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SOCIETY
PM urges people to follow austerity measures amid rising fuel crisis
On 7 April, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a meeting to review the implementation of fuel and energy conservation measures, called on the nation to contribute to fuel conservation and the country's austerity drive. To address the fuel crisis amid the Iran conflict, the government announced unprecedented austerity measures on 9 March. The government also announced that markets would close across all provinces except Sindh by 8pm to conserve energy, as a large share of the country's electricity generation depended on petroleum products. Provincial governments had also started sharing data on people eligible for fuel subsidies to provide subsidies to freight vehicles, buses, and trucks. (“PM Shehbaz calls on nation to contribute to fuel conservation, austerity drive,” Dawn, 8 April 2026)
Government releases PKR 1.2 billion under fuel subsidy scheme
On 8 April, Dawn reported that under the PM fuel package 2026, PKR 1.2 billion has been disbursed digitally to over 32,000 beneficiaries, including operators of buses, trucks, and delivery vans. The package aims to provide relief amid rising fuel costs. The amount has been transferred digitally via the easypaisa digital banking platform, enabling fast, secure, and transparent financial assistance to millions of eligible citizens nationwide. Federal Minister for IT and Telecom said that digital payment transactions are a key pillar of Pakistan’s modern financial system, enabling transparency, efficiency, and inclusion at scale. The disbursement of money brings relief for the poor and the middle class, as current hikes in fuel prices have enlarged the burden on households. (“Rs1.2 billion disbursed among 32,000 beneficiaries under PM Fuel Package,” Dawn, 8 April 2026)
Pakistan condemns Iran’s strikes on Saudi Arabia; Army warns of 'Unnecessary Escalation'
On 7 April 2026, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan condemned the Iranian missiles and drones which targeted several energy-related installations in the Saudi eastern city of Jubail. The Foreign Office in Islamabad termed the attack an “unnecessary escalation” and described it as a grave violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for Saudi Arabia’s “restrained approach,” and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar updated his Saudi counterpart on Pakistan’s efforts. Commander of the Army Field Marshal Asim Munir, during the 274th meeting of the Corps Commanders, strongly condemned the Iranian attack on Saudi energy targets and reaffirmed the commitment of the armed forces of Pakistan to the continued efforts for peace. The military spokesperson in a press release issued after the conference owner commitment of the Army to the continuation of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq in the wake of continued resistance from Afghan Taliban elements providing safe haven to them in Afghanistan. He, at the same time, categorically rejected “baseless and planted” Indian narratives regarding the operation and further negated any possibility of Pakistan creating a so-called “civil war” in Afghanistan.
The condemnation is notable given the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, under which any attack on either country will be considered an attack on both parties. Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam said on Tuesday that Pakistan's efforts to broker a ceasefire between Iran and Saudi Arabia have entered a “critical, sensitive” stage. VP JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were in talks with intermediaries in Pakistan, and there is the possibility of in-person talks in Islamabad. Iran, for its part, has held firm that it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz under any temporary ceasefire and wants a permanent end to hostilities. ("Army's top brass condemns attacks on Saudi Arabia as 'unnecessary escalation': ISPR," Dawn, 7 April 2026; "`Dangerous escalation': Pakistan condemns Iranian strikes on Saudi Arabia's energy facilities," Dawn, 7 April 2026; "Pakistan condemns Iran attacks, expresses solidarity with Saudi Arabia," The Express Tribune, 7 April 2026)
Dar says Israeli strike on Iran 'Severely Damaged' peace process as ceasefire deadline Looms
On 7 April 2026, Dawn reported that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told the Senate that an Israeli attack on Iran had triggered a chain of events that "severely damaged the peace process" just as Washington and Tehran were approaching direct talks. Dar, in his address, mentioned that following the Israeli strike, oil installations in Saudi Arabia's Jubail city were targeted by Iran, resulting in the destabilisation of the diplomatic environment. He mentioned that Pakistan had conveyed the US's 15-point proposal to Iran and Iran's five-point counter-proposal to Washington, and the efforts for a ceasefire were in reach before the recent escalation. Dar confirmed that both parties had accepted Pakistan's mediation and agreed to talks in Islamabad, and that PM Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir had made "tremendous efforts" toward de-escalation. Despite the setback, he affirmed Pakistan would continue its peace efforts, adding that China and the broader international community, including the UN Secretary-General, had appreciated Islamabad's role. ("Dar says Israeli attack on Iran set off 'dangerous developments' that 'severely damaged' peace process," Dawn, 7 April 2026)
ECONOMY
FM claims remittances flow remains stable despite the Iran conflict
On 7 April, Dawn reported that Pakistan continues to receive remittances amid the ongoing Iran conflict. The finance minister stated that around 40-50 per cent of remittances come from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and that there is no adverse impact of the war on remittances from West Asia. He assured that the federal government is regularly monitoring several aspects, including trade and fuel. However, during the national assembly session, Opposition members criticised major hikes in petrol prices, as they have risen from PKR 266.17 to PKR 378, while those of high-speed diesel have surged from PKR 280.86 to PKR 520.35. The PPP leader claimed that Pakistan was the first country in the region to increase oil prices. Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) demanded that the National Assembly be given a comprehensive briefing on the possible fallout of the ongoing regional situation. (“‘No impact’ of Middle East conflict on remittances from Gulf countries so far: finance minister,” Dawn, 7 April 2026)
KP’s digital legislation bill awaits assembly approval
On 8 April, Dawn reported that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has prepared legislation to transform the province into a cashless economy by introducing the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Digital Bill 2026. The bill emphasises that all businesses across the province will be required to adopt digital payment systems. It also mandates the QR codes to be displayed at shops and commercial centres to facilitate transactions. According to the draft bill, educational institutions, clinics, and hospitals will also be bound to accept digital payments, while customers will not be charged any additional fee for using such services. Businesses that refuse to accept digital payments will face penalties, and the use of QR codes will help promote transparency and strengthen the economy. Banks and service providers will be required to offer technical support, while the provincial government will take steps to encourage citizens to shift towards a cashless economy. However, the bill was presented in the provincial assembly during its previous session and awaits approval. (“KP moves towards cashless economy,” Dawn, 8 April 2026)
“AJK” govt passes 44 projects worth PKR 34.85 billion
On 8 April, Dawn reported that the “Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)” government approved PKR 34.85 billion development projects. It includes 44 projects with a focus on key sectors including communication and works, public health, education and local government, water resources and energy. Of the approved projects, 35 pertained to the communications and works (C&W) department, four to the health department, three to the elementary and secondary education department, two to the energy and water resources department, and one each to the information technology, food and higher education departments. These initiatives envisaged the construction of 30 kilometres of link roads in each of the 33 constituencies across AJK, the establishment of IT excellence centres to create employment opportunities for youth, and the construction of grid stations at Patikka (Muzaffarabad) and Jabi (Bhimber). The “AJK” prime minister directed all departments to ensure 100 per cent utilisation of allocated funds under the ADP, making it clear that no compromise would be made on the quality and pace of development. (“AJK govt approves Rs34.85bn development projects,” Dawn, 8 April 2026)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan issues visas to 2800 Indian Sikh Pilgrims for the upcoming Basant festival
On 7 April, Dawn reported that Pakistan has issued visas to 2,800 Sikh pilgrims from India for the Baisakhi festival. The festival is celebrated on the first day of the month of Vaisakh and also marks the beginning of the harvest season. The festival will run from 10 April to 19 April, the main ceremony will be held on 14 April at Gurudwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal. The government has directed all district authorities to ensure comprehensive security of sikh pilgrims at all religious sites and surrounding areas. The Indian government has allowed sikh pilgrims to visit their holy places in Pakistan on different religious occasions. However, the Kartarpur corridor, which allows visa-free access to the Gurudwara Darbar Sahib, remains closed following the Pahalgam Terrorist attack, citing security concerns. (“Pakistan issues visas to 2,800 Sikh pilgrims from India for Baisakhi festival,” Dawn, 7 April 2026)
SECURITY
Five police personnel injured in Lakki Marwat
On 7 April 2026, The Express Tribune reported that five police officers, including Assistant Sub Inspector Jamaluddin and constable Arif, were injured when a motorcyclist blasted them to pieces with an IED close to a police vehicle patrolling on a road in Shahbazkhel in Lakki Marwat district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. A search operation is underway. This marks the third incident targeting police in Lakki Marwat shortly after a recent incident in which seven police personnel were martyred in an IED blast. K-P recorded 3,811 of the country's total 5,397 terrorist incidents in 2025, the highest of any province. . ("Five police personnel injured in IED attack on patrol in K-P's Lakki Marwat," The Express Tribune, 7 April 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
The IHC wants the administration to facilitate Imran Khan's meeting with the lawyer in GBP 190 million case
On 7 April 2026, Dawn reported that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday directed the jail authorities to allow jailed PTI founder President Imran Khan to meet his lawyer, Barrister Salman Safdar, to record his arguments in the GBP 190 million Al-Qadir Trust corruption case. The IHC’s division bench had announced that it would conclude hearing the main appeals within a week. However, the hearing was shifted to April 9. Imran Khan is currently under trial for 14 years in Bannu jail along with his close aide Bushra Bibi, who was sentenced to seven years’ rigorous imprisonment. Both were convicted by an accountability court in January 2025 in the case. ("£190m graft case: IHC chief justice directs authorities to facilitate Imran's meeting with lawyer," Dawn, 7 April 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Iran war
Zahid Hussain, "America’s war crimes," Dawn, 08 April 2026
"Trump’s growing war crimes and his latest threats are ominous. America, in coordination with Israel, has intensified attacks not only on civilian and energy infrastructure but also on educational and research centres. Several university campuses have been bombed. This appears to be part of Trump’s threat to decimate Iran."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1989698/americas-war-crimes
Muhammad Aslam Hayat, "Pakistan’s hyperscale moment," The News, 08 April 2026
"At the heart of Pakistan’s potential lies geography. Situated at the intersection of South Asia, the Middle East and Western China, the country is uniquely positioned to function as a bridge for data flows. New and planned subsea cable landings along Karachi’s coast, combined with terrestrial connectivity northward, give Pakistan a structural advantage that few emerging markets can replicate. As hyperscalers seek to distribute workloads across multiple regions to mitigate geopolitical and operational risks, such positioning becomes invaluable."
https://www.thenews.pk/print/1408718-pakistan-s-hyperscale-moment
Syed Akhtar Ali Shah, "Why the original Constitution of 1973 still matters?," The Express Tribune, 07 April 2026
"The framers of the 1973 Constitution were acutely aware of Pakistan's troubled past. The country had already endured repeated constitutional breakdowns, martial laws, political instability, regional alienation and deep-seated class grievances. These failures culminated in the general elections of December 1970 - the first genuinely representative elections in Pakistan's history."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2601391/why-the-original-constitution-of-1973-still-matters
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