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In Focus
Pakistan successfully tests Fateh-II missile system
The move follows a series of indigenously developed missile systems launched by Pakistan in recent months
On 28 April, Dawn and The News International reported that the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed a successful training launch of the indigenously developed Fateh-II missile by the Army Rocket Force Command. The system, equipped with advanced avionics and navigation aids, was tested to train troops, validate technical parameters and assess sub-system performance for “improved accuracy and enhanced survivability”. The launch was witnessed by officials from the Strategic Plans Division and scientists from “strategic organisations”. President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and CDF Asim Munir praised the effort, highlighting the importance of indigenous technology in strengthening national defence capabilities.
The test follows a series of recent missile developments across Pakistan’s armed forces. Last week, the Pakistan Navy conducted a successful launch of the indigenously developed Taimoor air-launched cruise missile, described as demonstrating “precision strike capability and operational readiness”. Earlier, naval forces also tested a ship-launched anti-ship missile, while previous trials under the Fateh series and other systems have focused on extending range and accuracy. Officials say these developments reflect a broader strategy to enhance conventional deterrence and build a multi-dimensional, coordinated strike capability through sustained investment in domestic defence technology. (“Pakistan successfully conducts training launch of Fateh-II missile system: ISPR,” Dawn, 28 April 2026; “Army Rocket Force Command conducts training launch of Fateh-II missile,” The News International, 28 April 2026)
Islamabad Talks
Iran expected to share fresh proposal with Pakistan, according to CNN
Islamabad continues diplomatic outreach; says it is “firmly committed” to US-Iran peace at UNSC session
On 29 April, Dawn, The Express Tribune and The News International reported that uncertainty continues to surround efforts to revive negotiations between the United States and Iran, as US President Donald Trump appeared reluctant to accept Tehran’s proposal despite indications that a revised plan may be shared through Pakistan in the coming days, according to CNN. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to consult leadership in Tehran before finalising a phased framework prioritising an end to hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz before addressing nuclear issues. Trump said Iran wanted the US to “open the Hormuz Strait”, but analysts suggest Washington remains unconvinced, while Iranian officials insisted the US must abandon “illegal and irrational demands” despite ongoing indirect engagement.
In parallel, Pakistan has continued its role as a key intermediary, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and CDF Asim Munir leading a quiet shuttle diplomatic effort between Washington and Tehran. Officials said Islamabad’s efforts helped secure a temporary ceasefire earlier this month and remain focused on bridging gaps over the Hormuz blockade and sequencing of concessions. At the United Nations Security Council, Pakistan warned that continued disruption of maritime routes could trigger severe global economic consequences, while Secretary-General António Guterres praised its “constructive role” in de-escalation. (“Iran expected to make new offer to ‘reluctant’ US,” Dawn, 29 April 2026; “'Firmly committed' to Iran-US peace, Pakistan tells UN Security Council,” Dawn, 28 April 2026; “UN chief, Iran envoy commend FM Dar's diplomatic efforts for facilitating peace talks,” The Express Tribune, 28 April 2026; “Pakistan persists with US-Iran mediation despite setbacks,” The News International, 29 April 2026)
In Brief
AF-PAK
Chaman: Pakistani forces destroy several Afghan Taliban posts, according to security sources
On 28 April, Dawn reported that Pakistani security forces destroyed multiple Afghan Taliban posts in Balochistan’s Chaman sector in response to what officials described as “unprovoked aggression” along the border. According to security sources, the operation - part of the ongoing Ghazab lil-Haq campaign - targeted positions including Sarshan, Al-Marjan and Edhi, along with associated vehicles and installations. Officials said the action reflected Pakistan’s resolve to counter cross-border threats and militant activity linked to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), adding that the operation would continue until its objectives are achieved, amid continued tensions and repeated calls on Kabul to dismantle militant sanctuaries. (“Forces destroy several Afghan Taliban posts in Chaman sector: security sources,” Dawn, 28 April 2026)
Thousands of deportees still waiting to cross border into Afghanistan
On 29 April, The News International reported that thousands of Afghan returnees continued to gather at the Torkham border crossing as strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan kept the main trade route largely closed, disrupting livelihoods and movement. Hundreds of trucks carrying household belongings lined the road as families prepared to cross, with officials estimating that between 4000 and 6000 Afghans have been returning daily since March. Many expressed concern that continued tensions and the risk of renewed fighting would worsen their situation, while businesses on both sides warned of mounting losses due to stalled trade, urging both governments to resolve differences through dialogue to restore economic activity. (“Trucks build up at border as Afghans deportees wait to cross,” The News International, 29 April 2026)
EXTERNAL
PM Shehbaz meets EU business delegation, reaffirms commitment to strengthening trade ties
On 29 April, Dawn reported that a high-level EU delegation led by Peteris Ustubs of the European Commission's Directorate-General for International Partnerships called on PM Shehbaz Sharif at the PM House, alongside senior executives from Adidas, Andritz, and IKEA. The delegation praised Pakistan's role in Middle East de-escalation efforts and expressed gratitude for hosting the EU-Pakistan Business Forum. PM Shehbaz reaffirmed the EU's status as Pakistan's largest trading partner and assured the delegation of the government's continued support for facilitating trade and investment growth, while noting Pakistan's commitment to economic stabilisation despite the regional oil price spike. ("PM meets European Union business delegation," Dawn, 29 April 2026)
Cambodia agrees to repatriate 54 Pakistanis arrested in scam compound raid
On 28 April, Dawn reported that Cambodia agreed to the early repatriation of 54 Pakistani nationals detained in Siem Reap province following a raid on a scamming compound, with the Foreign Office confirming that, as a goodwill gesture, the detainees would be repatriated without any legal proceedings against them. The development followed reports that over 200 Pakistanis were being held in overcrowded facilities lacking basic amenities. The FO said the Pakistan embassy in Cambodia had actively pursued the matter in line with FM Ishaq Dar's instructions to facilitate the Pakistani community abroad, and that flight arrangements were being finalised. Cambodia has seen a multibillion-dollar scam industry grow in recent years, with thousands involved, some willingly and others coerced by organised criminal groups exploiting weak governance. ("FO says Cambodia has agreed on early repatriation of 54 Pakistanis arrested following scam centre raid," Dawn, 28 April 2026)
Pakistan and Norway sign MoU opening Norwegian-flagged vessels to Pakistani seafarers
On 29 April, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan and Norway signed a memorandum of understanding allowing Pakistani seafarers to serve aboard Norwegian-flagged vessels, with the agreement signed by Pakistan's Ambassador to Norway, Saadia Altaf Qazi and Director General of Shipping and Navigation, Alf Tore Sørheim. The MoU, the first such arrangement between the two countries, provides for the recognition of Pakistani training certifications by Norwegian authorities, aligning local qualifications with international standards. Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the agreement would open new employment avenues for Pakistan's seafaring community, which is a significant source of foreign remittances, while also exposing workers to advanced maritime practices aboard vessels from one of the world's leading maritime nations. ("MoU opens Norwegian ships to Pakistani seafarers," The Express Tribune, 29 April 2026)
Pakistan raises concern over violence in Gaza, West Bank and Hormuz closure at UNSC
On 29 April, The News International reported that Pakistan's Permanent Ambassador to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, warned at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) of deepening volatility in the Middle East, urging all parties to exercise restraint and prioritise diplomacy to prevent further escalation. He described the regional situation as “extremely volatile with multiple and interconnected crises” and stressed adherence to international law and the UN Charter. Highlighting Gaza, he noted that despite a ceasefire, more than 800 Palestinians had been killed in Israeli strikes since its announcement, while humanitarian aid remained insufficient. He also raised alarm over rising violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank, and warned that tensions around the Strait of Hormuz were threatening global economic stability, reiterating that resolving the Palestinian issue remained central to lasting peace. (“Pakistan sounds alarm at UN over Gaza killings, West Bank surge, Hormuz threat,” The News International, 29 April 2026)
ECONOMY
Pakistan shifts focus to commercial borrowing as external position stabilises after Saudi inflows
On 28 April, Dawn reported that Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, speaking on the sidelines of the first high-level EU-Pakistan Business Forum in Islamabad, said the government had no plans to seek additional bilateral financing from friendly countries, stating that Pakistan's external position had stabilised following USD three billion in inflows from Saudi Arabia. He said the government was now pivoting to commercial borrowing, including a USD 250 million Panda bond denominated in Chinese currency planned for May, with Eurobond and Sukuk issuances under consideration over the next two to three years. Aurangzeb expressed confidence that Pakistan had met all IMF conditions and would receive a USD 1.2 billion tranche under its concurrent Extended Fund Facility and Resilience and Sustainability Facility programmes at the May board meeting. He projected GDP growth of four per cent for the current fiscal year and said foreign exchange reserves were expected to reach around USD 18 billion by end of June, providing three months of import cover. The forum, which brought together around 1000 policymakers and business leaders, also saw PM Shehbaz meet senior EU officials, with the EU delegation praising Pakistan's peace efforts in the region and noting the enormous potential for growth in bilateral trade and investment across energy, IT, and communications sectors. ("Finance minister says no plans of seeking more bilateral financing after recent inflows from Saudi Arabia," Dawn, 28 April 2026)
Nepra scraps fees and restores licensing exemption for solar users with systems below 25kW
On 28 April, The Express Tribune reported that the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) scrapped fees and restored a licensing exemption for solar consumers with systems under 25 kilowatts, reverting to the framework under the 2015 regulations. Users installing systems above 25kW will be subject to a one-time fee of PKR 1000 per kW, with the decision applied retrospectively from 09 February 2026. The move follows a formal request from the Power Division, acting on a directive from Energy Minister Awais Leghari, who described the government as "pro-solar, pro-consumer, and committed to clean energy." The rollback comes after the earlier prosumer regulations had centralised approval with Nepra, even for small-scale installations and introduced application fees, drawing criticism from consumers, industry stakeholders, and the Private Power and Infrastructure Board. ("Nepra scraps fees, restores licence exemption for solar users below 25kW," The Express Tribune, 28 April 2026)
European Investment Bank returns to Pakistan after a decade with EUR 160 million in loans for housing and water
On 29 April, The Express Tribune reported that the European Investment Bank (EIB) announced EUR 160 million in loan agreements on the sidelines of the EU-Pakistan Business Forum, marking its return to Pakistan after a decade. The package includes a EUR 100 million loan to support climate-resilient reconstruction of around 2.1 million flood-damaged homes in rural Sindh following the 2022 floods, and EUR 60 million to improve water quality in Karachi through the construction of two filtration plants in Gharo and Pipri, expected to provide around one billion litres of clean drinking water per day. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb separately told forum participants that Pakistan's economy was on track to grow four per cent this fiscal year despite the Middle East conflict, that external sector stability had been maintained through the Saudi loan and a Eurobond private placement, and that reserves were expected to reach USD 16 billion by the end of April and USD 18 billion by June. He added that the government had no plans for further bilateral borrowing and planned to float USD 250 million in Panda bonds by mid-May. ("Aurangzeb pitches 4% growth to EU," The Express Tribune, 29 April 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Peshawar: Police allegedly open fire on Khyber protesters
On 28 April, Dawn reported that police in Peshawar allegedly used tear gas and opened fire to disperse a protest by tribesmen from Khyber district, who had gathered at the Hayatabad toll plaza against a suspected quadcopter strike that killed a teenage girl and injured six others in Bara’s Akkakhel area. Protesters said around 150 people had assembled peacefully, though authorities claimed firing began after some demonstrators damaged a vehicle. Khyber MNA Iqbal Afridi said the protest aimed to highlight civilian casualties, adding that locals felt “powerless” amid ongoing militancy. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi ordered an inquiry into the incident, directing action against those responsible, while police did not issue an official statement. (“Police in Peshawar allegedly open fire during protest by Khyber residents,” Dawn, 28 April 2026)
Imran Khan undergoes fourth eye procedure at PIMS
On 28 April, Dawn reported that former Prime Minister Imran Khan received a fourth intravitreal anti-VEGF injection at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for treatment of right central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and was discharged the same day after doctors noted clinical improvement. Hospital officials said he remained stable throughout the procedure, which followed earlier injections in January, February and March. However, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and other opposition figures raised concerns over the absence of his personal doctors and family during treatment, calling it a violation of fundamental rights. The party also questioned official claims about his health, alleging a lack of transparency and demanding his transfer to a private facility for further care. (“Imran brought to Pims for follow-up treatment, undergoes fourth eye procedure,” Dawn, 28 April 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
The Middle East crisis & Pakistan
Zahid Hussain, "Middle power moment," Dawn, 29 April 2026
"Pakistan's role as a mediator in the US-Iran conflict has placed it at the forefront of diplomatic efforts, prompting many to recognise the country as a middle power. This delicate balancing act in conflict resolution has garnered international acclaim for Pakistan. However, concerns arise regarding the sustainability of this prominent position, given entrenched geopolitical fault lines."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1995954/middle-power-moment
Haris Mehmood, "Pakistan's unlikely mediation and what it must do next," The Express Tribune, 29 April 2026
"Pakistan faces a choice it has not yet articulated to itself. It can be Washington's most useful channel. Or it can be something rarer - an honest mediator that tells Washington what Iran can actually accept and tells Tehran what continued resistance will cost. Pakistan cannot fully be both. The sooner Islamabad is honest with itself about that choice, the better positioned it will be to make it wisely."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605324/pakistans-unlikely-mediation-and-what-it-must-do-next
Economy
Editorial, "Growth to stability," Dawn, 29 April 2026
"The State Bank’s decision to raise its key policy rate by 100 basis points to 11.5pc signals a shift in priorities from supporting growth to protecting macroeconomic stability, preserving exchange rate confidence, and preventing inflation from becoming entrenched amid risks arising from the Gulf crisis."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1995946/growth-to-stability
Education
Mehak Anwar, "Skills, not slogans: rethinking Pakistan's education divide," The Express Tribune, 29 April 2026
"Pakistan's education crisis no longer hides behind dense policy documents or statistical abstractions; it is laid bare in a stark and persistent divide. While urban literacy rates have climbed past 70%, rural Pakistan continues to fall dangerously behind. This is more than a disparity; it is a structural failure that speaks of years of uneven governance, weak delivery mechanisms, and policy priorities that rarely translate beyond paper."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605323/skills-not-slogans-rethinking-pakistans-education-divide
External
Editorial, "Rupture and thaw," The Express Tribune, 29 April 2026
"Hezbollah's refusal to be part of the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel has come as a spanner in the works. The truce was brokered last week in Washington, as Iran and the US were haggling for a dialogue in Islamabad. The decision of the pro-Iran group not to be part of the truce deal is a setback to efforts for congeniality among the arch foes. The war casualties in Lebanon have surpassed 2500, with more than 1.6 million displaced by Israeli attacks. Hezbollah's Secretary General Naim Qassem has apparently taken a high-moral ground, as he claims that talks with the Jewish state is a 'negation of dignity', vowing to continue 'defensive resistance'."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2605123/rupture-and-thaw
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