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Pakistan-Afghanistan War Update
India and Pakistan exchange strong words at UNSC session over Afghanistan
Pakistan’s “Operation Ghazab Lil-Haq” continues as heavy fighting reported along border areas
On 10 March, Dawn reported that Pakistan and India were at loggerheads over the situation in Afghanistan during a session at the United Nations Security Council on Monday. India’s Permanent Representative, Harish Parvathaneni, said that his country “reiterates UNSG’s deep concern at civilian casualties caused by cross-border violence and strongly condemns airstrikes which are flagrant violations of international law, UN Charter and state sovereignty”. He also added that India was concerned about the export of terrorism and said that the vulnerabilities of landlocked developing countries like Afghanistan should not be weaponised.
Naseer Ahmad Faiq, Chargé d’affaires ad interim of Afghanistan’s Permanent Mission to the UN, also highlighted the civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict and stressed the need to fight terrorism. He did not mention Al Qaeda, the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or any other group. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, in response, accused India of trying to destabilise Pakistan through its Afghan policy, primarily by sponsoring terrorist groups like the TTP and BLA. He also added that India’s representative “had not a word about the terrorist threat emanating from Afghanistan, which has targeted Pakistan and which many Council members have highlighted in their statements”. He also said that Pakistan had provided “irrefutable evidence of India’s collusion with terrorist groups”, while calling the country “a serial violator of international law”, referencing the country’s actions in Jammu and Kashmir. While concluding, he urged India to “cease and desist from its policy of stoking terrorism inside Pakistan from Afghan soil.”
Hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan are now nearing the two-week mark. Pakistan has reported, as of Monday, that 582 Afghan Taliban fighters had been killed during “Operation Ghazab Lil-Haq”, with 795 more injured. It also reported destroying 242 Taliban checkposts and capturing another 38. Areas along the Durand Line continued to experience heavy exchange of fire as Pakistan destroyed an ammunition depot in Afghanistan’s Paktika province. North and South Waziristan were particularly affected, with a mortar shell - allegedly fired from the Afghan side - claiming the lives of two children. (“Pakistan, India exchange sharp words at UN Security Council over Afghanistan,” Dawn, 10 March 2026; “'Righteous Fury': Operation Ghazab lil-Haq,” Dawn, 10 March 2026)
In Brief
ECONOMY
Pakistan reassures IMF about stable economy despite Gulf crisis
On 10 March, The Express Tribune reported that during the session with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Finance Ministry noted that the ongoing Gulf crisis would not have a significant impact on Pakistan's economy. Having called the session, the IMF asked the government to share its projections on the impact of the war on the current account deficit, economic growth, remittances, and inflation. In session, the government stated that rising international oil prices were a key risk, but any increase in the oil import bill would be compensated for by the reduced imports of agricultural products due to better local harvesting this year. According to Government projections, the economy can grow at four per cent, while the account deficit may remain around USD two billion, and the impact of recent fuel price increases on inflation could be only 0.3 per cent. The government also seems assured that foreign remittances will grow to USD 43 billion even after the war expansion to Gulf countries. (“Economy stable despite war jitters, IMF told,” The Express Tribune, 10 March 2026)
Provinces announce austerity measures amid fuel crisis
On 10 March, Dawn reported that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces decided to close educational institutions as part of a fuel-saving initiative. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet approved the “Fuel Conservation and Responsible Governance Initiative”. Under this initiative, the government decided on a 25 per cent reduction in the fuel allowance for government vehicles. However, the reduction would not apply to police, rescue, and law enforcement personnel. Other measures include a 50 per cent work-from-home policy for government departments, while educational institutions will be closed every Friday. Punjab's provincial government also took several measures amid the fuel crisis. The government decided that provincial ministers would not be provided free petrol until the end of the “petroleum crisis” and that petrol and diesel allowances for official vehicles were also being reduced by 50 per cent. Moreover, educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, would remain closed from 10 March to 31 March. The Balochistan government also decided to close educational institutions till 23 March. (“KP cuts fuel allowance for govt vehicles, Punjab and Balochistan close schools amid global oil crisis,” Dawn, 10 March 2026)
Pakistan’s arms imports increase by 66 per cent in 2021-25 period
On 10 March, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s arms imports grew by 66 per cent in the 2021-25 period compared with 2016-20, as per Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) data. On a global level, transfers of major arms surged by nearly 10 per cent over the past five years. In the case of Pakistan, China’s role as top arms provider increased from 73 per cent in the previous 2016-20 period. While Pakistan’s imports soared, India remained the world’s second-largest arms importer despite a marginal decrease of four per cent. India has diversified its suppliers, turning increasingly to Western nations. Arms imports by states in the Middle East also shrank by 13 per cent, yet the region was home to three of the world’s top ten importers: Saudi Arabia with 6.8 per cent of global imports, Qatar with 6.4 per cent, and Kuwait with 2.8 per cent. The US supplied more than half of the arms to the Middle East. (“Pakistan's arms imports grow 66 pc with Chinese help,” Dawn, 10 March 2026)
Pakistan records modest rise in exports to European countries
On 10 March, Dawn reported that in the first seven months of the 2025-26 financial year, Pakistan’s exports to European countries experienced a modest year-on-year growth of 1.32 per cent. In absolute terms, export earnings from the European Union increased to USD 5.436 billion in July-January, up from USD 5.365 billion during the same period last year. However, Pakistan’s exports to Western Europe slightly declined by 3.14 per cent to USD 2.622 billion in the first seven months of FY26, from USD 2.707 billion last year. (“Paltry growth in exports to EU,” Dawn, 10 March 2026)
Schools closure, salary cuts announced under unprecedented “War Austerity Plan” in Pakistan
On 10 March, Dawn reported that the Government of Pakistan announced several measures under a "War Austerity Plan" to address the situation arising from the Gulf crisis, which led to a fuel shortage in the country. Oil prices are expected to rise further in the international market in the coming days. Under the austerity plan, all schools and colleges nationwide will close for two weeks. Public and private organisations must ensure that 50 per cent of their staff work from home. Government and official vehicles will receive 50 per cent less fuel for the next two months. On the expenditure side, the Prime Minister announced that federal ministers, advisers, and special assistants will forgo their salaries for two months. A complete ban has also been imposed on foreign visits by federal and provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants, and government officials. In addition, government officials in Grade 20 will face a two-day salary deduction to provide relief to the public. Spending by government institutions and departments will be reduced by 20 per cent. These austerity measures were announced after Prime Minister Shehbaz chaired a high-level meeting on the economy amid the backdrop of the Gulf crisis. ("Pakistan to implement four-day work week under "War austerity plan",” Dawn, 10 March 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
TTAP calls on Pakistan to use its stature as nuclear power to push for Middle East peace
On 10 March, Dawn reported that the opposition alliance, Tehreek-i-Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), urged Pakistan to take a more active role in promoting peace in the Middle East, particularly as a nuclear power. At a press conference, the leaders of TTAP emphasised that the current regional crisis demands extraordinary measures. They criticised the derailment of talks mediated by Oman and condemned the destruction of property in Arab countries, calling on all parties to return to the negotiating table. The leaders also expressed concerns about Pakistan's potential participation in the "Board of Peace" and linked regional instability to broader geopolitical agendas. Furthermore, they connected their concerns about foreign policy to criticisms of domestic governance, court decisions, and rising fuel prices, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the country's challenges. By speaking out on these issues, the opposition alliance hopes to encourage Pakistan to play a more constructive role in regional and international affairs. (“TTAP expects Pakistan to act as nuclear power for Mideast peace,” Dawn, 10 March 2026)
Aurat March detentions spark calls for inquiry into police conduct in Islamabad
On 10 March, Dawn reported that Islamabad police released 44 Aurat March activists a day after detaining them. According to the police, they were arrested under Section 144 because the participants did not have no-objection certificates to hold the rally on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Social activists, members of the civil society and human rights bodies addressed a press conference, terming the arrest of women activists as "harassment" and declaring arrests of their relatives and the supporters made by the police illegal. They stated that lawyers were not allowed to meet the arrested women, and the police forced them to get written assurance. They demanded an investigation into the arrests and demanded punishment for those police officials, terming the action illegal, as the right to hold peaceful demonstrations could not be denied, saying that the state could not restrict the rights of the demonstrators under the excuse of protecting other rights. (“Islamabad police release Aurat March activists a day after detention; probe demanded into ‘manhandling’ of detainees,” Dawn, 10 March 2026)
SECURITY
Pakistan Navy launches “Operation Muhafizul Bahr” to secure maritime trade routes
On 09 March, Dawn reported that the military’s media wing said the Pakistan Navy had launched “Operation Muhafizul Bahr” to counter multidimensional threats to national shipping and maritime trade. In a statement, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the move followed an evolving regional maritime security environment and potential disruptions to critical sea lanes. The initiative aims to ensure uninterrupted national energy supplies and secure sea lines of communication. Naval escort operations are being conducted in coordination with the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, while authorities monitor merchant vessel movements to ensure safe transit. With about 90 per cent of Pakistan’s trade conducted by sea, the navy said two merchant vessels are currently under escort. (“Pakistan Navy launches Operation Muhafizul Bahr to counter threats to shipping, maritime trade: ISPR,” Dawn, 09 March 2026)
US orders mission staff evacuations, restricts movement in Pakistan amid regional tensions
On 10 March, Dawn reported that the United States ordered staff at several diplomatic missions across the Middle East, including Pakistan, to evacuate or take precautionary measures as the conflict involving Iran intensified. The US Embassy in Islamabad restricted personnel movement due to large religious processions and warned of crowds, checkpoints and possible communication disruptions. US citizens were advised to avoid gatherings and stay alert. Consulates in Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar suspended services, while Americans were urged to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for updates. The State Department also ordered non-emergency staff to leave Saudi Arabia and advised departures from its Adana consulate, citing regional security risks and fears of further escalation. (“US alerts staff, citizens in Pakistan of ‘danger from protests’,” Dawn, 10 March 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Middle East crisis
Shahid Javed Burki, “Iran and the US,” The Express Tribune, 09 March 2026
"The long-enduring regime in Tehran, headed by Shiite clerics, ran into serious internal troubles when people who were opposed to it came out on the streets of the capital. In December 2025, a large number of people began protesting against the policies being pursued by those who held the reins of government for almost half a century."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2596504/iran-and-the-us
Fuel shortage in Pakistan
Fahd Husain, “Can a hard state deliver soft governance?” The Express Tribune, 08 March 2026
"We have two wars on two borders, a crippling petrol price hike, enhanced electricity charges, fresh solar burden on consumers, and repeated warnings that things will get worse before they get better. If they ever do."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2596350/can-a-hard-state-deliver-soft-governance
Editorial, “No to power subsidies,” The Express Tribune, 09 March 2026
"There is a particular fiscal absurdity that Pakistan has perfected over decades — allocating ever-larger sums of public money to compensate for failures that those very sums were meant to prevent. The latest chapter unfolds between Islamabad's Power Division and the IMF. The government has proposed nearly Rs990 billion in power subsidies for the fiscal year 2026-27. The Fund has flatly rejected it. Caught between an unforgiving lender and a power sector that bleeds without pause, the government finds itself, once again, between a rock and a hard place."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2596501/no-to-power-subsidies
Editorial, “Petrol shock,” Dawn, 09 March 2026
"Pakistanis have felt the first direct economic tremor of the escalating confrontation between the US-Israel combine and Iran where it hurts the most: at the petrol pump. The government’s decision to increase petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 per litre reflects the immediate spill-over of high global oil prices triggered by the conflict. It is the single sharpest petroleum price adjustment in recent memory — alongside even steeper increases in kerosene and light diesel oil. The increase is extraordinary by any standard. Yet it also reflects how vulnerable Pakistan’s economy remains to geopolitical shocks."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1979709/petrol-shock
Society
Editorial, “Women’s Day,” Dawn, 08 March 2026
"It is a simple truth: societies progress when women are able to shape them. Yet the struggle for equality has never been linear, and the distance between aspiration and reality remains vast. In Pakistan, as elsewhere, International Women’s Day is, therefore, both a moment of recognition and a reminder of the work unfinished. Pakistan has enacted several laws designed to protect women and promote gender equality: legislation addressing workplace harassment, steps towards raising the legal age of marriage, legal frameworks against domestic violence, etc. These measures reflect the tireless efforts of activists, civil society and policymakers. Yet laws alone cannot transform society; they must be enforced."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1979708/womens-day
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