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In Focus
Section 144 imposed in Balochistan amid worsening security situation
Woman cop and poet shot dead in Turbat and Nushki; HRCP raises alarm over deteriorating security environment in KP and Balochistan
On 17 May, Dawn reported that authorities in Balochistan imposed Section 144 across the province for one month amid worsening security concerns. The order banned public gatherings, rallies and sit-ins involving five or more people, and imposed restrictions on face coverings, pillion riding, unregistered motorcycles and the public display of weapons. Officials said security agencies had been placed on high alert, warning of action against militant groups following recent attacks, including the killing of soldiers and civilians in different parts of the province.
Targeted killings in Balochistan continued to raise concerns after a woman police constable and poet Mohammad Khan Ghamkhwar Hayat were shot dead in separate incidents in Turbat and Nushki. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) warned of a deteriorating security environment in both Balochistan and KP, citing targeted killings, militant violence and enforced disappearances. It urged authorities to move beyond condemnations and ensure accountability, civilian protection and credible investigations into attacks and disappearances.
The report also highlighted continuing counterterrorism operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where police in Bannu claimed to have killed five alleged militants, including a commander linked to the proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), during an intelligence-based operation. The operation followed the recent suicide attack on the Fatehkhel police post that killed 15 officers. Police officials and local peace committees also vowed to intensify operations and eliminate militant networks operating in the region. (“Section 144 imposed throughout Balochistan for one month,” Dawn, 17 May 2026; “Woman cop, poet killed in Balochistan attacks,” Dawn, 17 May 2026; “TTP commander responsible for Fatehkhel bombing killed in Bannu,” Dawn, 17 May 2026; “HRCP ‘alarmed’ over security situation in Balochistan, KP,” Dawn, 17 May 2026)
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Pakistan and Azerbaijan developing ties under trilateral cooperation with Türkiye, says President Aliyev
On 17 May, Dawn reported that Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev said relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan were increasingly being developed within a trilateral framework involving Pakistan, Türkiye and Azerbaijan during his meeting with Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz in Baku. The two sides reaffirmed their strategic partnership and discussed expanding cooperation in political, economic, defence and trade sectors, while also emphasising regional collaboration. Aliyev additionally praised Pakistan’s mediation efforts for regional peace, while Maryam Nawaz, attending the World Urban Forum 13, highlighted Pakistan’s development initiatives and conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. (“Islamabad, Baku developing ties within Pakistan-Turkiye-Azerbaijan trilateral framework: President Aliyev,” Dawn, 17 May 2026)
Pakistan central to US counter-terrorism efforts, says CENTCOM commander
On 18 May, Dawn reported that the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) described Pakistan as a “critical counter-terrorism partner” that remains central to efforts against Islamic State Khorasan Province in South Asia. During testimony before the United States Senate Armed Services Committee, Centcom Commander Bradford Cooper said Pakistan and the United States had achieved “tangible results” through military cooperation, including action against high-value militants and support during Pakistan’s 2025 floods. He also noted that concerns over Afghanistan-based militant threats continued to shape regional security cooperation. The remarks follow earlier US praise for Pakistan’s counterterrorism role, including cooperation in the arrest of an alleged perpetrator linked to the Abbey Gate bombing and previous US recognition of Islamabad’s operations against IS-K. (“Pakistan 'critical counter-terrorism partner' in US fight against IS-K: Centcom,” Dawn, 17 May 2026)
PM Shehbaz and Qatar PM discuss de-escalation and stability in the Middle East
On 17 May, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, during which he thanked Qatar for supporting Pakistan-led mediation efforts aimed at de-escalation and regional stability. Both sides emphasised the need for continued coordination and dialogue among regional stakeholders, while also agreeing to maintain regular high-level engagement. Separately, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar discussed regional developments with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, who commended Pakistan’s diplomatic and humanitarian efforts. The engagements come as Islamabad continues efforts to revive negotiations between the United States and Iran following stalled talks, with diplomatic sources linking Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s recent visit to Iran to Pakistan’s ongoing mediation and shuttle diplomacy. (“PM Shehbaz thanks Qatari PM for 'strong endorsement, support' of Pakistan-led peace efforts,” Dawn, 17 May 2026)
Pakistan facilitates repatriation of 11 Pakistanis and 20 Iranians from US-seized vessels
On 15 May, Dawn reported that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the successful repatriation of 11 Pakistani and 20 Iranian crew members from vessels seized by US forces, with all individuals travelling from Singapore to Bangkok before boarding a flight to Islamabad. Dar said the Iranian nationals would then be facilitated to return to Iran, and extended gratitude to the foreign ministers of Singapore, Iran, the US, and Thailand for their support. The repatriation follows Pakistan's outreach to Singaporean authorities last week, when the seized vessels were near Singaporean waters. The development is part of a broader pattern of Pakistan facilitating the return of crew members from vessels caught up in the US-Iran maritime confrontation, including the earlier repatriation of 22 crew members from the seized MV Touska in early May. ("11 Pakistanis, 20 Iranians aboard US-seized vessels repatriated, says DPM Dar," Dawn, 15 May 2026)
ECONOMY
Provincial revenue authorities report surge in revenue growth in FY26
On 18 May, Dawn reported that the revenue authorities of Balochistan, Punjab and Sindh indicate strong revenue performance. All three reported tax collections growing by over 35 per cent in the first ten months of FY26. Combined collection for the period stands at PKR 599 billion, with Sindh marginally ahead of Punjab, PKR 289 billion versus PKR 285 billion respectively, while Balochistan reported PKR 25 billion in April. Balochistan Revenue Authority (BRA) Chairman said that under the Negative List regime, several new sectors have been brought into the tax net, including online content creators, intra-city transportation services, motorcycle repair businesses and cosmetic surgeons. Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) Chairman said about 76 per cent of the annual revenue target, PKR 289 billion, had been achieved by the end of April, despite a difficult economic landscape marked by slower activity, austerity measures, and higher fuel costs. He attributed the performance to reforms such as the Negative List regime, the collection of agricultural income tax, and the adoption of the UN’s Central Product Classification system to replace HS Chapter 98. Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) Chairman said collections reached PKR 285 billion by April, up from PKR 204 billion in the same period last year, a 39 per cent increase, keeping the province on track to meet its PKR 340 billion annual target despite disruptions, including reduced business activity linked to regional tensions. (“Tallying up the revenue records,” Dawn, 18 May 2026)
IMF urges Pakistan to bring transparency measures for NAB
On 18 May, Dawn reported that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Pakistan to increase the autonomy and transparency of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and report regularly on the outcomes to the Fund. The IMF stated in its Staff report that the authorities will submit amendments to the NAB Ordinance to parliament to enhance the appointment process for the NAB chairman and publish investigation and prosecution rules and annual enforcement statistics before January 2027 to enhance the independence and transparency of the National Accountability Bureau. Recently, the government also revised the Civil Servant (Conduct) Rules to ensure the online publication of asset declarations by senior federal civil servants by the end of December 2026. NAB has also been designated to lead the development of an action plan to mitigate corruption vulnerabilities in the top ten government departments identified with the highest corruption risks by the end of October 2026. (“IMF wants govt to boost transparency of anti-graft body,” Dawn, 18 May 2026)
Fish exports hit USD 500 million mark
On 17 May, Dawn reported that the fish and fisheries product exports exceeded the USD 500 million mark for the first time in the first eleven months of the current fiscal year, mainly due to the opening of the Russian market. The Maritime Affairs Minister informed that sixteen Pakistani companies have been authorised to export seafood to Russia. He also announced a major infrastructure plan to establish a 100-acre seafood processing and export zone at the Korangi Fisheries Harbour Authority to promote the blue economy and expand the authority’s role in global seafood trade. Estimated at USD 60-80 million. Frozen fish remained the top export category. Other exports, including shrimps, prawns, crabs, sardines, mackerel, flatfish and fish meal, helped broaden the product mix and increase value-added processing. China remained the largest seafood market, importing nearly 59 per cent of total seafood exports. Thailand was the second‑largest market, importing mainly Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)‑processed shrimps and prawns valued at USD 31.3 million. (“Seafood exports top 500 million,” Dawn, 17 May 2026)
IMF sets higher revenue targets for Pakistan
On 16 May, Dawn reported that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) set Pakistan’s federal revenue target at PKR 17.145 trillion for FY2026–27, requiring around PKR 430 billion in additional budgetary measures and an 18 per cent increase in petroleum levy collections as part of commitments under the country’s USD 7 billion EFF and USD 1.4 billion RSF programmes. The IMF projected a Federal Board of Revenue target of PKR 15.264 trillion and expected additional revenue generation through tax audits, stronger enforcement and digital reforms, while provinces also committed to raising revenues through improved tax collection and higher cash surpluses for the federal government. The report further outlined commitments, including higher social welfare allocations under the Benazir Income Support Programme, reductions in power subsidies, gradual withdrawal of incentives for special economic zones, market reforms in wheat and sugar sectors, and broader governance measures such as anti-corruption reforms and digitalisation of government payments. (“IMF sets Rs17.1tr federal revenue target for 2026-27,” Dawn, 16 May 2026)
Short-term inflation rises by 14.5 per cent
On 16 May, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s short-term inflation, measured by the Sensitive Price Index (SPI), rose 14.52 per cent year-on-year in the week ending 14 May, marking the 40th consecutive week of increases and reflecting persistent cost-of-living pressures. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the rise was driven mainly by higher prices for energy and essential food items, with petrol increasing by 64.23 per cent, diesel by 61.61 per cent, electricity charges by 52.58 per cent, wheat flour by 57.56 per cent and LPG by 48.34 per cent on an annual basis. The SPI also increased by 0.47 per cent week-on-week, with tomatoes, wheat flour, fuel and onions recording the largest price jumps, while some relief was observed in products such as chicken, eggs and pulses. The report noted that rising energy costs linked to broader regional tensions continued to increase transport expenses and place pressure on household budgets. (“Fuel, food drive 14.52pc inflation surge,” Dawn, 16 May 2026)
SECURITY
Islamabad: One killed and seven injured in separate police encounters
On 17 May, Dawn reported that one suspect was killed and seven others were injured in seven separate police encounters in Islamabad during the past 19 days. Police said the suspects were allegedly injured during exchanges of fire between police teams and armed accomplices. According to the report, some of the encounters took place when police arrested suspects and took them to different locations to recover stolen items and arrest other suspects. Police claimed that armed accomplices attacked the teams in attempts to free the suspects before escaping from the scene. One suspect linked to a robbery and murder case in Ghouri Town Phase 7 was killed during an encounter in the Koral area on 7 May. Other encounters were reported in areas including I-11, I-15/3, Tarnol, Spin Baba Shrine, Rawat and Hamdani Town. Police said several suspects involved in robbery and snatching cases were injured during the operations, while separate cases were registered at the relevant police stations. (“One killed, seven injured in separate police encounters in capital in last 19 days,” Dawn, 17 May 2026)
Security forces kill two militants in DI Khan operation
On 18 May, The Express Tribune reported that security forces killed two suspected militants during an intelligence-based operation in the Kulachi area of Dera Ismail Khan district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Security officials said the operation was carried out in the Gharah Aslam area after receiving information about the presence of militants linked to a banned group. The militants were identified as Iqbal Bali and Munir, who officials said were members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Gandapur Group. According to security sources, the two were involved in several attacks on security forces and government institutions. The operation took place amid continuing counterterrorism operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where security forces have recently conducted several intelligence-based actions against militant groups. (“Forces kill two terrorists in DI Khan IBO,” The Express Tribune, 18 May 2026)
ON INDIA
Pakistan welcomes PCA ruling on Indus Waters Treaty
On 17 May, Dawn reported that Pakistan welcomed a supplemental ruling issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) case. Pakistan said the decision confirmed that the treaty places limits on India’s ability to control water flows in the western rivers of the Indus basin. The case is linked to disputes over the Ratle and Kishenganga hydroelectric projects in Kashmir. Pakistan said the PCA ruled that water storage for run-of-river hydroelectric projects must be based on operational needs, river conditions and treaty rules. Pakistan also stated that the ruling strengthened its right to seek technical information and explanations from India regarding compliance with the treaty. India rejected the PCA ruling and said the court was “illegally constituted”. India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that it did not recognise the authority of the court and considered the ruling “null and void”. India also said its decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance remained unchanged. (“Pakistan hails PCA’s decision in IWT proceedings, says it affirms limits on India’s water control capability,” Dawn, 17 May 2026)=
SOCIETY
Islamabad opens first women-only marketplace
On 16 May, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan inaugurated its first marketplace exclusively for women entrepreneurs in Islamabad’s G-11 sector, aiming to address the country’s significant gender gap in business participation, where only one per cent of women are entrepreneurs compared with 21 per cent of men. The initiative, inaugurated by MNA Farah Naz Akbar and organised by the Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has been designed as a fully cashless commercial space to improve women’s financial inclusion and digital literacy. Officials from the State Bank of Pakistan said the model would strengthen access to formal banking systems, while JazzCash joined as a technology partner under broader efforts to narrow Pakistan’s banking access gender gap and improve financing opportunities for women-led businesses. (“Capital opens first women-only marketplace,” The Express Tribune, 16 May 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Pakistan-Afghanistan relations
Editorial, "The Afghan problem," Dawn, 18 May 2026
"After consecutive months of decline in terrorist violence in March and April, a wave of fatal incidents in recent days has raised fresh doubts over Afghanistan’s commitment to preventing the misuse of its territory against Pakistan. Over the course of five days starting May 9, terrorists struck a police post in Bannu, a traffic police deployment in Lakki Marwat, and a security deployment in Bajaur, KP."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2001032/the-afghan-problem
Economy
Editorial, "Unwillingness to tax," Dawn, 18 May 2026
"The latest IMF staff report reveals the scale of Pakistan’s fiscal dilemma. The approval of fresh disbursements comes with aggressive revenue extraction demands and adjustments that will place more burden on the economy’s already documented, taxed and inflation-hit segments. The targets for the next fiscal year are staggering. Revenues must climb by 13.5pc to more than Rs17tr, with FBR alone required to collect over Rs15.3tr, or 13.7pc more than in the current year. It assumes that moderate growth, elevated inflation, better enforcement and some administrative reforms should yield results. Yet, the numbers expose the weakness of our fiscal structure: a narrow tax base that successive governments have failed to broaden meaningfully."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2001031/unwillingness-to-tax
Trump-Xi meeting
Maleeha Lodhi, "In pursuit of stability," Dawn, 18 May 2026
"The summit meeting between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping produced no surprises. The pomp and ceremony during the visit were as expected. The summit was more about optics than outcomes, but at its core, it was about managing superpower competition and stabilising the world’s most consequential relationship."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2001036/in-pursuit-of-stability
Society
Fahd Husain, "Hard state, soft citizens," The Express Tribune, 18 May 2026
"Failures often have complex reasons and factors. But then so does success. What explains Pakistan's remarkable military performance against India? What explains our surprising diplomatic heft as mediators in a war with global reach? What explains our recognition as a serious player in South Asia, Gulf and the larger Middle East? In fact, what explains our impressive technological achievements in the field of defence production? From nuclear weapons to fighter jets to long- and short-range missiles, we are manufacturing hi-tech weaponry few countries can. And yet, we just cannot stop FIA officials from slapping fathers in front of their sons."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2608504/hard-state-soft-citizens
Cyber
Editorial, "Unkind cyberspace," Dawn, 18 May 2026
"When abuse occurs face to face, the boundaries are clear. Yet, the same behaviour online is treated less seriously. Harassment in Pakistan’s digital space takes place through coded language, slang, political and faith-based insinuations, and “context-specific hate campaigns”, stresses the Digital Rights Foundation’s security helpline. The new DRF report logs digital intimidation faced by vulnerable groups — women, religious and gender minorities. It presents sextortion, hacking and deepfake imagery as emergent dangers. Online-brokered identity-centric harm is further magnified via algorithms and other social media undercurrents. Between May 2024 and December 2025, the DRF’s helpline tackled 5,041 new cases. Its survey showed that 64pc received a swift response, 93pc were advised digital safety and 92pc reported lower risk after support."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2001030/unkind-cyberspace
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