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In Focus
PM Shehbaz engages regional leaders, urges Middle East de-escalation
Prime Minister spoke to heads of Azerbaijan, Egypt and Lebanon, among others, after calls with Türkiye and Jordan a day earlier
On 20 March, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a series of telephone calls on Friday with leaders from Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Bangladesh, and Lebanon, discussing the escalating hostilities in the Middle East and stressing the need for urgent de-escalation. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier expressed concern over the evolving situation in Iran and the Gulf, calling for restraint and resolution of disputes through “dialogue and diplomacy”. In his conversation with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, he “strongly condemned” attacks against Azerbaijan and reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity, with both leaders agreeing on immediate de-escalation. Similar views were echoed in talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, as leaders emphasised peace efforts and continued cooperation. The calls also included exchanges of Eidul Fitr greetings and reaffirmations of strengthening bilateral relations.
In separate conversations with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Bangladesh’s prime minister and Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, the premier reiterated Pakistan’s concern over regional instability. It underscored the importance of diplomacy to restore peace. He condemned Israeli actions in Lebanon, expressing “strongest condemnation” and solidarity with its people, while reaffirming support for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Across all calls, leaders expressed satisfaction with bilateral ties and committed to enhancing cooperation. The premier also highlighted the importance of continued coordination on regional developments, noting shared concerns over the widening conflict involving Iran. A day earlier, he held similar discussions with Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Jordan’s King Abdullah II. ("Calls for de-escalation in Middle East as PM Shehbaz speaks to several world leaders, Dawn, 20 March 2026)
In Brief
AF-PAK
Pakistan rejects Taliban ceasefire violation claim
On 20 March, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s information ministry on Friday rejected the Afghan Taliban’s claim that Islamabad violated a temporary Eidul Fitr ceasefire, terming the allegation “frivolous” and “absolutely false”. In a statement, the ministry said “no violation of the temporary pause has taken place” along the western border and suggested the claims could be propaganda by elements within the Taliban to create a pretext for further action. It reiterated that Pakistan had itself initiated the five-day pause in Operation Ghazab lil-Haq in view of Eid and at the request of friendly countries, warning that any cross-border attack or terrorist activity would lead to “immediate resumption” of the operation with “renewed intensity”. The ceasefire followed heightened tensions after the operation’s launch in late February, with both sides agreeing to de-escalation amid mediation efforts by regional partners. ("Govt rubbishes Afghan Taliban’s ‘frivolous’ claim of Pakistan violating truce," Dawn, 20 March 2026)
ECONOMY
PM Shehbaz rejects recommendations for further fuel price hikes
On 21 March, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the country on the eve of Eidul-Fitr. In his speech, he greeted the nation and emphasised that the festival demands humanity, national unity and collective responsibility. He mentioned that in recent days he had rejected the ministries’ repeated recommendations to increase the petrol and diesel prices again in the country. However, he warned that if the international oil prices continued to rise in the coming days, a further increase in fuel prices would be imminent. As the Government has exhausted its funds from its savings and development fund to bear the burden of skyrocketing oil prices in the international market, the PM has also instructed relevant ministries to devise a mechanism to ensure price stability, and that the “relief” government had approved recently must reach the deserving and needy. (“PM Shehbaz rejects recommendations for further hike in petrol, diesel prices,” Dawn, 21 March 2026)
Digital payments recorded a steady growth in second quarter of FY26
On 21 March, Dawn reported that banking transaction systems have shifted to digital methods over the years in the country. As per the State Bank of Pakistan, out of the 3.4 billion retail transactions, 92 per cent of retail transactions were carried out through digital mode during the second quarter (October to December)of FY26. In total, 3.1 billion transactions happened using digital channels, amounting to PKR 64 trillion, reflecting the growth of digital adoption in the country. Mobile app-based payments, ATMs, and usage of internet banking continue to witness a steady growth. (“Digital channels account for 92 pc of retail payments,” Dawn, 21 March 2026)
EXTERNAL
Air traffic control averts planes from entering Iran war-zone airspace
On 20 March, Dawn reported that the Airport Traffic Controllers (ATC) of the Pakistan Airport Authority (PAA) reportedly prevented around 30 passenger aircraft from drifting into Iranian war-zone airspace amid severe weather conditions earlier this week. Officials said flights travelling to and from destinations including Saudi Arabia and Dubai faced extreme turbulence near the Iran border, with some aircraft at risk of entering restricted airspace currently closed due to ongoing conflict. Timely coordination between Lahore air traffic controllers and the Karachi Flight Information Region helped safely divert the planes, averting a potential disaster. An official noted that repeated attempts to contact Tehran Air Traffic Control received no response, heightening the risk. The affected route from Lahore via Kalat to Panjgur and Gwadar experienced intense weather disturbances, forcing pilots to alter course. A PAA spokesperson termed such situations part of routine management, stressing controllers are trained to handle emergencies under international standards. ("30 planes prevented from entering Iranian war zone: Pakistan Airport Authority," Dawn, 20 March 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Ex-SC judge warns of "autocratic legalism", urges safeguards
On 20 March, The Express Tribune reported that former Supreme Court judge Mansoor Ali Shah warned that judicial independence erodes under “concentrated power”, proposing a broad roadmap to counter rising autocratic tendencies. Speaking at the NYU Research Symposium on Legal Empowerment and Autocracy in Accra, Ghana, he said he resigned in November 2025 after concluding he could no longer “protect a Constitution from within a court that had been stripped” of its authority. He described the recent 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments as “the destruction of the Constitution” through “autocratic legalism”, arguing they used democratic forms to hollow out substance. Shah called for reforms in legal education, judicial appointments and stronger, independent bar associations, stressing that lawyers must continue documenting violations even under “captured” courts. He identified fear, comfort and institutional conditioning as key reasons judges accommodate authoritarianism, warning that weakened institutions also harm economic governance. “Judicial independence is not a character trait. It is an institutional condition,” he said, urging collective resistance. ("26th, 27th amends 'destroyed Constitution'," The Express Tribune, 20 March 2026)
SECURITY
KP at the "frontline" in anti-terror fight, says CM aide
On 20 March, Dawn reported that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Adviser to the Chief Minister on information and public relations, Shafi Jan, on Thursday said the province was playing a “frontline role” in the fight against terrorism, describing it as a “shield” for the rest of the country. Addressing a press conference, he announced that PKR 31 billion had been allocated to strengthen the Counter-Terrorism Department and Special Branch, alongside measures to equip police with modern tools and enhance compensation under the Shuhada Package. He added that austerity steps were being taken amid a global energy crisis, while a PKR 13 billion Ramazan Relief Package had benefited over one million people in a “transparent manner”. Criticising the federal government, he complained about the denial of funds for tribal districts and rising fuel prices, which he said increased public hardship. Jan maintained the province had avoided raising BRT fares despite inflation, and warned that opposition criticism of welfare initiatives lacked “solid evidence.” ("KP on the frontline in war on terror, says CM aide," Dawn, 20 March 2026)
Wanted militant killed in CTD operation in Dera Ismail Khan
On 20 March, Dawn reported that a wanted militant allegedly involved in a deadly attack on police in Paharpur tehsil was killed during a joint operation by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and district police in Dera Ismail Khan, officials said. According to a CTD statement, the operation was carried out in the Wanda Badh area following intelligence reports about militant presence. The suspect, identified as Ahmad, son of Gul Din, belonged to the Dotani tribe and was linked to the former Kachi militant group. Authorities said he was wanted in multiple serious cases and was directly involved in an attack that killed Faheem Mumtaz and six other police personnel, while another officer was injured. Officials added that the militant had appeared in images circulated by attackers on social media after the incident, calling his killing a “significant development” in efforts to combat terrorism and maintain regional stability. ("Counter Terrorism Department kills wanted militant in Dera Ismail Khan," Dawn, 20 March 2026)
Five terror suspects held, Karachi railway attack foiled
On 20 March, Dawn reported that the Sindh Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on Friday said it arrested five members of the proscribed Baloch Republican Guard (BRG) during a joint intelligence-based operation with Rangers and a federal agency, foiling a planned attack on railway tracks in Karachi. Officials said explosives, IEDs, weapons and ammunition were recovered, while the suspects confessed to involvement in multiple low-intensity blasts in Jacobabad and Shikarpur, including an October 2025 attack on the Jaffar Express that injured several passengers. The CTD added that the group had claimed responsibility for previous attacks online and received training and explosives from Balochistan. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Sindh CTD Azfar Mahesar termed the arrests a “major dent” in the network and alleged foreign backing, claiming it exposed a wider “terror nexus”. Authorities said further raids were underway to apprehend facilitators, as investigations continue. ("5 arrested, terrorist plot targeting railway tracks in Karachi foiled: Sindh CTD," Dawn, 20 March 2026)
ON INDIA
Pakistan hits back at India at UN over "weaponising" Indus waters
On 20 March, Dawn reported that Pakistan criticised India at a UN event ahead of World Water Day for unilaterally suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), calling it a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability, agriculture and livelihoods. Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik said the move “undermines decades of cooperation” and warned that “for us, water is agriculture”, highlighting its centrality to Pakistan’s economy. India’s UN envoy maintained the treaty would remain “in abeyance” until Pakistan ends alleged support for terrorism - an assertion Islamabad rejected as “entirely baseless”. In a right of reply, Pakistan’s representative cautioned against linking water issues with political disputes and said such attempts “cannot conceal” India’s own record. Emphasising the humanitarian dimension, Malik added that “when we fight for water rights, we are also fighting for women’s rights”, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the treaty and international law. ("Pakistan lashes out at India for ‘weaponisation of water’ over baseless allegations at UN," Dawn, 20 March 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
War & geopolitics
Abbas Nasir, “Iran’s escalation dominance,” Dawn, 20 March 2026
"The ongoing hostilities in the Israel-US war on Iran — with Tehran raining missiles and drones on the Zionist apartheid state and Washington’s interests in the region in retaliation for attacks on Iran’s military sites and infrastructure, including energy assets, and the mass murder of its leaders and schoolgirls — is one side of the equation. The other side consists of the fog generated by disinformation, claims, denials and spin."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1983942/irans-escalation-dominance
Syed Mohammad Ali, “Unrecognised environmental costs of conflict,” The Express Tribune, 20 March 2026
"When assessing the costs of war, attention is typically directed toward human suffering, economic loss and geopolitical instability. Yet another major cost often goes unnoticed: the massive environmental destruction that conflicts unleash. War degrades ecosystems, accelerates climate change and leaves toxic legacies that continue damaging both nature and the people who depend on it."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2598489/unrecognised-environmental-costs-of-conflict
Pakistan-Afghanistan
Durdana Najam, “Pakistan: bulwark against Afghan terror spillover,” The Express Tribune, 20 March 2026
"The adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2818 on March 16, 2026 should have served as a moment of global clarity. Instead, it risks becoming yet another document filed away in the long history of warnings ignored. Nearly three decades after United Nations Security Council Resolution 1267 formally condemned the Taliban regime for providing safe havens to terrorist organisations such as Al-Qaeda, the international community finds itself confronting the same grim reality: Afghanistan remains a sanctuary for transnational militancy."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2598316/pakistan-bulwark-against-afghan-terror-spillover
Editorial, “Pause in fighting,” The Express Tribune, 20 March 2026
"The pause in fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan on the eve of Eid is a promising development, and must graduate into a permanent ceasefire. The cessation of hostilities has apparently come under the good offices of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye, underscoring the need for tranquility in the region. The discord between Kabul and Islamabad is rooted in the audacity of the former to ignore the menace of terrorism. Thus came Ghazab Lil Haq. But the military operation is meant only to exterminate the terror nexus operating from the Afghan soil, and is in no way against the people or the government of Afghanistan."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2598490/pause-in-fighting
Nuclear weapons
Editorial, “Pakistan’s right,” Dawn, 20 March 2026
"The US director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, recently made uncalled-for comments regarding Pakistan’s missile and nuclear capabilities. The Foreign Office must be commended for promptly setting the record straight. The US should avoid the perception that it plays favourites in South Asia. India’s missile capabilities extend beyond 12,000 km. As such, they should be a much bigger problem."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1983937/pakistans-right
Education
Editorial, “Active learning,” Dawn, 20 March 2026
"On March 1, following news of the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, parts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Karachi witnessed protests that turned violent. The clashes resulted in the loss of several innocent lives. Multiple buildings were burned and curfew was imposed in Skardu and Gilgit City for several days. Unfortunately, Pakistan has a history of protests where information combined with emotions generate a tragic collective response. Many factors, including political and religious realities, shape such incidents; but such events also invite us to reflect deeply and ask: how can education equip humans with the ability to think, process information and respond responsibly, particularly in turbulent times? Some scholars argue that education should uphold peace by transforming people’s values and behaviour and building inter-group relationships, which are in line with the principles of non-violence."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1983939/active-learning
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