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In Brief
PAK-AFG
Pakistan army flags Afghanistan’s involvement in major terror incidents in 2025
On 07 January, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Army claimed that in 2025, Afghanistan was involved in major "high-impact" terror incidents in Pakistan. During a press conference, the Inter-Service Public Relations Director General maintained that Pakistan's fight against terrorism has been ongoing for more than two decades, and 2025 remains a landmark and consequential year in the fight against terrorism. He further highlighted that in 2025 World acknowledged Pakistan's stance, particularly that Afghanistan has become a "base for terrorist operations." "The hubs of Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna-e-Hindustan are in Afghanistan," he said, alleging that all major terrorist organisations targeting Pakistan were based and being supported in Kabul. "This war against terrorism is the war of the entire nation." (“DG ISPR says Afghans involved in major terrorist incidents in Pakistan in 2025,” Dawn, 07 January 2026)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan and China researchers collaborate on ocean study cruise
On 07 January, as reported by Dawn, the Pakistan Navy facilitated a Pakistan-China Joint Oceanographic Cruise through its National Hydrographic Office (NHO). The main goal was to promote maritime awareness and facilitate marine scientific research in Pakistan. The research outcomes are anticipated to increase coastal and offshore dynamics awareness for both countries, enabling enhanced assessment of patterns and supporting informed maritime planning and policymaking. According to the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), the signing ceremony was held on 12 December 2025. The Pakistani researchers will get to test their samples using Chinese laboratory equipment and machines, and receive various training opportunities on ocean equipment innovation, equipment operation, data collection techniques on board, and post-cruise laboratory analysis. (“Pakistani, Chinese researchers embark on ocean study cruise,” Dawn, 7 January, 2026)
ECONOMY
Pakistan to privatise DISCOs following PIA sale
On 07 January, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that privatisation of loss-making state-owned enterprises remains a top priority, citing the sale of 75 per cent of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) shares as the first step in a broader reform drive. Chairing a high-level meeting on the Privatisation Commission, he ordered faster reforms to ensure efficiency, transparency, and credibility in the privatisation process. The government announced that electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) will be privatised in two phases. The first batch includes IESCO, GEPCO, and FESCO, followed by HESCO and SEPCO in the second batch. Sharif directed that the Privatisation Commission be strengthened through transparent induction of private-sector talent, full digitisation, and mandatory third-party audits by internationally reputed firms. He also instructed officials to formulate a comprehensive five-year strategy to boost agricultural exports, which would focus on improving per-acre yields through timely access to quality seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides at affordable prices. (“After PIA, DISCOs also to go under hammer,” The Express Tribune, 07 January 2026)
Pakistan mulls fuel levy hike to address gas sector debt
On 07 January, Dawn reported that the Pakistani government is considering increasing the petroleum levy on petrol and diesel to help manage the gas sector’s circular debt, which has crossed PKR three trillion, instead of raising gas tariffs. Briefing the National Assembly Standing Committee on Petroleum, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said gas prices would not be increased for the next six months on Sharif’s instructions. While he confirmed the size of the circular debt, he avoided directly addressing proposals for a PKR five per litre fuel levy hike, saying lawmakers would be briefed separately. OGRA had earlier approved a gas price increase for FY2025–26, but the government has delayed its implementation, focusing instead on reforms such as reducing gas theft, cutting losses, diverting surplus LNG cargoes, and improving monitoring systems. (“Goverment mulls fuel levy hike to aid gas sector,” Dawn, 07 January 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
PTI leaders involved in May 9 case to be arrested
On 06 January, as reported by Dawn, an arrest warrant was issued against more than 40 PTI leaders by Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Amjad Ali Shah on Tuesday in the case concerning the May 9 protest outside the GHQ. During the proceedings, the defence requested the court’s permission to meet Imran Khan at Adiala Jail to obtain instructions regarding the pending cases, which was opposed by the judge based on Khan not being under the custody of the ATC during the May 9 GHQ attack, and the PTI founder being convicted in another case. The court recommended that the defence approach a relevant forum to file grievances regarding the access. The defence protested against the court’s decision and stayed adamant, refusing to be part of any further proceedings till the court complies. On another note, the court also took notice of the absence of several accused and issued non-bailable arrest warrants for 40 to 45 accused who failed to appear; furthermore, the court decided to hold further proceedings online via video link. (“Arrest warrants out against PTI leaders in May 9 case,” Dawn, 07 January, 2026)
PTI, Imran’s sisters ends sit-in outside Adiala jail
On 06 January, as reported by Dawn, PTI supporters and Imran Khan's sisters ended their sit-in outside Adiala Jail after the head of the opposition TTAP alliance, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, assured Imran's sisters of arranging a meeting with the PTI founder next week. Previously, the protesters and Imran’s sisters were dispersed by the authorities with water cannons, which the party claimed were chemical-laced. Even so, the protesters stated adamantly that if they aren't allowed to meet Imran, they "will not move." Achakzai also argued that the refusal of the meeting was a dismissal of International Law, and further got assurance from the station house officer (SHO) that he would try to arrange a meeting. Over 10,000 people gathered for the protest on Tuesday in support of the sisters demanding the meeting. (“PTI, Imran’s sisters end sit-in outside Adiala jail,” Dawn, 07 January, 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Pakistan after 2025
M Zeb Khan, “Pakistan after 2025: strength without trust”, The Express Tribune, 07 January 2025
"Pakistan enters a new year carrying the institutional imprint of 2025 — strategic vibrancy, diplomatic relevance, but institutional decay and trust deficit. Year 2025 was not a year of dramatic rupture, nor one of decisive renewal. Rather, it consolidated a governing logic that has become increasingly familiar — effective in imposing order, less successful in building trust. This logic may have short-term dividends but undoubtedly long-term disastrous consequences."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2585800/pakistan-after-2025-strength-without-trust
Geopolitics
Maria Mansab, “Gwadar-Chabahar dynamics: competition or cooperation?” The Express Tribune, 06 January 2026
“Gwadar and Chabahar are often described as "sister ports" due to their geographical proximity (140 km apart) and shared access to similar hinterlands, including Afghanistan, Central Asia, West Asia and Western China. Ultimately, geography encourages complementarity between Gwadar and Chabahar, but geopolitics continues to push them toward competition. As long as great-power rivalry overshadows regional cooperation, Gwadar and Chabahar will be more defined by the strategic contest surrounding the two ports than by their economic potential."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2585630/gwadar-chabahar-dynamics-competition-or-cooperation
Judiciary
Editorial, “Judicial independence,” The Express Tribune, 07 January 2026
“Constitutions endure not because they are endlessly amended, but because they draw clear lines between power and restraint. The 27th Constitutional Amendment crosses those lines. Amnesty International's warning — that the amendment constitutes a sustained assault on judicial independence and the right to a fair trial — should therefore be taken with the seriousness it deserves. Pakistan's constitutional history offers sobering lessons. Each time judicial independence has been compromised in the name of expediency, it has been the citizen who has paid the price. Amnesty International's call for an urgent review of the 27th amendment is a reminder that constitutional legitimacy flows from restraint, not concentration of power. If judicial freedom is curtailed, the rule of law becomes conditional — and a conditional rule of law is no rule at all."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2585796/judicial-independence-1
Politics & governance
Editorial, “Opposition leader?” Dawn, 05 January 2026
“The continuing delay in appointing leaders of the opposition in the National Assembly and by extension, the Senate, raises questions about the government’s commitment to the spirit of parliamentary democracy. Whatever procedural explanations are offered, the fact remains that Pakistan’s legislature has been without a formally recognised opposition leader for months, an anomaly that no functioning democracy should tolerate. The latest assurance by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq that the process will now be initiated “afresh” hardly inspires confidence. Rules governing the appointment of an opposition leader are clear. The opposition has long conveyed its choice of PkMAP’s Mahmood Achakzai, and the legal obstacles cited earlier, particularly the issue of former opposition leader Omar Ayub’s disqualification, appear to have been resolved. Yet the Speaker’s office continues to fall back on verification exercises and procedural resets, even while offering its ‘good offices’. The focus here is on the National Assembly, where the delay has been most glaring. Mr Sadiq’s insistence that he is merely a facilitator would carry more weight if the facilitation translated into action. A parliament without an opposition leader is, arguably, structurally compromised. Leaving the post vacant sidelines dissent."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1965222/a-national-agenda-for-2026
Security
Editorial, “Narrow escape,” Dawn, 07 January 2026
“Security agencies have prevented what could have been one of the most devastating terror attacks Karachi has faced in years. Acting on intelligence gathered over several weeks, counter-terrorism officials intercepted a truck loaded with 2,000kg of explosive material, along with detonators, cylinders and other components. Three suspects are now in custody. At the same time, the incident exposes weaknesses. The alleged use of fertilisers and chemicals, and the ease of renting property without triggering suspicion, point to gaps in enforcement. Better control of explosive materials, stricter checks on rental housing, and closer monitoring of supply chains are basic but necessary steps. Preventing future plots will depend on staying alert, showing political resolve and enforcing the rules consistently, rather than celebrating isolated successes and moving on."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1965602/narrow-escape
Editorial, “Ongoing threat,” Dawn, 05 January 2026
“Violence feels routine in Pakistan. The security situation deteriorated sharply in 2025, marking the fifth consecutive year of rising terrorism. According to the Pakistan Security Report 2025 by PIPS, the country recorded 699 terrorist attacks, a 34pc increase over 2024. These attacks killed 1,034 people and injured 1,366, reflecting a 21pc rise in fatalities. Overall conflict-related violence — including terrorist attacks, counterterrorism operations, border clashes, and abductions — rose to 1,124 incidents, up 43pc from 2024. These incidents can no longer be viewed as setbacks. They point to a crisis that is expanding in scale and becoming harder to control."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1965225/ongoing-threat
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