Pakistan

Security

Pakistan experienced significant internal and cross-border security incidents. Domestically, a suicide bombing claimed by the Islamic State killed at least 31 people at a Shia religious center near Islamabad, while the military concluded a large-scale operation in Balochistan following separatist attacks. Internationally, hostilities with Afghanistan escalated sharply, with Pakistan launching airstrikes on Afghan territory and declaring an 'open war' against the Taliban government, which then launched retaliatory attacks on Pakistani posts.

Politics

The domestic political situation remained focused on jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, with reports of a serious deterioration in his eyesight prompting demands for medical access from his party. In a related development, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa announced the formation of an 'Imran Khan Release Force.' Internationally, Pakistan's relations were marked by the major escalation with Afghanistan, accusations against the U.S. by the defense minister, and diplomatic engagements including hosting Kazakhstan's president and events marking Iran's revolution.

Economy

Pakistan's domestic economy showed fragility, with a potato crisis highlighting systemic risks in the agricultural export sector. The country met three out of five IMF benchmarks, though challenges with its program persist. On the international front, a new US-EU trade deal with India, which lowered U.S. tariffs on Indian goods, negatively impacted Pakistan's cotton exports. Concurrently, Pakistan pursued deeper regional trade ties, setting ambitious trade goals with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

Information

Domestic information narratives centered on public concern over Imran Khan's health, with reports he lost most of the vision in his right eye in jail. The Supreme Court appointed a legal representative to help ensure proper medical care, while lower courts denied specific requests for his personal doctors to examine him. Internationally, coverage highlighted cultural and sporting ties with India, including discussions on cricket matches and the piracy of a Bollywood film.

Humanitarian

The primary humanitarian concern was the reported severe deterioration of Imran Khan's eyesight in prison, with his lawyer stating he retains only 15% vision in one eye, prompting calls from family and public figures for urgent medical treatment. Separately, Lahore saw the return of the Basant spring festival after a long ban. Other developments included compensation for victims of the Shia imambargah attack, a crackdown on begging in Islamabad, and local discontent over environmental and heritage site management.

Energy

There was limited coverage on energy-specific developments this month.