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In Brief
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
KP CM announces weekly demonstrations outside IHC in solidarity with Imran Khan’s sisters; Claims that PTI is being forced into a conflict
On 1 December, Dawn reported that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi stated that those in authority were trying to provoke the PTI into a conflict, but the party would stay calm and avoid any confrontation, but that “the PTI will never hesitate to offer sacrifice.” Addressing a news conference at the Chief Minister’s House, he asserted that attempts are underway to corner the PTI, yet the party would persist with its peaceful demonstrations. “Persistent efforts have been made to isolate the PTI, and peaceful protesters were even shot at,” he said. Afridi also announced that the PTI had resolved that all its lawmakers would stage peaceful demonstrations outside the Islamabad High Court every Tuesday and accompany Mr Khan’s sisters to Adiala Jail. He added that the KP government would act in accordance with the PTI leadership’s directives. “All the parliamentarians, including National and provincial assembly members as well as senators, will protest outside the IHC over delayed case hearings. They will all proceed to Adiala, accompanying Khan sahib’s sisters,” Mr Afridi told reporters. He stated that the PTI was being mistreated, citing that he was placed on the Passport Control List. He also asserted that no part of KP was under the control of militants, but added that the entire country was being controlled by a single individual. He said the federal government should take the province’s proposals into account to ensure lasting peace in KP, noting that decisions made behind closed doors had previously hurt the region. “If the federal government implements what the provincial government has been suggesting, it will be our responsibility to carry out those decisions and maintain law and order,” he said. (“PTI to stay calm despite being pushed towards conflict: KP CM,” Dawn, 1 December 2025)
Field Marshal to become Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) as Gen Mirza retires as last CJCSC
On 27 November, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza retired as the last Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJSCS) following the title’s abolition as part of the military hierarchy shakeup enforced by the 27th Amendment. This ends the tri-service representation structure that has existed since 1976. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir will take over as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), a newly created unified title also enforced by the 27th Amendment. He will also simultaneously serve as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), creating a dual-hatted position with consolidated operational, administrative and strategic authority. His new appointment resets his tenure, giving him a fresh five-year term with the possibility of an additional five years. At the same time, a new four-star post called the Commander National Strategic Command (CNSC) has been created to oversee the nuclear domain. This position will also be shielded from judicial review, like the CDF. Critics warn that the new system concentrates unprecedented power in one office, while diminishing that of the Navy and Air Force. Despite these major changes, the National Command Authority Act has yet to be updated to match the new system, and the future structure of the Joint Services Headquarters remains uncertain. (“Gen Mirza bows out as last CJCSC,” The News International, 28 November 2025; “Gen Mirza bows out as last CJCSC,” Dawn, 28 November 2025)
To meddle with the NFC award or 18th Amendment is akin to “playing with fire,” warns Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari; Asserts his support for the FCC and warns against institutional interference in the Parliament
On 30 November, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari warned that anyone who attempts to revoke the constitutional guarantees related to provinces’ rights as provided under the 18th Amendment was akin to “playing with fire.” In a video address to commemorate the PPP’s 58th foundation day, Zardari reiterated that the ruling PML-N had earlier suggested changes affecting the provinces’ financial entitlements under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, but the PPP opposed them, and they were ultimately left out of the final 27th Amendment draft. Bilawal praised his party for “saving the constitutional guarantee of the provinces’ financial share,” and also claimed that “I have been protecting your rights and God-willing, will keep doing so.” He asserted that “the PPP can never back a decision that would weaken the federation or through which province’s rights would be usurped.” Speaking on the fractured confidence over the Federal Constitutional Courts, Zardari stated that he hoped the FCC would “prove all those wrong through its character,” adding that the FCC would try to “restore people’s trust [in the judiciary] and become a court that will prioritise the Constitution, the law and do justice.” Zardari also warned that it is not within the authority of a court or a judge to decide whether the Amendment can remain or not, and “neither will we allow that any other institution interferes in the parliament.” He said the new arrangement would allow ordinary citizens to receive “immediate relief” in criminal matters, with the Supreme Court giving those cases priority. He also highlighted that the “We not only fulfilled the [promise] of creating a constitutional court but also assured the equal representation of provinces in that court.” (“Those ‘playing’ with NFC Award or 18th Amendment playing with fire, warns Bilawal,” Dawn, 30 November 2025)
Imposition of governor’s rule in KP under serious consideration, states Minister of Law and Justice
On 30 November, Dawn reported that Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik stated that the imposition of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was being “seriously considered,” citing it as a need for the “security and governance issues” in the province. He claimed that KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and his team had “badly failed in having any sort of a workable situation,” lacking coordination or cohesion with the Centre, and failing to take action in key areas. He also accused the KP government of “planning to block routes and cut off the province” from the rest of the country. He added that the governor’s rule is a “constitutional measure”, which was undertaken in case of an “absolute necessity.” “The president can take this step on his own as well […] the approval for which will later have to be taken by a joint sitting of [Parliament],” he said, adding that under the Constitution, governor’s rule could be imposed initially for two months, and it could later be extended further if required. (“Imposition of governor’s rule in KP being ‘seriously considered’: state minister,” Dawn, 30 November 2025)
Election Commission decries allegations of rigging in the November by-elections as “baseless” and “entirely contrary to the facts”
On 30 November, Dawn reported that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) termed the allegations of rigging in the 23 November by-elections, particularly in NA-18 Haripur, as “baseless.” The election regulator issued a statement highlighting that “certain specific elements are levelling baseless allegations to make the recent by-elections (particularly NA-18 Haripur) controversial,” and that the allegations of conspiracy against the appointment of the district returning officer (DRO) and returning officer (RO) in NA-18 Haripur were “entirely contrary to the facts.” The ECP clarified that because of limited staff during the general elections, it could not directly appoint ROs and DROs. In contrast, for by-elections, the Commission made such appointments whenever required. “Under the Elections Act, 2017, this is the Commission’s fully legal authority, and the Election Commission has always appointed DROs and ROs using this authority,” it added. The ECP highlighted that the appointments of DROs and ROs are made well before polling day, and no objection was raised from any side until the day of the election, adding that “These allegations are being made only after losing the election.” The ECP said that repeating the same unfounded allegations after every election serves only to undermine confidence in the electoral process. (“ECP terms allegations of rigging in November by-elections as ‘baseless’,” Dawn, 30 November 2025)
SOCIETY
Islamabad hosts Pakistan Population Summit
On 1 December, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Population Summit organised by Dawn Media had begun in the national capital, Islamabad, with a focus on restoring balance and building sustainable futures. The summit, a national dialogue, aims to emphasise the need to recognise the importance of population planning as an investment in the country’s development. Pakistan’s population has reached over 241 million, making Pakistan the fifth most populous country in the world. With a population growth rate of 2.40 per cent, Pakistan maintains the highest population growth rate in South Asia. (“2-day Pakistan Population Summit begins in Islamabad,” Dawn, 1 December 2025)
Sorranj mine sealed after deadly landslide kills two workers
On 1 December, Dawn reported that a landslide struck a coal mine in the Sorranj area of Quetta. Two coal miners lost their lives in the incident. The Chief Mine Inspector has ordered the coal mine sealed and an inquiry initiated into the incident. These deadly incidents are common in mines in Balochistan province, with private companies operating the mines under lease agreements with the government, known for hazardous working conditions and poor safety standards. (“2 killed as coal mine collapses in Quetta,” Dawn, 1 December 2025)
SECURITY
BLA attacks on FC headquarters and checkposts
On 1 December, Dawn reported that the Balochistan Liberation Army attacked Frontier Corps headquarters in the Nokundi town of Balochistan. BLA’s suicide bomber detonated himself at the main gate of the headquarters, and half a dozen armed terrorists tried to enter the camp. Security forces killed three terrorists in retaliation who had entered the FC fort. Meanwhile, armed terrorists also attacked an FC checkpost in the Gurmakan area of Panjgur district. During heavy gunfire between terrorists and security forces, several terrorists were killed. (“Attacks on FC in Nokundi, Panjgur thwarted,” Dawn, 1 December 2025)
ECONOMY
Finance Minister calls for a higher provincial revenue share in NFC
On 1 December, Dawn reported that the Finance Minister urged both the federation and its units to contribute greater revenues in the upcoming National Finance Commission. He appreciated the provincial government's efforts by bringing in legislation for Agriculture Income Tax (AIT). He also asserted that the nature of NFC was to have consensus mainly on revenue, expenditure, and governance, and emphasised the need to bring in not only structural but also institutional reforms, as highlighted in the IMF’s governance and corruption diagnostic assessment (GCDA). He insisted that the IMF’s GCDA should be viewed as a catalyst rather than a criticism of government policy, as the government itself had requested and facilitated the GCDA as part of its commitment to transparency. The minister also appreciated that the announcement of the US Exim Bank joining the USD 3.5 billion Reko Diq Syndication, which had helped in achieving financial close for the project, also announced that the inaugural panda bond in the Chinese market would be issued in December. (“Finance minister expects ‘good’ NFC output,” Dawn, 1 December 2025)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan and Egypt to set up business council, expand defence collaboration
On 1 December, Dawn reported that Egypt’s Foreign Minister arrived in Islamabad for a two-day official visit. He met Chief of Army Staff Field Marshall Asim Munir in Rawalpindi and discussed “defence and security cooperation, military exchanges, training collaborations, and regional peace and stability.” He also met President Asif Ali Zardari and the Foreign Minister. The president noted that “this year marks 77 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries” and expressed the hope that both sides will reinvigorate cooperation in trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges. During a meeting, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar mentioned that Pakistan will share with Egypt a comprehensive list of 250 Pakistani business houses representing key sectors of the economy that will enhance bilateral commercial engagement. He also announced that a Pakistan-Egypt Business Council will be established soon, and political consultations between the two countries will be held in the first quarter of 2026. The two ministers also discussed Kashmir, Afghanistan, and cooperation at multilateral forums. (“Egyptian FM discusses defence and security cooperation, regional peace with COAS Asim Munir,” Dawn, 1 December 2025)
Pakistan’s defence minister calls for reassessing the Gaza peace treaty
On 1 December, Dawn reported that Defence Minister Khawaja Asif expressed concerns about the Gaza peace treaty, as Israel is violating the fragile ceasefire in the region. He emphasised that Muslim countries that supported the treaty, including Türkiye, Egypt, and Qatar, may need to reassess their stance given the present situation. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had already said that Pakistan was willing to commit troops to the Gaza peace force but not ready to participate in the disarmament of Hamas, claiming that Pakistan's job is peacekeeping, not peace enforcement. (“Defence minister says Muslim countries may need to reassess stance on Gaza peace treaty due to Israeli ceasefire violations,” Dawn, 1 December 2025)
Pakistan rejects UN rights chief’s criticism of 27th Amendment
On 1 December, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s Foreign Office rejected the statements by United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, raising concerns about the 27th Constitutional Amendment. The Human Rights Chief, in his statement, claimed that the 27th constitutional amendment, like the 26th amendment last year, had been adopted without consultations and debate, and also these amendments undermine judicial independence and raise concerns about military accountability. In response, the Foreign Office emphasised that constitutional amendments adopted by the parliament of Pakistan followed due procedures enshrined in Pakistan’s constitution and urged the high commissioner to respect the sovereign decisions of Pakistan’s parliament and avoid commentary that reflects political bias and misinformation. (“FO rejects ‘baseless’ apprehensions of UN rights chief about 27th Amendment,” Dawn, 1 December 2025)
AF-PAK
Afghan refugees urge the US to resume the resettlement programme; Asserts that the National Guard shooting was an individual act and plead that collective punishment be avoided
On 1 December, Dawn reported that Afghan refugees, awaiting resettlement in the US, have urged the Trump administration to resume the immigration process of Afghan nationals, stating that their living conditions in Pakistan were severe and under constant fear of deportation. The statement came from Afghan P1/P2 case holders, who stated that “We, the Afghan allies and partners of the United States with completed P1/P2 cases, express our deep concern and urgent plea for assistance.” They asserted that the shooting of the National Guard soldiers was the act of a single individual, “ and it must never be used to collectively punish thousands of loyal Afghan allies who served the United States honourably and at great personal risk.” The statement highlighted that “Individual crime is not a reflection of an entire group, and we respectfully ask that this principle of justice be upheld.” The statement also highlighted that the deteriorating relations between Islamabad and Kabul has led to the deportation of even “documented US allies,” adding that “Individual crime is not a reflection of an entire group, and we respectfully ask that this principle of justice be upheld,” the statement added.” The statement also pleads that if the refugees are deported, they will be “immediately identified and killed by the Taliban for our service to the United States.” “We are not criminals. We are the allies who stood with America. Now, we ask America to stand with us,” said the statement issued on behalf of the P1/P2 case holders in Pakistan. In a recent statement, the UN refugee agency had also urged Pakistan to ensure that Afghans with specific protection needs are exempted from the provisions of the ‘Illegal Foreigner Repatriation Plan’ and allowed to remain safely in the country, reported Dawn. (“Afghan refugees in Pakistan urge US to resume resettlement programme,” Dawn, 1 December 2025)
Editorials/Opinions
IMF REPORT
Shahid Kardar, "IMF report: light on substance," Dawn, 1 December 2025
"The information and analysis it provides and the messages it conveys, could easily have been communicated in one-tenth of its length. Much of it is dense verbiage and platitudes a superficial bureaucratic sputter being presented as a forensic investigation unearthing high crime. The only quantitative metric offered to demonstrate the scale of corruption is the report’s sensational claim that NAB recovered 5.3 trillion rupees in the last two years, equivalent to four per cent of GDP. The exaggerated success being implied would denote that NAB outperformed every other public institution, including the FBR. The most serious shortcoming of the report is its failure to undertake a thoughtful examination of the policies that create incentives for malfeasance. A fundamental weakness in the report is the reluctance to admit the role of external agencies. Institutions do not become corrupt in a vacuum. This omission is hardly accidental. This approach smacks of intellectual dishonesty. This selective framing severe and rigorous on the past, but mute on the present dilutes its neutrality and diminishes its analytical credibility."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1958472
Dr Manzoor Ahmad, "A roadmap, not a reprimand," Dawn, 1 December 2025
"The IMF diagnostic report is neither an audit of the current administration nor a verdict on its performance over the past year. Reforming this area alone could increase growth by approximately two per cent over a five-year period while having a meaningfully positive impact on reducing inequality. If implemented faithfully, these reforms could help Pakistan break from a cycle of ad hoc tariff changes and move toward a trade policy that strengthens productivity, investment, and export competitiveness. A predictable, rules-based tariff regime is essential for a country that seeks export-led growth rather than reliance on protectionism and special interests. Expanding and professionalising the NTC is indispensable. The IMF estimates that if these broader reforms are pursued with seriousness and continuity, Pakistan could secure a cumulative GDP gain of 5 to 6.5 per cent over five years."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1958333
UNEMPLOYMENT
Mohiuddin Aazim, "Underneath unemployment numbers," Dawn, 1 December 2025
"When people don’t have jobs, they feel frustrated. What is alarming is that the unemployment rate is higher among the 15–24 age group 12.8 per cent in 2024–25, up from 11.1 per cent in 2020–21. This is a dangerous situation and needs to be handled carefully. If domestic and foreign investment doesn’t flow into agriculture and manufacturing in a big way, how on earth will new jobs be created. The absence of sustained high growth gives birth to stubborn unemployment. Moreover, the high population growth rate above 2 per cent makes the task of creating enough jobs even more difficult. Massive job creation is not possible without unleashing the power of the private sector. And if domestic and foreign investment doesn’t flow into agriculture and goods manufacturing in a big way, how on earth will new jobs be created."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1958327
Shakeel Ahmad Ramay, "Why Pakistan’s governance model is failing its youth," The Express Tribune, 1 December 2025
"Pakistan was envisioned as a state with these characteristics. As a result, elitism, exploitation, injustice, and social and economic exclusion have become the defining features of the Pakistani system. In modern Pakistan, exclusion and injustice are so widespread that they affect all levels of society. The biggest victims of this unfair and exclusionary system are the youth. The elite class has replaced merit with nepotism and bribery. It is well known that youth can be a destructive or constructive force. Serious reforms are necessary to safeguard the social and economic interests of ordinary people, protect the life and dignity of every citizen, and guarantee justice and social equity for all without discrimination. Merit should be the guiding principle, not nepotism or any form of discrimination. Selective justice and social injustice are a recipe for failure and go against the teachings of Islam."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2579937/youth-bulge-lacking-access-to-quality-education-skills
CYBERSECURITY ACT
Editorial, "The digital test," Dawn, 1 December 2025
"Pakistan’s Cybersecurity Act has been presented as a milestone. Yet ambition alone will not suffice when dealing with the weaknesses that have repeatedly left the country exposed. Over the past few years, Pakistan has found itself in the headlines not for its cyber readiness but for a series of damaging breaches. Internet outages such as those most recently imposed in Balochistan often without transparency or due process have become a default response to security concerns. Rankings offer little comfort when the public experiences insecurity firsthand. The Cybersecurity Act will only succeed if implemented with openness, independent oversight and a commitment to protecting fundamental rights. What Pakistan does lack is a coherent, civilian-led cybersecurity architecture that prioritises technical excellence over political control."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1958470
SECURITY
Maleeha Lodhi, "The tyranny of geography," Dawn, 1 December 2025
"The tyranny of geography imposed heavy burdens on Pakistan. Today however, Pakistan faces a three-front security challenge. Pakistan faces two hot borders and an internal security challenge. This is unprecedented as never before has the country had to deal simultaneously with three fronts. Relations with Afghanistan have hit a record low because of the Taliban’s unwillingness to act against the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan that continues cross-border terror attacks from its Afghan sanctuaries and poses a grave threat to Pakistan’s security. Islamabad seems to have concluded that with diplomatic efforts exhausted the only option is kinetic as sustained military pressure might have a deterrent effect on the Taliban’s permissive attitude and support for TTP. In the face of continuing Indian belligerence and intimidatory military exercises near its border Pakistan cannot afford to lower its guard. Pakistan needs a more effective counterterrorism strategy. Defeating militant violence within is a strategic compulsion as a continuing three-front situation is obviously untenable."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1958498/pakistan-faces-a-three-front-security-challenge
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