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Pakistan-Afghanistan War Update
Pakistan denies reports of sending delegation to Kabul for talks with Taliban
Cross-border hostilities cross two-week mark as Pakistan continues to target Taliban checkposts
On 10 March, Dawn reported that official sources from within the Pakistani government dismissed reports that a three-member delegation was being sent from Islamabad to hold talks with the Afghan Taliban in Kabul. The sources noted that “Afghan propaganda accounts” were making these claims on social media. Afghanistan-based Tolo News also reported the same, citing an anonymous source. Official sources rejected the claim, stating that Pakistan had not sent any such delegation to Kabul. They reiterated Pakistan’s stance that talks will only take place if the Afghan Taliban stops facilitating the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and takes decisive action against them.
Meanwhile, hostilities continued along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border as heavy artillery fire was exchanged in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Mohmand district. Officials reported that four mortar shells were fired from the Afghan side, with one of them landing inside the Frontier Corps camp in Faqirabad in Khwezia tehsil. In contrast, the others struck a civilian settlement in Mamad Kor. Pakistan’s army also said it had destroyed “important posts and centres” during an operation in the Arandu and Kurram sectors. Hostilities began on 26 February with Pakistan launching “Operation Ghazab Lil-Haq” in response to Afghan attacks, which followed airstrikes from Pakistan the weekend before. 583 Afghan Taliban fighters have been reported killed, while tens of thousands have been displaced in the country. Last week, Türkiye had offered to help re-establish the ceasefire between the two countries, with Russia and China also urging restraint. Yesterday, Permanent Representatives from India and Pakistan clashed over the ongoing conflict during a United Nations Security Council session on the issue. (“'Righteous Fury': Operation Ghazab lil-Haq,” Dawn, 11 March 2026; “Official sources dismiss reports of Pakistan sending delegation to Kabul for talks with Afghan Taliban,” Dawn, 10 March 2026)
In Brief
ECONOMY
Fuel shipments arrive to stabilise petroleum stocks
On 10 March, Dawn reported that multiple fuel shipments arrived on Tuesday, bolstering Pakistan’s reserves amid global supply pressures. The Port Qasim Authority said tanker Torm Damini offloaded 37,000 tonnes of diesel, while three petrol carriers were scheduled to berth this week at Port Qasim. Additional vessels carrying petrol for Pakistan State Oil are expected after 16 March. Four LPG ships also arrived, with cargo handled by Engro Vopak Terminal Limited and Sui Southern Gas Company. Officials said fuel stocks cover 25 days. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered conservation measures, while Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik cited Saudi support amid disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz. (“4 fuel-laden ships reach Pakistan amid concerns about shortages, 3 yet to berth,” Dawn, 10 March 2026)
Chinese firms plan USD 2.6 billion manufacturing investment in Balochistan
On 11 March, Dawn reported that Chinese companies are planning to invest about USD 2.6 billion in manufacturing and roughly USD 14 million in the mineral sector of Balochistan, aiming to boost industrial activity and create employment. A Chinese investors’ delegation, accompanied by former Provincial Finance Minister Amjad Rasheed, discussed the plan with Senate Deputy Chairman Syedal Khan in Islamabad. Investors expressed interest in minerals, agriculture, transport and tourism over the next five years. Officials highlighted prospects for expanded Pakistan–China economic cooperation. (“Chinese firms plan to invest $2.6bn in Balochistan,” Dawn, 11 March 2026)
Auto sales jump 42 per cent year-over-year despite monthly dip
On 11 March, Dawn reported that sales of cars, SUVs, pickups and vans in Pakistan reached 17,121 units in February, rising 42 per cent year-over-year but falling 26 per cent month-on-month due to a high January base and fewer working days. Cumulative 8MFY26 sales climbed 43 per cent year-over-year to 128,498 units. Major gains were recorded by Sazgar Engineering Works, Indus Motor Company and Pak Suzuki Motor Company, while Hyundai Nishat Motors posted a slight decline. Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan saw modest annual growth but sharp monthly contraction. Two- and three-wheeler sales rose 24 per cent, led by Atlas Honda Limited. Tractor sales weakened, whereas truck and bus volumes improved. Analysts expect continued momentum amid easing rates and new hybrid models. (“Auto sales rise 43pc in July-February,” Dawn, 11 March 2026)
Govt enforces “war austerity plan”, announces four-day workweek
On 11 March, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed federal ministries to strictly implement a “war austerity plan,” ordering third-party audits and declaring Friday an additional weekly holiday under a four-day workweek to conserve energy. A committee led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will monitor progress. Educational institutions in Islamabad, Sindh and Punjab announced closures or online classes through March. Sindh approved sweeping cuts, including reduced fuel allocations, grounded official vehicles and bans on official events. Provincial measures also include work-from-home policies, spending curbs and transport fuel conservation steps amid the global energy crisis. (“PM Shehbaz orders third-party audit of austerity plan,” Dawn, 11 March 2026)
EXTERNAL
PM Shehbaz congratulates Iran’s Mojtaba Khamenei; Reaffirms commitment to work “closely”
On 10 March, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a letter to Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to continue to work “closely” with Iran, according to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The statement also said that the PM congratulated Mojtaba on his appointment as Supreme Leader, while also offering his condolences on the martyrdom of his revered father, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.” The statement noted that the PM voiced optimism that the new Supreme Leader would lead Iran towards “peace, stability, and prosperity” and that Pakistan stood in solidarity with the leadership and people of Iran “during this difficult time”. President Asif Ali Zardari also congratulated Khamenei in a post on X, expressing “hope for improved conditions and stability in the region.” (“In letter to Mojtaba Khamenei, PM Shehbaz reaffirms commitment to continue to work ‘closely’ with Iran,” Dawn, 10 March 2026)
2000 Pakistani students evacuated from Iran
On 11 March, Dawn reported that around 2000 Pakistani students had been evacuated from Iran amid the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhary told the National Assembly on Tuesday. Chaudhary also said that the Pakistani embassy had been shifted 150 kilometres away from Tehran, which is the epicentre of the US-Israeli attacks. “Our embassy and two consulates in Iran are working round the clock to provide all possible support and emergency assistance to Pakistani nationals,” he said. While he mentioned that most students in Iran had been evacuated, he did not specify how many remained in the country. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) informed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis that no mass evacuation of Pakistani nationals from the Middle East was currently required. (“2,000 Pakistani students evacuated from Iran, NA told,” Dawn, 11 March 2026)
FM Dar holds talks with counterparts from China, Saudi and Bahrain over Middle East tensions
On 10 March, The Express Tribune reported that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held talks with his counterparts from China, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain over the escalating hostilities in the Middle East. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi appreciated Pakistan’s constructive efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, the Foreign Office (FO) said. The two leaders also stressed the importance of de-escalation and upholding the principles of the UN Charter. They also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their bilateral partnership and agreed to remain in close contact. Dar also spoke to Saudi FM Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and underscored the importance of continued coordination and diplomatic engagement, while also exchanging views on the ongoing deliberations in the UN Security Council. Similarly, Dar also spoke to Bahrain’s FM Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, reiterating Pakistan’s support for Bahrain and its citizens amid the recent developments in the Middle East. (“China's FM Wang Yi appreciates Pakistan's efforts for de-escalation, peace in Mideast in call with Dar,” The Express Tribune, 10 March 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Govt cautions against provocative commentary on foreign policy amid regional tensions
On 10 March, The Express Tribune reported that federal ministers on Wednesday directed all media houses and journalists to restrict reporting to the government’s version of the situation, saying that they have to maintain national security, dignity of the religion and friendship with other countries as per Article 19. Law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, along with information minister Attaullah Tarar and minister of state for interior Talal Chaudhry, said that the media and electronic and social media should keep the national interest in mind and that they should not cross the “red lines”. “In these times of tensions with neighbours like Iran, the Gulf and Afghanistan, we have to find a suitable solution to these issues through diplomatic means. The country is at a sensitive stage and no irresponsible statement regarding Iran, issues of the Gulf or Afghanistan should be aired on electronic or media,” they said while addressing a meeting held in connection with the national media dialogue organised by the Ministry of Information, Media and Culture. On Monday, across the country, thousands of political activists had gathered in their respective cities demanding an investigation into the persecution of minorities, most notably Hindus. (“Govt warns against ‘sensational’ commentary on foreign policy, cites national security concerns,” The Express Tribune, 10 March 2026)
SECURITY
Kidnapped workers on World Bank-backed project recovered in Balochistan
On 11 March, Dawn reported that 10 labourers and the manager of a construction company engaged in the work on a World Bank-funded water channel project in Khuzdar district were released on 11 March after being held for nearly four and a half months. In October 2025, 11 staff members of the company were kidnapped for ransom at Mola tehsil when a group of armed men surrounded their camp and whisked them away. The staff were released after a lot of efforts made by the administration and police in consultation with the tribal elders. (“11 kidnapped employees recovered in Balochistan,” Dawn, 11 March 2026)
Children wounded in second quadcopter strike in Lakki Marwat in a month
On 10 March, Dawn reported that five children were injured by a quadcopter bomb in the Takhtikhel area of Lakki Marwat district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The explosives are believed to have been dropped by the terrorists using a quadcopter. Two of the injured boys were airlifted to Bannu hospital as their injuries were severe, while three girls were shifted to Serai Naurang tehsil headquarters hospital. The police have launched a search operation in the area. This is not the first time that a quadcopter has been used to carry out a terrorist attack in Lakki Marwat, as a month back, eight boys were injured when a bomb that had been dropped from a quadcopter exploded above their heads while they were playing football in the nearby Gobra Mandi village. (“5 children injured in quadcopter attack in KP’s Lakki Marwat: officials,” Dawn, 10 March 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Middle East crisis
Zahid Hussain, “A war of attrition,” Dawn, 11 March 2026
"The US-Israel war on Iran has entered its second week. It has had a devastating effect on the region and beyond. Despite continuous bombing that has targeted both military installations and civilian populations, efforts to make the Islamic Republic surrender have not succeeded. Iran has suffered the loss of its top leadership and significant damage to its military capabilities. But it continues to fight back with unexpected ferocity."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1980796/a-war-of-attrition
Austerity plan
Editorial, “Token austerity,” Dawn, 11 March 2026
"Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s announcement of ‘austerity’ measures in response to the fuel crisis triggered by the US-Israel war against Iran appears to be a recognition of the economic strain now being passed on to citizens. The real issue is not whether austerity is announced but whether it actually eases the pain of ordinary citizens and is not simply an attempt to deflect growing public criticism."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1980789/token-austerity
Editorial, “Perpetual emergency,” The Express Tribune, 11 March 2026
"Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the nation this week with a familiar script that fuel prices are rising, hard times demand sacrifice, and austerity is unavoidable — but don't worry, he'll absorb the pain wherever he can. Cabinet salaries suspended. Foreign trips banned. Iftar parties cancelled. Government vehicles off the road. Seminars moved from hotels to official venues. Read through the list and a rueful recognition sets in. This country has heard all of it before. But a state that cannot discipline its own expenditure in calm times cannot credibly summon that discipline in turbulent ones. Ordinary Pakistanis have run out of buffers to absorb the next emergency, whenever it arrives."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2596887/perpetual-emergency
Pakistan-Afghanistan
Omay Aimen, “A biased report,” The Express Tribune, 11 March 2026
"In conflict zones, the first casualty is often clarity. When, recently, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan expressed concern over alleged civilian casualties along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, it performed a duty intrinsic to its humanitarian mandate. Protecting non-combatants is not optional; it is foundational to international law and moral responsibility. Yet concern divorced from context can harden into selective outrage. A statement that measures impact without examining cause risks presenting a fragmented portrait of a deeply layered conflict. The tragedy of civilian harm must be acknowledged without hesitation, but so too must the chain of events that produces it. Civilian protection cannot be meaningfully defended if the forces that endanger civilians are left unnamed or unexamined."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2596890/a-biased-report
Society
Rabiya Javeri Agha, “Starved childhoods,” Dawn, 11 March 2026
"Every day, in homes across Pakistan, millions of children are quietly being left behind. Not by flood or famine, earthquake or epidemic, but by the slow, invisible erosion of chronic undernutrition. The crisis unfolding concerns the 40 per cent of Pakistani children under five who are stunted, the nearly 10m children affected by chronic growth failure and the millions more whose brain development is compromised during the most critical window of human life. This will push Pakistan’s already strained systems further under pressure."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1980793/starved-childhoods
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