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In Brief
AF-PAK
Pakistan conducts calibrated air strikes against terrorist hideouts across Afghanistan, kills 22 militants
On 01 October, Dawn reported that the Information Ministry announced well-planned and calibrated aerial strikes against terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan as part of “Operation Ghazab lil Haq”. Pakistani forces targeted camps and hideouts belonging to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Fitna al Hindustan affiliates at two locations. Initial reports indicated 22 terrorists were killed, and large quantities of weapons and ammunition stored at these hideouts were destroyed with precision. The ministry said strikes were based on credible intelligence and maximum precautions were taken to ensure no collateral damage. The ministry expressed concern that Afghanistan continues to remain a terrorism hub, stating the threat to Pakistan emanates from across the border. Whilst emphasising commitment to regional peace and stability, Islamabad stressed that citizen safety remains its foremost priority. The statement affirmed that Operation Ghazab lil Haq will continue at full pace to eliminate foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country, reflecting Pakistan's ongoing counter-terrorism campaign against terrorist networks based in Afghanistan. ("'Calibrated' air strikes carried out at 2 locations against terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan: info ministry," Dawn, 01 October 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Federal government considering emergency in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, says minister
On 30 September, Dawn reported that Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the federal government was “seriously considering” imposing an emergency in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa under Article 232, citing the province’s worsening security situation and terrorism. The move is also being discussed amid PTI’s planned 04 October march on Islamabad, with the government having warned of an emergency or governor’s rule if the protest proceeds. PPP Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bukhari said the party would give its views according to the Constitution and law if consulted, while PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan opposed the proposal and said emergency rule was “not the solution to the long march”. (“Minister says federal govt 'seriously considering' imposition of emergency in KP,” Dawn, 30 September 2026)
FPCCI calls for lower power tariffs to boost Pakistan’s economy
On 30 September, Dawn reported that Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) leaders called for power tariffs to be brought in line with regional rates to improve Pakistan’s economic competitiveness. FPCCI Patron-in-Chief S.M. Tanvir said electricity costs had fallen from 17 cents to 12 cents per unit but needed to reach around seven cents, while also criticising high taxation, interest rates and what he described as coercive FBR measures against businesses. FPCCI President Atif Ikram pledged to address business concerns and explore cargo services for Hyderabad. Business leaders also called for more special economic zones and improved infrastructure in Hyderabad’s SITE industrial area, which they said could generate greater revenues with upgrades. (“FPCCI slams govt’s ‘coercive actions’ against industrialists,” Dawn, 30 September 2026)
ECONOMY
Public debt surges 76 per cent to reach PKR 28.6 trillion
On 30 September, Dawn reported that total public debt surged 76 per cent since June 2022 and gross financing needs (GFNs) reached PKR 28.65 trillion for the current fiscal year. Furthermore, the government announced plans to borrow an additional PKR 6.86 trillion to finance the budget deficit. As per the Ministry of Finance's Annual Borrowing Plan 2027, total public debt was recorded at PKR 86.7 trillion at the end of June 2026, up from PKR 49.3 trillion at the end of June 2022, a 76 per cent increase over four years. The net additional debt this year would comprise PKR 6.046 trillion of domestic borrowing and PKR 813 billion in external borrowing. The total federal fiscal deficit is projected at PKR 7.020 trillion, and after adding domestic and external maturities, total GFNs are projected at PKR 28.647 trillion, approximately 20 per cent of GDP for FY27. (“Public debt surges 76pc to Rs86.7tr in four years,” Dawn, 30 September 2026)
General public to be allowed to trade government securities on stock market
On 30 September, Dawn reported that the government agreed to allow the general public to trade government securities, including treasury bills and bonds, through the stock market as part of efforts to improve compliance under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. The announcement of a strategic action plan for development of the Local Currency Bond Market (LCBM) followed a customary kick-off meeting between the Finance Minister and an IMF staff mission led by Iva Petrova. On the successful conclusion of the talks, Pakistan would be entitled to disbursement of about USD 1.2 billion under the two programmes, USD 1 billion under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and USD 200 million under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), by the end of October or early November. However, the country may require waivers from the IMF executive board for slippages on structural benchmarks. (“IMF-linked plan to boost local currency bond market unveiled,” Dawn, 30 September 2026)
Electricity consumers to spend additional PKR 25 billion due to rising fuel costs
On 30 September, Dawn reported that the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) decided to review the incremental tariff package for industry introduced in December last year, as the government sought to charge consumers an additional PKR 25 billion for fuel costs in the October bills. The chief executive officer of Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA), Rehan Akhtar, said the major reason for the PKR 1.73 per unit additional fuel cost in August was the expensive RLNG and coal imports and lower-than-estimated availability of cheaper hydropower and nuclear facilities. He said hydropower was originally targeted at about 41 per cent of total power generation, but it was slightly below at 38 per cent, while the nuclear power share was estimated at 16.4 per cent, which turned out to be 10 per cent due to Karachi nuclear’s outage. As a result, the share of imported coal-based generation increased to 15.6 per cent instead of the originally planned 7.4 per cent. (“Electricity users face Rs25bn extra fuel cost,” Dawn, 30 September 2026)
LPG price jumps by PKR 244.14 ahead of winter
On 01 October, Dawn reported that the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) notified an eight per cent increase in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), raising the cost of the 11.8kg domestic cylinder by PKR 244.14 for October following a surge in the global market. OGRA set the price of LPG at PKR 279.34 per kg for October, up from PKR 258.64 per kg in September, an increase of about PKR 21 per kg. As such, the price of the 11.8kg domestic cylinder was set at PKR 3,296.23 for October, against PKR 3,052.09 in September. (“LPG gets 8pc costlier ahead of winter,” Dawn, 01 October 2026)
EXTERNAL
Defence Minister says Pakistan will defend Saudi Arabia against "aggression" by the Houthis
On 30 September, Dawn reported that Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told Al Jazeera that Pakistan would help defend Saudi Arabia against any threat, "whether it is coming from the Houthis or a country or any other outfit," saying Pakistan is "bound by an arrangement", meaning "whatever means are available at our disposal, they will be available to Saudi Arabia also," an apparent reference to the September 2025 Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement under which an attack on either country is treated as aggression against both. The remarks come amid renewed Houthi-Saudi fighting, with Asif stating there was "absolutely no doubt" the Houthis were committing aggression against Riyadh and that Iran was not accepting them as its proxy, calling some of Tehran's proxies "rogue"; the comments follow ISPR's 18 September statement that Pakistan would go to "any extent" to defend Saudi Arabia and a meeting of Makkah Defence Alliance military chiefs in Riyadh last week, where Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye vowed to swiftly translate their pact's commitments into "effective military cooperation." ("Pakistan will be there to defend Saudi Arabia in any conflict: Khawaja Asif," Dawn, 30 September 2026)
UN experts demand release of lawyer couple Imaan and Hadi
On 30 September, Dawn reported that UN experts, led by the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, called for the immediate release of lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha and the dropping of "unfounded criminal and terrorism charges" against them, after the Supreme Court suspended their 17-year PECA sentences and granted bail on 17 September only for the couple to be re-arrested hours later on terrorism charges tied to an older case; the experts said invoking that case immediately after bail "appears to be an attempt to use the criminal justice system as punishment for freedom of expression and human rights advocacy," describing proceedings against the couple since January as seemingly "intended to punish and intimidate these lawyers" and send a "chilling message" to the profession. They condemned the use of "vague and overbroad" counter-terrorism provisions against the pair and said international standards require governments to protect lawyers from intimidation and improper prosecution, calling for the couple to have proper access to legal counsel, family and medical care. ("UN experts call for immediate release of Imaan and Hadi, dropping 'unfounded charges' against the couple," Dawn, 30 September 2026)
SECURITY
Pakistani special forces join five-nation training exercise in Uzbekistan
On 30 September, Dawn reported that Pakistani special forces took part in the multinational exercise Eternal Brotherhood-5, held in Uzbekistan from 13-25 September alongside Turkiye, Azerbaijan and host Uzbekistan, with Kazakhstan attending as an observer, aimed at building cooperation, communication and professional capabilities among participating special forces and exchanging experience on modern combat strategies; state media described it as reflecting growing defence cooperation and mutual trust among the countries involved. The exercise follows a string of similar engagements, including Pakistan-Egypt counter-terrorism drills in April, the 13th Pakistan-US joint exercise in January, and Pakistan-Kazakhstan training last October, alongside last month's agreement by Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia to set up a joint military training mechanism under their trilateral defence pact. ("Pakistani special forces participate in joint training exercise Eternal Brotherhood-5," Dawn, 30 September 2026)
KP: Militants release 13 Bannu hostages after elders negotiate their freedom
On 30 September, Dawn reported that militants freed 13 hostages held since Friday in Bannu's mountainous Hathikhel area after negotiations with local elders, with a video showing the released villagers alongside local TTP commander Nasir alias Gidarh, who urged elders not to get involved in the ongoing fighting; the hostages had been detained while relocating to safer areas amid continuing tensions between militants, police and a local peace committee, with sources earlier alleging militants had restricted residents from leaving and demolished some houses over non-compliance, even as a separate armed group in the area has taken up resistance against the militants and refuses to negotiate. Separately, a joint police and security operation in Bannu's Talgi area detained eight suspects and seized a Kalashnikov and two pistols after destroying militant hideouts with drone and armoured vehicle support. ("Terrorists free 13 hostages after talks in Bannu," Dawn, 30 September 2026)
KP: Three militants killed in Mir Ali as attempt to intercept ration truck thwarted
On 30 September, Dawn reported that security forces killed three Fitna al Khawarij militants in an intelligence-based operation targeting hideouts in North Waziristan's Mir Ali area, recovering a large quantity of weapons and ammunition, while also foiling a militant attempt to intercept a ration truck near Mir Ali Bazaar; President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Shehbaz Sharif both praised the operation, part of the Azm-e-Istehkam campaign. The action follows a run of recent KP operations, including five militants killed in Bara a day earlier and four in Dera Ismail Khan on Monday, as PICSS data shows KP terrorist attacks (excluding merged districts) rose 50 per cent to 54 in August from 36 in July, against a backdrop that also includes last week's suicide bombing at a DI Khan police checkpost that killed a dozen people and the 18 September Kohat Police Lines attack that killed 23. ("3 terrorists killed in IBO in KP's Mir Ali: state media," Dawn, 30 September 2026)
SOCIETY
Lahore schedules 10-day Basant festival from 29 January to 07 February next year
On 30 September, Dawn reported that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved a 10-day Basant celebration schedule for Lahore, running from 29 January to 07 February 2027, with a one-day suspension on 05 February to observe Kashmir Day. The extended festival represents a significant expansion from this year's three-day celebration held in February, which occurred after an 18-year suspension. The festival was originally banned in 2007 following rising deaths and serious injuries from sharp strings used in kite-flying, particularly affecting motorcyclists and pillion riders, alongside celebratory gunfire incidents. Nawaz directed authorities to implement stricter safety arrangements than the previous year, emphasising that Basant's promotion of Punjab's cultural heritage must not compromise public safety. The Chief Minister appealed to citizens to celebrate responsibly and called on relevant departments to begin preparations well in advance. She stressed that adherence to safety regulations and responsible behaviour would determine the event's success, adding that Lahore's cultural identity and traditions must be promoted whilst ensuring celebrations remain secure and convenient for residents and visitors. ("Lahore to celebrate 10-day Basant festival from Jan 29 to Feb 7 next year," Dawn, 30 September 2026)
ON INDIA
United States confirms no policy shift on Kashmir, cites Trump's offer to facilitate resolution
On 30 September, Dawn reported that the United States assured Pakistan that its position on Kashmir remains unchanged, regarding the territory as a disputed region requiring bilateral settlement between Islamabad and New Delhi. The assurance followed remarks by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who described Jammu and Kashmir as "an important part of India" during a 19 August visit to Srinagar. Pakistani diplomatic sources confirmed Islamabad had sought clarification on whether Gor's remarks signalled policy alteration. US officials told Pakistani interlocutors there had been "no change in our position", and sources pointed to President Donald Trump's previous offer to mediate the Kashmir dispute as reflecting Washington's view that the issue remains unresolved. Pakistan subsequently protested Gor's comments and summoned the US chargé d'affaires. Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon reaffirmed Pakistan's support for Kashmiri people's right to self-determination under UN Security Council resolutions. Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh emphasised Kashmir's status within international and UN frameworks, stressing that its peaceful resolution was essential to regional and broader international peace and stability. ("No change in Kashmir policy, US assures Islamabad," Dawn, 30 September 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Terrorism
Editorial, “And now DI Khan,” The Express Tribune, 28 September 2026
"The terror nexus is currently focusing on three distinct targets: security personnel, police and civilians. By attacking these groups, disgruntled elements intend to bleed Pakistan while trying to project a narrative of state failure. This systematic pattern proves the violence is not driven by local grievances, but is rather a foreign plot to weaken the country. It's no secret that there are troublesome districts that harbour active sleeper cells linked with local abettors and opportunists. This warrants a foolproof domestic counter-terrorism strategy combined with tactful diplomacy to expose their international patrons."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631730/and-now-di-khan
Politics & governance
Editorial, “Time to pursue a thaw,” The Express Tribune, 27 September 2026
“The PTI's decision to delay its long march is a welcome development that could help defuse the prevailing political instability. It hands the government a prime opportunity to initiate talks with the broader opposition alliance, TTAP, and resolve lingering friction points. Even though the PTI aims to launch the protest from Peshawar on October 4, sincerity from both sides can still yield a compromise. A meaningful political thaw is urgently needed to restore daily life in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, where heavy security blockades have severely disrupted the twin cities."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631558/time-to-pursue-a-thaw
Muhammad Amir Rana, “A broken power accord,” Dawn, 27 September 2026
“Although the PTI has postponed its protest march on Islamabad, the capital city’s container-blocked roads continue to reflect the country’s deeper crisis. The crisis is not merely political, economic, or security-related; it is rooted in an elite class that cannot forge an accord within themselves."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630637/online-predators
Provinces
Editorial, “Balochistan’s reality,” Dawn, 27 September 2026
“If the state is to bring peace to Balochistan, then its representatives must face the ground realities. However, holders of high office at times almost trivialise the province’s problems. For example, at an event in Quetta recently, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said there was no insurgency in the province, but that some elements were promoting separatist ideas. He added that it was incorrect to attribute unrest in Balochistan to lack of development. Mr Bugti asked the youth to distinguish between “facts and perceptions”. Not long after his remarks, the military said it had killed at least 33 terrorists over the past few days in the province."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2032957/balochistans-reality
Editorial, “Expanding surveillance,” Dawn, 28 September 2026
“Punjab's decision to extend its digital surveillance network should be appreciated. However, the question is what the government does with the vast amount of data it is collecting. The expansion to 98 tehsils will take the network well beyond its existing urban footprint. The present network uses systems such as automatic vehicle registration-plate recognition, facial recognition, video analytics and crime-pattern analysis. The potential benefits are considerable. Properly integrated surveillance can improve police response, help identify suspects and stolen vehicles, provide digital evidence, map crime patterns and allow scarce policing resources to be deployed effectively. It can also improve traffic management and response to women’s safety and crime reporting. But cameras alone do not make cities safer."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2033193/expanding-surveillance
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