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In Focus
37 people killed in monsoon floods as heavy rain batters Pakistan
Floods, landslides and rising rivers damage homes and infrastructure across four provinces
On 23 July, Dawn reported that at least 37 people were killed in rain-related incidents as heavy monsoon rains triggered flash floods and landslides across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, “Gilgit-Baltistan” and “Azad Jammu and Kashmir”. The death toll reached 20 in KP and 17 in Punjab, while homes, roads, crops and livestock were damaged. Gujranwala recorded 245mm of rainfall, with Sialkot receiving 139mm and Lahore 123mm. Authorities warned that the current monsoon spell would continue in KP until 23 July, while rescue and relief operations remained underway.
Water levels in the Chenab River continued to rise after India increased releases upstream, pushing Marala and Khanki to medium flood levels and Qadirabad to low flood level, although Punjab’s disaster authority dismissed claims of an incoming 900,000-cusec flood wave. In “Gilgit-Baltistan”, cloudburst-induced floods and landslides damaged homes, farmland and infrastructure in Astore, closing the Astore Valley Road and stranding travellers. Authorities also warned of further flooding and possible glacial lake outburst floods as heavy rain and glacier melt continue through 26 July. (“Rains wreak havoc on KP, GB and Punjab as death toll rises to 37,” Dawn, 23 July 2026)
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Pakistan condemns Houthi maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia, warns of self-defence if Pakistani vessels are targeted
On 22 July, Dawn reported that Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) condemned the Houthis' announced maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia as a violation of international law, warning that any hostile act against Pakistani-flagged vessels or maritime interests would be regarded as a grave threat to national security and that Pakistan reserved the right to use lawful force in self-defence. The FO said threats against commercial shipping with Saudi Arabia were "unacceptable" and jeopardised global commerce and regional security. Islamabad reiterated its unwavering support for Saudi Arabia's security and sovereignty under the September 2025 Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, noting it had previously invoked the pact diplomatically to help deter Iranian strikes on the kingdom. The Houthi embargo announcement has already prompted several tankers to change course in the Red Sea, with Saudi crude exports having fallen to a record low of 3.434 million barrels per day in May amid the broader Hormuz closure. ("Islamabad condemns Houthis' threats to Riyadh, warns against targeting Pakistani maritime interests," Dawn, 22 July 2026)
Iranian interior minister visits Islamabad for bilateral talks on security, railways and disaster management
On 22 July, Dawn reported that Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni held talks with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, CDF Field Marshal Asim Munir, and PM Shehbaz Sharif during his official visit to Pakistan. Naqvi said Pakistan was "ready to increase cooperation with Iran in all fields" and praised Araghchi and Momeni for their peace efforts, expressing hope that "good news will come soon." Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, illegal immigration, and human trafficking, with particular emphasis on curbing drug smuggling and terrorism originating from the Afghan border. On railway cooperation, Abbasi confirmed ML-3 upgradation, a key Pakistan-Iran corridor, is expected to begin in the current fiscal year with completion by December 2029, while both sides discussed revival of the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul freight train service and declared Taftan a customs clearance station. The visit comes as Pakistan continues diplomatic efforts to preserve the Islamabad MoU framework following renewed US-Iran hostilities. ("Pakistan ready to extend cooperation with Iran in all fields, Naqvi tells Iranian counterpart," Dawn, 22 July 2026)
Pakistani and Egyptian foreign ministers reject Israeli settler violence in West Bank
On 23 July, The Express Tribune reported that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty exchanged views on the situation in Palestine, reiterating their rejection of violence against civilians and illegal settlement activities in the occupied West Bank. Both sides underscored the importance of de-escalation and dialogue, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, and discussed the broader implications of regional instability for global maritime trade, energy security, and the world economy. ("Pakistan, Egypt reject Israeli settlers violence," The Express Tribune, 23 July 2026)
Foreign Minister arrives in Manila for ASEAN Regional Forum, holds bilateral meetings with seven foreign ministers
On 22 July, Dawn reported that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Manila to attend the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting, where he is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with foreign ministers of the Philippines, Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn, in addition to the meetings with Kallas, Lavrov, Herath, and Rehman already reported. The forum will focus on regional security, maritime cooperation, and multilateral coordination. Dar is accompanied by senior Foreign Ministry officials. The Philippines' FM Enrique Manalo welcomed Dar and expressed interest in deepening bilateral economic and trade ties, particularly in agriculture, labour mobility, and cultural exchanges, while Dar conveyed Pakistan's aspiration to pursue a Preferential Trade Agreement with the Philippines. Separately, Dar met Australian FM Penny Wong, with both sides reaffirming commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, education, and people-to-people contacts, and expressing interest in expanding the legal pathways for Pakistani workers in Australia. ("Dar arrives in Manila to attend ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting," Dawn, 22 July 2026)
Foreign Minister pledges full GSP+ compliance and holds bilateral meetings with EU
On 23 July, The Express Tribune reported that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met EU High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to all international conventions underpinning the GSP+ framework and underscoring the importance of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan. The meeting followed the European Commission's recent report flagging GSP+ compliance failures. Dar also met Russian FM Sergey Lavrov, reaffirming bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, and connectivity and coordination at multilateral forums. Separately, he met Bangladesh FM Khalilur Rehman to review the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, and met Sri Lanka's FM Vijitha Herath, with both sides appreciating growing economic ties and the recent Pakistan cricket team visit to Sri Lanka. ("Pakistan pledges full GSP+ compliance," The Express Tribune, 23 July 2026)
Pakistan calls for Syrian-led transitional justice process, opposes externally imposed solutions
On 23 July, Dawn reported that Pakistan's UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, speaking at an Arria-Formula Meeting on Transitional Justice and Missing Persons in Syria, called for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transitional justice process, stressing that international support should only play a complementary role while fully respecting Syrian sovereignty. He welcomed the Syrian government's establishment of a National Commission for Transitional Justice and a National Commission for Missing Persons, and said transitional justice was essential for reconciliation, rebuilding social cohesion, and addressing the legitimate expectations of victims and their families. ("Pakistan opposes externally imposed solutions for Syria," Dawn, 23 July 2026)
US Treasury secretary welcomes Pakistan's economic reforms but silent on USD 10 billion stabilisation facility request
On 22 July, Dawn reported that US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in Washington, welcoming Pakistan's progress in macroeconomic stabilisation, fiscal consolidation, and return to international capital markets, and emphasising the importance of continued reforms and greater economic self-reliance. Aurangzeb highlighted Pakistan's journey from stabilisation to export-led growth and sought greater US support through improved capital market access, higher foreign exchange reserves, and enhanced sovereign credit ratings. The Treasury's statement made no mention of Pakistan's request for a USD 10 billion exchange stabilisation facility, which would provide loans or backstop arrangements through the Treasury's Exchange Stabilisation Fund to bolster reserves and ease debt pressures. ("US treasury secretary welcomes Pakistan's economic reforms, return to capital markets," Dawn, 22 July 2026)
ECONOMY
Pakistani exports to China surge by 50.7 per cent
On 23 July, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan's exports to China reached USD 1.874 billion in the first half of 2026. According to the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), the data reflects a substantial 50.7 per cent surge compared with exports of USD 1.244 billion recorded in the same period of 2025. In the month of March in 2026, the highest export value was recorded at USD 361.37 million, an 84.1 per cent year-on-year increase from USD 196.16 million in March 2025. Pakistani agro-industrial sectors, particularly sugar, bagasse and related agricultural products, anchored the export expansion. Exporters have significantly scaled up shipments of raw materials and intermediate products to Chinese mills, distilleries and manufacturing units. (“Exports to China soar over 50%,” The Express Tribune, 23 July 2026)
Federal government raises PKR 768 billion through treasury bill auction
On 23 July, Dawn reported that the federal government raised PKR 768 billion through the auction of Treasury bills. This reflects no change in the borrowing pattern from the previous fiscal year. The highest bids were received for one-month tenor, which totalled PKR 990.4 billion. This suggests that the market is not ready to take long-term risk. Banks offered PKR 540 billion bids for three-month and PKR 229.2 billion for the benchmark 6-month T-bills and PKR 338 billion for 12-month. The government picked up more from the non-competitive bids than bids offered by the banks. The government raised PKR 376 billion through competitive bids while it raised PKR 392.3 billion through non-competitive bids. The government raised PKR 333.8 billion for three-month; PKR 210 billion for six-month; PKR 179 billion for 12-month and PKR 44.6 billion for one-month papers. The total amount raised through the auction reached PKR 768.398 billion. The cut-off yields were 11.99 per cent for 12-month; 11.79 per cent for 6-month; 11.51 per cent for 3-month and 11.35 per cent for one-month T-bills. (“Govt raises Rs 768bn via treasury bills auction,” Dawn, 23 July 2026)
S&P upgrades Pakistan's long-term credit rating to B+
On 22 July, Dawn reported that S&P Global Ratings upgraded Pakistan’s long-term sovereign credit rating to ‘B’ from ‘B-’, citing an improving external position and gradual macroeconomic stabilisation. S&P kept Pakistan’s short-term credit rating steady at a ‘B’ while upgrading its transfer and convertibility rating to ‘B’ from a ‘B-’. The credit rating agency said the change in rating was based on its belief that the country had strengthened its institutional capacity, allowing it to implement reforms of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It noted that the institutional settings of Pakistan had strengthened over the last two years, in particular highlighting the passage of the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) USD 7 billion programme in September 2024 as “critical in restoring macroeconomic stability to the country and replenishing foreign reserves”. (“S&P Global Ratings upgrades Pakistan's sovereign credit rating to 'B',” Dawn, 22 July 2026)
Commerce minister invites Samsung to make Pakistan its manufacturing hub
On 23 July, Dawn reported that Pakistan has invited Samsung to set up the country as a regional hub for manufacturing, refurbishing, and exporting mobile phones. The invitation was extended during a meeting between Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and a delegation led by Samsung Pakistan’s Country Head. The minister assured the company of the government’s full support in facilitating investment aimed at boosting exports, increasing value addition, and expanding industrial production. The minister encouraged Samsung to look beyond Pakistan’s domestic market and export Pakistan-manufactured smartphones to emerging markets, particularly to Africa and other regions. The Samsung delegation briefed the commerce ministry on the progress of Pakistan’s mobile phone manufacturing sector and highlighted the company’s investment in local assembly. The delegation also expressed concerns over the commercial import of used mobile phones, stating that it undermines domestic manufacturing despite Pakistan having sufficient production capacity. (“Samsung invited to make Pakistan its export hub,” Dawn, 23 July 2026)
SECURITY
Balochistan: Curfew imposed in Mastung after bus attack kills three and bridge is blasted
On 23 July, Dawn reported that the Balochistan Home Department imposed an indefinite curfew in the Khud Kocha sub-tehsil of Mastung district after gunmen opened fire on a Karachi-bound passenger bus, killing three people and injuring five others. Armed men positioned on nearby mountains fired on the bus in the Garo area. In a separate incident the same night, terrorists planted explosives under a bridge on the Quetta-Karachi National Highway, damaging it and suspending traffic for several hours. Security forces launched search operations in the area after both incidents. ("Curfew imposed in Mastung’s Khud Kocha after bus attack, bridge blast," Dawn, 23 July 2026)
Bajaur: Militants blow up boys' school in War Mamund tehsil
On 22 July, Dawn reported that the terrorists destroyed a government boys' school in the Kharkai area of War Mamund tehsil in Bajaur district. Unidentified militants entered the school premises at night and planted multiple explosive devices inside the building, causing widespread damage. No casualties were reported as the building was empty at the time. A police team rushed to the scene to collect evidence and launched a search operation to trace those responsible. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Member of the Provincial Assembly Dr Hamidur Rehman condemned the attack, calling it an assault on the future of the area's children. ("School blown up in KP's Mamund," Dawn, 22 July 2026)
Balochistan: Security operations kill 10 terrorists and foil two female suicide bomber plots
On 22 July, Dawn reported that the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced that security forces killed 10 terrorists and apprehended two female suicide bombers along with their facilitator during operations in Balochistan's Surab and Mastung districts over 48 hours. Seven terrorists were killed in Surab and three in Mastung, where the suicide bombers and their facilitator were also arrested. The ISPR said the operations targeted terrorist networks in continuation of the Azm-e-Istehkam counterterrorism campaign. Weapons, ammunition and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered from those killed. ("10 terrorists killed, 2 female suicide bombers and their facilitator apprehended in Balochistan operations: ISPR," Dawn, 22 July 2026)
PM Shehbaz hails Pakistan's progress in indigenous autonomous defence capabilities
On 22 July, Dawn reported on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurating the two-day Indus Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Expo 2026 in Islamabad, describing Pakistan's progress in indigenous autonomous defence capabilities as an integral part of its national security. He highlighted that during the May 2025 conflict with India, the armed forces made effective use of advanced autonomous systems, including drones, which have achieved 60 per cent indigenisation. At the event, Prime Minister Shehbaz launched two initiatives: the Spark and Elevate Programme to commercialise research, and the Pakistan Venture Fund with an initial commitment of USD 20 million to support the technology ecosystem. ("Pakistan’s progress in indigenous autonomous capabilities an ‘integral part’ of national defence: PM Shehbaz," Dawn, 22 July 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Court dismisses PTI complaint over 2024 protest deaths
On 23 July, The Express Tribune reported that an Islamabad additional district and sessions court dismissed a private complaint filed by the PTI against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, senior ministers and police officials over the alleged killing of party workers during the 26 November 2024 D-Chowk protest. The court ruled that PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan repeatedly failed to record his statement or produce preliminary evidence despite multiple opportunities over the last 19 months. The judge also noted the absence of eyewitness testimony, postmortem reports, medico-legal records or forensic evidence to substantiate allegations. 12 people were killed and 38 injured during the protest crackdown. (“Court rejects PTI plea in Nov 26 case,” The Express Tribune, 23 July 2026)
Petrol pump owners association defers nationwide strike after talks
On 22 July, Dawn reported that the All Pakistan Petroleum Pump Owners Association (APPPOA) postponed its planned nationwide strike for two weeks after fresh negotiations with Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik. The government agreed to review the newly introduced daily fuel pricing mechanism and address dealers’ concerns, including a long-pending increase in dealer margins, within a fortnight. The APPPOA said the daily pricing system would operate on a trial basis during the review period. The government also announced that the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) would begin publishing daily fuel prices and pricing breakdowns to improve transparency. (“Petrol pump owners defer strike call after talks with petroleum minister,” Dawn, 22 July 2026)
HEALTH
94 children infected with HIV/AIDS in Karachi hospital outbreak
On 22 July, Dawn reported that 16 more children were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS at Karachi’s SESSI-run Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital, raising the total number of infected children to 94. During a hearing, the Sindh Ombudsman criticised the hospital’s response after families complained about inadequate treatment, medicine shortages and delays in medical support. The ombudsman ordered improved care, the creation of a help desk, deployment of specialist doctors, a comprehensive independent audit within two weeks, and compensation and rehabilitation measures for affected families, while expressing concern that financial and administrative shortcomings may have contributed to the outbreak. (“16 more children found infected with HIV at Karachi's Valika Hospital, ombudsman told,” Dawn, 22 July 2026)
SOCIETY
Over 1.2 million children enrolled in non-formal education centres, finds report
On 22 July, Dawn reported that Pakistan launched its Federal Non-Formal Education Strategy 2025 alongside the Annual Statistical Report 2024-25, with the government prioritising the reintegration of 25.3 million out-of-school children following the declaration of a “National Education Emergency”. Federal Secretary, Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Nadeem Mehboob said 30,543 non-formal education centres currently serve over 1.23 million children through 34,256 teachers, with girls accounting for 55 per cent of enrolment. The new strategy introduces pathways from primary to matriculation, including technical education programmes, while expanding digital monitoring and vocational training to improve educational access and support long-term economic development. (“Over 1.2m students enrolled in 30,543 non-formal education centres nationwide: report,” Dawn, 22 July 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
The Middle East
Editorial, “De-escalation efforts,” Dawn, 23 July 2026
"While the exchange of fire across the Gulf — and the wider Middle East — continues between the US and Iran, efforts are also underway to de-escalate matters and revive the ceasefire. An important development in this regard was the series of meetings between Iranian Interior Minister Eskander Momeni and Pakistan’s top civil and military officials on Tuesday."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2017707/de-escalation-efforts
Editorial, “Vibes for talks,” The Express Tribune, 23 July 2026
“The optimism exhibited by the warring sides pledging their faith in diplomacy offers a ray of hope in adversity. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's assertion that Washington is ready to talk things out with Tehran - provided the Islamic Republic gives up its nuclear obsession and refrains from exercising hegemony over the Strait of Hormuz - could be a solid beginning for a return to the negotiating table. Likewise, Supreme Leader Syed Mojtaba Khamenei's observation that a 'no war, no peace' status quo is unwarranted provides enough common ground for the adversaries to silence their guns and give diplomacy a chance. The prerequisite, nonetheless, as stated by Pakistan and Qatar, is to return to the July 6 modus operandi and allow the good offices of mediators to resume fence-mending exercises in the wider interest of peace and security."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2619685/vibes-for-talks
Politics & governance
Basil Nabi Malik, “Democratic disconnect,” Dawn, 23 July 2026
“Throughout our history, we have played around with varying notions of democracy, dictatorship, autocracy, and despotism, mixing and matching these formulas with presidential and parliamentary systems to create a much sought-after hybrid model. These models have wreaked chronic instability, often changing with a greater frequency than people tend to change their cars, houses and, in some cases, jobs. Ironically, amid these constant changes, instability has remained the only real constant underpinning Pakistan governance landscape."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2017712/democratic-disconnect
Economy
Khurram Zia Khan, “Exporting talent,” Dawn, 23 July 2026
“For decades, the world has linked rising population with pressure on resources. It is argued that food supplies will come under extreme strain if population growth is not controlled. As efforts to control population growth have borne fruit, many developed countries now have very low or even negative rates. Even India’s fertility rate has fallen below replacement level, although its population is still growing. Meanwhile, advances in medical science have increased life expectancy, leaving many countries with ageing populations."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2017708/exporting-talent
Provinces
Editorial, “Frozen Award,” Dawn, 22 July 2026
“KP’s petition before the Federal Constitutional Court, seeking Rs964bn as the province’s claimed share of tax revenues since the Fata merger in 2018, may well be a political move by the PTI-led government. Still, it raises larger constitutional and fiscal questions about Pakistan’s federal structure, a dysfunctional National Finance Commission and distribution of fiscal resources among the provinces."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2017458/frozen-award
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