Photo : The Express Tribune
Photo : The Express Tribune
In Focus
Pakistan’s trade deficit increases by 44 per cent in July
On 13 August, The Express Tribune reported that the country's trade deficit increased by 44 per cent in the month of July. This amounts to a total of USD 2.7 billion. As per the Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, the increase in trade deficit is “temporary.” Further, he expressed confidence that the trade deficit will come down after a surge in exports. The federal government had to bring down the import duties after the same was agreed with the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. Regarding the reduction in the US duties on Pakistani exports, the planning minister stated that it is not up to the exporters to take advantage of the same. Pakistani goods would incur 19 per cent tariffs in the US in comparison to an average of 20 per cent for other countries in the region. (Shahbaz Rana, “Trade deficit widens 44% in July,” The Express Tribune, 13 August 2025)
Mineral sector continues to be the major contributor to exports to China
On 13 August, The Nation reported that the mineral sector of Pakistan continues to be the “single largest contributor” in exports going to China. Among all the minerals, from January to June, Pakistan majorly exported copper and its derivatives to China, amounting to USD 482.41 million. This number in January 2024- June 2024 stood at USD 504.53 million. As per the exporters, the decrease in the amount is due to the falling copper prices in the international market. Pakistan, from January to June, exported refined copper products worth USD 266.67 million, and “unrefined copper, and anodes for electrolytic refining” worth USD 153 million. Apart from copper, Pakistan also exported iron ores and concentrates to China. The exports rose by 14 per cent in the Jan-June period, and amounted to USD 39.03 million. However, the exports of zinc ores and concentrates witnessed a fall from a previous USD 63.04 million to USD 55.24 million. (“Copper shines as Pakistani minerals dominate China-bound exports,” The Nation, 13 August 2025)
Pakistan-US Counterterrorism Dialogue: Joint statement names BLA for the first time
On 13 August, The Express Tribune reported that in a joint statement issued after the recent counterterrorism dialogue, Pakistan and the United States committed to strengthening counterterrorism collaboration, placing renewed emphasis on combating banned militant organisations such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K), and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). While Pakistan and the United States have long engaged in counterterrorism dialogues, this is the first time their joint statement has explicitly named groups like the BLA. It follows the US State Department’s decision, just a day earlier, to formally designate the BLA and its suicide unit, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs). In the joint statement US also praised Pakistan’s efforts to contain terrorist threats, expressed condolences over civilian and security force casualties in attacks such as the Jaffar Express bombing and the Khuzdar school bus blast. Pakistan and the United States also reiterated their commitment to collaborate in multilateral platforms, including the UN, to advance lasting counterterrorism strategies. Relations between both countries have improved since Trump’s second term, marked by high-level exchanges and Pakistan’s US-assisted arrest and extradition of a 2021 Kabul Airport attack mastermind, which in turn was praised by Donald Trump in his first US Congress address. (Kamran Yousaf, “New Pak-US front against terror trains sights on BLA, TTP,” The Express Tribune, 13 August 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS
Senate clashes over ‘rushed’ PTI disqualifications and convictions
On 13 August, Dawn reported that the Senate witnessed sharp exchanges over what opposition lawmakers described as the “rushed” conviction and disqualification of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members. PTI Senator Barrister Syed Ali Zafar denounced the actions as a “travesty of justice,” accusing the government of using the judiciary as a political tool. Citing Article 63(1) of the Constitution, he argued that the Election Commission of Pakistan lacks the authority to disqualify a member convicted by a trial court until the sentence becomes final, noting that this interpretation has been upheld in nine Supreme Court rulings. Zafar also cited Article 10-A of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair trial and due process. He questioned the haste behind the process, calling it “a conspiracy. "He cautioned that such measures could undermine the democratic process, stating that those in power “cannot de-notify the will of the people.” In response, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar argued that disqualification takes effect automatically after a conviction unless overturned on appeal, stressing that appeals are the “only recourse” available. PPP’s Sherry Rehman maintained that her party never sanctioned political arrests while in office, except under PTI’s rule. PTI’s Azam Swati urged colleagues to endure hardships without compromising on Imran Khan’s principles. (Iftikaar A Khan, “Fierce Senate showdown over PTI lawmakers’ convictions,” Dawn, 13 August 2025)
CJP & Finance Minister discuss judicial reforms and tax dispute resolution
On 13 August, Dawn reported that Finance and Revenue Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb had a meeting with Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi. The CJP reviewed ongoing judicial reform measures, including court modernisation, classification of tax-related cases, and the use of technology to enhance service delivery. He emphasized the importance of government support for the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) framework in expediting tax dispute settlements. The CJP also mentioned current training programmes at the Federal Judicial Academy for judicial officers and Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) personnel, with plans to extend these to Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) officials. Aurangzeb praised the judiciary’s reform efforts and assured continued governmental support, particularly in providing resources for “judicial development projects.” Both officials stressed the need for strong collaboration between the judiciary and the executive to reinforce the “rule of law, improve access to justice, and safeguard citizens’ fundamental rights.” (“Finance minister meets CJP, assures of cooperation for reforms,” Dawn, 13 August 2025)
ECONOMY
Industries applaud government for successfully negotiating a decrease in US tariffs
On 12 August, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan presided over a meeting to discuss the US’s tariffs on Pakistan. The meeting saw the presence of Special Assistant to PM on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on commerce, Rana Ihsaan Afzal, and Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul. Along with them, more than 30 exporters and representatives from Small and Medium Enterprises were also present at the meeting. As per The Nation, Pakistan is expected to receive a significant advantage after the Trump administration decreased the earlier proposed tariffs on Pakistani exports from 29 per cent to 19 per cent. The industry praised the federal government for being able to bring down US tariffs on Pakistani goods, and termed it as “Pakistan’s most strategic trade wins in recent years.” Further, the people from industry appealed to the federal government for providing them with “favourable and predictable policy support.” This would help the industries to bring down the manufacturing expenses. Minister Jama Kamal Khan vowed the government’s commitment to bringing in “export-driven policies.” (“‘Pakistan secured landmark US reciprocal tariff reduction, major boost for exporters,’” The Nation, 13 August 2025)
SECURITY
Security operations in Balochistan: 50 militants neutralized
On 13 August, Dawn reported that from 7-9 August, security forces carried out successful operations in the Sambaza area of Zhob district, resulting in the killing of 47 militants while three others were taken down in consequent operations. This follows as the security forces thwarted an infiltration attempt by militants trying to enter Balochistan’s Zhob district from Afghanistan. In the same Pak-Afghan border region, three more militants linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed during a “sanitisation operation” on the night of 10-11 August, with authorities recovering arms and ammunition from them.
In a separate incident, nine soldiers, including an officer, were killed and six wounded when militants ambushed a convoy in Washuk, near the Iran border. The attackers also targeted a police station in Basima, injuring three officers before being repelled. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the forces’ skill and courage, and professionalism displayed in the carrying out of the operation. Elsewhere, a grenade blast in Sibi wounded a police officer, while a roadside bomb in Quetta damaged a car but missed a police vehicle. No group has claimed responsibility for the Sibi or Quetta attacks. (Saleem Shahid, “50 terrorists killed in 4-day Balochistan operation:ISPR,” Dawn, 13 August 2025)
EXTERNAL
UNOCHA urges Pakistan to bolster disaster preparedness amid escalating climate risks
On 13 August, Dawn reported that the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has called on Pakistan to enhance its disaster risk reduction measures as the country faces increasing exposure to natural hazards. This follows forecasts from the Pakistan Meteorological Department predicting “heavy monsoon rains, glacial lake outburst floods, flash floods, and landslides in vulnerable areas.” According to UNOCHA, Pakistan’s “position along tectonic fault lines” and its susceptibility to extreme climate fluctuations make it prone to earthquakes, floods, droughts, and other disasters, risks which are further intensified by “political instability,” regional tensions, and security concerns. The report urges investment in early warning systems, community preparedness, stronger governance, and efficient resource management to protect development gains. Floods remain the most frequent and destructive hazard affecting the country, with the 2022 deluge impacting over 30 million people and causing losses of nearly six per cent of GDP. Climate change effects rising sea levels, extreme weather, disrupted farming cycles, and worsening drought, further threaten agriculture and water security in the country. (Amin Ahmed & Aamir Yasin, “UN urges Pakistan to prioritise disaster risk strategies,” Dawn, 13 August 2025)
ON INDIA
PM Sharif warns India against withholding Pakistan’s share of water
On 12 August, at the International Youth ceremony in Islamabad, PM Sharif, in his address, cautioned India against withholding Pakistan’s share of water. He asserted that “not a single drop would be allowed to be stolen.” He also warned New Delhi of Pakistan’s “decisive response” in the event of blocking Pakistan’s share of the Indus water. Further, he claimed that a “new Pakistan” has come into being after the Pakistan military’s alleged victory over India in the brief confrontation which took place in May. In April, after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, India announced that it would not be adhering to the Indus Water Treaty. (“PM to India: no compromise on our water share,” The Express Tribune, 13 August 2025)
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