AGP Executive Report

Smart Border Push: India’s Home Minister Amit Shah says a tech-enabled “Smart Border” will be launched next year to make the Pakistan and Bangladesh frontiers “impenetrable,” using drones, radars and smart cameras—along with a pledge to identify and deport “each and every infiltrator” to stop any “demographic change.” Pakistan Espionage Crackdown: Punjab police arrested a man in Pathankot after a CCTV camera allegedly sent live feeds of army movements to Pakistan-linked handlers, with a WiFi router and cross-border funding links under investigation. US-Iran Mediation Watch: Pakistan’s Interior Minister met Iran’s FM in Tehran as Marco Rubio signals “some good signs” in US-Iran talks—while the Strait of Hormuz dispute over fees/tolls keeps the risk high. Quad vs Reality Check: Reports say the Quad’s relevance is wobbling as Trump engages less, even as Rubio heads to India for Quad foreign ministers talks. Pakistan Tech Spotlight: Pakistan was named “Country of Honour” at the World Drone Congress in Shenzhen, highlighting drones plus blockchain for logistics and smart systems. NEV Policy Clash: Pakistan’s New Energy Vehicle policy is facing backlash over incentives that may favor plug-in hybrids over fully electric cars.

Pakistan-China 75th Push: PM Shehbaz Sharif will visit China May 23–26 to meet Xi Jinping and Li Qiang, as Islamabad and Beijing reaffirm “all-weather” ties and CPEC-linked cooperation. Iran Mediation Tightrope: Pakistan’s role as go-between for the US-Iran war stays in focus, but FO won’t confirm CDF Asim Munir’s reported Tehran trip while Iran and Oman discuss Strait of Hormuz tolls despite Trump warnings. Islamabad Stray Dog Ruling: The Islamabad High Court permanently bans poisoning and shooting stray dogs and orders “trap, sterilise, vaccinate, release” controls. Security Alarm: Pathankot police arrested a man accused of spying via internet CCTV feeds of army movements to Pakistan-based handlers. Tech & Consumer Watch: A viral claim revives fears that smart TVs can record even when “off,” while Samsung’s patent hints at a rollable phone with a sliding camera. Energy & Food: Net-metering solar backlogs must be cleared in 10 days; wheat targets were cut after floods, heat and water stress.

Iran War Fallout: Iran’s economy is taking the hit—soaring prices, lost jobs and even an internet blackout—while diplomacy stays stuck as Iran’s supreme leader orders near-weapons-grade uranium must stay inside the country, undercutting a key US/Israeli demand and raising the odds of renewed strikes. Eid in Pakistan: Pakistan has announced Eid Al-Adha public holidays from May 26 to May 28, with offices, schools and businesses closed nationwide as inflation pushes up the cost of animals, transport and food. Courts & Justice: Peshawar High Court Chief Justice S.M. Atique Shah lashed out at non-implementation of criminal justice directives, saying “the province is burning” and demanding concrete steps, including forensic capacity. Markets & Oil: Gulf stocks rebounded on Iran-deal hopes and firmer oil, while Pakistan’s PSX sentiment improved. Tech & Health: A British-Pakistani scientist in Qatar says an AI eye scan could flag early dementia and diabetic nerve damage—potentially a big win for Pakistan’s diabetes burden. Security: ISPR reports 23 terrorists killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa operations. Pakistan-China: Pakistan marked 75 years of ties with China, reaffirming “ironclad” cooperation and CPEC momentum.

Cashless Push: BankIslami’s aik rolls out Raast QR for cattle markets nationwide ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, aiming to cut cash-heavy, risky transactions. Student Health: Marham and Route2Health launch #SleepMatters at LUMS, tackling Pakistan’s 84% student sleep crisis with free consultations and talks. Education Integrity: Cambridge confirms leaked Computer Science and Mathematics papers won’t be retaken; marks will be awarded using the second exam component, while the postponed math paper is rescheduled for June 8. Consumer Transparency: PTA’s new portal lets Pakistanis compare telecom packages using quarterly price history and annual increase rates. Energy & Security: Pakistan reopens its offshore oil frontier after nearly two decades, awarding 23 exploration blocks; meanwhile, Iran-US talks keep moving via Pakistan mediation as Hormuz control and threats raise regional stakes. Policy Watch: Pakistan’s NEV policy faces backlash for putting plug-in hybrids in the same incentive bracket as fully electric vehicles.

Markets Lift: PSX surged about 1,935 points (+1.19%) to close near 164,831 as oil eased and Middle East fears cooled, with buying concentrated in autos, cement, banks, and energy. IMF Budget Pressure: IMF talks pushed for higher petroleum levy targets and an 18% GST on electric vehicles, while Pakistan floated a much lower 1% rate to spur EV adoption. EV Push in Pakistan: GAC’s Aion and Hyptec EVs officially launched with bookings opened for multiple models, signaling faster electrification despite the tax debate. Digital Payments for Eid: aik by BankIslami enabled Raast QR for cattle markets to cut cash-only friction ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Security & Justice: A court handed a death sentence to Umar Hayat for killing TikTok star Sana Yousaf after a staged “kidnapping” cover-up. Energy Move: Pakistan reopened offshore exploration after nearly two decades, awarding 23 offshore blocks under Offshore Bid Round 2025. Tech in Govt: IT ministry made Google AI training mandatory for staff to speed up public-sector digital transformation.

Heatwave Pressure: India baked under extreme heat again, with Uttar Pradesh’s Banda hitting 47.6°C and Delhi/major cities staying well above 40°C. Offshore Energy Push: Pakistan formally reopened its offshore oil and gas hunt after nearly two decades, signing PSAs and exploration licences for 23 blocks under Offshore Bid Round 2025. Eidul Azha Logistics: Govt approved public holidays for May 26–28 as Eidul Azha is set for May 27. Power Snapshot: April generation fell 10% YoY, but rose 2% in 10MFY26 to 102,628 GWh, with RLNG output sharply down. Insurance Reform: NA introduced the Insurance Bill 2026 to modernise the sector via digital onboarding, faster claims, and stronger consumer protection. Balochistan Security for Minerals: PM ordered Frontier Corps deployment in Rakhshan to build a security corridor for mineral projects. AI in Parliament: Pakistan’s first AI-enabled parliamentary system was soft-launched, moving the legislature toward a paperless setup.

AI in the spotlight: Google is pushing search into “do-it-for-me” mode, with Gemini-powered agents that can book, track, and contact businesses from the search bar—while Apple expands accessibility with Apple Intelligence features that let blind users ask what their camera sees. Pakistan politics & health: PTI founder Imran Khan had a follow-up medical check at Adiala jail; meanwhile police blocked KP CM Sohail Afridi from visiting, and TTAP/PTI announced nationwide Friday protests over inflation, fuel prices, loadshedding, and Imran’s treatment. Energy & climate pressure: Renewables First estimates Pakistan’s solar deployment at ~51GW by March 2026, as Karachi braces for severe heat and wet-bulb risk across Gulf/South Asia. Geopolitics: Putin lands in China after Trump’s Beijing trip, while US-Iran tensions keep flaring—Trump says he was “an hour away” from striking Iran again. Tech policy at home: Pakistan’s National Assembly launched an AI-enabled parliamentary system aimed at speeding up and moving toward paperless processes.

Iran-US talks: Iran says it has sent a response to the latest US proposal via Pakistan, while the US and Iran keep trading pressure—oil and shipping risks around the Strait of Hormuz remain the big wildcard. Pakistan security message: CDF/COAS Asim Munir told officers in Quetta that propaganda and externally sponsored terrorism won’t stop Pakistan’s “destined rise,” urging forces to stay ahead of modern battlefield shifts. Balochistan flashpoints: Reports describe renewed tension on the N-40 Quetta–Taftan highway, with road blockades, ambushes and clashes affecting traffic. Health & education: UHS with UNICEF is rolling child nutrition into the MBBS curriculum across Punjab, and Sindh’s polio drive is underway in 20 districts for 5.8m children. Digital finance: Pakistan is exploring blockchain-linked tokenisation for sovereign bonds and Naya Pakistan Certificates to speed settlement for retail and overseas Pakistanis. Local governance: Lahore faces fresh allegations of stray dog killings despite TNVR policy. Aviation: Flyadeal plans daily Riyadh–Hyderabad flights from July 1. Global health politics: Taiwan’s WHO bid fails again after Beijing intervention.

Cybersecurity Shock: AI-powered phishing is surging fast, with researchers analyzing 3.1B emails in Jan 2026 and finding more URL traps, PDF-buried tricks, and phishing kits that make scams easier to scale. Pakistan Economy & Tech: IT exports stay hot—April receipts hit $423m, keeping the sector above $400m for a second straight month. Digital Finance Push: Govt is exploring blockchain-based sovereign bonds and tokenisation of Naya Pakistan Certificates to speed settlement and widen investor access. Governance & Spending: PM Shehbaz reviewed a Rs1.51tr PSDP plan, directing more funds to ministries showing better performance, with water storage and hydropower flagged. Politics at Home: A proposal to raise the voting age to 25 sparks backlash, with critics warning it could disenfranchise nearly 30m young voters. Middle East Pressure: US-Iran talks remain tense as Trump warns the “clock is ticking,” while Pakistan continues acting as a key backchannel.

Digital Connectivity Push: President Zardari and PM Shehbaz doubled down on Pakistan’s telecom-led transformation on World Telecommunication Day, citing 5G progress, broadband expansion and IT exports. Education Tech Setback: Karachi’s matric e-marking plan has been scrapped after administrative failures, with about 175,000 students likely reverting to manual checking. Energy & Industry: Battery storage is suddenly a major B2B focus in Pakistan-China talks, while renewable stakeholders urge cutting taxes on lithium battery cells to speed local assembly. Health Alert: DUHS flagged high blood pressure as a major killer in Pakistan, pushing for wider screening and basic care centres. Regional Diplomacy: Interior Minister Naqvi met Iran’s President Pezeshkian as Pakistan keeps pressing for a US-Iran de-escalation. Markets & Costs: Oil prices jumped above $110 as Hormuz tensions raise supply fears, keeping pressure on the region’s energy bills.

Eidul Azha Locked In: Pakistan’s Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has sighted the Zilhaj moon and confirmed Eidul Azha on May 27, with first Zilhajj on May 18. Road Safety Ahead of Eid: NHMP has banned entry of vehicles loaded with sacrificial animals on motorways, citing past accidents and ordering diversions via alternative routes. Terror Crackdown: Security forces killed five terrorists in intelligence-based operations in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, after an attack on a police checkpost. Cybersecurity Deal: SpecterAI Quantum Security and CCLab Forge announced a partnership to deliver post-quantum compliance and cybersecurity certification across Vietnam and APAC. AI & Work: Microsoft’s Mustafa Suleyman warns AI could automate much white-collar work within two years, pushing fresh anxiety across office jobs. Middle East Diplomacy: Iran’s President Pezeshkian told Pakistan’s Interior Minister that the US and Israel are using “divisive projects” to pit Muslim countries against each other, while praising Pakistan’s mediation role.

Middle East Escalation: Israel is ramping up preparations against Iran while strikes in Lebanon continue even after a ceasefire extension, with reports saying the aim is to pressure Tehran back to talks. Hormuz Pressure Game: Trump claims Xi agreed Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but China hasn’t signalled it will act—meanwhile Iran says it will unveil a mechanism to manage traffic and keep the route closed for non-cooperating operators, keeping oil-shipping stress high. Pakistan Digital Push: PM Shehbaz marks World Telecommunication Day by touting “Digital Nation Pakistan,” citing 5G spectrum expansion and a National AI Policy push. Local Tech & Research: Habib University’s FYP showcase spotlights AI, climate and urban security projects, while LUMS hosts an AI-in-healthcare forum to tackle fragmented deployments. Eid-ul-Azha Countdown: Ruet-e-Hilal meets in Karachi today to sight Zilhaj moon and set Eid date. Markets Watch: PSX extends losses amid US-Iran uncertainty and Hormuz fears.

Strait of Hormuz Pressure: India’s PM Modi urged an “open and safe” Hormuz during a UAE stop, while Iran says transit will normalize only when security conditions improve—keeping energy and shipping worries front and centre. Digital Governance Push: Pakistan is racing to finish provincial consultations on the National Digital Masterplan before the budget, aiming to align implementation across sectors. Connectivity Cost Shock: A new report warns heavy phone taxes and internet pricing are widening Pakistan’s digital divide—coverage is there, but affordability isn’t. AI in Healthcare Spotlight: Punjab’s medical conference spotlighted AI, telemedicine, genomics and robotic surgery, but the bigger theme was ethics and equal access. Crypto Risk Mood: Bitcoin slid below $78,000 as Iran’s Hormuz threats spooked markets. Regional Security Noise: Israel extended its Lebanon ceasefire by 45 days but carried out fresh strikes, while India’s Army chief again warned Pakistan over terrorism. Pakistan–China Defence/Tech Links: Egypt and Pakistan discussed defence industry cooperation, and Pakistan–China digital economy ties kept moving forward.

Middle East Pressure on Trade: Trump says Xi agreed Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while China stays publicly non-committal—keeping energy prices and shipping risk front and centre. Pakistan Security Update: In Bajaur, nine militants and four security personnel were killed in a gunfight, as violence in KP continues to worsen. IMF Budget Crunch: Pakistan’s defence budget may rise by about PKR 100bn to Rs2.665tr for 2026-27, with federal revenues targeted at Rs17.144tr as IMF-linked reforms push digitisation and anti-corruption steps. Smart Tech at Home: EZVIZ is strengthening its smart security presence in Pakistan, betting on remote monitoring demand. Energy Transition Push: Experts warn smog and climate pressures demand faster renewables, not more fossil fuel build-out. Markets: PSX extended losses, closing down 902 points.

Trump–Xi Afterglow: Trump and Xi wrapped their Beijing summit with “warm words” and talk of a constructive relationship, but no clear breakthroughs on Iran, Taiwan, or trade—while Trump signalled he’s running out of patience with Tehran and floated possible sanctions relief for Chinese oil buyers. Middle East Ceasefire: Israel and Lebanon extended their ceasefire by 45 days as diplomacy resumes, but the wider Iran conflict keeps energy routes jittery. Pakistan–Iran Link: Trump credited Pakistan’s role in the Iran ceasefire and said “cleanup work” may be needed—adding fresh pressure on regional mediation. Pakistan Health & Prices: DRAP notified MRP for 35 life-saving medicines, aiming to unlock production/imports; meanwhile reports say medicine costs jumped after deregulation. Digital Push: Pakistan unveiled a phased nationwide 5G rollout plan and lawmakers again flagged slow internet. Security: Bajaur saw a camp attack repulsed, with nine militants killed. Digital Safety: A rights group warns online harassment against women and transgender people is worsening. Tech/Business: Jet Green Airlines moved toward operations after SIFC facilitation; Google is testing lower free Gmail storage for new accounts in some regions.

Pakistan–China Digital Push: PM Shehbaz met an 11-member Chinese business delegation led by IBI’s Qian Xiaojun, praising “historic” Pak-China ties and backing IBI’s plan to set up a Pakistan Digital Economy HQ—positioned as a “command centre” for digital transformation and a gateway for Pakistani SMEs into China. Markets Under Pressure: PSX trading stayed shaky as KSE-100 slid over 800 points early on, with investors citing IMF-linked structural benchmarks and US-Iran oil worries. Cyber & Safety: DRF warned digital harassment is getting more coded and harder to moderate, while Kaspersky said 68% of leaked passwords can be cracked within a day—urging stronger, unique passwords. Security & Tech: Pakistan test-fired the Fatah-IV cruise missile; meanwhile, IT exports are projected to top $4.5bn, with Pakistan aiming for $25bn in five years. Energy & Climate: Pak Suzuki started a Karachi biogas plant and solar system; COP30 ended without a fossil-fuel phase-out deal. Local Tech Jobs: Punjab Job Centre registrations crossed 1.7m, boosting digital hiring access.