Photo : Dawn
NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Dawn
In Focus
Iran’ National Security Council Secretary meets Pakistan’s civilian leadership; focuses on regional alignment over Gaza and economic cooperation
On 26 November, Dawn reported that Ali Ardeshir Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, began a two-day visit on 25 November, meeting President Asif Ali Zardari, PM Shehbaz Sharif, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. He is scheduled to meet Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and National Security Adviser and ISI chief Lt Gen Asim Malik on 26 November. The visit follows Iranian parliament speaker Bagher Ghalibaf’s trip last month, making this the second high-level Iranian delegation to Islamabad in weeks. The two countries share a long and often tense border where militant groups have conducted cross-border attacks, leading to increased security coordination. Tehran has also offered to mediate between Islamabad and Kabul given rising cross-border tensions between the two.
What were the key points of discussion?
First, the visit centered on bilateral ties, pending agreements and exchanging views on regional developments, including those in the “Muslim world,” reported Dawn. Mr Larijani stated: “changing conditions of the region necessitate enhanced cooperation across multiple fields,” while highlighting Pakistan’s “privileged position” in influencing regional security. According to the PM’s Office, Shehbaz Sharif and Mr Larijani “stressed the importance of coordinated efforts to promote peace and stability.”
Second, the visit comes as Iran has expressed reservations over President Trump’s Gaza peace plan, which is now entering its implementation phase following the UNSC adoption on 17 November. Tehran perceives the plan’s proposed international stabilisation force as entrenching external military presence. Pakistan has supported the plan and is viewed as a potential participant in the force. According to the news report, the meeting aimed to explore ways for: “coordinating positions on regional and international developments, particularly the Gaza peace plan.”
Third, both sides agreed that a delegation led by Deputy PM and FM Ishaq Dar would soon travel to Tehran to advance cooperation, particularly in agriculture and connectivity. President Zardari put forth Pakistan’s aim to expand trade and improve rail connectivity to facilitate commerce and travel, particularly for religious pilgrims. He highlighted Pakistan’s increasing energy needs and called for a “mutually workable solution” to the halted Iran–Pakistan gas pipeline. Meanwhile, Larijani noted that directives issued following President Masoud Pezeshkian’s August visit, including preferential access for Pakistani goods, had paved the way toward achieving USD 10 billion bilateral trade goal. (Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Pakistan, Iran look to align on major fronts,” Dawn, 26 November 2025)
Pakistan staunchly decries Taliban’s accusations of overnight strikes and civilian casualties; Defence minister states that Islamabad no longer holds any expectations of the Taliban regime
On 26 November, The Express Tribune reported that the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry refuted allegations by the Afghan Taliban that Pakistan had conducted overnight strikes in Afghanistan. The Taliban spokesperson, Zabiullah Mujahid, had accused Pakistan of bombing the Khost, Kunar and Paktika provinces of Afghanistan. Addressing journalists in Rawalpindi, the DG asserted that Islamabad neither carries out covert cross-border operations nor targets civilians, stating that "Whenever we carry out an operation, we announce it openly.” He added that “Pakistan never targets civilians. Our issue is not with the Afghan people but with terrorism.” The accusations follow Islamabad’s warnings that it has lost patience over the regime's failure to curb terrorist outfits, including the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and that trade relations will not excuse the cross-border terrorism arising from Afghanistan territory. The DG ISPR said the army and Frontier Corps were effectively managing the border, and recalled discussions in Doha and Istanbul during which Afghan counterparts had threatened to let “6,000 TTP militants enter Pakistan.” He also accused Afghan authorities and allied groups of promoting anti-Pakistan narratives, including ideas of a “Greater Pashtunistan,” and cautioned that some senior Afghan officials had even made statements hinting at possible attacks on Pakistan.
Chaudry also warned of the growing threat posed by US-made weapons left behind after the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, highlighting that "American weapons were recovered even in the Mianwali terror attack," and that "These missiles and arms have become a threat to the whole world.” He said militants were operating with U.S.-made weapons and bulletproof vehicles financed through narcotics proceeds, and that these arms had been used in 29 terrorist attacks inside Pakistan.
Providing details of counterterrorism efforts, Lt Gen Chaudhry noted that 67,000 operations had been carried out since January, including 1,387 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 3,485 in Balochistan. Although Balochistan remained the main theatre of violence, Punjab and K-P also experienced sustained operations. These actions led to the killing of 210 militants, but also resulted in significant losses for Pakistan. "This year, 607 security personnel have been martyred," he said. "In November alone, 4,910 operations were carried out during which 57 soldiers of the army and FC embraced martyrdom including 22 from the army,” he stated. He also highlighted that Pakistan had strengthened border controls, limiting smuggling activities, including for those who previously operated with permits. He pointed out that coordinated efforts by the army and the Balochistan government had significantly reduced diesel smuggling from Iran, lowering losses by PKR 20.2 billion. He stressed that curbing smuggling was chiefly a provincial responsibility, but the military was providing full support. Reaffirming Islamabad’s stance, he said Pakistan would continue its counterterrorism campaign with national cohesion. “The fight against terrorism must be won jointly by the army and the people of Pakistan, and regardless of the challenges, Pakistan will succeed,” he said.
In a separate instance, Dawn reported that in response to the Taliban’s accusations overnight strikes, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that Pakistan was essentially disengaging from the Afghan Taliban, saying Islamabad no longer held any positive expectations from the regime as relations remained strained with no indication of improvement. In a television interview, he stated that Pakistan would never target civilians and that “We have a disciplined force that has traditions and a code of conduct; we are not a ragtag group like the Taliban, who neither have a code of conduct nor religion nor traditions.” (“Army rebuffs Afghan air strikes claim as 'baseless',” The Express Tribune, 26 November 2025; “DG ISPR refutes allegations by Afghan Taliban of Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan: state media,” Dawn, 26 November 2025; “Pakistan is writing off Afghan Taliban, with no positive expectations left: Khawaja Asif,” Dawn, 25 November 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
On the by-polls
PTI set to issue white paper that reveals evidence of serious allegations of election-rigging by the PML-N; PPP also demands investigation on failure in Lahore
On 26 November, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) has decided to issue a white paper that will “disclose” evidence of the government’s alleged involvement in rigging the recent by-elections, as well as highlight corruption, deteriorating law and order, and the country’s economic collapse. Senior party leader and former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser stated he expected the document to be published next month, noting that multiple teams were working on it and their findings would be consolidated. He claimed that the alleged irregularities in the by-elections, particularly in Haripur, once again showed that the current government had failed and lost public support. “The white paper will cover all issues, including economic conditions, corruption, election rigging, law and order situation, etc,” Qaiser said. “Moreover, we will also give the comparison of the performance of the incumbent government with the tenure of PTI.” The legal team headed by PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja will look into issues related to law, election rigging and legislation passed, while party leaders, including Taimur Khan Jhagra, Muhammad Zubair and Muzzammil Aslam, will work on the the section dealing with economic downturn and corruption. “Similarly, other teams will work on different issues and in the end all will be compiled in the white paper, which will be released next month,” Qaiser said.
Former prime minister and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Central Punjab President Raja Pervaiz Ashraf has also demanded an impartial probe into the rigging allegation raised by Dost Muhammad Khosa, the defeated PPP candidate in Lahore’s Dera Ghazi Khan constituency. “There was an agreement between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and the PPP that their runners-up would contest all the by-elections and the other party would support these candidates. But the PML-N violated this agreement in NA-185,” Khosa alleged. He called on the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) to not only acknowledge the issue but also act against those responsible for the alleged rigging, following a transparent and impartial inquiry.
Separately, Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari has said the PML-N’s vote bank in the recent by-election increased from 20,000 to over 100,000 in each constituency as compared to the last general polls, stating that it was a reflection of the public’s rejection of the PTI’s politics of confrontation, and its preference for welfare-driven measures such as electric buses, free scholarships, the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar housing scheme, and the Kissan Card. Azma Bokhari added that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had put Punjab back on a stable, development-oriented track after the disorder of the Buzdar era. Bokhari asserted that individuals, such as KP Chief Minister Suhail Afridi, who had prioritised agitation and misinformation were now facing the consequences. (“PTI to release white paper over alleged election rigging, corruption,” Dawn, 26 November 2025; “PPP demands probe into NA-185 ‘rigging’,” Dawn, 26 November 2025; “PML-N’s vote bank increased: Azma,” Dawn, 26 November 2025)
SECURITY
Pakistan Navy tests indigenously developed anti ship ballistic missiles
On 26 November, Dawn reported that Pakistan Navy conducted a successful test of an indigenously developed ship-launched anti-ship ballistic missile. The weapon system is capable of engaging targets both at sea and on land. The flight test was witnessed by Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of Naval Staff. Earlier, Pakistan Army successfully conducted a training launch of a newly inducted, indigenously produced fatah-4 cruise missile at a range of 750 kilometres. (“Pakistan Navy successfully tests indigenously-developed anti-ship ballistic missile: ISPR,” Dawn, 26 November 2025)
Suicide attack at Islamabad District court planned by TTP, says the Information Minister
On 26 November, Dawn reported that the Information Minister informed that Tehreek-i-Pakistan’s Chief Noor Wali Mehsud planned the 11 November suicide blast outside Islamabad’s Judicial Complex. 12 people have lost their lives, and 35 people have been injured. The information minister also claimed that the suicide blast was orchestrated from Afghanistan, as the perpetrators are trained in Afghanistan. Also, he claimed that the bomber was a resident of Afghanistan. He blamed Tehreek-i-Taliban Afghanistan for supporting the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. (“Suicide attack at Islamabad district court planned by TTP’s Noor Wali Mehsud, says info minister,” Dawn, 26 November 2025)
ECONOMY
IMF slams Pakistan’s fiscal management
On 26 November, Dawn reported that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is dissatisfied over Pakistan’s weak fiscal management, cash monitoring, and accountability for public resource allocation. The IMF demanded improved fiscal management and transparency in Single Treasury Account (TSA) flows to minimize misuse of taxpayer money for individual and political whims. In the Governance and Corruption Diagnosis Assessment (GCDA), the IMF identified numerous shortcomings in public investment management, including failing to protect funding for approved projects over the project lifecycle, and major project delays and cost increases. The IMF called for immediate steps within three to six months. (“IMF slams fiscal mismanagement,” Dawn, 26 November 2025)
Pakistan signals global market push at Food and Agriculture Exhibition
On 26 November, Dawn reported that the Commerce Minister inaugurated the third International Food and Agricultural Exhibition at the Expo Centre. He said the government had met the long-standing demand of the exporters and abolished the 0.25 per cent surcharge on exports. He stated that a new FTA with the Gulf Cooperation Council has been approved and that trade and investment cooperation with the United States continues to expand. He also mentioned that for the first time, a trade map has been developed with the United Kingdom, and Pakistan has also accessed new African markets and held a successful single country exhibition in Ethiopia.(“ Government striving to cut power tariffs,” Dawn, 26 November 2025)
Pakistan seeks FAO’s help to tackle agricultural challenges
On 26 November, Dawn reported that Pakistan has requested assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations to launch flagship projects for revitalizing the agricultural sector. The FAO projects are essential for ensuring long-term food security in Pakistan. Pakistan also urged the FAO to assist in digitalization of Pakistan’s agriculture sector by implementing modern technologies and digital tools to streamline agriculture processes. (“FAO’s help sought to tackle agricultural challenges, Dawn, 26 November 2025)
SOCIETY
Pakistan’s unemployment surges 31 per cent in four years
On 26 November, Dawn reported that the Unemployed population in Pakistan surged by a staggering 31 per cent, or 1.4 million. It rose to 5.9 million in 2024-25 from 4.5 million in 2020-21, highlighting mounting challenges in the country’s labour market. As per a report released by the Minister for Planning and Development, the rise in unemployment has been witnessed over the past four years across all age groups and both genders. The share of agricultural employment declined from 37.46 per cent in 2020-21 to 33.1 per cent in 2024-25, while the service sector grew from 37.2 per cent in 2020-21 to 41.2 per cent. Industry’s share declined to 24.9 percent in 2024-25 from 25.4 per cent in 2020-21. The report also highlighted that female participation is higher in the formal sector at 33.7 per cent, whereas male participation in the informal sector reaches 73 per cent. (“1.4m more jobless in four years,” Dawn, 26 November 2025)
EXTERNAL
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit Bahrain from 26–27 November
On 25 November, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit Bahrain from 26–27 November, according to the Foreign Office (FO). The FO stated: “The visit is expected to reinforce the traditionally warm and cordial ties, identify new avenues of partnership, and deepen people-to-people linkages, contributing to mutually beneficial cooperation.” It added: “This official visit underscores Pakistan’s continued engagement with the Kingdom of Bahrain, aimed at fostering a results-oriented and strategic partnership between the two countries.” During the visit, the Prime Minister is said to hold high-level discussions to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, energy, technology, education and culture. He will be accompanied by a senior delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers and officials. In September, both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism, anti-narcotics and immigration. They also decided to form a Joint Working Group across various sectors and sign MoUs on extradition, mutual legal assistance and specialised security training. (Abdullah Momand, “PM Shehbaz to visit Bahrain from Nov 26–27 to deepen bilateral linkages: FO,” Dawn, 25 November 2025)
EDITORIALS/OPINIONS
Security
PESHAWAR FC BOMBING
Editorial, "Peshawar FC bombing," Dawn, 26 November 2025
"As the year draws to a close, there is no let-up in acts of terrorism, particularly incidents in KP. A disaster was narrowly averted on Monday morning when the swift response of security forces prevented terrorists from staging a mass-casualty attack at Peshawar’s Federal Constabulary headquarters. There is cause for serious concern if the JuA was involved, and it has indicated that it was. That it struck a secure installation in the heart of the provincial capital speaks of the need to vastly improve intelligence-gathering and counterterrorism capabilities. The current year has witnessed a high number of attacks as per one count over 2,400 people had lost their lives in more than 950 attacks up till September. If this worrying tide is to be reversed, then the federal and provincial administrations must put their heads together and formulate an effective CT strategy. The military and civilian arms of the state must together defeat the monster of terrorism before it draws even more blood."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1957409
‘ONE EYE ON THE BARREL, THE OTHER ON THE SKY’: HOW POLICE IN BANNU ARE DEALING WITH EVOLVING MILITANT TACTICS
Ismail Khan, "‘One eye on the barrel, the other on the sky’: How police in Bannu are dealing with evolving militant tactics," Dawn, 26 November 2025
"One eye on the barrel of the gun and another on the sky. Police in Bannu said they faced more than two hundred attacks, which employed commercially available, low-cost drones weaponised by militants to target them since June. It was hovering and chasing. The introduction of drone warfare by militants the first time they have been employed against Pakistani forces manifested a new phase and perhaps the most deadly transformation of the decades-long war that has claimed thousands of lives, both civilian and uniformed. All of that changed when the United States exhausted by the seemingly unending war in Afghanistan after spending trillions of dollars withdrew from the country and left behind 7.1 billion dollars worth of military equipment and defence articles. They were killing our men like sitting ducks. We were very late in adopting new technology. We are tipping the balance. We may be killing them, but are we killing the problem?"
https://www.dawn.com/news/1957409
Economy
CRYPTO RED FLAGS
Editorial, "Crypto red flags," Dawn, 25 November 2025
"A lot of money could be moving around unchecked. Pakistan ranks third globally in crypto adoption, with most activity driven by small investors. These platforms enable direct transactions without Know-Your-Customer checks, allowing significant sums to move across borders with no oversight. The chairman of the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan recently warned that people are buying dollars from foreign exchange companies and using them to purchase crypto. This, he believes, has resulted in roughly 600 million dollars disappearing from the formal system. Crypto can create openings for money laundering and terror financing, drawing unwanted attention from the FATF. Given the scale of grassroots crypto activity and the ease with which unlicensed platforms operate, the potential for illicit financial flows is substantial."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1957244/crypto-red-flags