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In Focus
Four police personnel killed, 20 injured in “AJK” protests
Protests follow “AJK” government’s decision to ban Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC)
On 08 June, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that at least four police personnel were killed and around 20 others injured during violent clashes between law enforcement and supporters of the newly proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Rawalakot, “Azad Jammu and Kashmir”. Police described the killings as an act of terrorism and said officers came under gunfire near the Combined Military Hospital amid protests linked to the death of a trader during an earlier confrontation. Local reports also indicated that at least two protesters were killed and dozens were injured, although communication restrictions and suspension of mobile data complicated independent verification of casualty figures.
The unrest unfolded against broader political tensions ahead of “AJK’s” 27 July elections and days after authorities banned the JAAC over allegations of terrorism, incitement and attempts to disrupt public order. Separately, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called for resolving the crisis through dialogue and said he would raise the matter with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. At the same time, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry rejected claims that government commitments to JAAC had been ignored, stating that 35 of 38 agreed demands had been implemented or substantially acted upon. (“Four cops martyred, 20 injured as AJK protest spirals,” Dawn, 08 June 2026; “AJK govt cracks down on JAAC after imposition of ban,” Dawn, 07 June 2026; “Bilawal to meet PM Shehbaz over AJK situation, calls for dialogue to resolve crisis,” The Express Tribune, 07 June 2026; “Tariq Fazal rejects JAAC claims of inaction, says most agreement commitments fulfilled,” The Express Tribune, 07 June 2026)
In Brief
ECONOMY
Pakistan signs MoU with Saudi Arabia and local partners to develop Karachi’s Port Waterfront
On 06 June, Dawn reported that Pakistan signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabia to explore the development of a maritime business district on prime Karachi Port Trust’s (KPT) waterfront land. The MoU was signed between KPT, Saudi Business Council–Najd Gateway Holding Company, Arif Habib Dolmen REIT Management Limited (AHDRML), and the Pakistan Corporate Consortium. The proposed project would be built on a 140‑acre KPT site on Karachi’s MT Khan Road and is intended to transform the area into a major commercial and maritime hub. The maritime minister affirmed that all regulatory and legal requirements under Pakistani law would be met before the project proceeds. (“MoU signed with Saudi Arabia local partners for 140 acre Karachi waterfront development,” Dawn, 06 June 2026)
Pakistan's saving rate declines to 6.4 per cent
On 08 June, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan's savings rate fell to its lowest level in three decades. Pakistan's savings rate currently stands at 6.4 per cent, significantly lower than that of comparable regional economies. Bangladesh has a savings rate of 21 per cent, India 28 per cent and Vietnam nearly 30 per cent. According to a new report by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), citizens are now saving only PKR 6 out of every PKR 100 they earn. The report warns that the persistently low savings rate could deepen the country's investment crisis and continue pushing the economy towards external borrowing and repeated programmes with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). PIDE recommended launching a national savings campaign and proposed a range of measures aimed at encouraging long-term savings and improving financial security. (“Pakistan savings hit three decade low,” The Express Tribune, 08 June 2026)
Federal government continues to borrow heavily following low revenue collection
On 07 June, Dawn reported that the federal government borrowed heavily from banks during the first eleven months of the current fiscal year. According to State Bank of Pakistan data, the government borrowed PKR 3.5 trillion from banks in 11MFY26. The government is facing a revenue shortfall, compelling it to borrow more or tax more. The total revenue collection stood at PKR 11.232 trillion in 11MFY26 against a revised target of PKR 11.257 trillion for the same period. Compared with FY24 and FY25, the government still has sufficient room to borrow more from banks, as the government borrowed PKR 5.434 trillion from banks in FY25, down from PKR 8.519 trillion in FY24. (“Govt borrows Rs35tr from banks in July-May,” Dawn, 7 June 2026)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan & Russia ink pacts on immigration and drug trafficking
On 06 June, Dawn reported that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Kolokoltsev signed agreements to enhance cooperation in curbing illegal immigration and drug trafficking on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting of interior ministers in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. On the same occasion, Naqvi held separate bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, agreeing to establish working groups with several of them to strengthen law enforcement cooperation. During his meeting with Tajikistan’s Interior Minister Rahimzoda Ramazon Hamro, both ministers agreed that terrorist camps and narcotics production in Afghanistan posed serious security concerns for the region, noting that 25 terrorist organisations were currently active there. ("Pakistan, Russia sign pacts for cooperation against illegal immigration, drug trafficking," Dawn, 06 June 2026)
Lebanon army chief visits Pakistan for talks with CDF Munir
On 07 June, The Express Tribune reported that Lebanese army chief Rodolphe Haykal travelled to Pakistan at the invitation of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, with a source indicating the visit was linked to Pakistan’s ongoing mediation between the United States and Iran. The source noted that Lebanon and Israel announced this week in Washington. Lebanon’s military separately confirmed that three soldiers were killed in an Israeli strike on the country’s south ahead of the visit. ("Lebanon army chief to meet CDF Munir," The Express Tribune, 07 June,2026)
UK envoy flags surge in Pakistani asylum seekers
On 07 June, The Express Tribune reported that British High Commissioner Jand Mariott expressed concern over the sharp rise in Pakistani nationals applying for political asylum in the United Kingdom, noting that Pakistanis featured among the top nationalities in such applications. She cautioned that many cases were driven by misinformation spread by illegal agents who misled vulnerable individuals with false promises of settlement and financial gain in exchange for money. Marriott stressed that genuine applicants should use only official online systems for asylum and visa processes, warning that reliance on fraudulent agents risked financial loss and could permanently damage prospects for future legal travel. ("Sharp rise in Pak asylum claims worries UK envoy," The Express Tribune, 07 June,2026)
SECURITY
North Waziristan: Intelligence-based operation kills 27 militants
On 07 June, Dawn reported that security forces killed 27 militants during intelligence-based operations conducted over the previous 72 hours in Miranshah, North Waziristan. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation targeted locations linked to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and weapons and ammunition were recovered. The military said the operation avenged the killing of tribal elder Malik Saifullah Dawar, who was shot dead in Miranshah in May after reportedly opposing militant presence in the area. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the operation and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to continuing counterterrorism efforts under the Azm-i-Istehkam framework. (“27 terrorists killed in North Waziristan IBOs: ISPR,” Dawn, 07 June 2026)
HEALTH
90 per cent of TB patients in Pakistan and Afghanistan suffer from depression, study finds
On 07 June, Dawn reported that a United Kingdom study found that 90 per cent of Tuberculosis patients in Pakistan and Afghanistan were suffering from depression, a rate significantly higher than the global prevalence of 40 per cent. The study, done by Khyber Medical University (KMU) and Keele University, suggests that TB patients may need greater psychiatric support to be in line with treatment plans. The study was meant to aid TB patients who were suffering from multi-drug-resistant Tuberculosis, a condition ten times more dangerous than regular Tuberculosis, whose patients often require psychological intervention to ensure they complete their 24-month treatment. Dr Alamgir Khan Afridi of KMU remarked that 66 per cent of patients were experiencing moderate to severe depression. Dr Saeed of Keele University said that the government can uniquely address depression and poor treatment adherence among TB patients and curtail MDR-TB drastically. (“90pc TB patients in Pakistan, Afghanistan suffer from depression: study,” Dawn, 07 June 2026)
PROVINCES
Sindh: Water shortage reaches critical level
On 07 June, Dawn reported that water storage for irrigation in Sindh reached a critical level. Sources recorded a shortfall across the Canal Network, with the North West Canal at 64.1 per cent, Rice Canal at 38.0 per cent, and Dadu Canal at 82.0 per cent. Sources in Sindh's Irrigation Department reported that Punjab had an excess withdrawal of 21.35 per cent. Simultaneously, Chashma Barrage's pond level rose from 644.9 feet to 646.4 feet in the span of one day. Irrigation authorities remarked that a major concern was the Chashma-Jhelum Link Canal, whose flow exceeds that of several canals combined. Due to the risk facing millions of acres of agricultural land in Sindh, the government was urged to ensure Sindh has enough water urgently. PPP Sindh President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro said that Sindh produces 67 per cent of the country’s agricultural output, yet it is being deprived of its rightful water share. (“Irrigation water shortage in Sindh reaches alarming level”, Dawn, 07 June 2026)
ON INDIA
Pakistan & India exchange heated words at UN over Kashmir issue
On 06 June, Dawn reported that Pakistan and India exchanged criticism at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) during discussion of the UN Security Council’s 2025 Annual Report, with the dispute centring on Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said the report reflected the continued relevance of unresolved disputes, including Kashmir and Palestine, arguing that lasting peace in South Asia required a settlement in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of Kashmiris. India’s envoy, Harish Parvathaneni, accused Pakistan of politicising UN platforms and reiterated New Delhi’s position that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. In response, Pakistan’s mission used its right of reply to reject that position, stating that Kashmir remains an internationally recognised dispute on the Security Council’s agenda and accusing India of disregarding UN resolutions, while also criticising alleged human rights violations and India’s handling of the Indus Waters Treaty. (“Occupied Kashmir will never be 'integral part of India': Islamabad slams New Delhi for 'misleading' UNSC,” Dawn, 06 June 2026)
PAKISTAN AND THE US-IRAN WAR
Pakistan continues push for permanent ceasefire with Naqvi’s Tehran visit
On 07 June, Dawn reported that Pakistan intensified efforts to revive the stalled US-Iran diplomatic process, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arriving in Tehran to deliver what Iranian state media described as an important message from Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir to Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. According to Pakistani and Iranian officials, Naqvi’s visit followed consultations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and came amid growing concern that momentum in indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran was fading despite both sides publicly maintaining support for diplomacy. Pakistani officials said the visit was intended to preserve the fragile ceasefire arrangement Islamabad helped broker earlier this year and create conditions for renewed talks. Discussions are expected to cover not only the future of US-Iran engagement but also wider regional issues, including tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions, Iran’s nuclear programme and developments in Lebanon. Naqvi is also scheduled to meet senior Iranian leaders, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other top officials. (“Naqvi takes CDF’s message to Tehran amid stalemate,” Dawn, 07 June 2026; “PM Shehbaz meets interior minister ahead of Naqvi’s Iran visit,” Dawn, 06 June 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
US-Iran war
Editorial, "Ceasefire in name," Dawn, 08 June 2026
"The latest exchange of fire between the US and Iran raises the question: at what point does a ceasefire cease to be one? American forces say they intercepted Iranian drones near the Strait of Hormuz before striking Iranian radar installations. Tehran responded with missiles and drones aimed at Gulf states hosting US forces. Both sides accuse the other of violating the truce that was supposed to halt the conflict in April, yet neither appears willing to abandon negotiations altogether."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2006003/ceasefire-in-name
Editorial, "A Mideast deal a must," The Express Tribune, 08 June 2026
"Escalation is on the cards in the Middle East as the uneasy ceasefire that has been in place since April 8 seems to be unravelling. Fresh skirmishes have been reported after the US military said it struck radar sites in Iran. In retaliation, the IRGC has pounded American interests in Kuwait and Bahrain with ballistic missiles. This has raised fears of resumption of hostilities as Tehran and Washington are digging in their heels for reasons of political exigency, getting farther from a perpetual peace deal."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2611794/a-mideast-deal-a-must
Child safety
Editorial, "Damaged childhoods," The Express Tribune, 04 June 2026
"Child abuse is so prevalent that the UN ranked Pakistan as the least safe country for children. Even so, more than five years after the Zainab Alert, Response and Recovery Act, 2020 — Pakistan’s first national child protection law — central provisos, including the agency for rapid alerts for missing children, are lifeless due to shoddy implementation. While the Act, in line with the tenets of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by Pakistan, serves the well-being of our young, the aspect of psychological recovery must not stay peripheral. When justice is an outcome of mass rage, protests and hashtags that grip global attention, innocence is either at risk or lost."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2006002/damaged-childhoods
Politics & governance
Maleeha Lodhi, "Is parliament effective?" Dawn, 08 June 2026
"A democracy needs an effective parliament. Has Pakistan’s parliament lived up to this responsibility? The evidence suggests it hasn’t. Parliament has underperformed. It has acted as little more than a rubber-stamp for the present government. This reflects a broader trend of democratic erosion in the country in recent years."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2005999/is-parliament-effective
Pakistan and the IMF
Fahd Husain, "For the love of IMF," The Express Tribune, 07 June 2026
"The system as it is constructed in its present form will never change. Will never reform. The governing elite, regardless of which party, which institution or which civil services batch they belong, have too much invested in this rotting system to change it. Tinker it, yes. Reform it, no. Year after year after year we will get the same budget with the same crushing taxes and the same revenue shortfalls and the same hollow promises dressed up in political cliches, and the same poorly-written, jargon-heavy and yawn-inducing budget speech that reinforces the bankruptcy of policy and continuity of mediocrity."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2611798/for-the-love-of-imf
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