Pakistan’s ports see sharp container surge as Gulf disruption shifts cargo routes
Pakistan’s major ports are seeing a sharp rise in container and transshipment activity as Gulf disruption redirects cargo towards Karachi, Port Qasim and Gwadar.
Political
Iran prepares three-day farewell ceremonies and 24-hour funeral procession for Ali Khamenei
Iranian officials are preparing three days of farewell ceremonies and a 24-hour funeral procession for Ali Khamenei, with events expected in Tehran, Qom and Mashhad.
EU formally commends Pakistan’s Iran mediation as Kallas visits Islamabad
The EU formally commended Pakistan's Iran mediation, supported Pakistan's Kashmir position, called for action against Afghan terrorist groups and backed a two-state solution for Palestine in joint communiqué. Kallas met PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Munir.
Iran’s president reportedly submitted a resignation letter. Here is what we know!
Iran International reports President Pezeshkian submitted a resignation letter citing IRGC takeover. Iran's presidency denies it. Khamenei is reportedly in seclusion. The US-Iran deal has not been signed. The Thursday Times reports what is known and what remains contested.
EU’s Kaja Kallas to visit Islamabad for talks with Pakistan’s top leadership
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas visits Islamabad on 1 June 2026 for the 8th EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, meeting Pakistan's top civilian and military leadership including Field Marshal Munir.
Hegseth calls Pakistan’s mediation “an unexpected development” and “a true friendship”
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said a true friendship is growing between Washington and Pakistan, calling its mediation role an unexpected development and praising Field Marshal Munir and PM Shehbaz Sharif directly.
Trump posts US-Iran deal terms from Situation Room as Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar meets Rubio in Washington
Trump posted US-Iran deal terms from the Situation Room on 29 May. Strait of Hormuz to open. Blockade lifted. Nuclear material to be destroyed. Final determination pending. Pakistan's Ishaq Dar was in Washington meeting Rubio at the same moment. The Thursday Times reports.
Iran’s news agency signals US-Iran deal may be close, credits Pakistan
Iran's Tasnim News Agency signalled a US-Iran deal may be close, crediting Pakistan's effective efforts. President Pezeshkian also praised Pakistan in an Eid call with PM Shehbaz Sharif.
EU Parliament votes to sanction Taliban leaders
The EU Parliament adopted a resolution calling for expanded sanctions against Taliban leaders, condemning gender apartheid and slavery under the Taliban's Criminal Procedure Code, and regretting the EU's decision to invite the Taliban to Brussels. 480 votes in favour, 5 against.
