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Pakistan-Afghanistan War update
Foreign Office confirms ongoing talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan
Kabul must demonstrate “visible and verifiable actions” against militant groups operating from its soil, says FO
On 02 April, Dawn reported that Pakistan confirmed ongoing talks with Afghanistan in Urumqi, with Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stating that Kabul must demonstrate “visible and verifiable actions” against militant groups operating from its soil. “Our participation is a reiteration of our core concerns,” he said, adding that “the burden of real process lies with Afghanistan.” The engagement, involving senior officials, marks a limited diplomatic re-engagement after contacts stalled following cross-border attacks from both countries. Andrabi noted that discussions were focused on the latest escalation and said, “Pakistan has never shied away from dialogue, and we remain engaged.” While no major outcomes were expected, China was believed to be encouraging confidence-building steps, such as reopening trade routes. He also reiterated that the operation was ongoing, stating there was “no change due to any talks.”
This comes following Pakistan’s Operation Ghazab lil-Haq against Afghanistan, which was launched on 26 February after Afghanistan conducted cross-border attacks against Pakistan. This was a response to Islamabad’s strikes on alleged terrorist camps across the border the weekend before. Türkiye and Russia initially offered to mediate between the two, but China has played a more prominent role this time around, leveraging its strong ties with both countries. (“Pakistan in talks with Afghanistan but Kabul must demonstrate ‘visible and verifiable actions’: FO,” Dawn, 02 April 2026)
US-Iran War update
Pakistan-led US-Iran talks face delays amid Tehran’s hesitation
Foreign Office rejects media speculation, but confirms gap between both sides exist
On 04 April, Dawn reported that a Pakistan-led initiative to facilitate talks between the United States and Iran has stalled, as Tehran has yet to respond despite recent backchannel exchanges formally. A senior Pakistani official said some progress had been made through message relays, but noted, “the absence of a clear Iranian signal has slowed momentum at this critical stage.” The official added that “despite the obliteration of significant infrastructure, Iran has not responded positively to calls for negotiations.” Pakistan, alongside China, has urged Tehran to engage, but “Tehran has so far not conveyed its readiness,” the official said. Islamabad continues to position itself as a facilitator, leveraging ties with Washington, Tehran and Beijing, while building broader support through outreach to Gulf countries and Türkiye for a potential dialogue framework.
The report added that while a negotiation framework has been discussed and Islamabad identified as a possible venue, Iran’s internal dynamics and security concerns are complicating decision-making. An Iranian official described US proposals as “too difficult to accept” and the situation as “highly complex,” citing deep mistrust and ongoing military deployments in the region. He stressed that Iran’s immediate focus remains the war, adding it has “zero confidence in US” intentions. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Office rejected media speculation, stating such claims were “baseless and a figment of imagination,” and urged outlets to “exercise due diligence” during heightened regional tensions. Diplomats warned that while communication channels remain open, the gap between both sides persists, making prospects for formal negotiations uncertain. (“‘Silence’ stonewalls Pakistan-led US-Iran talks initiative,” Dawn, 04 April 2026)
READ MORE:
D Suba Chandran, "The US-Iran Conflict and Pakistan: Balancing Rhetoric, Regional Interests and Global Alignments," PR Commentary, 03 March 2026
ECONOMY
Pakistan cuts petrol levy by PKR 80 after price surge draws public backlash; provinces roll out targeted relief
On 04 April, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a reduction in the petroleum levy by PKR 80 per litre, bringing petrol prices down from PKR 458 to PKR 378 per litre, a day after an unprecedented 42.7 per cent hike triggered widespread public outrage. In a televised address, the prime minister attributed the initial increase to rising global oil prices caused by the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran, and declared that all federal cabinet members would forgo salaries for six months as an austerity measure. The federal government also confirmed that train fares would remain unchanged and free public bus services would be provided in Islamabad, Punjab, and Sindh. Both provincial governments announced targeted relief packages. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah unveiled a PKR 55 billion package providing PKR 2,000 per month to approximately 6.7 million registered motorcycle owners, diesel subsidies for small farmers, and fixed subsidies for transporters contingent on fare freezes. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced free intra-city public transport across the province, a diesel subsidy of 10 litres per acre for wheat-growing farmers with holdings up to 25 acres, and per-vehicle monthly subsidies for goods transport and public service buses. ("Petrol price drops to Rs378 as PM cuts levy amid backlash," Dawn, 04 April 2026)
Pakistan to repay USD 3.5 billion UAE debt by month-end amid reserve concerns
On 04 April, Dawn reported that Pakistan will return USD 3.5 billion to the United Arab Emirates before the end of April following Abu Dhabi's request for immediate repayment of funds originally extended in 2019 to stabilise Pakistan's balance of payments. A senior official framed the decision as a matter of "national dignity," while analysts warned it could pressure the rupee and complicate Pakistan's IMF programme, which requires approximately USD 12.5 billion in rollovers from China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The repayment would reduce central bank reserves of approximately USD 16.3 billion by around 18 per cent, with no replacement financing arrangement indicated. ("Pakistan to return $3.5bn UAE debt before month end: official," Dawn, 04 April 2026)
Weekly inflation rises 9.12 per cent amid petroleum price surge; double-digit rise expected
On 04 April, Dawn reported that Pakistan's Sensitive Price Index (SPI) rose 9.12 per cent year-on-year in the week ending 02 April, marking the 34th consecutive week of rising prices. The increase was driven primarily by higher petroleum product and vegetable prices, with LPG recording the sharpest weekly rise at 13.28 per cent. Double-digit inflation is anticipated in the next review as the 03 April petroleum price hike and higher transport charges feed into retail prices of perishable goods. Separately, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Food Price Index rose 2.4 per cent in March, driven largely by energy costs linked to the Middle East conflict escalation. ("Weekly inflation surges 9.12pc," Dawn, 4 April 2026)
Pakistan's economy grows 3.89 per cent in October-December quarter
On 3 April, Dawn reported that Pakistan's economy expanded by 3.89 per cent in the second quarter of FY26 (October-December 2025), up from 2.18 per cent in the same period last year and marginally above the revised 3.63 per cent recorded in Q1. Growth was led by the industrial sector at 7.40 per cent, followed by services at 3.69 per cent and agriculture at 1.76 per cent. Large-Scale Manufacturing growth was driven by automobiles, transport equipment, and petroleum products, while construction expanded 10.53 per cent on the back of an 8.44 per cent rise in cement production. The State Bank of Pakistan projects full-year GDP growth at 4 per cent for FY26, while the World Bank's estimate stands at 3 per cent. ("Economy expands 3.89pc in Oct-Dec," Dawn, 3 April 2026)
EXTERNAL
Chinese envoy discusses security situation with JUI-F chief
On 03 April, Dawn reported that the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, called on JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Both sides exchanged views on the Iran conflict, terming it a violation of international law and Tehran’s sovereignty. The discussion also highlighted convergence of views between JUI-F and China regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and regional peace, noting that such alignment would benefit the region. (“Chinese envoy Fazl discuss security situation,” Dawn, 03 April 2026)
Pakistan, eight others condemn Israel's death penalty law
On 02 April, Dawn reported that eight muslim majority countries, including Pakistan, condemned Israel’s move to pass a law making death by hanging a default sentence for Palestinians convicted in military courts of deadly attacks. These muslim majority countries, including Pakistan, Turkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, released a joint statement condemning the legislation. Under the new law, passed in parliament late Monday, Palestinians in the West Bank convicted by military courts of carrying out deadly attacks classified as “terrorism” will face the death penalty as a default sentence. The joint statement by eight muslim countries underscored that recent Israeli legislation constitutes a dangerous escalation, particularly given its discriminatory application against Palestinian prisoners, and stressed that such measures risk further exacerbating tensions and undermining regional stability. (“'Dangerous escalation': 8 Muslim-majority-countries, including Pakistan condemn Israel's death penalty law,” Dawn, 02 April 2026)
SECURITY
Eight terrorists killed along Pakistan-Afghanistan border
On 02 April, Dawn reported that eight terrorists were killed by security forces along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in North Waziristan. All eight terrorists belong to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in its statement demanded that the Afghan Taliban Regime must fulfil its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by TTP Pakistan and the involvement of its citizens in terrorism inside Pakistan. This counter-terrorism action is part of a campaign under the vision ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ (as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan. President Zardari paid tribute to the security forces and urged the Afghan interim government to prevent its territory from being used for terrorism against Pakistan. (“Security forces kill 8 terrorists along Pak-Afghan border in North Waziristan: ISPR,” Dawn, 2 April 2026)
Suicide bombing at Domel Police Station kills five civilians
On 3 April, Dawn reported that the Domel Police Station in Bannu city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was targeted by terrorists. A suicide car bomb rammed into the rear side of the police station, triggering a massive blast followed by an exchange of gunfire. The sentry post of the police station was destroyed in the blast. The explosion also caused severe damage to nearby residential areas, and many house buildings also collapsed. Five people were martyred, and 13 were injured in the incident. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, expressing sorrow at the loss of life. (“Suicide bombing at Domel police station in Bannu leaves 5 civilians dead, 13 injured,” Dawn, 3 April 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Imran, Bushra approach IHC to seek early hearings in Toshakhana-I, GBP 190 million cases
On 03 April, Dawn reported that former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi approached the Islamabad High Court seeking urgent hearings of their appeals against convictions in the Toshakhana-I case and suspension of sentence in the GBP 190 million Al-Qadir Trust case, citing “inordinate delays” and “dilatory tactics” by the prosecution. In petitions filed under Section 561-A CrPC, the couple argued that the trial court judgment suffered from “serious misreading and non-reading of material evidence” and requested expedited adjudication. They also sought court directions for immediate and unhindered access to legal counsel, alleging denial of visitation rights. Imran’s petition highlighted his medical condition, stating required treatment was unavailable in Adiala Jail, while Bushra’s plea emphasised prolonged delays in her sentence suspension application. Their counsel maintained that continued adjournments were causing “irreparable loss” and undermining the right to a fair trial. (“Imran, Bushra move IHC to fix appeals in Toshakhana-I, £190m cases,” Dawn, 03 April 2026)
KP CM decries fiscal constraints, warns of protest over restrictions on meeting Imran Khan
On 03 April, Dawn reported that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi criticised the federal government for failing to release constitutionally mandated funds, saying outstanding transfers under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award and net hydel profit were placing additional pressure on provincial finances. Speaking in Islamabad, he said fiscal integration following FATA’s merger remained incomplete, and resource distribution since 2018 had been inequitable. Afridi added that the province had spent around PKR 15 billion on terrorism-related support without federal assistance, while also managing flood relief independently. Highlighting broader concerns, he added that implementation was missing on proposed counterterrorism policies and warned against continued economic strain on citizens. The chief minister also alleged political victimisation and restrictions on meetings with Imran Khan, announcing a planned public gathering on 09 April, stating the party would proceed peacefully even if permission was denied. (“KP faces fiscal constraints due to ‘missing’ constitutional funds: CM,” Dawn, 03 April 2026)
PTI leaders denied meeting with Imran Khan again, party criticises govt policies
On 02 April, Dawn reported that meetings with incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan remained suspended as party leaders were again stopped outside Adiala Jail despite prior approval lists. PTI leader Seemabia Tahir said they were denied access at a checkpoint despite court orders, adding that they were not allowed to move ahead. She alleged that Imran had “lost 85 per cent of his vision in one eye” and remained in solitary confinement for months, calling it a violation of the law. The PTI also criticised rising LPG prices, terming them “anti-people and unjust,” with spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram warning that increasing fuel costs would worsen inflation and burden low-income households. He added that further petroleum price hikes would raise the costs of essential goods, while urging Pakistan to promote peace in regional conflicts instead of engaging in war. (“Meetings with Imran continue to remain suspended as authorities stop PTI leaders outside Adiala jail,” Dawn, 02 April 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Iran war
Ahmer Bilal Soofi, “Legal vs political neutrality,” Dawn, 04 April 2026
"The Arab Gulf states are in a bind. They argue that they are neutral and don’t support the US-Israel war on Iran. Tehran, on the other hand, sees the presence of American bases on their territories as compromising their status as neutral powers. Iran’s attacks on civilian targets in Gulf states erode its diplomatic standing in the Gulf, and risk widening the conflict by drawing previously restrained states into active participation. The most prudent course is for Iran to accord respect to the political neutrality claimed by the Gulf states."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1988405/legal-vs-political-neutrality
Poverty in Pakistan
Editorial, “The missing take-off,” Dawn, 04 April 2026
"Pakistan periodically receives what policymakers describe as a ‘window of opportunity’: debt rollovers, IMF programmes, diplomatic goodwill, or the promise of foreign investment. Each time, hope returns that the economy will finally take off. Yet tangible, sustained improvement for ordinary Pakistanis remains elusive. Recent official data now show why. Poverty is rising sharply, purchasing power is shrinking, inequality is widening and the economy shows little sign of genuine take-off."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1988404/the-missing-take-off
Economy
Imtiaz Gul, “Security-centric policies and trade,” The Express Tribune, 04 April 2026
"Pakistan appears to be trapped in a paradox. While its private sector leaders advocate for dialogue and inclusion, its public policy, both in words and actions, suggests otherwise. Pakistan has refrained from engaging with other countries and has excluded dissenting voices."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2600931/security-centric-policies-and-trade
Terrorism
Editorial, “Bannu attack,” The Express Tribune, 04 April 2026
"A devastating suicide attack on a police station in Bannu town of K-P simply reminds us that the terror nexus is intact. It also comes as a reality check that all efforts to exterminate it through the use of force, as well as a dialogue, have ended half-heartedly. These unscrupulous elements have an agenda to nurse, and are surely associated with geopolitical crosscurrents of the day. The car bomb blast that killed four members of a family, a total of 13 civilians and a policeman, should be read in a series of attacks as the fragile district has been at the eye of the storm."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2600927/bannu-attack
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