|
In Focus
Pakistan hosts foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt on Iran War
Quadrilateral meeting in Islamabad; Iran allows 20 more Pakistani vessels to pass through Strait of Hormuz
On 30 March, Dawn reported that Pakistan signalled its willingness to host direct talks between the United States and Iran as part of a coordinated regional effort to de-escalate the ongoing Gulf conflict. Speaking after a quadrilateral meeting in Islamabad, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan would be “honoured to host and facilitate meaningful talks for a comprehensive and lasting settlement”. He stressed that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable pathway to peace. He met with the foreign ministers of Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, who warned that the war is in no one’s interest and discussed measures such as securing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, while noting that any direct engagement would depend on evolving conditions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the visiting ministers, expressing gratitude for their support and “confidence in Pakistan’s sincere efforts for regional peace and stability”. He reiterated Pakistan’s “unwavering solidarity” with regional partners and emphasised the need for collective efforts to end hostilities affecting multiple countries urgently. Separately, The Express Tribune reported that European Council President Antonio Costa, during a telephone call with PM Shehbaz, reaffirmed the European Union's support for Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach and endorsed its role as a mediator between Washington and Tehran. The two leaders expressed concern over the economic impact of the conflict, while the prime minister highlighted ongoing mediation efforts, the importance of the GSP Plus arrangement, and the upcoming Pakistan-EU Business Forum scheduled for April 28–29 in Islamabad.
Islamabad has also continued parallel economic and logistical coordination amid the crisis. According to Dawn, Pakistani oil vessels have been arriving regularly from the Middle East, with 20 additional Pakistan-flagged ships recently permitted by Iranian authorities to transit the Strait of Hormuz, allowing operations to resume. However, several vessels carrying commodities such as soybeans and coal remain stationed at the outer anchorage of Karachi port. Meanwhile, Ishaq Dar’s visit to Beijing this week is expected to focus on shaping a framework for prospective US-Iran talks, with Pakistan proposing principles such as an immediate ceasefire and protection of civilians. China has backed Islamabad’s role, stating it supports Pakistan’s mediation efforts, while the European Union has similarly emphasised that dialogue remains the only viable path to stability. Iran, however, has maintained a cautious stance, insisting that any negotiations must be realistic and fair as the conflict continues to influence diplomatic prospects. (“Dar hints at US, Iran talks as quad pushes peace off-ramp,” Dawn, 30 March 2026; “PM Shehbaz expresses gratitude to foreign ministers after quad moot, reiterates Pakistan’s commitment to peace,” Dawn, 30 March 2026; “Beijing talks to ‘refine’ peace framework,” Dawn, 31 March 2026)
In Brief
AF-PAK
KP: Border clashes with Afghanistan intensify in Bajaur as peace jirga seeks de-escalation
On 30 March, Dawn reported that Pakistani and Afghan forces exchanged fire in the Bajaur sector of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with security sources stating that Afghan Taliban fighters initiated the attack using small and heavy weapons. Pakistani forces responded with what officials described as a “vigorous” retaliation, targeting only those positions from which fire originated and reportedly destroying several Afghan posts. Authorities maintained that no civilian areas were hit. The clash comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries, with Islamabad continuing Operation Ghazab lil-Haq following cross-border attacks in February. Officials have reiterated that lasting peace depends on the Afghan Taliban severing ties with militant groups, as diplomatic efforts and earlier ceasefire attempts have yielded limited results.?
On 29 March, a Pakistan-Afghanistan peace jirga was held in Peshawar, aimed at urging both sides to de-escalate tensions. Organisers said the forum would bring together political leaders, tribal elders, civil society representatives and Afghan participants to develop a joint roadmap for peace. Former chief secretary Arbab Shehzad Khan emphasised that conflict could not resolve underlying issues and called for negotiations, confidence-building measures and mutual respect. The jirga is expected to issue a joint declaration advocating stability and cooperation, which will be shared with both governments. Organisers warned that tensions had reached a critical stage, stressing the need for urgent engagement to prevent further deterioration and to ease the burden on communities affected by prolonged instability. (“Security forces retaliate ‘vigorously’ after Afghan Taliban open fire in KP’s Bajaur sector: sources,” Dawn, 30 March 2026; “Pak-Afghan peace jirga to meet in Peshawar on Tuesday,” Dawn, 29 March 2026)
ECONOMY
Provinces agree to share oil subsidy burden
On 31 March, Dawn reported that provinces have agreed to share the burden of the oil subsidy being passed on to local consumers amid the fuel crisis. Earlier, the provinces had expressed their inability to contribute about PKR 200 billion sought by the Ministry of Finance to shield consumers across the country from further hikes in petroleum prices. Both Punjab and Sindh, the two largest provinces, are supposed to share more than PKR 102 billion and about PKR 60 billion, respectively. The federal government had shelved the issue of proposed lockdowns in the country, while putting focus on austerity measures, which had begun with the government cutting down its own expenditures, including cuts to the development budget and the immediate grounding of 60 per cent of official vehicles. (“Provinces to share oil subsidy burden under NFC formula,” Dawn, 31 March 2026)
World Bank releases roadmap for boosting Pakistan’s wheat sector
On 31 March, Dawn reported that the World Bank prepared a technical paper titled "Wheat Sector Modernisation Roadmap" with a focus on improving Pakistan's wheat production and farmer incomes. It highlighted five targeted actions. First, closing the productivity gap between Pakistan and other comparable wheat producers. Second, increasing investment in agricultural research and development. Third, empowering the farmers with small holdings. Fourth, improving institutional coordination and transparency to ensure market stability and managing strategic grain reserves efficiently by moving away from large, costly storage facilities. (“World Bank develops roadmap to modernise wheat sector in Pakistan,” Dawn, 31 March 2026)
Auto sector continues to grow amid economic uncertainties
On 31 March, Dawn reported that auto companies in Pakistan continue to expand amid economic uncertainties due to the Iran war. Lucky Motor Corporation (LMC) has entered into an exclusive partnership with a Chinese company to bring world-class vehicles. LMC is set to announce the commercial rollout plan in the coming weeks, along with product portfolio, technology plans and dealership network. Similarly, Atlas Honda Ltd (AHL), a joint venture between Atlas Group and Honda Motor Company, has announced an investment plan to expand its motorcycle operations in Pakistan. (“Auto sector moves ahead amid uncertainty,” Dawn, 31 March 2026)
Iran allows 20 more Pakistani vessels to pass through Strait of Hormuz
On 30 March, Dawn reported that Pakistani oil vessels continue to arrive regularly from the Middle East, with 20 more ships under the Pakistani flag being allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz by the government of Iran. With the permission of Iranian authorities, Pakistani vessels had resumed their operations. However, many vessels remain at the outer anchorage of Karachi port, carrying commodities such as soybeans and coal. (“More shops arrive from Hormuz,” Dawn, 30 March 2026)
EXTERNAL
EU Council President backs Pakistan's Middle East mediation efforts in call with PM Shehbaz
On 30 March, The Express Tribune reported that European Council President Antonio Costa reaffirmed EU support for Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the Middle East crisis during a telephone call with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The two leaders expressed concern over the ongoing hostilities and their impact on the global economy, and Costa endorsed Pakistan's role as a mediator between the US and Iran. PM Shehbaz briefed Costa on the latest developments in Pakistan's mediation efforts and highlighted the importance of the GSP Plus arrangement, as well as the upcoming Pakistan-EU Business Forum scheduled for April 28-29 in Islamabad. The call followed a quadrilateral foreign ministers' meeting hosted by Pakistan with counterparts from Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, after which Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced that Islamabad could host direct US-Iran talks "in the coming days," describing Pakistan as a willing neutral facilitator for a comprehensive settlement. ("EU council chief reaffirms support for Pakistan's Mideast peace efforts in call with PM Shehbaz," The Express Tribune, 30 March 2026)
Kuwait assures diesel and jet fuel supply to Pakistan amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions
On 30 March, Dawn reported that Kuwait has assured full facilitation of diesel and jet fuel supplies to Pakistan following disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik met with Kuwait's Ambassador Nassar Abdulrahman Jasser Almutairi in Islamabad, where he expressed gratitude to the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) for assuring access for Pakistani-flagged vessels. The assurance follows Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's announcement that Iran had permitted 20 Pakistani-flagged cargo vessels to pass through the Strait. Pakistan imports over 60 per cent of its diesel from Kuwait under a long-term contract between KPC and Pakistan State Oil, and alternative routing has added freight costs. The Kuwaiti ambassador praised Pakistan's role in promoting the peaceful resolution of the conflict, while Malik noted that PM Shehbaz Sharif was personally overseeing efforts to facilitate food and essential commodity supplies to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. ("Kuwait assures full facilitation of diesel, jet fuel supplies to Pakistan," Dawn, 30 March 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
President Zardari, PM Shehbaz review security, economic challenges amid regional tensions
On 30 March, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met President Asif Ali Zardari to review Pakistan’s overall national security situation and pressing economic and energy challenges, according to the President’s Secretariat. The meeting followed a quadrilateral ministerial dialogue in Islamabad involving Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt on efforts to end the ongoing regional conflict. Senior civil and military leadership, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and ISI Director General Asim Malik, participated in detailed discussions on the evolving regional environment and its implications for Pakistan. Participants emphasised the need for coordinated policymaking and institutional harmony. Later, an expanded consultative session with provincial leaders focused on managing rising prices, ensuring essential supplies and mitigating public hardship amid oil and gas supply pressures. Officials said adequate fuel stocks were available, while austerity measures and diplomatic outreach were being pursued to stabilise the situation and support economic resilience. (“President Zardari, PM Shehbaz review regional situation, implications for Pakistan,” Dawn, 30 March 2026)
SECURITY
Gas pipeline bombing cuts supply to Quetta and several Balochistan districts
On 31 March, Dawn reported that unidentified armed men blew up an 18-inch diameter main gas pipeline in the Akhtarabad area on the outskirts of Quetta, suspending gas supply to several areas, including Hazara Town, Pishin, Ziarat, Kalat, Mastung, and Kuchlak. A Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) spokesman confirmed the blast and said repair work would begin after security clearance. Security forces have been deployed at gas installations across the provincial capital following the incident. ("Gas supply to Quetta, other parts of Balochistan suspended," Dawn, 31 March 2026)
Militant attacks kill eleven in Panjgur; grenade and gun attacks injure twelve in Quetta
On 30 March, Dawn reported that eleven people, including six alleged terrorists, were killed in coordinated attacks on multiple houses in Panjgur, Balochistan. Unknown armed men attacked residences in the Khuda-e-Abadan, Sarawan, and Garmakan areas using grenades and gunfire, killing five civilians and setting several rooms and at least six vehicles on fire. Deputy Inspector General of Police for Makran Range, Imran Qureshi, confirmed that six attackers were subsequently killed during a retaliatory operation by police and the Frontier Corps. In separate incidents in Quetta on the same evening, one civilian was killed and twelve others, including police personnel, were injured in grenade and gun attacks on a security post on Sariab Road and a police station in the Aghbarg area. Security forces foiled both attempts. In Mastung, an armed man destroyed a small railway bridge using explosives, while police in Kalat's Surab area averted a larger attack by recovering approximately 320kg of explosives planted in drums beneath a bridge on the Quetta-Karachi National Highway. ("Six suspected terrorists among 11 killed in Panjgur," Dawn, 30 March 2026)
Three security personnel killed in separate attacks in Quetta and Jhal Magsi
On 31 March, Dawn reported that three security personnel were killed and four others injured in two separate attacks in Balochistan. In Quetta, two Eagle Squad constables, Muhammad Noor and Muhammad, were ambushed and killed during a motorcycle patrol on the Eastern Bypass, with a third officer injured. In Jhal Magsi district, armed men attacked the Kotra police station in Gandawah using rockets and heavy weapons; one security personnel was killed, and three were injured before police repelled the assault. Jhal Magsi SSP Rehmatullah noted that police had been on high alert for two weeks following prior intelligence about a possible attack, and that residents assisted in the defence of the station. ("Three martyred in attacks on security forces in Quetta, Jhal Magsi," Dawn, 31 March 2026)
Security forces kill ten TTP militants after school seizure in Bara
On 31 March, Dawn reported that security forces killed ten militants affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Bara, Khyber district, after the group briefly seized a government school in the Akkakhel area and hoisted their flag on the premises. Security forces intercepted the militants as they attempted to flee, killing all ten within hours of the seizure. Sources in Bara noted that TTP and Lashkar-i-Islam (LI) militants had been increasingly active in the area since the last week of Ramazan, conducting vehicle snap-checks on main roads, briefly establishing a checkpoint in the Al-Haj market, and uploading videos on social media to solicit public cooperation against security forces. The operation followed a statement by the Inspector General of Frontier Corps, Maj. Gen. Rao Imran Sartaj, at a jirga of Bara and Tirah elders, stated that negotiations with terrorists were permanently closed, and a multi-party conference organised by the Awami National Party in Bara on Sunday, which had demanded action against the growing militant presence. ("Security forces kill 10 terrorists after 'brief school seizure' in Bara," Dawn, 31 March 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
War & geopolitics
Jawed Naqvi, “How Iran eyes 100pc success,” Dawn, 31 March 2026
"Israel says Iran wants to destroy it and uses the charge to justify the war on its reviled foe. Too many American politicians believe also that Iran seeks to destroy their country. Given its varied topography Iran opted for a different camouflage for the unequal war, burying its arsenal in a nationwide labyrinth of tunnels and underground cities, the kind that inspires Hamas, Houthis and Hezbollah to challenge the Israeli occupation of Gaza. Iran believes the asymmetrical war offers it a good chance to improve its success rate for a peaceful world, in which a liberated Palestine is the cornerstone."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1987023/how-iran-eyes-100pc-success
Dr Niaz Murtaza, “Bumpy off-ramp?” Dawn, 31 March 2026
"As the Gulf war rumbles on, even President Donald Trump’s allies, at home and abroad, worry about its erratic aims and timeline. Signals by American officials that it may end soon were nixed by news of new air attacks and troop arrivals. Mixed signals often aim to hassle the enemy in wars. So, war gurus instead look at the military, political and economic constraints of foes to gauge their plans."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1987020/bumpy-off-ramp
Climate change
Editorial, “Climate readiness,” The Express Tribune, 31 March 2026
"Pakistan's vulnerability to climate change is a lived reality that continues to intensify with each passing year. This reality was brought to light yet again at the Urban Climate Forum titled 'From Systematic Climate Risk to Readiness', where experts warned that escalating climate threats are no longer isolated environmental concerns but systemic risks affecting every sector."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2600184/climate-readiness
The Middle East crisis and Pakistan
Kamran Yousaf, “Pakistan's diplomatic heist,” The Express Tribune, 30 March 2026
"Pakistanis, admittedly, have a tendency to overstate their country's global importance. But this time, the narrative is not driven by rhetoric alone. There is a discernible shift. From Washington to Tehran, and from Riyadh to Beijing, signals are emerging that Pakistan is being seen as a credible interlocutor, perhaps even a bridge between bitter adversaries."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2599989/pakistans-diplomatic-heist
India-Pakistan
Hassan Abbas, “A business case,” Dawn, 31 March 2026
"Despite being hydrologically the most unscientific proposition, the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) was implemented for one reason — it was a good business plan at the time. It was presented by David E. Lilienthal in two essays published in Collier Magazine in 1952, followed by a letter to Eugene Black, president of the International Bank of Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), urging him to engage with India and Pakistan for the business opportunity their water dispute had presented. Lilienthal built the business case around the then geopolitical post-World War II mind. His arguments rested on four pillars: post-war peace, Cold War geopolitics, a new economic order and the allure of mega infrastructure projects."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1987017/a-business-case
|
