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In Focus
At least 14 people killed in suicide bombing in Quetta
Condemnations pour in as bombers target shuttle train near Chaman Phatak in one of the deadliest attacks in Balochistan
On 24 May, Dawn reported that at least 14 people were killed and 20 others injured after a vehicle-borne suicide bombing targeted a shuttle train near Chaman Phatak in Quetta, in one of the deadliest recent attacks in Balochistan. Authorities said the victims included civilians, women, children and three personnel of the Frontier Corps, while an entire family of four was also among those killed. The explosion derailed several train coaches, damaged nearby homes and vehicles, and prompted emergency measures, including declaring a medical emergency in Quetta hospitals and establishing coordination centres for rescue operations.
The attack drew widespread domestic and international condemnation, with leaders including President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowing to continue efforts against militancy. Statements of solidarity and condemnation were also issued by governments and diplomatic missions, including those of China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, Turkiye, and Iran. Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan warned of a deteriorating security situation in Balochistan, citing a broader rise in attacks, abductions and threats against civilians and infrastructure. (“At least 14 killed, 20 injured in suicide bombing targeting shuttle train in Quetta: Balochistan govt,” Dawn, 24 May 2026; “'Heinous crime against humanity': Condemnations pour in after suicide bombing in Quetta,” Dawn, 24 May 2026)
PM Shehbaz arrives in Beijing for high-level talks with President Xi
Visit aims to strengthen economic and strategic partnership; Investment and industrial cooperation expanded with agreements worth USD seven billion
On 25 May, Dawn reported that Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Beijing for high-level meetings with Xi Jinping and Li Qiang aimed at strengthening the Pakistan-China strategic partnership and advancing cooperation under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). During a business conference in Hangzhou, the prime minister highlighted agriculture, information technology, special economic zones and mining as key areas for collaboration, while agreements and memoranda worth more than USD seven billion were signed to expand investment and industrial cooperation.
The visit also included engagements with major Chinese firms in renewable energy, electric vehicle infrastructure, battery technology, pharmaceuticals and digital platforms. Meetings were held with companies including Alibaba and other corporate leaders to explore manufacturing and technology partnerships, while Pakistani officials stressed that the focus was on attracting investment, expertise and industrial cooperation rather than external assistance. Alongside economic discussions, officials indicated that regional developments, including the US-Iran situation, would also feature in talks between Pakistani and Chinese leaders. (“PM Shehbaz lands in Beijing, will hold 'high-level' meetings with Chinese leadership,” Dawn, 25 May 2026)
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Pakistan and Türkiye reaffirm expanding defence cooperation
On 22 May, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Air Force and the Turkish Air Force reaffirmed expanding defence cooperation during Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu’s visit to Türkiye, where he held meetings with Turkish Air Force Commander Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu, Defence Minister Yaşar Güler and Selçuk Bayraktar. Discussions focused on strengthening interoperability through joint exercises, training programmes and professional exchanges, while also exploring cooperation in aerospace innovation, unmanned aerial systems and emerging defence technologies, reflecting what both sides described as a growing strategic convergence between Pakistan and Türkiye. (“Pakistan, Turkiye air forces reaffirm ‘growing strategic convergence’ in defence sector: ISPR,” Dawn, 22 May 2026)
Pakistan and 13 others condemn Somaliland’s decision to open embassy in Jerusalem
On 24 May, Dawn reported that Pakistan and 13 other countries jointly condemned plans by Somaliland to open a purported embassy in Jerusalem, describing the move as illegal and a violation of international law and relevant UN resolutions. In a joint statement, the countries stated that the step infringed upon the legal and historical status of occupied Jerusalem and reaffirmed that East Jerusalem remains part of the occupied Palestinian territory. The countries also reiterated support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia and rejected unilateral actions that undermine its territorial unity. (“'Illegal, unacceptable': Pakistan, 13 other nations condemn Somaliland's announcement of opening embassy in Jerusalem,” Dawn, 24 May 2026)
Pakistan urges Ukraine ceasefire at UNSC
On 24 May, Dawn reported that Pakistan called for an immediate ceasefire and renewed diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine during an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, warning that the escalating conflict continued to inflict severe humanitarian costs on civilians, particularly children. Pakistan’s UN ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said military means could not deliver lasting peace and stressed the need for dialogue and political will, while UN officials told the council that nearly 16,000 civilians had been killed and more than 44,000 injured since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022, with thousands of children among the casualties. (“Civilians must not be attacked ‘anywhere’, Pakistan tells UNSC,” Dawn, 24 May 2026)
ECONOMY
Cotton imports increase manifold amid shortages in domestic market
On 25 May, Dawn reported that local textile mills have begun massive cotton imports from the United States even before the start of the new cotton ginning season. The country will spend billions of dollars in foreign exchange on the import of cotton and edible oil during 2026-27, potentially the highest import bill in the country’s history for these commodities. The country has virtually run out of cotton stocks, triggering a sharp surge in domestic cotton and phutti prices. Cotton Ginners Forum has demanded the abolition of sales tax on cotton, cottonseed, cottonseed oil, oil cake, and oil dirt. Despite repeated announcements regarding cotton revival, the approval of another sugar mill in Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan’s largest cotton-producing zone, is undermining efforts to restore cotton cultivation. Furthermore, one of the two major institutions, The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA), representing Pakistan’s cotton sector globally, has been sealed since December 2025 due to an alleged ownership dispute, leaving the country without representation in international cotton markets. Another concerning development is the construction of a gymkhana club at the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI) lands, once renowned for developing the subcontinent’s first virus-free cotton variety. (“Pakistan importing cotton from US, Brazil even before local ginning season,” Dawn, 25 May 2026)
Pakistani exports to European markets fell despite GSP+ policy
On 24 May, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s exports to major Western and Northern European markets fell in the first ten months of 2025-26 compared with the same period a year earlier. As per State Bank of Pakistan data, the exports to European countries recorded a meagre 0.51 per cent year-on-year rise to USD 7.608 billion in the first ten months of 2025-26, despite GSP+ status. Exports to Southern Europe grew by 5.75 per cent to USD 2.705 billion in ten months of FY26 from USD 2.558 billion in the corresponding period last year. However, exports to Northern Europe dipped 0.79 per cent to USD 618.52 million in the first ten months of FY26 from USD 623.47 million a year ago, and exports to Eastern Europe grew 5.09 per cent to USD 620.63 million in the first ten months of FY26 from USD 590.57 million a year ago. (“Exports to EU stay sluggish despite GSP+,” Dawn, 24 May 2026)
Short-term inflation continues to surge for 41st consecutive month
On 23 May, Dawn reported that Short-term inflation, measured by the Sensitive Price Index (SPI), increased by 14.47 per cent year-on-year for the week ending 21 May. According to official data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the rise in inflation is mainly due to higher retail prices of perishable food items and wheat flour. The increase was largely driven by sharp gains in key items, including petrol by 62.24 per cent, diesel by 60.90 per cent, electricity charges by 43.30 per cent, wheat flour by 59.45 per cent, and liquefied petroleum gas by 50.73 per cent. The SPI recorded an increase for the 41st consecutive week.(“Weekly inflation hits 1447pc," Dawn, 23 May 2026)
SECURITY
Pakistan plans Wapda security force to protect Chinese projects
On 25 May, Dawn reported that the Pakistani government decided to establish a dedicated Wapda Security Force through the proposed Wapda Security Force Act, 2026, to protect critical water infrastructure projects and personnel, particularly Chinese workers involved in major projects. The decision follows deadly attacks on the Dasu Hydropower Project in 2021 and 2024 that killed Pakistani and Chinese engineers and workers. The new force, expected to operate alongside the military, police and paramilitary units, will be responsible for securing dams, power plants, machinery, project sites and staff, with authorities aiming to provide CPEC-level security arrangements to strategically important water-sector projects across the country. (“Govt plans Wapda security force for water projects,” Dawn, 25 May 2026)
North Waziristan: 11 militants killed by security forces in Datta Khel
On 24 May, Dawn reported that Pakistani security forces killed 11 militants during intelligence-based operations in the Datta Khel area of North Waziristan over 48 hours, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations. The military stated that the militants belonged to Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and said weapons and ammunition were recovered during the operations. Authorities said the actions formed part of the broader counterterrorism campaign under the Azm-i-Istehkam framework, while Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security forces for the operation amid continuing militant violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. (“Security forces kill 11 terrorists in KP's North Waziristan: ISPR,” Dawn, 24 May 2026)
Bannu: Major clash with police kills at least 25 militants
On 24 May, Dawn reported that a major clash between police, local peace committee members and suspected militants in the Barakzai Akhundkhel area of Bannu left at least 25 militants dead, while two police personnel and two civilians were also killed. Authorities said the operation was launched after intelligence indicated a large militant presence in the area, with police reporting that two key militant commanders were among those killed. Several police officers and civilians were injured during the fighting, while authorities also said they later prevented a separate attack by defusing a 10-kilogram remote-controlled bomb planted near a mosque on the Bannu-Miranshah road. (“25 terrorists killed in Bannu clash,” Dawn, 24 May 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Opposition leaders warn of budget boycott if demands not addressed
On 23 May, Dawn reported that opposition leaders in Pakistan warned of a possible boycott of the upcoming federal budget session unless their demands were addressed, with Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai cautioning that excluding opposition participation would damage the credibility of parliament. Achakzai called for improved treatment and visitation rights for Imran Khan and criticised what he described as weak parliamentary functioning and restrictions on dissent. During the session, opposition lawmakers also protested alleged actions against PTI members and supporters, while proceedings were briefly suspended after lawmakers pointed out a lack of quorum in the National Assembly. (“Meet demands or face budget boycott, Achakzai tells govt,” Dawn, 23 May 2026)
PTI confirms meeting with Interior Minister Naqvi
On 25 May, Dawn reported that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) confirmed that Sohail Afridi and Gohar Ali Khan held a meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, primarily focused on deteriorating security conditions and rising militancy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly after recent violence in Bannu. PTI officials denied speculation that the meeting involved political negotiations or that Aleema Khan had attended, while additional reports suggested discussions may also have touched on access and medical treatment for imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan, whose family and party have raised concerns over restrictions on meetings and healthcare arrangements. (“PTI confirms Barrister Gohar, Sohail Afridi's meeting with Naqvi; says discussion focused on terrorism in KP,” Dawn, 25 May 2026)
AF-PAK
JI chief Rehman calls for reopening border with Afghanistan
On 25 May, Dawn reported that Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman called for the reopening of border crossings with Afghanistan, the legalisation of trade with Iran, and the completion of the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project, arguing that these steps are necessary for economic stability and reducing public hardship. Speaking at a rally in Zhob under the “Badal Do Nizam” campaign, he also announced a nationwide strike after Eidul Azha against fuel and electricity price hikes, while proposing joint tribal-trader committees and special trade zones to revive border commerce. JI leaders additionally criticised border restrictions, insecurity and governance failures in Balochistan, raising concerns over unemployment, missing persons and recent attacks affecting businesses in the province. (“JI chief demands reopening of border with Afghanistan,” Dawn, 25 May 2026)
Pakistan and the US-Iran war
PM Shehbaz hopeful for next round of Islamabad Talks
Says negotiations could happen in the capital “very soon”; Marco Rubio signals optimism as mediation efforts show progress
On May 25, Dawn reported that Pakistan expressed optimism about renewed diplomacy between the United States and Iran, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif saying Islamabad hoped to host another round of peace talks “very soon”. The comments came amid reports of advancing negotiations following mediation efforts by Pakistan, including recent engagements by CDF Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Tehran. Statements from US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also suggested cautious optimism, with negotiations reportedly moving into detailed discussions over issues such as the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief and Iran’s nuclear programme.
Pakistan’s broader diplomatic push is also expected to continue at the international level, with Ishaq Dar set to attend a high-level meeting of the United Nations Security Council chaired by Wang Yi. While officials indicated that encouraging progress had been made toward an interim framework to stabilise the situation, uncertainty remained over the timing of future talks and the durability of any agreement, as both Washington and Tehran continued balancing diplomatic engagement with security concerns and pressure tactics. (“PM hopes to host Islamabad Talks 2.0 ‘very soon’,” Dawn, 25 May 2026; “PM Shehbaz hails Trump's 'extraordinary efforts to pursue peace' after phone call with CDF, leaders of other countries,” Dawn, 24 May 2026; “US-Iran deal in sight as CDF wraps up trip,” Dawn, 24 May 2026; “Dar to advance diplomatic push at UNSC moot,” Dawn, 23 May 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
External
Muhammad Ali Ehsan, "Pakistan-Russia: friendship or relevance?" The Express Tribune, 25 May 2026
"On 18 May 2026, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, Sergey Ryabkov, and Additional Secretary of the Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Tahir Hussain Andrabi, co-chaired the 16th meeting of the Russia-Pakistani Consultative Group on Strategic Stability in Moscow. Both countries decided to hold the 17th meeting next year in Islamabad. Despite increased diplomatic engagement in recent years between the two countries, Russia-¬Pakistan relations are still in a normalisation phase and increased engagement between the two states currently is more so for the purpose of strategic normalisation rather than strategic alignment. This bilateral relationship undergoing a gradual but important stage of evolution is significant. Russia seeks partners to reduce diplomatic isolation, and Pakistan seeks strategic diversification to move beyond its excessive dependence on the West."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609724/pakistan-russia-friendship-or-relevance
Terrorism
Editorial, "Quetta train blast," The Express Tribune, 25 May 2026
"The heinous blast on a shuttle train in Quetta yesterday, which claimed at least 14 lives amid fears of a rise in casualties, underscores the terrorists' callous agenda to spread terror and inflict maximum suffering. The martyrs also include three Frontier Corps personnel, indicating that security forces may have been targeted intentionally alongside civilian passengers – in a nefarious attempt to not just shatter public peace but also to shake the resolve of the guardians of peace."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609875/quetta-train-blast
Climate change
Editorial, "Climate shocks," Dawn, 25 May 2026
"The latest State Bank report documenting recurring climatic disasters in Pakistan during the period between 2000 and 2024 reaffirms what these columns have long warned. Climate change can no longer be treated merely as an environmental concern. It has already evolved into a major economic risk and existential threat for the country. In its section on climate change and its impact on Pakistan’s economy, the new biannual SBP State of Pakistan’s Economy report shows that climate change is not a distant risk for countries like ours. The effects of its impact are visible in lost livelihoods, damaged infrastructure and slowing economic activity."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2002905/climate-shocks
Gender equality
Huma Yusuf, "Including women," Dawn, 25 May 2026
"There are hardly any women in the prime minister’s delegation to China. This has largely gone unnoticed because gender balance is rarely an attribute of Pakistani delegations abroad. But it bears calling out as it represents a broader missed opportunity. Gender inclusion starts with intentionality, so one hopes that as our premier tours relatively gender equitable companies in China, he advocates for Pakistan’s women to be equal beneficiaries of CPEC 2.0. What’s needed is a comprehensive gender lens, ranging from compensation considerations to meaningful investment in vocational and technical training and gendered governance for SEZs. An all-weather friendship should be for all Pakistanis."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2002909/including-women
Society
Maleeha Lodhi, "Stealing the future," Dawn, 25 May 2026
"Research shows the young, especially Gen Z, expect but do not find they are being given attention or being listened to. They exhibit a high degree of mistrust of the political system and traditional politics. But they want a voice in the political process and policymaking. Given this context, disenfranchising millions of young people will only deepen their sense of alienation and discourage them from political engagement. It will make what is a restless generation angry and disillusioned, and fuel discontent over time."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2002912/stealing-the-future
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