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In Brief
EXTERNAL
Pakistan and Egypt explore cooperation to increase cotton yield and agricultural productivity
On 18 August, The Express Tribune reported that Federal Minister for National Food Security, Rana Tanveer, met with the Ambassador of Egypt to Pakistan, Dr Ihab Mohamed Abdelhamid Hassan, and sought Egypt's support and expertise to increase cotton yield and quality in Pakistan. At the meeting, Minister Tanveer noted Islamabad’s longstanding relationship with Cairo and appreciated Egypt's progress in modern agriculture.
He proposed cooperation between both countries via agricultural research institutions, exchange of experts, research collaboration, capacity building, joint trials, and sharing of best practices in cotton production and priority crops. Furthermore, he emphasised the need for cooperation in water-efficient irrigation, seed development, biotechnology, climate-smart agriculture, mechanisation, livestock, and horticulture. Ambassador Hassan reportedly expressed willingness to strengthen agricultural cooperation with Pakistan and stated that institutions from Egypt would be encouraged to explore areas of mutual interest. (“Govt seeks Egypt's help to boost cotton yield,” The Express Tribune, 18 August 2026)
Pakistan and Türkiye reaffirm commitment to diplomacy and regional stability
On 17 August, The Express Tribune reported that on a phone call between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Foreign Minister of Türkiye Hakan Fidan, both countries expressed commitment to strengthen cooperation on matters of mutual interest. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that on the call, Islamabad and Ankara also discussed recent regional developments. Additionally, the Ministry noted that both countries “agreed that dialogue and diplomacy remain the way forward to address regional challenges and promote peace and stability.” (“Turkish FM, Dar discuss regional developments,” The Express Tribune, 18 August 2026)
Pakistan begins presidency of UN Disarmament Conference
On 17 August, Dawn reported that Pakistan has assumed the presidency of the United Nations Conference on Disarmament. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) noted that the conference, which brings together 65 member countries, is to include issues such as the cessation of the nuclear arms race, the prevention of nuclear war, and the prevention of the weaponisation of outer space on its agenda. Moreover, MOFA spokesperson Tahir Andrabi will reportedly chair the committee meetings. “Pakistan’s assumption of the CD presidency at this critical juncture reaffirms the trust placed by the international community in Pakistan’s diplomatic leadership and its constructive role in multilateral arms control and disarmament diplomacy,” the FO said. (“Pakistan assumes presidency of UN disarmament conference: FO,” Dawn, 17 August 2026)
ECONOMY
Goods transporters’ strike drives up food prices
On 17 August, The Express Tribune reported that a strike by goods transporters disrupted supplies of essential perishables across the provincial metropolis. Consumers faced a widening gap between government-notified prices and actual retail rates, with a majority of vegetables, fruits, and poultry products remaining unavailable at the rates issued by the district administration. Despite the daily issuance of official rate lists and market monitoring, retailers continued to sell a large number of essential commodities at considerably higher prices. (“Rain transport strike raise food prices,” The Express Tribune, 17 August 2026)
Economists raise concerns over stabilisation measures
On 18 August, The Express Tribune reported that repeated economic stabilisation measures in Pakistan, including exchange-rate adjustments, privatisation, and liberalisation, have contributed to rising poverty. Lahore School of Economics (LSE) Rector, speaking at the inauguration of the 8th International Conference on Applied Development Economics (ADE) in Lahore, stated that Pakistan's economic policies are deeply shaped by national development concerns that necessitate high government spending. He added that state-led healthcare and social protection efforts illustrate the complex challenges and opportunities in strengthening public welfare systems, making scholarly research platforms vital for finding sustainable, inclusive development pathways. Additionally, an LSE Professor and Dean of the Economics Faculty highlighted that Pakistan's economic growth has increasingly reached a ceiling due to limited export performance. He noted that weak investment by local firms remains a central driver of this stagnation, driven primarily by information failures, credit constraints, and coordination failures that hinder domestic businesses from expanding and competing in international markets. (“Stabilisation policies driving poverty,” The Express Tribune, 18 August 2026)
State Bank injects PKR 11.6 trillion into banking system through reverse repo auction
On 18 August, The Express Tribune reported that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) injected approximately PKR 11.6 trillion into the banking system through a reverse repo auction conducted as part of its Open Market Operations. The central bank received total offers of PKR 11,777 billion and accepted PKR 11,613 billion across two tenors. In the four-day tenor, banks offered PKR 31 billion, all of which was accepted at a rate of 11.54 per cent after quotes ranged between 11.56 per cent and 11.54 per cent. For the 14-day tenor, offers totalled PKR 11,746 billion, of which PKR 11,583 billion was accepted at the cut-off rate of 11.51per cent. The bid range stood between 11.57 per cent and 11.51per cent. Of the amount tendered specifically at 11.51per cent, the SBP accepted PKR 5,484.15 billion on a pro rata basis. Meanwhile, in the local market, the price of gold per tola reached PKR 461,936 after a gain of PKR 2,000 during the day. Ten-gram gold was sold at PKR 396,035, up PKR 1,715, according to rates shared by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association. (“SBP injects Rs116tr into banking system,” The Express Tribune, 18 August 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Imran Khan's eyesight "almost" back to normal, Adiala Jail tells Supreme Court
On 17 August, Dawn reported that Adiala jail authorities told the Supreme Court that Imran Khan's eye condition, right central retinal vein occlusion, had improved significantly and his vision was now "almost normal," in a report filed a day ahead of the court hearing his plea to be treated at Shifa International Hospital; the jail's account said doctors checked on him three times daily and that he and Bushra Bibi had met weekly, 84 times in total, but annexures attached to the same report showed a medical board on 10 August recommending more time with family, newspapers, TV and a daily walk after Imran complained of high blood pressure, palpitations, headaches and stress he attributed to infrequent contact with his wife and lack of reading material. PTI seized on that gap, with Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan and KP CM Sohail Afridi calling the report "concerning" and noting no family, doctor or lawyer had seen Imran since 2 December, while party spokesman Sheikh Waqas Akram argued that if the facilities the jail claims to provide were really there, the medical board wouldn't have needed to recommend them, and repeated PTI's demand that Imran be moved to Shifa International under his own doctors. The issue also spilled into a heated Senate session, where opposition leader Raja Nasir Abbas proposed a parliamentary visit to assess Imran's condition, while PM aide Rana Sanaullah and Minister of State Talal Chaudhry dismissed the concerns, with Chaudhry saying, "the sympathy card is left." A three-judge Supreme Court bench led by Justice Shahid Wahid takes up the case on 18 August. ("Imran's vision 'almost normal' now, Adiala jail authorities tell Supreme Court," Dawn, 17 August 2026)
Government says "seriousness" is needed for opposition talks to progress
On 17 August, Dawn reported that Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry told the Senate the government's talks offer to the opposition remained on the table, saying "the solution lies in seriousness" and accusing the opposition of wanting to "derail the system" while refusing to commit to a time and venue; Senator Abdul Qadir separately urged both sides to sit down and agree on terms of reference. Later, PM's Adviser Rana Sanaullah, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Chaudhry met opposition leaders Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Raja Nasir Abbas to discuss the chief election commissioner's appointment and the broader political situation, agreeing to keep meeting; Chaudhry said Achakzai had written to the PM seeking a "constitutional consultative meeting" and expected a response within two days. The talks track has stalled for months over PTI's demand for a judicial commission into the 2023 and 2024 protests, a neutral venue, and conditions tied to Imran Khan's health and access, demands the party has repeated as recently as this month. ("'Solution lies in seriousness': Tariq Fazal Chaudhry tells opposition offer for talks still on table," Dawn, 17 August 2026)
SECURITY
Balochistan: Two terrorists killed in Kili Zaik IBO under "Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3"
On 17 August, The Express Tribune reported that security forces killed two terrorists and injured three others in an intelligence-based operation in the Kili Zaik area of Balochistan, approximately 12 kilometres north of Baseema Camp. The operation was carried out under the ongoing "Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3" campaign after security forces received credible intelligence about the terrorists' presence between Kili Zaik and Kaghli. One of those killed was identified as Mushtaq Ahmed alias Koh Yar. Weapons, ammunition, magazines, hand grenades, and improvised explosive device (IED) making materials were recovered from the scene. ("Six terrorists killed in separate IBOs in Balochistan," The Express Tribune, 17 August 2026)
ENERGY
Pakistan Petroleum Limited makes first-ever gas discovery from Jurassic formation in Sindh's Sujawal
On 17 August, Dawn reported that Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) announced a gas and condensate discovery from its Dolphin X-1 exploration well in the Sirani Block, Sujawal district, Sindh, the first-ever hydrocarbon discovery from the Jurassic-age Chiltan Formation in the Lower Indus Basin. The well was spudded on 17 April 2026 and drilled to a depth of 3,850 metres. During testing, it produced gas at a rate of 0.942 million standard cubic feet per day alongside condensate, opening what PPL described as a new exploration frontier in Pakistan's onshore marshy terrain with potential extensions into shallow offshore areas. PPL operates the Sirani Exploration License with a 75 per cent working interest, with Government Holdings (Private) Limited (GHPL) holding the remaining 25 per cent. ("Pakistan Petroleum Limited announces gas and condensate discovery in Sindh's Sujawal," Dawn, 17 August 2026)
Cnergyico ramps up US crude imports as Hormuz disruption exposes Gulf supply risk
On 17 August, Dawn reported that Cnergyico, Pakistan's largest refiner, was increasing its purchases of US crude oil after the Iran war disrupted Strait of Hormuz shipping routes, through which around 90 per cent of Pakistan's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports previously flowed. The company imported around 8.1 million barrels of US crude over nine months, including 7.1 million barrels worth approximately USD 750 million in the fiscal year ended June. Vice Chairman Usama Qureshi said the refiner could expand US purchases further if Pakistan's proposed Export-Import (Exim) Bank trade-finance facility, which would allow Pakistani buyers to defer payments to US exporters for up to three years, was extended to Cnergyico. Pakistan is also exploring Saudi crude imports via Yanbu on the Red Sea as an alternative route. ("Pakistan's largest refiner expands US crude imports amid Hormuz disruption," Dawn, 17 August 2026)
ON INDIA
Islamabad rejects India’s statement alleging arrests of Pakistan-linked terrorists
On 18 August, Dawn reported that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected India’s Home Minister’s “statement linking certain arrests in India to Pakistan. This comes after a post on X by India’s Home Minister, stating that New Delhi dismantled an allegedly Pakistan-backed terrorist group and arrested its operatives. The Ministry added that it “strongly rejects the allegations made by India’s home minister, attempting to link Pakistan with certain arrests in India” and that “Such propaganda is yet another demonstration of India’s malicious campaign against Pakistan.” Additionally, the Ministry alleged India’s involvement in terrorism in the country, with the arrest of India’s naval commander, Kulbhushan Jadhav, being “undeniable proof” of New Delhi’s involvement in Pakistan’s destabilisation. (“FO rejects Indian home minister's 'baseless assertions' linking arrests with Pakistan,” Dawn, 18 August 2026)
Pakistan criticises India’s claim for permanent UNSC seat
On 18 August, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, stated that India has “no credentials whatsoever” to claim a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Speaking on Pakistan TV Digital’s South Speaks, Ahmad said countries seeking permanent membership should be assessed based on their voting records, compliance with Security Council resolutions, and commitment to the UN Charter. Ahmad also reportedly warned that expanding permanent membership would increase possible deadlock through the addition of more veto-holding states. Additionally, he outlined an alternative, the Uniting for Consensus proposal, led by Pakistan and Italy, Canada, Turkey, South Korea, Mexico, and Argentina, calling for ten additional elected seats and a 25-member Council in which elected members would outnumber permanent members four to one. (“Pakistan rejects India's bid for permanent UNSC seat,” The Express Tribune, 18 August 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Politics & governance
Dr Niaz Murtaza, “Roots of collapse,” Dawn, 18 August 2026
"Our rulers rarely admit their misrule — denial and hype being their default modes. When they do speak the truth, a sceptical nation rightly suspects hidden scripts. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is right about the system’s collapse but wrong about its causes and cures. This mix of inconvenient truths and convenient untruths may be due to tussles in a hybrid set-up, with the more powerful element aiming to further tame the political side."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2023572/roots-of-collapse
Editorial, “Beyond managing decline,” The Express Tribune, 18 August 2026
“Every nation reaches defining moments when its greatest questions cease to be political and become institutional. Such moments compel societies to look beyond the urgency of the present and ask whether the institutions that carried them forward remain capable of securing their future. A nation's future is ultimately shaped by the institutions it builds. Pakistan has reached such a moment."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624424/beyond-managing-decline
Makkah Agreement
Shahid Javed Burki, “Understanding the alliance of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia & Turkey,” The Express Tribune, 18 August 2026
“Turkey and Pakistan have the largest armies in the Muslim world. Saudi Arabia has large reserves of oil which make it one of the world's richest countrires. Marrying mineral wealth with large militaries creates a formidable alliance that will dominate the geographic space in which the three countries are located."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624247/understanding-the-alliance-of-pakistan-saudi-arabia-turkey
PoK
Editorial, “An olive branch?” Dawn, 18 August 2026
“Now that the future of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir legislature appears a lot clearer, it seems a need is being felt to cool down the raised political temperatures between the two coalition partners at the centre. On Saturday, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, addressing a party convention in Murree, suggested that “political differences between rivals should never turn into animosity”."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2023569/an-olive-branch
Afghanistan
Editorial, “Taliban at five,” Dawn, 18 August 2026
“As the Taliban marked the fifth anniversary of their takeover of Afghanistan on Saturday, ordinary citizens — particularly the country’s women — had little to celebrate. Kabul’s relations with most of its neighbours are also strained, mainly because Afghanistan, under Taliban 2.0, remains a safe haven for some of the world’s deadliest terrorist groups that pose a direct threat to regional states, including Pakistan. While the widespread internal violence of the civil war years has decreased, stability and economic prosperity elude Afghanistan, because of the stubborn attitudes of its rulers. The Kabul regime has been recognised only by Russia; most of Afghanistan’s neighbours maintain de facto ties. The vast majority of the international community maintains very little formal contact with the regime."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2023570/taliban-at-five
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