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In Focus
75 militants killed in Balochistan operations following major attacks
Joint operations conducted by Army, Frontier Corps and police force; authorities say claim that officers resigned following Mangi Dam attack is false
On 11 July, The Express Tribune and Dawn reported that Pakistani security forces said 75 suspected militants had been killed in Balochistan since 05 July as ongoing counterterrorism operations intensified following a series of deadly attacks in the province. According to officials, 39 militants were killed under "Operation Shaaban", a joint operation involving the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC) and Balochistan Police, while the remaining deaths occurred during separate intelligence-based operations. Authorities also said security forces repelled an attack on a police station in Khuzdar, killing at least eight attackers, with additional casualties reported in subsequent helicopter operations. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces, reaffirming the government's commitment to continuing operations against militant groups.
Separately, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control decided to hold a special meeting in Quetta to assess the security situation in Balochistan. Police also rejected social media reports claiming that officers had resigned following the Mangi Dam attack, describing them as false, and released a detailed account of the 06 July assault. According to the police, nine officers were killed while defending the post, 15 attackers were killed during the initial fighting, and 18 policemen were later taken hostage and killed after running out of ammunition while attempting to withdraw through mountainous terrain. Authorities said large-scale combing operations remain underway across more than 300 square kilometres of rugged terrain. (“Dozens neutralised in Balochistan terror purge," The Express Tribune, 11 July 2026; “Troops join FC, police to hunt down terrorists in Quetta,” Dawn, 11 July 2026)
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Interior Minister Naqvi travels to Washington amid fresh US-Iran tensions
On 11 July, Dawn reported that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was arriving in Washington as diplomatic efforts continued to ease fresh hostilities between the United States and Iran. Naqvi's visit came after he represented Pakistan at the fifth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS 2026) in New York, where he met UN Secretary-General António Guterres and his counterparts from China, Russia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Pakistan and the US also began a new round of negotiations to expand bilateral trade and economic cooperation on the sidelines of the visit. Naqvi is expected to hold further diplomatic meetings in Washington aimed at maintaining communication between Washington and Tehran. ("Naqvi arrives in Washington to boost diplomatic efforts," Dawn, 11 July 2026)
Pakistan and Bangladesh agree to cooperate on cybercrime and online fraud
On 10 July, Dawn reported on Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Salahuddin Ahmed agreeing to enhance cooperation in curbing cybercrime and online fraud during a meeting in New York. The two ministers also discussed training and exchange programmes for police officers and agreed to expand collaboration in other areas of mutual interest. Ahmed praised Pakistan's role in promoting regional peace, while Naqvi credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their efforts in maintaining stability. ("Pakistan, Bangladesh agree to extend cooperation in curbing cybercrime, online fraud," Dawn, 10 July 2026)
World Bank approves USD 375.9 million to modernise Pakistan's power grid
On 10 July, Dawn reported that the World Bank's Board of Executive Directors approved USD 375.9 million for Pakistan's Grid Stability Enhancement Project, the first phase of a 10-year programme to modernise the country's electricity transmission network under the Boosting Energy Security through Transmission in Pakistan (BEST-PAK) initiative. The project aims to reduce power outages, unlock 640 megawatts of currently curtailed wind energy and support the integration of approximately 491 megawatts of planned private sector renewable energy projects. It is also designed to help Pakistan meet its target of achieving 60 per cent renewable energy in its electricity mix by 2030 and is expected to avoid around 832,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually over its lifetime. ("World Bank approves $375.9m to strengthen Pakistan's power transmission network," Dawn, 10 July 2026)
Search for crew of crashed K2 Airways cargo plane continues off Ormara
On 10 July, Dawn reported on the Pakistan Aviation Authority (PAA), saying the search for five missing crew members of a K2 Airways Boeing 737-400 cargo aircraft that crashed into the Arabian Sea was ongoing, with additional wreckage retrieved for forensic analysis. The aircraft disappeared from radar on 08 July about 300 kilometres west of Karachi while en route from Sharjah, after the pilot reported a navigation problem and requested assistance. Wreckage was first located 53 nautical miles south of Ormara port on 09 July. The Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency are searching using aerial and sea-borne assets. ("More wreckage of crashed cargo plane found, search for crew ongoing: PAA," Dawn, 10 July 2026)
ECONOMY
Weekly SPI eases 0.45 per cent; year-on-year inflation holds at 11.94 per cent
On 11 July, The Express Tribune reported that the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) fell 0.45 per cent week-on-week for the week ending 9 July, driven by sharp declines in tomatoes (23.30 per cent), LPG (15.12 per cent), petrol (0.69 per cent), and diesel (0.63 per cent), partly reflecting easing global oil prices following the US-Iran peace deal. Prices of potatoes, chicken, onions, wheat flour, and eggs rose during the week. Year-on-year, the SPI remained at 11.94 per cent, with major annual increases in tomatoes (129.01 per cent), onions (76.34 per cent), wheat flour (71.22 per cent), and electricity charges (49.14 per cent). The rupee closed at PKR 278.05 per dollar, while gold fell PKR 1,400 per tola to PKR 432,436 in the local market, tracking a USD 14 decline internationally to USD 4,100 per ounce. ("Breather in weekly SPI, YoY pace persists," The Express Tribune, 11 July 2026)
Wheat Board meeting warned of 3.5 million tonne shortfall as stakeholders call for imports
On 11 July, The Express Tribune reported that a Wheat Board meeting chaired by Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain was warned of a wheat shortfall exceeding 3.5 million tonnes, with flour mills, traders, and the Cereal Association calling for imports of at least two million tonnes as essential to avert a food crisis. Stakeholders demanded that any import policy be applied equally across flour mills and traders to prevent favouritism. KP's chief secretary noted the province had only 30,000 tonnes in stock and had sought 250,000 tonnes from Passco, while Sindh reported rising wheat prices and launched a crackdown on hoarders. Punjab claimed it had achieved its production target of 21.9 million tonnes but was criticised for restrictions that flour mills said were driving up national prices. The minister noted the market price had risen to PKR 4,400 against the government-fixed rate of PKR 3,500, and directed a follow-up meeting in 15 days. ("Wheat shortfall sparks import calls," The Express Tribune, 11 July 2026)
Privatisation Commission approves ADB as transaction adviser for Islamabad Airport outsourcing
On 10 July, Dawn reported that the Privatisation Commission Board approved a transaction advisory services agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the outsourcing of Islamabad International Airport operations under a long-term concession framework through competitive bidding, targeting completion within the current fiscal year. The ADB's appointment follows February negotiations and cabinet committee approval of revised contract terms. Separately, the process for hiring financial advisers for outsourcing Karachi and Lahore international airports will begin immediately after previous government-to-government discussions failed to progress, with both airports expected to attract over USD 500 million each in fresh investment. ("Privatisation Commission approves ADB's advisory role in outsourcing Islamabad Airport operations," Dawn, 10 July 2026)
Government raises petrol price by PKR 13.18 and diesel by PKR 13.80 per litre effective 11 July
On 10 July, Dawn reported that the government raised petrol prices by PKR 13.18 per litre to PKR 310.71 and high-speed diesel (HSD) by PKR 13.80 to PKR 323.30, effective 11 July. Both fuels remain well below their April 3 peaks of PKR 458.41 and PKR 520.35, respectively. Total taxes on HSD stand at around PKR 101 per litre and on petrol at PKR 95 per litre, including petroleum levy, customs duty, and the climate support levy doubled to PKR 5 per litre from 01 July under IMF conditions. ("Govt raises petrol price by Rs13.18, diesel by Rs13.80," Dawn, 10 July 2026)
PM Shehbaz reviews Access to Finance Plan, targets SME loan share rise from 7 to 10 per cent
On 11 July, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presided over a high-level meeting on Pakistan's Access to Finance Plan, directing banks to prioritise lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), agriculture, exports, renewable energy, housing, and IT. The plan targets increasing SME lending's share in total private-sector credit from 7 to 10 per cent over two years, and raising SME financing beneficiaries from 310,000 to 750,000. The PM will personally chair monthly review meetings to monitor implementation. Shehbaz also met two UN secretary-general candidates, Macky Sall and Rebeca Grynspan, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to multilateralism and effective implementation of UN Security Council resolutions. ("PM urges banks to prioritise lending to SMEs," Dawn, 11 July 2026)
SECURITY
KP: Police kill four terrorists in operation near Karak-Kohat border
On 10 July, Dawn reported on a joint intelligence-based operation by Karak and Kohat police killing four terrorists from the Commander Zahid Group near the Khattak Dam area on the Karak-Kohat border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Police said credible information was received about the group's presence in the area early in the morning, and during the operation, the terrorists opened fire first, prompting a retaliatory response. The group was reportedly involved in the killing of several police officers and personnel. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the police for the operation and said security forces were determined to wipe out terrorism from the country. ("4 terrorists killed in operation near Karak-Kohat border: police," Dawn, 10 July 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Quetta: Abducted tribesmen return; sit-in comes to an end
On 11 July, Dawn reported that protestors, who had staged a sit-in at Quetta Airport road, called off their sit-in after 11 kidnapped tribesmen were returned from captivity. The sit-in initially began after the killing of 5 tribesmen, the injuring of 8 and the kidnapping of 11 due to attacks from armed men in the Hann Urak Valley area. The bodies of 5 people were returned to their families for burial. It was reported that tribal and religious leaders played a crucial role in returning the abductees, all of whom had been recovered, according to the Balochistan Home Department. The chief minister further stated that any mistakes on the part of the government would be addressed, and that no effort would be spared to aid affected individuals. (“Quetta sit-in ends after abducted tribesmen return home,” Dawn, 11 July 2026)
TTAP demands resignation of Balochistan government, postponement of “AJK” elections
On 11 July, Dawn reported that the Tehreek-i-Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) had called for the ousting of Balochistan’s government, as well as the release of all political prisoners and the postponement of the “Azad Jammu and Kashmir” elections. The opposition alliance announced a nationwide protest starting on 05 August, marking 3 years since the imprisonment of Imran Khan. The TTAP President Mahmood Khan Achakzai criticised the government’s treatment of Imran Khan, citing that they were not affording him the rights provided to political prisoners as stipulated in Pakistan’s constitution. At the news conference where the criticism was levied, discussion of the security situation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa led Allama Raja Nasir Abbas to claim that the government had failed to protect people's lives and property. It was declared that there was to be a joint session of parliament to resolve the issues constitutionally. (“TTAP calls for Balochistan govt’s ouster, AJK poll delay,” Dawn, 11 July 2026)
PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Government to withdraw clauses from Provincial Assembly Act
On 10 July, Dawn reported that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had withdrawn clauses stipulated in the controversial KP Provincial Assembly Act, 2026, which granted blue passports to members and immediate family. The law had previously faced harsh criticism, resulting in the controversial clauses being “restored in accordance with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Powers, Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1988.” It was said that the provincial government would listen to the concerns of journalists and the general public alike, and that no law should become “a means of expanding privileges when the people of Pakistan, especially those in KP, were being asked to endure austerity and economic hardship”, and that Public money belonged to the people, not as perks for those who govern. (“KP govt decides to withdraw controversial clauses from law granting expanded privileges to lawmakers,” Dawn, 10 July 2026)
PAKISTAN AND THE US-IRAN WAR
PM Shehbaz urges restraint in calls with Iranian and Qatari leaders
On 11 July, The Express Tribune reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged restraint and renewed diplomatic engagement in separate telephone conversations with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian and Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. PM stressed that the latest tensions risked undermining the fragile gains achieved in recent weeks and stressed that all sides must honour commitments made under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the framework negotiated with Pakistan and Qatar's mediation to end months of conflict. Pakistan has positioned itself as a key intermediary in efforts to prevent a wider regional conflict, leveraging its close ties with both Tehran and Gulf Arab states while maintaining engagement with Washington. Islamabad have repeatedly warned that any renewed confrontation could not only destabilise the Middle East but also threaten global energy supplies and regional security. (“PM urges restraint in calls with Iran, Qatari leaders,” The Express Tribune, 11 July 2026)
Pakistan's UN Envoy highlights Iran Nuclear issue during UNSC briefing
On 11 July, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan's UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad voiced concern over rising regional tensions and called for renewed diplomacy to prevent further instability. He reaffirmed Pakistan's support for resolving the Iran nuclear issue through peaceful means and sustained negotiations. Pakistan urged Iran and the United States to remain committed to last month's framework peace deal, the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, warning that any disruption to the diplomatic process would further complicate efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue. (“Pakistan urges Iran, US at UNSC to stay committed to framework peace deal,” The Express Tribune, 11 July 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Karachi
Rafia Zakaria, “Tough living,” Dawn, 11 July 2026
"A city as big as Karachi cannot cease to exist, but it can be starved and throttled. That is the condition of the place today: a city of migrants, a city of hope, a city of survivors, limited in every way possible — its people deemed unworthy of glass trains and high-speed rails bestowed on luckier Pakistanis. And so it is that every morning, there are 22m people in Karachi wondering what it must be like to wake up in a city that does not fight them every hour of every day."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2014551/tough-living
Economy
Farooq Arby, “Growth & government,” Dawn, 11 July 2026
“Now that the budgets have been presented, the usual debates surrounding them are largely over, and the heated television talk shows have moved on to the next controversy, it is perhaps time to revisit some fundamental questions: What exactly is the role of government in economic growth? Which level of government is better placed to promote growth in Pakistan — the federal government or the provincial governments?"
https://www.dawn.com/news/2014552/growth-government
Politics & governance
M Zeb Khan, “Imran Khan and the discipline of leadership,” The Express Tribune, 11 July 2026
“Imran Khan remains one of the most compelling figures in Pakistan's contemporary story - a man who has occupied the national imagination as sports hero, philanthropist and political insurgent. His career has been punctuated by moments of extraordinary achievement and equally visible controversy. Yet beyond the familiar polarisation lies a more instructive analytical question: what does his journey reveal about the nature - and limits - of conviction-driven leadership in complex societies?"
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2617576/imran-khan-and-the-discipline-of-leadership
Society
Zeba Sathar, “Unlocking human development,” Dawn, 11 July 2026
“This year, there is much to celebrate on World Population Day (July 11). Population issues have finally risen to the top of the government’s agenda. The prime minister has announced the formation of a high-level National Population Council, which includes the defence chief and four chief ministers among others. The long-term goal of a supra-body focused on population and related human development, to be headed by the PM, has been realised. Given the relentlessly high population growth rates with their huge, documented human and financial costs, this announcement was long overdue. There are great expectations of the NPC."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2014554/unlocking-human-development
Terrorism
Imtiaz Gul, “Balochistan's faultlines and external exploiters,” The Express Tribune, 11 July 2026
“Between July 6-9, coordinated violent episodes shook Balochistan. Three major terrorist attacks against multiple targets in Ziarat, Bela-Winder, Chaghi, Khuzdar (resulting in nearly 100 deaths on both sides) and a sit-in on the outskirts of Quetta cannot be viewed as the work of a rag-tag army acting on its own. These strikes – a smaller version of Harof-1 (August 2024) and Harof-11 (January 2026) – betray a pattern growing in ferocity, hard to imagine without sustained planning, logistical coordination, and material resources."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2617578/balochistans-faultlines-and-external-exploiters
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