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In Focus
Iranian President Pezeshkian arrives in Islamabad for official visit
He thanked PM Shehbaz, President Zardari and CDF Munir for Pakistan’s mediation efforts and called for Mulsim countries to form “a united front”
On June 23, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Islamabad and held talks with Pakistan’s leadership focused on regional diplomacy, bilateral cooperation and developments following the Islamabad MoU between the US and Iran. At a joint press conference with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan’s leadership, including President Asif Ali Zardari and CDF Field Marshal Asim Munir, for its support of Iran, and called for closer regional coordination, saying Muslim countries should form “a united front”. He said Iran and Pakistan shared a historic relationship and expressed support for building a regional security structure through dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect.
PM Shehbaz Sharif described the discussions as productive and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting regional peace and strengthening ties with Iran. He thanked Tehran for trusting Pakistan’s mediation efforts and expressed hope that the recent diplomatic momentum would contribute to long-term stability and economic cooperation across the region. He described the talks as “like a family reunion” and reiterated Pakistan’s support for Iran, saying “Iran’s success is our success. Iran’s loss is our loss,” while clarifying separately that Iran’s ballistic missile programme “was never on the table” in the Islamabad MoU. Both sides also emphasised expanding trade, connectivity and political coordination while maintaining support for continued negotiations and de-escalation efforts. (“'Hands of friendship': Iran president calls for new regional security structure among Muslim nations,” Dawn, 23 June 2026; “Pezeshkian praises 'adamant and honest' Pakistani leadership for support since war's start in Islamabad visit,” The Express Tribune, 23 June 2026)
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Pakistan-co-authored resolution on accountability for attacks on peacekeepers unanimously adopted by UNSC
On 23 June, The Express Tribune reported that the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2823, co-authored by Pakistan and Denmark and co-sponsored by over 100 UN member states, strengthening accountability for crimes against UN peacekeepers. Pakistan's UN envoy Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said the resolution moves the Council "beyond statements condemning attacks," introducing practical measures including annual reporting by the UN secretary-general on investigations and prosecutions related to killings and violence against peacekeepers. The resolution condemned all attacks on UN personnel, stressed that such attacks may constitute war crimes, and called on host countries to investigate and prosecute perpetrators. Since 1948, 1,095 peacekeepers have been killed in malicious acts, including 359 since 2013. ("UNSC adopts Pakistan-co-authored resolution on accountability for attacks on peacekeepers," The Express Tribune, 23 June 2026)
Pakistan and Russia hold 12th joint working group meeting on counter-terrorism in Islamabad
On 24 June, The Express Tribune reported that the 12th meeting of the Pakistan-Russia Joint Working Group to Counter International Terrorism was held in Islamabad, co-chaired by Additional Secretary Muhammad Khalid Khan Jamali and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky. Discussions focused on the regional terrorist threat, with particular attention to terrorism emanating from Afghanistan and the risks it posed to neighbouring states and broader regional security. ("Pakistan, Russia JWG discusses terrorism threat," The Express Tribune, 24 June 2026)
Pakistan and Uzbekistan reaffirm commitment to deeper ties across trade, connectivity and education
On 24 June, The Express Tribune reported that Uzbekistan's Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev called on Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal in Islamabad, with both sides reaffirming commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in trade, transport, agriculture, education, and regional connectivity. Discussions covered joint research initiatives, student and faculty exchange programmes, and the possibility of joint accreditation of degree programmes. Iqbal highlighted Uzbekistan's potential as a destination for Pakistani scholars seeking to learn Russian. ("Pakistan, Uzbekistan eye stronger bilateral ties," The Express Tribune, 24 June 2026)
ECONOMY
Karachi Gateway Terminal Ltd plans USD 100 million investment in next five years
On 23 June, Dawn reported that The Karachi Gateway Terminal Ltd (KGTL) is planning up to USD 100 million in new investment within five years as Pakistan tries to cut freight costs and turn a cargo surge triggered by the Iran war into longer-term regional shipping gains. KGTL, backed by Abu Dhabi Ports Group, has already completed a USD 60 million dredging project at Karachi Port and is expanding container and bulk-handling facilities. KGTL is upgrading its bulk terminal to cut handling time for a 60,000-tonne vessel to about 2.5 to 3 days from 12 to 15 days, while building silos with an annual capacity of 8.5 million tonnes for clean bulk cargo to secure national food security, bulk-export warehouses and systems for fertiliser imports. KGTL is also exploring investment in rail freight, including locomotives, rolling stock and storage hubs near agricultural areas, to link those areas to ports and help Pakistan export products such as corn and rice more competitively. (“KGTL plans up to $100m more investment in Karachi port after cargo surge from Iran war,” Dawn, 23 June 2026)
Federal government to continue weekly pricing mechanism for oil
On 24 June, Dawn reported that Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik told CEOs of several oil-marketing companies (OMCs) and refineries that there would be no further changes to the weekly pricing mechanism in the near future. The Petroleum Division of the Ministry of Energy assured executives of OMCs and refineries that upcoming price adjustments would be based on actual import premiums, while the weekly pricing mechanism would continue to minimise losses caused by recent policy changes. The chairman of the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC), an umbrella body of over three dozen companies, complained to the government that frequent changes to the pricing formula, seven times for diesel and four times for petrol in the past three months, had shattered the oil industry. He said the latest price change had wiped out the profitability of the past year in a single day, warning that foreign investment could not be expected under such conditions. The majority of industry representatives demanded that the pre-war pricing mechanism be restored, warning that the formula used in the 19 June pricing could erase profitability and even impact working capital. (“Weekly oil pricing mechanism to stay,” Dawn, 24 June 2026)
Local governments seek more funds amid low finance transfers
On 24 June, The Express Tribune reported that provinces are projected to receive PKR 9.2 trillion in federal transfers in FY26-27, yet only PKR 1.8 trillion is being transferred onward to local governments, according to Economic Policy & Business Development (EPBD). Pakistan took a major step forward in 2010 through the 18th Amendment, which transferred significant powers from the federation to the provinces. However, provincial governments have been reluctant to pass authority and financial decision-making further down to districts and local governments. Findings show that Punjab's federal transfers are projected to increase by 8.1 per cent in FY2026-27, while transfers to local governments are expected to decline by 11.8 per cent, reducing the local government's share of federal transfers from 22.8 per cent to 18.6 per cent. In Balochistan, transfers to local governments are projected to fall by 9.2 per cent despite a 4.1 per cent increase in federal receipts. Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) have shown relatively better performance. Sindh increased transfers to local governments by 147 per cent, while K-P raised them by 9.5 per cent. (“Local govts starved of provincial funds,” The Express Tribune, 24 June 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
National Assembly passes FY2026-27 budget after opposition amendments rejected
On 23 June, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan’s National Assembly passed the Finance Bill 2026-27 after rejecting all 63 opposition amendments during clause-by-clause voting. The PKR 18.8 trillion budget introduces revised income tax slabs that reduce pressure on salaried groups while maintaining progressive taxation up to 35 per cent for annual incomes above PKR 7 million, alongside changes to property taxation, corporate rates and a new 5 per cent tax on social media income. The bill also tightens tax enforcement through stronger FBR monitoring, mandatory digital filing and higher penalties for non-compliance, while projecting a PKR 7 trillion fiscal deficit to be financed through borrowing despite over PKR 1 trillion in provincial grants and an overall push towards higher spending and economic liberalisation. (“Finance Bill 2026-27 sails through National Assembly after days of debate,” The Express Tribune, 23 June 2026)
PTI alleges jail authorities blocked Imran Khan meeting again
On 23 June, Dawn reported that family members of Imran Khan and senior leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were again denied access to the jailed former prime minister at Adiala Jail despite court-approved visitation arrangements. PTI leaders said Khan’s sisters and party representatives reached the prison but were not allowed to meet him, accusing authorities of repeatedly failing to implement orders of the Islamabad High Court allowing scheduled visits. The party also criticised the jail administration over a dispute involving power of attorney documents in the Al-Qadir Trust case, alleging delayed and selective compliance with legal requests, while authorities previously argued before the court that counsel had mishandled documentation procedures. (“PTI rails against Adiala jail admin after another meeting with Imran denied,” Dawn, 23 June 2026)
Government will not occupy private property through telecom bill, says law minister Tarar
On 24 June, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s government moved to defuse criticism surrounding the Pakistan Telecommunication Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2026, with Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar stating that the proposed right-of-way reforms would neither allow occupation of private property nor installation of telecom towers without owner consent. The remarks followed an in-camera review meeting after Senate resistance to provisions linked to telecom towers and penalties under Section 27B. Government officials and telecom industry representatives argued the bill’s main purpose was to accelerate fibre infrastructure and reduce administrative delays, while acknowledging concerns over property rights and indicating that further safeguards and clarifications would be incorporated before the legislation proceeds. (“Telecom bill won’t infringe on private rights: minister,” Dawn, 24 June 2026)
SECURITY
Navy and Coast Guard seize two tonnes of drugs near Gwadar
On 23 June, Dawn reported that a joint intelligence-based counter-narcotics operation by the Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Coast Guard, in coordination with the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre (JMICC), had seized around two tonnes of drugs near the Gwadar coastline. The haul comprised 1,500 kilograms of hashish and 500 kilograms of methamphetamine, estimated to be worth around USD 215 million in international markets. The consignment was being transported via the Arabian Sea to international destinations. The seized items were handed over to the Pakistan Coast Guard for further legal proceedings. ("Two tonnes of drugs seized at sea," Dawn, 23 June 2026)
PoK
"AJK" government asks JAAC leaders to surrender and face legal process
On 23 June, The Express Tribune reported that the "Azad Jammu and Kashmir" government called on leaders of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) to voluntarily surrender to authorities, assuring them of due legal process. At a joint press conference, "AJK" Chief Secretary Khushal Khan said 36 of the 38 demands in a previous agreement with the JAAC had been fully implemented at a cost of PKR 20-25 billion, but the group continued to agitate and sabotage the implementation process. The "AJK" police chief added that four law enforcement personnel were killed and 97 wounded during the unrest, with 572 suspects arrested and 145 cases registered. Meanwhile, "AJK" Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore said the JAAC had sought mediation from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to resume talks with the government. ("AJK top brass asks JAAC leaders to surrender, face legal consequences for inciting violent protests," The Express Tribune, 23 June 2026)
PAKISTAN AND THE US-IRAN WAR
FM Dar says Israel's Lebanon attacks nearly derailed Switzerland talks
On 23 June, Dawn reported that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar revealed that the US-Iran talks in Switzerland were nearly derailed by Israel's continued attacks on Lebanon, saying the talks could have begun several days earlier had it not been for those strikes. In an interview with Al Arabiya, Dar described the Burgenstock summit as "phase two" of a negotiation process that included three technical working groups covering the nuclear issue, sanctions and frozen assets, and Lebanon. He said the overall 60-day timeline for a final deal was mutually extendable and stressed that the Strait of Hormuz should be restored to its pre-conflict status with free movement and no additional charges. ("Dar says US-Iran talks in Switzerland could have happened earlier if not for Israel's attacks on Lebanon," Dawn, 23 June 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Beyond the Islamabad MoU
Zahid Hussain, “Trouble at home,” Dawn, 24 June 2026
“The country’s strength lies in its political and economic stability, not in fleeting moments of diplomatic success. Pakistan’s projection on the international stage as a peacemaker must now be redirected towards national reconciliation and economic development. The strength of the state rests on the confidence of its people, which cannot be built in an atmosphere of repression and the denial of democratic rights."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2010436/trouble-at-home
Editorial, “Pezeshkian’s visit,” Dawn, 24 June 2026
“Much importance is attached to symbolism in international diplomacy, and the fact that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s first foreign visit after the cessation of the war with the US-Israel combine was to Pakistan speaks volumes. Iran and Pakistan can be natural trade partners, and increased commerce between both states, along with bilateral cooperation in other fields, can further help cement the relationship. Both sides must take advantage of this emergent opportunity to improve ties."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2010439/pezeshkians-visit
Economy
Niaz Murtaza, “A budget to forget,” Dawn, 23 June 2026
“State budgets mustn’t mirror boring finance ledgers that merely balance revenues and outlays. They must embody strong strategy scripts that show vividly how the state will drive progress. But reading ours is painful as one goes through over 100 unrelated petty measures that don’t add up to a gripping vision for progress. Clearly, progress isn’t a goal to pursue for our elite hybrid rulers but a prospect to fear, as it harms their dubious wealth and power. So, the new status quo federal budget makes the rich richer, the poor poorer, and the IMF and big lobbies happier. It defers yet again the state reforms and societal restructuring we urgently need to thrive. Our rulers dread them and so fail on most key aims of good budgets."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2010169/a-budget-to-forget
Provinces
Haroon Rashid Siddiqi, “The fiction of price control,” The Express Tribune, 23 June 2026
“"Bureaucracy is the art of making the possible impossible." Few observations better capture the absurdity of Karachi's price-control regime, where official price lists abound, Commissioner Counters have quietly vanished, and enforcement appears to exist chiefly on paper. Karachi today offers a sobering illustration of this warning. Laws exist, notifications are issued, counters are installed, and bans are announced, yet enforcement is applied so selectively and superficially that governance has been reduced to ritual. What remains is not regulation, but the illusion of it."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2614582/the-fiction-of-price-control
Politics & governance
Arifa Noor, “Careless people,” Dawn, 23 June 2026
“The new telecom bill has caused a storm in a teacup. These days it seems it’s being discussed more than the budget, though far less than Iran, the US and the blessed talks. But a local scandal will always trump foreign policy for hacks in the country. Many of us are just thrilled that like many other stories this has also not been declared a red line — in other words an issue better left unaddressed. TV these days has more no-go areas than the Karachi of yesteryears."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2010172/careless-people
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