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Pakistan's Met Department predicts below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures from June to August, with the largest rain deficits in northeastern Punjab and highest temperatures in Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab. Risks include crop moisture stress, flash floods, urban flooding, heatwaves, and glacial lake outburst floods.
This commentary argues that the lack of safe and accessible public bathrooms along Balochistan's new highways, particularly for women, reflects a prioritization of commerce over human dignity and equity. It highlights a legal challenge by activists asserting that this neglect violates constitutional rights to life, dignity, and movement.
Confidence in Pakistan's direction fell to 22% in an Ipsos survey, down from a 40% peak earlier in 2026 amid US-Iran tensions. Men and rural residents are more optimistic than women and urban dwellers. Respondents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were most optimistic about the economy.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari promised to immediately address resettlement issues for those affected by the Diamer-Bhasha Dam if his party wins the June 7 Gilgit-Baltistan elections. He also urged PM Shehbaz Sharif to expedite work on the dam, citing 'Shehbaz speed', and claimed PPP is the only party protecting GB's interests.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong to stress follow-up on MoUs signed during his recent China visit. Talks covered fast-tracking the Karakoram Highway realignment, expanding security and defence cooperation, and economic support. Over $7 billion in agreements were signed at the Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference on May 24.
Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif assured businessmen the upcoming federal budget will boost industrial growth. He also directed the FBR to clear all pending tax refunds by June 15 and ordered relocation of PRAL headquarters to Karachi.
This commentary argues that Pakistan's diplomatic pivot, facilitated by the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, has repositioned it as a key power broker in Trump-era geopolitics, particularly in U.S.-Iran talks. It contends that Pakistan's shift away from sole reliance on China and its strategic utility to Washington make it an indispensable player.
EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas called Pakistan a major regional power and key partner during the 8th EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad. PM Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed commitment to cooperation and thanked the EU for supporting Pakistan's peace efforts in the Gulf region. Kallas stressed that continued GSP+ benefits depend on progress in governance, environment, labour, and human rights conventions.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas arrived in Islamabad for the 8th EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired with Deputy PM Ishaq Dar. Dar stressed the need for biannual dialogues and expressed hope for a visit by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, citing a standing invitation from Pakistan's prime minister.
PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari reiterated his demand for a constitutional amendment to safeguard Gilgit-Baltistan's rights. He questioned the need for the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and GB, advocating for its abolition and transfer of authority to local assemblies.