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In Focus
Pakistan Population Summit
Rising population is a “defining challenge for the country’s future stability, prosperity and competitiveness,” warns Minister for Planning and Development at Pakistan Population Summit
On 2 December, Dawn reported on the Pakistan Population Summit, organised by Dawn Media. The summit arrived at the unanimous conclusion that the country’s prosperity is weighed down by the rising population, highlighting that without managing the population in tandem with resources, all of the government’s efforts towards development, progress and social uplift would be futile.
The Population Council’s Country Director, Dr Zeba Sattar, opined that parents have the right to make free and responsible decisions about the number and spacing of their children, ensuring a balance (Tawazun) between family size and resources. “The balance really is about responsibility, the state’s responsibility; the balance has to be restored in terms of societal issues, the balance between resources and the number of people in Pakistan,” she said, highlighting that of 12.7 million pregnancies recorded in Pakistan, six million were “unwanted or mistimed.” She underscored that effective population control programmes would reduce the unplanned pregnancies and “focus on the other 6.7 million instead, ensuring a better mortality rate.” Dr Sattar expressed confidence that Pakistani families would react positively to a well-funded population management programme.
Senator Sherry Rehman recalled that seven years ago she had written about three “ticking time bombs” for Pakistan: unchecked population growth, water scarcity, and climate stress, adding that “they are no longer ticking; they have silently exploded around us,” and that population growth “has passed some kind of danger line.” She urged the federal government to conduct an awareness drive in the national language on population management measures. Noting that the Contraception Prevalence Rate (CPR) stood at 34 per cent, she stressed that wider use of contraceptives could reduce the birth rate and highlighted the need for them to be affordable and easily accessible. Ms Rehman added that in Pakistan, a woman dies every 50 minutes due to pregnancy- or childbirth-related complications. She also referenced the Council of Islamic Ideology’s (CII) ruling permitting birth spacing, emphasising that reluctance to use contraceptives stems from cultural taboos rather than religious restrictions.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNA Shaista Pervaiz asserted that “population growth is no longer a demographic issue,” noting that it is interlinked “with everything a country is judged by.” Ms Pervaiz noted that while there was “political will” present to address the issue, it was time that it should be “turned into action.”
In a video message, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal stated that the country’s population could hit an estimated 370 million by 2025, stating that it was a “defining challenge for the country’s future stability, prosperity and competitiveness.” “Every single year, Pakistan adds almost the entire population of New Zealand, around 4-4.5 million people,” the minister added. He stated that PM Sharif has placed “stunting and population management at the highest national priority”, highlighting that the government is moving towards emergency multi-sector action integrating health, nutrition, education, social protection, water and local government systems.
Finance Minister claims that employment creation is not the responsibility of the government
Speaking at the summit, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that the need to "recognise and negotiate" population growth and climate change as two existential issues for Pakistan. He asserted that “it is not the government's job to give jobs and we have to get out of that mindset,” emphasising that it is individuals working as freelancers who are driving the country’s IT services and powering the IT economy. “We need to upskill the youth, reskill them; that is how we are going to go forward with respect to this,” he stated. Zaidi noted that unemployment had been rising over the past five to seven years. Referencing data from economist Dr Hafeez Pasha, he said real wages in Pakistan have dropped by 20 per cent in just the last three years. He also pointed to Pakistan’s falling position on the UN Human Development Index, calling the numbers “deeply troubling,” with the country now ranked 168th, among the lowest in the world. (“How many more mouths can Pakistan afford to feed?,” Dawn, 2 December 2025; “Govt's role isn't job creation, says FinMin as unemployment hits 20-year high,” The Express Tribune, 2 December 2025)
Pakistan–Afghanistan talks in Riyadh
No breakthrough as both sides maintain rigid positions
On 2 December, Dawn reported that Pakistan and Afghanistan held a brief, unannounced high-stakes meeting in Riyadh, mediated by Saudi Arabia, but the talks ended quickly and without progress as both sides maintained rigid positions.
First, the meeting, held late on 30 November, sought to address tensions followingthe October border clashes and Pakistan’s demand for action against militant groups operating from Afghan territory. The Afghan Taliban delegation was led by Anas Haqqani and Rahmatullah Najib. The Pakistani delegation consisted of officials previously involved in the Turkiye–Qatar track discussions, with an additional Foreign Office (FO) representative.
Second, Islamabad reiterated that Kabul must take concrete action against the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and other militant groups based in Afghanistan. The Taliban delegation maintained its existing stance, leading to no meaningful progress.
Third, the Riyadh engagement occurred as the Turkiye–Qatar mediation track remained stalled. Turkey’s President Erdogan had earlier indicated plans to send a delegation to Islamabad, but this visit has not materialised. The Turkiye–Qatar effort produced a fragile ceasefire, though the FO spokesperson stated the truce faltered as it was “contingent on a halt in terrorist activities.”
Fourth, Saudi officials urged both sides to keep channels open and encouraged Pakistan to consider resuming bilateral trade while counterterrorism discussions continue. Islamabad rejected the proposal. Despite the absence of a breakthrough, sources indicated that Saudi Arabia aims to remain engaged and may convene another round of talks. (Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Islamabad-Kabul impasse persists in Riyadh,” Dawn, 02 December 2025)
Access to Imran Khan
PTI pushes ahead with coordinated protests; the Government bans meetings in Islamabad and Rawalpindi
On 2 December, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will proceed with protests outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail despite formal bans on public gatherings in both cities. The Islamabad administration imposed a two-month prohibition on assemblies on 18 November, while Rawalpindi issued a separate three-day ban on 1 December. PTI leaders explained that the protests exist to fight against the current restrictions that block Imran Khan from receiving visits from party members and his family. Asad Qaiser announced that opposition members of parliament would first assemble outside the IHC before proceeding to Adiala jail to protest against prison staff who allegedly ignored court orders for prisoner visits.
The party showed evidence that senior PTI members, including the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister, had been refused meetings with Khan multiple times. Qaiser explained that the parliamentary committee considers this measure an infringement of basic rights, so they want to restore access right away. The situation has become more critical because Imran Khan's legal team, along with his family members, have been denied access to him for multiple weeks.
The PTI parliamentary committee strongly warned against any attempt to establish governor's rule in KP because they viewed it as a destabilising measure that would create political unrest. The committee declared that KP faces financial problems and security deterioratio,n so the federal government needs to execute its NFC award and tribal district merger obligations. The committee advised Islamabad to resolve its disputes with Kabul through diplomatic talks instead of using military force.
The KP chapter of PTI declared its plan to stage a motorway protest, which would start at the Peshawar-Islamabad Interchange and end at Swabi to demonstrate party-wide pressure on the government. According to organisers, supporters from Nowshera, Charsadda, Mardan and Swabi will join the procession. (“PTI goes ahead with protest plan in twin cities amid ban,” Dawn, 2 December 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS
Authorities concealing information about Imran Khan, fears son
On 01 December, Imran Khan’s son, Kasim Khan, alleged that authorities were concealing information regarding his father’s condition, stating it could be “something irreversible”. His remarks came as the PTI and Imran’s sisters have protested outside Adiala jail, where he is imprisoned. Imran has been in prison since August 2023, following convictions in a series of cases he believes were politically driven after he was ousted as Prime Minister following a non-confidence vote in 2022. Kasim told Reuters that he had no direct or verifiable contact with his father despite a court order for weekly meetings. “Not knowing whether your father is safe, injured or even alive is a form of psychological torture,” he said. He also added that the family has repeatedly tried to contact Imran’s personal physician, who has not been allowed to examine him for over a year. The isolation of the former Prime Minister has fuelled fears over a deliberate effort to push him out of public sight. Kasim added that he last saw his father in November 2022, after he survived an assassination attempt. The family has also been pursuing internal and external avenues, like appealing to international human rights organisations. Despite Defence Minister Khwaja Asif assuring that Imran’s family were being allowed to meet him, his former wife, Jemima Goldsmith, wrote on X, “They’re not even allowed to speak to him on the phone. No one is.” (“‘Something irreversible’ about Imran being hidden, fears son,” Dawn, 02 December 2025)
Governor’s rule is a constitutional measure if the need arises, says law minister
On 01 December, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar told the National Assembly that the imposition of Governor’s rule in any province was within the constitutional process, with no resemblance to martial law. This was in reference to the imposition of Articles 232, 233, and 234 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, following protests against the imprisonment of Imran Khan. “There is nothing unconstitutional if circumstances arise to impose Governor’s Rule,” he said. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq urged him to engage with parliamentarians from both sides and that any issue can only be resolved through dialogue. He asserted that the dignity of the Parliament will be protected at all costs against anyone threatening to attack it. In response, opposition leader Ali Muhammad Khan questioned how any dialogue would be possible while Imran Khan was still in prison. Speaker Sadiq had also mentioned that a member, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, had “also threatened to physically approach the Speaker’s chair”. The House passed a resolution condemning the move by Achakzai, but the speaker said he would not put the resolution to a vote and instead would make it a part of the Assembly’s record. On the other hand, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said Achakzai was the only person to challenge the 8th Constitutional Amendment and that it was against democracy to call someone a traitor for having a different opinion. Meanwhile, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi dared the federal government to impose Governor’s rule in his province. “There is no need for any other rule in the province,” he said, adding that his government is not afraid. (“If situation demands, Governor's rule a constitutional measure: law minister,” The News International, 02 December 2025)
KP Assembly unanimously passes resolution for creating Hazara province
On 01 December, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly unanimously passed a resolution calling for the creation of Hazara as a separate province. The resolution urges the provincial government to complete all arrangements needed and to forward its recommendations to the federal government so that the demand of the Hazara people is realised. Presented by ruling party member Nazir Abbasi, the resolution calls for the immediate initiation of the constitutional process under Article 239 for the establishment of the province. It also called for the provincial government to finalise administrative structures, boundaries and other required arrangements promptly. In addition to this, the assembly also unanimously approved a motion to recognise the late former Prime Minister and PPP founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as a national martyr. Separately, another resolution was approved calling for the restriction on the use of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance against political workers. Provincial Minister Meena Khan Afridi reiterated that the chief minister’s position is to prevent punitive measures against political workers. The assembly also addressed agricultural concerns, passing a resolution to maintain last year’s tobacco quota of 30 million tons. Meanwhile, KP government members and opposition parties unified in expressing support for a larger National Finance Commission (NFC) allocation, ahead of the upcoming meeting on 04 December. (“K-P Assembly unanimously passes resolution on creation of Hazara province,” The Express Tribune, 01 December 2025; “KP Assembly passes unanimous resolution for Hazara province,” The News International, 02 December 2025)
Not the government’s responsibility to give jobs, says finance minister
On 01 December, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said that it was not the government’s responsibility to provide jobs, amidst a capital outflow from the country in the absence of a friendly business environment and a high unemployment rate. “It is not the government's job to give jobs, and we have to get out of that mindset; it is the ladies and gentlemen who are freelancers today, leading our IT services, leading the IT economy," he said as he addressed a seminar on population growth. In response, the executive director of the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi, Akbar Zaidi, said that Pakistan’s economy is in a “very, very sharp decline” and that most will agree that all numbers are going in the wrong direction. This comes amidst an absent conducive business environment, which has lately been acknowledged by key policymakers. Pakistan’s economy is struggling under a growth model that cannot support its rapidly expanding population of 250 million, which was emphasised by State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad last week. Policymakers and economists have highlighted severe issues from rising unemployment, declining real wages, and a worsening Human Development Index ranking. Comparisons with neighbouring countries show Pakistan lagging significantly, with lower GDP per capita and weaker capital investment. International institutions, including the World Bank, stress the need for job creation, skills development, and reductions in stunting and learning poverty for sustainable growth. (“Giving jobs is not the government's responsibility: FinMin,” The Express Tribune, 02 December 2025)
SECURITY
Police are being killed in Lakki Marwat and Bannu attacks
On 02 December, Dawn reported that a suicide bomber targeted a suicide bomber yesterday, on 01 December, in the Lakki Marwat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing one officer and injuring several others, while in a separate shooting in Bannu, another officer is reported killed. A police mobile from Tajori was intercepted after they received intelligence about a suspicious motorcyclist; when the officer attempted a checkpoint, the attacker fired, and it led to the detonation of an explosive device. A Police Constable have been confirmed to be killed in Bannu district, along with five other officers, who were injured in the explosion. In Bannu, a spokesman for the regional police office informed Dawn that on his way to duty, terrorists opened fire on the Constable. (“2 cops martyred in Lakki Marwat, Bannu attacks,” Dawn, 02 December 2025)
PoK
PML-N is appointing Shah Ghulam Qadir as AJK opposition leader
On 02 December, Dawn reported that Shah Ghulam Qadir had been appointed as the opposition party leader for AJK, replacing Khawaja Farooq Ahmed of PTI. The replacement was made official yesterday after an application, which was backed by all nine lawmakers of the PML-N, was handed to the Speaker’s office. The appointment under Rule 17(a) of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly was granted by the Speaker based on the majority opinion of the opposition members. The shift represents a realignment in the legislative politics of AJK, after the previous pullout by PML-N of the ruling coalition. Through this nomination, Qadir attaches the privileges and rank of a cabinet-level post, where he is the main voice of opposition in the Assembly. (“PML-N’s Shah Ghulam Qadar replaces PTI lawmaker as AJK opposition leader,” Dawn, 02 December 2025)
AI/CYBER
AI ecosystem is being boosted as a local data centre is launched
On 02 December, Dawn reported that a new AI-ready data centre and sovereign AI cloud were launched yesterday in Pakistan, established by telecom company Telenor in partnership with Data Vault Pakistan. The complex will have enterprise-grade GPUs and group computing infrastructures, which will facilitate the development of artificial-intelligence applications locally without the need for data export to other countries. The CEO of Data Vault claimed that it has acquired over 3,000 GPUs, and this is the first purely AI-powered data centre in the country. It is hoped that the centre will enable the AI to be embraced in various industries, such as health care, finance, and law enforcement, and maintain data sovereignty and enhance cybersecurity by not moving sensitive information beyond national borders. Data-Vault and Telenor assume that with the cloud, it will be possible to build AI tools locally, models of large languages in the region, and other applications, and overcome historical limitations of global GPUs and export bans. (“Pakistan’s AI potential being unlocked with local data centre,” Dawn, 02 December 2025)
SOCIETY
Nationwide measles-rubella & polio drive vaccinates 33 million children
On 02 December, a nationwide campaign on Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccine and Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) in Pakistan concluded, with government officials reporting that 33 million children received vaccinations with 95 per cent coverage from the nationwide Measles-Rubella (MR) immunisation activities, and this campaign was one of the most successful immunisation campaigns in Pakistan in recent times across different areas, such as Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and Islamabad. The success of this campaign has been attributed to the collaborative coordination between the Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI) and other stakeholders to be able to successfully deliver MAWs to remote, hard-to-reach, and higher-risk communities that were previously not being reached in other immunisation campaigns. In addition, Pakistan continues to prepare for the last round of OPV vaccinations from 15-21 December 2025, in its efforts to eradicate the polio virus from Pakistan. (“MR, polio drive concludes,” Dawn, 02 December, 2025)
ECONOMY
Inflation eases to 6.1 per cent, but cost of living pressures persist
On 02 December, the official figures released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) showed that consumer inflation eased slightly to 6.1 per cent in November, driven by a steady decline in the price of rice and pulses. Although there was a 0.4 per cent month-on-month increase, average inflation for FY25 has dropped sharply to 4.49 per cent, compared to 23.41 per cent last year, largely due to the high-base effect and lower food and transport costs. Economists describe the trend as disinflation, noting that price rises are slowing but living costs remain high, especially with food inflation at five per cent in urban and 5.9 per cent in rural areas, and non-food inflation still elevated nationwide. Core inflation stood at 6.6 per cent in cities and 8.2 per cent in rural regions. November saw steep price increases for onions, chicken, eggs and fish, while tomatoes, vegetables and several pulses registered significant declines. (“Inflation slows to 6.1pc in Nov,” Dawn, 02 December, 2025)
EXTERNAL
Turkiye-Pakistan seal major offshore energy and mineral deals
On 02 December, Pakistan and Turkey's energy and mineral cooperation will increase, as a high-level delegation from Turkey will arrive in Islamabad to sign multi-billion-dollar agreements. Led by energy minister Alparslan Bayraktar, the Turkish Petroleum Overseas Company (TPOC) has been awarded the operatorship of the Eastern Offshore Block-C (owned by OGDC and Mari Energies), with TPOC holding a 34 per cent working interest in this venture and beginning offshore exploratory drilling in the year 2020. Additionally, a separate minerals agreement is expected to be finalised this week, with Turkish firms showing significant interest in securing leases for copper/gold mining near the Reko Diq area in Balochistan province. This improved relationship has reinvigorated investor confidence. According to the Petroleum Minister, Ali Pervaiz Malik, and the Turkish Ambassador, Irfan Neziroglu, mutual cooperation and investment in OGDC, PPL, Mari Energies and several other companies indicate the transformation of the relationship. (“Turkiye to sign multibillion-dollar energy, mineral deals with Pakistan this week,” The Express Tribune, 02 December, 2025)
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