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In Focus
Pakistan test fires indigenously developed Fatah-IV missile
Launch follows successful test of the Fatah-II ground-launched cruise missile; President Zardari and PM Shehbaz praised the achievements
On 14 May, The Express Tribune and Dawn reported that the Pakistan Army successfully conducted a training fire of the indigenously developed Fatah-IV ground-launched cruise missile, with the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) saying the weapon system was equipped with advanced avionics and precision-guidance technology capable of engaging long-range targets with high accuracy. According to the military, the exercise was conducted to enhance operational readiness and validate technical improvements related to accuracy and survivability. At the same time, senior officers of the Army Rocket Force Command, along with scientists and engineers involved in the missile’s development, witnessed the launch. The development comes weeks after Pakistan conducted successful tests of the Fateh-II missile system and the navy’s indigenously developed anti-ship cruise missiles.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, Naval Chief Naveed Ashraf and Air Chief Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu praised the successful test. He commended the scientists and engineers behind the programme. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar described the launch as “another significant milestone” in strengthening Pakistan’s indigenous defence capabilities and strategic deterrence, while Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called the test an important advancement for the country’s defence sector. The latest launch follows a series of missile tests conducted by Pakistan this year, including the Pakistan Navy’s tests of the indigenously developed Taimoor air-launched cruise missile and a ship-launched anti-ship missile earlier the same month. (“Pakistan successfully conducts test of indigenously developed Fatah-4 cruise missile: ISPR,” The Express Tribune, 14 May 2026; “Pakistan successfully test fires Fatah-IV cruise missile: ISPR,” Dawn, 14 May 2026)
In Brief
ECONOMY
Pakistan raises USD 250 million through Panda bonds
On 14 May, Dawn reported that Pakistan completed its inaugural Panda bond issuance in China’s onshore capital market, marking the country’s first-ever entry into the world’s second-largest and deepest capital market. Pakistan raised USD 250 million equivalent through its inaugural Panda bond issuance in the Chinese capital market. The amount was raised at an interest rate of 2.5 per cent, with a three-year maturity. The panda bond issuance is supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). (“Pakistan raises $250m equivalent in inaugural Panda bond issuance,” Dawn, 14 May 2026)
IMF raises concerns over Pakistan’s dependence on GCC
On 15 May, Dawn reported that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had identified Pakistan’s economic exposure to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as the most acute external vulnerability in its staff report. The IMF warned that “the war weighs on the near-term outlook as Pakistan is highly exposed to energy imports and remittances from the Gulf countries as well as to global financial conditions. According to the report, 81 per cent of Pakistan’s fuel imports originate in the GCC region, while 55 per cent of remittances, equivalent to about nine per cent of the GDP, flow from these economies. The report also reported on Pakistan’s fiscal performance. The report found that program targets were met but flagged that the gains were driven by expenditure restraint rather than revenue growth. Additionally, the IMF has formally incorporated the country’s court-mandated transition to an interest-free banking system into its programme monitoring. (“IMF highlights 'Gulf exposure' as biggest external risk for Pakistan,” Dawn, 15 May 2026)
Pakistan Business Forum urges govt to bring agriculture and Industry under federal control
On 14 May, Dawn reported that Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) called for the agriculture and industrial sectors to return to federal policymaking under the purported 28th Constitutional Amendment. The Pakistan Business Forum, the Punjab-based nonpartisan body, said the country’s long-term economic interests could only be safeguarded through a national policy structure on both central and production sectors of the economy. The PBF president said the business community was increasingly seeking consistency and continuity in economic policymaking to support long-term investment and industrial planning. According to the PBF, the current governance structure contributed to fragmented policymaking and regulatory inconsistencies among provinces, affecting productivity, investment flows, and industrial growth. The PBF recommended developing a stronger national coordination mechanism for agriculture and industry to ensure uniform policy implementation and greater economic coherence across the country. (“Pakistan business forum seeks return of agriculture industry to federal control under proposed 28th Amendment,” Dawn, 14 May 2026)
Pakistan faces PKR 860 million losses in revenue and taxes due to IP violations
On 15 May, Dawn reported that intellectual property violations are costing the country an estimated PKR 860 billion annually in lost revenue and taxes, as per the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI)'s latest Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Survey. Trademark violations were rated the most prevalent form of infringement. On enforcement, the picture is equally stark: most IP disputes take more than three years to resolve, with the survey revealing that cases rarely conclude the early stages of the process. The survey recommends legal reforms aligned with TRIPS and WIPO standards, stronger interagency coordination, IP watchlists at border crossings, and intelligence-led action in high-risk sectors. (“IP violations cost Rs860bn finds overseas investors chamber of commerce and industry survey,” Dawn, 15 May 2026)
EXTERNAL
Foreign Office dismisses reports of Pakistan-UAE strain; Clarifies China mediation remarks
On 14 May, Dawn reported that Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi addressed several diplomatic matters at the weekly press briefing. He pushed back against media reports of a "large-scale expulsion" of Pakistani workers from the UAE, describing Pakistan-UAE relations as "strong, brotherly" and built on mutual trust, noting bilateral trade of close to USD eight billion and a diaspora of 2.2 million. He also clarified that reports suggesting China had urged Pakistan to "do more" on Iran mediation misrepresented the tone of FM Wang Yi's call with Dar, stating it was held with "traditional warmth and cordiality" and that Wang had expressed appreciation and full support for Pakistan's mediation role. On the ten Pakistanis held by Somali pirates aboard MT Honour 25 since 21 April, Andrabi said a two-member Pakistani embassy team from Djibouti had met Somali authorities in Mogadishu and received assurances that the crew were safe, while noting that pirates negotiate only with shipowners, not governments. On broader diplomacy, Andrabi said Dar had held calls with the foreign ministers of Singapore, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Austria, and China over the past week, covering Pakistan's mediation efforts, maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, and de-escalation between the US and Iran. ("Pakistan-UAE ties unaffected by external engagements, says FO," Dawn, 14 May 2026; "FO reaffirms commitment to dialogue, rejects 'misleading' int'l media reports on regional tensions," The Express Tribune, 14 May 2026)
Foreign Minister Dar meets US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, reaffirms bilateral momentum and commitment to dialogue
On 15 May, The Express Tribune reported that US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur called on Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, with both sides exchanging views on bilateral relations and regional developments. Dar appreciated President Trump's vision for peace, the US-Iran ceasefire, and VP JD Vance's April visit to Islamabad for the peace talks, while welcoming the positive trajectory in Pakistan-US relations and calling for sustained, structured dialogue. Kapur appreciated Pakistan's regional mediation role, and both sides agreed to strengthen collaboration in trade, investment, and development. Dar separately spoke with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to discuss the regional situation and ongoing peace efforts. ("Pakistan, US discuss bilateral cooperation," The Express Tribune, 15 May 2026)
Pakistan and Vietnam advance preferential trade agreement talks
On 15 May, The Express Tribune reported that Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Anh Tuan, speaking at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Pakistan and Vietnam had initiated discussions on a preferential trade agreement (PTA) under which tariffs on over 100 product lines are expected to be reduced to zero, with negotiations progressing positively. The ambassador noted that bilateral trade stood at around USD 850 million, well below its potential, and invited a KCCI trade delegation to visit Vietnam to explore investment opportunities and joint ventures. He also highlighted Karachi Port's potential to emerge as a regional trade and logistics hub, particularly as Middle East tensions and global supply chain disruptions push businesses to seek alternative transshipment routes. ("Pakistan, Vietnam discuss PTA to cut tariffs," The Express Tribune, 15 May 2026)
PM Shehbaz meets Azerbaijani justice minister, reaffirms growing bilateral ties
On 14 May, The Express Tribune reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Azerbaijan's Justice Minister Farid Turab Oglu Ahmadov in Islamabad, describing bilateral ties as growing stronger with every passing day. The minister briefed the prime minister on ongoing collaboration in legal and judicial cooperation, including mutual legal assistance mechanisms and capacity-building between the two countries' judicial systems. PM Shehbaz conveyed greetings to President Aliyev and expressed his anticipation of meeting him in person soon to advance bilateral cooperation across all spheres. ("Pakistan, Azerbaijan ties growing stronger consistently: PM Shehbaz," The Express Tribune, 14 May 2026)
HRCP demands urgent action as ten Pakistani seafarers remain in Somali pirate captivity amid dire conditions
On 14 May, Dawn reported that the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed deep alarm at the continued captivity of ten Pakistani crew members aboard MT Honour 25, seized by Somali pirates on 21 April, approximately 30 nautical miles off Somalia's Puntland region. The commission demanded urgent action by the government and international authorities, citing reports that hostages were surviving on contaminated water and minimal food while their families endured severe psychological distress. HRCP expressed solidarity with families protesting near Karachi's Native Jetty Bridge for the safe return of their loved ones and called the seafarers' protection and safety an "urgent national priority." The FO has said negotiations are being conducted between the pirates and the ship owner, as Somali pirates typically do not negotiate with governments of the crew's home countries. ("HRCP 'deeply alarmed' at continued captivity of seafarers onboard tanker seized by Somali pirates," Dawn, 14 May 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Bilawal says government has not discussed constitutional amendment with PPP
On 14 May, Dawn reported that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the government had not contacted the PPP about any new constitutional amendment. His statement came after media reports claimed that the government was planning to introduce a 28th constitutional amendment. Bilawal said the PPP remained in contact with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on national issues, but no discussion had taken place regarding any proposed amendment. He also said that constitutional amendments and the federal budget could not be passed without PPP support. Bilawal added that the PPP had supported earlier constitutional amendments while protecting provincial rights and increasing Balochistan’s representation in the Senate. He also spoke about inflation and economic problems, saying that the upcoming federal budget would be difficult and should include relief measures for the public. (“Govt has not contacted PPP over any constitutional amendment: Bilawal,” Dawn, 14 May 2026)
PTI leaders again denied meeting with Imran Khan at Adiala jail
On 15 May, Dawn reported that PTI leaders were again denied a meeting with former prime minister Imran Khan at Adiala jail despite court orders allowing meetings with the jailed PTI founder. PTI leaders said they had submitted a list of party members to jail authorities according to Islamabad High Court instructions, but they were still not allowed to meet him. Party leaders who arrived at the jail said they were asked to wait for permission, but no approval was given before visiting hours ended. PTI leaders criticised the authorities for not following court orders and accused the government of restricting access to Imran Khan. They also said petitions had already been filed in court seeking implementation of the Islamabad High Court’s orders regarding jail meetings. The issue reflects continuing tensions between PTI and the government over restrictions on meetings with Imran Khan during his imprisonment at Adiala jail. (“PTI leaders again denied meeting with party founder Imran, seek implementation of IHC order,” Dawn, 15 May 2026)
SECURITY
Charsadda: Constable injured in checkpost attack succumbs to wounds
On 14 May, Dawn reported that Constable Sajjad Khan, who was critically injured in an attack on the Azizabad checkpost in Charsadda last month, succumbed to his wounds after remaining under treatment for several weeks. According to police spokesperson Safiullah, unidentified militants had targeted the checkpost with explosive material on April 22, leaving the constable critically injured. His funeral prayers were offered with official honours at Police Lines Charsadda, attended by senior police officials, including District Police Officer Mohammad Waqas Khan, relatives and local residents, while a police contingent presented a salute and laid floral wreaths on the coffin. Police officials paid tribute to the constable’s sacrifice, saying the force remained at the frontline of the fight against militancy. The incident comes amid a sharp rise in militant violence across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) reported fatalities increasing from 1,620 in 2024 to 2,331 in 2025, alongside recent deadly attacks in Lakki Marwat and Bannu targeting police personnel. (“Constable injured in attack on checkpost succumbs to wounds in Charsadda,” Dawn, 14 May 2026)
CYBER
Digital Rights Foundation warns of growing digital harassment
On 15 May, Dawn reported that the Digital Rights Foundation (DRF) warned that online harassment in Pakistan increasingly relies on coded language, local slang, and political or religious insinuations that moderation systems often fail to detect. In a report based on 5,041 cases handled by the DRF Digital Security Helpline between May 2024 and December 2025, the organisation said women, religious minorities, transgender individuals, journalists and activists faced threats including hacking, sextortion, deepfake imagery, coordinated hate campaigns and algorithmic suppression. The report found that 92 per cent of users reported reduced risk after receiving support, but highlighted concerns over limited platform responsiveness and inaccessible safety tools. DRF recommended stronger anti-amplification safeguards, regional-language support and improved digital security mechanisms, warning that online abuse increasingly translates into offline threats and self-censorship for marginalised communities. (“Digital Rights Foundation warns of rising digital threats against vulnerable communities,” Dawn, 15 May 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
US-Iran War
Shahzad Chaudhry, "Should Iran control Hormuz?" The Express Tribune, 15 May 2026
"A growing number of international analysts call it Iran's nuclear option. Iran's real nuclear journey now seems relegated to this newfound pleasure of choking the world at will. Ask the Pakistanis, and most will gloat over how Iran, the brave, has taken Trump, America, and the West in a chokehold. Crediting Iran for standing up to the bully is one thing, even if it has cost Iran an arm and a leg, and a lot of blood and treasure, which we will perhaps never get the true estimate of, but to reinforce what is stifling and suffocating for the rest is blatant. Even more importantly, Trump and the US may never asphyxiate, or if so, perhaps slowly, but the rest would surely have life squeezed out of them much faster and much earlier."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2608151/should-iran-control-hormuz
Somali piracy
Editorial, "Bring the sailors home," The Express Tribune, 15 May 2026
"The only effective restraint on piracy has been brute force. The US, China and India are the most prominent countries that have sent their warships and special forces soldiers to directly attack pirate ships, which led to a years-long lull in the number of incidents of piracy. Incidents only increased after the Iran war started, and naval ships in the region were redeployed around the Strait of Hormuz. As a result, apart from Honour 25, at least two other ships in the area are currently under the control of hijackers - the oil tanker Eureka and the cargo ship Sward. If the US is unwilling to secure the Horn of Africa, Pakistan and other affected countries need to step up and secure trade routes, because the area's importance to international trade in general and Pakistani trade in particular makes it well worth the investment of taking decisive action."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2608149/bring-the-sailors-home
Judiciary
Editorial, "Justice delayed, democracy denied," The Express Tribune, 15 May 2026
"Over two years after the controversial Election 2024, the country's election tribunals are still sitting on 128 unresolved petitions - roughly one-third of all the complaints filed. The delay is an insult to the voting public, as the official deadline for disposing of election petitions expired in October 2024. Not only are there still so many undecided cases, but the pace of adjudication has actually slowed in recent months, with tribunals now deciding an average of only eight petitions per month. This is a conscious effort to undermine democracy and the very legitimacy of Parliament."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2608148/justice-delayed-democracy-denied
War, climate & hunger
Jamil Ahmad, "War, climate, hunger," Dawn, 15 May 2026
"Climate and conflict are some of the primary drivers of food insecurity and escalating global hunger. Some 673 million people face acute hunger despite the world growing enough food to feed everyone on the planet twice over. Apart from causing death and ill health, the duo is pushing millions below the poverty line each year. There is no quick fix, but as the UN report recommends, a comprehensive policy approach that balances short-term relief with long-term resilience will be needed to support vulnerable populations."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2000371/war-climate-hunger
Politics & governance
Editorial, "Meetings denied," Dawn, 15 May 2026
"Former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, continue to be held incommunicado inside Adiala Jail. Their jailers insist on their right to deny the couple access to family and lawyers — a position whose legal and moral basis grows harder to defend with each passing week as their health reportedly declines. Their family and supporters continue to seek relief from the courts. That quest has so far proved futile. Much of the public, meanwhile, has moved on, with no shortage of other crises competing for attention. This newspaper has consistently opposed the maltreatment of political leaders regardless of affiliation, for the simple reason that political disputes cannot and must not be settled through lawfare. That principle does not bend with the news cycle. The denial of family visits and legal counsel to a reportedly ailing political prisoner is unconscionable, and it remains so whether or not the country is paying attention."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2000368/meetings-denied
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