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In Focus
Pakistan welcomes Kuwait’s ratification of defense cooperation deal
PM Shehbaz, CDF Munir and FM Dar meet Kuwaiti Foreign Minister in Islamabad; reaffirm solidarity and commitment to regional peace
On 29 July, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan welcomed Kuwait's ratification of the Pakistan-Kuwait Defence Cooperation Agreement, describing it as a major step in strengthening defence and security ties between the two countries. The announcement came during the two-day visit of Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir in Islamabad.
Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) said the agreement would deepen institutional cooperation between the two militaries through military training, joint exercises, exchanges of expertise, and other collaborative activities. Officials said both countries would work closely to implement the pact, which they described as reflecting their shared commitment to expanding defence cooperation and contributing to regional peace and security.
The agreement was originally signed in June 2023 and formally ratified by Kuwait in July 2026 after being approved by the country's authorities. It establishes a framework for long-term military cooperation, including defence education, logistics, intelligence sharing, defence technology, research, and regular exchanges between the armed forces. It also creates a joint military committee to oversee implementation and is expected to remain in force for five years, with automatic renewal unless either side decides to terminate it. (“Pakistan welcomes Kuwait's recent ratification of 2023 pact to expand defence cooperation,” Dawn, 29 July 2026; “Pakistan welcomes Kuwait's ratification of 2023 defence cooperation agreement,” The Express Tribune, 29 July 2026)
89 per cent of Pakistanis trapped in extreme heat with limited access to cooling, study finds
More than 150,000 excess deaths projected in Pakistan by 2050 due to combination of extreme temperatures and low air conditioning coverage
On 29 July, Dawn reported that a Climate Impact Lab study found 89 per cent of Pakistan's population could be trapped in a "mortality-cooling trap" by 2050, where extreme heat and limited access to air conditioning significantly increase the risk of death. The study estimates Pakistan could record more than 150,000 additional temperature-related deaths annually by mid-century, contributing to an estimated 377,000 extra deaths each year across 18 low- and lower-middle-income countries, while projecting 57 additional deaths per 100,000 people in affected areas.
Researchers said the rising death toll would be driven less by electricity shortages and more by the affordability of cooling, with many households unable to pay for air conditioners or rising power costs. The study recommends expanding affordable electricity access, strengthening power infrastructure, implementing heat action plans and early warning systems, improving urban cooling measures, and increasing public access to cooling facilities. Experts stressed that the projections are not inevitable and could be reduced through targeted climate adaptation and energy policy reforms. (“Lack of access to cooling to amplify heat deaths in Pakistan,” Dawn, 29 July 2026)
Read the report:
"Adaptation Roadmap: Energy - Measuring the impact of rising temperatures on energy consumption to target adaptation planning," Climate Impact Lab, 27 July 2026
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Pakistan, Egypt condemn Israeli military actions in Gaza and occupied West Bank
On 30 July, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan and Egypt condemned continued Israeli military actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, including escalating attacks and repeated violations at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, during a phone call between Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty, who called for an immediate end to hostilities, unhindered humanitarian access and discussed Jordan's proposal to convene an Arab-Islamic coordination meeting on Palestine. The statement came as fresh Israeli strikes killed three Palestinians and injured 20 others across Gaza despite the ceasefire, part of a wider toll of 1,209 Palestinians killed and 3,943 injured since 10 October 2025, while Israeli raids also continued across the occupied West Bank, where at least 1,182 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023. ("Pakistan, Egypt condemn Israeli military actions in Gaza, occupied West Bank," The Express Tribune, 30 July 2026)
Pakistan and World Food Programme agree to enhance food security cooperation
On 29 July, Dawn reported that Pakistan and the UN World Food Programme agreed to strengthen cooperation on national food security policy and nutrition, following a meeting between Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and WFP country director Anita Hirsch, with both sides agreeing to collaborate on post-harvest management, grain storage, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, food fortification, and digital solutions for resilient food systems. Hussain sought WFP's technical assistance in shaping Pakistan's upcoming National Food Security Policy and acknowledged the agency's support through the Benazir Nashonuma Programme, while Hirsch pledged full technical support for the policy formulation process. ("Pakistan, World Food Programme agree to enhance food security cooperation," Dawn, 29 July 2026)
CDF Munir and Kuwait FM discuss regional security and bilateral cooperation
On 29 July, Dawn reported that Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir met visiting Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in Rawalpindi to discuss regional security and steps to strengthen bilateral ties, reiterating Pakistan's commitment to a "common vision for regional peace and prosperity"; PM Shehbaz Sharif and DPM/FM Ishaq Dar separately held talks with the Kuwaiti minister on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, agriculture, IT and defence, with Shehbaz condemning attacks on Kuwait and other Gulf states during the Middle East conflict and reiterating his invitation to Kuwait's Crown Prince to visit Pakistan. The visit comes as Pakistan is reported to be negotiating an expanded defence pact with Kuwait in exchange for energy cooperation and investment. ("CDF Munir, Kuwait FM discuss regional security and steps to boost bilateral cooperation," Dawn, 29 July 2026)
ECONOMY
Government hints at new power tariff package as electricity demand falls
On 30 July, Dawn reported that the government indicated it is working on a new power tariff package to address time-of-use rates, captive power plants and battery storage systems, as electricity demand fell around 3.3 per cent year-on-year in June, while seeking Rs1.20 per unit in additional fuel cost from consumers to recover Rs15.7 billion in August billing; at a Nepra public hearing, regulator member Maqsood Anwar Khan criticised excessive revenue-based loadshedding and said reported efficiency gains stemmed from shutdowns rather than tackling theft, while industrial consumers raised concerns over reactor problems at three nuclear plants, though officials said availability remained around 94 per cent, within contractual limits. ("Govt hints at new power tariff package as demand falls," Dawn, 30 July 2026)
Saudi Arabia rolls over USD 5 billion debt as Pakistan's external financing needs fall to USD 21.5 billion
On 30 July, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan's external sector pressure has eased after Saudi Arabia rolled over a USD 5 billion cash deposit for three years, until December 2028, alongside USD 9 billion in central bank forex purchases from the local market last fiscal year, bringing gross external financing requirements down to USD 21.5 billion for this fiscal year, State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad said; a further USD 3 billion Saudi deposit that matured this month was also rolled over, while China is expected to refinance a USD 1.3 billion commercial loan just repaid, which had pulled reserves down to USD 17.3 billion as of 17 July. Ahmad said the IMF's USD 30 billion financing projection for next fiscal year was likely overstated given government efforts to reduce requirements further, and that reserves are targeted to rise to USD 20.20 billion by the end of December 2026. ("Saudi Arabia rolls over $5b debt," The Express Tribune, 30 July 2026)
Single digital ID for all public services on the cards, says PM Shehbaz
On 29 July, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, chairing a review of the national integrated digital policy framework, said the vision would let citizens access all public facilities, including document verification, banking and health services, under a single digital ID, with implementation prioritised first in health, agriculture, utilities, housing and SMEs; a National Digital Commission meeting is expected soon to brief provinces, and he directed that the newly inaugurated Sky47 data centre be made available to all federal institutions to avoid duplicate infrastructure. The meeting, attended by senior ministers including Aurangzeb, Ahsan Iqbal, and Shaza Fatima Khawaja, came weeks after Pakistan joined the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation and PM Shehbaz's earlier pledge of USD 1 billion in AI investment by 2030. ("Govt aims to provide citizens access to all public facilities under single digital ID: PM Shehbaz," Dawn, 29 July 2026)
SECURITY
KP & Balochistan: Security forces kill 32 terrorists in intelligence-based operations
On 29 July, Dawn reported that security forces killed 32 terrorists during joint intelligence-based operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan over 24 hours, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). In KP, 24 terrorists were killed during multiple operations in Khyber district on 28 and 29 July, while eight more were killed in Nushki, Balochistan. Weapons, ammunition, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered and destroyed during the operations, which were conducted in continuation of the "Azm-e-Istehkam" counterterrorism campaign. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi commended the security forces, saying their successes in establishing peace in KP and Balochistan were commendable. ("Security forces kill 32 terrorists during operations in KP, Balochistan: ISPR," Dawn, 29 July 2026)
KP: DSP among four police killed in Hangu checkpost attack; Swat operation kills six terrorists
On 30 July, The Express Tribune reported that four police personnel, including Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Diyar Khan, were killed after terrorists attacked the Khazeena Banda police checkpost in Hangu district. Eight terrorists were killed in the retaliatory exchange of fire, with the District Police Officer's vehicle also coming under attack, though he escaped unhurt. In a separate operation in Swat, one police constable and four Village Defence Committee (VDC) members were killed while six terrorists were killed during a joint strike by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and KP Police against militant hideouts in the Shalkho Sar area. ("DSP among 4 cops martyred in terror attack on police checkpost in K-P's Hangu," The Express Tribune, 30 July 2026)
Balochistan: DSP killed in Barkhan ambush; 11 workers abducted in Kech and Khuzdar
On 29 July, Dawn reported that a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) was killed and a constable wounded after armed men ambushed their patrol vehicle on the Barkhan-Rakhni Road in Balochistan, blocking the road and opening fire before attempting to kidnap the officers. Security forces launched a search operation in the area. In two separate incidents, 11 workers engaged in development projects were kidnapped in Kech and Khuzdar districts, with one of the labourers from Kech subsequently killed and his body recovered near the abduction site. ("DSP martyred in Barkhan; workers abducted in Kech, Khuzdar," Dawn, 29 July 2026)
South Waziristan: Cleric killed in quadcopter strike near mosque
On 29 July, Dawn reported that a local cleric was killed and two other people were injured in a suspected quadcopter strike near a mosque in the Landi Doag area of Birmal tehsil in Lower South Waziristan. The slain cleric, Maulana Amanullah, 34, succumbed to his wounds at the District Headquarters Hospital in Wana. Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl's (JUI-F) Lower South Waziristan chapter condemned the attack and called for a transparent investigation, while Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Member of the National Assembly Zubair Wazir said the region had been plunged into fear and uncertainty by continued insecurity and violence. ("Cleric killed, 2 injured in quadcopter strike in South Waziristan," Dawn, 29 July 2026)
SOCIETY
Population could hit 400 million by 2040, warns State Minister for Health
On 30 July, Dawn reported that during a ceremony at the Basic Health Unit (BHU) in Tarlai, the Minister of State for Health, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, warned that Pakistan’s population could reach 400 million by 2040, stressing that public awareness and individual responsibility were essential to address the country’s rapid population growth. He further stated that effective measures for maternal and child healthcare and family planning had become an urgent national priority. He l also highlighted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had constituted a national council to curb population growth and strengthen policy interventions in the sector. He observed that the limited use of safe and effective family planning methods contributed to unintended pregnancies, which in turn increased the incidence of unsafe abortions, posing serious risks to women’s health and placing additional pressure on the country’s healthcare system. In his concluding remarks, Dr Bharath urged all Pakistanis to adopt family planning responsibly and with greater awareness, keeping in view the brighter future of coming generations. (“'Pakistan's population can reach 400 million by 2040',” Dawn, 30 July 2026)
ENVIRONMENT
Punjab: 22 areas in Multan district submerged by Chenab waters
On 30 July, Dawn reported that 22 mouzas (revenue estates) in the Multan district of Punjab have been submerged under three to four feet of floodwater from the River Chenab. According to the district administration’s latest flood situation report, the district has 545 mouzas, of which 138 are flood-prone. Advancing floodwater drove thousands of people to relocate with their cattle to safer areas, while cotton, fodder, and other standing crops were submerged, causing substantial agricultural losses. Separately, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said a low-level flood continued at Kalabagh and Taunsa on the Indus River, while water flows in all other major rivers remained within normal limits. The PDMA warned that forecast rainfall in the upper catchment areas could increase flows in the eastern rivers and adjoining nullahs, raising the risk of flash floods. (“22 areas in Punjab's Multan district partially submerged under floodwaters,” Dawn, 30 July 2026)
AF-PAK
135 Pakistani medical students stranded in Afghanistan return home
On 29 July, Dawn reported that 135 Pakistani medical students, most from Upper and Lower Dir districts, were returning home after being stranded in Afghanistan for nearly nine months. The students, enrolled in various Afghan universities, crossed into Pakistan through the Torkham border crossing with the assistance of Pakistan's Consul General in Jalalabad, Shafqat Ullah, and Afghanistan's Ministry of Interior, which granted the necessary travel permissions. The latest repatriation followed an earlier batch of 68 students who returned through Torkham on 11 July. Over 1,000 Pakistani students remain enrolled in Afghan medical colleges and wish to return during the vacation period. ("135 medical students return from Afghanistan," Dawn, 29 July 2026)
POK
Amnesty and Human Rights Commission call for independent investigation into Rawalakot violence
On 29 July, Dawn reported that the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and Amnesty International called for independent investigations into reported deaths and injuries during clashes between protesters and security forces in Rawalakot and Mirpur amid ongoing unrest in “Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)”. The rights groups urged authorities to exercise restraint, protect the rights to life and peaceful assembly, and restore internet and mobile services, arguing that the communications blackout hindered independent verification of events. The calls came as protests led by the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) continued over demands to abolish 12 reserved legislative seats. (“HRCP, Amnesty call for 'prompt, independent' probe into Rawalakot unrest,” Dawn, 29 July 2026)
“AJK” police accuse JAAC of attacks that killed 26 security personnel
On 29 July, Dawn reported that “Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)” Police accused the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of deliberately targeting security personnel during recent unrest, claiming that 26 law enforcement officers had been killed, 157 seriously injured, and 629 sustained minor injuries in 2026. Police officials alleged the group used sophisticated weapons, including sniper rifles and an automatic American-made firearm recovered during operations, and described the organisation as pursuing an anti-state agenda. (“AJK police accuse JAAC of targeting LEAs, say 26 personnel martyred this year,” Dawn, 29 July 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Security
Raashid Wali Janjua, “The Baloch question,” The Express Tribune, 29 July 2026
"It is a moot point now whether it is the unameliorated socio-economic conditions or the unassuaged psycho-social grievances that are the cause of the present unrest in Balochistan. The aetiology of the sixth uprising in Balochistan features longstanding grievance narrative and a persistent governance deficit in the restive province. The diurnal attacks by the BLA terrorists and their ilk cause national headlines despite the valiant pushback by the LEAs. What ails the province and what sustains this implacable wave of terrorism needs an honest introspection on the part of the state as well as the scholars."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2620805/the-baloch-question
Pakistan-occupied Kashmir
Editorial, “AJK elections,” Dawn, 29 July 2026
“Considering the political unrest that has rocked Azad Jammu and Kashmir in the recent past, free and fair general elections are essential to finding a democratic solution to AJK’s issues. Which is why the current three-phase exercise, which began on Monday with votes being cast in Mirpur division, should be conducted with absolute integrity — and without any phase of the electoral process influencing the outcome of the next."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2018921/water-policy
External
Editorial, “A water security policy,” The Express Tribune, 29 July 2026
“Pakistan is trapped in an abusive relationship with the monsoon season, as the same rains that are crucial for farmers are death-bringers for people in flood-sensitive areas. The numbers are staggering: the 2022 floods submerged one-third of the country, affected 33 million people and caused over $30 billion in damages. The 2025 floods claimed 1,039 lives, displaced more than four million people and inflicted billions more in economic losses. We have also seen crippling floods this year, though fortunately not on the same scale. Still, many of these disasters could have been mitigated, or even largely avoided, if we had a comprehensive national water security policy."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2620801/a-water-security-policy
Society
Dur e Sameen Akhund, “Invisible women,” Dawn, 29 July 2026
“Pakistan's export economy runs on women’s work. Walk through a stitching unit in Faisalabad or a cotton field in southern Punjab and this is obvious. Yet open the audit reports, supplier scorecards and compliance files that govern access to our largest export markets and the women largely disappear: present in the aggregate headcount, absent from the wage data, the grievance logs, the risk assessments. For decades this invisibility was commercially convenient. It is now becoming a commercial liability."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2019175/invisible-women
Society
Zafar Masud, “Beyond arithmetic,” Dawn, 29 July 2026
“The fiscal year that just ended has brought real GDP growth of 3.7 per cent — the fastest in four years. Yet ask the median household and the answer will not match the national accounts. Both are telling the truth. The distance between them is the most consequential number in Pakistani economic policy — and we do not officially measure it."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2019177/beyond-arithmetic
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