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In Focus
Pakistan and Sri Lanka begin joint counter-terrorism exercise
“Shake Hands-II” will be a two-week drill and follows Pakistan’s previous such exercises with Egypt, Türkiye and the US
On 28 April, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan and Sri Lanka launched the joint counter-terrorism exercise “Shake Hands-II” at Tarbela, with participation from the Pakistan Army Special Services Group and Sri Lankan Special Forces. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the two-week drill aims to enhance operational capabilities, interoperability and professional expertise through joint training. Officials said participating troops would exchange “operational experiences and expertise in counter-terrorism operations,” strengthening coordination between the two militaries.
The drill comes amid a series of recent joint military engagements by Pakistan. Earlier this month, Pakistan conducted the “Jinnah-XIII” commando exercise with Türkiye, focusing on advanced counterterrorism tactics, while last week, “Thunder-II” with Egypt was held at Cherat to enhance special operations coordination. In January, Pakistan also held “Inspired Gambit-2026” with the United States, aimed at strengthening counterterrorism cooperation. The exercise reflects Islamabad’s continued focus on specialised training and regional defence partnerships to address evolving security threats. (“Pakistan, Sri Lanka kick off joint counter-terrorism exercise 'Shake Hands-II' at Tarbela,” The Express Tribune, 28 April 2026)
Pakistan and China sign three MoUs
New deals cover water desalination, agricultural technology and tea sector cooperation; aims to deepen industrial collaboration
On 27 April, The Express Tribune and Dawn reported that Pakistan and China signed three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in Changsha covering water desalination, agricultural technology and tea sector cooperation. The agreements, witnessed by President Asif Ali Zardari, aim to deepen industrial collaboration and strengthen economic and trade ties. One MoU focuses on converting seawater into potable water in Karachi, addressing urban water shortages, while another promotes agricultural innovation through technology transfer. A third agreement targets the development of the tea industry through joint ventures and supply chain integration, reflecting growing sectoral cooperation between the two countries.
The signing took place in Hunan province as part of Zardari’s broader visit to enhance bilateral economic engagement. Officials said the agreements would boost investment, innovation and people-to-people linkages across priority sectors. The president emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to expanding collaboration in key industries, while engagements with Chinese firms, including SANY Group and Hunan Tea Group, highlighted opportunities in advanced manufacturing and global supply chains. The MoUs underscore Islamabad’s strategy to leverage its partnership with Beijing for infrastructure, agricultural modernisation and sustainable industrial growth. (“Pakistan, China agree to deepen cooperation in desalination, agriculture, tea production sectors,” The Express Tribune, 27 April 2026; “Pakistan, China sign 3 MoUs to boost desalination, agri technology, tea sector cooperation,” Dawn, 27 April 2026)
Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions
Three injured in suspected Afghan attacks in South Waziristan
Pakistan dismisses Afghan claims that it struck civilian sites
On 27 April, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that Pakistani security forces destroyed militant positions across the border after alleged firing by the Afghan Taliban injured three civilians, including two women, in South Waziristan. Security sources said the attack followed failed infiltration attempts by militants linked to Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), adding that troops “thwarted every infiltration attempt” before retaliating under Operation Ghazab lil-Haq. Officials claimed the cross-border shelling targeted civilians in Angoor Adda, while locals condemned the incident and urged a response.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s information ministry rejected an Afghan media claim that its forces struck civilian sites in Kunar province, calling reports of attacks on Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University “blatant lies” and “fake propaganda”. Officials insisted that any action under Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was “precise and intelligence-based” and would be publicly acknowledged. The ministry accused Afghan outlets of spreading misinformation to deflect from alleged support to TTP-linked groups, adding that such narratives were amplified by external actors. The rebuttal reflects an escalating information battle accompanying military tensions, with both sides contesting narratives over civilian harm and responsibility for cross-border violence. (“Three hurt as Afghan forces target civilians in South Waziristan,” Dawn, 27 April 2026; “Info ministry rubbishes reports of Pakistan targeting varsity, residential areas in Afghanistan's Kunar,” Dawn, 27 April 2026)
Study finds that “Al-Mirsad” is a designated anti-Pakistan propaganda arm of Taliban
On 27 April, The Express Tribune reported that a study by the University of Lahore’s Center for Security, Strategy and Policy Research (CSSPR) identified Afghan outlet “Al-Mirsad” as a coordinated propaganda arm linked to Taliban intelligence, designed to shape anti-Pakistan narratives. The report said the platform uses multilingual content and digital tools, including AI-driven amplification, to influence public opinion and legitimise militant groups. It also highlighted the “weaponisation of religion” and exploitation of ethnic fault lines to undermine Pakistan’s internal cohesion. These events underscore persistent volatility along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, where tensions have risen amid repeated accusations of militant safe havens and cross-border attacks. (“'Al-Mirsad' anti-Pakistan propaganda arm of Afghan Taliban: CSSPR,” The Express Tribune, 27 April 2026)
Islamabad Talks
Iran’s Araghchi says he discussed conditions for US talks with Pakistan
He appreciated Pakistan’s mediation efforts; “Wrong approaches and excessive demands” by US stalled talks, he said
On 27 April, Dawn reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran discussed the “path and conditions” for continuing dialogue with the United States during recent consultations with Pakistan in Islamabad. Calling his visit “very successful,” Araghchi noted Pakistan’s key mediation role, adding that “wrong approaches and excessive demands” by Washington had stalled progress despite earlier gains. He said Tehran used the meetings to reassess negotiations and outline future parameters. The remarks came after back-to-back visits to Pakistan and Oman, where discussions also focused on coordination over the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional stability.
Araghchi then travelled to Russia, where he met Vladimir Putin, who pledged support for regional peace and continued strategic ties. The diplomatic push follows the collapse of planned in-person talks in Islamabad after Donald Trump cancelled his envoys’ visit, insisting negotiations would instead take place remotely. Meanwhile, Iran has sent messages outlining its red lines, including the nuclear issue and access to the Strait of Hormuz, even as tensions persist with a US naval blockade and Iran’s closure of the Strait. Despite a fragile ceasefire holding, energy disruptions and rising global prices continue to add urgency to renewed diplomatic efforts. (“Iran FM Araghchi says he discussed conditions for continuing US talks with ‘friends in Pakistan’,” Dawn, 27 April 2026)
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Government working to secure release of 11 Pakistani crew members held hostage after Somali pirate hijacking
On 28 April, Dawn reported that Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi met families of 11 Pakistani crew members taken hostage after armed pirates hijacked an oil tanker near the Somali coast last week, along with the vessel's Indonesian captain. The governor assured families that the federal government was taking all-out measures for their safe release and that communication with the hostages remained intact. He noted that discussions were underway with the European Union regarding the recovery of the hostages, and acknowledged that the incident occurring outside Pakistan's maritime boundaries had created certain complexities. ("Efforts on to secure release of Pakistani crew members of hijacked oil tanker: Sindh governor," Dawn, 28 April 2026)
UK, Canada and Egypt foreign ministers reaffirm support for Pakistan's Gulf mediation role in separate calls with Foreign Minister Dar
On 27 April, The Express Tribune reported that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held separate telephone calls with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, all of whom emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomacy and appreciated Pakistan's continued facilitation efforts amid the Iran-US-Israel crisis. Abdelatty also briefed Dar on his own outreach with regional and international counterparts, while Dar and Anand additionally reviewed bilateral Pakistan-Canada cooperation in trade and agriculture. The calls come as Pakistan's mediation role has drawn recognition from officials across more than ten countries. The first round of Islamabad talks saw the US propose a 20-year suspension of all Iranian nuclear activity against Iran's counter-proposal of three to five years, ending without agreement. The second round similarly yielded no results, with Trump cancelling a planned visit by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, though Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi visited Islamabad for a second consecutive day. ("UK, Canada and Egypt FMs discuss regional situation, stress talks and diplomacy in calls with Dar," The Express Tribune, 27 April 2026)
ECONOMY
SBP ignores industry calls, raises interest rate by 100 bps to 11.5 per cent
On 28 April, Dawn reported that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) raised the interest rate by 100 basis points to 11.5 per cent. This decision faced criticism from the industry, as the industry leaders had repeatedly urged the central bank to bring it down to single digits, in line with regional benchmarks. However, SBP ignored their demands. Industry leaders argued that when inflation was low, the policy rate remained elevated at 10.5 per cent. Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President emphasised that the continued tightening of monetary policy would deal a crippling blow to the struggling industrial and export sectors. Also, SITE Association of Industry President Abdul Rahman Fudda said the increase in borrowing costs would further discourage investment and tighten already-constrained working capital cycles. (“Industry leaders warn interest rate hike to hit exports economic growth,” Dawn, 28 April 2026)
Oil industry urges SBP to extend CIF imports relaxation
On 27 April, Dawn reported that the oil industry has asked the State Bank of Pakistan to extend, for two months or “until market conditions stabilise”, the permission for the import of petroleum products on a cost, insurance and freight (CIF) basis. CIF is an arrangement under which buyers assume the responsibility of import costs and final delivery following the arrival of commodities at the destination port. Earlier, the Government had provided a 60-day relaxation, which had proven to be instrumental in enabling refineries and oil marketing companies (OMCs) to secure cargoes under highly challenging market conditions. However, this 60-day relaxation was set to expire on 10 May. (“Oil industry seeks extension for imports on CIF basis to ensure continuity of supplies,” Dawn, 27 April 2026)
Pakistan exports slump by 7.14 per cent in first three quarters of FY26
On 28 April, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistani exports declined by 7.14 per cent in the first three quarters of FY26. As per Pakistan Bureau of Statistics data, Pakistan exported goods worth PKR 6,393 billion compared with PKR 6,884 billion in the same period last year. Meanwhile, imports during July-March totalled PKR 14,254 billion, an increase of 7.98 per cent from PKR 13,200 billion in the corresponding period last year. In March alone, exports amounted to PKR 635.5 billion, down 0.17 per cent from February and 14.21 per cent from March 2025, while March imports stood at PKR 1,430 billion, down 3.44 per cent from February. (“Exports decline 7.14% in nine months, The Express Tribune, 28 April 2026)
SECURITY
Balochistan: Police head constable martyred in militant attack on checkpost in Pishin district
On 27 April, Dawn reported that a police head constable, identified as Naimatullah, was martyred after armed militants on a motorcycle opened fire on a checkpost in the Huramzai area of Pishin district, Balochistan, using automatic weapons. Police personnel retaliated, with the exchange of fire continuing for some time before the assailants fled. A search operation has been launched to trace those responsible. No group has claimed responsibility. The attack follows the martyrdom of a policeman and injuries to four others in separate attacks on two police stations in Kachhi and Noshki districts last week. ("Constable martyred in terrorist attack on police checkpost in Balochistan's Pishin," Dawn, 27 April 2026)
Hassankhel: Third suspected drone strike damages another mosque
On 28 April, Dawn reported that a mosque was partially damaged in a suspected drone strike in the Hassankhel sub-division, around 45 miles south of Peshawar, marking the third such strike in the area and the second to damage a place of worship. The strike hit Jamia Masjid Qamar Sar at around 10 am, with no casualties reported as the mosque was unoccupied at the time. A separate explosion of unconfirmed nature also took place in the same area, targeting a local hujra, also without casualties. The incident follows a suspected drone strike on a mosque in Hassankhel's Chandoka area on 22 April 2026. The area has seen a surge in militant activity in recent months, with two policemen abducted and martyred in April and multiple attacks on police installations reported across the broader constituency over the past three months. ("Suspected drone strike damages another mosque in Hassankhel," Dawn, 28 April 2026)
CLIMATE CHANGE
Low snow cover across Hindu Kush raises concern of water scarcity in Indus Basin
On 28 April, Dawn reported that the Indus River Basin is facing a deepening water security threat as snow cover across the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region has dropped to 27.8 per cent below normal, according to the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). The report noted that snow persistence in the Indus Basin remains 18 per cent below average, marking the fourth consecutive year of decline and raising risks of reduced river flows, groundwater stress and early summer drought. Author Sher Muhammad warned of a “breaking point” as seasonal snow reserves continue to shrink. With nearly 300 million people dependent on the basin, officials cautioned that irrigation shortages, lower hydropower generation and worsening climate vulnerability could follow, urging urgent adoption of adaptive water management, early warning systems and regional cooperation. (“Shrinking snow forebodes water scarcity in Indus basin,” Dawn, 28 April 2026)
GGGI backs “green growth” as driver for sustainable development in Pakistan
On 28 April, Dawn reported that Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Country Representative Laura Jalosjoki reaffirmed support for Pakistan’s sustainable development and climate resilience efforts during a meeting with Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik in Islamabad. The discussions focused on the Pakistan Country Programme 2024-2028, including plans to expand climate financing, strengthen agriculture value chains, and improve energy efficiency through AI-based monitoring systems. Both sides also reviewed the proposed Global Clean Hydrogen Programme, aimed at supporting Pakistan’s transition to net-zero emissions. Malik stressed the need for “locally relevant” and practical solutions aligned with national priorities, while GGGI highlighted its role in building institutional frameworks and mobilising investment for climate-focused development initiatives. (“‘Green growth to help Pakistan in sustainable development’,” Dawn, 28 April 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Middle East crisis
Arifa Noor, "A long week," Dawn, 28 April 2026
"They came, they talked and they left, only to return within a day. That was true of the Iranians but not the Americans who were to fly in from DC but last-minute changes to their plans meant they never got on the plane. Some of them were said to be holed up in Islamabad’s Serena Hotel but there was little information available about them. Perhaps, even in this age of musbat (positive) reporting, one can say that the stalemate continues, though those in the know insist there is slow and steady progress behind the scenes. They have been reporting this positively for weeks now so the rest of us muggles can only hope for the best and point out that the ceasefire is still in place. But none of us can forget that the Strait of Hormuz is still closed and blockaded, supply lines are disrupted and the lack of trust can cause an accident, which may lead to a resumption of hostilities. But in the meantime, all the roads still lead to Pakistan."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1995692/a-long-week
Faisal Kutty, "America's Iran war and the crisis of credibility," The Express Tribune, 28 April 2026
"The US-Israel attack on Iran, widely viewed by legal experts as illegal under international law, is being framed in Washington as a necessary act of deterrence. But beyond the official language, it reveals something far more consequential. It exposes a deepening crisis of credibility, both within the United States and across the global order it claims to lead."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605128/americas-iran-war-and-the-crisis-of-credibility
Renewable energy
Editorial, "Solar vision?" Dawn, 28 April 2026
"The rollback of licensing requirements and fees for solar generation capacity of 25kW or below exposes an uncertain policymaking process that, rather than following a long-term policy framework, reacted first to cost pressures as consumers shifted away from the grid, and then rescinded the move because of public backlash for ‘taxing sunlight’. Such ambiguity in energy policymaking circles shows lack of clarity: do our policymakers actually want to accelerate solarisation or do they want to manage its pace to safeguard legacy interests in the power sector? The government’s uncertainty in first subjecting small solar prosumers to licensing requirements and fees and then reversing its decision under pressure is not new."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1995685/solar-vision
Education
Mujeeb Ali, "Inequality in education," The Express Tribune, 28 April 2026
"Children from wealthy families are far more likely to become doctors, engineers, administrators or officers. Those from poorer backgrounds are often pushed toward low-paying, labour-intensive jobs - not because they lack talent, but because they lack opportunity. Education, healthcare and social participation are fundamental human rights. Children are born equal. It is our social, economic and political structures that make them unequal. If we are serious about justice, then these are the very structures we must confront and transform at the earliest stage."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605126/inequality-in-education
Food insecurity
Editorial, "Food-insecure nation," Dawn, 27 April 2026
"A new UN-backed report has listed Pakistan among 10 countries where acute food insecurity is most concentrated. This finding may seem surprising for a country with a large agricultural base. But it should not be. Essentially, the concentration of food insecurity in Pakistan is the predictable outcome of the deep-rooted weaknesses in the country’s agriculture sector, rocked by repeated climate shocks and persistent economic fragility. The Global Report on Food Crises merely quantifies what has long been known: food insecurity in Pakistan is chronic rather than temporary or cyclical. The only consolation is the finding that fewer people were classified in the most severe categories in 2025 compared to the previous year, suggesting that emergency responses and some stabilisation in prices may have had an effect. Nonetheless, this is not a turnaround."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1995307/food-insecure-nation
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