Good afternoon,

Today’s news: Globally, Trump’s Middle East tour, and updates from Bangladesh and Libya. Locally, Pakistan-India DGMOs talk ceasefire, May 10 to be observed annually as Youm-e-Marka-i-Haq, and Punjab announces wheat subsidies.

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Around The World

Ding dong. US President Donald Trump has arrived in Saudi Arabia, which will be the first stop of a three-day tour also encompassing Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The White House says Trump is making a “historic return to the Middle East”, the first official state visit of his second presidency, where he will concentrate on “strengthening ties“.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman greeted Trump upon arrival in Riyadh. In Saudi Arabia, Trump hopes to secure a $1 trillion investment in US industry, upping the crown prince’s earlier investment pledge of $600 billion. Trump is also expected to focus on making diplomatic inroads on regional issues, including a Gaza ceasefire and Saudi Arabia-Israel normalization talks. Other key issues include reviving a scaled-down US-Saudi defense pact. Live updates here.

No refund. Bangladesh’s Election Commission has cancelled the registration of the former ruling party of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, preventing it from participating in the next national election, which is expected to be held by June next year. The decision on Monday came hours after the country’s interim government issued an official notification banning the Awami League party and its affiliated bodies from conducting activities online and elsewhere.

Updates from Libya. The United Nations has called for urgent de-escalation in Libya’s capital, Tripoli, on Tuesday as rival gunmen exchanged fire in the city’s southern districts after the killing of a powerful militia leader, with authorities imposing an emergency lockdown. The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has called on all parties “to cease fighting and restore calm immediately” and reminded all parties of their obligations to protect civilians at all times.

Pakistan

Hotline bling. In the wake of the US-brokered ceasefire, the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of Pakistan and India held their first round of talks via hotline on Monday. The discussion focused on upholding the ceasefire, avoiding hostile actions, and exploring immediate troop reductions along the border and forward positions. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has confirmed that a second round of DGMO talks is expected within 48 hours. Until then, a ceasefire remains in place. 

A solemn tally. At least 11 Pakistan Army and Air Force personnel were martyred and 78 were injured during India’s recent strikes, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). India’s airstrikes caused 40 civilian deaths, including women and children, and 121 injuries. ISPR has warned that future aggression would face a “swift, full-spectrum, and decisive” response. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that May 10 will be observed annually as Youm-e-Marka-i-Haq to honor the armed forces’ response. A national tribute day will be observed on Friday, May 16.

Ploughing ahead. Punjab has approved a wheat support price subsidy of Rs. 5,000 per acre for 600,000 farmers across Punjab under the Kissan Card programme. Announcing the decision during a high-level meeting, CM Maryam Nawaz stated that billions of rupees in subsidies will also be provided for the next cropping season to ease the financial burden on farmers and boost agricultural productivity. The wheat support programme is part of a broader initiative to modernize and support Punjab’s agricultural sector. (👀)

Game’s back on. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has announced that the remaining eight matches of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) postponed due to the recent conflict with India, will resume on May 17, with the final set for May 25. The matches will take place in Rawalpindi. While most foreign players are expected to return, reports suggest that Australian players may be reluctant, especially following the suspension of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Nonetheless, the PCB remains optimistic, noting there is no competing international cricket during the proposed window.

What Else Is Happening?

⚽Former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso is set to become the club’s next manager after this season, replacing Real boss Carlo Ancelotti, who has been confirmed as the new manager of Brazil in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup.

🚗Japanese carmaker Nissan has said it will cut another 11,000 jobs globally and shut seven factories due to falling sales in China and heavy discounting in the US.