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In Focus
R-4 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting concludes in Cairo
FM Dar meets counterparts from Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt; Joint statement emphasises importance of continued US-Iran negotiations
On 22 June, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that foreign ministers from Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye met in Cairo under the R-4 framework. The R-4 (Regional Four) framework is a quadrilateral diplomatic mechanism formed by Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye to manage and de-escalate major geopolitical crises in the Middle East. During the meeting, the ministers welcomed the recently signed Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO). In their joint statement, the ministers described the agreement as a “constructive step towards de-escalation and towards ending a conflict which posed significant risks to regional security and stability, as well as to energy markets, international maritime routes, global supply chains, and international trade”. They also commended “the efforts undertaken by regional and international actors that contributed to facilitating the understanding”, while specifically praising the “instrumental efforts” of Pakistan along with the support extended by Qatar in helping conclude the negotiations.
The joint statement further emphasised the “importance of achieving a swift and successful conclusion to the subsequent phase of negotiations” aimed at securing a “lasting, verifiable, and mutually acceptable solution to the remaining issues.” The ministers stressed that future efforts should consider the security concerns of regional states, particularly Gulf Arab countries and the Levant, and also reaffirmed that the Palestinian cause remains “at the heart of efforts to achieve a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the region.” The statement reiterated support for Palestinian self-determination and an independent state based on the 4 June 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital. On the sidelines, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional developments. (“Dar arrives in Cairo for quadrilateral foreign ministers' meeting: FO,” Dawn, 20 June 2026; “R-4 forum focuses on regional security concerns,” The Express Tribune, 22 June 2026; “Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Egypt stress importance of swift conclusion to 'current phase' of US-Iran talks,” Dawn, 21 June 2026)
In Brief
ECONOMY
Senate Secretariat to function in full strength; withdraws austerity measures
On 20 June, Dawn reported that the Senate Secretariat has terminated all fuel conservation and additional austerity measures with immediate effect and will return to a regular five-day work week with full staff strength from 22 June. The rollback comes following a US-Iran deal and a subsequent reduction in international fuel prices. The government imposed fuel conservation and austerity measures in mid-March 2026 to cut non-essential spending amid high global oil prices and IMF fiscal targets. The secretariat will work Monday to Friday with full staff strength. (“Senate ends fuel conservation, austerity measures after fuel prices ease,” Dawn, 20 June 2026)
Pakistan Chambers of Commerce welcome budget; warns of rising population affecting growth
On 21 June, Dawn reported that a rapidly growing population remains a fundamental challenge to Pakistan’s economic prospects despite positive fiscal measures announced in the federal budget for 2026-27. Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Executive Committee member, commenting on the federal budget, welcomed several relief measures, including a three per cent to six per cent reduction in income tax for the salaried class, a cut in super tax for large companies from 10 per cent to 8 per cent, and its complete abolition for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). However, he argued that the country’s rapidly increasing population posed a serious threat to long-term economic growth. He stated that Pakistan’s exports had remained stagnant in the USD 25 billion- USD 30 billion range for the past two decades. He also noted that the exports-to-GDP ratio had declined from 16 per cent to 10 per cent, foreign direct investment (FDI) had fallen by 44 per cent, unemployment stood at 7.1 per cent, leaving 5.9 million people without jobs, and the savings rate had dropped to a 30-year low of 6 per cent. (“'Rising population threatens economic gains', says FPCCI official,” Dawn, 21 June 2026)
Balochistan Assembly passes PKR 1.9 trillion budget without opposition motion cuts
On 22 June, Dawn reported that the Balochistan Assembly passed the PKR 1.089 trillion budget for the next fiscal year 2026-27. No opposition members submitted any cut motion on demand for grants for the FY2026-27 budget. The supplementary budget was also approved by the house without any debate, and a cut motion by the opposition members the other day. Finance Minister Shoaib Ahmed Nosherwani presented 53 demands for grants worth PKR 797.808 billion for non-development expenditures, while 45 demands for grants amounting to PKR 291 billion were sanctioned for development spending. (“Balochistan assembly passes Rs109 trillion budget,” Dawn, 22 June 2026)
PIA operations to be taken over by new owners by June end
On 22 June, Dawn reported that Pakistan International Airlines will be fully and formally handed over to its new owners before the end of June. The privatisation transaction had been delayed for months after bidding in December, as the national flag carrier’s operating rights in various countries had to be transferred to the privatised operator, which required several regulatory processes. The exemption of equipment, accessories, and the lease and purchase of aircraft from taxes for 15 years after privatisation has been cleared by the International Monetary Fund to facilitate the transaction and has been given legal cover in the Finance Bill 2026-27. The Prime Minister's adviser on privatisation said that the same tax treatment was not currently available to other airlines because the IMF’s consent was limited to PIA. For other operators, the government would again take up the matter with the Fund for equitable treatment. The IMF has consistently demanded the removal of policy distortions to improve the ease of doing business, but in this case, it allowed a major policy distortion to the disadvantage of other airlines operating in and from the country. The PM Adviser also informed that Islamabad International Airport would be privatised during FY2026-27, for which the Asian Development Bank had been selected as transaction adviser with certain changes in contract conditions. (“PIA to be handed over to new owners this month,” Dawn, 22 June 2026)
EXTERNAL
Maritime Agency coordinates repatriation of rescued Iranian nationals
On 21 June, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) led the repatriation and humanitarian assistance process for eight Iranian nationals rescued at sea by the British vessel MMA Valour after their boat ran aground. According to the agency, it coordinated reception, documentation, medical screening and onward repatriation in collaboration with Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, the Pakistan Navy, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the Iranian consulate and other international stakeholders. PMSA said the operation reflected Pakistan’s commitment to humanitarian assistance, maritime safety and regional cooperation, while reaffirming its role as the country’s primary maritime law enforcement and search-and-rescue agency. The development follows an earlier Pakistani-facilitated transfer of crew members from a US-seized Iranian vessel amid broader regional diplomatic engagement involving Pakistan and Iran. ("PMSA begins repatriation, humanitarian assistance of 8 Iranian nationals rescued at sea," Dawn, 21 June 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
09 May riot case: ATC Acquits Mahmood Qureshi; senior PTI Leaders sentenced to 10 years imprisonment
On 20 June, Dawn reported that an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore acquitted former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in a 09 May riots case linked to violence in the Mughalpura area, while sentencing senior PTI leaders Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Mian Mehmood ur Rasheed and Ejaz Chaudhry to 10 years in prison each. ATC Judge Manzer Ali Gill announced the reserved verdict in proceedings held inside Kot Lakhpat Jail, where 11 additional PTI workers were also acquitted, while others received prison sentences. Prosecutors argued the accused had planned and incited violence during the nationwide unrest that followed the arrest of Imran Khan on 09 May 2023 in the Al-Qadir Trust case, presenting 37 witnesses in support of the charges. (“May 9 riots: Lahore ATC acquits Shah Mahmood Qureshi, sentences 4 leaders, others to 10 years,” Dawn, 20 June 2026)
PTI accuses government of passing “anti-poor” fiscal policies
On 21 June, Dawn reported that PTI MNAs attended a press conference in which they accused the government of being responsible for Pakistan’s current economic hardship, stating that agriculture was facing a “total collapse” as an industry. They pointed out the severely substandard growth of the sector, 0.6 per cent against a target of 6 per cent, and remarked that there was a “stark contrast” of economic stability between PTI founder Imran Khan’s reign and the current government. They criticised current taxation policy, which they argued favoured industrialists and large businesses and harmed the poor’s livelihoods. They also believed that public funds were being “squandered on personal publicity” and finally condemned the imprisonment of senior PTI members who were affiliated with the May 9 riots. (“PTI slams govt for ‘anti-poor’ fiscal policies,” Dawn, 21 June 2026)
Senate Committee defers telecom bill amid public land concerns
On 21 June, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Telecommunication (Amendment) Bill 2026 was deferred by the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom after lawmakers raised concerns over provisions extending beyond fibre infrastructure and drawing criticism online as an allegedly “exploitative law”. The bill, approved by the National Assembly on 11 June and presented in the Senate on 15 June, was defended by IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and IT Secretary Zarar Khan as necessary to accelerate fibre penetration and expand internet infrastructure. However, committee chair Palwasha Khan said the proposed amendments could allow telecom companies to install towers on public land free of charge and impose fines of up to PKR 50 million on agencies blocking construction in public spaces. She stated that the committee intended to remove the word “towers” before advancing the legislation. Committee chairman Syed Aminul Haque later acknowledged that the inclusion of tower-related provisions alongside optical fibre clauses had been overlooked during final review, while the IT Ministry clarified that the bill does not permit entry onto private land without consent or compulsory land acquisition. (“‘Exploitative’ telecom bill deferred,” Dawn, 21 June 2026)
SECURITY
Crime Department claims major drop in serious crimes in Lahore and Multan over the past year
On 21 June, Dawn reported that the Crime Control Department (CCD) claimed serious crimes in Lahore fell from 29,471 to 12,470 cases and in Multan from 23,208 to 10,418 over the past year, representing declines of 58 and 55 per cent respectively. In Lahore, notable reductions included robbery down 77 per cent, car theft down 75 per cent, motorcycle snatching down 74 per cent, and murder down 36 per cent, with the department claiming a 100 per cent reduction in rape-cum-murder cases. In Multan, dacoity fell 72.5 per cent, robbery 64.62 per cent, and car snatching from 18 to four cases. One CCD officer was martyred, and 46 others were injured during operations over the period. ("CCD claims significant drop in crime rate," Dawn, 21 June 2026)
Karachi: Rangers arrest TTP suspect linked to Swat rocket attack that killed three
On 21 June, Dawn reported that Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) arrested Javed Ali Khan, a Swat resident and alleged TTP militant, during a raid in Shah Latif Town, Karachi. Officials said he was involved in a rocket attack in Swat on 7 June that killed three civilians, after which he travelled to Karachi to organise a network for further terrorist activities. He was wanted by the KP police in several cases. ("Suspected terrorist held in Rangers raid in Karachi's Shah Latif Town," Dawn, 21 June 2026)
Bannu: Seven killed in back-to-back remote-controlled blasts targeting vehicles in Wazir
On 20 June, Dawn reported that seven people were killed and three injured in two successive remote-controlled explosions in the Phang Musa Khel area of Marka Bera, a semi-tribal mountainous area in Bannu's Wazir sub-division. A private Datsun vehicle carrying passengers was targeted first, killing five and destroying the vehicle, with a second blast occurring roughly a kilometre away, killing two more as the wounded from the first attack were being transported for treatment. Security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation amid concerns over additional explosive devices. President Zardari and PM Shehbaz Sharif both condemned the attacks, with Zardari warning terrorist patrons and affirming Pakistan would maintain its commitment to regional peace. The blasts are the latest in a sustained surge of militant violence in Bannu district, which has seen repeated attacks on civilians and security forces in recent months. ("7 dead, 3 injured in back-to-back blasts in KP's Bannu," Dawn, 20 June 2026)
Nasirabad: Security forces foil sabotage attempt on electricity transmission towers
On 21 June, Dawn reported that security forces, police, and the CTD defused more than 15 kilogrammes of explosives planted beneath 220-kilovolt electricity transmission towers near Chhatter Road in Nasirabad, Balochistan. The towers carry power from the Uch Power Plant to parts of Sindh and Punjab, and their destruction would have caused major disruption to the electricity supply across both provinces. ("Major sabotage attempt foiled in Nasirabad," Dawn, 21 June 2026)
CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate action faces cuts in FY2026-27 budget
On 21 June, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s proposed federal budget for FY2026-27 drew criticism from climate and economic experts after allocations for most climate-related spending declined despite rising climate risks. According to the report, mitigation funding fell from PKR 603 billion to PKR 124 billion, adaptation spending dropped from PKR 85 billion to PKR 70 billion, and green subsidies across sectors, including energy, transport and agriculture, were reduced, while disaster recovery and reconstruction allocations increased. Experts argued the budget does not match Pakistan’s exposure to floods and extreme heat, with former Climate Minister Malik Amin Aslam calling the cuts a “suicidal story” and warning that adaptation measures for heat stress were largely absent. Policy experts also questioned whether new climate-related revenues - including a PKR 50 billion Climate Support Levy and higher EV levies - would actually be utilised for climate action, while urging greater transparency, stronger provincial implementation and structural reforms to support climate-resilient growth. (“Climate action takes a backseat in federal budget FY27,” Dawn, 21 June 2026)
PoK
PPP and PML-N strike a power-sharing deal to form “Gilgit-Baltistan” government
On 21st June, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) agreed to form a coalition government in “Gilgit-Baltistan” with the Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP), mirroring the arrangement at the federal level. Under the deal, the chief minister and the assembly speaker will be from the PPP, while the governor, deputy speaker and the leader of the opposition will come from the PML-N. The PPP emerged as the largest party in the 07 June elections, winning 12 seats in the 24-member “GB” assembly. Both parties said the agreement was aimed at ensuring political stability, public welfare and democratic continuity in the region. (“PPP to lead GB govt under power-sharing deal with PML-N,” Dawn, 21 June 2026)
Pakistan and the US-Iran negotiations
Trump praises Pakistan’s role in brokering the US-Iran deal
US-Iran talks in Switzerland end first round without a breakthrough despite mediation efforts from Pakistan and Qatar
On 20 June, Dawn reported on United States President Donald Trump publicly crediting Pakistan for its role in facilitating the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran. Speaking in an interview with Axios, Trump said Pakistan “really helped us” and praised both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir by name, saying the two “ get along great”. Trump also touched on the Pakistan-India military conflict of May 2025, claiming he had stopped both nuclear-armed nations from escalating further. The Islamabad MoU was signed electronically last week by the US, Iran and Pakistan as mediators, setting a 60-day timeline for a final agreement.
The Express Tribune also reported that the first round of US-Iran negotiations at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland ended without a breakthrough after around 80 minutes of talks. The quadrilateral summit, called the Lake Lucerne Summit, was attended by a US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance and an Iranian delegation comprising Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir representing Pakistan and Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani as co-mediators. Tensions flared when Trump threatened fresh strikes on Iran via social media during the talks, drawing a sharp public rebuke from Ghalibaf, though both delegations remained at the venue as back-channel diplomacy continued. (“Trump says Pakistan 'really helped us' with Iran deal,” Dawn, 20 June 2026; “US, Iran hold firstround of 'fragile' talks,” The Express Tribune, 22 June 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
On Iran & Lebanon
Maleeha Lodhi, “Peace by piece,” Dawn, 22 June 2026
“With the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran, an interim deal has been agreed. In what will be a two-step peace process the first phase freezes the war by extending the ceasefire for another 60 days. It commits Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz and the US to end its blockade. That process is already underway. But the hard part lies ahead as the second phase has to address the nuclear file and other thorny issues. If reaching a preliminary agreement proved so difficult, negotiating a comprehensive settlement will be tougher, especially with Israel’s malign presence looming in the background."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2009897/peace-by-piece
Editorial, “Unquiet Lebanon,” Dawn, 21 June 2026
“If the US wants Israel to change its bad behaviour, it must withhold the funds and weapons that are needed by the Zionist war machine to keep functioning. Israel has hardly any friends left in the world, and if the US starts asserting itself, Tel Aviv should listen. The MoU is unambiguous: the ceasefire must apply to all fronts, including Lebanon. Either Israel must silence its guns and withdraw from all of Lebanon, or face isolation and boycott from the international community until it mends its ways."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2009615/unquiet-lebanon
External
Shahid Javed Burki, “USA, India and Pakistan,” The Express Tribune, 22 June 2026
“Pakistan was deeply involved in helping Washington reach an understanding with Iran. According to newspaper reports, Field Marshal Asim Munir was engaged in what is best described as shuttle diplomacy, traveling between Iran and the United States. He was also in touch with President Trump through the telephone. The role Munir played has resulted in a significant improvement in Washington's relations with Islamabad. This development has not pleased the rulers in New Delhi. The Washington-New Delhi relationship is also under pressure as the American leadership is working hard to ease tensions with the ruling elite in China. Also troubling the Indian leadership is the way the Americans are treating Indians living in the United States."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2614419/usa-india-and-pakistan
Climate change
Editorial, “A costly cut,” Dawn, 22 June 2026
“Senator Sherry Rehman was right to question why climate spending is being cut while hundreds of billions of rupees continue to flow towards loss-making SOEs. At a time when climate-related hazards are multiplying, reducing support for adaptation and resilience amounts to a costly policy error. Pakistan cannot control global emissions trends, but it can strengthen its capacity to cope with their consequences. That requires sustained funding, stronger institutions and long-term planning. The country’s climate vulnerabilities are becoming more visible with each passing year. Ignoring them today will prove more expensive tomorrow."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2009893/a-costly-cut
Terrorism
Syed Akhtar Ali Shah, “Bannu's misery,” The Express Tribune, 19 June 2026
“The fact that Bannu has frequently been a theatre of revulsion indicate the absence of coordination between the various anti-terrorism stakeholders. Sitting at the vital nexus of K-P, North Waziristan and the Afghan border, Bannu is geographically vulnerable. Back-to-back attacks in the district, at least six in the last few months, must come as a grim reminder that something is amiss in dealing with the ground realities, and the sooner the buckle is tightened the better."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2614416/bannus-misery
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