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In Focus
Deadly suicide attack on Bannu police post kills 15 officers?
Attack claimed by group linked to TTP; Condemnations from PM Shehbaz, Iran, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and UK
On 11 May, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that at least 15 police personnel were killed and three others injured in a suicide attack on the Fateh Khel police checkpoint in Bannu district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, after militants rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the post before launching a coordinated assault with heavy gunfire and quadcopters. Police said the explosion destroyed the checkpoint and damaged nearby homes, while Rescue 1122 later recovered 15 bodies from the rubble. Officials said around 1000 to 1500 kilograms of explosives had been used in the attack, which was claimed by the banned outfit Ittehad Mujahideen Pakistan, linked to Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Authorities launched a search operation following the attack, tightened security across Bannu, and declared an emergency in local hospitals, while funeral prayers for the slain officers were held with full state honours.?
In the aftermath, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack in a call with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting provincial authorities in eliminating terrorism. President Asif Ali Zardari also denounced the assault, alleging that militants backed by India and operating from sanctuaries under the Afghan Taliban regime were targeting Pakistan’s security forces and civilians. Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Türkiye’s embassy, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the UK embassy and Saudi Arabia also condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Pakistan. The incident marked one of the deadliest recent attacks in Bannu, where the Fateh Khel checkpoint has reportedly faced more than 40 militant assaults in recent months. (“15 police personnel martyred in Bannu suicide attack,” Dawn, 10 May 2026; “Death toll from Bannu police attack rises to 15,” The Express Tribune, 11 May 2026)
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Pakistan and Bangladesh sign MoU on counter-narcotics cooperation during Naqvi's Dhaka visit
On 09 May, Dawn reported that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Bangladeshi Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed signed a memorandum of understanding in Dhaka to strengthen bilateral cooperation against drug trafficking and narcotics abuse. Under the agreement, both countries will cooperate to prevent the transportation of illegal narcotics, exchange intelligence on trafficking networks, formulate joint strategies to dismantle drug supply chains, and share training, technology, and best practices. Both sides also agreed to establish a secretary-level joint working group and discussed enhanced cooperation on counter-terrorism, cybercrime, organised crime, financial fraud, and human trafficking. Naqvi additionally offered Pakistan's full support for Bangladesh's Safe City project. The visit reflects continued improvement in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations following Sheikh Hasina's ouster and the establishment of a new government in Dhaka. ("Pakistan, Bangladesh sign agreement to combat drug trafficking," Dawn, 09 May 2026)
Interior Minister Naqvi pitches Pakistan's investment potential to Bangladeshi state minister, discusses trade and cultural ties
On 10 May, Dawn reported that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Bangladesh's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaid Islam, in Dhaka, conveying that Pakistan offered "vast opportunities for investment" and agreed to increase cooperation in trade, business, and culture through maximum exchange of delegations. Islam appreciated Pakistan's efforts in resolving the US-Iran conflict. Both sides also discussed a possible visit by Bangladesh's foreign minister to Pakistan. The meeting follows Naqvi's signing of an anti-narcotics MoU with Bangladesh's interior minister a day earlier and reflects the continued improvement in bilateral relations since the ouster of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. ("There are 'vast opportunities for investment' in Pakistan, Naqvi tells Bangladeshi state minister," Dawn, 10 May 2026)
Pakistan and Qatar reaffirm commitment to regional peace as US-Iran impasse continues
On 10 May, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a second call this week from Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, with both sides reaffirming their shared commitment to supporting constructive dialogue and lasting peace in the Middle East. Qatar's foreign ministry confirmed that Sheikh Mohammed expressed full support for Pakistan's mediation efforts and stressed the need for all parties to respond to these efforts to create conditions for a comprehensive peace agreement. PM Shehbaz conveyed appreciation for Qatar's continued backing and said he looked forward to the Qatari emir's visit to Pakistan "very soon." The call follows Sheikh Mohammed's meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Washington, where Pakistan's mediation role was also discussed. Iran, meanwhile, has kept Washington waiting for its response to the latest US peace proposals, with the Pakistan-brokered ceasefire still holding but negotiations deadlocked since the first round of Islamabad talks in April. ("Pakistan, Qatar reaffirm shared commitment to support 'constructive dialogue across region'," Dawn, 10 May 2026)
Pakistan signs USD 1.2 million lobbying contract in Washington targeting defence and critical minerals
On 09 May, Dawn reported that Pakistan has signed a two-year, USD 1.2 million contract with Washington-based Ervin Graves Strategy Group LLC, registered under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) on 1 May, requiring payments of USD 50,000 per month. The contract covers lobbying, legislative monitoring, stakeholder engagement, media messaging, think tank outreach, and policy advisory support, with an explicit focus on critical minerals cooperation, defence and security engagement, and trade and investment promotion. The move reflects Islamabad's effort to reposition its Washington outreach beyond traditional diplomacy toward sector-specific engagement in areas central to US strategic policy, particularly as Washington seeks to diversify critical mineral supply chains away from China. The contract comes amid a broader and increasingly competitive foreign influence environment in Washington, where both India and Pakistan expanded their use of US-based political consultants following the Pahalgam attack in April 2025. ("Pakistan expands US lobbying push with focus on defence, critical minerals and policy influence," Dawn, 9 May 2026)
ECONOMY
Budget 2026-27: Pakistan considers tax relief for salaried class
On 11 May, Dawn reported that the Pakistani government was considering reducing income tax rates and potentially raising taxable income thresholds for salaried individuals in the upcoming 2026-27 budget while keeping salaries and pensions unchanged, as part of efforts to provide fiscal relief without increasing expenditure. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb reportedly supported lowering the tax burden on salaried employees, who contributed more than PKR 425 billion in taxes during the first three quarters of the fiscal year - more than double the real estate sector’s contribution and higher than the combined taxes paid by wholesalers, retailers and exporters. Officials said avoiding salary increases could prevent workers from being pushed into higher tax brackets while allowing savings from public-sector wage expenditures to fund broader tax relief. The proposals are expected to be discussed with an upcoming IMF mission beginning on 15 May, alongside possible cuts to the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), though previously approved salary increases for PSDP-funded employees are expected to remain protected. (“Budget may include income tax relief amid salary, pension freeze,” Dawn, 11 May 2026)
Pakistan cuts Gwadar Port tariffs in bid to boost global transit trade
On 11 May, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced major tariff reductions at Gwadar Port aimed at attracting global transit and transhipment traffic and strengthening the port’s position as a regional logistics hub. According to the ministry, berthing fees for container ships were reduced by 25 per cent, port charges on international transhipment containers by 40 per cent, and transit container cargo charges by up to 31 per cent, alongside the introduction of one month of free storage for general cargo. Officials said the incentives were expected to lower operational costs for shipping companies, increase cargo handling activity, generate employment and expand Pakistan’s logistics sector. The announcement came amid heightened regional tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, with Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Noorul Haq Baloch describing Gwadar as an increasingly attractive alternative trade gateway because of its shorter access routes to Iran and Central Asia, lower operating costs and growing role in regional trade corridors such as the Gabd-Rimdan route. (“Govt reduces tariffs at Gwadar Port in bid to boost global traffic,” Dawn, 11 May 2026)
Pakistan’s foreign economic assistance inflows rise 20 per cent
On 11 May, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s foreign economic assistance inflows increased by nearly 20 per cent to USD 6.594 billion during the first nine months of FY2025-26, driven largely by programme support linked to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and higher external borrowing. According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, foreign loan inflows rose almost 29 per cent year-on-year to USD 6.494 billion, while grants fell by 27 per cent to just USD 100.3 million. The figures excluded a separate USD 1.2 billion IMF disbursement in December and USD 3 billion in Saudi safe deposits received in March and April, which pushed total inflows above USD 9.7 billion during the period. Of the total assistance, USD 2.486 billion was allocated for project financing and USD 4.108 billion for non-project support, including budgetary financing. The World Bank remained Pakistan’s largest multilateral lender with USD 1.205 billion in disbursements, while inflows through Naya Pakistan Certificates from overseas Pakistanis rose 40 per cent to USD 2.037 billion, becoming the single largest source of foreign loans during the period. (“Foreign economic assistance inflows rise nearly 20pc,” Dawn, 11 May 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
PTI marks “Marka-i-Haq” anniversary; claims Imran conveyed "the army is mine, the country is mine" from Adiala
On 11 May, Dawn reported that PTI congratulated the nation on the first anniversary of “Marka-i-Haq”, saluting the Pakistan Air Force for allegedly bringing down six Indian fighter jets during the four-day conflict, and paid tribute to the martyrs of the Pakistan Army and PAF. The party claimed that Imran Khan, from Adiala jail, conveyed a message that "the army is mine, and the country is mine," and credited his leadership with strengthening national defence, including the acquisition of J-10C fighter jets from China during his tenure. Separately, a “Marka-i-Haq” commemoration ceremony was held at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, where CMT Principal Prof Dr Ayesha Isani paid tribute to the armed forces and made special mention of Field Marshal Asim Munir's leadership during the conflict. ("Imran says 'army is mine, country is mine': PTI," Dawn, 11 May 2026)
SECURITY
North Waziristan: Large-scale security operation in Shewa enters third day
On 10 May, Dawn reported that a large-scale security operation against militants continued for a third consecutive day in Shewa tehsil and the surrounding areas of North Waziristan, with reports claiming that seven militants, including two commanders, were killed during search and clearance operations. According to local sources, security forces destroyed several alleged militant hideouts, intensified raids across multiple localities and seized weapons and other materials, while residents said the Alam Khel Market in Dorwazanda was almost completely demolished after militants allegedly used it as a movement and shelter point. Authorities also reportedly took control of the Governor Model School and other buildings allegedly being used by militants. Curfews remained in place across affected areas, forcing some families to flee while business activity stayed suspended amid continued firing and explosions in areas such as Sarkhani. Residents said the security situation in Shewa - historically considered one of North Waziristan’s more peaceful regions - had sharply deteriorated over the past year due to rising militant activity, targeted killings and quadcopter attacks. (“Large-scale security operation continues for 3rd day in North Waziristan's Shewa tehsil,” Dawn, 10 May 2026)
SOCIETY
Aurat March defies state restrictions at Karachi's Sea View; focuses on domestic violence and patriarchal norms
On 10 May, The Express Tribune reported that Aurat March returned to Karachi's Sea View on Mother's Day under the theme "Good Girls," with hundreds gathering to protest marital rape, domestic violence, gendered violence, and patriarchal expectations imposed on women. The event came after the Karachi district administration issued a 28-condition no-objection certificate banning "objectionable clothing," anti-state slogans, and LGBTQ content, conditions that organisers condemned as an attempt to dilute the march's politics. Organiser Sheema Kermani, who had been briefly detained with several activists outside the Karachi Press Club earlier in the week, addressed the crowd and declared the movement would continue regardless of restrictions. Speakers highlighted that over 7500 women had been killed in the past four years, including around 1500 in honour killings, and drew attention to domestic violence cases linked to household labour disputes. Kermani denied receiving foreign funding and demanded a public apology from the state over the detentions, reaffirming that the march was an organic, unregistered grassroots movement. ("`The march will continue': Aurat March defies restrictions at Karachi's Sea View rally," The Express Tribune, 10 May 2026)
Pakistan and the US-Iran War
Pakistan confirms receipt of Iran’s response to US peace proposal
Tehran says talks aim to defend Iran’s rights; PLL issues another LNG tender despite two vessels expected to arrive in Pakistan soon
On 11 May, The Express Tribune and The News International reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed Iran’s response to a United States peace proposal had been received through Pakistani mediation, as Islamabad continued efforts to secure a lasting settlement to the US-Iran conflict. Speaking at an event in Islamabad, the prime minister said Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for regional and global peace were ongoing, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that negotiations with Washington aimed to defend Iran’s rights rather than signal “surrender”. Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported that Tehran had formally conveyed its response to Pakistan after completing internal reviews, with the current phase of discussions focused on ending hostilities and stabilising the region.?
Separately, Pakistani officials confirmed that two liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels - Al Kharaitiyat and Fuwairit - were expected to arrive in Pakistan amid continued uncertainty over energy supplies linked to tensions in the Gulf region. Al Kharaitiyat, carrying 216,300 cubic metres of LNG, is expected to dock at Port Qasim, while Fuwairit is also reportedly en route. However, Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) simultaneously issued another spot LNG tender for two additional cargoes despite earlier bid rejections, prompting questions over the government’s supply planning strategy. Energy analysts said repeated tendering reflected official concerns over whether shipments could safely transit regional waters amid geopolitical instability and warned that inconsistent procurement decisions could weaken trader confidence and raise future LNG costs for Pakistan. (“PM Shehbaz confirms receiving Iran's response to US peace proposal,” The Express Tribune, 10 May 2026; “Pakistan returns to spot LNG market amid ME tensions,” The News International, 11 May 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
US-Iran War
Editorial, "New regional order," Dawn, 11 May 2026
"The US-Israel war on Iran may not be over, but it has already underscored major changes in the geopolitical order. Whereas, during earlier regime change operations, the US and other Western states were largely able to go in, heavily bomb foes and leave countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq in ruins, the Iranian ruling establishment has proven a tougher nut to crack."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1999328/new-regional-order
United Nations
Maleeha Lodhi, "Is the UN irrelevant?" Dawn, 11 May 2026
"The answer to the question whether the UN is irrelevant today is yes and no. Yes, because if the Middle East crisis triggered by the US-Israeli attack on Iran is a test of relevance, then the UN has failed that. And no, because beyond its responsibility for international peace and security, the UN continues to play a vital role, for example, in the humanitarian sphere, where its lifesaving assistance for Palestinians in Gaza has been critical despite Israeli obstruction. Over the decades, it has played an important role in promoting economic and social development, acting as first-responder in humanitarian crises, helping refugees, protecting child rights and setting global norms on issues ranging from human rights to climate change. Most of the UN’s specialised agencies do a stellar job in multiple areas. The UN remains indispensable in several of its functional activities."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1999332/is-the-un-irrelevant
Terrorism
Editorial, "Bannu again," The Express Tribune, 11 May 2026
"A heart-wrenching terror attack in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Bannu district over the past weekend is a grim reminder that unscrupulous elements are alive and kicking. Fifteen policemen embraced martyrdom, and scores of others were injured, as terrorists rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the Fateh Khel check-post."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2607364/bannu-again
Society
Editorial, "A better start," Dawn, 11 May 2026
"In Pakistan, where chronic malnutrition has long harmed childhood development, an evaluation of the Benazir Nashonuma Programme shows that some children are finally getting a better start. The Aga Khan University study found a 22pc reduction in child stunting among beneficiary children at six months and an 18pc decline at one year. Equally encouraging were the reductions in low birth weight, premature births and vulnerable newborns. The BNP reflects a more thoughtful approach to poverty and nutrition: one that recognises that child stunting is linked not only to food insecurity, but also to maternal health, healthcare access and financial vulnerability. By combining social protection with nutrition support and maternal care, the programme appears to have improved outcomes during the earliest stages of life."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1999327/a-better-start
Economy
Editorial, "Widening gap," Dawn, 11 May 2026
"Pakistan's monthly trade deficit ballooned to $4.07bn last month, its highest level since June 2022, further straining the fragile economy. The dramatic spike was triggered by an equally sharp surge in imports that overwhelmed a tepid export recovery. The 43.5pc month-on-month jump in the trade gap from $2.84bn in March was anticipated due to energy supply disruptions due to the Middle East conflict, sending oil and gas prices skyrocketing. It was no secret that the global fuel price shock, which has caused an upheaval across Asia’s economies, would affect Pakistan disproportionately because of the country’s heavy reliance on imported energy and its weak balance-of-payments position."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1999325/widening-gap
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