A massive public backlash has erupted in Pakistan after Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi and Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman (and Chief Commissioner) retired Lt Sohail Ashraf arrived at an Independence Day parade in a royal horse-drawn buggy.

Pakistan: outrage over 'colonial' mindset as Pak officials ride in horse carriage

Pakistan: massive outrage over Pak officials' 'Buggy Ride'

Pakistan is staring down a perfect storm of crises.
From escalating protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to a rapidly deteriorating security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, pressure is mounting on the Shehbaz Sharif government. Is the Shehbaz Sharif government losing its grip and can it contain the political, economic and security crises threatening to overwhelm Pakistan?

Protests, Security Crisis & Political Turmoil Rock Pakistan

Protests and outrage are intensifying as youth in Islamabad strongly condemn the brutal crackdown and violence unleashed by Pakistani security forces against demonstrators in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).


PoK violence: Islamabad youth slams violence by Pakistan forces in PoK

The European Union has issued a strong warning to Pakistan over alleged human rights violations, cautioning that the country could lose its preferential GSP+ trade status if meaningful reforms are not implemented. The European Commission's latest assessment raises concerns over enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, restrictions on freedom of expression, and the use of anti-terrorism and blasphemy laws against journalists, dissidents and religious minorities. The report also states that many of Pakistan's reforms remain largely on paper and have not resulted in significant improvements. The EU has urged Islamabad to strengthen accountability, improve labour protections, reform controversial laws, and ensure greater protection for minorities before revised GSP+ rules come into effect in 2027.

EU warns Pakistan over human rights violations | Islamabad risks losing gsp+ trade benefits

Protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), organized under the Jammu Kashmir Awami Action Committee (JAAC), recently issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Islamabad following a massive region-wide shutdown. The demonstrators have threatened a "grand and final response" and demanded that Pakistani security forces vacate the area amid ongoing unrest and severe internet blackouts.


PoK issues fresh ultimatum to Islamabad

#Gravitas Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is bracing for a bigger showdown as protesters have given an ultimatum to Islamabad to fulfill their demands by June 23. While the Joint Awami Action Committee has put forth 38 demands, Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir's forces have brutally cracked down on the protests, leading to the death of at least twenty civilians. 


Enraged PoK Kashmiris Defy Pak Army, Ready to Expand Uprising

Pakistan’s government is reportedly pushing provinces to raise nearly Rs 400 billion as part of efforts linked to its IMF programme and fiscal commitments. The move highlights growing economic pressure on Islamabad as authorities struggle to stabilise finances, manage debt obligations and secure international support amid mounting financial challenges.

IMF-Pak Deal Drone, But Provinces Must Pay Up

European companies are increasingly signalling expansion plans in Pakistan as Islamabad works to position itself as a stabilising economy and attractive investment destination. Officials say improving macroeconomic indicators, policy reforms and efforts to boost investor confidence are helping redraw international business interest in the country. While challenges remain, growing engagement from EU firms is being viewed as an important sign that Pakistan may be regaining attention from global investors and multinational businesses.


European Firms Eye Pakistan Expansion As Islamabad Pushes Economic Stability 

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that Washington is engaging with “those in charge” in Iran as diplomatic efforts over the ongoing conflict continue. His remarks come amid conflicting reports about the status of US-Iran talks, with Iran denying direct negotiations while confirming indirect engagement through intermediaries in Islamabad.


US-Iran Talks | Trump: We're Dealing with People That Are In Charge in Iran Now

Iran has ruled out any direct talks with the United States as Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrives in Islamabad, clarifying that engagement will take place only through Pakistani intermediaries. The visit comes amid heightened diplomatic activity, with US envoys also heading to Pakistan in hopes of reviving stalled negotiations.


US-Iran Talks: Iran Rules Out Direct US Talks as Foreign Minister Reaches Islamabad

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to arrive in Islamabad on April 24, an official source in Pakistan said, without providing details about who he was likely to meet.

The Pakistan capital has been gearing up for an anticipated second round of talks between the United States and Iran, but it was not clear whether Mr Araghchi and the delegation accompanying him would meet any US officials to discuss the Middle East war.


Reports: Araghchi Likely To Arrive in Islamabad as Pak Gears Up For Anticipated 2nd Round of Talks

The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran remains under intense strain as Washington continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

US forces have intercepted vessels, seized tankers, and turned back dozens of ships as part of a broader strategy to pressure Tehran during negotiations.

White House Confirms Cancelling JD Vance's Islamabad Trip

While U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that talks with Iran will resume on Tuesday, Tehran stressed that there were no plans in this regard. Amid this, uncertainty prevails over the arrival of U.S. Vice President JD Vance and members of his delegation in Islamabad.


Trump 'Announces' 2nd Round of US-Iran Talks, Tehran Says 'No Plans'

Iranian state media says Tehran is not currently planning to attend the next round of peace talks with the United States, despite Washington’s announcement that negotiators would travel to Islamabad for discussions. Iranian outlets cited ongoing disagreements, including the continued naval blockade and shifting US demands, as key obstacles to progress.

US-Iran Peace Talks: Iran State Media Says Tehran Not Planning to Attend Talks 

US President Donald Trump has confirmed that a second round of US-Iran peace talks will be held in Islamabad, marking a fresh diplomatic push to de-escalate rising tensions between Washington and Tehran. The announcement comes amid ongoing disputes over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and recent incidents involving ship seizures and blockade enforcement.

US-Iran Peace Talks: Trump Confirms Second Round of Talks with Iran in Islamabad

Pakistan conducted a high-security aerial escort operation using 24 fighter jets, including advanced Chengdu J-10 aircraft, during a sensitive diplomatic movement following high-level talks in Islamabad. The mission highlights Pakistan’s rapid-response air defence capability and growing reliance on Chinese-built platforms for strategic operations amid evolving regional security dynamics.

Pakistan Conducted Escort Operation; 24 Fighter Jets, Advanced Chinese J-10 Used in Mission

Days before Pakistan had helped to secure a ceasefire in the Iran war this week, the United Arab Emirates was seeking repayment of a US$3.5 billion deposit from Islamabad’s central bank.
The withdrawal, brushed off as a “routine financial transaction” by Pakistan’s foreign ministry, equated to roughly 21 per cent of the country’s foreign exchange reserves. It was accompanied by a wave of criticism on Emirati social media directed at Islamabad.

Pakistan To Repay UAE Debt With Saudi Funds

Iran has presented a 10-point proposal to the United States via Pakistani mediators to end the ongoing conflict, focusing on a permanent cessation of hostilities rather than a temporary ceasefire. Key demands include lifting all primary and secondary sanctions, U.S. military withdrawal from the region, and guarantees against further attacks. 


Iran-US Truce Talks: Pakistan Pushes For Direct Iran-US Engagement

Iran-US Peace Talks Begin in Islamabad; Esmail Baghaei: 'Negotiations Began Since Moment of Arrival'

A senior Iranian source said on Saturday the U.S. had agreed to release Iranian frozen assets held in Qatar and other foreign banks, welcoming ​the move as a sign of "seriousness" in reaching a deal with Washington in talks ‌in Islamabad.
The source, who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter, told Reuters that unfreezing the assets was "directly linked to ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz", which is expected to be ​a key issue in the talks.

US-Iran Truce Talks: Iran Says Talks Will Not Begin Unless US Accepts Its Conditions

Pakistan is set on Friday to host anticipated negotiations between Iran and the United States on the third day of a ceasefire between the two countries, while Tehran’s participation remains unconfirmed following Israeli airstrikes that killed more than 300 people in Lebanon on Wednesday.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Thursday that these strikes—the most intense since the war reached Lebanon—would render the anticipated negotiations with the United States “meaningless.”

Iranian Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei Says Travel to Islamabad is Under Review Ahead of Talks

JD Vance departed for Pakistan to engage in high-stakes peace talks with Iran, expressing cautious optimism ahead of negotiations. He stated the team expects a positive outcome if Iran approaches discussions in good faith and with openness. However, Vance wared that any attempt to mislead or stall would be firmly rejected by the U.S. delegation. Emphasizing clear directives from the President, he noted the negotiating team is prepared, disciplined, and focused on securing meaningful progress while protecting American interests.


Reports: Talks to Be Held in Islamabad's Serena Hotel

Will Islamabad Talks Bring Israeli-US War on Iran to a Close?

Russia has lifted its ban on importing potatoes from Pakistan, allowing shipments from Punjab to enter the Russian Federation, effective April 8.

The government raised the issue of the ban with the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) in February, submitting pest status records and laboratory diagnostic reports confirming the absence of the identified pests and pathogens in the potato crop.

Russia Lifts Ban on Pakistani Potatoes

High-stakes peace negotiations between the United States and Iran are set to begin in Islamabad, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance leading the American delegation. The talks aim to stabilize the fragile ceasefire and explore a pathway toward a longer-term agreement after weeks of escalation across West Asia. Key issues expected to be discussed include maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, ceasefire compliance, and broader regional tensions, as both sides attempt to prevent a return to conflict.


US-Iran War: Pakistan Prepares To Host High-Stakes US-Iran Peace Talks

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khwaja Asif has addressed questions surrounding Army Chief General Asim Munir’s growing prominence, pushing back against claims of a power imbalance. The remarks come amid continuing debate over civil-military dynamics and leadership influence in Pakistan’s political landscape. The issue has drawn attention as discussions over governance and authority intensify.


Pakistan: Is Asim Munir Pakistan’s Real Power Centre? Khwaja Asif Defends Army Chief’s Role | WION

Pakistan strengthens its economic ties with the UAE, aiming to attract new investments and boost bilateral trade. The move reflects Islamabad’s strategy to expand foreign investment, deepen regional alliances, and secure financial partnerships that could support infrastructure projects and economic stability in the country.

Pakistan Forges Alliances With UAE Seeking New Investments 

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described Islamabad’s decision to join the US-led war in Afghanistan as a “miscalculation”, while sharply criticising Washington’s treatment of Pakistan.

Speaking on the country’s role in the conflict, Asif said Pakistan was “used and discarded”, accusing the United States of exploiting Islamabad during the Afghan war. His remarks, including unusually blunt language directed at the US, have drawn significant political attention.

The comments revive long-running debates within Pakistan over the costs and consequences of its involvement in the Afghanistan conflict.

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Calls Afghan War Decision a ‘Miscalculation’ | WION

A suicide bombing claimed by ISIS at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad's Tarlai Kalan suburb killed 31 worshippers and injured 169 during Friday prayers on February 6, 2026, sparking outrage and protests including from Kashmir's Shia community chanting against Pakistan's administration.


Islamabad: Blast Triggers Protest, Kashmir's Shia Community Chant Slogans Against Pak 

Why has Pak failed to curb Baloch insurgency? Balochistan is Pakistan's largest but also poorest province. We take a look at how Balochistan has become one of the biggest pressure points for Islamabad. 


Pakistan’s Balochistan on the Boil | Islamabad on the Edge 

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