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Pakistan-Afghanistan War Update
Pakistan launches overnight strikes as Afghan mortar fire kills four in KP
Islamabad rejects China’s offer to mediate; over 300 illegal Afghan nationals arrested in Swabi district
On 16 March, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that four civilians were killed and a five-year-old child seriously injured when mortar fire from across the border struck a village in Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Afghan Taliban forces fired artillery into a civilian area, prompting Pakistani forces to retaliate. The incident comes amid escalating clashes along the frontier under “Operation Ghazab Lil Haq”. Pakistani officials later confirmed overnight strikes targeting militant hideouts and military infrastructure in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province. Tarar said the attacks destroyed technical support facilities and equipment used by Afghan Taliban and TTP militants, stressing the operations were “precision engagement” against terrorist camps and not civilian targets.
The Express Tribune also reported that Pakistan has declined China’s latest attempt to mediate between Islamabad and Kabul, reaffirming its policy of limited engagement with the Taliban government. Chinese officials had intensified diplomatic efforts, with Beijing’s special envoy shuttling between Kabul and Islamabad and Foreign Minister Wang Yi urging both sides to “remain calm and exercise restraint” while pursuing dialogue. Pakistani authorities acknowledged China’s efforts but maintained that meaningful diplomatic engagement was unlikely unless Afghanistan provided verifiable assurances that its territory would not be used by militant groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to launch attacks against Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Pakistani authorities have intensified actions against undocumented Afghan nationals, arresting more than 300 individuals during raids in Swabi district as part of a broader repatriation drive. Officials said the move is linked to heightened security concerns amid escalating cross-border tensions. According to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Pakistan’s ongoing military operations have killed 684 Afghan Taliban fighters and more than 912 have been injured, while 252 posts and 229 armoured assets have been destroyed. Authorities said illegal residents would be repatriated “in an honourable manner,” though officials warned legal action could be taken against those sheltering them if they fail to leave voluntarily. (“Afghan Taliban mortar fire kills four civilians in Bajaur: Tarar,” The Express Tribune, 15 March 2026; “Overnight strikes in Afghanistan’s Kandahar target ‘terrorist hideouts and military infrastructure’, says state media,” Dawn, 15 March 2026; “Pakistan declines China's push for talks with Kabul,” The Express Tribune, 16 March 2026; “Over 300 illegal Afghans arrested in Swabi crackdown,” Dawn, 16 March 2026)
In Brief
SECURITY
Six militants killed in Kohat counterterrorism operation
On 15 March, Dawn reported that six militants were killed in a joint operation conducted by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and police in Lachi tehsil of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kohat district. According to the District Police Officer Shahbaz Elahi, the operation was launched after intelligence indicated that militants were planning a large-scale attack in the area. A large contingent of CTD personnel and police carried out a “search and strike operation,” during which the suspects opened fire, triggering an exchange that left six militants dead. Police said weapons were recovered from the slain suspects, and the area was subsequently cordoned off while search operations continued. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the forces involved, stating that he was proud of the “brave soldiers of the KP police and the CTD.” The operation comes amid a surge in militant violence in the province, where fatalities rose from 1620 in 2024 to 2,331 in 2025, according to ??the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS). (“Six terrorists killed in joint operation by CTD, police in KP’s Kohat,” Dawn, 15 March 2025)
Five militants killed in Lakki Marwat IBO
On 15 March, Dawn reported that security forces killed five militants during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Lakki Marwat district, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). In a statement, the ISPR said the operation targeted the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The statement said troops engaged the militants’ location and, after an intense exchange of fire, five militants were killed. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain suspects, who officials said had been involved in multiple terrorist activities in the region. The military added that a sanitation operation was underway to eliminate any remaining militants, stressing that the counterterrorism campaign under the National Action Plan’s “Azm-i-Istehkam” vision would continue “at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored terrorism” from the country. (“Security forces kill 5 terrorists in Lakki Marwat operation: ISPR,” Dawn, 15 March 2026)
Two Coast Guards killed in Gwadar attack
On 16 March, Dawn reported that two personnel of the Pakistan Coast Guards (PCG) were killed and another was injured in an armed attack on a check post in the town of Jiwani in Gwadar district. Officials said unidentified gunmen riding motorcycles opened fire with automatic weapons at the PCG post in the Panowan area, killing two personnel on duty after they sustained multiple bullet wounds. Gwadar Senior Superintendent of Police Atta-ur-Rehman Tareen confirmed the casualties, stating that the attackers fled the scene immediately after the assault. Police and security forces rushed to the site and shifted the bodies and the injured guard to a hospital. A combing operation was subsequently launched in the surrounding area to trace those responsible for the attack. Authorities said no group had immediately claimed responsibility for the incident. (“Two Coast Guards martyred in Jiwani attack,” Dawn, 16 March 2026)
ECONOMY
ADB extends bid validity for the final time, following repeated delays
On 16 February, Dawn reported that the bid validity for the Central Asia Regional Economic Corridor (CAREC) Tranche III project, worth around USD 36 million, was extended by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The ADB emphasised that this would be the last and final extension as it has already been delayed by around a year due to issues with the National Highway Authority (NHAI). The total project cost is estimated at PKR 170 billion, including land acquisition, consultancy and taxes. ADB also asked NHAI to provide any new or material information to justify the delay for ADB’s review. In case there are further delays, ADB will assess it as a potential case of non-compliance, which could affect the financing of the contract and any subsequent procurement actions related to this package. (“ADB gives 'final chance' to $360m Central Asia Regional Economic Corridor Project,” Dawn, 16 March 2026)
Air cargo charges raised by companies amid fuel crisis
On 16 March, Dawn reported that companies increased the “Ad hoc charges” on export cargo shipments by air by PKR 25-50 per kilogram, enlarging the burden on exporters. The decisions come amid increasing fuel prices that have triggered a significant rise in the cost of transportation, ground support services and overall supply chain operations. This decision put more burden on exporters who are already struggling with higher war risk and freight charges due to deteriorating geopolitical conditions stemming from the conflicts in West Asia. (“Exporters up in arms as air cargo charges raised,” Dawn, 16 March 2026)
Pakistan to formulate strategy for exporting surplus food items to Gulf states
On 16 March, Dawn reported that the Pakistan government has decided to formulate a strategy for exporting surplus food items to Gulf countries. The Prime Minister reviewed the “food situation” in the country and the export of commodities available in excess in view of the “changing regional situation". The prime minister noted that disruptions in global supply chains had increased the export potential of Pakistani products in regional markets. (“PM Shehbaz directs formulation of strategy for exporting surplus food items to Gulf countries,” Dawn, 16 March 2026)
EXTERNAL
FM Dar condemns spread of Islamophobia amid rise in anti-Islamic incidents across the world
On 16 February, Dawn reported that on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in his statement, called on the international community to condemn Islamophobia. He also reiterated the need to address the structural conditions that allow it to flourish across the world. With raging conflict in West Asia, Muslims are being increasingly targeted by anti-Islam forces in the West. Meanwhile, the opposition party PTI credited its founder and former premier Imran Khan with raising the issue of Islamophobia at international fora. (“Islamabad calls for global action against Islamophobia,” Dawn, 16 March 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
President Zardari, MQM-P discuss unity amid Karachi tensions
On 15 March, Dawn reported that President Asif Ali Zardari met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui in Karachi to discuss political harmony, national unity and the country’s internal security situation. According to the Presidency, the meeting emphasised “the importance of national unity, political harmony and continued democracy,” with the president stressing stronger efforts for peace and rule of law. The leaders also reviewed Karachi development projects and discussed evolving regional dynamics. The meeting comes amid tensions between the PPP and MQM-P over Karachi’s governance following the Gul Plaza incident. Separately, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged political unity during a parliamentary party meeting in Karachi, stating that “all political forces must stand united” given the global climate of conflict and uncertainty. MQM-P leaders have recently criticised the PPP-led Sindh government, while tensions further intensified after MQM-P’s Kamran Tessori was replaced as Sindh governor by PML-N’s Nehal Hashmi without prior consultation with the party. (“President Zardari stresses ‘unity, political harmony’ in Karachi meeting with Naqvi, MQM-P’s Khalid Maqbool,” Dawn, 15 March 2026)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs probes PKR 4 million cash held by daily-wage staff
On 16 March, Dawn reported that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) launched an inquiry after two daily-wage employees were found to have kept PKR 4 million in cash at their rented residence in Gujrat, which was recently stolen. The officials, Amir Shaukat and Irfan Ahmed, reported the theft to Civil Lines Police Station, prompting MoFA to demand an explanation about the source of the funds, given their minimum-wage status. According to an official letter, both officials were asked to submit written replies within three days. Shaukat, who had been acting as an assistant protocol official responsible for attesting documents for overseas use, had faced long-standing allegations of collusion with agents involved in bribery. Applicants reportedly paid up to PKR 21,000 per apostille and PKR 3,000-5,000 per document attestation amid increased demand following Spain’s announcement to regularise certain migrants from 01 April. (“Probe launched into money trail of Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials,” Dawn, 16 March 2026)
ON INDIA
Pakistan rejects India’s criticism of cross-border action against Afghanistan
On 15 March, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) rejected a statement issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs criticising Pakistan’s cross-border actions in Afghanistan, calling the remarks “absurd, unwarranted” and “shamefully hypocritical”. The response came after India alleged that Pakistan’s strikes had caused civilian casualties and described the operation as an “act of aggression”. Pakistan maintained that the actions were legitimate, targeted measures against terrorist hideouts operating from Afghan territory. The FO spokesperson said India’s alleged support for militant groups was well known, adding that New Delhi’s criticism reflected frustration over the disruption of its alleged terrorist networks in Afghanistan. The statement also accused India of human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir and of destabilising the wider region. Paksiatn reiterated that it would continue to take necessary steps in self-defence in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter. (“FO rejects India’s ‘absurd and unwarranted’ statement on Pakistan’s cross-border actions in Afghanistan,” Dawn, 15 March 2025)
Editorials/Opinions
War & geopolitics
Huma Yusuf, “Cost of conflict,” Dawn, 16 March 2026
"When wars rage, children become the most tragic and unnecessary victims. Among the worst horrors of the current Middle East conflict are the 170-plus people, most of them schoolgirls, killed in a missile attack on a school in southern Iran. This is an unimaginable toll that the world has somehow become inured to, especially in the wake of the Gaza war, when one child was killed every hour on average, for a grim total of well over 20,000, according to Save the Children.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1982540/cost-of-conflict
Editorial, “Looking for safety,” Dawn, 16 March 2026
"According to the UN refugee agency, between 600,000 and one million Iranian households have been displaced within Iran amid ongoing US-Israeli bombardment. Families are leaving Tehran and other urban centres in search of safety in rural communities. This is a journey of necessity, driven by fear of air raids and destruction. Among the most vulnerable are Afghan refugee families already living precariously in Iran; many now face displacement for a second time. Lebanon presents a similar picture. Israeli attacks have forced thousands to flee their homes. More than 800,000 people are reportedly displaced, with thousands crammed into collective shelters where sanitation is poor and essential supplies are scarce. In such conditions, the risks of exploitation and abuse, particularly for women and children, rise sharply. The human toll of displacement extends far beyond the immediate trauma of war. Social systems begin to unravel. Schools close, hospitals struggle to cope and livelihoods vanish overnight. Urban centres absorbing large numbers of displaced people face immense pressures. In both Iran and Lebanon, cities already grappling with economic strain must now contend with the challenge of supporting thousands of additional residents."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1982534/looking-for-safety
Economy
Editorial, “Power self-reliance,” Dawn, 16 March 2026
"Pakistan's transition to domestic sources of electricity is a welcome development for a country that has long been vulnerable to global energy shocks due to its reliance on imported fuels. The latest figures shared by Power Minister Awais Leghari suggest a structural shift in the power sector: nearly three-quarters of electricity generation now comes from indigenous resources, with the government targeting more than 96pc by 2034. This transformation owes largely to what Mr Leghari described as a “people-led solar revolution”."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1982535/power-self-reliance
Editorial, “Let there be real austerity,” The Express Tribune, 16 March 2026
"Pakistan's latest austerity measures — salary cuts at state-owned enterprises, a freeze on vehicle purchases, a ban on official foreign travel, and cabinet members foregoing two months' pay — have been triggered by the fuel shock from the US-Israel war on Iran. The measures are necessary and, in the immediate sense, welcome. But they carry a familiar and damaging odour of crisis management."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2597773/let-there-be-real-austerity
Politics & governance
Editorial, “PTI's persisting concerns,” The Express Tribune, 16 March 2026
"The continued denial of due prison rights to former Prime Minister Imran Khan is now simmering into a political storm. The PTI seems to be losing its patience, and a confrontation is on the cards after the holy month of Ramazan. K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who in his de jure capacity also tried to seek lawful access to the incarcerated leader, has hinted at a long march towards Islamabad. The planned agitation comes in continuation of his street mobilisation, wherein he made great strides in Lahore and Karachi in galvanising the lost momentum in the party."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2597623/ptis-persisting-concerns
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