Good afternoon,

Today’s news: Globally, Israel renews attacks on Gaza, Peru declares a state of emergency, and German parliament votes on defense spending. Locally, opposition boycotts counterterrorism meetings, Sindh’s critical water shortage, and gender laws in Sindh & GB.

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Around The World

Updates from Gaza. At least 326 Palestinians, including children, have been killed as Israel launched a massive assault on Gaza, shattering the fragile two-month-old ceasefire with Hamas. The number is expected to rise as many remain under the rubble of bombarded buildings. Israel, which has enforced a total blockade of Gaza, also issued new forced displacement orders for several areas. Tuesday’s attack took place across Gaza, including in Khan Younis and Rafah in southern Gaza, Gaza City in the north, and central areas like Deir el-Balah. 

Hamas, which governs Gaza, said it viewed Israel’s attacks as a unilateral cancellation of the ceasefire. Israeli PM Netanyahu says he ordered the strikes because of a lack of progress in talks to extend the truce. Israel has said 59 hostages are still being held in Gaza, with up to 24 believed to be alive. A group representing hostage families accused the Israeli government of choosing "to give up the hostages" by launching new strikes. Here’s how the world is reacting.

Update from Peru. Peru’s president declared a state of emergency in the capital Monday and ordered the deployment of soldiers to address a surge of violence, amid widespread outcry a day after the killing of a popular singer. Peru has seen a recent increase in killings, violent extortion, and attacks on public places. Police reported 459 killings from Jan. 1 to March 16, and 1,909 extortion reports in January.

Shields up. Germany's Parliament is voting today on whether to take the brakes off defense spending, potentially impacting the future of Europe's defense and its ongoing support for Ukraine. This could also pave the way for a massive uplift in military investment just as Russia makes gains in Ukraine and Washington signals that Europe can no longer rely on US protection. Defense spending in Germany rose by 23.2% last year, helping to drive a record 11.7% rise in European defense outlay.

Pakistan

Checked out. The opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz-i-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP) boycotted the counterterrorism meeting at Parliament House, citing the absence of jailed ex-premier Imran Khan. The in-camera session, attended by top civilian and military leaders discussed counterterrorism measures amid rising attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, including the recent Jaffar Express hijacking, a suicide blast in Noshki, and multiple assaults on security forces. Initially, PTI planned to attend but later withdrew, demanding a pre-meeting with Imran Khan and calling for his release on parole. The meeting proceeded under tight security, with media barred from Parliament House and mobile phones prohibited in the session.

No flow. Sindh faces a severe 50% water shortage as the Tarbela and Mangla dams hit dead levels, endangering Kharif crops. Sukkur Barrage, crucial for irrigation, recorded a 66.3% shortfall, while mango orchards and newly planted cotton crops struggled due to insufficient water. Farmers fear fruit shedding and reduced yields for sugarcane, bananas, and vegetables. The Indus River System Authority (Irsa) will review water availability in early April but the crisis may worsen impacting agriculture and livelihoods.

Rights and wrongs. The Sindh High Court (SHC) has condemned police for treating gender-based violence, particularly honor killings, with negligence, leading to frequent acquittals due to lack of evidence. While overturning the life sentences of three men convicted for a 2020 double murder, the court highlighted investigative failures, contradictions in witness testimonies, and poor prosecution. 

Additionally, human rights activists have raised concerns over the lack of enforcement of pro-women laws in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). Key legislation, including laws against early marriage and domestic violence, remains pending while existing protections are not implemented. Activists highlighted issues such as the absence of family courts, shelter homes, and separate jails for women. In Diamer, early marriages and restrictions on girls’ education persist, with cases of domestic violence and honor killings often going unreported.

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