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In Focus
Pakistan, Sri Lanka conclude joint counter-terrorism exercise at Tarbela?
“Shake Hands-II” follows a series of drills Pakistan has undertaken in recent months, including with Türkiye, Egypt and the United States
On 07 May, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan and Sri Lanka concluded the two-week joint military exercise “Shake Hands-II” at Tarbela, with a focus on enhancing counter-terrorism capabilities and strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the exercise began on 27 April. It involved combat teams from the Special Services Group (SSG) and Sri Lankan Special Forces conducting joint counter-terrorism drills and operational training. Senior military officials from both countries, including Sri Lankan Major General Ajith Abeyawardana, attended the closing ceremony.
The exercise forms part of Pakistan’s broader effort to expand military cooperation and operational coordination with regional and international partners through regular joint training initiatives. ISPR said the drills were aimed at refining procedures, techniques and interoperability in counter-terrorism operations while reinforcing longstanding military-to-military relations between Islamabad and Colombo. The development follows several recent multinational military exercises involving Pakistan, including the Pakistan-Türkiye Joint Commando and Special Forces Exercise “Jinnah-XIII” in Türkiye, the Pakistan-Egypt “Thunder-II” exercise in Cherat, and the “Inspired Gambit-2026” counter-terrorism exercise conducted jointly with the United States earlier this year. (“Pakistan, Sri Lanka joint exercise Shake Hands-II concludes with focus on counter-terrorism,” The Express Tribune, 07 May 2026)
In Brief
EXTERNAL
PM Shehbaz and Qatari PM reaffirm commitment to peace efforts as US-Iran impasse continues
On 07 May, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a call from Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, during which both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to facilitating lasting peace in the region. The Qatari premier expressed deep appreciation for Pakistan's continued mediation efforts and assured PM Shehbaz of Doha's continued support. The prime minister recalled his 16 April visit to Doha as having been "most helpful" in forging consensus for the peace push, and noted that Pakistan looked forward to a visit from the Qatari emir at a convenient date. The call comes as Pakistan continues to seek a second round of direct US-Iran talks in Islamabad, with negotiations deadlocked since the first round on 11 and 12 April ended without agreement, though the ceasefire brokered by Pakistan remains in effect after being extended indefinitely by President Trump. ("PM Shehbaz discusses regional situation with Qatari counterpart: PMO," Dawn, 07 May 2026)
ECONOMY
Pakistan LNG Limited rejects lowest bids for May LNG shipments
On 07 May, Dawn reported that Pakistan rejected the two lowest evaluated LNG bids from BP Singapore and TotalEnergies, priced at USD 17.28 and USD 16.98 per million British thermal units (mmBtu), respectively, for delivery next week and in the last week of the current month amid shortages and a rise in power demand. State-run Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) received a total of seven bids; three cargoes for 12-14 May and four for 24-26 May, against urgent tenders. The major issue is with PLL, one of the public sector entities responsible for LNG imports, as it did not import any cargo last month. In fact, it had imported one cargo a few months earlier after a gap of almost a year at about USD 7.65 per mmBtu through its old contract with a private entity. The PLL, established almost a decade ago for LNG imports, could not import energy over the past year despite its executives and board of directors enjoying hefty remuneration and associated perks and privileges. It had last floated an LNG tender in December 2023 for delivery in January 2024, but later cancelled the tender. (“Pakistan turns down two lowest evaluated LNG bids,” Dawn, 07 May 2026)
Punjab records nearly half of company registrations in April
On 08 May, Dawn reported that 4,082 news companies registered in Pakistan in the month of April, bringing Pakistan close to the 300,000 benchmark. It included 2415 private limited companies, followed by 1542 single-member companies. As per the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), the number of registered companies in Pakistan has reached 294,101, with a new record of registering 300 companies in a single day on 27 April. Province-wise, Punjab remained the hub of business activity, accounting for 2093 of new registrations, followed by the Islamabad Capital Territory with 719, Sindh with 600, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 325, Gilgit-Baltistan with 276 and Balochistan with 69. (“Record 4082 companies enrolled in Pakistan in April,” Dawn, 08 May 2026)
SBP foreign exchange reserves surge by USD 23 million in last week of April
On 08 May, Dawn reported that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) foreign exchange rose by USD 23 million to USD 15.850 billion for the week ending 30 April. The country’s overall reserves stood at USD 21.29 billion, including USD 5.442 billion held by commercial banks during the week ended 30 April. However, it would be difficult for the SBP to meet the USD 18 billion target after the UAE's sudden decision to withdraw its USD 3.5 billion held in the SBP account, while USD 1.4 billion was paid upon the maturity of the Eurobonds. (“SBP reserves rise by $23 million,” Dawn, 08 May 2026)
IMF to review USD 200 million disbursement ahead of budget talks
On 08 May, Dawn reported that Pakistan is expected to receive USD 200 million under the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) programme. The IMF board is likely to take up Pakistan-related matters in an important meeting scheduled for today. The SBP Governor said the expected USD 1.2 billion disbursements from the IMF would take foreign exchange reserves beyond USD 17 billion by the end of the current fiscal year, enough for three months of import cover. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said that Pakistan had received regulatory approval from China for the inaugural launch of the Panda bond. He stated that the bond will be launched in the Chinese capital market within 10 days. Furthermore, the IMF staff mission was expected to visit Islamabad on 15 May for finalisation of the next fiscal year (2026–27) budget in consultation with the Ministry of Finance, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and the Power and Petroleum Divisions of the Ministry of Energy. (“Finance ministry, SBP show optimism over economic growth amid expected 12bn tranche from IMF,” Dawn, 08 May 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
PTI walks out of Senate over undisclosed hospital transfer of Bushra Bibi from Adiala jail
On 08 May, Dawn reported that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senators walked out of the Senate after parliamentary leader Syed Ali Zafar raised alarm over reports that Bushra Bibi had been taken to a hospital from Adiala jail during the night and returned without any public disclosure, calling it a "serious human rights violation." Zafar questioned why the nation had not been informed of her medical condition, which hospital she was taken to, and why her personal doctors continued to be denied access. PTI placed seven demands before the House, including immediate disclosure of her medical test results, transfer to Shifa International Hospital, permission for an independent medical board, and access for human rights organisations and a Senate committee. PM aide Rana Sanaullah advised PTI to pursue the matter through legal channels, while ANP Senator Aimal Wali Khan called for a cross-party committee to visit Adiala jail and assess conditions for both Bushra Bibi and Imran Khan. ("PTI walks out of Senate to protest Bushra's 'secret' hospital visit," Dawn, 8 May 2026)
JUI-F postpones Balochistan protest to 20 May after CM Bugti pledges resolution through dialogue
On 08 May, Dawn reported that the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) postponed its planned 10 May protest gathering in Quetta after Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti met JUI-F Provincial Emir Senator Maulana Abdul Wasey and pledged that "such situations would not be allowed to arise again during his tenure." Wasey confirmed the protest had been pushed to 20 May, with both sides agreeing to resolve disputes over seminary raids through negotiations. The chief minister requested a ten-day period to consult coalition partners on proposed provincial legislation related to the Madrasa Registration Act, already passed by the national parliament, before it is presented in the Balochistan Assembly. Wasey indicated the party was open to discussing seminary registration under the 26th Constitutional Amendment, while Bugti reaffirmed the government's support for religious institutions as an important part of society. ("JUI-F postpones protest after Balochistan CM Bugti's assurances," Dawn, 08 May 2026)
SECURITY
Two children killed, four injured during security forces operation in Bajaur
On 07 May, Dawn reported that two children were killed and four others injured during an exchange of fire between security forces and militants in the Wara Mamund tehsil of Bajaur district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Official sources said the clash erupted during a search operation against suspected militants, with all casualties from the Malakana Dama Dola area. The injured children were taken to the District Headquarters Hospital in Khar, where most were reported to be out of danger. AWP MPA Muhammad Nisar Baz Khan and PTI MPA Dr Hamidur Rehman both condemned the killing of children and called for such incidents to be avoided in future. ("Two children killed, four injured during exchange of fire in KP's Bajaur," Dawn, 07 May 2026)
Three children killed in South Waziristan explosion; ten injured in Afghan Taliban mortar attack on Angoor Adda market
On 07 May, Dawn reported that two children were killed and four others injured during an exchange of fire between security forces and militants in the Wara Mamund tehsil of Bajaur district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Official sources said the clash erupted during a search operation against suspected militants, with all casualties from the Malakana Dama Dola area. The injured children were taken to the District Headquarters Hospital in Khar, where most were reported to be out of danger. AWP MPA Muhammad Nisar Baz Khan and PTI MPA Dr Hamidur Rehman both condemned the killing of children and called for such incidents to be avoided in future. ("Two children killed, four injured during exchange of fire in KP's Bajaur," Dawn, 07 May 2026)
SOCIETY
Study says Benazir programme helped reduce child stunting
On 08 May, Dawn reported that Pakistan recorded a major decline in child stunting under the Benazir Nashonuma Programme (BNP), according to a study by Aga Khan University. The study found that children in the programme had lower stunting rates with a 22 per cent reduction at six months of age and an 18 per cent reduction at one year of age. The programme also helped improve maternal and newborn health. The study showed a six per cent reduction in low birth weight cases, an 11 per cent decline in premature births and a seven per cent decrease in weak newborns. Federal Minister Syed Imran Ahmed Shah called the results an important success for Pakistan’s social protection sector. BISP Chairperson Rubina Khalid said the programme had supported over 4.5 million women and children across the country. The development highlights the importance of nutrition and maternal health programmes in improving child health and supporting vulnerable families in Pakistan. (“Benazir programme cuts child stunting rates: study,” Dawn, 08 May 2026).
CLIMATE CHANGE
Breathe Pakistan conference concludes with calls for implementation-focused climate action
On 08 May, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that the second edition of the Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference concluded in Islamabad after two days of discussions on climate resilience, adaptation, energy transition, water security, urban planning, agriculture, climate finance and equitable policymaking. Organised by DawnMedia, the conference brought together policymakers, parliamentarians, climate experts, international organisations, academics, corporate leaders and civil society representatives to examine Pakistan’s climate vulnerabilities and the reforms needed to strengthen resilience. Speakers stressed that climate change was no longer solely an environmental issue but also a broader economic and development challenge requiring coordinated implementation, regional cooperation and long-term planning. Discussions on the second day focused on Global South cooperation, climate-smart cities, clean energy transition, private-sector climate leadership and provincial climate initiatives.
Participants repeatedly emphasised the need for stronger implementation of existing climate policies and laws, arguing that Pakistan already possessed many of the necessary frameworks but lacked effective enforcement and institutional coordination. Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani said climate, food and economic security depended on internal stability and global cooperation, while Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb highlighted provincial efforts on public transport, smog mitigation and climate observatories. Speakers from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) stressed the importance of climate finance, adaptation and support for vulnerable communities, particularly farmers. In closing remarks, DawnMedia CEO Nazafreen Saigol Lakhani said the conference aimed not only to convene discussions but also to sustain accountability and visibility around climate issues in Pakistan. (“Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference concludes with calls for climate resilience, coordinated action,” Dawn, 07 May 2026; “Moot rings climate urgency alarm,” The Express Tribune, 08 May 2026)
Pakistan and the US-Iran War
Pakistan express optimism over possible US-Iran peace agreement
Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi thanked Pakistan for the repatriation of its nationals from seized vessels, diplomatic and humanitarian support
On 08 May, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan and Iran agreed to continue dialogue and diplomacy aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East, amid growing indications that Tehran and the United States were moving closer to a preliminary peace agreement. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during which both sides discussed ongoing diplomatic efforts to preserve regional stability and prevent further escalation. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry expressed optimism that an agreement could emerge “sooner rather than later”, while diplomatic sources said Iran was reviewing a 14-point US proposal covering issues including sanctions relief, Iran’s nuclear programme and transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
The discussions come as Pakistan continues to play a central mediating role between Washington and Tehran following its facilitation of the first direct US-Iran talks in Islamabad last month and the subsequent ceasefire reached on 08 April. Iran also thanked Pakistan for helping repatriate 22 Iranian crew members from a seized vessel and for Islamabad’s broader diplomatic and humanitarian support during the negotiations. The evolving diplomatic process follows weeks of confrontation that disrupted regional stability and global energy markets, including Iranian restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the US naval blockade in the Strait. President Donald Trump recently suspended “Project Freedom”, the US naval escort initiative in the Strait, citing progress in negotiations and requests from Pakistan and other regional actors. (“Pakistan remains ‘positive’ as Iran mulls peace offer,” Dawn, 08 May 2026; “Iran thanks Pakistan for repatriating nationals from seized vessels, praises diplomatic support,” The Express Tribune, 07 May 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Defence spending
Dr Moonis Ahmar, "Spending the right way," The News International, 08 May 2026
"The perilous implications of the surge in military expenditures need to be examined from three perspectives. First, diversion of resources from poverty alleviation and development to militarisation is lethal for the survival of humanity. The resources used for human destruction can be utilised to improve the economic well-being of millions of people. Second, the only plausible way to reduce military expenditures is to take steps to manage and resolve conflicts. Finally, not only are the economic and social consequences of the arms race and military expenditures a major threat to the world, but the environmental implications of the use of lethal weapons also cause a serious threat to the global environment and ecology. The resources diverted from defence spending can be used to address issues of poverty, underdevelopment, global warming and climate change, thereby better securing the future of the world."
https://www.thenews.pk/print/1414275-spending-the-right-way
Mass transit in Karachi
Mohammad Younus Dagha, "Karachi mass transit: a pipe dream," Dawn, 08 May 2026
"The Frontier Works Organisation has taken over construction of University Road, which is part of Karachi’s chronically sick Red Line project, on an ‘emergency’ footing to meet a 90-day deadline — offering some hope to long-suffering Karachiites. However, a broader perspective reveals a more complex picture of Karachi’s transport issues. The idea of the Bus Rapid Transit was first introduced in Pakistan during the Karachi Mass Transit Study (KMTS) in 1987-1990 — nearly 25 years before Punjab implemented the Lahore Metrobus, the country’s first BRT, in 2013. According to the World Bank’s Transforming Karachi into a Liveable and Competitive Megacity, 2017, “The city’s liveability and competitiveness will continue to deteriorate, limiting its ability to drive Pakistan’s growth.” Our aspirations for sustained economic growth will remain unfulfilled unless Karachi is revived as a liveable and efficient city."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1998584/karachi-mass-transit-a-pipe-dream
Climate change
Syed Mohammad Ali, "Multi-dimensional approach needed over water crisis," The Express Tribune, 08 May 2026
"Pakistan's water crisis is not just an engineering challenge but also an environmental one. Floods and droughts are now occurring more frequently and in closer succession. At the same time, poor conservation, pollution and wasteful practices have compounded the country's water stress, with per capita water availability falling sharply. Yet public discourse continues to frame this crisis primarily as a problem of storage and control, rather than as a need to fundamentally rethink water use."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2606875/multi-dimensional-approach-needed-over-water-crisis
Editorial, "Shifting climate tone," Dawn, 08 May 2026
"Our financial system is geared towards short-term, risk-averse lending, while climate adaptation and green infrastructure require patient, long-term capital. The global rise of green bonds, sustainability-linked financing and carbon markets shows climate finance is increasingly becoming part of the mainstream financial architecture. An institution dedicated to green financing could help private sector transition and expand financing access for homes and businesses investing in adaptation, resilience and clean energy. Unless climate challenge is integrated into mainstream budgeting and development strategies, the vulnerabilities will worsen."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1998580/shifting-climate-tone
Migration
Editorial, "Making migration accessible," The Express Tribune, 07 May 2026
"Restricting migration does not inadvertently reduce its demand. Instead, it increases the demand for illegal routes. While on the other hand, offering citizens structural and opportunity-based exits reduce their desperation to leave. These exits, including financial assistance and skills-based training, make migration accessible for the poor but also create opportunities for them at home, where they can build livelihoods without the need to rely on risky international routes. Making migration accessible is the only effective migration policy that does both: makes it safe and makes it optional."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2606878/making-migration-accessible
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