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Islamabad Talks
Pakistan continues diplomatic push as Islamabad Talks still uncertain
“Clock is ticking” for Iran, says Trump as he hints that deal with Tehran only possible if it’s “appropriate and good” for US
On 24 April, The News International and The Express Tribune reported that uncertainty continues to cloud the anticipated second round of talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, with no formal confirmation from Tehran yet. A diplomatic source said progress was “still awaited”, though Islamabad remains cautiously optimistic, stressing that “worldly efforts” are ongoing behind the scenes. Pakistan continues to position itself as a facilitator, engaging both sides to encourage dialogue. Meanwhile, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz persist, with US President Donald Trump warning, “The clock is ticking!” even as conflicting signals emerge over timelines and negotiations.
In parallel, international actors have acknowledged Pakistan’s role in sustaining diplomacy. Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong praised Islamabad’s peace efforts during talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reaffirming Beijing’s support. Domestically, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the ceasefire extension was a “welcome development” and expressed hope both sides would “give a chance to a diplomatic and peaceful solution”. US envoy Natalie Baker also commended Pakistan’s “constructive and responsible role”, as officials indicated that the coming days remain critical for determining whether talks proceed or stall further. (“US-Iran talks date still awaited as Pakistan’s push for dialogue continues,” The News International, 24 April 2026; “'Clock is ticking': Trump says Iran deal will happen only when 'appropriate' for US,” The Express Tribune, 23 April 2026; “China praises Pak efforts for ME peace,” The News International, 24 April 2026; “Naqvi, US envoy discuss efforts for second round of talks,” The News International, 24 April 2026)
In Brief
EXTERNAL
China reaffirms support for Pakistan's sovereignty at 75th anniversary of bilateral ties
On 24 April, The News International reported that Chinese Consul General in Lahore Sun Yan, addressing a certificate distribution ceremony at the Civil Services Academy, reaffirmed China's firm support for Pakistan's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, describing bilateral relations as an "All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership." Sun noted that 2026 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, with Pakistan having been the first Islamic country to establish ties with the People's Republic of China. On CPEC, he highlighted over USD 25 billion in direct investment, adding 510 kilometres of highways, generating 8,200 megawatts of electricity, and laying 886 kilometres of transmission lines. ("China reaffirms firm support for Pak sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity," The News International, 24 April 2026)
Pakistan and seven Muslim states condemn Israeli violations at Al-Aqsa mosque
On 24 April, The News International reported that the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Turkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE issued a joint statement condemning continued incursions by Israeli settlers and officials into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, including the raising of the Israeli flag within its courtyards under police protection. The ministers described the actions as a "flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law" and an "unacceptable provocation" to Muslims worldwide. They reaffirmed Jordan's special custodial role over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and stressed that Al-Aqsa remains exclusively a place of Muslim worship. The statement also condemned the approval of more than 30 new illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank and reiterated support for a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian state along the 04 June 1967 lines. ("Pakistan, 7 other Muslim states denounce breaches at Al-Aqsa mosque," The News International, 24 April 2026)
ECONOMY
Pakistan floats tender for three LNG cargoes as summer power demand surges
On 24 April, The News International reported that as Pakistan grapples with intensifying power outages amid supply disruptions and rising summer demand, the government had directed Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) to float an urgent tender under amended PPRA rules for three liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes. According to the tender floated, PLL is seeking international bids for three shipments of around 140,000 cubic metres each. The deliveries are scheduled for 27-30 April, 1-7 May, and 8-14 May at Port Qasim. (“Pakistan seeks three LNG spot cargoes in first tender since December 2023,” The News International, 24 April 2026)
Pakistan fulfils 14 out of 17 IMF criteria, lags in tax collection
On 24 April, The News International reported that under the IMF programme for the end of December 2025, Pakistan has successfully materialised 14 quantitative performance and indicative criteria out of the total 17 envisaged targets. However, Pakistan failed to meet the FBR’s tax collection target for the end of December 2025. But the consolidated net tax revenues collected by the provincial revenue authorities of PKR 568 billion were achieved successfully. Also, the relevant data was not available for the other two indicative targets. (“Most IMF targets met, $1.2bn tranche approval likely in May,” The News International, 24 April 2026)
ADB investments in Pakistan rose 22 per cent in 2025
On 23 April, Dawn reported that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) released its Annual Report 2025, showing the ADB's commitments worth USD 3.672 billion to Pakistan in 2025, up 22 per cent from USD 2.995 billion the previous year. It also reported new financial support commitments of USD 1.485 billion to the public sector for the year, a one-third increase from USD 1.113 billion in 2024. It had also approved an innovative financing package for a copper-gold mine in Pakistan to strengthen the global copper supply chain. In 2025, ADB also committed a USD 800 million package, including a USD 300 million policy-based loan and up to a USD 500 million policy-based guarantee. To help close the finance gap in Pakistan, largely due to women's limited access to finance and employment opportunities, estimated at 37 per cent, ADB committed USD 350 million to foster women-owned business ventures and empower around 20 million women. (ADB deepens Pakistan engagement with $367bn commitments, targets fiscal reform and minerals,” Dawn, 23 April 2026)
Pakistan needs upto 70,720 MW of electricity by 2035 to meet economic targets
On 23 April, Dawn reported that there is a need for additional power generation capacity of 62,660 to 70,720 megawatt (MW) till 2035 to support the country’s economic growth of 3.5 per cent (low) to 6.4 per cent (high), as per government projections.Accordingly, Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO) revised the Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP) 2025-35 and the Transmission System Expansion Plan (TSEP) 2025-35. A distinguishing feature of the revised IGCEP is the consideration of Least Cost Violation (LCV) for Diamer-Bhasha and ACWA solar power plants. The IGCEP plan showed a major contribution from renewables. It includes 34 per cent of hydropower and 27 per cent of variable renewable energy in the overall capacity mix by the year 2035. (“Generation capacity of at least 62000mw needed by 2035 to support economic growth,” Dawn, 23 April 2026)
Pakistan repays USD 3.45 billion UAE deposit
On 24 April, Dawn reported that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) confirmed the repayment of USD 3.45 billion in deposits to the United Arab Emirates, including USD one billion returned to the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development on 23 April and USD 2.45 billion repaid earlier. Officials described the move as a cost Pakistan was willing to bear to uphold “national dignity”, despite the expected drawdown in foreign exchange reserves. The deposits, originally extended in 2019 to stabilise Pakistan’s balance of payments, were not rolled over this year - the first such failure in seven years. Pakistan’s reserves stood at USD 20.63 billion as of 17 April, with some relief from a USD three billion deposit received from Saudi Arabia. Analysts caution that external financing risks remain a key vulnerability despite ongoing stabilisation efforts under International Monetary Fund (IMF) programmes. (“Pakistan repays $3.45bn to UAE, confirms central bank,” Dawn, 24 April 2026)
SECURITY
Khairpur: Three SHOs suspended, inquiry ordered after four civilians killed in alleged drone strike
On 23 April, Dawn reported that three station house officers were suspended and a probe ordered after four civilians were killed in an alleged drone strike in Saeed Khan Lakho village in Sindh's Khairpur district. Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar and Inspector General Javed Alam Odho both took notice of the incident, with the IG suspending the SHOs of Kandhra, Patni, and Saleh Pat police stations in Sukkur and ordering strict legal and departmental action. A committee headed by the Ghotki SSP was formed to investigate, while Lanjar separately appointed Counter Terrorism Police Additional IG Zulfiqar Larik as inquiry officer, demanding a transparent and comprehensive investigation into all aspects of the incident. ("3 SHOs suspended, probe ordered after 4 killed in alleged drone strike in Khairpur," Dawn, 23 April 2026)
Balochistan: Ten killed, including a Turkish national, in armed attack on mining site in Chagai district
On 24 April, The News International reported that ten people, including a Turkish national, were killed and eight others injured when over three dozen armed men on motorcycles stormed a copper and gold project site operated by National Resources Limited (NRL) in Chagai district on Wednesday evening. Among those killed were two security guards and five geologists, with five victims burnt to death after a rocket struck a fuel tank, triggering a massive fire. The attackers also set heavy machinery, equipment, and vehicles on fire before fleeing. Security forces, including the Frontier Corps, responded, secured the area, and launched a clearance operation. NRL is a joint venture between Lucky Cement, Fatima Fertiliser, and Liberty Mills, engaged in copper-gold and lead-zinc exploration in Chagai. No group has claimed responsibility. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan condemned the attack, calling the deliberate targeting of civilian workers a violation of fundamental human rights and demanding an immediate and transparent investigation. ("10 killed, eight injured in Chagai terrorist attack," The News International, 24 April 2026)
Khyber: 22 militants killed in joint intelligence-based operation
On 24 April, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s security forces, in a joint operation with law enforcement agencies, killed 22 militants in an intelligence-based operation in Khyber district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday. The military said the militants, described as belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), were engaged after an “intense exchange of fire”, with weapons and ammunition recovered. It added that militants resorted to “indiscriminate firing”, resulting in the death of a 10-year-old child. The operation is part of Pakistan’s ongoing counterterrorism campaign amid rising violence, with attacks increasing by 34 per cent and fatalities by 21 per cent in 2025, according to the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS). Authorities said “sanitisation operations” are ongoing to eliminate remaining threats. ("22 terrorists killed in joint IBO in KP's Khyber, says military's media wing," Dawn, 24 April 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
NA Speaker calls for dialogue and respect for international laws for global peace
On 24 April, Dawn reported that National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that following international laws and solving disputes through dialogue are the best ways to ensure peace and stability. Speaking on the International Day for Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, he said that current global and regional challenges require countries to focus on dialogue, tolerance and cooperation instead of conflict. He said that lasting peace depends on trust, diplomacy and meaningful talks. Sadiq also noted that Pakistan has always supported peaceful solutions, multilateral cooperation and international engagement as part of its foreign policy. He added that Pakistan has played a positive role in reducing regional tensions and encouraging dialogue between countries. This statement comes at a time of increasing global challenges, including conflicts, economic problems and climate issues, making international cooperation more important. Pakistan also reaffirmed its commitment to working with the global community for peace and stability. (“Adherence to international laws, dialogue only options for regional stability: NA speaker Ayaz Sadiq,” Dawn, 24 April 2026)
Civil-military leadership vows joint efforts for peace in Gwadar
On 24 April, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s civil and military leaders agreed to work together to improve peace and stability in Gwadar and the wider Balochistan region. This decision was made during a high-level meeting where officials reviewed the security situation and ongoing development projects. The leaders said that better coordination between civilian bodies and security forces is needed to deal with issues like terrorism and unrest. They also stressed the need to protect development projects, especially those under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and to make sure local people benefit from them. Officials added that improving law and order and governance will be important for long-term stability. The discussion shows Pakistan’s effort to balance its security needs with development goals in Balochistan, which is an important but sensitive region. (“Civil military leaders vow joint push for peace in Gawadar,” Dawn, 24 April 2026)
ON INDIA
Pakistan raises concerns over Indus Waters Treaty suspension in letter to UNSC
On 23 April, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar wrote to the President of the UN Security Council, raising concerns about India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). He said that this move could increase tensions in the region, reduce trust in international agreements and create challenges in water sharing between countries. Pakistan said the treaty is still valid and cannot be ended by one country alone. Dar also warned that any change in water flow could seriously affect Pakistan’s agriculture, economy and the livelihoods of millions who depend on the Indus river system. He urged the UN Security Council to take note of the situation and help prevent further tensions. This development highlights the rising tensions between India and Pakistan over water sharing, along with broader political and security concerns. (“In letter to UNSC president, Dar draws attention to grave consequences of Indus Waters Treaty suspension by India,” Dawn, 23 April 2026)
Pakistan rejects India's claims on Pahalgam attack
On 23 April, The News International reported that Pakistan rejected India’s claims linking it to the Pahalgam attack and calling them baseless and politically motivated. Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) said India was spreading a false narrative to divert attention from its internal issues and to justify its policies in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan also said it does not support terrorism in any form and remains committed to peace and stability in the region. Its officials warned that such claims could increase tensions between the two countries and affect regional stability. Pakistan also urged the international community to take note of what it described as misinformation and to encourage responsible behaviour. These developments reflect ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, where such incidents are often followed by different claims and diplomatic responses from both sides. (“Weaponisation of false narrative Pakistan rejects India’s propaganda on Pahalgam attack,” The News International, 23 April 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
US-Iran war
Dr Syed Akhtar Ali Shah, "The ever-evolving Middle East conflict," The Express Tribune, 24 April 2026
"The roots of what is now widely described as the 'Middle East conflict' lie in the gradual disintegration of the Ottoman Empire during World War I. As the Ottomans aligned with the rivals of Britain, their grip over Arab territories began to weaken, creating space for external intervention and internal dissent. In this shifting geopolitical landscape, the Sharif of Mecca, along with other Arab leaders - supported by the British - raised the banner of revolt against the Ottoman Sultan, who was widely regarded as a symbol of unity in the Muslim world."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604434/the-ever-evolving-middle-east-conflict
Inam Ul Haque, "US-Iran stand-off - beyond the rhetoric," The News International, 24 April 2026
"Continuous interference with the oil and gas traffic through SoH will enhance the already worrying energy hardship in Asia and beyond, especially in Europe and the Global South. Plus, bombing the Arab neighbours will vitiate the global public opinion against Iran in the not-too-distant future. This will cause the world and the UN to gravitate towards an Afghanistan-style resolution against Iran, seen then as a bad actor."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604226/us-iran-stand-off-beyond-the-rhetoric
Security
Editorial, "Chagai killings," The Express Tribune, 24 April 2026
"The killing of ten workers, including two security guards, at a copper and gold mining site near Chagai is a desperate terrorist act to derail the momentum of development in Balochistan. While the reclusive province is already in the eye of the storm of terrorism, this latest offensive can be read in the wider canvas of geopolitical upheavals, meant to destabilise the country's growing image as a peace broker."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2604429/chagai-killings
Province
Afzal Ali Shigri, "A case for smaller provinces," Dawn, 24 April 2026
"The debate on creating new provinces is often seen through the lens of ethnicity, history and political identity, and projected as being in the public interest. Not only is this misleading, it is also designed to preserve the existing power structure. It diverts attention from the real issue of governance failure and replaces it with emotional narratives. Pakistan does not suffer from a shortage of identities; it suffers from a deficit of equitable governance and basic administrative needs."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1994578/a-case-for-smaller-provinces
Education
Faisal Bari, "Teachers’ career path," Dawn, 24 April 2026
"Most people would agree that for a building to be strong, the foundations have to be strong. It is no different in education. Foundational literacy and numeracy, and foundational skills in learning, language and math have to be strong for a child to experience a good educational outcome. The foundation is set at the primary level of schooling. Should we not have our best teachers at the primary school level? This is where we make or break our students."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1994579/teachers-career-path
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