Farmers struggle with climate shifts

Punjab is called the food basket of Pakistan. Major crops such as wheat, rice, sugarcane, maize, and cotton are grown here. However, over the past 15 to 20 years, Punjab's climate has changed rapidly. Rainfall patterns have become irregular, heat has intensified, and winters are becoming shorter and less cold, putting farmers under stress and significantly reducing crop yields. According to seasonal outlook reports from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the average temperature in Punjab has been rising since 2000, while rainfall has become unpredictable. Heat intensity and duration have increased, and winters have shortened, disrupting the natural crop cycles. Research by the University of Agriculture Faisalabad and the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council shows that rising temperatures are shortening the growth period of crops. The study indicates that an increase of 1 to 4 degrees Celsius could reduce wheat production by 9 per cent to 30 per cent. According to the International Food Policy Research Institute, more than 80 per cent of farmers in Punjab are experiencing the effects of climate change. Rainfall patterns in central Punjab have become unstable, with some years seeing heavy rains and others facing severe drought. Unexpected rains in April have affected wheat harvesting, while heavy rains in July and August pose risks to cotton and rice crops. Dr Anjum Ali, Executive Member of the Punjab Agriculture Research Board, said that climate change in Punjab has now taken the form of a "climate shift," where the traditional monsoon cycle has changed and rainfall is occurring in shorter but more intense periods. He added that changing temperature and rainfall patterns are also altering cropping trends, especially in central Punjab, where water-intensive crops like sugarcane, rice, and maize are increasing, while cotton cultivation is declining. To address these challenges, several changes are being introduced in the agricultural system. Short-duration seed varieties, modern breeding programs, and the use of micronutrients and potash are being promoted to help crops withstand harsh climatic conditions. He also noted that pest attacks are increasing due to higher temperatures accelerating their reproduction. Dr Buttar recommended promoting digital agriculture, providing farmers with timely information, and adopting cluster farming models. He also emphasized the need for better water management, storage infrastructure, and investment in research and development. On the other hand, progressive farmer Aamir Hayat Bhandara said that climate change has severely affected sowing and harvesting times. Unexpected rains in March and April delay wheat harvesting, affecting yields. Similarly, sudden temperature increases cause crops to ripen prematurely, increasing the risk of reduced production. "Heatwaves, floods, and droughts together are disrupting the agricultural system. Year-to-year temperature fluctuations are becoming more noticeable, affecting the entire crop growth cycle. Farmers must adjust crop selection and planting schedules according to climate risks. At the same time, the government should provide financial protection, access to climate information, and modern agricultural technologies," said Bhandara. Khalid Mahmood Khokhar, President of Pakistan Kisan Ittehad, stated that climate change has already caused farmers losses worth billions of rupees. He warned that if immediate action is not taken, farmers may stop cultivating wheat next year. "Climate change has devastated us. The government is spending billions of dollars on imports while ignoring local farmers."

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Love-marriage couple alleges police abuse

A couple who entered into a love marriage has allegedly fallen victim to police excesses, with claims of coercion, unlawful detention and mistreatment surfacing six months after their court marriage. A theft case was registered at Waris Khan Police Station in Rawalpindi on the application of the groom's father, leading to the groom's arrest within 24 hours of the bride's formal departure (rukhsati). The couple allege that police officials repeatedly pressured them to seek a divorce, while private individuals were permitted to assault the groom at the police station. The affected couple has appealed to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for justice. Muhammad Usman, 23, a resident of Amarpura, contracted a court marriage with 20-year-old Maimoona on September 17 last year. The couple stated that following the nikah, the bride's family reconciled to the marriage; however, the groom's father remained opposed. The bride's rukhsati took place on March 29, 2026. They allege that despite the marriage having taken place six months earlier, Waris Khan Police registered a theft case on March 16, 2026. Initially filed against unidentified persons on the complaint of the groom's father, Muhammad Ramzan, the case was later amended to nominate his two sons, Farhan and Usman, as well as his daughter-in-law, Maimoona. Speaking to The Express Tribune, the couple alleged that the investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Iftikhar, included the bride's salami (customary gift money) as "recovered" property in the case. The groom was placed on an eight-day physical remand, during which he claims he was subjected to violence at the police station by private persons, allegedly with police acquiescence. He further alleged that during remand, the investigating officer exerted severe pressure, including physical coercion, to force him to divorce his wife. The bride stated that she was made to remain at the police station until 2am without the presence of female police personnel, and that both were subjected to intense pressure to separate. The couple also alleged that police personnel carried out mistreatment in the presence of the groom's father. A local court granted bail to the groom on April 18, while the bride had already secured interim bail. Responding to the allegations, Sub-Inspector Iftikhar maintained that recoveries, including jewellery, had been made from the bride, and that the complainant had identified the items.

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PM Shehbaz reaffirms push for regional peace, diplomacy in talks with Iran's Pezeshkian

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing regional peace and security with the support of partners during a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Both leaders held a conversation after US President Donald Trump confirmed another round of talks, saying US representatives would travel to Islamabad for a second round of negotiations with Iran aimed at addressing the Middle East crisis. According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the two leaders discussed the evolving regional situation during the call, which lasted around 45 minutes and involved detailed exchanges on ongoing developments. "The prime minister thanked Pezeshkian and the Iranian leadership for sending a high-level delegation, led by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Abbas Araghchi, for talks in Islamabad on April 11-12," it said. Read: 'My representatives will be in Islamabad tomorrow evening': Trump on US-Iran negotiations “Recent engagements with the leadership of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye have been most helpful in building consensus in support of sustained dialogue and diplomacy,” PM Shehbaz said, adding that such efforts were aimed at achieving lasting peace in the region. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone call with His Excellency Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran During their warm and cordial conversation that lasted for around forty-five minutes, the two leaders engaged in detailed exchanges… pic.twitter.com/Fd8PMkKx3g — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) April 19, 2026 He also thanked the Iranian leadership for their discussions with the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir during his recent visit to Tehran. "The premier reiterated that Pakistan would remain fully committed to promoting regional peace and security with the support of its partners, and conveyed his regards for Iran’s supreme leader," said the statement. President Pezeshkian, in turn, appreciated Pakistan’s commitment to peace efforts, saying relations between Iran and Pakistan would continue to grow stronger in the days ahead. Also Read: FM Dar stresses need for continued dialogue to resolve issues in call with Araghchi Earlier today, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke to his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi and emphasised the need for continued dialogue and engagement to resolve ongoing issues. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Dar stressed that continued dialogue and engagement were essential for the timely resolution of current issues and for promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond. “Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and also concurred on a phone call between the president of Iran and the prime minister of Pakistan, later today,” the statement said. After 40 days of airstrikes, US and Iranian negotiators opened talks in Islamabad earlier this month, again focused on the familiar trade‑off of nuclear restrictions for economic relief. When American and Iranian negotiators met last weekend in Islamabad, the US proposed a 20-year suspension of all Iranian nuclear activity, while Iran suggested a halt of three to five years, according to people familiar with the proposals. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said no date had been set for the next round of negotiations, adding that a framework of understanding must be agreed first. Read More: Pakistan pushes dialogue as standoff lingers There were some signs in the Pakistani capital on Sunday ​of preparations for a resumption of face-to-face negotiations. Though negotiations have yet to formally begin, US President Donald Trump on Sunday indicated that a US delegation would arrive in Islamabad on Monday evening for a new round of talks with Iran aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict, a development seen as offering a renewed ray of hope for diplomacy. “My representatives are going to Islamabad, Pakistan — they will be there tomorrow evening, for negotiations,” President Trump said in a post on Truth Social. The diplomats said a skeletal agreement may be achievable, built around a nuclear package and an economic package. But they warned the nuclear component remained by far the most contentious. Talks are focusing on Iran's stockpile of roughly 440 kilograms (970 pounds) of uranium enriched to ​60%, material that could be used for several nuclear weapons if further enriched. Beyond stockpiles lies the deeper dispute over Iran’s right to enrich uranium at all. Trump has publicly pushed for zero enrichment, while Iran insists it has the right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes and denies seeking a bomb. The war has hardened Iran’s stance, diplomats said, showing it can ​absorb pressure even as it seeks financial ⁠relief. Tehran’s top demand is a non‑aggression guarantee after being attacked by the US and Israel during earlier diplomatic efforts.

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'IMF board nod awaited for next tranche'

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Pakistan has reached a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with approval from the lender's executive board expected shortly. The step would unlock the next tranche of funding as the country signals a return to global financial markets. According to the finance ministry, the minister shared the development during a meeting with representatives of S&P Global Ratings, where discussions focused on Pakistan's improving economic outlook and re-engagement with international markets. He said the staff-level agreement with the IMF had been finalised and was awaiting board approval, after which the next instalment would be released. The minister also noted that Pakistan had successfully repaid a $1.4 billion Eurobond earlier this month, underscoring the country's external repayment capacity. Aurangzeb further highlighted external support measures, including an additional $3 billion in financial assistance from Saudi Arabia and the extension of a $5 billion deposit until 2028.

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Rawalpindi, Islamabad locked down ahead of Iran–US talks

Extraordinary security arrangements have been put in place in Rawalpindi ahead of the expected final round of Iran–United States talks in Islamabad. More than 10,000 police personnel have been deployed, and over 600 checkpoints have been established across the city. Authorities have announced that, from midnight tonight, several sensitive areas surrounding Nur Khan Airbase and Islamabad International Airport will be sealed. A complete ban has been imposed on drone flights, pigeon flying and aerial firing. Officials say these measures are aimed at ensuring the security of aircraft carrying high-level foreign delegations. Read: Iran says no date set for next round of negotiations with US Police confirmed that a red alert has been declared in Rawalpindi, particularly in the vicinity of Nur Khan Airbase and Islamabad Airport. Officers will also be stationed on rooftops as part of heightened vigilance. Barbed wire blocks a road leading to the President’s House, as Pakistan prepares to host the US and Iran for the second phase of peace talks in Islamabad, on April 18, 2026. Photo: Reuters Special security measures have been enforced within the jurisdictions of New Town, Sadiqabad and Chaklala Police Stations. In the first phase, authorities have ordered the closure of restaurants in these areas from midnight until further notice. In addition, parks, beauty parlours, markets, snooker clubs, fitness centres, paan shops, kiosks, barber shops, banks and bakeries will remain closed. Police have begun distributing warning notices to businesses, cautioning that strict action will be taken against any violations. No decision has yet been made regarding the suspension of public or goods transport. Read More: Iran reimposes control over Strait of Hormuz as ships report gunfire A police spokesperson said that the extraordinary measures are in response to the movement of foreign delegations. A high-level meeting, chaired by Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Mehmood Hamdani, was held at Police Lines Headquarters, where directives were issued to ensure foolproof security. Security measures also include the closing down of all boys’ and girls’ hostels within Rawalpindi until further notice. Police have sent notices to all hostel owners, who have been ordered to vacate their hostels by midnight on Saturday. The warning issued has instructed boys and girls staying in the hostels to return to their homes, with legal action to be taken against those who do not comply. Federal capital restricted In view of the expected arrival of delegations from Iran and the United States in Islamabad, extraordinary security arrangements have been made. Security has been put on high alert on sensitive routes in Islamabad as well, with the administration having begun the process of obtaining security certificates from the owners of buildings located on these routes. The authorities say that special measures have been taken for the security of the delegations. The owners of houses, shops, plazas and hotels situated along sensitive routes have been bound by specific security instructions. Hoardings displaying flags of the US, Pakistan and Iran, as Pakistan prepares to host the US and Iran for the second phase of peace talks in Islamabad, on April 18, 2026. Photo: Reuters According to the police, there will be a complete ban on parking along these routes, while entry of unrelated persons will not be allowed. In addition, hotels and guesthouses have been instructed to keep a complete record of guests and submit reports to the relevant police station on a daily basis. ڈی جی سیف سٹی / ڈی آئی جی ٹریفک محمد ہارون جوئیہ کی زیرِ صدارت اہم اجلاس، اسلام آباد میں وفود کی آمد و رفت کے پیشِ نظر ٹریفک و سیکیورٹی مینجمنٹ کے جامع پلان کا جائزہ۔ شہریوں کو بہترین سفری سہولیات اور بروقت ٹریفک اپڈیٹس کی فراہمی یقینی بنانے کی ہدایت۔#WeRIslamabadPolice… pic.twitter.com/sD6xBTETGO — Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) April 18, 2026 According to sources, movement on roofs, balconies and windows has also been restricted and, in case of any violation, the building owner will be held responsible. The administration has instructed citizens to immediately report any suspicious activity or security concerns; strict legal action will be taken against violators.

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FPSC notifies 327 posts for CSS 2025

The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) has advertised vacancies for Central Superior Services (CSS) 2025, while sources indicate a strong possibility that the results may be announced on Saturday (today). The announcement comes as the FPSC moves forward with recruitment planning for the latest competitive examination cycle, outlining a total of 327 posts to be filled under various categories, according to official and departmental inputs. Of these 327 total vacancies, 191 are newly-created vacancies, while 136 have been carried forward from previous years, reflecting accumulated hiring requirements across departments. According to details issued by the commission, 169 seats have been allocated on open merit, with additional quotas reserved for different segments of society. A total of 35 posts have been earmarked for women candidates.

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Barrister Aqeel Malik says US-Iran deal near, calls coming week ‘significant’ for Pakistan

Minister for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik said on Friday the coming week would be “quite significant” for Pakistan, as Islamabad was once again expected to host talks between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the Middle East war. Pakistan is mediating between the US and Iran after the war began on February 28 and has hosted the highest-level talks between the two sides since they snapped diplomatic ties in 1979. Speaking to a private news channel, Malik said the government had completed preparations for the next round of talks, including preventive security measures. He added that, as in the previous round, foolproof security would be ensured, with even stronger arrangements this time. “Within a few hours or by later tonight, things will start becoming clearer. I will not give a specific date or time, but the coming week appears to be very significant for Pakistan, especially for Islamabad,” he said. Malik added that today's announcement by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to open the Strait of Hormuz was part of a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon, adding that Pakistan, along with Muslim and friendly countries, had undertaken diplomatic efforts in this regard. Read: Iran FM announces Hormuz's opening for all commercial vessels till ceasefire's remaining duration Terming the development positive, he said matters had largely been settled, citing statements from both Iranian and US authorities. “Things appear to be moving forward in the right and positive direction, which is very good,” he said. Describing Pakistan’s efforts as “par excellence”, the minister said diplomatic engagement from both the military and civilian leadership was continuing to achieve durable and sustainable peace, adding that Pakistan was playing a central role in the process. Responding to a question on the timeline for a possible agreement, Malik said diplomacy was a work in progress and outcomes could not be rushed, particularly in mediation. “Mediation takes time. Both parties begin from strong positions, then talks take place, followed by messaging and shuttle diplomacy, in which Pakistan has played a pivotal role, particularly during last week’s talks in Islamabad,” he said. He added that since last week, progress had been significant and both sides had developed an understanding. “President Trump has said it, and Iranian authorities have also indicated that things have moved forward considerably, which is a very good and positive sign,” he said. He ruled out the participation of other foreign leaders or heads of state in the expected agreement, saying the matter concerned only the US and Iran, with Pakistan acting as a mediator and leading the efforts. Also Read: Trump says Iran war should end 'soon', Hezbollah should support truce “I think the next meeting will not involve negotiations; it will indicate that everything is final and ready to be signed,” he said, adding that whenever it happens, it would be highly significant for Pakistan and would send a message of peace to the world. The minister’s statement came as Tehran on Friday declared the Strait of Hormuz “completely open” for commercial ships — the first time since the war began on Feb 28. Pakistan secured a 14-day ceasefire between the US and Iran on April 8. Tehran imposed control on the key waterway soon after the US and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28, affecting global energy supplies and maritime traffic. The US has imposed its own blockade on Iranian ports since Monday this week, and President Donald Trump has threatened to continue it. Tehran’s announcement came after Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir met Iran's top civil and military leadership over the past two days in Tehran.

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