Pakistan Roundup: Trump pledges increased trade, Imran Khan’s death, military talks with India delayed

Trump pledges increased trade following India-Pakistan ceasefire

U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to substantially increase trade with India and Pakistan following the two countries' agreement to a ceasefire aimed at ending recent cross-border hostilities. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump expressed support for the ceasefire and indicated his intention to assist in resolving the long-standing Kashmir dispute. He praised the leadership of both nations for their role in reaching the agreement. The ceasefire, brokered with diplomatic pressure from the United States, came after days of intense military exchanges that resulted in dozens of casualties. Despite the agreement, artillery fire was reported in Indian-administered Kashmir hours later, raising concerns about the durability of the truce.

Pakistan denies false reports of Imran Khan’s death

Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Saturday, 10 May, dismissed as false a press release claiming former Prime Minister Imran Khan had died in judicial custody. The ministry urged the public to reject what it described as irresponsible behaviour. Earlier, an undated statement, allegedly from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, circulated with claims of Khan’s death and a related investigation. The incident coincided with legal efforts by Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which petitioned the Islamabad High Court on Friday for his release, citing health risks and regional tensions with India.

Air travel from UAE to Pakistan resumes with scheduled flights to major cities

Air travel between the UAE and Pakistan has resumed, with flights departing from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah to several Pakistani cities. UAE aviation authorities confirmed the restart of Pakistan-bound operations, including scheduled flights to Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot, Peshawar, and Islamabad. The first flight to Islamabad is scheduled for May 12, followed by Peshawar on May 13.

Bangladesh and Pakistan cricket boards in active talks over upcoming tour

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that it is in active discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the upcoming white-ball tour scheduled for later this month. In a statement released Saturday, the BCB emphasised that player and staff safety remains its highest priority. Decisions about the tour will be based on an assessment of the current situation in Pakistan, with a focus on the best interests of the team and national cricket. Bangladesh is set to arrive in Pakistan on May 21 for five T20Is in Lahore and Faisalabad, beginning May 25.

India and Pakistan delay military talks as ceasefire holds overnight

India and Pakistan postponed talks between their military operations chiefs to Monday evening, according to the Indian army. The meeting is intended to determine next steps following Saturday’s ceasefire, which ended four days of cross-border hostilities. The Indian army reported no explosions or projectile fire overnight, marking the first peaceful night along the border in recent days. Some schools in the region remain closed. Airports in India have reopened, and markets responded positively, with shares rising in both countries.