|
In Focus
Pakistan leverages Antalya Forum to advance regional peace diplomacy
PM Shehbaz meets Turkish President Erdogan and several other world leaders as Islamabad expands regional engagement
On 17 April, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where both leaders stressed the need to use the current window to advance durable regional peace. Sharif briefed Erdogan on efforts to extend the ceasefire and resume negotiations toward a comprehensive agreement, particularly amid ongoing Middle East tensions. Both sides reaffirmed strong bilateral ties and agreed to convene the eighth High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting in Ankara later this year, while also emphasising deeper economic engagement and sustained diplomatic coordination to stabilise the region.
On the sidelines, Sharif held a trilateral meeting with Erdogan and Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, where leaders discussed the situation in Gaza and broader regional peace efforts, agreeing to maintain close cooperation to support dialogue and stability. He also met several other world leaders, including Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev and Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, reinforcing Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach. Separately, Senior Adviser to the US President for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos conveyed greetings from Donald Trump and expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Pakistan on counterterrorism, economic development, and global challenges. Sharif appreciated Washington’s role in previous ceasefires, including between Pakistan and India and in Lebanon, highlighting convergence on de-escalation priorities.
Meanwhile, Ishaq Dar addressed a panel on South Asian economic integration, noting that despite significant potential, the region remains among the least integrated globally due to a persistent trust deficit. He underscored the importance of trade, connectivity, and people-to-people ties, while warning that ongoing conflicts are disrupting energy supplies, fuelling inflation, and undermining stability. On the sidelines, Dar held meetings with counterparts from Austria, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Northern Cyprus, and Singapore, all of whom acknowledged Pakistan’s mediation role in the US-Iran ceasefire process and supported continued diplomatic engagement for regional peace. ("PM, Erdogan emphasise importance of utilising 'window of opportunity' for lasting regional peace," Dawn, 17 April 2026)
Pakistan seeks early release of next IMF tranche amid Middle East crisis
At the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings, Finance Minister Aurangzeb praised China’s support for Pakistan’s IMF programme
On 18 April, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasised Pakistan’s focus on securing early approval of the next tranche under its International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, despite ongoing economic uncertainty linked to the Iran conflict. Speaking in Washington, he noted that reopening the Strait of Hormuz could ease global oil prices and stabilise Pakistan’s economy, though contingency planning remained in place. Aurangzeb highlighted positive external indicators, including a current account surplus and strong remittance inflows, while stressing continued reforms, fiscal discipline, and policy continuity. He also outlined efforts to improve the business environment, expand renewable energy, and strengthen financial oversight as part of a broader strategy to ensure long-term macroeconomic stability.
During the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings 2026, Aurangzeb held multiple high-level engagements, including with Chinese Finance Minister Lan Fo’an, where he praised Beijing’s “long-standing and unwavering bilateral support” and its role in facilitating IMF discussions. He noted that Pakistan had reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF and was awaiting board approval, adding that the country remained committed to “honouring all creditor commitments on schedule.” Engagements with investors and Moody's focused on re-entering capital markets and diversifying financing through instruments such as Panda bonds. In talks with the OPEC Fund for International Development, he encouraged deeper cooperation, stressing the need to “fully leverage” financing windows. Officials warned that the Middle East crisis could raise inflation and disrupt supply chains, reinforcing Pakistan’s push for resilience through diversification and targeted subsidies. (“Pakistan seeks early approval of next IMF tranche,” Dawn, 18 April 2026; “Aurangzeb lauds Beijing’s support for Pakistan’s IMF programme during meeting with Chinese counterpart,” Dawn, 17 April 2026; “Aurangzeb appreciates China’s IMF support, advances economic cooperation during Washington meetings,” The Express Tribune, 17 April 2026)
Islamabad Talks
Pakistan escorted Iran negotiators home over security concerns
Foreign Minister Dar urged US and Iran for “flexibility” during peace talks; IOM says 13,000 people crossed into Pakistan from Iran
On 18 April, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that the Pakistan Air Force escorted Iranian negotiators back home last week after inconclusive talks with the United States, amid fears Israel could target them. The high-security operation involved fighter jets and airborne surveillance systems, reflecting heightened regional tensions following the US-Israeli war on Iran. Officials said the unprecedented escort, which extended beyond standard diplomatic protocol, underscored Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding the negotiations it hosted. Despite the failed talks, diplomatic channels remain open, with both sides signalling interest in another round of discussions, potentially again in Islamabad, as mediation efforts continue under volatile security conditions.
Separately, at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan was seeking a “permanent termination” of the conflict rather than a temporary ceasefire, adding that “more than 80% of the work has been done”, but key issues require flexibility from both Washington and Tehran. He linked recent progress, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, to broader stabilisation efforts. Pakistan has played a central mediating role since brokering a truce earlier this month, while parallel diplomatic engagements with the Iranian leadership have aimed to sustain momentum toward a comprehensive agreement amid ongoing regional instability.
Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that over 13,000 people have crossed into Pakistan from Iran in recent weeks, driven by the conflict’s humanitarian impact. Movements included returning Pakistani nationals, as well as Iranian citizens and third-country travellers affected by disrupted flights and instability. While most crossings were documented and orderly, the data highlights broader regional displacement patterns, with significant flows also recorded between Iran and Afghanistan. (“Pakistan escorted Iran negotiators home amid Israel concerns,” Dawn, 18 April 2026; “IOM says 13,000 crossed into Pakistan from Iran during war,” Dawn, 18 April 2026; “Pakistan seeks ‘permanent’ end to war, urges US and Iran for ‘flexibility’: FM Dar,” The Express Tribune, 17 April 2026)
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Pakistan moves to contain uncertainty over GSP+ access ahead of EU business forum
On 18 April, Dawn reported that Commerce Minister Jam Kamal met newly appointed EU Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis to discuss the future of Pakistan's GSP+ trade facility and preparations for the Pakistan-EU Business Forum scheduled for 28-29 April. The meeting came days after Karoblis warned that Pakistan's preferential access to European markets was neither guaranteed nor automatic, and that continued trade concessions would be linked to progress on sensitive issues, including blasphemy laws, enforced disappearances, and minority rights. Officials said the timing of the engagement reflected Islamabad's effort to contain uncertainty over its export access to the EU, one of its largest trading partners, amid a shifting global trade environment. ("Jam Kamal, EU envoy review GSP+ facility," Dawn, 18 April 2026)
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia formalise USD three billion deposit extension in Washington
On 17 April, Dawn reported that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a formal agreement in Washington to extend a USD three billion deposit from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), with SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad and SFD Chief Executive Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad signing the agreement on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb witnessed the signing. The agreement follows Saudi Arabia's earlier announcement this week of an additional USD three billion deposit and a three-year extension of its existing USD five billion facility. The development comes as Pakistan prepares to repay USD 3.5 billion to the UAE this month, a repayment that has added fresh pressure on external buffers, with foreign exchange reserves standing at USD 16.4 billion as of late March. Analysts noted that external financing risks remain a key vulnerability amid volatile energy prices and constrained global capital markets. ("Pakistan, Saudi Arabia sign agreement to extend $3bn deposit," Dawn, 17 April 2026)
ECONOMY
PM Shehbaz announces price cuts for diesel, following ease in global oil prices
On 18 April, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a reduction of PKR 32.12 per litre in diesel prices while keeping petrol rates unchanged. It happened as a result of easing global prices following the ceasefire announced by the United States and Iran. The ex-depot price of high-speed diesel (HSD) has been fixed at PKR 353.42 per litre, down from PKR 385.54, marking a decline of 8.3 per cent. Diesel prices have dropped significantly from their peak of PKR 520.35 on 10 April. HSD is considered the most inflationary fuel due to its widespread use in freight transportation. However, petrol prices were kept unchanged at PKR 366.58 per litre. Meanwhile, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) said it had processed the disbursement of PKR 38 billion in price differential claims (PDC) to 34 oil-marketing companies, under which the government provided subsidies on petrol and diesel. (“Diesel price cut by Rs 32 a litre Petrol unchanged,” Dawn, 18 April 2026)
Dollar falls below PKR 279, amid external financial support
On 18 April, Dawn reported that the US dollar slipped below PKR 279 in the inter-bank market, reflecting a sign of exchange rate stability. The buying rate in the interbank market on 17 April was PKR 278.95, against PKR 279 on 16 April, as per data from the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan. The US dollar had reached an all-time peak of over PKR 307 in September 2023, but support from the IMF and China, as well as a crackdown on currency smuggling and other illegal channels, caused outflows to pay dividends. (“Dollar slips below Rs279 after 3 years,” Dawn, 18 April 2026)
High fuel prices led to a continuous surge in SPI
On 18 April, Dawn reported that short-term inflation rose 12.16 per cent year on year in the week ending 16 April. As per the Sensitive Price Index (SPI), short-term inflation is driven largely by higher retail prices of petroleum products and perishable food items. The SPI has now increased for the 36th consecutive week, though the pace of rise has slowed, indicating persistent pressure on household budgets. The inflation outlook will now hinge on the outcome of the expected deal between the United States and Iran in the coming week. (“Fuel, food drive weekly inflation to 12.16pc,” Dawn, 18 April 2026)
Pakistan raises USD 500 million through Eurobond after gap of four years
On 17 April, Dawn reported that Pakistan had raised USD 500 million from the international capital market through a Eurobond after four years under the Global Medium-Term Note (GMTN) Program. The bond attracted 6.95 per cent interest rates with maturity in April 2029. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia announced that it was extending its support of USD five billion to USD eight billion, with the first additional disbursement of USD two billion. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the development, as it will strengthen Pakistan's presence in global bond markets and will support the development of a more efficient pricing benchmark for future transactions. (“Pakistan raises 500m through Eurobond after 4-year hiatus,” Dawn, 17 April 2026)
SECURITY
Karachi: CTD arrests three suspected militants with alleged links to Balochistan-based groups
On 18 April, Dawn reported that the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), in a joint operation with an intelligence agency, arrested three suspected militants identified as Rehman, Miandad Baloch, and Imran in Karachi, recovering arms from their custody. The suspects are alleged to have provided shelter to terrorists travelling from Balochistan to Karachi and were involved in sharing social media content from terrorist groups and what the statement described as "anti-Pakistan Indian channels." The CTD linked them to Fitna al Hindustan, the government's term for terrorist groups operating in Balochistan. ("Three suspected terrorists held in CTD raid in Karachi," Dawn, 18 April 2026)
Karachi: Terrorism case registered after TTP claims killing of police constable in Manghopir
On 18 April, Dawn reported that Manghopir police registered a terrorism case following the killing of Constable Khadim Ali Shah and wounding of Constable Muhammad Tufail Khan by armed motorcyclists near Hub Canal on Thursday evening, after the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility on social media. Karachi police chief Azad Khan said he did not consider the claim credible, maintaining the attackers were criminals who fired to evade arrest. However, a recently retired counter-terrorism official, Raja Umer Khattab, described it as a targeted terrorist attack, noting that 15 bullets were fired from two separate pistols in a deserted area, a pattern inconsistent with street crime, and that TTP remnants had remained active in the area in the past. Investigators are awaiting forensic results to determine whether the weapons used were linked to other crimes. ("Terrorism case registered after TTP claims responsibility for policeman's killing in Manghopir," Dawn, 18 April 2026)
GB: Fifteen suspects arrested in crackdown following ambush on anti-poppy police team
On 18 April, Dawn reported that "Gilgit-Baltistan" Police arrested 15 suspects during a combing operation in Thore Valley, Diamer district, following a Monday ambush that killed three police personnel and wounded five others, including a DSP, as they returned from an anti-poppy cultivation operation near Chilas. SP Diamer Shahryar Khan led the operation, with interrogations of the arrested suspects underway. GB IGP Dr Akbar Nasir Khan said the attack was motivated by a desire to keep the area free of law enforcement and protect drug cultivation safe havens, and vowed coordinated action by GB Police, GB Scouts, and the Pakistan Army to restore peace. Security has been placed on high alert across the region following threats of terrorist attacks on police installations, with tightened security arrangements at religious places and key installations. ("Police intensify combing operation against terrorists after Chilas attack; 15 held," Dawn, 18 April 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
War and geopolitics
Editorial, "The real threat," Dawn, 18 April 2026
"Arguably, Washington and Tel Aviv have manufactured a phantom threat. While Tehran does have territorial and ideological disputes and differences with some of its Arab neighbours, the biggest threat to Middle East peace is Israel, which has been murdering civilians and occupying territories not its own with impunity for decades now. If any regional state is to be reined in, it is Israel."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1992784/the-real-threat
Imtiaz Gul, "Beyond the war: China's moment?" The Express Tribune, 18 April 2026
"World is navigating a what is driven by an extremely unpredictable and arrogant US President. The unavoidable outcomes are a fracture within the western alliance, visible shift of global power, essentially from the north to south, endorsement of China's global engagement regime rooted in multilateralism and respect for sovereignty of other nations. The US position as the sole superpower and an omnipresent mighty arbiter has taken deep hit, triggering realignments."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2603340/beyond-the-war-chinas-moment
External
Rafia Zakaria, "Trump’s gambit," Dawn, 18 April 2026
"For a man not known to be particularly religious, US President Donald Trump spent a lot of time on matters of faith last weekend, prompted, perhaps, by statements made by Pope Leo. The supreme head of the Catholic church had suggested that there was a “delusion of omnipotence fuelling the US-Iran war”. The pope, who does not usually indulge in such pointed criticism of world leaders, exclaimed: “Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war! True strength is shown in serving life.” His statements did not mention Trump by name, but it was him they were directed at."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1992779/trumps-gambit
Economy
Sakib Sherani, "The burden of taxes," Dawn, 18 April 2026
"The unwarranted and illegal war imposed on Iran represents an extraordinary exogenous shock for developing countries. Pakistan is particularly vulnerable on this front. It has an outsized import dependency on a wide range of products, from energy to food, and from industrial raw materials to finished goods. Remittances from non-resident Pakistanis keep not just the external account afloat, but also provide a vital lifeline to 30 to 40 million family members at home. Amplifying Pakistan’s exposure to the conflict in the neighbourhood is the fact that the central node for both trade flows and capital flows that the country so heavily depends on is the Gulf region. Compounding our vulnerability even further is the fact that we have virtually no, or limited, buffers in all critical areas of economic security — energy, foreign exchange reserves, food or fiscal space."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1992782/the-burden-of-taxes
Politics & governance
Editorial, "Silent treatment," The Express Tribune, 18 April 2026
"Silence around the health of a prisoner is never a trivial matter. Reports that Bushra Bibi, the former first lady, underwent eye surgery and was swiftly moved back to Adiala Jail have raised more questions than they have answered, and in matters of custody, unanswered questions are themselves a cause for concern."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2603336/silent-treatment
Online consent
Sufiyan Bin Muneer, "Notice, consent, harm," Dawn, 17 April 2026
"Every second, thousands of people tap ‘I agree’ without reading a word. The law is satisfied. The platform is protected. The user is not. Consent, as it operates in the digital environment today, is not a legal safeguard. It is a legal loophole. To meet the legal condition, you are given a privacy notice, you agree, and business continues as usual. The post-consent digital harm follows quietly and legally."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1992479/notice-consent-harm
|
