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In Focus
Pakistan launches fresh airstrikes in Afghanistan
Taliban says 13 people killed in attack on three provinces; Pakistan accelerates deportation of Afghan nationals
On 10 June, The Associated Press and Reuters reported that Afghanistan accused Pakistan of launching airstrikes in the provinces of Khost, Kunar and Paktika, killing at least 13 people and injuring 14 others, according to Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid. Afghan authorities said the casualties included 11 children and described the strikes as violations of Afghan airspace. Pakistani officials did not immediately confirm the strikes publicly, though security sources cited by Reuters said operations targeted locations allegedly used by Pakistani militants, possibly alluding to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The developments came after a recent attack on a security post in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and months of renewed cross-border conflict despite a fragile China-backed ceasefire.
Earlier, Dawn had reported that Pakistan’s repatriation of Afghan nationals had gained steam, with officials at the Hamza Baba Transit Centre in Landi Kotal verifying around 4,000 Afghans daily before their return through the Torkham crossing. Authorities said the process had been tightened to reduce irregularities and involved document checks coordinated with traffic and immigration agencies. Officials added that many returnees were born in Pakistan and lacked legal status, while investigations had also uncovered alleged human trafficking cases involving fraudulent identities. Since Torkham reopened in late March, authorities said around 200,000 Afghan nationals had been repatriated. (“Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan kill at least 13 people, Taliban official says,” Associated Press, 10 June 2026; “Pakistani airstrikes kill at least 13 in Afghanistan, Taliban says,” Reuters, 10 June 2026; “Repatriation of undocumented Afghans picks up pace,” Dawn, 09 June 2026)
Budget likely to be announced on 12 June
Centre, Sindh and Punjab agree on spending cuts; KP, Balochistan not yet on board
On 10 June, Dawn reported that signs emerged that Pakistan’s federal budget for FY2026-27 would be presented later in the week, with the government moving to convene budget sessions of parliament and finally calling a meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), which was pushed from Monday. President Asif Ali Zardari summoned sessions of both houses of parliament, while Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the budget was now likely to be presented on June 12, two days later than earlier announced.
Dawn also reported that the delay was linked to ongoing negotiations between the federal government, coalition partners and provinces over how to address revenue pressures and generate additional fiscal space for next year’s spending priorities. According to sources, the Centre and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) reached a broad understanding under which provincial transfers would effectively remain at current levels through an ad hoc arrangement, while expenditure reductions would be pursued across federal and provincial governments.
Nevertheless, differences remained over implementation and provincial participation despite progress in political talks. Advisers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa warned that limiting growth in provincial resources could affect salaries and development plans, while discussions continued over reducing public sector development spending. Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said the government had reached a “complete understanding” with coalition partners on the broad framework of the development budget, though further consultations would continue before final approval.
(“BUDGET 2026-27: Centre, Punjab & Sindh agree on spending cuts,” Dawn, 10 June 2026; “Budget likely to be announced on June 12, says minister,” Dawn, 09 June 2026; “President Zardari summons NA, Senate sessions on June 10,” Dawn, 09 June 2026)
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Bahrain National Guard commander meets CDF Munir in Rawalpindi
On 09 June, Dawn reported that Bahrain’s National Guard Commander Shaikh Mohammad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa met with Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi to discuss regional security and expanding bilateral defence cooperation. Both sides expressed satisfaction with longstanding ties and emphasised deeper military-to-military collaboration. The Bahraini commander also separately met Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of the Air Staff Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, where discussions covered maritime security, defence modernisation, drones, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and training cooperation. The visit comes amid wider regional tensions and Pakistan’s continued diplomatic and security engagement in the Middle East. (“Bahrain commander meets CDF Munir, discusses strengthening military collaboration: ISPR,” Dawn, 09 June 2026)
Foreign Minister Dar speaks to Somali counterpart seeking quick release of Pakistani hostages
On 09 June, The Express Tribune reported that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged the early release of Pakistani seamen held hostage off Somalia during a phone call with Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali. Dar expressed Pakistan’s grave concern over the situation and stressed the importance of safeguarding the hostages’ well-being, securing their release and ensuring their safe return. Ali assured Pakistan of Somalia’s continued efforts to resolve the matter quickly, with both sides agreeing to maintain close coordination. Eleven Pakistani nationals have remained in captivity since the vessel MT Honour 25 was hijacked off Somalia’s southeastern coast on 21 April. (“FM Dar seeks early release of seamen held hostage off Somalia,” The Express Tribune, 09 June 2026)
10,000 Pakistanis on UK student visa later sought asylum, says FIA
On 09 June, Dawn reported that Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Usman Anwar told a National Assembly committee that around 10,000 Pakistanis travelled to the United Kingdom on student visas and later applied for political asylum, raising concerns over irregular migration. He also disclosed that 580 Pakistanis who travelled to Belarus and 7,000 who went to Azerbaijan on visit visas did not return, while 175 deportees were brought back from Libya. Officials said new trafficking routes via Malaysia and Uzbekistan had emerged, and that nearly 39,800 people were stopped from travelling abroad without proper documentation in 2025. State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry said illegal migration had declined by 47 per cent, while Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar outlined planned reforms to modernise Pakistan’s criminal justice framework. (“10,000 Pakistanis entered UK on student visas, later sought asylum: FIA DG,” Dawn, 09 June 2026)
ECONOMY
Research paper finds that government fuel levy leading to cost-push inflation
On 10 June, Dawn reported that a research paper by Policy Research and Advisory Council (PRAC) argued Pakistan’s fiscal and monetary policies are working against each other, with the federal government driving cost-push inflation through higher petroleum levies while the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) responds by raising interest rates. The report said this approach increases borrowing costs, suppresses credit growth and discourages private investment without addressing the root cause of inflation. According to PRAC, inflation accelerated from 0.3 per cent in April 2025 to 11.7 per cent by May 2026, coinciding with repeated increases in the petroleum levy. Energy-linked categories, especially transport and utilities, contributed more than half of headline inflation. The paper argued that fuel-price inflation created through administered taxes is not effectively controlled by tighter monetary policy and warned that higher rates instead raise debt burdens for firms already facing elevated input and energy costs, delaying economic recovery and investment growth. (Shahid Iqbal, “Govt fuel levy drives cost-push inflation,” Dawn, 10 June 2026)
Government domestic debt climbs to PKR 58.1 trillion
On 10 June, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan’s gross government domestic debt and liabilities rose to PKR 58.1 trillion in April 2026, up 0.9 per cent month-on-month and 11 per cent year-on-year, according to data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The increase was driven mainly by higher floating debt and continued issuance of long-term securities. Floating debt rose sharply to PKR 10.56 trillion, with Market Treasury Bills reaching PKR 10.43 trillion, highlighting continued dependence on short-term borrowing to manage fiscal pressures and liquidity needs. Permanent debt remained the largest component at PKR 43.85 trillion, supported by Federal Government Bonds and growing use of GOP Ijara Sukuk. External liabilities also increased to PKR 23.84 trillion, taking cumulative central government debt to PKR 81.93 trillion, up 9.3 per cent from a year earlier. Analysts attributed the rise to persistent budget deficits, debt servicing obligations and lower-than-targeted tax collection, although they noted debt growth remained relatively slow compared to previous years due to fiscal consolidation and tighter monetary policy. (Shazia Tasneem Farooqi, “Government debt climbs to Rs58tr,” The Express Tribune, 10 June 2026)
Pakistan-Iran cross-border trade through Gabd-Rimdan crossing comes to a halt raising LPG shortage concerns
On 09 June, Dawn reported that cross-border trade between Pakistan and Iran through the Gabd-Rimdan crossing in Gwadar had come to a standstill, prompting warnings of an LPG shortage and potential spoilage of export goods, including rice and mangoes. The Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) blamed the disruption on customs-related delays and urged the federal government to intervene and restore commercial traffic. GCCI President Jiand Hoot said the closure was especially serious because other major trade routes were already constrained - with the Chaman crossing closed, traders striking at Taftan-Zahedan, and trade through Panjgur and Mand-Radig weakened by poor infrastructure and insecurity. According to the chamber, hundreds of LPG tankers and cargo vehicles have remained stranded for 10-15 days awaiting clearance, contributing to supply shortages and price increases in cities including Karachi and parts of Punjab, where LPG was reportedly becoming difficult to obtain even at elevated prices. The chamber also warned that Iranian vehicles were being turned back, disrupting both imports and exports. (Behram Baloch, “Pak-Iran border trade halt to trigger LPG shortages,” Dawn, 09 June 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
“Gilgit-Baltistan” elections: Re-polling ordered in five constituencies
On 09 June, Dawn reported that the “Gilgit-Baltistan” Election Commission directed returning officers not to consolidate or announce final results of the 07 June elections until re-polling and related procedures are completed in five constituencies. “GB” Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan said re-polling would take place on 15 June at 26 polling stations across Skardu-II, Astore-I, Diamer-I, Diamer-II and Diamer-III. The commission instructed officials not to open or count postal ballots or finalise constituency results until re-polled votes were included. It also ordered recounts in Ghizer-II and Gilgit-III following complaints of counting irregularities. According to unofficial Forms-47 results, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) remained in the lead with 11 of 24 seats. (“GB Election Commission bars consolidation of results until re-polling in 5 constituencies,” Dawn, 09 June 2026)
PTI leaders and Imran’s sisters denied Adiala meeting again
On 09 June, Dawn reported that Imran Khan’s sisters and leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were again prevented from meeting the former prime minister at Adiala Jail despite an earlier order by the Islamabad High Court permitting twice-weekly meetings. Among those present outside the jail were his sisters Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, along with party leaders and lawyers. Speaking to the media, Aleema criticised the continued restrictions, argued that meetings were a constitutional right and linked Pakistan’s political instability to Imran’s imprisonment. (“Imran’s sisters, PTI leaders again denied meeting former premier at Adiala Jail,” Dawn, 09 June 2026)
SECURITY
Balochistan: 14 militants and soldier killed in Basra operation
On 09 June, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s security forces killed 14 militants during an intelligence-based operation in the Naal area of Basima district, Balochistan, after receiving reports that the group was planning attacks on a nearby police station and banks. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), four vehicles and improvised explosive devices were destroyed during the operation. One soldier, Lance Havildar Muhammad Abbas, was killed in the exchange. Authorities said follow-up clearance operations were continuing under the broader counterterrorism campaign framework known as Azm-i-Istehkam. (“Soldier martyred, 14 terrorists killed during security operation in Balochistan's Basima: ISPR,” Dawn, 09 June 2026)
Peshawar: Six Frontier Constabulary personnel killed in foiled terror attack
On 09 June, Dawn reported that six personnel of the Frontier Constabulary (FCN) were killed and four others injured while responding to an attempted militant takeover of a security post in the Hassan Khel area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Peshawar district. According to sources, security forces retaliated and killed eight attackers, preventing the capture of the post, though three FC personnel were reportedly taken hostage. Additional security personnel reached the area and launched a cordon operation. The incident comes amid worsening militancy trends in Pakistan, with recent assessments by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) pointing to a sharp deterioration in the security environment driven by attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, prompting intensified counterterrorism operations across both provinces. (“6 personnel martyred as terrorists' bid to capture Frontier Constabulary post in Peshawar foiled: sources,” Dawn, 09 June 2026)
ON INDIA
India’s actions in Afghanistan “solely driven by the singular goal of destabilising Pakistan”, says UN envoy
On 09 June, Dawn reported that Pakistan and India exchanged accusations at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during discussions on Afghanistan, with Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad alleging that India’s engagement in Afghanistan was ultimately aimed at destabilising Pakistan. Islamabad reiterated its position that militant groups, including the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), operate from Afghan territory and called on the Afghan Taliban to take “verifiable and non-reversible action” against them. Pakistan also defended its earlier cross-border strikes, rejecting Afghan allegations that civilian sites had been targeted and insisting operations were directed at militant infrastructure. During the exchange, Pakistan criticised what it described as India’s silence on anti-Pakistan militant groups and accused New Delhi of using development engagement as cover for strategic objectives. Islamabad additionally questioned the reporting approach of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and urged greater international attention to terrorism, illicit financial networks and governance issues inside Afghanistan. (“India's key objectives in Afghanistan solely driven by singular goal of destabilising Pakistan, envoy tells UNSC,” Dawn, 09 June 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
US-Iran war
Touqir Hussain, "America’s wars," Dawn, 10 June 2026
"‘War of choice; peace of necessity’ is more than a gripping sound bite. It sums up a momentous blunder by Washington. None of America’s war aims have been achieved. The Iranian regime is still there, as is its nuclear material stockpile, the missile capabilities, and the ability to dominate the region. And by its successful control of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has taken its deterrence capability to the next higher level."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2006549/americas-wars
Provinces
Editorial, "Karachi's crime culture," The Express Tribune, 10 June 2026
"There is little debate left about Karachi's liveability as it plunges further into disorder every year, especially when compared with other big cities of Pakistan. But one question will always remain unanswered - do citizens get the government they deserve, or does the government instigate citizens into living anarchically? Regardless, it comes as no surprise that an inflation-ridden land with barely any social protection is, according to the Citizens Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), reporting an uptick in crime and a deteriorating law and order situation."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612288/karachis-crime-culture
Economy
Fiza Farhan, "Brain drain, youth dividend and entrepreneurial spirit of Pakistan," The Express Tribune, 10 June 2026
"Pakistan does not have a shortage of talent. It has a shortage of pathways through which that talent can become productive at home. It is the world's fifth most populous country with more than 60% of citizens under 30. This youth bulge is often described as a demographic opportunity. But opportunity does not automatically translate into growth."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612289/brain-drain-youth-dividend-and-entrepreneurial-spirit-of-pakistan
Budget 2026-27
Editorial, "Centre vs provinces," Dawn, 10 June 2026
"Delays in budget announcements are normal. After all, it is not easy to satisfy different lobbies competing for a bigger share of the shrinking fiscal pie. But the current impasse is of a different order. It signifies a constitutional and political crisis that the government is struggling to contain. The immediate cause is clear, even if the government is reluctant to state it openly."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2006555/centre-vs-provinces
Society
Muhammad Hamid Zaman, "Reimagining healthcare for the displaced," The Express Tribune, 10 June 2026
"The idea that the system to protect and deliver quality healthcare to those displaced because of conflict or persecution remains broken is not particularly novel. It is self-evident now. Funding to support distressed communities has all but evaporated, and whatever fiction of international law we believed in, is no longer believable."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612322/reimagining-healthcare-for-the-displaced-1
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