Photo : The Express Tribune
NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : The Express Tribune
In Focus
Severe monsoon floods ravage KP and POK, over 200 dead
On 16 August, The News International reported that severe floods struck Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and parts of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK), as monsoon rains, cloudbursts, and landslides claimed over 200 lives within 24 hours. Buner district was the worst affected, where flash floods and landslides destroyed homes, killing 157 people. In Bajaur’s Jabrai village, a cloudburst and lightning demolished four houses, resulting in 21 deaths and five injuries. Mansehra’s Dheri Haleem Neelban in Shimlai experienced flash floods and lightning that destroyed 10 houses, killing 25. Shangla district faced flash floods and lightning strikes, causing over 20 deaths and injuring more than 50. In Swat, six people were stranded in the river, while Balakot’s Nala Khareela Bassi saw a car swept away. Infrastructure collapsed in Mansehra, Shangla, and Buner, with highways, bridges, and more than 35 power towers damaged. Landslides also blocked the Jaglot-Skardu Road at multiple points in "Gilgit-Baltistan." Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the NDMA to assist provincial authorities with relief operations, including tents, medicines, and food. Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir deployed troops, engineers, and helicopters, while the Pakistan Army donated one day’s salary and 600 tons of rations. Authorities warned of ongoing heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides in K-P, "Gilgit-Baltistan," Murree, and "AJK" over the next 15 days. (“Deadly deluge devastates K-P,” The Express Tribune, 16 August 2025: “COAS orders swift recovery measures for flood-ravaged KP areas,” The Express Tribune, 16 August 2025)
Pakistan-US bilateral cooperation deepens in security and trade
On 16 August, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan and the United States have agreed to enhance the exchange of information in counterterrorism and counter-narcotics, signaling closer security cooperation. The talks were held between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and US Counterterrorism Coordinator Gregory LoGerfo. Both sides pledged to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in border security, counterterrorism coordination, and anti-narcotics efforts. Naqvi lauded US initiatives under President Donald Trump for promoting “global peace" and highlighted the designation of the banned BLA and Majeed Brigade as Foreign Terrorist Organizations as a key achievement. LoGerfo recognized Pakistan’s strategic significance and conveyed condolences for recent terrorist attacks.In a separate meeting, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met Natalie Baker to discuss trade, investment, and economic cooperation. He underscored Pakistan’s significant tariff reforms designed to liberalize trade and promote export-driven growth. Aurangzeb also referenced his recent visit to Washington, where he held discussions with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer to finalize a bilateral trade agreement. The minister expressed optimism that the agreement will initiate a new phase of economic cooperation between USA and Pakistan, particularly across sectors such as energy, mining, IT, cryptocurrency, and others, while broadening market access, Aurangzeb also stated that Pakistan’s economy has “"turned a corner" as evidenced by a recent upgrade in its Moody’s ratings. (“Pakistan, US vow to boost trade, investment,” The Express Tribune, 16 August 2025; “Pak-US joint strike on the drug trade,” The Express Tribune, 16 August 2025)
Government moves to modernize agriculture lending with ZTBL privatization
On 16 August, Dawn reported that The Privatisation Commission on 15 August inked a “Financial Advisory Services Agreement (FASA) with a consortium led by Next Capital Limited to oversee the strategic privatisation of Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL),” the Ministry of Privatisation stated. Established in 1961 and incorporated as ZTBL in 2002, the bank is the country’s largest public-sector agricultural lender, providing credit and banking services to farmers through 501 branches. The privatisation initiative is intended to attract private investment, modernise banking operations, and strengthen governance, transparency, and digital agricultural financing. After privatisation, ZTBL is expected to enhance credit delivery, broaden agribusiness offerings, and improve customer service. Ministry of Privatisation also stated that “this initiative reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to inviting private sector investment, modernising banking operations, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of state-owned enterprises (SOEs),” (Tahir Sherani, “Privatisation Commission signs pact with financial advisers for privatising Zarai Taraqiati Bank,” Dawn, 16 August 2025)
In Brief
SECURITY
Counter-Terrorism Department neutralize three TTP militants in KP
On 14 August, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) initiated an intelligence-based operation in Regi Lalma, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to hunt down militants belonging to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). As per the officers of CTD, the militants were preparing to carry out assaults at the border between the provincial capital- Peshawar and Khyber districts. The operation resulted in CTD neutralizing three militants. Four militants managed to escape. Further, the CTD officials informed that, one of the neutralized militants was a citizen of Afghanistan and was a “wanted militant.”
Separately, in Lakki Marwat, three miscreants carried out an assault on FC personnel. As per the police, two FC officials were killed and one civilian lost his life.
On 15 August, in a separate incident in D.I Khan, gunmen carried out an attack near a hotel. The armed men killed two officers from the Excise Department. The owner of the hotel was wounded in the attack. Police sealed the area and initiated a “search operation” to hunt down the culprits.(Umer Farooq, “Two FC men among five martyred in KP attacks,” Dawn, 16 August 2025)
EXTERNAL
PM Sharif highlights Pak-China economic partnership as USD100 million SEZ investment unveiled
On 15 August, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially opened the Challenge Group Special Economic Zone (SEZ), signifying a USD100 million investment by Chinese apparel company Challenge Fashion Private Limited aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s textile exports and industrial development.. During talks with a delegation led by Chairman Huwang Weiguo, the Prime Minister underscored Pakistan’s resolve to deepen its strategic and economic ties with China, describing their partnership as “time-tested and resilient.” He commended the company’s continued trust in Pakistan, noting its earlier USD 17 million investment since 2014, and highlighted that the SEZ would drive sustainable industrialisation through “technology transfer, skill development, and employment generation.” Prime Minister Sharif instructed the officials to facilitate the zone’s timely operationalisation and reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding the industrial aspect of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The Prime Minister also emphasized Pakistan’s strong desire to benefit from China’s experience in the textile industry and revealed that a China-Pakistan Business-to-Business Conference will soon take place in China to promote collaboration among private sector companies.The delegation said the new investment is expected to yield USD 400 million in textile exports within five years. (“PM inaugurates Chinese-led Special Economic Zone, welcomes $100m investment,” The Express Tribune, 15 August 2025)
Saudi Fund for Development to assist Pakistan with three key development projects
On 15 August, Saudi Arabia’s envoy to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki reiterated his country’s backing for Pakistan’s “development journey.” His remarks came during an event in which “consulting services contracts” were inked. The contracts were signed to assist Pakistan with development projects which are being funded by Saudi Fund for Development (SFD). SFD has inked “consultancy service contracts” for three key projects namely the King Salman Hospital in Tarlai, and two hydropower projects in “Azad Jammu and Kashmir.” The hospital would receive funds worth USD 20 million from Saudi Arabia whereas the hydropower projects would be completed through “concessional loans.”(“Pakistan, KSA ink $121m deals for health, energy projects,” The Express Tribune, 16 August 2025)
Pakistan obtains letters of credit for importing sugar from Azerbaijan
On 16 August, The News International reported that Pakistan has obtained “letters of credit” (LC) for importing 85,000 metric tons of sugar via the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR). As per The News International, this was being done to bring stability in the prices of sugar. The move from the government is expected to keep a “steady” flow of sugar in the domestic market and prevent people from witnessing unforeseen rise in sugar prices. As per the plan, the sugar imported from Azerbaijan would be made available in the domestic market at “subsidized” prices. (Israr Khan, “Pakistan to import 85,000 tonnes of sugar from Azerbaijan,” The News International, 16 August 2025)
Pakistan-Micronesia officially formulate diplomatic relations
On 14 August, Pakistan and Federated States of Micronesia officially formulated “diplomatic relations.” The agreement was signed by Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, and Micronesia’s permanent representative to the UN, Jeem S. Lippwe in New York. The signed agreement is expected to enhance bilateral collaboration between the two countries. The Pakistani diplomat informed that the agreement would lead to enhanced cooperation in “human resource management, capacity building, and climate change.” (“Pakistan, Micronesia establish diplomatic ties,” The News International, 15 August 2025)
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