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Pakistan-Afghanistan War Update
Pakistan strikes Kabul and Nangarhar as clashes near third week
Foreign Office dismisses reports of Pakistan declining China’s mediation efforts
On 17 March, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that the Pakistani military conducted air strikes on the Afghan Taliban’s military installations in Kabul and Nangarhar on Monday night. According to security sources, Pakistani forces destroyed technical support infrastructure and ammunition storage at two locations in Kabul. In Nangarhar province, forces targeted the Taliban’s military installations in four spots, while logistics, ammunition and technical infrastructure adjacent to these installations were also destroyed. The Pakistani Air Force also struck Taliban and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram sector, according to security sources. Separately, the Information Ministry dismissed a claim by the Afghan Taliban spokesperson that a drug rehabilitation hospital had been struck in Kabul. According to the spokesperson, over 400 people were killed in the strike denied by Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, on Monday dismissed reports that Pakistan had declined China’s mediation efforts. “Pakistan and China remain trusted partners and close friends, and both maintain regular and close communication on all issues of mutual concern and shared interest. Therefore, any unnecessary speculation or fabrication of facts in this regard is unwarranted,” he said. The Express Tribune had reported yesterday that Pakistan had declined China’s push for talks with the Taliban, citing Kabul’s unwillingness to address the issue of cross-border terrorism. In addition to the FO spokesperson’s clarification, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian also reiterated Beijing’s offer to help ease the ongoing border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Separately, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution extending the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) by three months. All 15 members, including Pakistan, voted in favour of the resolution. Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Usman Jodoon, said Islamabad supported the extension because the mission played an important role in promoting “peace, security and stability in Afghanistan.” He also said that the main challenge facing Afghanistan is “the deteriorating security situation and exponential rise in the threat of terrorism.” UNAMA was first established under UNSC Resolution 1401 in 2002 to coordinate humanitarian, political, and development activities in Afghanistan. (“Pakistani forces strike Afghan Taliban’s military installations in Kabul, Nangarhar: security sources,” Dawn, 16 March 2026; “Precision strikes target Taliban depot in Kabul,” The Express Tribune, 17 March 2026; “China to continue mediation efforts between Pakistan, Afghanistan,” The Express Tribune, 16 March 2026; “UNSC adopts resolution to renew Afghan mission for three months; all 15 members, including Pakistan, vote in favour,” Dawn, 16 March 2026)
In Brief
SECURITY
Federal Constabulary deployment approved to bolster Balochistan security
On 16 March, The Express Tribune reported that the federal and Balochistan governments agreed to deploy the Federal Constabulary in sensitive areas to strengthen security and ensure long-term stability in the province, following a high-level meeting in Quetta chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti. Officials said two wings comprising around 3,000 personnel would be deployed in the first phase to reinforce policing and curb subversive activities. Briefings were given by Nadra, the FIA and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency on ongoing enforcement efforts. The government also decided to enhance the FIA’s role by filling vacant posts with local recruits and to intensify monitoring of anti-state content online. Authorities said the situation had improved, with no highways currently blocked, and reaffirmed their commitment to sustained peace and stronger state authority. (“Centre, Balochistan agree to deploy Federal Constabulary for lasting peace,” The Express Tribune, 16 March 2026)
ECONOMY
Decision on subsidised fuel scheme for motorcycles and rickshaws under process
On 17 March, Dawn reported that the federal government is working on formulating a subsidised fuel scheme. The Scheme will provide relief to motorcyclists and rickshaw owners. The objective of the scheme is to control the impact of the massive hike in oil prices. Within the last week, the Government has already increased the price of kerosene oil by PKR 40 per litre, and earlier this month, the petrol price was also increased by PKR 55. The government noted that the current stock position and supply outlook remain stable for April as per supply arrangements. (“Subsidised fuel scheme on the cards for bikes and rickshaws,” Dawn, 17 March 2026)
LNG shortage looms large in April
On 17 March, Dawn reported that the supply of liquified natural gas (LNG) has been affected due to the West Asia conflict. As per government records, LNG would not be available in the country after 14 April. LNG supply from Qatar had been completely stopped since 2 March. Government records also showed that the Sui Southern Gas Company had cut gas supply to a fertiliser plant by 50 per cent, and gas supply to the power sector had been reduced from 300 million cubic feet per day to 130 million cubic feet per day. (“March arch fuel requirements 'fully secured', coverage available up to mid-April, committee told,” Dawn, 17 March 2026)
Pakistan records a current account surplus in February
On 17 March, Dawn reported that Pakistan recorded a current account surplus of USD 479 million in February, as per data shared by the State Bank of Pakistan. The third quarter of FY26 turned positive as the current account posted a surplus of USD 85 million in January and USD 479 million in February. A significant reduction in imports has resulted in this surplus. However, the SBP’s pre-war data does not reflect the impact of the war, which started on 28 February, resulting in a sharp increase in oil prices. (“Current account posts surplus of $479m in Feb,” Dawn, 17 March 2026)
PIA privatisation process reaches final stage
On 17 March, The Express Tribune reported that the privatisation of the Pakistan International Airlines is expected to be completed by the end of April. In his statement to the Senate Standing Committee, Privatisation Commission Secretary, Usman Bajwa, reiterated that without privatisation, the national airline would have continued to incur losses of around PKR 100 billion annually. He also added that PIA incurred losses of approximately PKR 500 billion between 2015 and 2023. Apart from financial losses, management problems also remained the airline's biggest challenge. After the current Privatisation process began, PIA was converted into an equity company. At present, 75 per cent of PIA's shares have already been sold under the transaction, while the remaining 25 per cent stake will be sold at a later stage. (“PIA sale deal set for April financial close,” The Express Tribune, 17 March 2026)
EXTERNAL
FM Dar meets US envoy; urges diplomacy amid escalating Middle East tensions
On 16 March, The Express Tribune reported that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar underscored the need for peace and stability during a meeting with United States Acting Chargé d’Affaires Zachary Harkenrider, as tensions in the Middle East continue to intensify. According to the Foreign Office (FO), the meeting focused on bilateral relations and evolving regional developments, with both sides exchanging views on issues of mutual interest. Dar emphasised the urgency of diplomatic engagement, dialogue, and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter. The development follows Pakistan’s recent outreach to Gulf states, where Dar has stressed de-escalation through negotiations. He also held talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on the deteriorating situation. (“FM Dar stresses need to promote peace, stability in region in meeting with US envoy,” The Express Tribune, 16 March 2026)
Iran FM Araghchi thanks Pakistan for solidarity amid regional conflict
On 16 March, Dawn reported that Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its “strong solidarity and support” amid ongoing hostilities involving the United States and Israel. In a post on X, Araghchi thanked the Pakistani government and people, stating that Iran remained steadfast in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The statement comes as tensions continue following US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, which triggered retaliatory attacks by Tehran on US assets in the Gulf. Pakistan has positioned itself as a “bridge builder” during the crisis, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar highlighting diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also engaged regional leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to ease tensions. At the United Nations Security Council, Pakistan has called for restraint while supporting resolutions addressing the escalating conflict. (“Tehran thanks Islamabad for extending ‘strong solidarity’ with Iranian govt, people facing US-Israeli aggression,” Dawn, 16 March 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Imran's ex-wife Jemima urges PM Shehbaz to allow sons' prison visit
On 16 March, The Express Tribune reported that Jemima Goldsmith, the former wife of incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, appealed directly to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to permit their sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, to visit their father in Adiala Jail. Imran, imprisoned since August 2023 in a GBP 190 million corruption case, also faces pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act linked to the 09 May unrest. In a post on X, Jemima cited concerns over Imran’s declining health and delays in visa processing, noting that the brothers applied in January but have yet to receive approval despite standard timelines of 7-10 days. She added that the sons have not seen their father since November 2022 and are unable to communicate with him. The appeal follows earlier assurances by Pakistani officials regarding safe travel, while Kasim previously alleged deliberate delays in visa issuance. (“Jemima directly appeals PM Shehbaz to allow sons to meet Imran Khan in jail,” The Express Tribune, 16 March 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
War & geopolitics
Editorial, “Risk to stability,” Dawn, 17 March 2026
"The risks to Pakistan’s fragile economic recovery from the US-Israel war on Iran cannot be dismissed. Yet the ultimate scale of the damage will depend largely on how the conflict unfolds in the days and weeks ahead. If the war drags on and energy prices remain elevated, Pakistan could once again find itself facing the kind of macroeconomic stress that has repeatedly disrupted its growth trajectory."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1982916/risk-to-stability
Kamran Yousaf, “War next door, dilemma in Islamabad,” The Express Tribune, 17 March 2026
"The war between Iran and the US-Israel alliance has now entered its third week. There is still no sign of de-escalation, despite US President Donald Trump declaring victory on several occasions. The US and Israel may have bombed Iran extensively and eliminated some of its top leadership, but Iran appears to be winning the battle of narratives."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2597952/war-next-door-dilemma-in-islamabad
Economy
Nadeem Javaid, “Pakistan's economic paradox,” The Express Tribune, 17 March 2026
"Public debate in Pakistan often becomes trapped in ideological binaries: pro-market versus pro-state; capitalist versus socialist; conventional versus Islamic. But prosperity does not emerge from labels. It emerges from aligned institutions. A country cannot function as capitalist at its central bank, patronage-driven in its ministries and selectively moral in its markets - and expect sustained progress. Pakistan's economic paradox is not that it blends systems. Many successful nations do. The paradox is that its systems operate in parallel rather than in harmony."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2597957/pakistans-economic-paradox
Arifa Noor, “Speaking matters,” Dawn, 17 March 2026
"It was on the previous Friday (March 6) that the government raised petrol prices. And while the news about the price hike began doing the rounds shortly before it was announced, the amount took everyone by surprise – over Rs50 per litre. It is said to be our biggest hike in petrol prices in a single day — and it left citizens spitting fire. For most people struggling with inflation and weakened purchasing power, it was a cruel blow, regardless of the limited options in front of the government."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1982921/speaking-matters
Society
Editorial, “Enrolment push,” Dawn, 17 March 2026
"The federal government has embarked upon the welcome initiative to enrol 25,000 out-of-school children in Islamabad within three months. With Pakistan home to roughly 26m out-of-school children, a serious effort to get them into classrooms is essential and long overdue. The campaign’s structure suggests that the authorities recognise the scale of the challenge. Door-to-door surveys, the mobilisation of university volunteers, collaboration with NGOs and the creation of community schools near identified hotspots are all practical steps that could help locate children who have slipped through the education system. The focus on neighbourhood-level “carpet coverage” is particularly encouraging. In a city where children can often be seen selling flowers at traffic signals, washing cars in markets, or working in homes, the barrier to schooling is rarely simply the absence of classrooms. Poverty, distance and the opportunity cost of education often keep families from sending their children to school."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1982915/enrolment-push
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