Pakistan Roundup: Ancient ruins, donkey population, locally manufactured wagons

Heat affects ancient ruins

Unusually high temperatures in Pakistan are causing ancient ruins in Mohenjo Daro a town in Sindh, southeastern Pakistan to deteriorate, threatening the UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to 2,500 BC. The extreme weather is causing the ruins to contract, leading to structural damage. The site has also been affected by heavy rains and floods, leading to collapsed walls and other structural damage. “Due to the prevailing heat wave, the ruins of Mohenjo Daro bricks are gradually melting,” Ali Hyder, an archaeological engineer with the Sindh Culture, Tourism & Antiquities Department in Mohenjo Daro, told Arab News.

Donkey population rises

Pakistan's donkey population has increased by 1.72% to reach 5.9 million in the 2023-24 fiscal year, while horses and mules remained unchanged, according to the nation’s latest official livestock data. Livestock, including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and camels, has shown growth in Pakistan's rural economy, with the sector accounting for 60.84% of the agricultural value added and 14.63% of GDP. The gross value addition of the livestock sector has increased to Rs 5,804 billion in 2023-24, Business Standard reports.

Over 600,000 Afghans deported from Pakistan

Pakistan has deported over 600,000 Afghan nationals as part of a deportation drive aimed at illegal foreigners. The government blames Afghan nationals for smuggling, militant violence, and other crimes. The majority of migrants in Pakistan are Afghans, many arrived after the Taliban seized control of Kabul in 2021, but many had been in the country since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, according to Arab News. The deportation drive has strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Locally manufactured wagons added to railway fleet

Pakistan Railways has added 40 high-capacity wagons to its fleet, manufactured locally with Chinese technology. The wagons can carry 70 tons and move containers were unveiled at the Cantt Railway Station in Lahore, the second largest city in Pakistan on June 12. "Local manufacturing of wagons is a major step towards self-reliance," Pakistan Railways' Chief Executive Officer Amir Ali Baloch said. According to the Pakistani Railways, manufacturing wagons at the local level will increase income by over Rs9 billion ($32.3 million) annually and save foreign exchange reserves, local media the News reports.

Unveiling of budget

Pakistan will unveil its budget for the fiscal year to June 2025, with analysts expecting ambitious fiscal targets to strengthen the case for a new IMF bailout deal. The budget is expected to stick to fiscal prudence under the IMF program, but concerns remain about the government's ability to pursue reform due to coalition politics and public pressure. The budget will be in line with IMF requirements, but adherence to fiscal austerity and containment of populism will be the real challenge, Arab News reports.