|
In Focus
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan flags growing curbs on freedom
"State of Human Rights in 2025" highlights restrictions on freedom of expression, erosion of judicial independence and expanded detention powers, among others
On 04 May, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) launched its annual report, "State of Human Rights in 2025", warning of a severe contraction of civic space, erosion of judicial independence, and deepening insecurity across the country. Presenting the report in Islamabad, HRCP officials said the state of human rights had reached one of its lowest points, citing enforced disappearances, suppression of dissent, and increasing restrictions on freedom of expression.
The report highlighted the growing use of legal mechanisms, including amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and anti-terror laws, to target journalists, activists, and political workers, contributing to a climate of fear and self-censorship. It also raised concerns over expanded detention powers under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and a decline in judicial independence following the passing of the 27th Amendment. The report also highlighted continued reports of extrajudicial killings, discrimination against vulnerable groups, and the impact of counterterrorism operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Despite these concerns, the HRCP noted some limited progress, including legislation on minority rights and child protection, as well as court rulings advancing women’s rights. However, it stressed that these gains were incremental and insufficient to offset broader structural challenges, warning that persistent insecurity, climate-related disasters, and institutional weaknesses continue to undermine the protection of fundamental rights in Pakistan. (“HRCP highlights severe contraction of civic space, erosion of judicial independence in 2025,” Dawn, 04 May 2026; “HRCP flags shrinking civic space, judicial concerns in annual report,” The Express Tribune, 04 May 2026; “Freedom of expression, rule of law under stress: HRCP launches 2025 report,” Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, 04 May 2026)
Read the report:
“State of Human Rights in 2025,” Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, 04 May 2026
Pakistan-Afghanistan clashes
Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of deadly cross-border strikes amid ongoing talks
Kabul says the strike killed three people, while Pakistan denied the claim; Informal talks underway in Istanbul
On 05 May, The Associated Press reported that Afghanistan accused Pakistan of carrying out cross-border attacks into its territory, killing at least three civilians and injuring 14 in Kunar province, while also damaging schools, mosques and a health facility. Afghan officials condemned the strikes as targeting civilian areas. In response, Pakistan’s information ministry rejected the allegations, instead blaming recent cross-border fire from Afghan territory that it said had killed women and children in Bajaur in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa district.
Meanwhile, on 30 April, Afghanistan International reported that informal backchannel talks are reportedly underway in Istanbul involving figures linked to both sides, with support from Türkiye, to address tensions over border clashes, militant activity and migration issues. The discussions are said to focus on practical confidence-building measures such as intelligence sharing and preventing cross-border incidents. However, previous formal negotiations in multiple regional capitals have failed to yield lasting results, underscoring the fragility of ties between the two neighbours. (“Afghanistan says cross-border attacks by Pakistan hit civilian areas and killed 3,” The Associated Press, 05 May 2026; “Taliban, Pakistan Hold Informal Talks In Turkiye,” Afghanistan International, 30 April 2026)
In Brief
SECURITY
South Waziristan: Suicide attack foiled; one killed and 15 injured
On 04 May, Dawn reported that a suicide attack on a Pakistan Army check post in South Waziristan was stopped by security forces. The attacker was driving a vehicle filled with explosives, but it was destroyed before reaching the target, preventing a bigger attack. Even though the attack was stopped, the explosion damaged nearby buildings like houses, shops and a seminary. One civilian died, and at least 15 people were injured. The injured were taken to a hospital in Wana for treatment. Security forces said their quick action helped reduce the damage. After the blast, the area was closed, and a search operation was started to check for other attackers. People in the area reported fear and panic due to the strong explosion. This shows that security threats still exist in Pakistan’s tribal areas, and strong action is needed to prevent such attacks. (“Suicide attack foiled on army check post in South Waziristan; civilian martyred, 15 injured,” Dawn, 04 May 2026)
EXTERNAL
Foreign Minister Dar speaks with Iran FM Araghchi as US responds to Tehran's 14-point peace proposal
On 04 May, Dawn reported that FM Ishaq Dar spoke with Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi late Sunday to discuss the regional situation and Pakistan's ongoing diplomatic efforts, with Araghchi appreciating Pakistan's "constructive role and sincere mediation efforts." The call came after Tehran confirmed that the US had conveyed its response to Iran's 14-point peace proposal via Pakistan, with Trump separately describing the discussions as "very positive." According to Axios, Iran's proposal sets a one-month deadline for negotiations on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, ending the US naval blockade, and permanently ending the war in Iran and Lebanon. Al Jazeera reported the proposal envisages three phases: gradual reopening of the Strait and lifting of the US blockade in the first phase; Iran's return to uranium enrichment at 3.6 per cent under a "zero-storage principle" in the second; and a broader strategic dialogue with Arab neighbours and a regional security architecture in the third. Iran has rejected dismantling its nuclear infrastructure, while the plan also includes mutual nonaggression commitments from the US and Israel. Negotiations have been deadlocked since the Pakistan-brokered ceasefire of 08 April 2026, with only one round of direct talks held in Islamabad so far. ("Dar and Iran's Araghchi discuss regional situation, Pakistan's ongoing diplomatic efforts," Dawn, 04 May 2026)
Somali pirates holding ten Pakistanis demand direct talks with government
On 05 May, The Express Tribune reported that Somali pirates who seized the Honor 25 oil tanker on 21 April 2026 have established contact with the Ansar Burney Welfare Trust but insist on presenting their demands only to official Pakistani government representatives. The pirates sent recent photographs of the 17 crew members being held hostage, including ten Pakistani nationals and seven from Indonesia, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, providing some relief to anxious families. Ansar Burney Trust Director Qurat-ul-Ain Advocate said the pirates had also emailed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but received no response, and that the government had yet to take any practical steps despite contact being established. Families of the hostages gathered at the Trust's office, demanding the government form a committee to keep them informed of rescue efforts, with elderly relatives describing distress at not knowing where to seek help. ("Somali pirates demand direct talks with Pakistan," The Express Tribune, 05 May 2026)
Pakistan Navy assists Indian vessel crew in Arabian Sea after distress call from Mumbai
On 04 May, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency provided emergency assistance to seven sailors, including six Indian nationals and one Indonesian, aboard the stricken Indian offshore tug and supply vessel MV Gautam in the Arabian Sea. The rescue operation was initiated after Mumbai's Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre contacted Pakistani authorities, reporting a technical fault on the vessel, which was en route from Oman to India. The Pakistan Navy deployed PMSS Kashmir to provide food, medical aid, and technical support, with operations remaining ongoing at the time of reporting. ("6 Indian nationals among sailors rescued by navy, maritime security agency in Arabian Sea: security sources," Dawn, 04 May 2026)
ECONOMY
Govt to restructure Sovereign Wealth Fund to meet IMF conditions
On 05 May, The News International reported that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Pakistan to place six stringent conditions to fill the gap for making the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) fully functional and amending the law to comply with the approval of Parliament. The SWF will be prohibited from incurring debt, providing guarantees or collateral, lending to public or private entities, and participating in Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects under IMF conditions. IMF conditions also bar the SWF from securing financial assets and getting any contribution from the financial institutions and state-owned entities (SOEs). The amendments to the SWF will be made part of the law as a structural benchmark after the approval of the budget for 2026-27. Pakistan and the IMF finalised amendments to the SWF law to bring it in line with international standards. With the enactment of these amendments, it will define the legal status and mandate of the SWF as it will be placed as SOE, as it will be managed on behalf of the government to attract foreign investment by facilitating the potential investors and mobilising investment in strategic commercial ventures to generate financial returns in line with the SWF’s Investment Mandate. (“IMF wants Sovereign Wealth Fund fully functional,” The News International, 05 May 2026)
Pakistan’s trade deficit widens following continuous surge in imports
On 05 May, Dawn reported that Pakistan exports grew 14.03 per cent to USD 2.48 billion, compared with USD 2.17 billion in the corresponding month last year. Imports rose 7.46 per cent year-on-year and 28.41 per cent month-on-month to USD 6.55 billion in April. As a result, the trade deficit widened by 3.82 per cent to USD 4.07 billion in April from USD 3.92 billion over the corresponding month of last year. However, in the ten months (July-April), export proceeds recorded negative growth of 6.25 per cent, falling to USD 25.21 billion from USD 26.89 billion in the corresponding period last year. Also, in the first ten months of FY 26, the import bill grew by 6.94 per cent to USD 57.19 billion from USD 53.48 billion in the corresponding period last year. (“Exports rebound over 14 pc in April,” Dawn, 05 May 2026)
Petroleum Ministry assures stable fuel supply
On 04 May, Dawn reported that the country has sufficient reserves of POL products till the third week of June, as per information provided to Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar by the Petroleum Ministry. The ministry also informed that the supplies are being continuously monitored on a daily basis by the National Coordination and Management Committee (NCMC) to ensure effective oversight and proactive supply chain management. Deputy PM Dar commended the relevant stakeholders for ensuring the steady and reliable availability of fuel across the country, amid prevailing global and domestic challenges. (“Pakistan has sufficient oil reserves till third week of June, says Petroleum ministry,” Dawn, 04 May 2026)
Pakistan delegation participates in SelectUSA Investment Summit
On 04 May, Dawn reported that a delegation of 16 Pakistani entrepreneurs and business leaders participated in the ‘SelectUSA Investment Summit’ in National Harbour, Maryland. The four-day Investment Summit is the highest-profile event in the United States to facilitate business investment by connecting thousands of investors, companies, economic development organisations (EDOs), and industry experts. Hosted by the US Department of Commerce, the SelectUSA Investment Summit is a one-stop shop for companies considering expanding to the US and provides EDOs with the opportunity to meet directly with international companies to facilitate investment deals. (“Pakistani delegation attends US investment Summit to expand global footprint,” Dawn, 04 May 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
IHC rejects Imran and Bushra's sentence suspension pleas, fixes main appeals for 07 May
On 04 May, Dawn reported that the Islamabad High Court rejected petitions filed by Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi seeking suspension of their sentences in the GBP 190 million Al-Qadir Trust case, declaring the applications infructuous as the main appeals had already been fixed for hearing on 7 May before a bench headed by Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar. Separately, a petition filed by Bushra's daughter seeking access to a personal physician and permission for a family meeting was heard, with the court directing the Adiala Jail superintendent to decide the application within two days and summoning the superintendent in personal capacity on 6 May. The court was informed that Bushra had undergone surgery on the night of 16 to 17 April. In a related contempt matter, the IHC sought a response from jail authorities over their failure to arrange a meeting between Imran and his lawyer, as jail officials had not signed the counsel's power of attorney. Imran's sister, Aleema Khanum, separately called on PTI leadership to gather at Adiala on Tuesday to pressure the government into granting immediate family and legal access to Imran and arranging his transfer to Shifa International Hospital for medical treatment. ("IHC rejects Imran, Bushra's pleas seeking suspension of sentences in £190m graft case," Dawn, 04 May 2026)
Balochistan CM Bugti and Fazlur Rehman agree to resolve seminary raids dispute through dialogue
On 05 May, Dawn reported that Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti met JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman at the latter's residence in Islamabad and agreed to resolve issues arising from raids on religious seminaries in Balochistan and their registration through mutual understanding and dialogue. The meeting came after JUI-F's provincial leadership had strongly reacted to the seminary raids and announced a protest programme including a shutter-down strike across Balochistan. Both leaders also discussed the overall political situation, law and order, and ways to promote political harmony and stability in the province. ("CM Bugti, Fazl agree on talks to resolve seminary raids issue," Dawn, 5 May 2026)
SOCIETY
UNFPA to continue support for midwives to improve maternal care
On 04 May, Dawn reported that the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) will continue to help Pakistan improve midwifery education and healthcare services. It said that investing in midwives is very important to reduce the deaths of mothers and babies. UNFPA said Pakistan has a big shortage of midwives, with around 82,000 more needed. It also noted that many women still die during pregnancy and childbirth, mostly due to preventable causes. Midwives are very important, especially in rural areas, as they provide basic care and identify risks early. The organisation asked for better training, fair pay, proper jobs and more support for midwives. It also said they need safe working conditions, equipment and legal protection to do their work properly. This shows that improving support for midwives can help save lives and make Pakistan’s healthcare system stronger. (“UNFPA committed to supporting midwifery education, workforce development in Pakistan,” Dawn, 04 May 2026)
CLIMATE CHANGE
NDMA issues nationwide heatwave alert as Karachi records extreme temperatures and deaths
On 05 May, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued emergency protocols and placed hospitals on alert amid forecasts of above-normal temperatures through May and June, warning of widespread heatwave risks. Authorities directed provincial administrations, health departments and rescue agencies to implement preventive measures, including public awareness campaigns, heatstroke centres and protection plans for vulnerable groups.
The alert came as Karachi recorded temperatures above 44°C, its hottest day in years, with at least 10 deaths reported amid suspected heat-related complications. Officials urged citizens to avoid outdoor exposure, while authorities prepared for additional risks such as glacial lake outburst floods in northern regions and urban fires, highlighting the broader humanitarian and infrastructure pressures posed by extreme heat. (“Extreme heat prompts nationwide emergency protocols,” Dawn, 05 May 2026; “Eight found dead in Karachi due to intense heat,” The Express Tribune, 04 May 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
War & geopolitics
Naseer Memon, "Food for thought," Dawn, 05 May 2026
"A protracted blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has imperilled global food security. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that if the disruption continues “through mid-year”, 32 million individuals will be “pushed into poverty”. Another 45m, he said, would face extreme hunger as fertiliser stocks run low and crop yields fall. More ominously, if severe disruptions persist to the end of the year, “we confront the spectre of a global recession with dramatic impacts on people, on the economy, and on political and social stability”."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1997641/food-for-thought
Kamran Yousaf, "US-Iran war: three scenarios," The Express Tribune, 04 May 2026
"The US-Iran war is reaching an inflection point. Two months after the US and Israel started bombing Iran, there are still no clear winners. The temporary ceasefire is holding, but the specter of another phase of hostilities looms large. There is no war, but no peace either at the moment. Iran, on Thursday, via Pakistan, delivered a new set of proposals to the US in a move that rekindled the dwindling hopes for ending the catastrophic war. But President Trump has dampened those hopes by saying that the new plan proposed by Iran is not enough to make a deal. Iran submitted the revised plan after initial proposals were rejected by the US. Details, however, were never made public. It is believed that the initial plan focused only on addressing the Strait of Hormuz issue before tackling more pressing ones such as Iran's nuclear programme. In simple terms, the US wants an "all-in-one deal" while Tehran is keener on a step-by-step process."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2606190/us-iran-war-three-scenarios
Energy
Editorial, "Energy shock," Dawn, 05 May 2026
"With the Strait of Hormuz caught in a dangerous limbo, the global energy markets have entered the most uncertain period of their history. Last month, the International Energy Agency predicted that both oil supply and demand growth would be slow compared to last year. This suggests not just supply disruptions but also a weakening global economy. Oil markets are responding to the lingering crisis through volatility, shortages and rising prices. The IEA warning that demand destruction will spread points to a grim reality: high prices are constraining economic activity, particularly in nations dependent on imported energy such as Pakistan."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1997638/energy-shock
Health
Editorial, "Unchecked HIV," Dawn, 05 May 2026
"Pakistan's HIV surge is no longer a slow-burning public health concern. It is now a system failure unfolding in real time. What makes the crisis particularly alarming is not just the rising numbers — estimated at over 350,000 people living with the disease — but the profile of those newly infected. Increasingly, they are children and low-risk individuals, infected not through behaviour but through the healthcare system meant to protect them. Two converging failures are behind this trajectory. The first is the collapse of basic infection control across large parts of our healthcare network. The second is the persistence of syringe reuse, despite a nationwide ban on conventional disposable syringes in 2021. Together, they have created what experts describe as a “man-made epidemic”."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1997637/unchecked-hiv
Economy
Editorial, "Need to invest in people," The Express Tribune, 05 May 2026
"Pakistan has registered another poor showing in the World Bank's Human Capital Index Plus (HCI+), ranking 130 out of 174 nations and well behind the average for lower-middle-income countries. The index, an expanded measure that reflects not just childhood survival and schooling but also adult health, nutritional status and learning quality, now pegs Pakistan's productivity potential at a mere 0.35 on a scale where 1 represents full health and complete education. This poor showing reveals the extent of the disastrous state of classrooms, clinics and kitchens across the country."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2606191/need-to-invest-in-people
|
