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In Focus
Power Sector Circular Debt: Pakistan to sign a huge PKR 1.275 trillion financing facility agreement with commercial banks
On 24 September, The News reported on Pakistan signing a landmark PKR 1.275 trillion financing facility agreement with 18 commercial banks. The agreement is expected to reduce Pakistan's power sector circular debt. The agreement is reported to be a part of Pakistan's agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). According to the News report, "the financing package is designed to permanently retire legacy debts without burdening the national exchequer." ("Pakistan to ink today Rs1.275tr deal with 18 banks to cut circular debt," The News, 24 September 2025,)
Consecutive bomb blasts derail trains in Balochistan; Twelve passengers injured
On 24 September, Dawn reported that the Quetta-bound Jaffar Express was targeted in a bomb blast in the Spizend area of Mastung in Balochistan. Twelve of the 270 passengers, including women and children, were injured. Six bogies of the train from Peshawar derailed after the blast, and one of them overturned, according to railway authorities. A first such explosion had taken place near the main track linking Balochistan to the rest of the country. The second explosion occurred within 10 hours of the first, when an explosive device planted on the track was detonated when the Jaffar Express passed through the Spizend area. (“Dozen hurt in blast targeting Jaffar Express in Balochistan’s Mastung,” Dawn, 24 September 2025)
Opposition in Balochistan, demands the reopening of closed borders, and a new taxation system to address unemployment and economic constraints in the border regions
On 24 September, Dawn reported on demands from the opposition and treasury benches of the Balochistan Assembly to reopen closed borders with neighbouring countries in border districts and introduce a taxation system to help reduce unemployment. Balochistan emir of Jamaat-i-Islami, Maulana and member of the provincial assembly, Hidayat-ur-Rehman, pushed the border closure issue in the provincial assembly session. He also staged a protest in the house against the closure of the border with Iran in Panjgur, Gwadar, and other border districts, accusing the provincial government of being complicit in the struggle of the people. JUI-F MPA Ghulam Dastagir Badini urged the PPP and PML-N members of the assembly to introduce a taxation system in border regions to promote trade, and take up the matter at the federal government level. PPP parliamentary leader and provincial minister Mir Sadiq Umrani stated that the concerns raised by Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman fall within the jurisdiction of the federal government, and proposed the formation of a CM-led committee to hold a meeting with the PM to resolve the issue. Provincial Minister for Planning and Development, Mir Zahoor Buledi reiterated the government's commitment to creating employment opportunities, highlighting the government’s skill development programmes, and an upcoming loan scheme for the youth. He announced the establishment of 13 border markets for employment generation in the border regions. Mr Buledi also stated that the federal government was working on addressing the terrorism incidents allegedly linked to terrorist elements taking refuge in neighbouring countries. The assembly also demanded the creation of a new district comprising Tump and Mand, supported by parliamentary secretary Mir Asghar Rind, Adviser to the Chief Minister Meena Majeed, and parliamentary secretary Barkat Ali Rind. (“Balochistan legislators seek reopening of border trade,” Dawn, 24 September 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS
Balochistan CM announces the temporary suspension of the Mines and Minerals Act 2025; New committee to oversee amendments
On 24 September, Dawn reported that the Mines and Minerals Act, 2025, was suspended through an executive order following negotiations with opposition leaders and committee members. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti made the announcement to the press alongside Opposition Leader Younis Aziz Zehri and provincial ministers. He stated that the Act would be referred to the standing committee for review and possible improvements in consultation with the opposition, while a new committee would be constituted to draft the necessary amendments. Minister Bugti reiterated that the bill was initially adopted by the assembly with consensus, but later objections were raised by the opposition outside the assembly. He assured that “Any decision will be taken after consultation and by taking all parties into confidence, including the opposition,” and that the move reflected the government's commitment “to democratic traditions and public interest.” (“Mines act suspended after talks with opposition,” Dawn, 24 September 2025)
SOCIETY
“A holistic approach is required to beat the polio monster. Otherwise, we should prepare ourselves to forever be called one of the two countries where polio is still endemic,” says an editorial in The News International
On 24 September, an editorial in The News International, titled “The polio monster,” highlighted the findings of the report by the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) on Pakistan’s failing polio eradication efforts. “The IMB criticised systemic weaknesses in the programmes, including poor accountability, lack of country ownership and ineffective funding mechanisms,” the editorial reiterated. It also identified vaccine hesitancy as a key contributor to the crises, coupled with the threats on polio workers in areas with a high concentration of militant hideouts, and the population's skepticism towards polio eradication programmes. The editorial also highlights that the lack of running water in densely populated residential areas prevents people from maintaining proper hygiene. The deprivation of basic amenities has fueled resentment toward the government, with many expressing their anger by opposing vaccination campaigns. For some, such resistance has become the only available form of protest, unaware that it risks creating serious health challenges for their own children, opines the editorial. Healthcare authorities must invest in sustained media campaigns that provide fact-based information and effectively counter misinformation, highlights the editorial. The article also emphasizes the effectiveness of symbolic gestures, such as the recent move by the health minister who publicly vaccinated his daughter, in building trust and countering negative propaganda surrounding vaccines. The editorial calls for a strategic shift in Pakistan’s efforts, demanding a holistic approach to polio eradication. ( “The polio monster,” The News International, 24 September 2025)
ENVIRONMENT
The Punjab government announces relief packages to those affected by the recent floods; Severe flooding along the Sutlej river, while Sindh experiences moderate floods at the Kotri Barrage
On 24 September, Dawn reported that the Punjab government announced a relief package for the victims of the recent floods in the region. However, no timeframe had been set for compensation payments. Punjab’s Information Minister Azma Bokhari announced the relief packages at a press conference. PKR one million will be awarded to those who lost their houses, and PKR 50,000 to those who suffered partial damage to their houses. Farmers whose land had been submerged would receive PKR 20,000 per acre, while each cow or bull lost would be compensated with PKR 500,000. ‘Relief cards’ are also set to be introduced to facilitate aid distribution without long queues. The minister highlighted that “All these payments are being made from the Punjab government’s own resources without seeking external aid,” pressing the federal government to appeal to the international community for help. On the same day, severe flooding caused by three breaches in the Noraja Bhutta embankment along the Sutlej river drowned vast swathes of Multan, Bahawalpur, and Lodhran districts. The breaches diverted the Sutlej’s flow into nearby villages, submerging dozens of settlements, also damaging the M5 motorway and Gilani Road. A controlled breach was attempted at Gilani Road to divert water towards the Chenab River. Sindh also experienced a medium flood at the Kotri Barrage, submerging several parts of the Jamshoro district. (“Punjab unveils flood relief package, but sets no timeline,” Dawn,24 September 2025)
ECONOMY
On Tax Revenue
FBR's admission on sales tax collection is the result of "long-standing policy failures," says an editorial in The Express Tribune
On 24 September, an editorial in The Express Tribune linked the FBR's admission regarding the failure to address the PKR 3.6 trillion sales tax gap from the previous fiscal year, as a result of Pakistan's long-standing policy failures. According to the editorial, "The government continues to rely heavily on those already in the formal economy. Salaried workers, registered businesses and documented industries are being squeezed, while large segments of the economy — particularly agriculture, wholesale and retail — largely operate outside the tax net." The editorial repeats the most obvious issue, that has been repeatedly emphasised by many - that the government has failed to expand the tax base. (Editorial, "Tax gap," The Express Tribune, 24 September 2025)
EXTERNAL
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar calls for an immediate end to the Palestinian crisis at the UNSC session on the Middle East; Calls for the reconstruction of Gaza under the Arab-OIC
On 24 September, Dawn reported Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's appeal for an immediate end to the war in Gaza at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) session on the Middle East. He stated that “Gaza has become a graveyard for humanity and the global conscience,” and called on the Security Council and the international community to “act decisively, to uphold human dignity, to ensure accountability and deliver justice.” He underscored the “catastrophic proportions” of humanitarian damage in Gaza and stated that Pakistan welcomed France’s summit on the two-state solution, co-sponsored with Saudi Arabia. Dar commended the increasing recognition of the Palestinian state as a reflection of “adherence to justice and the principle of international law”. Addressing a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s Committee of Six on Palestine, FM Dar reaffirmed commitment to the Palestinian cause, stating it was central to the OIC’s objectives. He further called for renewed support for UNRWA, the reconstruction of Gaza under the Arab-OIC framework, and the realization of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination through the creation of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. FM Dar also met Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening multifaceted cooperation with the GCC members. (“Time for action is now, Dar tells UNSC panel,” Dawn, 24 September 2025)
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