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Pakistanis Back 5% Tax on Social Media Influencers: PNP Survey
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Pakistanis Back 5% Tax on Social Media Influencers: PNP Survey

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A new survey by the Press Network of Pakistan shows that Pakistanis largely support the government’s proposed 5% withholding tax on income earned by social media influencers and digital content creators, as outlined in the Finance Bill 2026. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/france-records-1000-excess-deaths-as-europe-endures-record-heatwave/ Survey Reveals Broad Support for Taxation Respondents gave the 5% tax measure an average rating of 3.42 out of 5. Support for the broader principle of taxing influencers like other professionals stood higher at 3.89 out of 5. The survey included 100 participants, with 45 men and 55 women taking part. Calls Grow for Exemptions and Sector Incentives Participants expressed concern that the tax could discourage young content creators. This worry received an average score of 3.34 out of 5. Strong support emerged for exempting smaller earners below a certain threshold. That proposal scored 3.88 out of 5 on average. The highest score of 3.92 out of 5 went to the recommendation that the government introduce incentives to support digital content creators. The Federal Board of Revenue estimates untaxed income from social media activities at between Rs4 billion and Rs10 billion annually. Officials say this revenue is growing fast but remains largely outside the formal tax system. The proposed withholding tax seeks to address this gap and improve revenue collection. More than half the respondents, 53.8%, believe YouTube creators will be the most impacted by the tax. Another 24.6% said the effect would be similar across all platforms. Smaller groups pointed to Instagram at 9.2% and TikTok at 6.2%. The survey underscores a public desire for fairness in how the new tax is applied. Exemptions for low earners could help sustain entry of new talent into the digital space. The PNP report notes that Pakistanis support the notion of influencers contributing to national revenues. It however emphasises the importance of balanced policies that encourage rather than hinder the digital economy. The sector represents one of the fastest growing areas of economic activity in the country. Policymakers will need to ensure the tax framework promotes innovation and entrepreneurship among young Pakistanis.

JP Morgan Cuts Brent Oil Price Forecast for H2 2026
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JP Morgan Cuts Brent Oil Price Forecast for H2 2026

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JP Morgan has lowered its Brent crude oil price forecast for the second half of 2026, citing weaker-than-expected demand and slower inventory drawdowns. The investment bank said the oil market has evolved differently than previously anticipated, reducing upward pressure on global crude prices. The revised outlook reflects changing market fundamentals, including softer oil consumption, rising supply, and weaker inventory declines across major economies. JP Morgan Revises Brent Crude Price Outlook JP Morgan now expects Brent crude to average $86 per barrel in the third quarter of 2026 and $80 per barrel in the fourth quarter. The bank also projects Brent crude to end 2026 at $78 per barrel, marking a lower outlook than its previous estimates. Analysts said weaker inventory drawdowns and larger demand losses prompted the revision. These factors have eased concerns about supply shortages and limited the potential for stronger price gains. Weaker Demand Reduces Pressure on Oil Prices According to JP Morgan, commercial crude inventories in OECD countries have declined at a slower pace than expected. At the same time, oil demand has weakened more than the bank’s earlier models projected. The combination has significantly changed the balance of the global oil market. Instead of tightening through strong consumption and falling inventories, the market has adjusted through weaker demand. As a result, crude prices have faced less upward momentum than initially expected. The bank noted that this shift represents a meaningful change in how the market has rebalanced during 2026. Oil Supply Continues to Increase While demand has softened, global oil supply has continued to rise. JP Morgan said oil flows are currently running at around 8.6 million barrels per day (bpd). By comparison, average flows stood near 6.3 million bpd during June. Current production levels remain well above those recorded in April and May. The increase in supply has added further pressure on oil prices, especially as demand growth has failed to keep pace. Higher production has also contributed to concerns about a potential oversupply later this year. Strategic Reserves Support Refinery Operations JP Morgan said private oil operators have largely avoided drawing down their own inventories. Instead, refiners have relied heavily on government Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) releases to maintain operations. This approach has helped keep refinery gates open without significantly reducing commercial stockpiles. As a result, inventory declines have remained more limited than market participants initially expected. Inventory Drawdowns Expected Through Mid-Year Despite lowering its price outlook, JP Morgan still expects OECD oil inventories to decline further in the coming months. The bank forecasts an additional 50 million-barrel drawdown between April and July. However, analysts believe these declines may not be sufficient to offset increasing production and slowing demand during the second half of the year. As supply continues to outpace consumption, downward pressure on oil prices could persist. Production Cuts May Become Necessary in 2027 JP Morgan warned that the market could face a significant oversupply during the fourth quarter of 2026 and the first half of 2027. If current production trends continue, oil producers may need to reduce output early next year to stabilize the market. The bank expects producers to maximize production during the remaining months of 2026 before considering output curtailments in 2027. Such measures could help restore balance if global demand fails to recover. Broader Supply Growth Could Keep Prices Under Pressure Looking ahead, JP Morgan expects global oil production to continue expanding in 2027. The bank identified several countries expected to increase output, including Venezuela, Iran, Brazil, Guyana, Argentina, Canada, and the United States. Additional supply from these producers could place further downward pressure on Brent crude prices if global consumption remains subdued. Market participants will continue monitoring economic growth, fuel demand, and production trends as key factors shaping the outlook for oil prices over the coming year.

Met Office Predicts Nationwide Monsoon Rains, Warns of Flash Floods
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Met Office Predicts Nationwide Monsoon Rains, Warns of Flash Floods

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The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast the arrival of monsoon rains across the country in the first week of July 2026, bringing widespread relief from current hot and humid conditions while issuing warnings for potential flash floods. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/france-records-1000-excess-deaths-as-europe-endures-record-heatwave/ Weather System to Bring Widespread Precipitation A westerly wave is expected to enter upper parts of the country on the night of June 30. Moisture-laden currents from the Arabian Sea are already penetrating eastern and central regions. Currents from the Bay of Bengal are likely to reach upper areas by July 2. Scattered to moderate rain, windstorms, and thundershowers with isolated heavy falls are anticipated in various regions. Kashmir may see activity from July 1 to 6 while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa districts including Dir, Swat, Peshawar, Kohat and Bannu will experience thundershowers from July 1 to 5. Northern and central Punjab including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore and Sialkot are forecast to receive rain between July 1 and 6. Southern Punjab districts such as Bahawalpur, D.G. Khan and Multan may get intermittent rainfall from July 3 to 5. Risks and Advisories for Monsoon Season Gilgit-Baltistan is expected to receive rain and thundershowers from July 1 to 5. Northern and northeastern Balochistan including Zhob, Sibbi and Naseerabad will likely see precipitation from July 1 to 4. Northern Sindh districts like Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu and Jacobabad may witness windstorms and thundershowers on July 3 and 4. The PMD has highlighted risks including damage to weak infrastructure from windstorms and lightning such as solar panels, billboards and electric poles. Landslides are possible in mountainous areas of upper KP, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir between July 2 and 6. Flash flooding may occur in local streams, nullahs and hill torrents of D.G. Khan. Urban flooding is likely in major cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Lahore and Faisalabad from July 1 to 4. Authorities have been advised to remain vigilant and take proactive measures. Tourists and travellers should exercise caution and avoid unnecessary movement during the period. Farmers are urged to secure livestock and adjust crop activities accordingly. The monsoon system is expected to provide significant cooling across Pakistan.

Kaghan Valley Draws Over 109,000 Tourists as KP Hits Record 231,000 Daily Visitors
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Kaghan Valley Draws Over 109,000 Tourists as KP Hits Record 231,000 Daily Visitors

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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessed a strong surge in domestic tourism. Naran-Kaghan Valley emerged as the top destination on June 25, 2026. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/trump-threatens-to-slam-100-tariffs-on-digital-tax-imposers-global-trade-tensions-soar/ The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) reported impressive numbers. This reflects growing interest in the province’s natural attractions during the summer season. Record Influx in Key Destinations Naran-Kaghan attracted 109,292 domestic tourists and 30 foreign visitors. It led the daily tally across the province. Overall, KP recorded 231,786 domestic tourists and 41 foreign visitors in one day. Swat Valley followed with 57,704 domestic tourists. Galiyat welcomed 48,472 domestic visitors. Kumrat Valley saw 15,900, while other spots like Kalash Valley and Booni/Mastuj also drew crowds. Economic Boost for Local Communities Tourism data was collected through police check posts, Levies, Tourist Police, and local administration. This ensures accurate monitoring of visitor movements. The surge brings opportunities for hotels, transport, and local businesses. It supports jobs in hospitality and related sectors across these valleys. Improved infrastructure and better promotion appear to be paying off. KP continues to position itself as a premier domestic tourism hub. Challenges and Future Prospects High visitor numbers test local capacity. Authorities must manage traffic, waste, and environmental impact to sustain growth. Foreign arrivals remain modest but show potential. Enhanced connectivity and facilities could attract more international tourists. For Pakistan’s economy, domestic tourism reduces reliance on other sectors. It circulates money within the country and aids regional development. Stakeholders call for continued investment. Sustainable practices will ensure these scenic spots remain attractive for years to come. This positive trend highlights KP’s rich tourism potential. Summer season momentum could set new records if managed well.

Pakistan-Iran Trade Revival Hits Banking and Barter Hurdles Despite $10bn Ambition
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Pakistan-Iran Trade Revival Hits Banking and Barter Hurdles Despite $10bn Ambition

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As prospects of sanctions relief for Iran gain momentum, Pakistan and Iran are working to revive and expand bilateral trade. Both sides have set an ambitious long-term target of $10 billion in annual trade volume. This would mark a sharp recovery from pre-sanctions levels when trade had already crossed $1.2 billion in FY10. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/hdip-restructuring-plan-ordered-to-strengthen-governance-and-energy-sector-role/ Pakistani Exporters Stand to Gain from Iranian Demand Pakistan enjoys a clear competitive edge in several products that Iran needs. Rice, maize, fresh fruits and vegetables top the list. Textiles, pharmaceuticals and surgical goods also offer strong export potential.Formal access to the Iranian market would help Pakistani businesses diversify their destinations. It would generate valuable foreign exchange earnings at a time when export growth remains critical for the economy. Five Border Trading Centres to Formalise Flows Authorities have identified five dedicated crossing points to boost formal trade. These include Taftan-Minjaveh, Ladgasht-Jalaq, Parome-Kuhak, Mand-Peshin and Santsar-Nobandan. The centres are designed to operate at concessional customs rates. They form part of efforts to develop border Special Economic Zones and reduce reliance on informal channels. Initial trade is expected to focus on regularising the movement of petroleum products, especially petrol and diesel, that currently flow through unofficial routes. Food commodities could begin moving more quickly once basic mechanisms are established. Analysts at KTrade note that energy-related trade will drive the bulk of value in the early phase. Head of Research Fawad Basir said increasing trade with Iran will take time. The immediate challenge lies in formalising existing smuggling channels for fuel. Food trade may start sooner, but meaningful volumes in higher-value sectors will require operational and financial modalities to be sorted out first. Basir sees a realistic near-term target of around $2 billion rather than the full $10 billion goal. Once these foundations are in place, trade can gradually expand into more lucrative areas. The normalisation would also open a significant market for Pakistani exporters and strengthen economic ties with a key regional neighbour. The Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, with capacity to deliver up to 750 million cubic feet per day, remains a long-term opportunity. It could help address Pakistan’s chronic energy deficit and support industrial growth. However, the project is unlikely to see rapid progress. Any revival would need both sanctions relief and a renegotiation of pricing and contractual terms to make it commercially viable.

Petrol Prices Unchanged: Oil Marketing Companies Win as Government Blocks Public Fuel Price Relief
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Petrol Prices Unchanged: Oil Marketing Companies Win as Government Blocks Public Fuel Price Relief

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Petrol Prices Unchanged has once again become the biggest talking point in Pakistan after the federal government decided not to pass on the benefit of lower refinery prices to consumers. Instead of allowing motorists to enjoy cheaper fuel, the government increased the petroleum levy to offset the decline in international and refinery costs, keeping retail fuel prices unchanged. The latest decision has sparked criticism from consumers and industry observers who believe the government has prioritized revenue collection and the interests of oil marketing companies over providing direct financial relief to millions of Pakistanis struggling with inflation. Petrol Prices Unchanged Despite Falling Refinery Costs According to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division, the government maintained petrol at Rs299.50 per litre while High-Speed Diesel (HSD) remained unchanged at Rs311.47 per litre. However, official price buildup data released by Euro Oil (Pvt) Limited reveals that underlying fuel costs had actually declined before taxes and levies were applied. For High-Speed Diesel, the refinery price dropped from Rs217.09 per litre to Rs210.52, a decrease of Rs6.57 per litre. Rather than passing this reduction on to consumers, the government increased the petroleum levy by exactly Rs6.57, from Rs72.97 to Rs79.54 per litre. The adjustment completely erased any potential reduction in retail prices. A similar pattern emerged for petrol (PMG). The refinery price fell by Rs0.39 per litre, but the petroleum levy increased by the same amount, rising to Rs66.64 per litre. As a result, motorists saw no reduction at fuel stations despite lower underlying costs. Government Uses Petroleum Levy to Neutralize Fuel Price Reduction The latest pricing mechanism demonstrates how the petroleum levy has become a fiscal tool instead of a consumer protection mechanism. While refinery prices declined, every rupee of savings was absorbed through higher taxation. Other pricing components remained unchanged, including: • Climate Support Levy at Rs2.50 per litre• IFEM charges of Rs2.40 per litre for diesel• IFEM charges of Rs2.87 per litre for petrol• Dealer margins• Distributor margins Because these components remained constant, the increase in petroleum levy became the only reason consumers were denied any reduction in fuel prices. The government’s strategy effectively protected its tax collections while maintaining existing pump prices. Oil Marketing Companies Secure Stability While Consumers Lose Expected Relief The decision is being viewed by many market participants as a victory for oil marketing companies, which had reportedly opposed reductions in petroleum prices. Stable retail prices help preserve market certainty and avoid disruptions in inventory valuations and pricing mechanisms. For ordinary Pakistanis, however, the outcome is disappointing. Lower fuel prices generally reduce transportation expenses, logistics costs and inflationary pressure across the economy. Instead, households and businesses continue paying the same high rates despite cheaper refinery prices. The unchanged fuel prices also mean transport operators, manufacturers and agricultural businesses will continue facing elevated operating costs, limiting any immediate reduction in the prices of essential goods. Petrol Prices Unchanged Raises Fresh Questions Over Government Priorities The latest pricing decision raises broader questions about the balance between fiscal needs and public welfare. The government has increasingly relied on the petroleum levy as a major source of revenue. While this approach strengthens government finances, critics argue that consumers are repeatedly denied the benefits of falling oil prices whenever international or refinery costs decline. With inflation still weighing heavily on household budgets, many expected at least partial relief at fuel stations. Instead, the latest adjustment shows that lower refinery prices no longer automatically translate into cheaper petrol or diesel. Unless the government changes its pricing strategy, future reductions in global or refinery fuel costs may continue to be absorbed through higher taxation rather than passed on to consumers. The latest announcement confirms that Petrol Prices Unchanged was not the result of stable fuel costs but of deliberate fiscal policy. Falling refinery prices created room for cheaper fuel, yet higher petroleum levies completely offset those savings. While the decision safeguards government revenue and maintains market stability for oil marketing companies, consumers remain without the relief many had anticipated. As fuel prices continue to influence inflation and the overall cost of living, the government’s pricing strategy is likely to remain under close public scrutiny.

Shoaib Akhtar’s Elder Brother Shahid Akhtar Passes Away
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Shoaib Akhtar’s Elder Brother Shahid Akhtar Passes Away

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Former Pakistan fast bowling legend Shoaib Akhtar is grieving the loss of his elder brother, Shahid Akhtar, who passed away on Wednesday. The Rawalpindi Express shared the heartbreaking news via social media, seeking prayers for the departed soul. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/ogdc-poised-for-strong-recovery-with-baragzai-boost-and-sector-reforms/ Announcement and Funeral Arrangements In his emotional post, Shoaib Akhtar wrote: “It is with great sadness that I share that my beloved elder brother Shahid Akhtar has returned to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala. I request everyone to remember him in their prayers and ask Allah Almighty to grant him forgiveness and mercy.” Funeral prayers for Shahid Akhtar are scheduled today at H-8 Graveyard in Islamabad. Family members, relatives, friends, and well-wishers from various walks of life are expected to attend. Condolences from Cricket Fraternity and Fans The news has prompted an outpouring of condolences from the cricket community, former teammates, and fans across Pakistan and beyond. Messages of sympathy continue to flood social media platforms. Shoaib Akhtar, renowned as one of the fastest bowlers in cricket history, has often spoken about family support in his career. This personal loss comes as a significant blow to the Akhtar family. The cause of Shahid Akhtar’s death has not been publicly disclosed. His passing has saddened many who admire Shoaib’s contributions to Pakistan cricket. Tributes highlight Shahid’s role as a supportive elder brother. The cricket world stands united in offering strength to the family during this difficult time.

50K Women Farmers To Get Digital Banking Via Karandaaz-Backed MMBL Push
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50K Women Farmers To Get Digital Banking Via Karandaaz-Backed MMBL Push

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Karachi: Moving beyond isolated interventions toward system-level integration, Karandaaz Pakistan has intensified its push to embed gender equity across the national digital and financial ecosystem. Through its Women Economic and Digital Inclusion (WEDI) initiative, Karandaaz brought together the country’s leading financial institutions, regulators, and development partners for a strategic forum titled “Driving Systemic Change for Women’s Economic Inclusion.” The platform served to reinforce institutional commitments and showcase targeted interventions designed to eliminate gender-related economic disparities. The forum highlighted the critical need to address Pakistan’s persistent gender gaps, where female labour force participation remains below 25%, and women account for a disproportionately low share of formal financial account ownership at 14% as per the Karandaaz Financial Inclusion Survey (K-FIS) 2024. To advance national financial inclusion priorities, the event featured the formal presentation of the organisation’s evolving institutional Gender Strategy by Samia Salik, Gender Lead at Karandaaz, alongside strategic project announcements and partner spotlights. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Carol Coye Benson, Board Member, Karandaaz Pakistan, emphasised the organisation’s vision for gender mainstreaming: “Financial inclusion is a powerful driver of economic resilience. Through Karandaaz, we are working to build digital financial systems that are inclusive by design. By building interoperable digital pathways and intentionally designing systems that serve women, we can unlock immense untapped economic potential. Providing women with reliable, digital access to financial tools is key to strengthening both families and the broader economy, by bringing underserved women into the formal financial fold” A key milestone was the formal signing ceremony for the Financial Inclusion for Women Challenge (FIWC) Round 5, launching field partnerships with Mobilink Microfinance Bank Limited (MMBL) and Manzil Organization. Backed by Karandaaz, MMBL will onboard 50,000 women working in the agriculture sector by offering them digital banking services via its Dost app, combining financial literacy with free healthcare and savings products. Concurrently, another partner, Manzil Organization will empower 9,000 rural women in Balochistan by allotting farmland, agricultural kits, and establishing dedicated community markets in Naseerabad. The Women Ventures Showcase highlighted a strategic partnership to close the financing gap for educational SMEs. The initiative was presented by Shumaila Rifaqat, Director of Innovation Investments at Karandaaz, and Kamran Azeem, CEO of Taleem Finance. This collaboration targets the growth capital needs of low-cost private schools that are currently unserved by commercial banks. By deploying tailored capital, the initiative aims to expand classroom capacity and upgrade school infrastructure. These improvements will create safer learning environments, directly boosting retention rates for young girls. A panel discussion featured prominent leaders from the public, private, and development sectors to explore sustainable and inclusive economic opportunities for women. Moderated by Gender and Policy Expert Aysha Shujaat, the dialogue featured Aamir Hafeez Ibrahim (CEO & President of JazzWorld, Chairman of Mobilink Bank & JazzCash), Musadaq Zulqarnain (Chairman, Interloop Ltd. and Board Member, Karandaaz Pakistan) Jamshed M. Kazi (Country Representative, UN Women Pakistan), and Sana Masood (Senior Public Sector Specialist, Asian Development Bank), who critically evaluated regulatory frameworks and model systems to sustain ecosystem alignment. In her keynote address, Dr Elena Mylona, Counsellor and Group Head, Economics and Trade, at the British High Commission in Islamabad, highlighted the role of international development synergy, stating “Sustaining the momentum of women-inclusive growth requires institutionalising changes across markets and financial systems. Strategic alignments between ecosystem builders like Karandaaz and development partners are pivotal to breaking down structural barriers and ensuring women gain genuine economic agency.” Speaking at the closing ceremony, Syed Salim Raza, Chairperson, Karandaaz Pakistan, emphasised the organisation’s vision for gender mainstreaming: “Increasing women’s participation in the formal economy is absolutely critical to national economic growth, household resilience, and sustainable development outcomes. Karandaaz is moving beyond isolated interventions to embed women’s inclusion across our entire investment, innovation, and ecosystem portfolio. Our objective today was to foster deep collaboration with regulators, development networks, and the private sector to bridge the digital and financial access literacy gaps that restrict women from fully participating in Pakistan’s evolving digital economy.” Through ongoing research, ecosystem funding, and strategic networking, Karandaaz Pakistan continues to champion scalable solutions that reduce the country’s gender gap and enable inclusive, sustainable economic development.

Alibaba Sues Pentagon Over Military-Linked Designation, Calls Blacklisting ‘Arbitrary’
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Alibaba Sues Pentagon Over Military-Linked Designation, Calls Blacklisting ‘Arbitrary’

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Chinese technology giant Alibaba Group has filed a federal lawsuit against the US Department of Defense, challenging its inclusion on a Pentagon list of companies allegedly linked to the Chinese military. The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday in a federal court in San Jose, California, argues that the designation is unfounded and has already begun affecting the company’s business operations and representation in the United States. Alibaba Challenges Pentagon Blacklist The legal challenge comes after the Pentagon added Alibaba to a list of 80 companies and subsidiaries that US authorities claim have connections to China’s military establishment. In the court filing, Alibaba argued that the Defense Department’s decision lacks both factual and legal justification. According to the complaint, the company is neither a military organization nor part of China’s military-civil fusion strategy, a policy that seeks to integrate civilian technological development with military objectives. An Alibaba spokesperson told AFP that the company considers the designation “arbitrary and capricious” and is seeking its removal through legal action. Pentagon Restrictions Set to Take Effect The Pentagon’s updated blacklist, released earlier this month, carries significant consequences for companies included on it. Beginning June 30, the US Department of Defense will be prohibited from entering into new contracts with designated firms and their controlled subsidiaries. While the designation does not amount to economic sanctions, it can affect a company’s reputation, business relationships, and future opportunities in the United States. The list also included Chinese technology company Baidu and electric vehicle manufacturer BYD. Company Raises First Amendment Concerns Alibaba’s lawsuit also argues that the designation restricts its ability to retain lobbying and advocacy firms in the United States. According to the complaint, some firms that had represented Alibaba for years informed the company that they could no longer continue their services because of the Pentagon’s designation. The company contends that these restrictions interfere with its ability to communicate with policymakers and government officials, raising concerns related to First Amendment protections. Lawyers for Alibaba claim the practical impact of the designation extends beyond government contracting and affects the company’s broader engagement within the US market. Alibaba Highlights American Investor Base In its court filing, Alibaba emphasized that it is a publicly traded company with a diverse shareholder structure. The company noted that major American financial institutions, including JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, and BlackRock, hold significant investments in the company. Alibaba argued that its global ownership structure and commercial operations demonstrate that it functions as an international technology and cloud-services provider rather than a military-affiliated enterprise. China Responds With Export Controls The dispute comes amid renewed tensions between Washington and Beijing over trade, technology, and national security issues. Earlier this week, China announced export controls on 10 US companies involved in the defense sector and rare earths mining industry. Chinese authorities described the measures as a response to recent US actions targeting Chinese firms. The latest retaliatory move highlights the continuing economic and strategic rivalry between the world’s two largest economies. Impact on US-China Relations The legal battle emerges at a sensitive moment in bilateral relations. Last month, US President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing as both sides sought to stabilize relations and reduce tensions in key areas, including trade and technology. However, disputes over sanctions, export controls, military-linked company designations, and access to advanced technologies continue to strain ties between the two countries. Analysts say the outcome of Alibaba’s lawsuit could have broader implications for other Chinese companies facing similar scrutiny in the United States and may influence future legal challenges to government blacklists.

Pakistan's First National Conference on “Connected for Care’’ Strengthening capacities on GBV case Management in Pakistan Day Two Advances Institutionalisation, Mentorship, and a Sustainable National Alumni Network for GBV Case Management
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Pakistan’s First National Conference on “Connected for Care’’Strengthening Capacities on GBV Case Management in Pakistan, Day Two Advances Institutionalisation, Mentorship, and a Sustainable National Alumni Network for GBV Case Management

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Islamabad, 23 June 2026 — The Two-Day National Conference “Connected for Care,” convened in Islamabad Best Western Hotel by Ministry of Human Rights with the technical support from Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) and UNFPA Pakistan and the generous funding from the development partners the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and the Embassy of the Netherlands, concluded in Islamabad on 23 June 2026. The first day had set a clear mandate: high-level speakers from the Ministry of Human Rights, UNFPA Pakistan, and SPO established that nearly one in three ever-married women in Pakistan has experienced violence, that critical gaps in investigation and case processing continue to deny survivors justice, and that coordinated, survivor-centred GBV case management is a national imperative. Provincial poster presentations by certified trainers from all five regions surfaced shared barriers: weak referral coordination, social stigma, and inadequate supervision alongside promising field practices. The second day translated this into institutional commitments. Ms. Mehreen Jaswal, Consultant, UNFPA Pakistan, facilitated a session on GBV case management for married and adolescent girls, drawing on regional findings that exposed a critical service gap. Married girls, she noted, are systematically excluded from both GBV services and child protection frameworks, fall through the cracks of an uncoordinated system, and rarely access help until years into a cycle of violence or at a point of severe crisis. She called for a bridged approach that proactively informs married girls of available services by ensuring the survivor-centered principles. She also stressed that without addressing economic dependency, legal contradictions, and normalized child marriage patterns in Pakistan, GBV case management alone cannot deliver lasting protection. Following this, A panel discussion moderated by Ms. Mahjabeen Qazi, Head of KP Office, UNFPA Pakistan, examined how GBV case management competencies can be institutionalized within universities, academia and professional training institutions so that graduates enter the workforce practice-ready. Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were cited as provincial leaders in curriculum integration. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Social Welfare Department shared that revising its Standard Operating Procedures to incorporate GBV case management had shifted frontline practice measurably; staff handling cases with ethical disclosure and a genuine orientation toward survivor needs rather than procedural compliance. Participants identified persistent gaps requiring dedicated attention: continuous mentoring support, disability inclusion in crisis facilities, and formal interpretation arrangements for non-Urdu-speaking GBV survivors. Ms. Zehra Kamal, Clinical Psychologist and Mental Health Specialist, led a session on mentorship and supervision as a structural tool in GBV case management, drawing a critical distinction between management supervision and technical case supervision that organisations frequently collapse at high cost. She framed supervision as a safeguard against secondary traumatisation, a mechanism for ethical accountability, and a bridge between policy and field practice. Participants identified key barriers to building supervision culture: administrative overload, staff burnout, and the absence of formal systems that make supervision a requirement rather than an add-on. The key takeaway of the conference is the establishment of a National GBV Case Management Mentorship Forum; the conference’s landmark institutional outcome connecting certified trainers across all four provinces and ICT for peer supervision, knowledge exchange, and coordinated advocacy to strengthen GBV response outcomes. In their closing remarks, the Secretary of the Women Development Department Balochistan, Saira Atta and Arif Leghari, Director (IC), Ministry of Human Rights, underscored the collective responsibility of government, civil society, and development partners to strengthen efforts against gender-based violence response and prevention. They emphasized the importance of equipping GBV case workers with survivor-centered case management skills, including knowledge of legal procedures, documentation, and referral mechanisms. Highlighting the value of cross-provincial learning and collaboration, they called for sustained efforts to institutionalize GBV case management within government systems, standard operating procedures, and academic curriculum. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening coordinated responses and ensuring long-term, sustainable support for survivors across Pakistan. The “Connected for Care” conference closed as a landmark convening in Pakistan’s GBV response landscape, moving beyond training metrics to build the institutional, mentorship , and relational infrastructure that durable survivor-centred care demands. About SPO: Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) is a leading Pakistani civil society organization working to protect and promote the rights of children, women, and vulnerable populations across Pakistan. About UNFPA Pakistan: UNFPA is the United Nations Sexual and Reproductive Health Agency. UNFPA Pakistan works with the government and civil society to improve sexual and reproductive health and rights, prevent and respond to gender-based violence, and advance the rights and empowerment of women and girls. MEDIA CONTACTS SPO Communications: Aroosa Salahuddin | 03319682419 | aroosa@spopk.org UNFPA Pakistan Communications: Maryam Nawaz | 03001275276 | mnawaz@unfpa.org

The Boardroom PK delivers trusted business news, analysis, and insights from Pakistan and beyond, keeping readers informed, inspired, and ahead in the evolving world of business and leadership.

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