|
In Focus
Saudi Arabia to train 200 Federal Constabulary protection unit personnel
Latest initiative builds on strong Pakistan-Saudi defence ties bolstered by last year’s Mutual Defence Agreement
On 28 May, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that 200 personnel from Pakistan’s Federal Constabulary Special Diplomatic Protection Unit would receive specialised training in Saudi Arabia following a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Saudi counterpart Abdulaziz bin Saud Al Saud in Mina. The ministers discussed bilateral relations, internal security cooperation and regional developments, while also exchanging Eidul Azha greetings. According to Pakistan’s Interior Ministry, the Saudi minister praised Islamabad’s role in easing regional tensions. The two sides additionally agreed to deepen security cooperation, with a high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry expected to visit Pakistan soon. Naqvi also commended Saudi authorities for their arrangements during the Haj pilgrimage, highlighting the close and expanding security partnership between the two countries.
The move comes amid deepening Pakistan-Saudi defence cooperation. In September 2025, the two countries signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement aimed at expanding military collaboration and strengthening joint deterrence. The latest training initiative builds on a long history of military cooperation and reflects continued efforts by Islamabad and Riyadh to enhance security coordination in response to evolving regional challenges. (“Pakistan, Saudi Arabia agree on security training for 200 FC personnel,” The Express Tribune, 28 May 2026; “200 personnel from Federal Constabulary's diplomatic protection unit to receive training in Saudi Arabia,” Dawn, 28 May 2026)
Chinese Defence Ministry lauds “iron-clad” Pakistan-China military ties
Foreign Minister Wang Yi praises Islamabad’s Middle East mediation efforts during meeting with Ishaq Dar in New York
On 28 May, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that the Chinese Defence Ministry said that China and Pakistan had reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening military cooperation and strategic coordination. Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Colonel Jiang Bin described bilateral ties as an enduring “iron-clad friendship” and highlighted the expansion of defence collaboration in strategic communication, joint exercises, personnel exchanges, and defence technology cooperation. He said exercises such as “Warriors”, “Ocean Guards”, and “Eagles” had become hallmark projects of military cooperation and pledged continued support for deeper military-to-military relations.
Separately, Wang Yi praised Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in New York. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, Wang reiterated support for Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic role, and both sides reviewed regional developments, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's recent visit to China, and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties. (“China's FM Wang Yi reiterates appreciation for Pakistan’s constructive role amid US-Iran talks in meeting with Dar,” The Express Tribune, 28 May 2026; “Pakistan, China agree to deepen military cooperation: Chinese Defense Ministry,” Dawn, 28 May 2026)
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Foreign Minister Dar to meet Marco Rubio in Washington
On 28 May, Dawn reported that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar would visit Washington to meet US Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio for talks on bilateral relations and regional developments. According to the Foreign Ministry, discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation in priority sectors and Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy. The visit comes as Islamabad continues diplomatic efforts aimed at facilitating a lasting agreement between the United States and Iran amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Pakistan has positioned itself as a supporter of negotiations between the two sides, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently expressing hope that a peace agreement preserving Iran’s dignity and interests could be reached, benefiting both Iran and the wider region. (“Dar to meet Rubio in Washington tomorrow: FO,” Dawn, 28 May 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Opposition parties oppose Trump’s call for Pakistan to join Abraham Accords
On 27 May, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s opposition parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and the Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), strongly opposed reported calls by US President Donald Trump for Pakistan to join the Abraham Accords as part of broader regional peace efforts. JI chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman described the accords as a “document of surrender”, arguing that they would legitimise Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. He urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to publicly reject any such proposal and reaffirmed support for Palestinian statehood with Jerusalem as its capital. The TTAP alliance also rejected the idea, calling the Abraham Accords an attempt to provide political cover for Israeli policies and demanding a clear government stance against any pressure to recognise Israel. Both groups maintained that Pakistan’s position should remain aligned with support for Palestinian self-determination and longstanding national policy. (“Jamaat, TTAP alliance oppose call to join Abraham Accords,” Dawn, 27 May 2026)
PM Shehbaz and President Zardari extend Eidul Azha greetings to citizens
On 27 May, Dawn reported that President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended Eidul Azha greetings to Pakistanis, overseas citizens and the wider Muslim Ummah, highlighting the values of sacrifice, compassion and social responsibility associated with the occasion. President Zardari said Eidul Azha reflected the obedience, patience and sincerity demonstrated by Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS), stressing that true success lies in piety, service to humanity and concern for others. He urged citizens to promote unity, tolerance and dialogue while supporting vulnerable segments of society. Prime Minister Shehbaz called on people to include the poor and underprivileged in Eid celebrations, stating that the spirit of sacrifice, unity and solidarity was essential for national progress. He also exchanged Eid greetings with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during a telephone conversation, reaffirming the close ties between Pakistan and Türkiye. (“President, PM stress care for underprivileged on Eidul Azha,” Dawn, 27 May 2026)
CLIMATE CHANGE
Dadu records temperature of 51.5°C as heatwave intensifies across Pakistan
On 28 May, Dawn reported that Sindh’s Dadu recorded a maximum temperature of 51.5°C, setting a new local temperature record amid an intense heatwave affecting much of Pakistan, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department. The reading was 4.5°C above normal, while nearby areas, including Larkana and Jacobabad, reached 50.5°C. The meteorological department warned that temperatures between 47°C and 50°C were likely across large parts of Sindh and Balochistan, with hot and dry conditions expected to persist through Eidul Azha. The warning comes amid broader concerns over climate change, with the World Meteorological Organization stating there is a 75 per cent chance that average global temperatures between 2026 and 2030 will exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The PMD has also forecast the possible development of El Niño conditions during the 2026 South Asian monsoon season, increasing the likelihood of below-normal rainfall across much of the region. (“Dadu sets new maximum temperature record as mercury climbs to 51.5°C,” Dawn, 28 May 2026)
ECONOMY
Pakistan plans to boost oil storage and strategic reserves
On 27 May, Dawn reported that Pakistan is planning to establish strategic petroleum reserves and expand commercial oil storage capacity to strengthen energy security amid concerns over potential supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, a route that handles up to 90 per cent of the country’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. According to a government framework shared with major energy firms and traders, including Saudi Aramco, ADNOC, QatarEnergy, PetroChina, Vitol and Trafigura, the government aims to reduce vulnerability to external shocks through emergency reserves, bonded storage facilities and increased domestic oil and gas production. The proposal also includes refinery upgrades and downstream sector reforms. A dedicated fund financed through an existing petroleum levy is expected to generate roughly USD 700 million annually to support the development of strategic reserves, with allocations planned to begin on 01 July. (“Islamabad plans oil reserves, storage push,” Dawn, 27 May 2026)
SECURITY
Pakistan marks 28th anniversary of first nuclear test
On May 28, Dawn reported that Pakistani leaders and military officials marked “Youm-i-Takbeer”, commemorating the 1998 nuclear tests in Chagai that made Pakistan a nuclear-armed state. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the occasion as a defining moment in the country’s history, saying the tests restored the strategic balance in South Asia and demonstrated Pakistan’s resolve to safeguard its sovereignty. He paid tribute to key figures behind the nuclear programme, including former prime ministers Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, while praising Abdul Qadeer Khan and Samar Mubarakmand. President Asif Ali Zardari similarly described the tests as a milestone that secured Pakistan’s strategic sovereignty and deterrence capability. The armed forces, led by CDF Asim Munir, reaffirmed their commitment to defending the country, describing the nuclear programme as a guarantor of peace, stability and credible deterrence in the region. (“PM Shehbaz says Youm-i-Takbeer symbolises Pakistan's strength, sovereignty and national unity,” Dawn, 28 May 2026)
PROVINCES
Sindh: Water crisis in Karachi worsens amid Eid celebrations
On 27 May, Dawn reported that residents of Karachi were entering a second month of severe water shortages amid Eidul Azha celebrations, with many households struggling to secure water for sanitation, animal care and religious rituals. The crisis, caused by repeated pipeline bursts, underground leaks, power outages at pumping stations and infrastructure damage, has left numerous neighbourhoods without regular supply since late March. Residents reported waiting up to 10 days for water tankers, while private tanker prices have doubled in many areas. The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation blamed electricity disruptions for the supply breakdowns but said emergency arrangements had been made for Eid. The city currently receives around 650 million gallons of water daily, against demand exceeding 1.25 billion gallons, highlighting a longstanding supply deficit. (“Eid with dry taps as Karachi water crisis enters second month,” Dawn, 27 May 2026)
Pakistan and the US-Iran war
Pakistan continues Middle East diplomatic push
PM Shehbaz speaks with Iranian President Pezeshkian, while Foreign Minister Dar engages with UN Secretary-General Guterres in New York
On 27 May, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held telephone conversations with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, expressing hope that a peace agreement between Iran and the United States could be reached soon. The prime minister said such a deal would unlock Iran’s economic potential and benefit the wider region, while reaffirming Pakistan’s support for regional stability. Iranian, Kuwaiti, and Malaysian leaders praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, with President Pezeshkian thanking Pakistan and CDF Asim Munir for their role in promoting peace, while Kuwait and Malaysia voiced support for Islamabad’s mediation initiatives.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met UN Secretary-General António Guterres in New York, where the two discussed developments in the Middle East, South Asia, Afghanistan and Palestine. Dar thanked Guterres for supporting Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the US-Iran conflict and highlighted Islamabad’s role in hosting talks between the two sides following the April ceasefire. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism, UN-led diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution. Guterres, in turn, appreciated Pakistan’s contributions to international peace and security through diplomacy and peacekeeping efforts. (“'US-Iran peace deal could benefit entire region,' PM tells Pezeshkian in Eid call,” Dawn, 27 May 2026; “FM Dar assures UN chief of Pakistan's 'continued engagement and dialogue' to restore peace in region,” Dawn, 27 May 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Politics & governance
M Zeb Khan, "The structural malaise behind PTI's crisis," The Express Tribune, 28 May 2026
"Every now and then, a political movement in Pakistan captures the imagination of a generation. It challenges entrenched power, speaks of justice and promises to upend the status quo. PTI was one such movement. At its core was a simple but powerful ideal: a Pakistan governed by the rule of law, where economic, social and political justice prevails. It attracted millions, inspired the youth, and for a moment, felt like the country's moral centre of gravity had shifted."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2610236/the-structural-malaise-behind-ptis-crisis
Pakistan-China relations
Prof Tang Ming Shung, "Pak-China friendship will grow broader like Karakoram Highway," The Express Tribune, 28 May 2026
"The year 2026 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. Over the past 75 years, the two countries have stood together through storms and hardships, supported each other faithfully, transcended geographical distance and ideological differences, and weathered changing international circumstances. Together, they have forged an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership as solid as a rock and as enduring as ever, creating the "ironclad friendship" described as "higher than the mountains, deeper than the seas, sweeter than honey, and stronger than steel"."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2610237/pak-china-friendship-will-grow-broader-like-karakoram-highway
Society
Atif Mehmood, "Dowry and silence," The Express Tribune, 28 May 2026
"Dowry is one of those things people in South Asia still defend with a straight face, and honestly, that has always confused me. Travel outside this region and the idea sounds absurd to most people. A man gets married, yet the woman's family is expected to furnish his house, buy his car, hand over cash, jewellery, appliances, sometimes even property. And somehow this is still called culture."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2610233/dowry-and-silence
Saira Samo, "Celebrate Eid - with responsibility," The Express Tribune, 26 May 2026
"Every year on Eid-ul-Azha, municipal areas become overwhelmed by the influx of sacrificial waste. The improper disposal of animal remains, offal and blood inundates roads and streets and chokes local drainage systems, creating severe sanitation crises. The unpleasant smell and unhygienic conditions not only create discomfort for residents but also increase the risk of spreading dangerous diseases. Unfortunately, municipal authorities often fail to handle the enormous burden of waste collection and disposal during the Eid festival. Due to poor planning, lack of resources and weak implementation of sanitation policies, many urban areas remain dirty for days after Eid. In ordinary circumstances, this negligence is harmful, but in the current situation, it can become disastrous for public health."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2610041/celebrate-eid-with-responsibility
Cyber
Editorial, "Data security," The Express Tribune, 26 May 2026
"Pakistan's digital transformation has accelerated rapidly over the past decade. But while the country has embraced technology, it continues to treat data protection with an alarming degree of complacency. A case in point are the recent revelations surrounding a network of individuals involved in stealing sensitive information of Pakistani citizens and selling it onward."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2610039/data-security
|
