NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
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PR Daily Brief | 7 October 2025, Tuesday | Vol 5, No.251
In focus
Pakistan and Malaysia revitalise bilateral partnership, eye collaboration within the ASEAN economic bloc; “We have realised that dependency on one country, one system, will be futile. We need, therefore, to expand trade relations,” says PM Ibrahim
On 7 October, Dawn reported that Pakistan and Malaysia agreed to revitalise their bilateral partnership through a forward-looking approach, with potential collaboration under the ASEAN economic framework. This follows several meetings between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during Sharif’s three-day official visit to Malaysia. The visit resulted in six accords and multiple trade and cooperation agreements.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim acknowledged that while Malaysia and Pakistan share a long-standing relationship, it had become “somewhat stagnated” and required a renewed, practical strategy based on clear policy directions. Addressing the Pakistan-Malaysia Business and Investment Conference, he highlighted the importance of diversifying trade and reducing dependency on single partners, adding that Malaysia aimed to strengthen ASEAN’s collective trade and investment role. “We have realised that dependency on one country, one system, will be futile. We need, therefore, to expand trade relations. That is why we will work for a strong, formidable Asean in terms of trade, in terms of investments,” stated Anwar Ibrahim. PM Shehbaz congratulated Malaysia on assuming the ASEAN chairmanship and expressed appreciation for its continued support for Pakistan’s bid to become a Full Dialogue Partner. PM Ibrahim also recognised Pakistan’s constructive contribution to peace efforts in Palestine, including President Trump’s recent initiative for Gaza, reported Dawn.
During the visit, both sides exchanged several pre-signed accords covering diplomacy, higher education, tourism, and anti-corruption cooperation. An MoU was signed between the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) and the Foreign Service Academy of Pakistan to enhance diplomatic training. Further, the joint statement highlighted the aim to promote collaboration in defence, aviation, public health, and cybersecurity, reflecting a shared commitment to reinvigorate bilateral relations. (“Pakistan, Malaysia eye pivot to bolder cooperation,” Dawn, 7 October 2025)
Pakistan records 46 per cent rise in militant-linked violence in the third quarter; Source of casualties shifts from militant activities to counter-terrorism operations
On 7 October, Dawn reported that the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) quarterly report recorded a 46 per cent rise in militant violence in Pakistan in the last quarter. The casualties stood at 901 fatalities and 599 injuries resulting from 329 incidents of violence, including terrorist attacks and counter-terrorism operations. “With an entire quarter still remaining, … 2025 is on course to surpass last year’s toll,” the report stated. It also identifies a 58 per cent increase in casualties between January and September 2025, in comparison to the same period in 2024. CRSS highlights that the major source of fatalities has shifted from terror attacks to security operations; in 2024, security operations caused 505 deaths, 33 per cent of the total, while terror attacks claimed 1,022. In 2025, security operations accounted for over half of the total fatalities at 1,265 deaths. “This shift underscores how the state’s response has intensified, with security forces inflicting heavier losses on militants,” stated the report. Federal authorities have attributed the increased attacks from Afghanistan following the US withdrawal in 2021 to Taliban authorities sheltering terrorists. The United Nations has also warned of a “permissive environment” for militant groups in Afghanistan. Government officials also note that the presence of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), designated Fitna al Khawarij, has increased in recent months. The opposition has accused the military of carrying out an air raid on militant hideouts that killed children. Simultaneously, local village councils have also raised repeated warnings that sweeping counter-terrorism operations would risk harming civilians, says Dawn. ( “Militant-linked violence in Pakistan soars in third quarter: report,” Dawn, 7 October 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS
Punjab government reinstates in-jail trial for Imran Khan on GHQ case
On 7 October, The News International reported that the Punjab government has reinstated the jail trial of Imran Khan in the General Headquarters (GHQ) attack case. The proceedings will resume within Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail under tight security, reversing the earlier decision from 15 September that had shifted the venue out of the prison. The Adiala Jail superintendent has requested additional security from the Rawalpindi police for maximum security during the proceedings. The GHQ case had been a highly sensitive case arising from the 9 May riots following Imran Khan’s arrest and imprisonment in 2024. It alleges Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers targeted key military installations after Khan’s detention. The government stated that the decision to hold the trial inside the jail is based on both security considerations and operational convenience, reports The News International. Imran Khan had previously appeared before the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Rawalpindi through a video link after the venue had been moved out of the jail. Officials stated that the government aims to prevent any possible unrest or public confrontation by maintaining a controlled environment within the prison. ( “Punjab govt restores jail trial of Imran in GHQ attack case, The News International, 7 October 2025)
Asif Ali Zardari invites Internal Minister to Karachi to discuss rising tensions between the PPP and the PML-N; The PPP stages walkout from the National Assembly
On 7 October, Dawn reported that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) president Asif Ali Zardari held a telephonic discussion with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on the recent tensions between the Sindh and Punjab governments. The president has called the interior minister to Karachi for an urgent meeting on the same. The contention between the parties arose over flood compensation but expanded to water rights on the Indus River as CM Maryam told the PPP leadership to keep its advice to itself, reports Dawn. In response to the remarks, the PPP lawmakers abstained from parliamentary proceedings last week, and the leadership asked CM Maryam to “rethink her tone” while speaking about water rights of the provinces.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari stated that the province had always played the role of a “big brother” during any natural calamity, and the floods were politicized. She also stated that “PML-N’s declaration of war against Sindh is a dangerous precedent, the consequences of which will not be good for the country.” PPP Senator and Senior Vice President Sherry Rehman, in a video message, dismissed the allegations of manipulating the issue of floods and aid for politics. She also said it was “clear” that the “war of words” between Punjab and Sindh was impacting the coalition, and that the PPP aims to uphold unity during tough times but when “lines were crossed”, the “Punjab card” was used and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s run as foreign minister was criticised, then such statements and remarks crossed the bounds of criticism and decency, says Dawn. In the National Assembly, PTI MNA Asad Qaiser led a walkout of PPP lawmakers from the Lower House.
(“Zardari calls Naqvi to Karachi as Sindh-Punjab row heats up; PPP stages walkout from NA, Senate,” Dawn, 7 October 2025)
ECONOMY
Government urges provinces to expedite IMF commitments ahead of review deadline
On 7 October, Dawn reported that the federal government had ordered provincial authorities to settle outstanding IMF program obligations immediately, as this would facilitate the successful completion of the second review of the USD 7 billion Extended Fund Facility. The Prime Minister's Office has asked chief secretaries and the finance secretaries of provinces to provide their progress reports no later than 24 hours because Sindh and Punjab did not achieve their cash surplus targets. An IMF letter warned the provinces against utilising flood relief funds to achieve their budgets while adhering to the fiscal principles outlined in the national financial responsibility framework. (“ Govt pushes provinces to meet IMF targets,” Dawn, 7 October 2025).
SOCIETY
PM’s flood aid package expected by the end of October
On 07 October, Dawn reported on the government's announcement about the prime minister’s flood relief package by the end of October. A cabinet committee has already been formed to coordinate with provinces and develop a joint response, though Sindh was notably absent during the recent inter-provincial meeting due to the PPP’s parliamentary boycott. Under the proposal, fully damaged concrete houses would receive PKR 1 million in compensation, while partially damaged ones would get PKR 300,000. For mud houses, the payouts would be PKR 500,000 and PKR 150,000 for fully and partially damaged homes respectively. Task forces have been tasked with producing detailed reports within 15 days on short, medium, and long-term measures, focusing on agricultural relief, climate resilience, and infrastructure repair. The Punjab government has already approved tax waivers and scheduled compensation distribution. (Khaleeq Kiani, “PM’s flood aid package likely by October-end,” Dawn, 07 October 2025)
SECURITY
PoK returns to normalcy after week-long strike by JKJAAC
On 7 October, Dawn reported that normalcy returned to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) after the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) ended a six-day shutdown and wheel-jam strike. Markets, schools, and government offices opened and banks and ATMs drew large crowds as residents lined up to withdraw their delayed salaries and restock on essentials. As a result of the six-day strike, Internet service interruptions and halted transport services made economic activity impossible. PoK Chief Secretary Khushhal Khan said that all detained activists have been released and that the federal ministers' agreement with JKJAAC is being implemented pending cabinet approval. (AJK ‘back to normal’ after week-long strike, Dawn, 7 October 2025).