, education, child protection, and overall welfare. The report identifies persistent issues such as high numbers of out-of-school children, malnutrition, and child marriage, while also documenting progress in immunization and legal reforms. NCRC Chairperson Ayesha Raza Farooq stated the report aims to address the data gap and serve as a resource for policymakers, researchers, and advocates.

The report's launch included a panel discussion featuring experts like FIA Additional Director Amna Baig and Justice Project Pakistan Executive Director Sarah Belal, who emphasized addressing cybercrime and reworking the juvenile justice framework, respectively. Federal Minister for Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening child protection systems, while Jo Moir, Development Director at the British High Commission, highlighted the UK's support for the report through the 'Aawaz II' programme, Dawn News reports.

Half of the construction work on the Rawalpindi Ring Road (RRR) has been completed as authorities push to meet the December 2025 deadline set by Punjab’s chief minister, *Pakistan Today* reports. The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved a revised PC-1 worth Rs33 billion for the 38.3-kilometre-long road, according to *Pakistan Today*.

The RRR project is part of a broader infrastructure development initiative by the Punjab government, aimed at improving connectivity and stimulating economic growth in the region. The ECNEC approval of the revised PC-1 indicates a significant financial commitment from the federal government towards the project, *Pakistan Today* reports.

The Lahore High Court criticized the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s rules concerning the online sharing of interviews featuring individuals in custody, calling them a mockery of legal safeguards, *Pakistan Today* reports. Justice Ali Zia Bajwa, presiding over contempt petitions against police officials and media personnel involved in sharing such videos, directed the PTA to submit a report.

This scrutiny occurs amid growing concerns over the PTA's broad powers to regulate online content, often seen as censorship, and highlights ongoing debates about media ethics, privacy, and potential prejudice to legal proceedings. The court's action could lead to a re-evaluation of the PTA's regulatory framework and potentially impact its ability to control online content.

The Sindh High Court granted bail on Tuesday to Bilal, an accused individual in a case concerning the financing and facilitation of terrorists involved in an airport suicide bombing, *Pakistan Today* reports. Bilal, who works at a private bank, was instructed to provide a surety bond of Rs0.2 million. The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) alleges that Bilal financed the purchase of materials for the bombing.

The Haripur Wildlife Division, a conservation unit in Hazara, is struggling with staff shortages and a lack of resources, despite being upgraded to divisional status in April 2021, *Pakistan Today* reports. The division, which oversees five game reserves, two waterfowl habitats, and ecological zones including the Bher and Makhniyal Protected Areas, is struggling to fulfill its duties with limited personnel and essential resources.

The resource shortages reflect poorly on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government's commitment to environmental conservation and its ability to manage devolved responsibilities, potentially leading to criticism from opposition parties and environmental groups. Under-resourced wildlife divisions could increase human-wildlife conflict, illegal logging, and poaching, negatively impacting local communities, *Pakistan Today* reports.

The Lahore High Court granted bail to Ali Hassan Toor, who is accused of disseminating a manipulated video of Azma Bokhari, the Information Minister for Punjab in Pakistan, *Pakistan Today* reports. Chief Justice Aalia Neelum announced the decision on Tuesday, setting bail at a Rs1 million surety bond, after reserving the verdict on April 28. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is involved, highlighting government focus on regulating online speech and enforcing cybercrime laws.

The case highlights the increasing scrutiny of social media content and the use of cybercrime laws in Pakistan. It also reflects the broader trend of using social media for political attacks, contributing to a polarized political environment. The LHC's decision will be scrutinized for balancing freedom of expression with preventing misinformation.

Maryam Nawaz, the current Chief Minister of Punjab in Pakistan, has relaunched the provincial government's laptop scheme for students, which had been suspended for eight years, according to Pakistan Today. The scheme will distribute high-performance laptops to top-performing students. Additionally, Maryam Nawaz unveiled Phase II of the ‘Honahar Scholarship’ initiative, which aims to provide financial aid to students, Pakistan Today reports.

The relaunch of the laptop scheme is a continuation of a policy previously implemented by the PML-N government under Shehbaz Sharif. This initiative aligns with the current Punjab government's focus on education and youth development, but its financial sustainability is under scrutiny due to Pakistan's challenging economic situation, Pakistan Today reports.

According to *Pakistan Today*, Baloch Yakjehti Committee organiser Mahrang Baloch ended her hunger strike, which lasted five days, following the Balochistan High Court’s decision to hear her plea challenging her detention. Her lawyer confirmed that the court accepted the petition and issued notices to the government, with a hearing scheduled for Wednesday. Mahrang Baloch and four others were part of the strike.

This action occurs amidst ongoing concerns regarding human rights issues in Balochistan, including enforced disappearances and restrictions on freedom of expression. These issues are related to the long-running Balochistan insurgency, where Baloch separatists are fighting for greater autonomy, and the government's security operations have faced criticism over alleged human rights abuses.

Government schools in the Hafizabad district of Pakistan's Punjab province are facing a critical textbook shortage, disrupting students' education weeks into the new academic year, *Pakistan Today* reports. Only 20% of students have received free books from the Punjab Textbook Board (PTB), leaving the remaining 80% to purchase books from the market, which is causing financial strain on families.

The shortage reflects poorly on the Punjab government's ability to provide basic services and fulfill promises regarding free education, potentially leading to public criticism. This issue also provides an opportunity for opposition parties to criticize the ruling party's performance in the education sector.

The Lahore High Court’s Rawalpindi Bench has postponed indefinitely the hearing for Arshad Khan Chaiwala’s petition against the cancellation of his Pakistani citizenship and Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC), *Pakistan Today* reports. The adjournment was granted by Justice Jawad Hassan after requests from both the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and Arshad Khan’s legal counsel, who sought additional time to submit necessary documents and responses.

This case is part of a broader effort in Pakistan to review and verify citizenship records, particularly for individuals suspected of obtaining citizenship through fraudulent means or lacking proper documentation. NADRA is the primary agency responsible for issuing CNICs and maintaining citizenship records, and its actions in this case are under scrutiny.

The district administration in Rawalpindi has approved 12 designated locations for sacrificial animal markets, which are scheduled to commence operations on May 28 in preparation for Eidul Azha, *Pakistan Today* reports. Authorities have prohibited the sale of animals on residential streets and busy roads, warning of potential fines and confiscation for violations. The District Council and Rawalpindi Cantonment will manage these markets.

The approval comes amid soaring prices of sacrificial animals, a sensitive issue given the religious significance of Eidul Azha and the potential for public discontent if animals are unaffordable. The successful management of these markets is crucial for the local administration, as it reflects on their competence and ability to maintain order.

A 21-year-old student died after falling from the first floor of Kinnaird College for Women's library in Lahore, reportedly after losing consciousness, according to Pakistan Today. The incident has triggered mourning and protests within the college community, with students demanding accountability and raising concerns about the response time to the medical emergency. The Punjab government, which oversees Kinnaird College, is facing pressure to investigate the incident and implement preventative measures.

Student activist groups are using this incident to advocate for improved safety protocols and emergency response systems in educational institutions. Opposition parties may also use the incident to criticize the ruling party's governance and call for inquiries. The college administration is under scrutiny to explain the circumstances and demonstrate a commitment to improving safety measures, as reported by Pakistan Today.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) in Pakistan's Punjab province has cautioned the police against disobeying directives that restrict media interviews with suspects in custody, *Pakistan Today* reports. Justice Ali Zia Bajwa stressed that any violation of the court's orders would not be accepted. This warning was issued during a hearing concerning videos of detainees that were shared.

The Sindh government has announced a series of initiatives aimed at modernizing transportation and empowering women in Karachi, as reported by the Pakistan Observer. These plans include unifying online taxi services operating in the city under a single system to streamline operations. Additionally, the government intends to introduce an electric vehicle (EV) taxi fleet, contributing to environmental sustainability efforts.

Furthermore, a program will be launched to provide women with scooters, aiming to enhance their mobility and access to opportunities. These initiatives align with broader efforts to improve infrastructure, promote women's empowerment, and adopt electric vehicle technology in Pakistan, the Pakistan Observer reports.

The HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) has achieved a significant milestone by reaching its 300th match, *Pakistan Observer* reports. This accomplishment highlights Pakistan's capacity to host large-scale events and project a positive image internationally, aligning with governmental efforts to enhance the country's reputation. The PSL also contributes to Pakistan's economy by generating revenue and attracting foreign investment, which is especially important given the nation's current economic challenges.

The success of the PSL provides a positive narrative for the ruling government, showcasing its ability to maintain stability and promote constructive activities. This can bolster public support and potentially deflect criticism. The PSL also serves as a source of national pride and entertainment for the Pakistani public, fostering unity and patriotism.

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has lowered the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Pakistan, a move intended to ease the burden on Pakistanis struggling with inflation, the Pakistan Observer reports. This decision comes ahead of an anticipated review of petrol prices, a politically sensitive issue due to its impact on transportation costs and overall inflation.

This LPG price cut could be a strategic move by the government to alleviate public discontent and potentially demonstrate fiscal responsibility amid ongoing negotiations with the IMF, as per the Pakistan Observer. The IMF often imposes conditions related to energy pricing and subsidies.

The Sindh government has announced an initiative to modernize Karachi's transport system by integrating all online ride-hailing services into a single platform and introducing electric vehicle (EV) taxis, *Pakistan Today* reports. This plan aims to reduce environmental pollution and improve urban mobility. The decision was reached during a key meeting focused on upgrading the city’s transportation infrastructure.

This initiative aligns with the Sindh government's broader focus on infrastructure development and the national electric vehicle policy, potentially benefiting Karachi residents through improved transportation and reduced pollution. However, the integration could impact existing ride-hailing companies and faces potential hurdles depending on the relationship between the Sindh and federal governments.

The *Pakistan Observer* reports that gold prices in Pakistan have declined due to a negative trajectory in international markets, coupled with domestic economic instability. Several factors contribute to this volatility, including ongoing negotiations with the IMF for a bailout package, fluctuations in the value of the Pakistani Rupee against the US dollar, and prevailing political tensions. These elements collectively impact investor confidence and influence the demand for gold as a safe haven asset.

The economic situation has implications for various stakeholders; the government faces pressure to stabilize the economy, while the opposition may criticize the government's handling of economic policies. The general public experiences the impact through fluctuating purchasing power, and gold traders and jewelers face uncertainty in managing inventory and predicting future prices, as reported by the *Pakistan Observer*.

All public and private schools across Pakistan will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, due to the Labour Day holiday, the Pakistan Observer reports. Labour Day commemorates the historical struggles and achievements of workers and the labor movement, recognizing the working class's contributions to the nation's economy and society.

The *Pakistan Observer* reports that the PCB has released an advisory for fans planning to attend the HBL PSL X double header at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on May 1. Major sporting events in Pakistan often require heightened security due to ongoing threats of terrorism and political instability, and the PCB's advisory likely reflects these concerns, which are directly linked to the broader political climate.

The PSL's success is often seen as a reflection of the government's ability to provide a stable and secure environment. Successful PSL events enhance the government's image and demonstrate its ability to maintain law and order, boosting public confidence.

The federal government has decided to establish the 11th National Finance Commission (NFC) to determine a revised formula for distributing resources among the provinces, *Pakistan Today* reports. This decision follows the finance ministry's disclosure on Tuesday that it allocated Rs638 billion to provincial matters such as health, education, and social protection, despite these areas being constitutionally provincial responsibilities.

The move comes amid ongoing fiscal disputes between the federal government and the provinces, with provinces often seeking a larger share of revenue to address developmental needs. The NFC award is crucial for determining the financial resources available to provinces, particularly those advocating for greater fiscal and administrative autonomy, while the federal government faces its own fiscal challenges, including a significant debt burden and low tax revenue.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has raised concerns about the rationale behind transferring judges between high courts under the guise of 'public interest', *Pakistan Today* reports. Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan questioned the connection between public interest and the transfer of judges, emphasizing that judges are obligated to administer justice. This scrutiny from the Supreme Court highlights ongoing issues regarding judicial independence and potential governmental influence over judicial appointments and transfers.

The court's questioning could potentially limit the government's ability to transfer judges based on broad 'public interest' claims, possibly leading to increased friction between the executive and judicial branches. This development is likely to be welcomed by legal professionals and civil society organizations that advocate for judicial independence.

In Pakistan's Kurram District, a phased weapons surrender is in progress as part of a coordinated effort to bring lasting peace to the region, according to Pakistan Today. Since January 1, 2025, all parties involved in the conflict have begun handing over their weapons, and 979 bunkers from both sides have been dismantled.

The disarmament initiative follows a history of intense sectarian and tribal conflicts in Kurram, primarily between Sunni and Shia communities. The Pakistani government has been actively involved in peace negotiations with the warring factions, and the dismantling of bunkers signals a commitment to de-escalation and a return to normalcy.

The Express Tribune reports that a gas cylinder explosion in Lahore, Pakistan, has tragically killed five people. In response to the incident, the Lahore DIG Operations, a senior police officer responsible for maintaining law and order in Lahore, has directed an immediate sweep of the affected area. This incident occurs against the backdrop of Pakistan's ongoing energy crisis, which has led to increased reliance on potentially unsafe alternatives like improperly handled gas cylinders. The government has previously attempted to regulate gas cylinder distribution, but enforcement has been challenging, particularly in densely populated urban areas like Lahore.

Reuters reported the cancellation of a scheduled press conference between Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on April 22, 2025, citing operational reasons. The press conference was anticipated to address the strengthening ties between Pakistan and Turkey, potential Turkish economic assistance to Pakistan, and regional geopolitical dynamics.

Analysts had suggested that a successful press conference could have boosted the Pakistan government's image and provided economic and political support, while the opposition might have criticized reliance on foreign aid. Experts also viewed the event as potentially highlighting South-South cooperation and Turkey's strategic positioning in the Muslim world, according to Reuters.

According to Reuters, the Taliban's acting foreign minister voiced "concern and sadness" to Pakistan's foreign minister on Saturday regarding the deportation of Afghan nationals. This rare meeting addressed Pakistan's recent actions, which have seen over 80,000 Afghans expelled since the end of March, as stated by a senior Pakistani official.

Pakistan has cited increased terrorist attacks originating from Afghanistan as justification for the repatriation drive, stemming from a perceived failure of the Taliban government to control militant groups. The deportations have drawn international condemnation, with human rights groups raising concerns about the treatment of Afghan refugees, as reported by Reuters.

*Pakistan Today* reports that the Lahore High Court granted protective bail to Pakistani YouTuber Saad ur Rehman, also known as Ducky Bhai, on Tuesday in connection with a reckless driving case. The court has directed Rehman to appear before the relevant trial court by May 5, 2025. This case occurs within a context of increased scrutiny of social media influencers in Pakistan, and the court's decision highlights the role of the judiciary in ensuring due process.

Pakistan has expelled over 80,000 Afghan nationals since the end of March as part of a repatriation drive ahead of the April 30 deadline, Reuters reports. Islamabad had warned Afghan nationals without legal documents or those holding Afghan Citizen Cards to return home or face deportation by March 31; this expulsion drive is a continuation of that policy.

Dawn News reports that four individuals, including the driver, died, and several others sustained injuries when a tractor-trolley transporting construction laborers plunged into a gorge in Gilgit-Baltistan's Ghanche district on Wednesday. The accident occurred near Gulshan Kabir, with the vehicle falling approximately 150-200 feet. Rescue services provided initial aid and transported the injured to a hospital.

The incident has sparked renewed calls for improved safety regulations and oversight of construction projects in Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly concerning the transportation of laborers. This accident puts pressure on the local government to improve safety standards and oversight of construction projects.

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has fined eight major poultry hatcheries a total of Rs155 million for engaging in cartelisation and price-fixing of day-old broiler chicks (DOCs), Dawn News reports. The CCP's inquiry revealed that these hatcheries coordinated to fix prices through a WhatsApp group, impacting rates in Punjab, Multan, and Karachi. The CCP noted that this activity violates Section 4 of the Competition Act 2010 and led to a 346% increase in DOC prices between March 2020 and April 2021, contributing to inflated chicken prices.

The CCP highlighted that the fair market rate for DOCs should be around Rs78 per chick, contrasting sharply with recent surges up to Rs230 per chick, Dawn News reports. The commission has urged individuals with information on anti-competitive practices by trade associations to file complaints through its portal. The CCP also noted the presence of Pakistan Poultry Association (PPA) officials, including Abdul Karim and Major Syed Javaid Hussain Bukhari, in the WhatsApp group used for price coordination.

Lahore has launched a new system of traffic kiosks to bring traffic services to public spaces, improving accessibility for residents and working conditions for traffic police field staff, The Express Tribune reports. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Punjab government to implement e-governance and digitalize public services, following previous initiatives such as online land record systems. The kiosks aim to address Lahore's significant traffic congestion issues, complementing infrastructure projects and stricter law enforcement efforts.

Reuters reports that at least seven individuals were killed in a blast that occurred during a meeting of a local peace committee in Pakistan's South Waziristan region on Monday. Usman Wazir, a police officer, stated that the explosion caused a portion of the building where the meeting was being held to collapse, and the responsibility for the attack remains unclear.

South Waziristan, now part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province following the merger of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) in 2018, has experienced a resurgence of militant activity. This incident may be linked to the ongoing conflict between the state and militant groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Pakistan has paused a key canal irrigation project, as announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday, Reuters reports. The project will remain on hold, with no new canals being constructed, until a special committee addresses existing concerns and achieves a consensus.

The decision to pause the project comes amid increasing water scarcity concerns in Pakistan and historical inter-provincial disputes over water allocation from the Indus River basin. Prime Minister Sharif's emphasis on consensus-building reflects the government's broader strategy to address contentious issues through dialogue.