|
In Focus
Pakistan reiterates stance on Israel and Palestine amid call to join Abraham Accords
“No flexibility” in Islamabad’s position, says Foreign Minister Dar, as Pakistan firm on Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders
On 29 May, Dawn, The Express Tribune and The News International reported that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar categorically rejected any suggestion that Pakistan could join the Abraham Accords, reiterating that Islamabad’s position on Israel would remain unchanged until an independent Palestinian state is established based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. Speaking after talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, Dar said there would be “no flexibility” in Pakistan’s longstanding policy despite recent calls by US President Donald Trump for several Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, to normalise relations with Israel.
The meeting nevertheless reflected improving Pakistan-US relations, with Rubio praising Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts to promote peace in the Middle East and acknowledging its mediation role in US-Iran talks. Dar said both sides expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in bilateral ties and agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, security and counterterrorism. Separately, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its “effective efforts” to facilitate dialogue with Washington, while Saudi officials also praised Pakistan’s role in reducing regional tensions. (“Pakistan firmly committed to stance on Palestine, Israel: Dar answers question on Abraham Accords,” Dawn, 29 May 2026; “'No flexibility in Pakistan's consistent position on Palestine issue,' FM Dar says on joining Abraham Accords,” The Express Tribune, 29 May 2026; “Abraham Accords: Dar reiterates Pakistan’s stance on Palestine, Israel,” The News International, 30 May 2026)
In Brief
ECONOMY
Sindh CM Ali Shah discusses Karachi’s K-IV water project with World Bank
On 29 May, Dawn reported that Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and World Bank Country Director Bolorma Amgaabazar reviewed progress on Karachi’s water infrastructure projects, including the long-delayed K-IV water supply scheme. Murad emphasised that the project is critical to meeting Karachi’s future water needs and directed authorities to remove technical and administrative hurdles to ensure timely completion. The discussions also covered water metering, urban improvement initiatives in informal settlements, and reforms within the Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation (KWSC). Originally launched in the early 2000s, the K-IV project has faced repeated delays, cost escalations and funding shortfalls. Designed to supply 650 million gallons of water per day in three phases, its first phase aims to provide 260 MGD, with completion currently targeted for December 2026. (“Karachi's K-IV water project in focus as Sindh CM meets World Bank official,” Dawn, 29 May 2026)
High interest rates hampering growth, say industry leaders
On 30 May, Dawn reported that Pakistani industry leaders warned against any further tightening of monetary policy, arguing that high borrowing costs and elevated energy prices are already undermining private-sector activity and export competitiveness. The concerns come after the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) assured an International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission that it would maintain a tight monetary stance to curb inflation. The SBP’s policy rate currently stands at 11.5 per cent after a 100-basis-point increase in April. According to the central bank’s latest report, private-sector credit growth slowed to just 0.9 per cent year-on-year by December 2025, compared to 22.8 per cent a year earlier. Business leaders warned that expensive financing is discouraging investment, constraining job creation, and making Pakistani exports less competitive against regional rivals such as China, India and Bangladesh. (“High interest rates stifling growth, warn industry leaders,” Dawn, 30 May 2026)
Government cuts fuel prices by PKR 22
On 29 May, Dawn reported that the Pakistani government reduced the prices of both petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) by PKR 22 per litre, marking the second consecutive weekly fuel price cut amid easing global oil prices following the pause in the US-Iran conflict. The reduction lowers petrol prices from PKR 403.78 to about PKR 381 per litre and HSD prices from PKR 402.78 to around PKR 380 per litre. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority also reduced kerosene prices from PKR 313.44 to PKR 272 per litre. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the move fulfilled the government’s promise to pass on relief to the public whenever fiscal space became available. Lower fuel prices are expected to ease transport and logistics costs and provide some relief to households and businesses facing inflationary pressures. (“Govt cuts petrol, diesel prices by Rs22,” Dawn, 29 May 2026)
Government mulls tax relief for exporters for upcoming budget
On 30 May, Dawn reported that the government is considering abolishing the one per cent advance tax on export proceeds in the upcoming federal budget, a measure that could provide around PKR 100 billion in relief to exporters. The tax has long been criticised for reducing liquidity by tying up working capital regardless of profitability. While the textile sector and other exporters have welcomed the proposal, industry representatives noted that broader demands - including restoration of the Final Tax Regime (FTR), reductions in energy tariffs, clearance of over PKR 327 billion in pending refunds, and revival of export incentives - are unlikely to be accommodated. Exporters argue that high taxes, expensive energy, and delayed GST refunds continue to undermine Pakistan’s competitiveness against regional rivals such as Bangladesh, India and Vietnam, limiting investment, production and export growth. (“Govt mulls scrapping export tax in budget,” Dawn, 30 May 2026)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan marks UN Peacekeepers Day, reaffirms commitment as fifth-largest contributor to peacekeeping missions
On 29 May, Dawn reported that Pakistan marked the International Day of UN Peacekeepers with statements from President Zardari, PM Shehbaz Sharif, and Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), reaffirming the country's commitment to UN peacekeeping under this year's theme "Invest in Peace." PM Shehbaz noted that over 235,000 Pakistanis have served on UN peacekeeping missions since 1960, including more than 500 women, and paid tribute to over 180 Pakistani peacekeepers who lost their lives in service. Pakistan currently stands as the fifth-largest contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, with personnel deployed in Congo, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic. President Zardari highlighted Pakistan's hosting of the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan, one of the oldest UN peacekeeping missions, reaffirming the international community's responsibility to support a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute. ISPR noted the evolving nature of contemporary conflict, including cybersecurity risks, digital misinformation, and climate-induced humanitarian emergencies, calling for a shift from reactive conflict management to proactive peace preservation. ("Pakistan reaffirms support for UN Peacekeeping, vows renewed 'investment in peace'," Dawn, 29 May 2026)
Foreign Minister Dar calls for more democratic UNSC, warns that selective international law application is destabilising world
On 29 May, The Express Tribune reported that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, addressing a meeting of the Group of Friends of Global Governance at the UN, called for a "more democratic, representative, and accountable" UN Security Council, arguing that smaller and medium-sized states forming the vast majority of UN membership must be "fully and adequately represented." He opposed the expansion of permanent membership, saying it would violate the principle of sovereign equality and make the council less representative. Dar warned that faith in collective action was eroding due to unilateralism and the selective application of international law, and said disputes must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. He endorsed China's Global Governance Initiative, describing Pakistan and China as "iron brothers and all-weather strategic cooperative partners," and reaffirmed Pakistan's support for multilateralism as a "principled commitment rooted in cooperation and collective responsibility." The remarks follow Dar's address to the UNSC open debate on 26 May under China's presidency, where he called on the US and Iran to reach a peace settlement and warned that another prolonged conflict in the Middle East "would serve no one." ("Dar calls for 'more democratic' UN Security Council amid global crises," The Express Tribune, 29 May 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
PTI leaders expelled from “Gilgit-Baltistan” during election campaign; party alleges pre-poll rigging
On 29 May, Dawn reported that several PTI leaders, including KP president and MNA Junaid Akbar, were expelled from “Gilgit-Baltistan” while campaigning ahead of the 7 June general elections, with PTI alleging they were briefly detained before expulsion. The GB government denied any arrests, saying the leaders were expelled for violating the election code of conduct after being flagged by an election monitoring officer. Akbar alleged he was stopped twice and told he lacked an NOC to campaign, questioning why a Pakistani needed a permit to travel within their own country. PTI described the incident as "political revenge, pre-poll rigging and an attack on democracy," while KP CM Sohail Afridi threatened to personally travel to GB to question the administration if parliamentarians were not released. The GB government spokesperson maintained that all political parties were being provided a level playing field and that no discrimination had taken place. ("PTI leaders expelled from GB during electioneering; authorities allege code of conduct violation," Dawn, 29 May 2026)
National Assembly and Senate summoned on 05 June for federal budget session
On 29 May, Dawn reported that President Asif Ali Zardari has summoned separate sessions of the National Assembly at 5 pm and the Senate at 6 pm on 05 June for the announcement of the federal budget for FY2026-27. Meetings of the Annual Plan Coordination Committee and the National Economic Council are scheduled in the first week of June, suggesting the actual budget presentation to parliament may slip to the second week. The government is set to approve a consolidated national development programme of over PKR 3.5 trillion, with a macroeconomic framework targeting GDP growth of 4.1 per cent and inflation of 8.5 per cent for FY2026-27. The IMF concluded its Pakistan visit last week, with discussions focused on the budget strategy and economic developments. ("NA, Senate budget sessions summoned on June 5," Dawn, 29 May 2026)
AF-PAK
Punjab intensifies crackdown against undocumented Afghan nationals
On 30 May, The News International reported that the Punjab government has directed district administrations and police to increase action against undocumented Afghan nationals as part of Pakistan’s ongoing repatriation campaign. Officials were asked to strengthen intelligence gathering, search operations, and monitoring efforts across the province. Authorities said that between 15 and 30 undocumented Afghan nationals are being identified and detained daily in different districts, especially in northern Punjab. The decision followed a meeting between provincial and federal authorities to review the progress of the repatriation drive. Officials were also instructed to submit reports explaining how some undocumented individuals had remained in the province despite previous operations. The campaign is part of Pakistan’s broader policy to repatriate undocumented Afghan nationals. The issue has remained an important and sensitive aspect of relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. (“Punjab tightens crackdown on illegal Afghan nationals,” The News International, 30 May 2026)
Opposition leader Achakzai calls for reopening of Chaman border crossing
On 30 May, The Express Tribune reported that opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai called for the reopening of the Chaman border crossing and raised concerns about its continued closure. Speaking at a public gathering in Balochistan, he said the restrictions were causing difficulties for local people whose livelihoods depend on trade, transport, and cross-border movement. Achakzai said traders, workers and families in the area were facing economic hardships because of the prolonged closure. He urged the authorities to reopen the crossing and take steps to reduce the problems faced by local communities. He also criticised disruptions in trade and customs operations and said they were affecting economic activity in the region. The Chaman crossing is one of the main border points between Pakistan and Afghanistan and plays an important role in trade and the movement of people between the two countries. (“Achakzai urges Chaman reopening,” The Express Tribune, 30 May 2026)
HEALTH
Foreign aid cuts negatively impacting healthcare services, says an article in Dawn
On 29 May, an article in Dawn, titled "The shrinkage of Pakistan's aid chart", found that cuts in foreign aid are affecting healthcare services across Pakistan, including family planning vaccination programmes, tuberculosis treatment, HIV care and maternal health services. The article said that funding reductions by international donors such as USAID, GAVI and the Global Fund have disrupted programmes that were supporting millions of people. According to the article, more than 60 health facilities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa supported by international funding have closed, while HIV treatment programmes in Sindh have been affected. Funding cuts have also reduced support for vaccination campaigns, tuberculosis testing and treatment and community health services. Health workers reported shortages of medicines, diagnostic equipment and trained staff in several areas. The article warned that these funding reductions could make it harder for many people to access healthcare, especially women, children, and low-income communities. Experts said Pakistan needs to increase domestic funding and strengthen its health system to reduce dependence on foreign aid. (“The shrinkage of Pakistan’s aid chart,” Dawn, 29 May 2026).
Editorials/Opinions
US-Iran war
Editorial, "Diplomatic resolve," Dawn, 30 May 2026
"President Donald Trump’s declaration that he is making a “final determination” on a proposed agreement with Iran has pushed the latest round of diplomacy to a critical moment. Writing on Truth Social before convening a White House Situation Room meeting, Mr Trump outlined what he said should form the basis of a deal, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and measures addressing Iran’s nuclear programme and stockpile of highly enriched uranium."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2003868/diplomatic-resolve
Economy
Rafia Zakaria, "Vanishing jobs," Dawn, 30 May 2026
"If you’re not paying attention, you should; you really, really should. What is happening in the US — the epicentre of AI transformation — will soon happen everywhere else as well, and the consequences will leave no one untouched. Take, for instance, the latest big story: on May 20, Meta, Facebook’s parent company, began to announce lay-offs. Starting in Singapore, Meta began to lay off 10 per cent of its entire workforce — about 8,000 people. Employees who had until recently thought that their work was bulletproof suddenly found their jobs on the chopping block."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2003862/vanishing-jobs
On Afghanistan
Imtiaz Gul, "Proxy wars and human rights in Afghanistan," The Express Tribune, 30 May 2026
"The geopolitical architecture built around Afghanistan since August 2021 clearly prioritises hard borders, security imperatives and economic connectivity over human rights. The West's attempt to isolate the Taliban has largely failed as regional powers normalise engagement with the Islamic Emirate. Pak-Afghan borders remain shut while India and Russia are embracing Afghanistan. Moscow is also accusing the West of attempting to weaken the Taliban regime."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2610434/proxy-wars-and-human-rights-in-afghanistan
Climate change
Editorial, "Deadly heat," The Express Tribune, 30 May 2026
"Pakistan is once again in the grip of an unforgiving heatwave that is testing the limits of public health preparedness. From suffocating humidity to inland heat, the current spell of extreme temperatures is part of a worsening climate pattern that is steadily becoming the new normal. Against this backdrop, mitigation can no longer remain a secondary policy concern."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2610431/deadly-heat
External
Editorial, "Reforming UNSC," The Express Tribune, 30 May 2026
"Reforming United Nations Security Council, the UNSC, has been an earnest desire of member states who believe in pluralism, equality of sovereign rights and a world free from aggression. That, nonetheless, could not be achieved owing to the power politics exhibited by the permanent members of the elite club, with the pinnacle of ego-centrism resting in the veto power. Thus, wars, poverty and climatic degradation that impact billions of people are mere footnote concerns, as smaller states remain subjugated in the echelons of the world body. This is where a change is desired, if the world body has to absolve itself of a fate meted out to League of Nations."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2610429/reforming-unsc
|
