|
In Focus
Pakistan calls report linking Saudi Arabia troop deployment to US-Iran war “misleading and selective”
Islamabad condemns drone attack on UAE nuclear power plant while continuing regional engagement amid mediation efforts
On 18 May, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that security sources rejected a recent Reuters report linking Pakistani troop and fighter jet deployments in Saudi Arabia to the ongoing US-Iran conflict, calling such coverage “selective” and misleading. The sources said Pakistan-Saudi Arabia military cooperation is rooted in long-standing treaty-based arrangements rather than current regional developments, stressing that deployments under bilateral defence frameworks were routine and defensive in nature. Officials said Pakistan’s strategic relationship with Saudi Arabia was based on decades of religious, political and security cooperation, with Islamabad reiterating its commitment to protecting the Harmain Shareefain (Makkah and Madinah) and to existing defence agreements.
The same day, Pakistan also strongly condemned drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed its “full and unwavering support” for the kingdom’s security and stability. Separately, Pakistan condemned another drone strike near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates and continued diplomatic outreach with regional partners, including Qatar, as Islamabad remained engaged in mediation efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions between the US and Iran. (“Linking KSA troop deployments to regional tensions a 'distorted narrative': security sources,” The Express Tribune, 18 May 2026; “Dar, Qatari minister discuss evolving regional situation, stress dialogue amid US-Iran tensions,” The Express Tribune, 18 May 2026; “Pakistan condemns drone strike on Saudi Arabia, expresses solidarity with Riyadh,” Dawn, 18 May 2026; “Pakistan condemns drone attack on UAE nuclear power plant,” Dawn, 18 May 2026; "Exclusive: Pakistan deploys jet squadron, thousands of troops to Saudi Arabia during Iran war," Reuters, 18 May 2026)
Somali pirates demand USD 3 million ransom
10 of the 17 hostages aboard the MT Honour 25 are Pakistanis; Crew’s condition continues to deteriorate as food and water run out
On 18 May, The Express Tribune reported that Somali pirates holding 17 hostages aboard the hijacked oil tanker MT Honour 25, including 10 Pakistanis, demanded a USD three million ransom for the first time for the release of the crew, vessel and cargo. According to the Ansar Burney Trust International, the demand was conveyed through direct communication with the pirate leader, who reportedly rejected any reduction in the amount or in third-party involvement and instead called for direct engagement with the Pakistani government. The pirates also denied media reports claiming a USD 10 million demand and distanced themselves from individuals allegedly presented as intermediaries.
Reports further stated that the crew’s conditions aboard the vessel had deteriorated significantly. Hostages said food supplies, medicines and clean drinking water had run out, leaving them surviving on one serving of boiled rice a day and contaminated water that was reportedly causing illness. The tanker, travelling from Oman to Somalia, was hijacked on 21 April with 17 crew members onboard, while families of the Pakistani hostages continue to urge authorities to secure their safe release. (“Somali pirates demand $3m ransom to release hostages, including 10 Pakistanis,” The Express Tribune, 18 May 2026)
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Over 164,000 Pakistanis deported from Gulf countries in last five years, Saudi Arabia accounts for most cases
On 19 May, The Express Tribune reported that official data tabled in the National Assembly revealed that more than 164,000 Pakistanis were deported from Gulf countries over the past five years, with Saudi Arabia accounting for 108,029 cases, followed by the UAE with 40,497, Oman with 9,814, Qatar with 2,971, and Bahrain with 2,779. The data was presented during a stormy session in which opposition members, led by Mahmood Khan Achakzai, staged a sit-in and a symbolic "parallel assembly" over denied access to Imran Khan and healthcare concerns, warning they would not allow the House to function or participate in the budget process. Separately, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency reported receiving over 531,000 complaints between 2023 and the present, with over 5,700 cases registered and 7,600 individuals arrested over four years in connection with cybercrime offences. ("Over 164,000 Pakistanis deported from Gulf in 5 years," The Express Tribune, 19 May 2026)
ECONOMY
Current account slips into deficit in April
On 19 May, Dawn reported that the current account posted a deficit of USD 324 million in April against a surplus of USD 1.134 billion in March, as per State Bank of Pakistan data. The major factor remains the sharp rise in the oil import bill and persistently high imports of food and luxury goods. However, the biggest factor behind the negative current account position remained the massive trade deficit of about USD 32 billion during the first ten months of the current fiscal year (FY26). During the first ten months of FY26, the current account deficit (CAD) stood at around USD 252 million against a surplus of USD 1.662 billion in the same period last year. The first two quarters of the current fiscal year posted deficits of USD 737 million and USD 624 million, respectively, but the third quarter recorded a surplus of USD 1.433 billion during January-March FY26. (“Current account slips back into deficit,” Dawn, 19 May 2026)
Federal govt urges provinces to increase more to revenue contribution
On 19 May, Dawn reported that the federal government urged the provinces to increase their revenue contribution to meet government revenue targets under the IMF program. The IMF has asked the Centre to introduce at least PKR 430 billion worth of additional budgetary measures in the upcoming budget, alongside a nearly matching amount of PKR 430 billion to be generated by the four provinces. This would raise total provincial revenues to PKR 1.95 trillion next year, compared to the PKR 1.264 trillion expected this year. The government asked the two major revenue-generating provinces, Sindh and Punjab, to improve their revenue contribution by around 40 per cent compared to this year. The two larger provinces, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, both facing varying security and governance challenges, were asked to generate at least PKR 400 billion in additional revenue next year. (“Provinces asked to raise Rs400 billion more to meet IMF goals,” Dawn, 19 May 2026)
Govt plans to link NPCs to blockchain through DNNs
On 19 May, Dawn reported that Pakistan is considering linking its Naya Pakistan Certificates (NPCs) and sovereign bonds to a regulated blockchain via Digitally Native Notes (DNNs). The model under consideration, often referred to as a DNN, issued through a regulated financial market infrastructure, allows a sovereign bond to be created on a regulated blockchain platform at the moment of issuance, with same-day settlement before integrating with the conventional international clearing and settlement systems that already serve Pakistan’s existing Eurobond program. The aim is to enable swift settlement for retail investors, particularly overseas Pakistanis. This development came during a meeting of the finance minister with the State Bank of Pakistan and the newly created Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA). The discussions were held on tokenisation of sovereign debt instruments and NPCs and examined potential structures, implementation pathways, regulatory considerations, and next steps for exploring tokenised sovereign instruments within Pakistan’s evolving financial ecosystem. The Ministry of Finance stated that PVARA, the Ministry of Finance, and SBP will continue to coordinate on the design, governance, and phased development of the agenda. (“Govt eyes tokenisation of bonds via blockchain,” Dawn, 19 May 2026)
SECURITY
Sindh: Rangers and CTD arrest most-wanted SRA militant Abdul Jabbar Sarki in Karachi-bound intercept
On 18 May, The Express Tribune reported that a joint intelligence-based operation by the Sindh Rangers and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) led to the arrest of Abdul Jabbar Sarki, a most-wanted militant affiliated with the banned Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army (SRA), at a Rangers checkpost near Raees Goth on Hub River Road while he was travelling from Quetta to Karachi. Detonators, ball bearings, weapons, and explosive material were recovered from his possession. Authorities alleged he was planning terrorist activities at sensitive locations in Karachi in coordination with SRA commander Sajjad Shah, based abroad. Sarki, who joined the group in 2020, was also allegedly involved in a grenade attack on a Rangers checkpost in June 2020 and had conducted reconnaissance of an Independence Day stall in Gulshan-e-Hadeed. He has been handed over to CTD for further legal proceedings. ("Sindh Rangers, CTD arrest most-wanted SRA terrorist Abdul Jabbar Sarki," The Express Tribune, 18 May 2026)
Quetta: 35 militants killed, three commanders arrested in four-day 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)
Bannu: Police claim 17 militants killed in operations following suicide attack
On 18 May, Dawn reported that Bannu police said 12 militants were killed in retaliatory action during the 9 May suicide attack on Fatehkhel checkpost, with a total of 17 militants eliminated in subsequent operations. Bodies of several attackers were traced to burial sites in Shakai in South Waziristan and Wazir Khoniyakhel subdivision in Bannu. In intelligence-based operations on Saturday, five more militants were killed, including Hayatullah, who allegedly prepared the rickshaw used in the suicide attack, and Maulana Saddam of South Waziristan. Investigators are working to identify remaining militants and locate their hideouts. Police credited the personnel stationed at Fatehkhel checkpost, including three constables who continued fighting despite severe injuries, for repelling the attack and inflicting heavy losses on the assailants. ("12 militants killed in May 9 Bannu suicide attack, claim police," Dawn, 18 May 2026)
Prominent Ahmadzai Wazir tribal chief among three killed in IED blast in Wana bazaar
On 18 May, Dawn reported that Malik Tariq Wazir, chief of the Ahmadzai Wazir tribe and a prominent figure in tribal dispute resolution and jirgas in Lower South Waziristan, was killed along with two others, Sarfraz Khan and Abdul Jabbar, when an IED planted near Gulshan Plaza in Wana's Rustam Bazaar detonated as his vehicle passed through the market. Four others were wounded, two critically. Police said militants had planted the explosive during the night before detonating it in the morning. Tariq had previously been abducted by armed men in December 2024 before being released through tribal mediation. KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took notice of the blast and directed authorities to ensure best possible medical treatment for the injured. The killing is the latest in a series of targeted attacks against tribal elders in the region, following the murders of Malik Saifullah Khan Dawar in North Waziristan on 1 May and Malik Fazal Wahid in Bajaur in late April. ("Tribal chief among 3 killed in IED blast in KP's Wana," Dawn, 18 May 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Government rejects reports of raising voting age to 25
On 18 May, The Express Tribune reported that federal ministers rejected reports claiming that the government was planning to increase the minimum voting age from 18 to 25 under a proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said there was no such proposal under consideration. The clarification came after Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah earlier mentioned that proposals related to voting age were being discussed during talks on possible constitutional reforms. His remarks led to criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups, who said raising the voting age would reduce youth participation in elections. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also denied reports that discussions on a 28th Constitutional Amendment had taken place in the cabinet. Government officials said no constitutional amendment could move forward without political consensus among coalition partners. (“‘Absolutely not’: Govt shoots down rumours of raising voting age to 25, discussing 28th amendment,” The Express Tribune, 18 May 2026)
Opposition lawmakers protest in National Assembly over Imran Khan’s medical treatment
On 18 May, Dawn reported that opposition lawmakers protested in the National Assembly, demanding proper medical treatment for former prime minister Imran Khan, who is currently jailed at Adiala prison. Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai said the government had failed to provide the necessary medical care despite earlier assurances. During the session, PTI lawmakers gathered near the Speaker’s dais, raised slogans and later walked out of the assembly. PTI members also pointed out a lack of quorum after the Question Hour, but treasury members maintained the required number, allowing the session to continue. Achakzai also warned that the opposition could boycott the upcoming budget session if the issue was not resolved. The protest reflected continuing tensions between the government and opposition over Imran Khan’s imprisonment, medical treatment and jail conditions. (“Opposition lawmakers stage protest in National Assembly, demand medical care for Imran,” Dawn, 18 May 2026)
JUI-F chief Rehman asks President Zardari to protect 18th Amendment
On 18 May, Dawn reported that JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman urged President Asif Ali Zardari to protect the 18th Constitutional Amendment, saying it was under threat. Speaking at a press conference, Fazlur Rehman said the amendment was passed during the PPP government and called on President Zardari to help safeguard it. Fazlur Rehman also accused the government of planning legislation that could increase the influence of the military establishment in politics. He criticised the ruling coalition over the country’s political, economic and security situation and called for fresh, free and transparent elections. The 18th Amendment, passed in 2010, reduced presidential powers and increased provincial autonomy under Pakistan’s parliamentary system. (“Fazl urges President Zardari to ‘protect’ 18th Amendment,” Dawn, 18 May 2026)
ON INDIA
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warns India against future military action
On 19 May, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned that India would face serious consequences if it carried out any future military action against Pakistan. His statement came in response to recent remarks by Indian Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi, who had said Pakistan must decide whether it wanted to remain “part of geography or history” if it continued supporting terrorism against India. Asif said Pakistan was fully capable of defending itself and warned that any military escalation could affect regional stability. He also criticised India’s relations with Israel and accused both countries of following aggressive regional policies. The exchange of statements came during continuing tensions between India and Pakistan following the 2025 military escalation and India’s repeated allegations regarding cross-border terrorism. (“India will be ‘relegated to history’ if it attempts misadventure against Pakistan: Khawaja Asif,” Dawn, 19 May 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
US-Iran war
Editorial, "Hardening positions," The Express Tribune, 19 May 2026
"The hardening of positions and the threat of renewed war have accelerated diplomatic efforts. While the foreign ministers of Turkiye and Qatar held a meeting in Doha to discuss the next steps on diplomatic front, Pakistan's continues to occupy the centre stage on mediation. Just yesterday, the Iranian foreign ministry confirmed conveying a new set of proposals to end the war to the Americans through Pakistan. Both sides had better be warned: the time for moving goalposts is over."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2608844/hardening-positions
Media freedom
Arifa Noor, "Different realities," Dawn, 19 May 2026
"AS a journalist struggling to cope with the environment in Pakistan, the state of the media here and worldwide is never far from one’s thoughts — in more ways than one can say. Indeed, this navel gazing is not limited to hacks in the country either. Overall, there is much concern in the world over the state and fate of journalism. And this is the subject of a book titled Dictating Reality: The Global Battle to Control the News by Martin Moore and Thomas Colley."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2001428/different-realities
Economy
Jane Marriott, "What 'doing development differently' looks like," The Express Tribune, 19 May 2026
"The world is changing fast, and development co-operation must change with it. Today's international system is more volatile, fragmented and resource constrained: competition is rising, conflicts and humanitarian needs are growing, climate impacts are intensifying, and aid budgets are falling. That reality demands a new approach: partnerships that align public purpose with private capital, innovation and delivery to help tackle poverty."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2608848/what-doing-development-differently-looks-like
Education
Dr Intikhab Ulfat, "When the classroom travels," The Express Tribune, 19 May 2026
"Travelling with students is never merely a matter of distance. It is a movement of minds. A bus journey, when connected with an academic purpose, can become a moving classroom, a shared experience and a reminder that education does not begin and end within the walls of a lecture hall. Some lessons are learned from books, some from teachers, and some from the atmosphere of participation itself."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2608846/when-the-classroom-travels
Domestic policy
Benazir Jatoi, "Domestic policy: power behind effective global mediation," The Express Tribune, 19 May 2026
"Islamabad's seasonal Spring has been captured well in all major international news during these peace talks – blossoms, calm pale blue skies and the majestic Margalla Hills. Politically, too, a new 'spring' for Pakistan is emerging as a mature and serious peacemaker, rightly challenging the dominant impressions of Pakistan being violent, volatile and unstable. Riding on this momentum, we must reflect on things internally: domestic peace and growth is as important as global peace."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2608847/domestic-policy-power-behind-effective-global-mediation
|
