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In Focus
Pakistan intensifies regional diplomacy amid Middle East crisis
Islamabad played a key diplomatic role in US-Iran de-escalation push, security sources say
On 23 March, Dawn reported that Pakistan stepped up engagement with Iran as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone call with President Masoud Pezeshkian, stressing the urgent need for collective de-escalation and a return to dialogue amid ongoing hostilities. The premier conveyed serious concern over the escalating conflict and reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Iranian people, while assuring Tehran of Islamabad’s continued role in facilitating regional peace. He also highlighted the importance of unity within the Muslim world and shared Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach. Both leaders exchanged Eidul Fitr and Nowruz greetings, with Tehran reciprocating the sentiments as tensions in the region remained high.
On the same day, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan broadened its diplomatic outreach to other regional actors, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar holding separate calls with counterparts from Iran, Türkiye and Iraq. Dar emphasised sustained engagement, dialogue and adherence to international law to ensure peace and stability, as Islamabad coordinated efforts with key regional partners. Officials said Pakistan has intensified contacts with the Gulf and neighbouring countries to prevent further escalation, while supporting collective initiatives aimed at de-escalation. The outreach reflects Islamabad’s cautious but proactive approach, leveraging its regional ties to promote stability and avoid a wider conflict.
Separately, on 24 March, Dawn reported that, according to security sources, Pakistan, alongside Turkiye and Egypt, played a central role in a coordinated diplomatic effort that contributed to a five-day pause in potential US strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure amid the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Tehran. Officials described Islamabad’s role as that of a “net regional stabiliser”, facilitating indirect communication between Washington and Tehran through backchannel diplomacy involving US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. While the pause remains limited and conditional, diplomatic exchanges reportedly addressed broader issues, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending hostilities. Pakistan has also been floated as a possible venue for future talks, though no formal confirmation has been issued by any party. ("In phone call with Pezeshkian, PM stresses ‘urgent need’ for collective efforts for de-escalation in Mideast," Dawn, 23 March 2026; "FM Dar urges collective efforts to de-escalate Mideast crisis in talks with Iran, Turkish, Iraqi counterparts," The Express Tribune, 23 March 2026; "Pakistan in the limelight as US, Iran ‘open backchannel’," Dawn, 24 March 2026)
In Brief
AF-PAK
KP to resume crackdown on undocumented Afghan refugees after Eid
On 24 March, The Express Tribune reported that authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are set to resume operations against undocumented Afghan refugees following the conclusion of Eidul Fitr, after a temporary halt allowed families to observe the festival. Law enforcement agencies are expected to intensify actions under relevant laws, while the closure of nine Afghan refugee camps and a large-scale voluntary repatriation drive will restart. Officials have also resumed surveys in Peshawar to update refugee data, focusing on business ownership, undocumented identity papers, and mixed-status families, including Afghan women married to Pakistani citizens. Data collection on refugee-owned assets is also underway. Sources said instructions have been issued to expedite enforcement measures, as part of broader national efforts that have already seen thousands detained in recent months, with the post-Eid phase aimed at strengthening registration, repatriation and immigration control measures. ("Crackdown on Afghans set to intensify in K-P after Eid holidays," The Express Tribune, 24 March 2026)
ECONOMY
Pakistan's trade deficit with West Asia narrows amid regional turmoil
On 24 March, Dawn reported that Pakistan's trade deficit with West Asia declined to USD 9.047 billion in July-February FY26 from USD 9.299 billion a year ago, as per the State Bank of Pakistan. The data shows that the West Asia conflict region has begun to weigh on commercial activity and bilateral engagement. The Planning Commission of Pakistan has already warned the government of the potential economic repercussions of the Gulf crisis. The Planning Commission emphasised that the crisis would lead to higher energy costs due to a rise in oil prices in the international market, pressure on remittance inflows, and possible disruptions to exports and the financial stability of the country. (“Trade gap narrows to $9.04bn in July-January,” Dawn, 24 March 2026)
Pakistan Super League to be limited to two venues due to austerity measures
On 23 March, Dawn reported that as part of the austerity measures in view of the fuel crisis in the country, the Pakistan Cricket Board decided to limit the matches of the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to Lahore and Karachi. It was initially scheduled to be held across six venues. As part of the austerity measures in Balochistan, the closure of all government and private educational institutions has been extended by the provincial government until 31 March. The government has decided to extend the closure in view of the prevailing fuel shortages in the province. Similarly, the Sindh government, as part of austerity measures, put a limit on the number of guests at weddings and ceremonies. (“PSL to go ahead sans spectators, matches limited to Lahore and Karachi under austerity drive,” Dawn, 23 March 2026; “Closure of schools extended till 31st in Balochistan,” Dawn, 23 March 2026)
Increase in levy on high octane fuel by PKR 200
On 23 March, Dawn reported that the government has increased the levy on high-octane fuel, a premium-grade petroleum product with a higher octane rating, used mainly in luxury and high-performance vehicles. The decision to increase high-octane fuel by PKR 200 was taken at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and it aimed to reduce the economic burden on the country by shifting it to higher-income groups. The decision will save the government PKR 9 billion as the total levy is PKR 300 per litre. The government assured that there will be no increase in fuel prices for ordinary vehicles. With rising global oil prices following the West Asia conflict, PM Shehbaz had instructed relevant ministries to devise a mechanism. (“Levy on high-octane fuel raised by Rs 200 per litre,” Dawn, 23 March 2026)
EXTERNAL
China reaffirms support for Pakistan on Pakistan Day
On 23 March, Dawn reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated President Asif Ali Zardari on Pakistan Day, expressing readiness to strengthen bilateral ties and build a closer Sino-Pak community with a shared future. Xi highlighted milestones, including China’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, while emphasising enhanced strategic communication and alignment of development strategies. He praised Pakistan for safeguarding sovereignty and advancing national development despite challenges, as well as contributing to regional peace and stability. Separately, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Premier Li Qiang also conveyed greetings to Pakistan’s leadership, reaffirming their commitment to deepening the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and implementing the consensus reached by both countries’ leaders. ("China’s Xi looks to build an ‘even closer’ Pak-China community with shared future," Dawn, 23 March 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
PTI founder undergoes third dose of anti-VEGF intravitreal injection at PIMS
On 23 March, Dawn reported that Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan underwent a third eye procedure at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). After the medical procedure, he was shifted back to Adiala Jail. His first medical procedure was carried out on 24 January and was confirmed by the government five days after reports surfaced about it in the media. The PTI continued to demand that the former prime minister be provided medical assistance and treatment in the presence of his personal physicians and with the involvement of his family members. (“Imran undergoes third eye procedure at pims,” Dawn, 23 March 2026)
SECURITY
TTP emerges as the third deadliest terror group globally
On 23 March, Dawn reported that on the Global Terrorism Index, Pakistan was in first place with a six per cent increase in terror-related deaths in 2025. The country recorded 1,139 deaths and 1045 incidents in 2025, the highest since 2013. The Global Terrorism Index 2026, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), provides a comprehensive summary of the key trends and patterns in terrorism. It ranked 163 countries according to the impact of terrorism in terms of terrorist incidents, fatalities, injuries, and hostages. As per the report data, the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) have created significant security risks for the country. TTP, in particular, emerged as the deadliest terror group in Pakistan and the third deadliest terrorist group globally. TTP attacks constitute over 67 per cent of total attacks in Pakistan since 2009, and it is responsible for five times as many attacks in Pakistan as the BLA, the second most active group in the country. (“Pakistan now worst victims of terrorism,” Dawn, 23 March 2026)
Two TTP terrorists killed in KP
On 23 March, Dawn reported that two Tehreek-i- Taliban terrorists were killed in Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. On the second day of Eid al-Fitr, terrorists tried to attack the under-construction police station. Earlier, terrorists also kidnapped a few of the workers and policemen. However, negotiations with tribal elders led to the release of the workers. Additional police personnel were deployed, and the situation was brought under control as the police investigated the incident. (“Terrorists killed following attack on under-construction police station in Kurram: security sources,” Dawn, 23 March 2026)
SOCIETY
Pakistan Day celebration kicks off with prayers and official ceremonies
On 23 March, Dawn reported that Pakistan Day was commemorated across the nation, with official celebrations kicking off with the customary 31-gun salute in the federal capital, and 21-gun salutes in the provincial capitals. Pakistan Day commemorates the adoption of the Lahore Resolution on 23 March 1940, which set the agenda for a separate homeland for Muslims of the Subcontinent. People across the country “renewed their pledge to transform Pakistan into a true Islamic welfare state in line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.” President Asif Ali Zardari extended heartfelt felicitations and emphasised that Pakistan Day reminds us that unity and solidarity are the most important elements in transforming national resolve into reality. (“President, PM call for unity on eve of Pakistan Day,” Dawn, 23 March 2026)
Human rights groups flag shrinking space for dissent in Pakistan
On 23 March, Dawn reported that Amnesty International warned that there is a “shrinking space for dissent” in Pakistan, with authorities using arbitrary detention, force, and restrictions on gatherings. Human Rights Watch has also documented cases of intimidation, enforced disappearances, and legal harassment of activists, lawyers, and journalists in Pakistan, as three journalists were held at the Women’s Day rally. Protest movements, women demanding equality, and opposition groups have frequently been blocked or banned, while state-aligned groups are allowed to march freely. New laws regulating both mainstream and social media have been widely criticised as restrictive and excessive, limiting freedom of expression and independent reporting. (“Shrinking space for dissent: rights activists speak out on ‘repression’,” Dawn, 23 March 2026)
ENVIRONMENT
Pakistan ranked world’s most polluted country in 2025, according to report
On 24 March, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan was ranked the world’s most polluted country in 2025, with PM2.5 concentrations reaching up to 13 times the World Health Organisation’s recommended limit, according to a report by Swiss air quality firm IQAir. Major cities, including Karachi, Lahore and Hyderabad, recorded unhealthy air quality, with Karachi’s AQI surpassing 100 on multiple occasions. Globally, only 13 countries met the WHO standard of less than 5 micrograms per cubic metre, while 130 out of 143 failed to comply. The report noted that South Asia dominated pollution rankings, with cities in India, Pakistan and China among the worst affected. While some countries saw improvements due to favourable weather patterns, overall global air quality declined, with only 14% of cities meeting safe standards. ("Pakistan ranked most polluted country in 2025, data shows," The Express Tribune, 24 March 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
War & geopolitics
Arifa Noor, “A hegemon weakens,” Dawn, 24 March 2026
"The old world is dying, we are told. The chaos, the uncertainty, the economic downturn and the rise of populists, are all signs of this coming end of the post-World War II order. Perhaps this is also why some of these signs and trends are so similar to what the world witnessed in the inter-war period, which too struggled with the end of one order and the beginning of a new one. Then too, there was recession, populists, wars and shifting alliances."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1984785/a-hegemon-weakens
Mohsin Saleem Ullah, “From Gulf conflict to kitchen costs,” The Express Tribune, 24 March 2026
"The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran has triggered geopolitical and economic turbulence across the Middle East. Although Pakistan is geographically distant from the theatre of conflict, it is among the economies most vulnerable to its economic consequences. For a country heavily dependent on imported energy and remittances from Gulf economies, regional instability can quickly translate into domestic economic pressures."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2598866/from-gulf-conflict-to-kitchen-costs
Terrorism
Editorial, “Terror listing,” Dawn, 24 March 2026
"Few will disagree that terrorism has witnessed a major resurgence in Pakistan, especially after the Afghan Taliban swept into Kabul in 2021. Just how destructive the latest wave of terrorist violence, mainly driven by the banned TTP, has been is reflected in the latest ranking of the Global Terrorism Index 2026, which has placed Pakistan at the top of the list of countries affected by such violence. Last year, the country ranked second. Most of the index’s findings, published by the Australia-based Institute for Economics and Peace, mirror those of UN as well as Pakistani monitors. While the data contains few surprises, the findings are nevertheless cause for concern, and place a question mark over Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategy."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1984786/terror-listing
Editorial, “Top terror victim,” The Express Tribune, 24 March 2026
"Topping the Global Terrorism Index is not a distinction any country seeks, but it is one that Pakistan must now confront with full honesty. The Institute for Economics and Peace has ranked this country first among 163 nations, above active war zones, above states in open collapse."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2598864/top-terror-victim
Economy
Editorial, “Stopgap relief,” Dawn, 24 March 2026
"There is fiscal logic in the government’s decision to sharply increase the petroleum levy on high-octane fuel — a niche product consumed almost exclusively by owners of luxury and high-performance vehicles. By extracting around Rs9bn per month from those with the greatest capacity to absorb the cost, and redirecting that amount to shield the broader public from surging oil prices, the policy introduces an element of targeted relief."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1984788/stopgap-relief
Society
Mehak Anwar, “Half the nation, all the potential: why we must invest in women,” The Express Tribune, 24 March 2026
"As the world observed International Women's Day earlier this month, conversations across countries often focused on women's empowerment, equality, and the progress made toward gender justice. In Pakistan, however, the discussion must confront a more fundamental reality: millions of women and girls still struggle to access basic education and healthcare."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2598868/half-the-nation-all-the-potential-why-we-must-invest-in-women
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