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In Brief
SOCIETY
PFJU condemns the 13-month ad-ban on Dawn media as an “attack on press freedom”
On 15 December, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) termed the ban on government advertisements for various outlets of the Dawn Media Group as an “attack on press freedom,” condemning the move in a press release. The statement highlighted that the 13-month ban is “an attempt to control media and stifle free expression.” The PFUJ urged the government to withdraw the ad ban for the promotion of “free and responsible journalism” and underscored the significance of traditional media’s role amid the influx of fake news. “[The] PFUJ views this as an attempt to force the media group to change its editorial policy, which is unacceptable,” the press release stated, adding that the union would stand in solidarity with the Dawn Media Group and called on the government to “respect the principles of press freedom and freedom of expression.” (“PFUJ dubs Dawn Media Group’s ad ban ‘attack on press freedom’,” Dawn, 15 December 2025)
PIA denies claims of crew disappearance in Toronto as “baseless,” and intending to “malign PIA and Pakistan
On 14 December, Dawn reported that the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) decried the reports on the disappearance of the entire crew of a PIA flight in Toronto, Canada, adding that it was “fake news” circulated by “anti-Pakistan quarters.” “A tweet, circulated by certain anti-Pakistan quarters, claiming that [the] whole crew of a particular PIA flight is missing, is entirely baseless,” the flag carrier said in a post on X, adding that the purpose was to “malign PIA and Pakistan”. “There has been no such incident, and the news is fake,” it asserted. A PIA spokesperson also issued a separate statement denying the news, alleging that the information had been circulated by an “Afghan and anti-Pakistan account." (“PIA dispels ‘fake news’ of crew disappearance in Toronto,” Dawn, 14 December 2025)
PMA condemns revenue report that highlights defaulted income tax payments from the health sector
On 14 December, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) condemned a recent Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) report, as “biased and misleading” and reflective of an “unacceptable attitude” by FBR and the government towards the nation’s most vital healthcare sector. “The report selectively identifies doctors as the only professional group failing to file income tax returns. The healthcare community is not engaged merely in business; we are dedicated to providing essential, life-saving services to the people of Pakistan, often at very low cost,” the statement read. The PMA called for the immediate withdrawal of the report, emphasising that most income tax non-compliance stemmed from other powerful sectors, including “the rulers and their allies,” who it claimed were routinely ignored, while doctors were being treated as an easy target. “To single out doctors as the primary defaulters is not only misleading but also a grave insult to professionals working tirelessly on the front lines,” the statement asserted. Media reports cited FBR data showing that although 130,243 doctors are registered nationwide, only 56,287 filed tax returns this year. Of these, 31,870 declared zero income from private practice in 2025, 307 reported losses despite busy practices in major cities, and just 24,137 acknowledged earning any business income at all. (“PMA wants withdrawal of FBR report,” Dawn, 14 December 2025)
POLITICS
KP CM calls on PTI supporters to prepare for ‘Haqiqi Azadi’
On 14 December, Dawn reported that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister urged the PTI supporters to be ready to seize true freedom from the country’s current rulers. During the PTI rally in Kohat, he reminded the public that Imran Khan had delivered the message from jail of “freedom or death” and given the responsibility of making decisions to Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party Chairman and Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas. He claimed that all the government institutions are working to eliminate the PTI and condemned the authorities for calling Imran Khan a “security threat.” In his speech, he also advised the Punjab’s CM, Maryam Nawaz, to focus on her province and not interfere in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa matters. (“‘We will together seize Haqiqi Azadi’: CM Afridi asks PTI supporters to be ready in case call for protest is made,” Dawn, 14 December 2025)
PTI raises concern over Imran Khan’s Jail conditions after UN report
On 14 December, Dawn reported that PTI raised concern over its founder’s conditions in Adiala Jail as a UN expert report exposed “degrading treatment” of the party’s founder during his incarceration at Adiala Jail. The report called on authorities to comply with international norms and standards. PTI claimed that it has raised this issue for a long time now, and this report confirmed their concerns. As the report reaffirmed that Imran Khan is facing 23 hours of solitary confinement, constant CCTV surveillance, isolation from the outside world, and not allowed to meet with legal counsel and family and even denied religious practice and basic human necessities, PTI asserted that it shows Imran Khan was being subjected to “inhuman, unlawful, and degrading treatment motivated entirely by political vendetta.” However, the prime minister’s aide dismissed the UN rapporteur’s findings, insisting that Imran Khan is treated as per the prison rules and jail manual. (“PTI demands cessation of Imran’s ‘solitary confinement’ following UN expert’s report,” Dawn, 14 December 2025)
Aseefa Bhutto urges nationwide support for Polio Vaccination Drive
On 14 December, Dawn reported that First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari appealed to parents and public representatives to actively support the nationwide polio vaccination drive. As Pakistan is one of the last two countries in the world that has active polio cases, the Pakistani government is conducting a last nationwide vaccination drive for this year. The campaign aims to vaccinate 45.4 million children with the help of 408,484 frontline polio workers. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari recalled the legacy of the late Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, under whose leadership Pakistan’s first nationwide polio eradication campaign was launched in 1994. (“Aseefa Bhutto appeals for public support ahead of polio vaccination campaign’s commencement tomorrow,” Dawn, 14 December 2025)
Former senator criticizes Mines and Minerals Act over provincial autonomy
On 15 December, Dawn reported that a former senator belonging to the National Party raised concerns over the Mines and Minerals Act, which violates the 1973 constitution. He claimed that the Mines and Minerals Act has snatched provincial autonomy and provincial authority over minerals. He believed that this act will not benefit the Balochistan province and raised the issue of the CPEC project again, as Balochistan had not gained benefit from the project and that even drinking water had not been provided to the port city of Gwadar. He aims to prepare a revised draft with the support of National Party leadership along with the help of other political parties and also requested the National Assembly to make the US’s USD 1.5 billion agreement public. (“Mines legislation widens gap between Centre and province, says Raisani,” Dawn, 15 December 2025)
ECONOMY
Pakistan and The IMF
Finance Ministry says IMF’s “new conditions” are part of an existing reform trajectory, and not an “abrupt or unprecedented” imposition
On 14 December, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s finance ministry clarified that 11 targets identified as “new conditions” under the ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme were not sudden additions but part of an already existing reform trajectory. The clarification followed reports that Pakistan had agreed to additional tax measures and expenditure controls to address revenue shortfalls and keep the USD 7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) on track. The ministry highlighted that these measures reflected “continuity, sequencing, and deepening of Pakistan’s agreed reform agenda” rather than the “imposition of abrupt or unprecedented conditions.”
First, the clarification came after IMF documents showed that Pakistan’s commitment to revised structural benchmarks, along with the completion of two prior actions, enabled a staff-level agreement for the second EFF review. This led to the IMF Executive Board approval and the disbursement of about USD 1.2 billion on 9 December. According to the finance ministry, the updated Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies (MEFP) supplements earlier commitments and follows a phased, medium-term approach.
Second, the ministry explained that several measures seen as “new” were already incorporated in earlier agreements. For instance, the public disclosure of civil servants’ asset declarations had been included since the initial MEFP in May 2024, with the latest benchmark representing a follow-up step after legislative amendments to the Civil Servants Act, 1973. Similarly, efforts to strengthen the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and provincial anti-corruption bodies were described as extensions of earlier governance reforms rather than responses to new external assessments.
Third, the ministry highlighted reforms aimed at financial stability and market efficiency. Strengthening remittance inflows was noted as “critical to Pakistan’s external stability,” having a 26 per cent year-on-year increase from FY24 to FY25 following measures to curb informal channels. It added that reforms to cross-border payments and studies on local currency bond markets were logical progressions of prior commitments.
Fourth, on taxation and regulatory reforms, the ministry said that initiatives such as the Tax Policy Office, compliance risk management, and amendments to the Companies Act, 2017, were part of a broader agenda to improve the business environment. Contingency revenue measures, including duties outlined in the initial MEFP, were also framed as pre-agreed safeguards. (“IMF targets dubbed ‘new’ benchmarks do not represent ‘imposition of abrupt conditions’: finance ministry,” Dawn, 14 December 2025)
Cryptocurrency
Pakistan issues NOCs to global cryptocurrency exchanges Binance and HTX as a “first step under a risk-mitigated, phased, supervised entry framework”
On 14 December, Dawn reported that the Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA), Bilal Bin Saqib, highlighted that the no-objection certificates (NOCs) issued to global cryptocurrency exchanges Binance and HTX do not constitute a “blanket approval” but represent the “first step under a risk-mitigated, phased, supervised entry framework.” His televised video statement followed Pakistan’s decision to grant initial clearance allowing the two exchanges to register with regulators, establish local subsidiaries, and begin preparations for applying for full exchange licences.
He described the move as the “first practical step” reflecting a “new mindset” guided by a “Pakistan-first” approach. Under this framework, authorities aim to ensure control in three areas: preventing money laundering and terrorism financing; ensuring transparency of ownership and fitness checks; and enforcing clear licensing timelines. “It is mandatory for every platform to register on the AML [system] and have direct linkages with the financial monitoring unit,” he said, noting that no platform would operate without “disclosures and verification.”
Highlighting the importance of regulation over promotion, Saqib stated, “We will first control this industry and then scale it.” He noted that Pakistan ranks among the top crypto-adoption countries, with an estimated 30–40 million users, adding that regulation is necessary to protect users, attract capital, and prevent talent outflow. He concluded that Pakistan seeks to welcome innovation while ensuring compliance, and added: “Pakistan should emerge as a global case study in the area of global assets.” (“NOCs to Binance, HTX not ‘blanket approvals’ but first step under supervised entry framework: Bilal bin Saqib,” Dawn, 14 December 2025)
AF-PAK
Pakistan calls on Afghan-Taliban to rid the country of terrorism at Afghan-centric multi-state forum in Tehran; Taliban abstains from the meeting
On 15 December, Dawn reported that at the meeting of Special Representatives for Afghanistan from neighbouring countries, hosted by Iran, Pakistan urged the Afghan Taliban to rid the country of all militant groups, as Iran stressed the need for regional cooperation. The Taliban were invited to participate, but declined to attend. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei stated that “Afghanistan, however, chose not to attend the meeting, a decision that Iran respects.” The high-level summit in Tehran convened special representatives from Pakistan, China, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to discuss shared security concerns and strategies for engaging with Afghanistan’s de facto authorities. Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq emphasised that “The continued threat of terrorism emanating from Afghan soil is a big challenge for the region.” He highlighted a stable Afghanistan, free from terrorist elements, was central to gain the trust of its neighbours and tap into its vast economic potential. “It is, therefore, imperative that the current de-facto rulers take steps to ameliorate their suffering. And the foremost step in this regard would be to rid their soil indiscriminately of all types of terrorists,” he stated. “The people of Afghanistan have already suffered enough and they deserve better,” he added in a social media statement. Asif Durrani, Pakistan’s former ambassador to Iran criticised the Taliban’s absence as a sign of “the Taliban’s lack of political maturity.” “This decision reinforces the argument that the Taliban cannot negotiate an issue; a mere ‘Na-manu (don’t accept)’ is a head-in-the-sand attitude and will not resolve the serious problems,” he wrote in a social media statement.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, stated that Afghanistan’s stability hinges on its integration into regional political and economic structures, not on external involvement, arguing that “Experience has shown that ‘imported prescriptions and trans-regional decisions’ have failed to bring stability to crisis-hit countries.” He called on the neighbouring states, terming them the “most natural and reliable” actors capable of addressing Afghanistan’s complex challenges. The Express Tribune reported that Iran also facilitated talks among anti-Taliban Afghan political groups, culminating in the “National Solidarity of Afghanistan’s Political Parties and Movements” declaration. China, Russia and Central Asian Neighbours focused on regional stability and economic integration highlighted differing priorities, while Iran positioned itself as a mediator in Afghan Affairs, the lack of a joint statement showcased the limits of regional initiative. (“Tehran moot on Taliban ends inconclusively,” The Express Tribune, 15 December 2025; “Multi-state forum presses Afghanistan on terror support,” Dawn, 15 December 2025)
PUC urges Afghan government to implement Clerics resolution
On 15 December, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) urged the Taliban government to implement the recently passed resolution by more than 1000 Afghan clerics against indulging in militancy abroad. The PUC, which is a broad coalition of clerics from various Sunni schools of thought, has worked on a declaration stressing that aggression against Afghan soil is unacceptable and Afghan soil should not be used against any other country. Also, there should be no attacks on Afghanistan from Pakistan and vice versa. The PUC chairman also urged for political maturity in Pakistan and strongly condemned attacks and criticism directed at the IRPR director general over his remarks. (“Pakistan Ulema Council urges Afghan govt to implement clerics resolution,” Dawn, 15 December 2025)
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
Islamabad tightens vehicle checks as smog reaches ‘very unhealthy’ levels
On 15 December, Dawn reported that Islamabad authorities have intensified a crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles as worsening winter smog pushes pollution levels into the “very unhealthy” range. The capital has established checkpoints which have resulted in more than 200 traffic violations and 20 vehicle seizures while authorities continue to warn that trucks and cars without proper documentation will face entry restrictions into the city. The air quality monitors in Islamabad have shown PM2.5 levels which exceed WHO safety standards during multiple days throughout this month. The capital's pollution stems from vehicle emissions which officials and researchers identify as the main source responsible for more than half of the total pollution while they label this environmental disaster as a result of private transportation growth without proper control. (“Islamabad puts drivers on notice as smog crisis worsens,” Dawn, 15 December 2025)
Editorials/Opinions
Gagging the media
Editorial, "Gagging the media," Dawn, 14 December 2025
"While some within the state may think that punishing outlets that refuse to toe the line may snuff out critical voices, in the modern age this is next to impossible. For the last several months, the Dawn Media Group has been subjected to an unannounced ban on government ads. Pakistan’s leading media bodies have called out this targeting of Dawn. Government ads are a major source of revenue for Pakistani publications. These funds are not coming out of the coffers of any political party or institution; this is the taxpayers’ money, and the public’s right to know is being denied by throttling independent media voices. The outcome of this would be managed news, where no one dares to question the powerful. Dawn must not be silenced."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1961015/gagging-the-media
Reimagining South Asia
Aisha Khan, "Reimagining South Asia," Dawn, 15 December 2025
"South Asia stands on the frontier of the climate crisis, and on the edge of its own undoing. The 1.5 degrees Celsius is not a distant world here — it is the lived experience of millions. The glaciers in the Third Pole are melting rapidly, threatening the water security of both Pakistan and India. For decades, the region’s political energy has been consumed by border disputes, identity politics, and historical grievances. Yet none of these rivalries will matter, if climate change renders our lands uninhabitable and our economies unviable. South Asia is warming up more rapidly than the rest of the world. The combination of climate change and conflict politics is fast turning this region into one of the world’s most dangerous flashpoints. The World Bank estimates that South Asia could lose up to 10 per cent of its GDP by mid-century due to climate impacts. The climate crisis has become a social equaliser of suffering, disproportionately affecting women, informal workers and the urban poor. No country can protect its water and food security in isolation. In a region where hunger and hope coexist uneasily, peace is not just a political stance but a survival strategy."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1961191/reimagining-south-asia
SAARC at 40
Zafar Mirza, “Health governance & IMF report,” Dawn, 12 December 2025
"Four decades ago, the leaders of seven states came together in Dhaka to sign the charter of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. But 40 years after the fact, SAARC remains an unfulfilled dream, marked more by lost potential than any significant achievement in improving regional integration. The Pakistan-India rivalry has been and remains the biggest obstacle in transforming SAARC into a dynamic regional body. Indian influence to isolate Pakistan has resulted in the paralysis of SAARC. The last SAARC summit was held in Kathmandu in 2014. With the Pakistan-India relationship at a historic low, any revival of SAARC at this point seems remote. Without intra-regional trade, countries in close proximity cannot prosper. South Asian trade is currently in the dismal territory of around 5pc. Ultimately, the SAARC Charter’s aim of improving the quality of life of the peoples of the region is a goal still worth pursuing."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1961194/SAARC-at-40
Polio shame
Editorial, "Polio shame," Dawn, 15 December 2025
"Every announcement of a vaccination campaign reflects Pakistan’s recognition of the polio problem and a resolve to defeat the crippling virus. Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has launched the final nationwide polio drive of 2025 with the goal to immunise over 45m children. The minister said that the number of polio incidents in the country was lower than last year’s shameful count of 74. Yet he conceded that the scourge exists in more than half the country. Since then, we have only regressed. Together with Afghanistan, Pakistan is a persistent outlier due to multiple reasons. Hence, the year’s 30 polio cases, 19 of them in KP, must not be taken lightly nor should health officials continue with the misplaced hope of eradicating polio. Pakistan’s polio eradication programme is plagued with malpractices, vaccine refusals, assaults on polio workers, disparities in immunisation coverage and misinformation. This failure is exacerbated by the virus being detected in sewage samples, along with security issues in KP and Balochistan, suggesting a lack of political will to save children. Polio cannot be allowed to exist in conservative regions where unawareness triumphs over scientific proof. We cannot lose our children to this curse."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1961192/polio-shame
After Faiz
Fahd Husain, "After Faiz," The Express Tribune, 14 December 2025
"All eyes are on Imran Khan. The more the system tries to pretend it is ignoring him, and the more it insists that he has lost relevance, the more he continues to be the frame of reference for all matters political. Since Gen. Faiz’s conviction this week, the question echoing across the land is not what happens to him, the real question is what happens to Khan. The ISPR press release announcing Gen. Faiz’s sentencing has hinted clearly enough that the former DG ISI’s role in the May 9 riots is a matter under active investigation, and is expected to figure prominently in his legal troubles in the days ahead. The very fact that the press release made a mention of this indicates that the political side of his role will also entangle those who benefited from him. What is less clear is how far the system is willing to go to take down Faiz and Khan. Khan understands that a system legitimised by its own sheer power does not, if it doesn’t want to, play by the rules. After Faiz, Khan can see what’s coming next. The system believes it has time on its side. Jail has not broken him. Instincts may tell him to keep up his defiance. After Faiz, the system has made its choice. That is why, after Faiz, all eyes are on Imran Khan."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2582015/after-faiz
Conviction of fomer DG ISI: Political impact
Mohammad Ali Ehsan, "Conviction of former DG ISI: political impact," The Express Tribune, 14 December 2025
"A Field General Court Martial has convicted Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd) on multiple charges, including political interference, violation of the Official Secret Act and misuse of authority. The punishment awarded to the former DG ISI is not only historic; it is also exceptional. The system is being run by a hybrid regime in which elected governments operate, but the strategic lines are dictated from elsewhere. Hybridism, taking root in Pakistan, is operating on an implicit belief system. The belief that the civilian governments on their own are too fragmented, unstable or even corrupt to manage national affairs, while the military is uniquely capable of providing discipline, continuity and strategic direction. The impact is that Imran Khan is likely to be more politically isolated. This verdict suggests that the system is eliminating anyone linked to the party. PTI’s pathway back to power now seems longer, harder and more institutionally blocked. Politically, this verdict fuels further government-opposition polarisation, ongoing legitimacy contests and narrative battles. For the military, the big message is about institutional accountability and zero tolerance for political freelancing. This verdict sets the stage to define the Army’s culture for at least a decade. The ideology of hybridism does not by itself guarantee a new era of safe and stable journey of a progressive Pakistan. What is missing is the will of the people."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2582016/conviction-of-former-dg-isi-political-impact
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