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In Brief
SECURITY
ISPR confirms successful launch of Fatah-IV ground-launched cruise missile
On 07 October, Dawn reported that Pakistan had conducted a successful test launch of the extended version of the Fatah-IV ground-launched cruise missile. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, issued a statement confirming the launch of the missile, which is indigenously developed. ISPR informed that the extended missile system could engage targets with high lethality and precision at extended distances, alongside enhanced survivability. According to the statement, senior officers from the Pakistan Army alongside scientists and engineers from the developing agency were present for the launch. The ISPR also stated that high-ranking government figures such as the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan, and the Chief of Army Staff had commended the successful test. The Ministry of the Interior also issued a statement informing that the Federal Minister of the Interior, Mohsin Naqvi, had expressed his congratulations on the successful test. Naqvi also stated the successful launch was an important advancement in the defence sector. Earlier this year, Pakistan had conducted a successful test fire of the Fatah-IV ground-launched cruise missile and the successful training launch of the Fateh-II missile system. (“Pakistan successfully tests launch of extended-range Fatah-IV cruise missile: ISPR,” Dawn, 07 October 2026)
KP: Five terrorists killed in North Waziristan intelligence operation
On 07 October, Dawn reported that five terrorists were killed by Pakistani security forces in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the North Waziristan region, according to state broadcaster Radio Pakistan. The operation targeted the hideout of the terrorists, killing five and injuring two. According to security sources, the terrorists belonged to the banned organisation Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). President Asif Ali Zardari praised the successful operation and stated that timely operations were helping foil the designs of terrorist elements. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his commitment that operations would continue until the complete elimination of terrorism. Sharif further informed that the priority of the Pakistani government was the eradication of terrorism and achievement of sustainable peace under its "Azm-i- Istehkam" vision. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province witnessed a 50 per cent increase in terrorist attacks in August, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies. (“Security forces kill terrorists in North Waziristan IBO: state media,” Dawn, 06 October 2026)
KP: Revenue officials and policeman killed in DI Khan attacks
On 06 October, Dawn reported that four officials from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and a policeman were killed in two separate attacks. The firing by unidentified assailants near Qureshi Mor in Dera Ismail Khan martyred the four FBR officials, with search operations by police currently underway. The other attack near the Mufti Mahmood Chowk bypass killed a police official driving a highway traffic police mobile. Another official was injured in the attack and was undergoing treatment. President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his grief over the attacks in an official statement and affirmed that the people of Pakistan and security agencies stood resolutely against terrorism. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb also expressed his condolences and expressed hope that the perpetrators of the attack would be brought to justice. According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), September 2026 saw an increase in militant violence nationwide with 225 attacks. This represented a 13.1 per cent increase in attacks, and is the highest monthly total in 12 years. (“4 FBR officials, traffic policeman martyred in DI Khan attacks: police,” Dawn, 06 October 2026)
ECONOMY
Chinese imports push Pakistan’s power loom industry into crisis
On 07 October, Dawn reported that around 40 per cent of Pakistan’s nearly 800,000 power looms had shut down amid rising imports of Chinese yarn, grey cloth and finished textiles, alongside higher utility bills and taxes. In Faisalabad and surrounding areas, industry representatives said more than 100,000 workers had lost their jobs as cheaper Chinese products undermined local manufacturers. The industry also faces disrupted trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia due to border and road closures. The Council of Loom Owners Association has urged the government to strengthen import checks, including verifying Chinese customs declarations, to tackle alleged under-invoicing and unfair competition. (“Power loom sector reels under imports, rising costs,” Dawn, 07 October 2026)
Pakistan’s service exports rise 29 per cent in two months
On 06 October, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s services exports rose 28.89 per cent year on year to USD 1.81 billion in July-August FY27, driven largely by information technology and other business services. Telecommunications, computer and information services exports increased 17.36 per cent to USD 811 million, while other business services rose 38.62 per cent to USD 420 million. Travel services exports surged 146.66 per cent to USD 222 million, and transport services increased 35.87 per cent to USD 178 million. Services imports also grew 9.77 per cent to USD 2.37 billion, leaving the sector with a wider but still significant trade deficit during the first two months of FY27. (“Services exports surge 29pc,” Dawn, 06 October 2026)
Gulf investors turn to Pakistan bonds amid US-Iran conflict
On 07 October, Dawn reported that Gulf countries, particularly the UAE, invested USD 129.8 million in Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs) during the first 25 days of September, as the ongoing US-Iran conflict increased regional economic uncertainty. The UAE invested USD 110 million in PIBs and USD five million in treasury bills, while Bahrain invested USD 10 million in PIBs and USD 14 million in T-bills. Experts attributed the interest to Pakistan’s relatively high yields and perceived low-risk returns, although the amounts remain small compared with Gulf countries’ investment capacity. Total PIB investment reached USD 203.7 million during 01 July-25 September, while the government is seeking greater long-term foreign investment to strengthen reserves and reduce refinancing pressures. (“Pakistan Investment Bonds attract inflows from Gulf investors,” Dawn, 06 October 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Government urges end to PTI march as talks collapse over Imran, KP security
On 06 October, Dawn reported that the PTI’s long march towards Islamabad continued after talks with the federal government failed over access to jailed party founder Imran Khan and counterterrorism policy in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The convoy led by KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi reached Mattani near Peshawar after passing through Kohat, with the party planning to reach Khairabad by 08 October. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the PTI to end the march and return to political dialogue, while Interior Minister Tallal Chaudhry said further talks would be conditional on calling off protests.
The PTI said the government had refused to include access to Imran and his medical treatment in a proposed agreement and disagreed over the federal government’s counterterrorism measures in KP. Afridi criticised what he called a failed security policy and proposed a provincial strategy to establish peace within 100 days. Meanwhile, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi warned that the march would not be allowed beyond Attock and said governor’s rule remained a possible “last resort” if the situation deteriorated. The government has also imposed restrictions in several areas amid heightened security concerns. (“PM Shehbaz urges PTI to call off long march, resolve issues through dialogue,” Dawn, 06 October 2026; “PTI long march: CM Afridi-led convoy camps in Mattani for the night, heads to Khyber next,” Dawn, 06 October 2026)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan expresses opposition to new permanent UNSC members
On 06 October, Dawn reported that Pakistan opposed the addition of new permanent members to the UN Security Council (UNSC). The Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, informed member states that Pakistan favoured an increase in the number of elected, non-permanent members in the 15-member body. Ahmad also stated that an increase in permanent members would only aggravate the Council’s existing problems with accountability and a lack of democratic representation. The representative further informed that Pakistan wanted more elected members, including medium-term seats based on the principle of periodic elections and rotation. According to Ahmad, Pakistan had identified conflict prevention and peaceful settlement of disputes, peacekeeping, counterterrorism and regional cooperation as key priorities during its term in the UNSC. Ahmad described the passage of Security Council Resolution 2758, which emphasised the mechanisms provided by the UN Charter for the peaceful settlement of disputes, as a significant achievement during his tenure. Ahmad noted how Pakistan had initiated this resolution and said that it had contributed to peaceful dispute resolution outside the UNSC, such as mediation between the US and Iran in a ceasefire. (“Pakistan opposes new permanent Security Council members,” Dawn, 06 October 2026)
Poland and Pakistan reaffirm commitment to expand bilateral ties
On 06 October, Dawn reported that Pakistan and Poland vowed to deepen bilateral ties. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held an official meeting with the Member of the Council of Ministers and Coordinator of Special Services of the Republic of Poland, Tomasz Siemoniak. PM Shehbaz reiterated his objective to transform the positive trajectory of relations between Pakistan and Poland into a long-lasting friendship, the Prime Minister of Pakistan’s Office said. Shehbaz also emphasised the need for leadership-level exchanges and greater business community interactions between Pakistan and Poland. The PM expressed his appreciation for Polish support extended to Pakistan under the GSP+ scheme of the European Union (EU). The meeting also involved discussions on major regional and international developments, including in the Middle East. (“Poland, Pakistan vow to deepen bilateral ties,” Dawn, 06 October 2026)
Pakistan UN envoy to become foreign secretary
On 06 October, Dawn reported that the Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, would take up responsibilities as the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan after the end of his term at the UN. Ahmad took his post as the Permanent Representative in October 2024, at the beginning of Pakistan’s two-year elected term at the UN Security Council. This was his third time serving in the post, after previous tenures in 2003-04 and 2012-13. Ahmad described the opportunity to represent Pakistan at the UN as a great and singular honour. He stated that Pakistan had brought expertise and institutional experience to its term, focusing on international peace and security, including regional cooperation and conflict prevention. Ahmad’s tenure was also filled with several crises such as the military confrontation between Pakistan and India and the war in Iran. The outgoing representative stated that the unanimous passage of UNSC Resolution 2788 on greater use of UN Charter mechanisms for peaceful resolution of disputes was one of the landmark achievements of his tenure. According to Ahmad, the leading role played by Pakistan in passing Resolution 2823 on accountability for attacks against UN peacekeepers and its support for a ceasefire in Gaza showed its proactive role in promoting peace. Ahmad further informed that Pakistan had taken the leading role in discussions at the UN on artificial intelligence, digital assets and tokenisation for development. He also hailed Pakistan’s role in steering the first General Assembly resolution on access to assistive technologies. (“After two crisis- ridden years, Pakistan’s UN envoy heads home to take up foreign secretary mantle,” Dawn, 06 October 2026)
UN Secretary General praises Pakistan’s role in US-Iran conflict mediation
On 06 October, Dawn reported that the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, praised the “pivotal role” of Pakistan in mediating between the US and Iran following a rise in hostilities earlier this year. Guterres made the remarks during a press conference with the Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar. He commended the Pakistani leadership for helping create the conditions for dialogue between the US and Iran, and for delivering the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Guterres also stated that Pakistan had shown how compassion and responsibility go hand-in-hand. According to the Secretary-General, Pakistan brought an essential perspective to global debates and had highlighted the role of multilateralism, dialogue and diplomacy. Pakistan's contributions to UN peacekeeping missions and responses to climate change were also highlighted by Guterres. Dar appreciated the support extended by Guterres towards Pakistani diplomatic engagements and facilitation of dialogue. He referred to the Secretary-General as a “great friend” of Pakistan and expressed support for the UN80 initiative to make the UN more efficient. Guterres was also conferred the Nishan-i- Imtiaz in recognition of his “distinguished international service, leadership of the UN and contribution to global peace and development” by President Asif Ali Zardari. ("UN chief hails Pakistan’s ‘pivotal role’ in US-Iran conflict, calls for ‘return to diplomacy’,” Dawn, 06 October 2026)
ON INDIA
Pakistan warns of regional risks from water disputes with India
On 06 October, Dawn reported that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar warned that attempts to deprive Pakistan of its water share under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) would have “serious implications” for regional peace and security. Speaking at an international water symposium in Vienna, Dar stressed that Pakistan remained committed to protecting its rights under the treaty and international law, while urging dialogue, cooperation and established dispute-resolution mechanisms. He said the Indus system sustained more than 250 million Pakistanis and was vital to agriculture, energy and economic development. Dar also cited an August 31 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling that the IWT “remains fully in force”, while India rejected the verdict and said it did not recognise the court’s jurisdiction. (“Dar warns of 'serious implications' for regional peace, security if Pakistan deprived of water share under IWT,” Dawn, 06 October 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Society
Aisha Khan, “Gendered future,” Dawn, 06 October 2026
"The UN secretary-general’s recent observation that peace lasts longer when women are at the table, economies become more dynamic when women have equal opportunity, societies more resilient when women can learn and lead, and institutions more effective when power is shared, is not simply a statement about fairness. For Pakistan, it is a development proposition. The question is not whether Pakistani women can lead. It is why a country of more than 240 million people still uses so little of that capacity."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2035108/gendered-future
Editorial, “Mass surveillance,” Dawn, 27 September 2026
“The new National Cybercrime Investigation Agency chief, Ali Nasir Rizvi, has adopted a “zero-tolerance policy against fake news and anti-state propaganda”, according to the agency. Troublingly, neither ‘fake news’ nor ‘anti-state propaganda’ has a clear, legal meaning, and the fact that these terms are now centrepieces in the NCCIA’s policy gives rise to concerns about what the state’s priorities truly are. The authority’s mandate includes protecting citizens from fraud, harassment, blackmail, and financial scams. It recently shut down several fraudulent call centres, showing it can deliver well on those responsibilities. Monitoring and policing opinion are something else altogether."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2035104/mass-surveillance
Economy
Editorial, “Farming reform,” Dawn, 06 October 2026
“(The farming body) has criticised urea shortages, high electricity bills, weak fruit sector returns, and the Pak-Afghan border closure, warning of protests if their demands are not met. Their case for enhanced budgetary allocations deserves consideration. The sector contributes about 22pc of GDP and supports nearly 60pc of the population, but receives only 2-3pc of allocations. However, money alone will not fix matters. Nor should a larger allocation become another excuse for inefficient price subsidies. Pakistan has spent decades trying to support farmers through administered prices, input subsidies and other interventions. This has distorted markets, encouraged inefficient production and benefited better-connected producers more than small farmers."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2035106/farming-reform
Politics & governance
Editorial, “Of protests and parleys,” The Express Tribune, 06 October 2026
“It's a tale of missed opportunities by both the government and the opposition. The two-day talks briefly sparked euphoria, fostering a belief that a consensus was at hand to pave the way for much-needed political stability. That belief, however, proved to be an illusion. The opposition blamed the treasury for moving the goalposts, while the government questioned the opposition's sincerity. This stalemate has unfortunately forced both sides back into rigid stances, pushing an already fragile politico-economic order into even more chaotic territory."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2633144/of-protests-and-parleys
On Afghanistan
Kamran Yousaf, “From friendly to 'delusional',” The Express Tribune, 05 October 2026
“Pakistan's relationship with the Afghan Taliban has entered a dangerous new phase. For months, Islamabad has been warning the Taliban regime that it cannot allow Afghan territory to be used by terrorist groups targeting Pakistan. There have been diplomatic contacts, warnings, mediation efforts, and repeated assurances. None of that appears to have worked. Pakistan is now relying increasingly on military force, carrying out strikes deep inside Afghanistan against what it says are terrorist hideouts and infrastructure. But perhaps more significant than the strikes themselves is the language coming out of Islamabad."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2033193/expanding-surveillance
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