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In Focus
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar meets President Putin and Premier Li Qiang at the SCO Council of Heads of Government Summit in Moscow
On 19 November, Dawn reported that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar represented Pakistan at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government summit held in Moscow from 17 to 18 November under Russia’s rotating presidency. The meeting followed the Tianjin summit three months earlier and brought together the SCO heads of state and senior officials. During the summit, Dar met Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and delivered an address outlining Pakistan’s priorities within the SCO framework.
What were the key points put forth by Pakistan?
Dar highlighted Pakistan’s support for deeper regional economic integration and connectivity under the SCO. He stated that the SCO is “well-placed” to enhance cooperation in trade, economy, culture and humanitarian fields, and put forth that “Pakistan views them as interconnected threads in a single, stronger fabric of regional partnership.” He pointed to the outcomes of the Tianjin summit as evidence that “our organisation is evolving with the resolve to harness the full spectrum of our collective potential” through expansion of trade, infrastructure connectivity, investment partnerships, cross-border corridors and digital economic development.
Pakistan proposed two main priorities. First, operationalising existing SCO financial tools, such as the SCO Interbank Consortium, finance connectivity and technical collaboration. Second, building human capital by expanding the SCO university network into a consortium for applied knowledge in fields such as IT, AI, water management, agriculture and telemedicine. He also spoke about Pakistan’s “technology-driven, proactive disaster management system” and expressed that the country is keen to organise regional simulation exercises.
Dar also called for English as a working language in the SCO, stating, “let us move forward from political declarations and establish a translation unit.” He concluded by adding that Pakistan is “committed to being a proactive and creative partner” in building an SCO that serves as “a launchpad for shared success.”
Who said what?
According to the Foreign Office, President Putin “emphasised the importance of strengthening regional economic cooperation under the SCO, highlighting its role as a key platform for connectivity, stability, and mutually beneficial development.”
During Dar’s meeting with Premier Li Qiang, both sides “reaffirmed the ‘all-weather’ Pakistan-China strategic partnership” and agreed to “maintain real-time engagement moving forward.”
On Pakistan-Russia relations, the FO noted that Dar and Overchuk reviewed cooperation across political, economic, energy, connectivity, agricultural, industrial, educational and people-to-people domains. According to Pakistan’s FO post on X: “DPM Overchuk recalled his recent visits and noted Pakistan’s potential as a regional hub for transit and connectivity.” It added: “Both leaders also exchanged views on key regional & global developments and reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced cooperation at bilateral and multilateral fora, including the UN and SCO.” (“FM Dar meets Russia’s Putin, China’s Li Qiang on sidelines of SCO Moscow summit,” Dawn, 18 November 2025)
In Brief
JUDICIARY
Key judicial bodies reconstituted and the judicial framework revised in accordance with the 27th Constitutional Amendment
On 19 November, Dawn reported that following the 27th Constitutional Amendment, Supreme Court Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail has been included in the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) and the Practice and Procedure Committee, while Federal Constitutional Court’s (FCC) Justice Aamer Farooq has been made a member of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP). The change is in accordance with the 27th Constitutional Amendment. Among the three statutory bodies, the SJC serves as the highest forum for judicial accountability and investigates complaints of judicial misconduct. The Practice and Procedure Committee is responsible for constituting benches and scheduling cases, and the JCP oversees appointments to the superior judiciary. A Supreme Court (SC) press release stated: “Pursuant to the 27th Constitutional Amendment, [these] key constitutional and statutory judicial bodies […] have been reconstituted in accordance with the revised constitutional framework.” Justice Mandokahail, the second-most senior judge of the SC, was jointly nominated by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi and FCC Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan as a member of the SJC. Apart from Justice Mandokhail, the SJC will now comprise the CJP, FCC CJ Aminuddin, Justice Munib Akhtar of the SC, Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi of the FCC, Lahore High Court (LHC) CJ Aalia Neelum and Islamabad High Court (IHC) CJ Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar. The 27th Amendment mandates that the SJC be headed by the senior-most judge between the CJP and the FCC chief justice. The inter-se seniority will be determined by the dates of their appointment as the chief justices of the SC and FCC. Hence, CJP Yahya will continue to head the body. “The reconstituted bodies will continue to play a central role in matters of accountability, judicial appointments, and procedural governance under the amended constitutional scheme,” the press release stated. (“3 key judicial bodies reconstituted in light of 27th Constitutional Amendment,” Dawn, 19 November 2025)
ECONOMY
Reko Diq mineral exports via Port Qasim approved
On 19 November, The News International reported that the cabinet’s Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved the exports of minerals from Reko Diq through the Bulk terminal at Port Qasim. The government planned to shut down Pakistan Agriculture Storage and Services Corporation Limited (Passco), which is responsible for buying and storing wheat to ensure the country has an adequate food supply. The ECC also cleared PKR 527.66 billion liabilities through the establishment of a special purpose vehicle and PKR 50 billion for the fencing of the Pak-Iran border. A new circular debt of PKR 120 billion is building up in the commodity sector, primarily due to wheat stocks, considering receivables and liabilities of Passco. The ECC also approved PPL’s request for assignment of participating interests in the Eastern Offshore Block-C, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s offshore exploration efforts. (“ECC approves Reko Diq mineral exports via Port Qasim,” The News International, 19 November 2025)
Pakistan launches first bunkering facility at Karachi Port
On 19 November, Dawn reported that Pakistan has launched its first standardised bunkering operations at the Karachi Port amid India's ban on ships that enter or leave its ports from calling at any Pakistan port. This facility will allow the fuel supply from land-based facilities to ships for propulsion and onboard machinery. This development aligns Pakistan's largest port with global maritime safety and operational standards. Earlier, there was no refuelling facility for commercial shipping in any of Pakistan’s ports. The Swiss-based Dutch multinational energy and commodity trading company “Vitol” will execute the bunkering facility. The Karachi-based Cnergyico refinery has also started producing ‘very low sulphur fuel oil’ VLSFO for ship refuelling. (“Pakistan enters bunkering market with first facility,” Dawn, 19 November 2025)
Textile exports continue to witness negative growth
On 19 November, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s largest export-earning industry, textiles, has been facing continuous negative growth since August amid a rising trade deficit. Unstable global demand and ongoing domestic challenges are impacting the textile sector's performance. In October 2025, Pakistan’s textile and clothing sector recorded a 0.67 per cent decline, with exports decreasing to USD 1.616 billion from USD 1.625 billion in October 2024. As per the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, imports of Oil and machinery have grown by 0.58 per cent and 21.54 per cent, respectively, in the first four months of FY26. (“Textile exports drift lower for third month,” Dawn, 19 November 2025)
SECURITY
Security operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa kill 38 militants
On 19 November, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) claimed that 38 terrorists were killed in four separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) over three days in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The statement alleged that the militants were part of the Fitna al Khawarij. The first IBO was conducted by security forces in the Kulachi area of Dera Ismail Khan district, killing ten militants, including Kharij ringleader Alam Mehsud. Five terrorists were killed in the operation in Datta Khel in North Waziristan district. In the operations conducted on 16 and 17 November in Bajaur district and Bannu district, 11 and 12 terrorists, respectively, were killed. Ringleader Sajjad alias Abuzar was also killed in the Bajaur IBO. ISPR asserted that the security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue to “wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.” President Asif Ali Zardari commended the operations and stated that political attempts to divert attention from the national consensus on terrorism would not be tolerated. He reiterated that Pakistan is “determined to completely eradicate all forms of terrorism from the country.” (“38 terrorists killed in four separate KP operations: ISPR,” Dawn, 19 November 2025)
Economic Coordination Committee greenflags security and defence grants, and an offshore petroleum exploration consortium
On 18 November, Dawn reported that the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), chaired by the Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, approved Pakistan’s security and defence grants. The ECC approved “several strategic grants and reforms aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s security framework, defence capabilities, food security, and petroleum sector operations,” the Ministry of Finance informed in a statement. Dawn reported that a technical supplementary grant of PKR 100.3 million was approved for the maintenance of defence equipment used by the federal civil armed forces, and an additional technical supplementary grant of PKR 841.56 million was approved for enhanced border management, internal security and law and order. Further, a technical supplementary grant of PKR 50 billion was also approved for defence services projects. The committee will also establish a new special purpose vehicle, with initial paid-up capital of PKR 1,000,000, to take forward the winding up of Pakistan Agriculture Storage and Services Corporation, along with “measures to incentivise foreign participation in offshore oil and gas exploration, including licence extensions and working interest assignments.”
A new offshore exploration consortium was also approved, allowing the Turkish Petroleum Overseas Company (TPOC) to take over operatorship of the Eastern Offshore Block-C in an attempt to revive drilling. The ECC approved Pakistan Petroleum Limited’s request to assign part of its interest in the block to TPOC, Mari Energies and state-run Oil and Gas Development Co Ltd, leaving PPL with a 35 per cent stake. “This will bring valuable international offshore operating experience to Pakistan’s exploration landscape and this transition is expected to enhance technical capabilities, operational efficiency, and overall project delivery,” adviser to the Finance Minister Khurram Schehzad said. (“Economic Coordination Committee approves grants for security, defence projects,” Dawn, 19 November 2025)
PoK
PPP’s Faisal Rathore swears in as new PoK Prime Minister
On 19 November, Dawn reported that Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) swore in as the 16th Prime Minister of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). The previous PM, Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, was ousted through a vote of no-confidence in the region’s legislative assembly. Rathore is PoK’s fourth PM in the last four years. On 17 November, the no-confidence vote against Chaudhry was approved with 36 votes from PPP and PML-N members, while two PTI members voted against it.
At the ceremony, Rathore claimed that PoK was a “basecamp” of the freedom movement for Kashmir, adding that “it aims to cultivate this movement and fully play its role in it while staying here.” PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also spoke on the occasion. He called for the restoration of open courts in the region and urged the people to cooperate with the PPP. He assured that the PPP would not run the government from “closed rooms,” asserting that “we will sit among the public, meet them, join their political struggle, and resolve their problems.” Zardari also accused the Indian Prime Minister of a “conspiracy to undermine the relationship between Pakistan and the people of Azad Kashmir.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a phone call, assured Rathore that the “welfare, economic development, prosperity, and peace and security” of the region are among the federal government's key priorities. He pledged that the federal government would provide “every possible cooperation” to the region. (“PPP’s Faisal Rathore sworn in as new AJK Prime Minister,” Dawn, 19 November 2025)
Editorials/Opinions
PAKISTAN AT COP30
Zaina Naem, “A COP30 agenda for Pakistan,” The News International, 19 November 2025
“These international responsibilities do not absolve Pakistan of action at home. A credible narrative at COP30 must be paired with visible domestic delivery: a consolidated and costed investment pipeline aligned with the NDCs & National Adaptation Plan; provincial procurement and monitoring templates ready for use; early-warning systems that reach the last mile; urban plans that unlock nature-based buffers; heat-health protocols that protect outdoor workers and the elderly; and targeted credit and extension for climate-smart agriculture.”
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1358847-a-cop30-agenda-for-pakistan
JUDICIARY
Abdullah Khalid & Qasim Shah, “Why Article 140-A must evolve,” The News International, 19 November 2025
“For too long, Pakistan has spoken the language of devolution while practising centralisation. The result is visible in weak service delivery, fragile legitimacy and citizens who view government as something external. The proposed amendment to Article 140-A offers a rare opportunity to change that dynamic. By embedding continuity, coherence and inclusion into the constitution, Pakistan can finally build a democracy that begins where people live, not merely where power resides.”
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1358848-why-article-140-a-must-evolve
PAKISTAN’S PRISON CRISIS
Editorial, “Trial and error,” Dawn, 19 November 2025
“Society forgets that an undertrial prisoner is a detainee not yet convicted. The Supreme Court’s newly pruned status should give Chief Justice Yahya Afridi more time to focus on the under trial population, better legislative provisions and implementation of judgements on rights such as bail and legal aid for the poor. Scores could have been acquitted or granted suspended sentences had trials been speedy. A streamlined judicial process offers relief, whereas prolonged incarceration can turn first-time offenders into hardened criminals.”
https://www.dawn.com/news/1955956/trial-and-error
AFGHANISTAN-PAKISTAN
“Afghanistan: the question of Pakistan's complaints,” The Express Tribune, 19 November 2025
“Amir Muttaqi's question as to why Pakistan complains or why Pakistan's voice is the loudest is because Pakistan suffers the most. Geography and history have made Pakistan's pain unique. Pakistan shares the longest border with Afghanistan spanning 2,670 kilometers compared to 921 km with Iran, 1373 km with Tajikistan, 804 km with Turkmenistan, 144 km with Uzbekistan and 76 km with China. Through Khyber Pass and tribal lands, militants cross freely, exploiting bonds of kinship that no other neighbour shares. Iran, China and Tajikistan are shielded by deserts, mountains and high-altitude corridors, while Pakistan stands at the crossroads of chaos. The human cost is staggering as almost 90,000 Pakistanis have been killed since 2001. Besides, the cost of economic losses runs past $150 billion, as millions of Afghan refugees were also sheltered for decades. The Taliban invoke Pashtunwali and Islamic law which are violated on a daily basis.”
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2577922/afghanistan-the-question-of-pakistans-complaints
TECHNOLOGY IN PAKISTAN
Shahid Najam, “Emerging tech: harnessing the promise and potential,” The Express Tribune, 19 November 2025
“Major critical issues which besiege and beset the IT landscape need to be resolved upfront which include how to: develop and embrace a generation of new technologies that is more humane and intuitive, imbibes and respects human values and goals and ensures human centricity, resilience and environmental integrity; diffuse and deploy the context-specific standard and integrated models independent of technical platforms and organisational structure; and optimise the use of these technologies and solutions for application in all sectors such as e-governance, agriculture, health, education, transportation, economic, social, environment, security, etc. Finally, good governance and consultative, inclusive and consensus-oriented process must be the sine qua non to galvanise national commitment for technology-led development across all spectrums and sectors.”
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2578052/emerging-tech-harnessing-the-promise-and-potential
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