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In Focus
Reports of deportation of Pakistani nationals from UAE sparks debate in Senate
Government disputes reports of mass targeting of Pakistanis in UAE, calling them “propaganda”
On 22 May, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that the issue of Pakistani nationals being deported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) sparked heated debate in the Senate, with opposition lawmakers warning of potential economic consequences and calling for urgent diplomatic intervention. Opposition leader Raja Nasir Abbas claimed that large numbers of Pakistanis had been deported. He alleged that many had their financial assets and bank accounts frozen, raising concerns about the impact on remittances and Pakistani workers abroad.
Responding to the concerns, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry rejected claims that Pakistanis were being specifically targeted, stating that around 3,494 Pakistanis had been deported between January and April this year under administrative actions and in some cases due to criminal involvement. He described reports of victimisation as exaggerated and “propaganda” and reaffirmed that Pakistan and the UAE maintained strong bilateral relations, adding that the government would provide verified figures after receiving complete data from the Foreign Ministry. (“UAE deportations issue referred to Senate panel,” Dawn, 22 May 2026; “Govt denies UAE targeting Pakistanis,” The Express Tribune, 22 May 2026)
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Pakistan & Germany sign EUR 40.5 million Technical Cooperation Agreement
On 22 May, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan and Germany signed a Technical Cooperation Agreement worth EUR 40.5 million for the implementation of nine development projects across Pakistan. Under the agreement, the German Development Bank (KfW) will provide financial and technical assistance for initiatives aimed at development cooperation. German Ambassador Ina Lepel said the agreement reflected the two countries’ shared commitment to addressing challenges such as climate change, energy transition and social vulnerability through practical cooperation and joint efforts. (“Pakistan, Germany sign €40.5m agreement,” The Express Tribune, 22 May 2026)
Pakistan & Kenya reaffirm commitment to expanding trade ties
On 22 May, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan and Kenya reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral economic relations and agreed to double trade volumes over the next five years during the second session of the Pakistan-Kenya Joint Trade Committee (JTC) in Islamabad. The meeting, co-chaired by Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul and Kenyan Principal Secretary Regina A Ombam, reviewed progress across several sectors, including market access, investment, customs cooperation, pharmaceuticals, banking, information technology, tourism and industry, with both sides aiming to broaden trade and economic collaboration. (“Pakistan, Kenya vow to double trade in five years,” The Express Tribune, 22 May 2026)
Pakistan nominated to World Customs Organization Policy Commission
On 21 May, Dawn reported that Pakistan was nominated to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Policy Commission for the 2026-2028 term, marking the country’s first entry into the body in nearly 70 years. According to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the nomination was secured during the Asia-Pacific regional meeting held in Hong Kong from 18-20 May, where Pakistan won one of five available regional seats after a contest involving six candidates. The WCO Policy Commission serves as the organisation’s principal strategic forum on issues such as customs modernisation, trade facilitation, digital transformation and governance reforms. The FBR said the development reflected Pakistan Customs’ recent modernisation efforts, including digital reforms, the Pakistan Single Window initiative and stronger regional engagement. (“Pakistan joins World Customs Organisation commission,” Dawn, 21 May 2026)
Pakistan marks 75 years of ties with China in Islamabad
On 21 May, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Pakistan-China relations as a “steadfast” and “unique” partnership during a ceremony in Islamabad marking 75 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries. The premier said China had supported Pakistan “in an unwavering fashion unmatched in the annals of history” and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to the “One China” policy, while describing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a major symbol of bilateral cooperation. President Asif Ali Zardari also termed ties with China a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy, while Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress of China, Cai Dafeng, reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Pakistan and expressed readiness to expand cooperation under CPEC 2.0 in areas including technology, agriculture and climate change. (“PM Shehbaz lauds ‘steadfast’ Pak-China friendship, says Beijing supported Islamabad in ‘unwavering fashion’,” Dawn, 21 May 2026)
UNGA adopts Pakistan-backed resolution on interfaith dialogue
On 22 May, The Express Tribune reported that the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) unanimously adopted a Pakistan and Philippines-sponsored resolution promoting inter-religious and intercultural dialogue amid growing concerns over Islamophobia and global intolerance. The resolution called on states to strengthen inclusion and unity to combat racism, xenophobia, hate speech, violence and discrimination, while reaffirming commitments to protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms. Introducing the resolution, Pakistan UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad stressed the importance of promoting a culture of peace that embraces diversity, inclusivity and mutual respect while rejecting stereotypes and divisive social structures. (“UNGA adopts Pakistan-led resolution,” The Express Tribune, 22 May 2026)
ECONOMY
Rice exports decline by 9.33 per cent amid widening food import bill
On 21 May, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s food import bill rose 13.81 per cent year-on-year to USD 7.848 billion in the first ten months of 2025-26. Meanwhile, exports of raw food products decreased 32.02 per cent to USD 4.190 billion in the first ten months of FY26 from USD 6.164 billion a year earlier. Overall rice exports in April dropped 9.33 per cent year-on-year. Vegetables exports also registered the steepest fall, plunging by 78.38 per cent. In imported items, palm oil constituted the largest share, followed by pulses, tea, soyabean oil and sugar. The value of palm oil imports rose 15.41 per cent to USD 3.313 billion during July-April FY26 from USD 2.871 billion a year ago. Pakistan imported 309,157 tonnes of sugar during July-April 2025-26, marking an unprecedented increase of 10,181.25 per cent compared to just 3,007 tonnes in the same period last year. In value terms, sugar imports jumped to USD 174.908 million in ten months of FY26 from USD 2.978 million a year earlier, reflecting a sharp rise of 5,773.35 per cent.(“Food import bill swells 14pc, exports dip 32pc,” Dawn, 21 May 2026)
SECURITY
KP: Security forces kill 23 militants in multiple operations
On 22 May, Dawn reported that over the last 48 hours, Pakistan’s security forces killed 23 militants during multiple intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), after intelligence reports about militant presence operations were carried out in the areas of Dattakhel, Spinwam and Bannu. The ISPR said that during the intense exchanges of fire, the security forces engaged with several militant hideouts. Among those killed was a ring leader, Jan Meer alias Toor Saqib, who was wanted in several attacks on security personnel and civilians. Security forces also discovered and destroyed the underground tunnel and bunkers used by the militants. Ammunition, weapons, and explosives, including improvised explosive devices, were recovered during operations. The ISPR also said that sanitisation operations are currently continuing in the area as part of the ongoing counterterrorism efforts under the “Azm-e-Istekham” campaign. (“Security forces kill 23 terrorists in multiple IBOs: ISPR,” Dawn, 22 May 2026)
Bajaur: Drone strike kills two schoolchildren
On 22 May, The Express Tribune reported that a drone strike in the Shah Tangi area of Mamund tehsil in Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had killed two school children. Police said that this incident happened while those children were returning home after school. The victims were identified as residents, a 10-year-old and a 12-year-old boy. This drone strike had caused panic in the area, and the residents had strongly condemned the incident and also demanded a transparent investigation. Police said that the origin of the drone (quadcopter) and those responsible for the attack have not yet been identified. Earlier this month, three people were injured in another drone attack on a cricket ground in the same area. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has earlier criticised such attacks and called civilian casualties unacceptable. Tribal jirgas have also demanded action and accountability over repeated drone strike incidents. (“Two schoolchildren killed in drone strike in K-P’s Bajaur: police,” The Express Tribune, 22 May 2026)
North Waziristan: Security forces kills wanted militant ringleader Tor Saqib
On 22 May, Dawn reported that Pakistan's security forces had killed five militants during an intelligence-based operation in the Spinwam area of North Waziristan. Security sources said that the operation targeted militants linked to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Among those killed was Kharji Umar alias Jan Mir alias Tor Saqib, who was described as a wanted militant commander with a bounty of PKR 3 million on his head. Officials said that he had planned several attacks against civilians and security personnel. Security sources also claimed that the militant group had built underground bunkers, tunnels, and explosive traps in the area near Bubali Mosque in Spinwam. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the operation and called it a major success. He stated that militants and their supporters would not be allowed to operate in the country under any circumstances. (“Wanted terrorist ringleader among 5 militants killed in North Waziristan operation: security sources,” Dawn, 22 May 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
PTI warns of protests after leaders denied meeting with Imran Khan once again
On 22 May, Dawn reported that PTI leaders warned they may start protests after party representatives were again denied a meeting with former prime minister Imran Khan at Adiala jail despite court orders allowing regular meetings. PTI MNA Ahad Ali Shah said the party believed peaceful requests were not being heard by the government. PTI leaders submitted a list of six representatives to jail authorities for a scheduled meeting with Imran Khan. According to party leaders, they waited for several hours outside Adiala jail but were not permitted to meet him before the official meeting time ended. The Islamabad High Court had earlier allowed meetings between Imran Khan and his family members, lawyers and political associates twice a week. PTI leaders said the court orders were repeatedly not being implemented. The issue also led to recent protests and sit-ins by PTI supporters near Adiala jail. (“Seems PTI will now have to ‘resort to agitation’, says MNA after party leaders yet again denied meeting with Imran,” Dawn, 22 May 2026)
AF-PAK
Gwadar: 28 Afghan nationals arrested en route to Iran
On 21 May, Dawn reported that 28 Afghan nationals were arrested by security forces for illegally staying in the Sangai area of Kech district of Gwadar. These 28 Afghans entered Balochistan through Chagai district and wanted to enter Iran for their illegal journey to European countries. The Afghans were handed over to the FIA after an initial investigation. (“Afghans arrested for illegal stay in Gwadar,” Dawn, 21 May 2026)
ON INDIA
Pakistan responds to India remarks at UNSC
On 21 May, Dawn reported that during a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) debate on the protection of civilians, Pakistan had responded to India's remarks. Pakistan's representative, Saima Saleem, said that the neighbouring country is exposed to “terrorism, occupation, aggression, repression and disregard for international law”. Earlier, during the debate, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN accused Pakistan of ignoring international humanitarian obligations, targeting civilians in Afghanistan and having a “long-tainted record of genocidal acts”. In response, Saleem said that Pakistan carried out “precise, deliberate and professional counter-terrorism operations against terrorist hideouts, training camps, ammunition storage sites, and support networks used to plan and launch attacks against Pakistani civilians, security forces and infrastructure”. In her concluding remarks, she stated that Pakistan remains a peace-loving and international law-abiding nation that seeks harmonious relations with all countries in its neighbourhood and beyond, based on mutual respect and sovereign equality, addressing all disputes in a peaceful manner in accordance with the UN Charter and Security Council resolutions. (“Pakistan responds to India at UNSC debate says it stands exposed by terrorism and disregard for international law,” Dawn, 21 May 2026)
Sindh authorities on alert as India releases Chenab water
On 21 May, Dawn reported that India has issued an advisory stating water level in the Chenab River will rise by more than three metres due to the opening of the spillway gates of the Indian Salal Dam, with a risk of silt flushing at the Marala Barrage. In view of the rising water level, Sialkot authorities had issued a high alert at the Marala Barrage and adjacent areas, especially Bajwat. Authorities appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary visits to rivers and canals and advised them to take precautionary measures. (“Sialkot authorities on alert as India opens spillway gates of dam on Chenab River,” Dawn, 21 May 2026)
Pakistan and the US-Iran war
Pakistan continues diplomatic push for US-Iran “standby agreement”
Interior Minister Naqvi meets with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi and President Pezeshkian in Tehran
On 22 May, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan continued efforts to facilitate dialogue between the United States and Iran, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi making his second visit to Tehran within a week to maintain communication channels and prevent a breakdown in negotiations. During the visit, Naqvi held talks with senior Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, amid reports that Pakistan and other regional actors were working on a proposed “standby agreement” intended to formally end hostilities while creating a framework for addressing unresolved disputes.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared cautiously optimistic about the diplomatic process, stating there were “good signs” while warning against excessive optimism. Reports indicated discussions had narrowed to difficult negotiations over issues including uranium arrangements, sanctions relief, maritime security and the status of the Strait of Hormuz, which remains a major sticking point between Tehran and Washington. Speculation also emerged regarding a possible visit by CDF Asim Munir to Tehran, although Pakistani authorities had not confirmed such plans. (“Efforts intensify for 'standby agreement',” The Express Tribune, 22 May 2026; “US ‘hopeful’ as Islamabad tries to prevail on Tehran,” Dawn, 22 May 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
US-Iran war
Editorial, "Hardening lines," Dawn, 22 May 2026
"The negotiations aimed at ending the US-Israel war on Iran underscore how far apart Washington and Tehran still seem to remain. In particular, confusion surrounding Iran’s position on its enriched uranium stockpile has illustrated how fraught the diplomacy has been."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2002166/hardening-lines
AI
Shahid Mehmood, "Will AI kill your job?" Dawn, 22 May 2026
"Economic progress does not exhibit a linear trajectory. Episodes of abundance and prosperity sit alongside instances of pessimism and hardship. Today’s world is no different. Aside from the glumness unleashed by the recent US-Iran war and its repercussions, perpetual anxiety seems to have enveloped the economic landscape since at least a decade or more. And it has to do with how artificial intelligence (AI) will shape the economy and job market. Some of the predictions paint such a frightening picture that it would make Dr Doom himself blush."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2002169/will-ai-kill-your-job
Education
Faisal Bari, "Reconsidering assessments," Dawn, 22 May 2026
"Assessments are used for ranking, though it is a poor way of ranking students on simple measures, and they are, in Pakistan at least, used for forcing children to study: fear of exams makes students learn. But this is wrong. Assessments should be seen as a means of encouraging learning: they tell us where we need to focus our teaching and learning efforts. Clearly, our high-stakes summative assessments have drifted too far from this objective. We need to rethink the role of assessments in our system at a very fundamental level."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2002170/reconsidering-assessments
Karachi
Editorial, "Unliveable city," Dawn, 22 May 2026
"IN Karachi, when it comes to water, it is every man and woman for themselves. A persistent shortage in available supply has created a situation in which either personal connections or the depth of one’s purse often dictate how comfortably one can access this basic necessity. Those with means often compete with kith and kin to secure an extra favour from the ‘tanker mafia’ supplying water at inflated rates. Those with less compete to secure one of the very limited number of water tankers supplied every day at government rates. In areas still privileged to receive piped water, neighbours compete with each other to pull more than their fair share into their own water tanks. Meanwhile, the friendless and economically destitute must line up overnight at public pumps or ‘black market’ dealers stealing from water mains for a bucket or two for their daily use. It is a pitiable situation, made galling by the consistent lack of care shown by successive rulers and administrators of the city towards its long-suffering residents. With the onset of summer, the situation is expected to worsen considerably. And the city’s politicians have started preparing for the inevitable."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2002165/unliveable-city
Climate change
Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, "Climate-proofing CPEC 2.0," Dawn, 21 May 2026
"As Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif travels to Beijing this week to mark 75 years of Pakistan-China relations, the centrepiece of his agenda will be CPEC 2.0. The 14th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting in September 2025 formally launched phase II, anchored in five corridors: growth, livelihood, innovation, green development, and regional connectivity. The direction, at last, is set."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2001957/climate-proofing-cpec-20
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