Development funding cuts jeopardise country's health sector: report

Cuts in development assistance and funding pose a significant threat to the country's health sector and its functioning, according to a report by think tank Tabadlab. In a press release issued today, the think tank said its new report warns that "Pakistan's health system faces functional collapse in critical programmes as Official Development Assistance (ODA) withdraws — a crisis that cannot be solved by budget increases alone." The report, titled: "Beyond Dependence: Understanding the Impact of ODA Cuts on Pakistan’s Health System", was published last week and authored by the think tank’s Shahab Siddiqi, Behzad Taimur and Syeda Farwa Qamar Jaffri. The press release said it documented how recent donor reductions were disrupting specific system functions that domestic budgets only partially covered: commodity procurement, diagnostic capacity, supply chain management, and specialist staffing. It added that the report drew on interviews with dozens of development practitioners and public health officials across federal and provincial governments, alongside analysis of budget and ODA data.  "The evidence is already visible. USAID's suspension closed over 60 facilities, disrupting care for 1.7 million people. A $27.2m global fund reduction halved TB monitoring in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, cut diagnostic kit financing and placed treatment for tens of thousands of HIV-positive patients at risk. These disruptions will only intensify if the government does not develop effective transition plans as ODA continues to contract," the press release said. "This is a functional problem, not just a fiscal one," Siddiqi, Tabadlab’s director for human capital, was quoted as saying. "Pakistan's public budgets finance salaries and facilities. ODA finances vaccines, medicines, diagnostics, and supply chains. When ODA contracts, services retain staff but lose the operational core that makes programmes work," he said. The press release said the pressure was further compounded by Pakistan's "chronically low health investment" at just 0.9% of GDP, "far below" the World Health Organisation's recommended minimum of 5%. "In Pakistan, grant-based assistance has contracted by 59% since 2017, while OECD projections indicate a further 5.9% decline in global ODA for 2026, signalling a structural shift rather than a temporary disruption." The press release said the report proposed a structured transition framework with immediate priorities that include the establishment of a national health financing forum, developing a national ODA registry, and designing a risk matrix to classify functions by substitutability and criticality. "Medium-term actions focus on time-bound transition plans for TB, HIV-AIDS and immunisation programmes, regulatory reforms for flexible procurement and hiring, and raising public health spending towards 3% of GDP. "Long-term reforms centre on technical capacity enhancement and progressive integration of vertical programmes into primary care," the press release concluded.

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PM Shehbaz, Azerbaijan president reaffirm shared commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev on Tuesday reiterated their shared commitment to deepening cooperation across areas of mutual interest, including trade and investment, energy, and people-to-people contacts. The prime minister held a telephone call with the president, and both leaders expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of bilateral relations. I was pleased to speak with my dear brother, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, this evening. During our cordial exchange, we reaffirmed the deep fraternal bonds between Pakistan and Azerbaijan and our shared commitment to further strengthening cooperation in trade,… — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 12, 2026 During their conversation, the two leaders exchanged greetings and reaffirmed the strong fraternal bonds of friendship between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, the PM Office Media Wing said in a press release. The prime minister conveyed his best wishes to President Aliyev for the success of the upcoming World Urban Forum to be held in Baku next week. Read More: Kuwait to potentially explore strategic fuel storage opportunities in Pakistan He expressed confidence that the forum, under Azerbaijan’s stewardship, would serve as a valuable platform for advancing the global urban development agenda. He noted that pressing commitments would preclude his personal attendance at the event, but he had ensured that Pakistan would be well-represented at the forum. They also discussed regional developments of common concern, particularly the ongoing peace efforts in the Middle East. Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) called President Ilham Aliyev. During the telephone conversation the leaders reaffirmed the brotherly and strategic ties between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, welcoming the steady expansion of… pic.twitter.com/HXaesV0TVy — Ilham Aliyev (@presidentaz) May 12, 2026 President Aliyev expressed his deep appreciation for Pakistan’s initiatives to bring about a ceasefire between Iran and the US. "This was a clear reflection of the trust and confidence of the international community in Pakistan and its leadership," he added. The two leaders agreed to maintain close contact and looked forward to their in-person meeting later this year. The prime minister also reiterated his cordial invitation to President Aliyev to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience.

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China lauds Pakistan’s mediation role in US-Iran talks, stresses durable ceasefire

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated appreciation and support for Pakistan’s constructive mediation role in the US-Iran conflict during talks with Deputy Prime Minister and FM Ishaq Dar on Tuesday, as both sides underscored the importance of continuing a durable ceasefire. According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, FM Dar held a telephone conversation with his Chinese counterpart. “The two leaders exchanged in-depth views on recent regional developments and Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to facilitate engagement between Iran and the United States, aimed at promoting sustained peace and stability in the region and beyond,” the statement said. Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke today with Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yi. The two leaders exchanged in-depth views on recent regional developments and Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to facilitate… pic.twitter.com/MUXVisOIY2 — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 12, 2026 During the conversation, the Chinese foreign minister reiterated appreciation and support for Pakistan’s constructive mediation role. “Both sides underscored the importance of continuing a durable ceasefire and ensuring normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz,” the statement added. Both leaders also discussed planned high-level exchanges, activities marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, as well as broader bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Read: Pakistan to continue peace mediation with 'no immediate danger' of renewed US-Iran war: sources The two sides agreed to maintain close communication on all matters of mutual interest, the statement concluded. Pakistan had brokered a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran on April 8, followed by critical talks in Islamabad attended by senior delegations from both countries on April 11 and 12. However, neither side was able to reach an agreement to bring the conflict to an end. Since then, the two sides have been exchanging proposals and counter-proposals in an effort to reach a middle ground and resume a second round of direct talks aimed at ending the conflict, which has already disrupted global energy supplies and daily life across the region. While Pakistan remains hopeful for the resumption of direct talks, sources said there was no “significant” change in Iran’s earlier stance on the nuclear issue in its response to US proposals. According to sources, Tehran’s response — delivered to the United States via Islamabad last week — primarily focused on an “immediate” end to hostilities, with “little [in it] in terms of Washington’s core demand about Iran’s nuclear programme”. Also Read: PM Shehbaz confirms receiving Iran's response to US peace proposal Iran, the sources added, has proposed “broader and separate” talks on the nuclear issue, citing its “complexity”. However, Tehran has “reiterated” its willingness to halt uranium enrichment for a period of five years, while rejecting Washington’s demand for a 20-year moratorium, according to the sources.

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Pakistan rejects claims Iranian aircraft were shielded from US strikes at Nur Khan Airbase

A report by CBS News claiming Pakistan allowed Iranian military aircraft to park at an airbase to shield them from potential US strikes is “misleading” and based on a distorted interpretation of routine diplomatic logistics, according to sources familiar with the matter. The clarification came after a post on X alleged that multiple Iranian aircraft, including a reconnaissance variant of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, had been stationed at Nur Khan Airbase following the ceasefire announced last month. According to sources with knowledge of the diplomatic process, the temporary presence of a limited number of Iranian aircraft at Nur Khan Airbase was linked to ongoing backchannel diplomacy and administrative arrangements surrounding the Islamabad Talks between Tehran and Washington. “The parking of a few Iranian aircraft at Nur Khan Airbase has been blown out of proportion by certain detractors of regional and global peace,” sources said. Officials explained that after the ceasefire and during the first round of Islamabad Talks, several aircraft from both the United States and Iran arrived in Pakistan carrying diplomatic staff and security personnel. These aircraft remained stationed at Nur Khan Airbase for logistical and administrative purposes. Sources said some Iranian aircraft and personnel remained in Pakistan after the initial round of talks in anticipation of a second phase of negotiations. “Although the talks have not resumed directly, the Iranian foreign minister visited Islamabad twice after the first round, and the security and administrative arrangements already in place facilitated those visits,” sources added. They further disclosed that American aircraft and security teams had also flown into Pakistan for expected follow-up engagements, though US personnel and aircraft were later relocated to regional American bases after a few days. Officials stressed that Pakistan had acted as a neutral and impartial mediator throughout the process and had provided equal logistical and administrative support to both Tehran and Washington in an effort to advance regional peace. “Pakistan has remained fully transparent with both sides and has consistently taken both parties into confidence whenever any ambiguity arose,” sources said, adding that Islamabad would continue to pursue the same policy moving forward. Rejecting suggestions that the Iranian aircraft were being sheltered from potential military action, sources noted that the aircraft arrived during a ceasefire period and not amid active hostilities. “The Iranian aircraft arrived in Pakistan during the ceasefire, and no Iranian aircraft were targeted by the US during that period, even inside Iran,” sources said. “Therefore, linking the parking of these aircraft to preservation from airstrikes is entirely baseless.” They added that certain sections of the media of attempting to sensationalise a routine diplomatic development. “Clearly, certain quarters want to push the region and the world towards another cycle of violence and have created a story out of nothing,” sources maintained. They reiterated that Pakistan remained committed to facilitating dialogue between Tehran and Washington and would continue to play a “constructive and active role” in pursuing a negotiated settlement in the interest of regional and global peace and security.

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FIR registered after tourists stopped from visiting Swat's Mahodand Lake

The district administration and police in Swat launched legal action on Monday after a group of local individuals allegedly stopped tourists from travelling to Mahodand Lake in Kalam, an incident that later went viral on social media and raised concerns over tourist safety in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s premier tourist destination. According to officials, tourists travelling in private coasters and tour vehicles towards Mahodand Lake were intercepted by local people who allegedly insisted that visitors use local transport services instead. The confrontation disrupted the tourists’ journey, while some vehicles were reportedly threatened with stone pelting, forcing several groups to abandon their visit to the lake. The affected tourists, including students from Sargodha University, were unable to complete their trip to Mahodand Lake, one of Swat’s most visited tourist attractions. Taking immediate notice of the incident, Swat Deputy Commissioner (DC) Saleem Jan Marwat directed the district administration, in coordination with District Police Officer (DPO) Umar Gandapur, to initiate legal proceedings against those involved. A case was registered at Kalam Police Station against around 30 individuals under relevant sections of the law for allegedly blocking tourists and creating fear and harassment. “The protection of tourists is the top priority of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government. No individual or group will be allowed to take the law into their own hands, harass tourists or obstruct their movement," the district administration said in an official statement. The administration clarified that no restrictions were imposed on tourist movement in Kalam, Mahodand Lake or other tourist destinations in Swat. Tourists were free to travel in their private vehicles or with transport operators of their choice, while no one had the authority to stop them unlawfully. DPO Gandapur said police had acted promptly after the incident surfaced and assured that strict action would be taken against those involved. "We are committed to ensuring a safe and peaceful environment for tourists in Swat. The law will take its course against anyone found intimidating visitors or damaging the image of the region,” he said. DC Marwat also urged tourists and residents to immediately report any untoward incident to the administration or police so that timely action could be ensured. The incident sparked widespread criticism online, with social media users expressing concern that such actions could negatively affect tourism in Swat. Authorities, however, maintained that coordinated measures were being taken to protect tourism activities and restore visitor confidence in the region.

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Dog culling campaign sparks outrage in Lahore over brutal methods

A renewed campaign by the Municipal Corporation Lahore (MCL) against stray dogs has sparked controversy, with animal rights activists alleging that dogs are being killed through poisonous injections and other inhumane methods in different parts of the city, while protesters are also facing legal action and harassment. In recent days, operations against stray dogs were carried out in Sultan Colony, Township, Shadbagh, Green Town and several other localities. According to district administration and MCL officials, the actions were initiated following complaints from residents and incidents of dog attacks. The administration launched a large-scale operation after a child was killed in Sultan Colony a few days ago, claiming that multiple stray dogs had been captured during the campaign. Officials said the purpose of the operation was to ensure the safety of citizens and protect lives and property. However, animal welfare organisations and activists described the operations as illegal and inhumane. They argued that under the Punjab Animal Birth Control Policy 2021 and court directives, stray dogs should be sterilised and vaccinated instead of being killed. Animal rights activist Fasiha Khan, in an Instagram post, alleged that stray dogs were being poisoned in Lahore and called for an immediate halt to the campaign.         View this post on Instagram                       Similarly, Critters Ark Welfare Organisation Pakistan claimed on May 6 that animal rights activists protesting outside Lahore Town Hall were taken into custody. https://ift.tt/aj3bliV Animal welfare activist Syed Ali Haider alleged that MCL staff had confined dozens of dogs, including puppies, inside a van and intended to kill them. He said he urged the administration to hand the animals over to shelters instead of killing them, but after the protest, a case was registered against him at Islampura Police Station on charges of interfering in official duties. He further claimed that he was told the case could be withdrawn if he submitted an affidavit undertaking not to protest over the stray dog issue in the future. Another social media post circulated on May 10 alleged that nearly 100 stray dogs were killed in and around Sultan Colony. Meanwhile, hearings regarding the implementation of the Punjab Animal Birth Control Policy 2021 were also held at the Lahore High Court last month. On April 14, government departments assured the court that measures in line with the policy would be adopted to control the stray dog population and that large-scale killings would be avoided. Rejecting the allegations made by animal rights activists, MCL officials maintained that the operations were being conducted in accordance with the law and public safety requirements. According to officials, immediate action was sometimes necessary in cases involving dangerous or diseased dogs, while public safety remained the top priority. Experts and animal welfare organisations said the long-term solution to the stray dog issue lay in large-scale sterilisation, vaccination, improved waste management and registration of pet animals. They argued that culling campaigns provided only temporary relief and often failed to address the root causes of the problem.

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Opposition announces anti-govt protest drive

The Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP), a grand opposition alliance, on Sunday announced plans to launch a protest campaign against the latest increase in petroleum prices and said it is seeking support from other political parties for a joint movement. Speaking to The Express Tribune, TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai said the party was in contact with allied political groups, including PTI, to finalise a coordinated response. "We and PTI are on the same page on this issue. However, consultations are ongoing with other parties that are part of the alliance. After taking them on board, we will finalise a course of action," he said. He added that a parliamentary meeting of the alliance had been called for Monday, where the issue will be discussed in detail. The party also plans to reach out to other opposition parties who are not part of the alliance, including JUIF headed by Maulana Fazlur Rehman, to join the protest movement. In a separate statement issued earlier in the day, TTAP strongly condemned the increase in petroleum prices, saying that despite a decline in global oil prices over the past week, the government had raised fuel rates primarily through an increase in the Petroleum Levy tax, which it said was not linked to international oil trends. The party claimed petrol prices in Pakistan had risen by 61 per cent since tensions between Iran and the United States, compared to 38 percent in Sri Lanka and 16 per cent in Bangladesh, while remaining unchanged in India, calling it "evidence of government failure". It said rising fuel prices had increased transport and food costs and pushed inflation into double digits, warning that such policies were deepening economic hardship and unemployment. TTAP said it would announce protest demonstrations in the coming days against what it termed "anti-people policies. Fuel prices in Pakistan have shown a sustained upward trend since late February amid heightened regional tensions and repeated adjustments in petroleum levies, with successive increases contributing to rising transport and commodity costs. The protest announcement came shortly after the government increased petrol prices by Rs14.92 per litre to Rs414.78, a move that further intensified political criticism over rising fuel costs, adding to ongoing concerns over inflationary pressure.

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