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In Focus
Pakistan and Turkey strengthen energy partnership
Five MoUs and DoAs signed for oil and gas exploration, with commitments to further cooperation in mining and equity participation in the power sector
On 3 December, Dawn reported that a delegation from Turkey, led by Minister for Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, visited Pakistan and held discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Power Minister Awais Leghari on 2 December. Key agreements on strengthening partnership in the energy sector were signed during the engagement, and in June 2022, PM Sharif and President Erdogan had agreed to expand bilateral trade from USD 1.1 billion to USD 5 billion in three years. As of 2024, the bilateral trade stood at USD 1.4 billion.
What are the key developments from the engagement?
First, Pakistan and Turkey signed five memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and deeds of assignment (DoAs) on oil and gas exploration. This includes: the deed of assignment for Eastern Offshore Indus-C, the Petroleum Concession agreement Ziarat North Block, the Petroleum Concession agreement Sukhpur-II Block, the Petroleum Concession agreement Deep C block and the Offshore Deep F Block. The two countries agreed to explore adopting a unified approach by involving a joint trading company for the procurement of petroleum. Both sides also committed to expanding the partnership to mining and equity participation in the power sector.
Second, PM Sharif highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation between the two countries in the energy, petroleum, and mineral sectors. He noted and appreciated that Turkish Petroleum had joined offshore and onshore exploration activities in Pakistan, making this a key achievement in their bilateral energy cooperation.
Third, Turkey’s Energy Minister put forth that Turkey aims to develop further ventures in collaboration with Pakistan, especially in oil and gas exploration, energy infrastructure, and the mining sector. He stated: “To achieve our shared goal of $5 billion in bilateral trade, significant contributions will come from deeper collaboration in energy and mining.” Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Power Minister invited established international private-sector investors from Turkey for bidding as Pakistan prepares for the privatisation of its first three Discos.
Fourth, both countries agreed that a ministerial delegation from Pakistan will visit Turkey soon to explore further cooperation in the energy sector. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Turkiye, Pakistan forge energy cooperation,” Dawn, 3 December 2025)
Parliament passes a bill to establish a statutory body to protect and promote the rights of minority communities
On 3 December, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s parliament passed a bill establishing a statutory body to protect and promote the rights of minority communities. The joint sitting approved the bill by majority vote, despite opposition from members of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F). The Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar tabled the bill, with around one-third of lawmakers opposing a motion which allowed the legislation to be taken up for immediate consideration. 160 members voted in favour, while 79 opposed it. The legislation was passed with certain amendments, notably the removal of a clause granting overriding legal effect and the withdrawal of earlier provisions that would have given the National Commission for Minorities’ Rights suo motu powers.
What is the proposed commission?
First, the bill establishes a commission aimed at institutionalising minority rights protection. It will include representatives of all provinces and recognised minority communities. A council of the commission will be formed under the act and will exercise delegated powers and functions assigned by the commission.
Second, the body will comprise 18 members. This includes three Hindu representatives (two from scheduled castes), three Christian members, one Sikh member, one member from the Bahai community, one member from the Parsi community, two Muslim members with a human-rights background, one representative from each provincial minority or human-rights department, and one minority member from Islamabad Capital Territory.
Third, the National Assembly Secretariat will initiate and complete the process for appointing the chairperson within 60 days of the act’s commencement or at the required time thereafter.
Fourth, a parliamentary committee of four members, two from the Senate and two from the National Assembly, preferably non-Muslims, will recommend candidates. If the committee fails to reach a consensus, the Prime Minister will appoint the chairperson.
What are the arguments and counterarguments?
First, objections centred on concerns that the earlier provision granting the bill an overriding legal effect could undermine the 1984 anti-Ahmadiyya ordinance. The law minister clarified that the legislation would neither limit anti-Ahmadiyya provisions nor affect existing court judgements. He pointed out that the Constitution and the state define Ahmadis as non-Muslims, and since they do not accept this classification, they fall outside the ambit of the bill. He recalled that when this status was challenged, the Supreme Court held that Article 20 protections do not apply to those who reject their legally recognised non-Muslim status.
Second, the minister emphasised that the Constitution defines minorities as “non-Muslims,” stating: “This is a commission for non-Muslims. Our Hindu, Christian and Parsi brothers are as good Pakistanis as we are.” He added that the commission would not possess punitive authority but would submit recommendations to the government. He highlighted the need for a formal platform for non-Muslim citizens to raise issues such as forced conversions, sanitation workers’ rights, job quotas and dignity-based concerns.
Third, the PTI Chairman noted that the president had returned the bill without assent, objecting to the mechanism for removing the commission’s chairperson and members, authority to create or upgrade posts and to maintain independent financial accounts. JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza and other critics added that Section 35, which stated that the legislation would override prior laws, should be omitted entirely. They also opposed Section 12 of the bill, which they added gave suo motu powers to the proposed commission. The opposition suggested that the bill would be acceptable if these clauses were removed. (Iftikhar A. Khan, “Bill to set up minorities’ body passed amid outcry,” Dawn, 3 December 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Achakzai claims that the Constitution has been reduced to formality and state repression is unleashed against the PTI
On 3 December, Dawn reported Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chairman Mehmood Khan Achakzai’s statement claiming that the Constitution has been reduced to a mere formality, questioning how a state can operate without pre-agreed rules and regulations, while it's fundamental to the functioning of even a village. Speaking at a public meeting to mark the 52nd death anniversary of Abdul Samad Khan Achakzai, a Pashtun nationalist and political leader, he criticised the government as a parliament formed through stolen mandates, money or influence that wielded no authority to alter the basic structure of the Constitution. Achakzai also alleged that in order to secure a majority, state repression was unleashed against the PTI, claiming that thousands of homes were raided, workers were tortured in police stations and detention centres, and even their dignity was violated. “Despite this, the public gave PTI the mandate, but instead of counting votes, candidates who came third or fourth were declared winners through tick-marking, while others were given victory in exchange for millions,” he alleged. He added that when a majority still couldn’t be secured, opposition lawmakers were mass-disqualified through court orders, with their seats then transferred to what he called the “fake government.” ("Achakzai says Constitution reduced to formality," Dawn, 3 December 2025)
27TH AMENDMENT
Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb elevated to permanent judge of the Supreme Court (SC) in the first JCP meeting since the 27th Constitutional Amendment
On 2 December, Dawn reported that in the first meeting since the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment and the establishment of the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP), responsible for appointing judges to the superior judiciary, elevated Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb to a permanent judge of the Supreme Court (SC). The session was presided over by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi. The JCP had appointed Justice Aurangzeb as an acting judge of the Supreme Court in February after elevating him from the Islamabad High Court (IHC). The forum also sanctioned the appointment of Justice Zafara Ahmed Rajput as chief justice of the Sindh High Court (SHC) and Justice Kamran Mullahkhail as chief justice of the Balochistan High Court (BHC). During the meeting, the JCP reviewed candidates for the position of SHC chief justice from among the three most senior judges of the court. The judges under consideration were Justice Rajput, Justice Muhammad Iqbal Kalohoro and Justice Mahmood A. Khan. Additionally, the JCP evaluated candidates for the post of BHC chief justice from the high court’s three senior-most judges, Justice Mullahkhail, Justice Iqbal Ahmed Kasi and Justice Shaukat Ali Rakhshani. Following the establishment of the FCC, which saw four Supreme Court judges, Justices Aminuddin Khan, Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Aamer Farooq and Ali Baqar Najafi, appointed to the new court, along with the resignations of Justices Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah, the Supreme Court’s total strength has fallen from 24 to 18 judges.
A press release issued later stated that the JCP had set up a committee comprising Justice Farooq, AGP Awan, Naek, Zafar and Bhoon to draft rules under clause 20 of Article 175A of the Constitution. The clause requires the creation of rules for the annual performance evaluation of high court judges and for determining the period within which a judge must improve their performance if found to be underperforming. The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), the top forum for judicial accountability, investigating allegations of misconduct against judges, also met today and formed a committee comprising Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Rizvi and Justice Aalia Neelum to draft rules governing its procedures and conduct of business under clause 10 of Article 209 of the Constitution. “In the meantime, the council unanimously adopted the Supreme Judicial Council Procedure of Inquiry, 2025, on a provisional basis,” the press release added. (“First JCP meeting post-27th Amendment elevates Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb to permanent SC judge,” Dawn, 2 December 2025)
28TH AMENDMENT
“Inefficiency in provincial spending, meanwhile, does not automatically justify a return to centralised control,” argues editorial in Dawn
On 3 December, Dawn, in an editorial titled Undermining the federal compact, analysed the rising discussions on the 28th Constitutional Amendment. The editorial underscores that the 28th Amendment “strikes at the core of Pakistan’s federal compact and carries grave implications for provincial autonomy, federal cohesion and human development.” According to the editorial, the 28th Amendment, which is claimed to be a long-standing agenda of the PML-N, the PTI, the establishment and international lenders, would “strip away constitutional protection for provincial shares under the seventh National Finance Commission (NFC) award,” arguing that “Islamabad needs a larger slice of the divisible pool.” It highlights the three main arguments towards the amendment- first, they contend that the seventh NFC award granted the provinces an excessively large portion of the divisible pool without assigning them corresponding spending responsibilities. Second, they argue that the provinces’ reliance on federal transfers has created a moral hazard, weakening their incentive to expand their own tax base. Third, they claim provincial governments engage in wasteful, politically driven spending on salaries and discretionary development projects, with minimal gains in public service delivery. Although some of these concerns are meaningful, Pakistan’s fiscal crisis did not begin with the seventh NFC Award, and reducing provincial shares alone will not fix it, argues the editorial.
The core issues lie in stagnant productivity, a narrow and poorly documented tax base, and weak institutional capacity to tap new revenue sources, the editorial identifies. Both federal and provincial governments have failed to expand the tax net, with tax-to-GDP ratios falling for both tiers in recent years, a sign of deeper structural problems. It also highlights that Pakistan cannot afford to further curtail social spending. “Experience suggests that when more resources are channelled to the centre, they tend to fund defence and elite-centric subsidies rather than classrooms and clinics,” the article reiterates.
The editorial suggests that a more effective alternative to cutting provincial transfers is to redesign the fiscal framework to reward improvement in social indicators by linking part of federal allocations to provinces’ revenue efforts. This could mend the moral hazard built into unconditional transfers. However, provincial inefficiency does not justify a return to centralised control, as federal spending is equally vulnerable to patronage and weak discipline, as highlighted in the editorial. It further argues that Islamabad contributes to the fiscal strain by retaining large ministries and funding projects in devolved sectors such as health and education, with a significant share of the federal development budget spent on provincial-level initiatives, leaving the centre overburdened and then using fiscal pressure to argue for reclaiming provincial authority. “A sounder course is to reform tax policy, enforce discipline on federal and provincial spending, and embed performance-based criteria in the NFC formula as well as inter-organisational resource allocation,” the editorial recommends. (Rafiullah Kakar, “Undermining the federal compact,” Dawn, 3 December 2025)
JUDICIARY
IHC orders HEC to present judge’s degree record
On 3 December, Dawn reported that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had ordered the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to show relevant records regarding the law degree of IHC Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri. The court bench was hearing the petition accusing Justice Jahangiri of having a dubious law degree. The petitioner contended that the LLB degree of Justice Jahangiri had been cancelled by Karachi University. Earlier, the IHC bench, while hearing the petition, issued an interim order restraining Justice Jahangiri from performing judicial functions until the maintainability of the petition could be examined. Later Supreme Court intervened and set aside IHC’s restraining order and held that no high court can bar a sitting judge from performing judicial duties. The SC asked the IHC to decide the objections raised to the petition and proceed in the matter accordingly. (“IHC seeks Justice Jahangiri’s degree record from HEC,” Dawn, 3 December 2025)
ECONOMY
Govt ramps up efforts to build business-friendly tax regime
On 3 December, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presided over a meeting of the working group on tax reforms. During the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasised that the government desires to create a business environment in the country and has been taking practical steps for export-driven economic growth. The Chairman of the working group recommended necessary tax reforms to support private sector development. The Prime Minister also praises private sector experts to provide comprehensive proposals to the government, and ensures that the government will soon form a committee headed by the finance minister to work on these proposals. (“Govt taking steps to enhance exports: PM,” Dawn, 3 December 2025)
Import schemes undermining local auto sector: PAPAAM
On 3 December, Dawn reported that the local automotive industry raised concerns over the misuse of import schemes. The government's failure to control the implementation of the import scheme is affecting the local industry, which is 20 per cent of the country’s large-scale manufacturing businesses. According to a Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (PAPAAM) report, Pakistan ranks at the top of the list of completely knocked down (CKD) and used car importing countries with a 24 per cent share. Meanwhile, India has zero share, Vietnam has 0.3 per cent, and Thailand with 1.2 per cent. PAPAAM's former chairman claimed that the government must reconsider its import scheme for used cars, as it is damaging the domestic industry, which creates jobs. (“Automotive industry concerned at ‘misuse of import schemes’,” Dawn, 3 December 2025)
Pakistan targets USD two billion in horticulture exports by 2028
On 3 December, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters and Merchants Association (PFVA) announced a plan to boost the country’s exports from USD 700 million at present to USD 2 billion within the next three years. For the first time, Pakistan has received export orders from the United Kingdom, Germany, and Oman during the FoodAg Pakistan. The FoodAg exhibition opened new avenues for partnerships and sustainable growth, with business deals worth USD 730 million emerging at the expo. (“Fruit, green exporters eye $2bn target in three years,” Dawn, 3 December 2025)
SOCIETY
Milk from Karachi pronounced unfit for human consumption after substantial traces of formalin and phosphate found in samples
On 3 December, Dawn reported that the city commissioner had informed the Sindh High Court that all milk samples collected from Karachi were found unfit for human consumption by the Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority after finding traces of formalin in 22 samples and phosphate in eight samples, indicating extensive adulteration. It further argued that there was no basis for raising the price of fresh milk, especially since the consumption of milk-based products typically falls during winter. In 2023, a dairy farmer filed a petition challenging an October 2023 notification that set the official price of fresh milk, naming the agriculture, supply and prices department, the commissioner, and others as respondents. A report from the Karachi commissioner was then submitted to a two-judge SHC constitutional bench, headed by Justice Adnan Iqbal Chaudhry, in compliance with the court’s previous order. The commissioner’s report added that, to tackle milk adulteration, sellers’ associations were directed to develop joint Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on hygiene and safety, which they submitted on 25 November. It noted that during a 20 November meeting, a representative of the Bureau of Supply & Prices said there was no justification for a price increase, given the seasonal drop in consumption of milk-based products and the expectation that prices would fall in the coming month. The report further stated that a new notification was issued on 27 November, setting the maximum retail price of fresh milk at PKR 220 per litre, with all associations instructed to follow the official rate, ensure accurate measurements and comply with the agreed SOPs. (“All milk samples collected in Karachi found unfit for human health, SHC told,” Dawn, 3 December 2025)
SECURITY
Two-day Nokundi Operation ends with all militants eliminated
On 3 December, Dawn reported that security forces completed the operation against perpetrators who attacked the brigade headquarters of Frontier Corps in the Nokundi area of Chagai district. In two-day clearance operations, security forces have killed all six militants who attacked the FC fort. On 1 December, militants attacked the FC fort with a suicide bomber who detonated herself in front of the main gate. In the attack, three armed men were instantly killed; however, three managed to enter the building and take hostages. Although the military's media wing has not released any statements on the casualties. (“Nokundi FC HQ standoff ends, all militants killed,” Dawn, 3 December 2025)
INDIA-PAK
Pakistan Air Chief hails post-conflict emergence as ‘Regional Stabiliser’
On 2 December, Dawn reported that the Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu declared that Pakistan established itself as a regional stabilising force after the May 2025 conflict with India, which he called Marka-i-Haq. The PAF Academy Asghar Khan in Risalpur hosted a passing out parade, where he declared that Pakistan achieved a better diplomatic position and military respect through its unified response during the crisis. The PAF conducted its initial complete multi-domain operation, which combined space capabilities with cyber warfare and electronic warfare and long-range bombing and drone and loitering munition systems. The air chief stated that Pakistan used its missile strike on 10 May to destroy Indian military facilities while disabling sections of the S-400 defence system. The air chief attributed the successful outcome to national leadership and tri-service coordination while stating that Pakistan would take decisive action against any upcoming threats. The PAF achieved its success through ongoing modernisation efforts under NASTP, which include new unmanned systems and EW and space assets. (“Pakistan successfully emerged as ‘regional stabiliser’ following ‘Marka-i-Haq’, says PAF chief,” Dawn, 2 December 2025)
Editorials/Opinions
Politics
Zahid Hussain, "Politics of confrontation," Dawn, 3 December 2025
"Any such move would plunge the country deeper into crises, with far-reaching political and security consequences. It is all about power politics and pushing the PTI government in KP to the wall. Any move to impose governor’s rule in KP could plunge the country further into crises. Most alarming is the growing alienation of the local population with the state, particularly in the districts most affected by militancy. The growing trust gap between the state and public has been a major factor in the virtual collapse of security in the province. Certain public statements made by the defence minister and some other Pakistani officials using strong language for the Afghans has not only infuriated the people across the western border but also many Pakhtuns in this country. The root of the confrontation lies in the diminishing democratic space and rising authoritarianism in the country. Suspending the provincial government would exacerbate public discontent, further destabilising the country."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1958892
Editorial, "In words only," Dawn, 3 December 2025
"Yet a broader question arises is the sanctity of parliament something to be invoked only rhetorically, or is it ever to be upheld in practice as well. It does not behove the Speaker or his office to thwart the opposition in this manner. The Speaker’s apparent acquiescence in this view does little to enhance the credibility of his office or the standing of parliament. When an institution repeatedly described as supreme is perceived as playing more of a validating role, it can hardly expect the genuine respect its office-bearers demand for it. A parliament distracted by personal battles and narrow agendas cannot hope to command public respect. The people deserve a legislature that takes itself seriously."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1958896
Society
Rida Tahir, "Narcotics offences," Dawn, 3 December 2025
"Children involved in narcotics-related cases often come from marginalised and poor communities and or are exploited by adults involved in the drug trade. About 165 children have been imprisoned for narcotics-related offences. All this raises troubling questions about how the justice system treats children and who is truly responsible when a child becomes entangled in the drug trade. The state must protect, and not punish, its children. Despite the provision of explicit special protection to children who are involved in narcotics-related cases in Sindh, the law exists only on paper, with children being criminalised rather than being provided protection. When parents fail in their responsibilities, the state must step in as a protector, not punisher. Imprisonment must be replaced with prevention, early support, and rehabilitation for every child."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1958890/narcotics-offences
Editorial, "Excluded citizens," Dawn, 3 December 2025
"When millions are ignored by the state, it is not the people who are disabled, it is the system. The state continues to approach disability through charity, not legal entitlement. Public buildings lack ramps, transport systems are rarely accessible, and workplaces seldom offer the basic adjustments that allow people to participate fully. Pakistan’s quota system is rarely implemented, leaving PWDs facing high unemployment and wasting a significant pool of potential talent. Many children with disabilities never reach school at all. Social protection schemes exist but are underfunded, bureaucratic, and difficult to navigate. Pakistan does not lack laws. It lacks implementation and sustained political will."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1958894/excluded-citizens
Judiciary
Editorial, "Detainees’ rights," Dawn, 3 December 2025
"In a system where mistreatment, torture and even death of individuals in custody are not uncommon, the Rights of Persons Arrested, Detained or under Custodial Investigation Bill should help address many of the ills related to the abuse of detained persons. The dignity of every person is inviolable. That the rights of detainees are routinely flouted within the Pakistani criminal justice system is widely known. The state has made it a habit to deny detainees their fundamental rights. The proviso calling for production before a magistrate after arrest could also reduce the grim trend of enforced disappearances. They need to be aware of the penalties they could face if they fail to ensure the rights of persons in custody."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1958895/detainees-rights
Pakistan and The Middle East
Khurram Abbas, "Strategic ambitions," Dawn, 2 December 2025
"Islamabad’s security activism in Middle East is its new currency of relevance. Islamabad now believes that Pakistan paid significant strategic, economic and political costs due to its decision of neutrality in the Middle Eastern conflicts. Islamabad’s higher security stakes and strategic relevance in the region would ensure sustainable economic assistance and uninterrupted oil flows even during the prospective armed conflict with New Delhi. Islamabad’s proactive security overtures in the Middle Eastern region will likely complement Washington’s interests. Pakistan is concerned about the Indian growing influence in the region. Despite these calculations, Islamabad’s expanded role in the Middle East will bring complex, multilayered foreign policy challenges. Islamabad must now weigh its choices with precision is the price of stepping into the vortex of Middle Eastern security rivalries truly lower than that of becoming a distant economic partner."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1958684/strategic-ambitions
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