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In Focus
Pakistan operationalises joint defence cooperation framework with Saudi Arabia
Fighter jets to be sent to Saudi Arabia; Forces "not there to attack anyone", says Pakistani official
On 11 April, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan has deployed fighter jets and military personnel to Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Air Base to bolster security amid rising regional tensions. Saudi officials said the deployment aims at “enhancing joint military coordination” and improving operational readiness between the two allies. The move follows Iranian strikes on key Saudi energy infrastructure, including the Jubail petrochemicals complex, which raised fears of escalation. A Pakistani official stressed the forces were “not there to attack anyone,” but to reassure Riyadh of Islamabad’s defensive support. The deployment also comes alongside renewed Saudi financial backing and reflects growing coordination as Pakistan plays a parallel diplomatic role in regional de-escalation efforts.
The deployment is rooted in the “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” signed in September 2025 by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which commits both nations to treat any aggression against one as an attack on both. The pact formalised a longstanding security partnership under which Pakistan has provided military training and advisory support, while Saudi Arabia has extended crucial financial assistance during economic crises, including a USD 6 billion package in 2018. The agreement has significantly deepened bilateral ties, positioning both countries as key strategic partners in maintaining regional stability. (“Pakistan sends military force, fighter jets to Saudi Arabia,” Dawn, 11 April 2026; "Pakistan sends fighter jets to Saudi Arabia under mutual defence pact; The Express Tribune, 11 April 2026)
US-Iran talks end with no agreement?
US VP Vance leaves Islamabad after 21-hour negotiations; Iranian envoy says "unrealistic" to reach deal in one session
On 12 April, The Express Tribune and Dawn reported that high-level talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad ended without agreement after 21 hours of intensive negotiations, marking a rare but inconclusive direct engagement. US Vice President JD Vance, the main negotiator for the Americans, said, “The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement,” adding it was “bad news for Iran much more than” for the US. He reiterated Washington’s core demand: “We need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon.” The Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, however, pointed to “excessive” US demands, with a foreign ministry spokesperson noting it was unrealistic to expect a deal “in just one session.”
Pakistan positioned itself as a central mediator, with Ishaq Dar urging both sides to uphold the fragile truce. “It is imperative that the parties continue to uphold their commitment to the ceasefire,” Dar said, expressing hope for “durable peace and prosperity.” Alongside CDF Asim Munir, he facilitated multiple rounds of talks and reaffirmed Islamabad’s readiness to support continued dialogue. Vance also praised Pakistan’s role, saying “whatever shortcomings were not because of the Pakistanis, who did an amazing job” in trying to bridge differences.
Analysts in Washington highlighted Pakistan’s expanding diplomatic influence despite the deadlock. Michael Kugelman, Senior Fellow for South Asia at the Atlantic Council, described Pakistan as being “in the driver’s seat,” while Elizabeth Threlkeld, South Asia Program Director at the Stimson Centre, emphasised its ability to “walk a very difficult tightrope” among rival powers. The talks, which covered Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief and regional security, ended without a breakthrough, but may shape future engagement. With mistrust persisting and key disagreements unresolved, the two-week ceasefire remains fragile, leaving both the risk of escalation and the possibility of renewed negotiations. (“Vance leaves Islamabad after 21-hour talks end without agreement, praises Pakistan’s mediation efforts,” The Express Tribune, 12 April 2026; “Dar urges US, Iran to uphold commitment to ceasefire as talks conclude without deal,” Dawn, 11 April 2026; “‘Pakistan opened door to dialogue’: Islamabad becoming a direct mediator, say US scholars,” Dawn, 12 April 2026)
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Foreign Minister Dar briefs Turkish, Saudi and Egyptian FMs on Islamabad talks
On 12 April, Dawn reported that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to sustaining diplomatic engagement and regional peace following the inconclusive US-Iran talks in Islamabad, holding calls with his counterparts, including Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Dar stressed that “it is imperative that all parties adhere to their ceasefire commitments,” while reiterating Pakistan’s resolve to “support all diplomatic efforts” to promote stability. Turkish officials commended Islamabad’s mediation role, as Pakistan continued positioning itself as a key facilitator in the crisis. The outreach followed weeks of backchannel diplomacy between Washington and Tehran, culminating in talks that ultimately failed to yield an agreement but underscored Pakistan’s growing role in navigating a fragile regional truce. (“Dar briefs Turkish, Saudi, Egyptian FMs on Islamabad Talks, reaffirms support for diplomacy and dialogue,” Dawn, 12 April 2026)
ECONOMY
Gas supply to power sector set to double as LNG shortfall threatens tariff hikes and loadshedding
On 13 April, Dawn reported that the government is working on a war footing to double domestic gas supply to the power sector from around 85-90 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) to 160-170mmcfd by the end of April or early May, to offset the unavailability of imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) amid the regional conflict. Power Minister Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari warned a special cabinet committee that without additional gas diversion, electricity tariffs could rise exponentially or result in massive loadshedding. The proposed sources of diversion include the CNG sector, residential consumers, and fertiliser plants, though ministers cautioned that cutting gas to over seven million domestic users risked serious political backlash. Furnace oil remains the key backup fuel, with current stocks sufficient for over 35 days, though its cost is significantly higher than LNG. The government is expected to enforce two to three hours of daily loadshedding on average through the summer, with peak demand expected to rise to 27,000-28,000MW against current levels of under 14,000MW. ("Gas supply to power sector may double amid LNG shortfall," Dawn, 13 April 2026)
Pakistan and Egypt to co-chair launch of global 'borrowers' platform' at IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings
On 12 April 2026, Dawn reported that finance ministers and central bank governors of developing countries will launch the 'Borrowers' Platform' in Washington on April 15, on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank Spring meetings, with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Egyptian Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouck jointly presiding over the event. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will attend the launch, which aims to fill a long-recognised gap in the international financial architecture by giving borrowing countries a dedicated space for collective representation, knowledge-sharing, and debt management support. The initiative, with UNCTAD serving as secretariat, grew out of the UN Secretary-General's Expert Group on Debt recommendations and was formalised through the 'Sevilla Commitment' adopted at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in July 2025. The platform's launch comes as developing countries' external debt reached USD 11.7 trillion in 2024, with 54 countries home to 3.4 billion people now spending more on debt servicing than on health or education. ("Debt pressures prompt global initiative," Dawn, 12 April 2026)
Saudi Arabia and Qatar to provide Pakistan USD five billion in financial assistance
On 12 April, The Express Tribune reported that Saudi Arabia and Qatar have assured Pakistan of USD five billion in financial assistance, helping Islamabad manage external payment pressures as it prepares to repay USD 4.8 billion in debt this month, including the USD 3.5 billion owed to the UAE. The development follows Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed bin Abdullah al-Jadaan's visit to Islamabad on Friday, where he met PM Shehbaz Sharif alongside FM Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Asim Munir; no formal agreements were announced, but discussions on financial support had already been initiated between the two countries' finance ministries. Pakistan has requested an expansion of existing Saudi cash deposits and an extension of its oil financing facility, which expires later this month. Without fresh inflows, officials warned that foreign exchange reserves could fall to USD 11.5 billion. ("KSA, Qatar offer $5b assistance to Pakistan," The Express Tribune, 12 April 2026)
SECURITY
Quetta: Two Hazara traders killed
On 12 April, The Express Tribune reported that two members of the Hazara community were killed and three others injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire at the Hazarganji fruit and vegetable market in Quetta. Provincial Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau confirmed the incident, saying a report had been sought as police launched an investigation and search operation. Officials said the attackers, believed to be riding a motorcycle, targeted vendors before fleeing, while no group has claimed responsibility. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned the assault as a “cowardly act” and ordered strict action against those responsible. The attack triggered protests by the Hazara community, who blocked key roads and demanded stronger security, warning that repeated incidents highlight persistent vulnerabilities facing the community in Balochistan. (“Two dead, three injured as unidentified gunmen open fire in Quetta,” The Express Tribune, 12 April 2026)
Islamabad: Police operation targeting Afghan residents turns violent
On 13 April, Dawn reported that a police search operation targeting Afghan residents in Islamabad’s Sarai Kharboza area turned violent after officers were attacked, leaving four injured and 23 individuals arrested on terrorism charges. According to an FIR filed by Assistant Sub-Inspector Saqib Mehmood, suspects allegedly abducted a police official, held him inside a house, set the building on fire, and opened gunfire with “intent to kill” after snatching a submachine gun. Authorities said those arrested are being investigated under multiple laws, including the Anti-Terrorism Act, while a Counter Terrorism Department operation is underway to apprehend additional suspects who fled. In a separate incident, Sub-Inspector Mukhtar Ahmed died of a cardiac arrest while on duty at a hotel in the capital, police confirmed. (“Four officials hurt as Afghan residents clash with police in Islamabad,” Dawn, 13 April 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
PTI backs peace talks, cautions US on becoming Israel’s “hostage”
On 13 April, Dawn reported that Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) welcomed the Islamabad talks between Washington and Tehran as a “very positive development,” while urging the United States not to become “a hostage to Israel’s designs and goals.” PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said negotiations were a gradual process and stressed that “lasting peace” required continued dialogue and a ceasefire in Lebanon. Criticising Israel, he claimed it had a history of disrupting peace to “establish its hegemony,” and called on the US to intervene. The party reiterated support for diplomacy in line with Imran Khan’s vision, backing talks “without putting any conditions.” Senior leader Asad Qaiser also urged broader political stability at home, as PTI expressed hope that Islamabad would host future rounds of negotiations. (“PTI warns US against becoming hostage to ‘Israel’s agenda’, again,” Dawn, 12 April 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Iran war
Shahid Javed Burki, "Iran war - Trump's Suez Canal?," The Express Tribune, 13 April 2026
"Analysts and historians are finding parallels between Britain's Prime Minister Anthony Eden's Suez crisis in October 1956 and the US President Donald Trump's February 28, 2026, move on Iran. Then, Britain and France attacked Egypt to open the Suez Canal for foreign ships."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2602426/iran-war-trumps-suez-canal
Islamabad talks
Maleeha Lodhi, "High-stakes diplomacy," Dawn, 13 April 2026
"Even though talks in Islamabad between the US and Iran did not produce a deal, that they happened at all after five weeks of war was itself significant. There was no breakthrough but also no breakdown. Both delegations have gone back to their respective capitals to confer with their leaderships, who will decide the next steps. Neither side said talks broke down, which indicates the possibility of renewal of diplomatic engagement down the road. Backchannel communication is likely to continue. A fragile ceasefire is still in place and can of course be extended."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1991203/high-stakes-diplomacy
Editorial, "No breakthrough is no breakdown," The Express Tribune, 13 April 2026
"The marathon peace talks held in Islamabad between the United States and Iran are a tribute to diplomacy. The 30-plus hours of intricate parleys after a warmongering of 40 days, which pushed the global order to the brink of a catastrophe, could not have come without the astute and sincere efforts of Pakistan, and inevitably, Field Marshal Asim Munir and the government must be given credit for it."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2602422/no-breakthrough-is-no-breakdown
Huma Yusuf, "Regional role," Dawn, 13 April 2026
"The memes leading up to the US-Iran talks in Pakistan this weekend were nearly as epic as the moment itself: Pakistanis depicted as a strutting John Travolta; our leaders recast as the heroes from Guardians of the Galaxy; Irani renditions of our national anthem, with voices soaring against aerial views of the Himalayas and Badshahi Masjid; proliferating AI-generated images of US Vice President J.D. Vance sampling Pakistani culinary delights. This was soft power at its mightiest."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1991200/regional-role
Climate change
Aisha Khan, "Climate war shock," Dawn, 13 April 2026
"The war between the US-Israel and Iran catapulted a regional conflict into a systemic shock within an already fragile global economy, causing a dangerous rupture in the world’s climate trajectory. What made the moment uniquely perilous was not only the scale of military confrontation, but the fact that it was occurring at a time when scientists have repeatedly warned that the window to keep global warming within 1.5 degrees Celsius is rapidly closing effectively by 2030."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1991202/climate-war-shock
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