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In Focus
Terrorism & Violence
Increase by 25 per cent in first 11 months of 2025
On 04 December, The Express Tribune had reported that there was a sharp increase in terror violence fatalities and incidents by 25 per cent in comparison to the previous year. This year, there were 3187 fatalities in comparison to 2546, the prior year. According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), the deaths and incidents have occurred among civilians, security personnel, and outlaws. The concentration of violence is mostly in the northwestern region of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan, which comprises 96 per cent of fatalities and 92 per cent of incidents from January and November. According to the statistics, K-P has the worst number then followed by Balochistan.
Other regions like Sindh, Punjab, PoK, Islamabad, Capital Territory, and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) comprise the remaining four per cent. Throughout the reporting periods, there are about 15 casualties per day on average. Statistics reveal that in K-P, the fatalities occurred from security operations as counter terrorist exceeded by 72 per cent that from terrorist attacks, which suggests their large-scale and aggressive campaigns against terrorism. However, in Balochistan, the opposite seems to be at play, with the number of 36 per cent more fatalities by terrorist attacks compared to security operations. (“Terror violence surges 25% in 11 months of 2025,” The Express Tribune, 04 December 2025)
Pakistan & Afghanistan
In Riyadh, the talks fail to reach deal
On 03 December, officials from Pakistan and Afghanistan said that a fresh round of talks between the two countries in Saudi Arabia failed to reach a deal. While a ceasefire agreement between the two South Asian neighbours following the 10-day conflict has largely held, longer-term issues remain to be solved. The fresh round of talks was held in Saudi Arabia last week after negotiations in Istanbul last month failed to produce a peace agreement. The series of meetings last weekend was hosted by Qatar, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. The talks - A Saudi initiative - included three representatives from Afghanistan and two from Pakistan. Islamabad argues that Afghan-based militants have been carrying out attacks in Pakistan, including suicide bombings. Kabul denies the allegations, with the Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi calling them shifting and inconsistent. “[...] we urge Pakistani officials: focus on solving your own fundamental problems, and value the constructive steps taken by the Islamic Emirate,” he said.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has decided to reopen the Torkhan and Chaman border crossings exclusively for humanitarian cargo from the United Nations, following nearly 50 days of complete closure of all trade routes with Afghanistan. The Ministry of Commerce reached this decision in consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and issued a letter to the Member Customs (Operation), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Islamabad and the Director General of Transit Trade, FBR Karachi. It requests that all necessary measures be taken to allow the UN humanitarian containers to transit smoothly. Pakistan has approved the clearance of 143 containers, with 74 belonging to UNICEF, 67 to the World Food Programme (WFP) and two to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). It will be implemented in three phases: the first involving containers carrying food and supplies, the second carrying medicines and medical equipment and the third carrying other essential items like kits for students and teachers. (Mubarak Zeb Khan, “UN aid consignments cleared for Afghanistan,” Dawn, 04 December 2025; Tanveer Hashmi, “Torkham, Chaman crossings to be reopened for UN humanitarian cargo,” The News International, 04 December 2025; “Fresh round of Pak-Afghan talks fails to reach deal: officials,” The News International, 04 December 2025)
Punjab to celebrate Basant after an 18-year ban
On 04 December, Punjab formally lifted its ban on Basant. Pakistan’s celebrated kite-flying festival, Basant, was once a vital symbol of Lahore’s springtime culture. It is remembered for its colourful kites, music, food, and historic roots across Punjab. The festival, celebrated for centuries, from the time of Mughal Sufism up to pre-partition Vaisakhi gatherings, uniting people of all ages together, attracting thousands of visiting tourists, highlighting various varieties of Punjabi cuisine and dance, and supporting a vast number of artisan-related economies. After its prohibition, imposed in 2007 after a string of tragic incidents in which chemical and metal-coated strings caused deaths across the province, thousands of families who relied on kite-making lost their livelihoods. This left Basant cherished in collective memory but absent in the national calendar for 18 years.
Punjab has formally lifted its ban on Basant after Governor Sardar Saleem Haider promulgated the Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, allowing the festival to resume under strict new regulations that are in place to limit the number of injuries associated with kite flying and to avoid any tragedies similar to those that resulted in many deaths from sharp kite-string injuries. The new law, which is being placed before the provincial assembly, includes banning anyone under 18 years of age from flying kites, requiring registration of kite-flying clubs and shops, and requiring a unique QR code identifier for each kite that links it to the manufacturer. Kite flyers are only to use cotton cord, while metal, chemical or glass-coated string is strictly prohibited. Any violation of these provisions could result in penalties of between three to five years in jail and/or fines up to PKR two million. The new legislation points toward years of public pressure on authorities to bring back the culture of Punjab, while at the same time putting in place measures to prevent any tragedy and bring about safety. (Zara Zahid, "Basant: Pakistan’s Kite-flying Festival," The Friday Times, 12 July 2025; Imran Gabol & Amjad Mahmood, "Basant colours will return to Punjab skies this spring," Dawn, 04 December 2025; “Punjab lifts Basant ban with strict conditions after 18 years,” The Express Tribune, 04 December 2025)
In Brief
AFGHANISTAN-PAKISTAN
Pakistan clears humanitarian consignments for Afghanistan after nearly two months of suspended cross-border cargo movement
On 4 December, Dawn reported that Pakistan has initiated clearing humanitarian consignments for Afghanistan after nearly two months of suspended cross-border cargo movement. This marks the first controlled reopening of transit trade since all routine trade was halted in October. Customs clearance for exports, imports and Afghan Transit Trade (ATT) had been completely suspended at major border points, including Torkham, Ghulam Khan, Kharlachi, Angoor Adda and later Chaman from mid-October. The latest decision follows instructions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after consultations with the UN resident coordinator in Pakistan. An official letter was issued to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the Directorate General of Transit Trade, authorising the movement of humanitarian consignments belonging to three UN agencies through Chaman and Torkham.
According to the letter, the reopening will proceed in three phases: first, clearance of food shipments; second, medicines and medical equipment; and third, education-related supplies. Additional consignments will be processed once updated requirements are shared. In the initial phase, 143 containers will be cleared: 67 containers of food aid from the World Food Programme (WFP), 74 containing children’s supplies from UNICEF, and two containers of healthcare and family-support items from UNFPA. Officials stated that the reopening applies only to humanitarian ATT cargo and does not indicate the resumption of routine trade. (Mubarak Zeb Khan, “UN aid consignments cleared for Afghanistan,” Dawn, 04 December 2025)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Imran Khan reconstitutes PTI’s political committee
On 4 December, Dawn reported that the PTI's information secretary informed that the PTI's political committee with 40 members would be replaced by a smaller body. The smaller body will include provincial heads, leaders of the opposition, and a few other members. PTI’s founder, Imran Khan, in his tweet, said that Shahid Khattak should be appointed as the parliamentary leader in the national assembly and authorised KP’s newly elected CM, Sohail Afridi, to reorganise the body of the Insaf Lawyer Forum (ILF). The PTI founder also criticised the participation of PTI people in the National Defence University (NDU) workshop, calling it a shameful act. (“Imran dissolves PTI political committee amid ‘leaks’,” Dawn, 04 December 2025)
KP CM petitions court for medical assessment for Imran Khan amid health concerns
On 4 December, Dawn reported that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s newly elected Chief Minister Sohail Afridi petitioned the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to allow doctors from Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital (SKMCH) to examine the ‘ailing’ PTI founder. He argued that the PTI founder was facing multiple health complications that required assessment from specialist doctors. In the petition, the Punjab government, through its prison department, has been made a respondent. Separately, PTI founder’s elder sister Aleema Khanum announced that there will be a sit-in protest outside Adiala jail until six family members and six lawyers are allowed to meet Imran Khan. (“IHC urged to allow Imran’s medical examination by Shaukat Khanum doctors,” Dawn, 04 December 2025)
JUDICIARY
CJP Afridi highlights the need to build a citizen-centric justice system that integrates modern technology
On 4 December, Dawn reported that Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi reiterated the judiciary's commitment to building a citizen-centric, transparent, and equitable justice system. Addressing the participants of a consultative workshop on “National E-Court Reform Agenda: Requirements and Challenges”, held at the Federal Judicial Academy, Afridi stressed that the integration of modern technology is central to delivering accessible and efficient justice. The event convened the Supreme Court Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, senior government officials, digital authority leaders, high court registrars, IT specialists and judicial officers from across Pakistan to discuss the judiciary’s national digital transformation agenda. CJP Afridi underscored the central role of the National Judicial Automation Committee (NJAC), led by Justice Mazhar, in driving this transition. He noted that the NJAC serves as the institutional framework for aligning digital initiatives across all courts. Earlier, high court registrars and Pakistan Digital Authority representatives presented assessments of the current technological landscape, progress in digitisation and challenges across different judicial tiers. Their briefings highlighted the need for an integrated national e-court system, a unified digital master plan and improved interoperability among judicial institutions. (“CJP Yahya Afridi stresses citizen-centric justice system,” Dawn, 4 December 2025)
ECONOMY
11th NFC convenes to decide resource distribution
On 4 December, Dawn reported that the 11th National Finance Commission is all set to hold its inaugural meeting to begin negotiations on the horizontal and vertical distribution of divisible pool resources among the federating units. This meeting was postponed repeatedly, initially called on 27 August after constituting the 11th NFC on 22 August to decide the share of federal divisible resources between the centre and provinces. The Federal Finance Minister will preside over the meeting, and four provincial finance ministers and four non-statutory members will lead the discussions. (“NFC meets today to discuss resource sharing,” Dawn, 04 December 2025)
Govt rejects claims IMF report targets parliament
On 4 December, Dawn reported that the Federal Finance Minister rejected the claims by lawmakers that the IMF report targets parliament and government. Lawmakers criticised both the parliamentary committees of the Senate and the parliament for failing to act against corruption and termed the recent International Monetary Fund’s Technical Assistance report, Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment, critical of the parliament and government. However, the Finance Minister emphasised that the government itself initiated the assessment and that committees, after conducting a detailed review of the report, are now preparing an action plan based on the weaknesses identified in the report for the benefit of the country. Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Finance expressed concerns over the absence of the Finance Minister, the Secretary of Finance, and the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan at the meeting held to prepare a comprehensive strategy to address the issues mentioned in the IMF report. (“Lawmakers slam govt’s inaction on corruption,” Dawn, 04 December 2025)
PM Shehbaz announces bidding dates for PIA
On 4 December, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif released the schedule for bidding of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). He announced that as the government seeks to sell a 51-100 per cent stake in the loss-making national airline, the bidding will be initiated with a live media broadcast on 23 December. The PIA privatisation would be the country’s first major privatisation in nearly two decades. The government will make sure that the bidding process will be transparent and based on merit; with that, four bidders have been pre-qualified for the sale. However, previous attempts to sell the airline failed as a bid from real estate firm Blue World City fell short of the USD 305 million floor price. (“Bidding for PIA to be held on Dec 23, says PM Shehbaz,” Dawn, 04 December 2025)
SOCIETY
Women’s financial inclusion reaches 52 per cent, claims SBP
On 4 December, Dawn reported that the State Bank of Pakistan’s governor called women's inclusion in entrepreneurship a powerful driver of growth, celebrating Pakistan Women Entrepreneurship Day 2025. He noted that women’s financial inclusion has risen to 52 per cent. He also appreciated the milestone of more than 17.6 million new women having their bank accounts opened since 2021. With the third edition of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2024-2028, the government aims to raise overall financial inclusion to 75 per cent by 2028 and reduce the gender gap to 25 per cent. Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Pakistan Business Council raised concern over the entrepreneurial landscape, where only one per cent of enterprises are led by women, and 92 per cent of women-owned enterprises remain informal. (“Women powering Pakistan’s growth push: SBP chief,” Dawn, 04 December 2025)
USF approves nine telecom projects for rural connectivity
On 4 December, Dawn reported that nine new telecom projects with PKR 13.05 billion were approved by the Universal Service Fund to provide high-speed internet and voice services. These projects will help 5.5 million unserved and underserved residents across the country. The Information Technology and Telecommunication Secretary claimed that USF projects have served 39.4 million rural residents to date, playing an instrumental role in empowering rural communities. (“Rs13bn telecom projects okayed to connect 5.5m rural residents,” Dawn, 04 December 2025)
SECURITY
More than 200 intelligence-based operations conducted and over 100 militants killed in north Balochistan in three months
On 4 December, Dawn reported that the Additional Chief Secretary of Home and Tribal Affairs Mohammad Hamza Shafqaat disclosed that security forces have killed over 100 militants in the northern areas of Balochistan during the past three months and carried out more than 200 intelligence-based operations in Kachhi district. Speaking at a high-level meeting presided over by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on 3 December, he highlighted that 3,561 illegal petrol pumps had been sealed, while customs officials conducted 2,575 operations and seized 416 non-custom-paid vehicles. The meeting also reviewed the progress on targets set by the national and provincial action committees, overall law and order and ongoing security measures. Mr Shafqaat told the meeting that joint operations were underway against terrorist and criminal networks across several districts, alongside efforts to register seminaries and enforce existing regulations. Balochistan’s Chief Minister Bugti welcomed the progress in tackling smuggling, crime, and security threats, urging departments to intensify operations and strictly implement decisions of the national and provincial action committees. He reaffirmed that protecting citizens is the state’s primary duty and said the government would continue using all available resources to maintain peace and advance the province’s development. (“‘More than 100 militants killed over three months’,” Dawn, 04 December 2025)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan deploys an urban search and rescue team to cyclone-affected Sri Lanka
On 3 December, Dawn reported that Pakistan has deployed an urban search and rescue team to cyclone-affected Sri Lanka. A Pakistan Air Force C-130 aircraft, carrying a 47-member team and 6.5 tons of specialised equipment, departed to support ongoing rescue operations. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) chairman, the deployed unit is a “very competent military team,” and it will remain in the field as long as required. He added that Pakistan has also sent 200 tons of cargo assistance through a commercial container ship from Karachi, and that “the prime minister has also committed additional support from Pakistan if required.” The deployment follows allegations by Pakistan’s Foreign Office that India was preventing humanitarian assistance from being sent to Sri Lanka by air. A statement from the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo said Pakistani aircraft had been awaiting clearance and accused India of obstructing relief flights through “shenanigans.” It noted that since 29 November, Pakistan’s emergency mission comprising a C-130 aircraft with field hospitals, sniffer dogs and nearly 200 tonnes of life-saving supplies had remained grounded due to delays in flight clearance. As per the news report, PM Shehbaz Sharif stated: “Pakistan will also play a significant role in the restoration and rehabilitation of flood-affected areas of Sri Lanka after the search and rescue phase.” According to Dawn, “The Sri Lankan president thanked PM Shehbaz… appreciated that Pakistan was among the first countries to respond after the cyclone.” (“Pakistan sends urban search and rescue team to assist cyclone-hit Sri Lanka,” Dawn, 03 December 2025)
ON INDIA, PAKISTAN AND THE REGION
Multilateralism “under assault,” amidst the fragile stability in South Asia; Pakistan rejects “bloc politics and zero-sum approaches,” asserts Ishaq Dar
On 4 December, Dawn reported that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stated that multilateralism was “under assault” as stability in South Asia faced various threats, stressing the need for regional cooperation. Speaking at an event in Islamabad, he added that “the institutions of global governance are often criticised for the acts of omission and commission of a few states driven by unilateralist impulses.” Citing the India-Pakistan conflict in May, Dar recalled that “In 92 hours, the Indo-Pakistan war had the potential to escalate to far more dangerous levels,” emphasising that India and Pakistan were “involved in a conflagration” that would have gone toward an “uncontrollable escalation”, adding that an “uneasy and fragile peace persists.” He added that states had increasingly resorted to the use of force to settle disputes while disregarding international law and the principles of the UN Charter, and that emerging technologies, transnational terrorism and hybrid warfare, including misinformation campaigns, posed major threats to stability. Citing intensifying military, technology, trade, tariff and resource rivalries, he noted that “major power competition is a defining feature of our time.” Dar asserted that Pakistan “opposed bloc politics and zero-sum approaches and consistently stressed the imperative of cooperation rather than confrontation,” and that as an elected member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2025-2026 term, Pakistan was “engaged in vanguard efforts to promote international peace and security.” Speaking on South Asia, Dar noted that the region had a complex security environment as it comprised “three geographically contiguous nuclear powers with complicated relationships.” The foreign minister said that real and lasting peace in South Asia demands more than strategic stability, stressing that resolving the Kashmir dispute fairly and durably remains indispensable. He further noted that the Indo-Pacific strategy, designed to contain China, effectively designates one regional state as the net security provider. This, he said, creates friction with China’s connectivity-focused Belt and Road Initiative and undermines regional efforts toward peace and development. He argued that South Asia’s challenges could not be addressed amid “political fragmentation and a fractured regional architecture.” Dar said the first step was to move past zero-sum thinking and build a climate of dialogue, peaceful coexistence, economic interdependence, and mutually beneficial cooperation. “Pakistan envisions a South Asia where connectivity replaces divisions, economies grow in synergy, disputes are resolved peacefully in accordance with international legitimacy and where peace is maintained with dignity and honour,” Dar said. (“Dar says multilateralism ‘under assault’ amid complex security climate in South Asia,” Dawn, 04 December 2025)
Editorials/Opinions
Centre vs Province
Khurram Husain, "Centre vs province," Dawn, 04 December 2025
"A great deal of confusion is being stirred around the question of provincial allocations under the National Finance Commission award. The funds being divided up under the NFC award do not belong to the federal government. The relationship between the centre and province in a federation is not that of a senior and junior partner. Pakistan’s fiscal federalism was born out of the Government of India Act, 1935, which gave the provinces the right to collect all taxes on incomes, sales and production within their territory. The matter was resolved in the 1973 Constitution, through the creation of the NFC mechanism. So it is wrong to think that the money collected under the taxes identified as part of the divisible pool are somehow the property of the federal government. If the federal authorities demand results for the money that has been transferred to the provinces under the NFC award, then the provinces have the same right in reverse. Let’s agree this would be a fruitless discussion between the centre and province. Neither is answerable or accountable to the other."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1959097
Protection for all
Editorial, "Protection for all," Dawn, 04 December 2025
"Achieving true national cohesion is not possible unless Pakistanis of all confessional backgrounds are ensured their fundamental rights. Sadly, over the decades we have witnessed the space for non-Muslim minorities shrink considerably. The state has pledged after every such atrocity to protect minorities and crack down on extremism. In a related development, the National Commission for Minorities Rights Bill, 2025, was passed by parliament on Tuesday in order to create a proper framework to address the issues of non-Muslim citizens. Creating a dedicated body for the welfare of minorities, and the protection of non-Muslims’ rights, is a welcome step. Yet the body has much work to do in order to create a level playing field for non-Muslim Pakistanis. Moreover, a complementary effort is needed to counter extremism and zealotry in society. Therefore, the primary effort of the state should be to penalise hate-mongers."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1959094
Growing trade gap
Editorial, "Growing trade gap," Dawn, 04 December 2025
"Pakistan’s merchandise exports have been experiencing a pronounced decline for the last several months, with November trade data of the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics showing a significant 15.4pc year on year dip from 2.8bn dollars to roughly 2.4bn dollars. The downward momentum is particularly worrisome, as the decline in November marks the fourth consecutive monthly contraction since August this fiscal year. Overall, export proceeds have fallen by 6.39pc to 12.84bn dollars during the first five months of the current fiscal to November from 13.72bn dollars a year ago. Imports continue to surge, jumping to 28.32bn dollars from 24.99bn dollars. If the trend holds it will further expand the trade gap, which has already ballooned by 37.2pc to 15.47bn dollars this year. The reduced export flow is believed to be driven by weakened global demand and the prohibitive cost of doing business. Pakistan’s exports will continue to struggle to compete internationally unless energy costs are substantially slashed, taxes rationalised and the ease of doing business improved. Our chances of breaking out of the low growth trap will remain slim unless we can boost exports sustainably and at scale."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1959093/growing-trade-gap
Climate of corruption
Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, "Climate of corruption," Dawn, 04 December 2025
"Corruption and elite capture are the hidden drivers amplifying Pakistan’s climate vulnerability. The IMF’s Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Report has not addressed this urgent nexus between corruption and climate risk. Corruption drains up to 6.5 per cent of GDP annually while climate disasters cost about 9.5 per cent of GDP each year. The GCDR provides no detailed analysis connecting corruption to ecosystem degradation or climate vulnerability. The 2022 floods exposed how substandard embankments built through corrupt contracts failed catastrophically. When 30 to 40 per cent of climate finance is diverted, adaptation becomes maladaptation. Governance rot manufactures climate catastrophe. Elite captured irrigation authorities divert water to powerful landowners during droughts, forcing migration. Regulatory capture, weak environmental enforcement and accountability gaps are documented but not linked to their compound climate impact. Elite capture legally channels resources toward maladaptive development. Without confronting this legacy of stalled and ecologically damaging projects, procurement reform cannot deliver climate resilience. Every year of inaction ensures infrastructure failure at the next climate shock. In Pakistan, governance failure is climate failure."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1959098
Playing both sides
Editorial, "Playing both sides," Dawn, 04 December 2025
"With the AJK government recently passing to the PPP after a carefully orchestrated no-confidence motion against erstwhile AJK prime minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, both the opposition and treasury benches in the legislature are now in control of parties that are solidly allied at the centre. The opposition is supposed to use its mandate to scrutinise the government and its decisions. How can a friendly opposition deliver on that front? AJK witnessed widespread sociopolitical upheaval in recent months and its public will be expecting a meaningful pivot in state policy. The issues raised by the Joint Awami Action Committee concerned poor governance, economic distress, structural reforms, representation and improved delivery of justice. Instead, the public is seeing politicians cynically jockeying for positions rather than taking principled positions. Now that the AJK legislature has been reshuffled, both the government and opposition must focus on the task at hand. The people of AJK have already signalled that their patience has run out."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1959092/playing-both-sides
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