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In Brief
SOCIETY & MEDIA
Media associations condemn government restrictions on advertisements to Dawn Media Group’s TV and radio outlets
On 13 December, Dawn reported that the Council of Newspaper Editors (CPNE) and other media bodies condemned the government’s unannounced curbs on advertisements for Dawn Media Group’s TV and radio outlet, imposed after restricting ads to its flagship newspaper, urging the authorities to immediately lift the ban. In a statement, the CPNE stated that Dawn is among Pakistan’s most credible media organisations and warned that suspending government advertisements amounted to financially crippling the group. Attributed to its president and secretary general, the statement recalled that Dawn Media Group has provided independent and unbiased journalism since Pakistan’s inception. The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) also condemned the move, expressing dismay that after 13 months of curtailed advertising to Daily Dawn, the restriction had been extended to the group’s television and radio outlets. opined that since these ads were paid for through the treasury, they “should not be used as [a] tool to strangle the dissenting voice.” “The APNS expresses its solidarity with [the] Dawn Media Group in this hour of financial stifling and urges … the federal and provincial governments to review their unconstitutional decision and restore government advertising to Dawn Media Group,” it concluded. The Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) similarly criticised the ban, reiterating its long-standing opposition to the use of advertising as a means of controlling media or free expression. Stressing the importance of credible traditional media in an era of widespread misinformation, it called on the government to immediately withdraw the restrictions. The Joint Action Committee (JAC), representing major journalists and media bodies, also denounced the curbs, saying the government was using official advertising to pressure media organisations, with Dawn Media Group being the primary target. It said the group had long faced advertising withdrawals due to its editorial independence and impartial reporting, and demanded the immediate restoration of government advertisements across its print, TV and radio platforms. (“Media bodies slam govt ad ban for Dawn outlets as tool to gag press,” Dawn, 13 December 2025)
POLITICS
UN special rapporteur states that Imran Khan’s conditions in prison amount to inhuman or degrading treatment, urges authorities to comply with international standards
On 13 December, Dawn reported that a United Nations special rapporteur, Alice Jill Edwards, warned that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s conditions in Adiala jail could amount to inhuman or degrading treatment, urging the authorities to comply with international norms and standards. Imran Khan’s legal team had approached the rapporteur to urge the government to cease the alleged mistreatment. “I call on Pakistani authorities to ensure that Khan’s conditions of detention fully comply with international norms and standards,” Edwards said in a statement. “Since his transfer to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on September 26, 2023, Imran Khan has reportedly been held for excessive periods in solitary confinement, confined for 23 hours a day in his cell, and with highly restricted access to the outside world,” she said. “His cell is reportedly under constant camera surveillance.” “Khan’s solitary confinement should be lifted without delay,” she said. The Prime Minister’s Aide Rana Ihsan Afzal dismissed the concerns, stating that Imran was being held “according to prison rules and the jail manual,” and that he was being provided facilities “greater than his rights” as a B-class prisoner. “His children have access ,and he should schedule [a call] and put in the appropriate request. There is no issue or obstacle from the government of Pakistan,” he added. (“UN expert decries Imran’s detention, calls on authorities to ensure compliance with international standards,” Dawn, 13 December 2025)
Deputy Chairman of Senate vows to enforce ruling that restricts the criticism of ‘national heroes’
On 13 December, Dawn reported that the Deputy Chairman, Syedaal Khan, stated that he would strictly enforce the 4 December ruling restricting criticism of “national heroes,” including political leaders, in the Senate. Speaking to reporters, he stressed that derogatory or disrespectful remarks against national heroes, whether from the armed forces, politics, judiciary or other national institutions, would not be tolerated in the House. “This ruling is not against any specific party, individual, or group. It is strictly in accordance with the rules and laws governing the Senate. The sole purpose is to preserve the sanctity of the House and uphold parliamentary values,” he asserted. He made the remarks during an informal interaction with reporters at Parliament House. Mr Khan said formal letters had already been sent to all parliamentary leaders, including those from the PTI, to ensure strict enforcement of the acting Senate chairman’s ruling. Copies were also shared with the Leader of the House, the law ministry and the chief whip to avoid any ambiguity. He said the ruling on suspending members who disrupt proceedings would be implemented without compromise, noting that it explicitly bans bringing banners, placards, photographs or any material that undermines parliamentary decorum into the House. Emphasising that protecting Parliament’s credibility is a shared responsibility, he paid tribute to the security forces and urged restraint in public statements. While affirming full protection for members speaking within constitutional and parliamentary limits, he stressed that Parliament would not be used for pressure tactics, intimidation or provocation. “Every member has the right to express views, but that right must be exercised within the constitutional framework, rules of procedure, and established parliamentary traditions,” he emphasised. (“Syedal vows to enforce his ruling to bar criticism of national heroes,” Dawn, 13 December 2025)
Senate standing committee approves the ‘Transfer of Railways Amendment Bill, 2025’
On 13 December, Dawn reported that the Senate Standing Committee on Railways, chaired by Senator Jam Saifullah Khan, unanimously passed the draft of the ‘Transfer of Railways Amendment Bill, 2025’, aimed at attracting investment through track access. on the serving employees, manpower planning, budget implications, and revenue trends before and after outsourcing. Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi told the committee that the proposed initiative would improve logistics for the Reko Diq mining project, while amendments would also allow provincial governments to invest in Pakistan Railways' infrastructure. The committee was informed that the changes aim to attract investment by granting track access for private operators using their own locomotives and rolling stock, enhancing efficiency, competition, revenue generation, safety planning, and freight and passenger services. The committee raised concerns over the proposed railway board, with Senator Rubina Khalid noting the absence of the federal railways minister as a public representative. The chairman stated that the minister must be included on the board to strengthen oversight and accountability. The panel also urged the ministry to engage chambers of commerce to boost investment and expand public-private partnerships, extend ongoing improvements such as LED installations to smaller stations, and enhance public awareness on rail safety. The committee also discussed concerns raised by Senator Shahadat Awan regarding the potential impact on serving employees, directing the minister to protect staff interests. It further instructed the ministry to present a detailed briefing at the next meeting on outsourcing, new hiring, manpower planning, budgetary implications, and revenue trends before and after outsourcing. (“Senate panel okays Railways bill,” Dawn, 13 December 2025)
Foreign Office accused of ‘corruption of billions of rupees’ in attestation of documents
On 12 December, Dawn reported that following Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan’s allegations that “corruption of billions of rupees” was being committed daily at the foreign affairs ministry in the attestation of documents, a Senate body decided to raise the matter with the Foreign Office (FO). The issue was brought up during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, where Senator Hassan of the PPP alleged corruption in the process and remarked: “Overseas Pakistanis are either running from post to pillar for a single signature or paying money for corruption.” He said citizens were forced to spend nights on pavements to get documents attested, stressing that the process should either be digitised or delegated to union councils and deputy commissioners. Senator Anwaarul Haq Kakar questioned why digitisation had not been implemented, asked whether resources were lacking, and suggested a dedicated Foreign Office app. He added that the FO should be held accountable for failing to resolve the issue, remarking that senior officials were unwilling to relinquish control while lower staff exploited the system. (“Senator alleges ‘corruption of billions of rupees’ in attestation of documents at Foreign Office,” Dawn, 12 December 2025)
PTI to reconstitute 23-member political committee and include leaders of opposition alliance
On 12 December, Dawn reported that the PTI has announced the reconstitution of a 23-member political committee, including members from the opposition political alliance, to serve as the party’s decision-making forum and responsible for overseeing political strategy, organisational matters, and policy direction. The party’s political committee had been dissolved by PTI founder, Imran Khan amid disagreements within the opposition party. The party’s Central Secretariat issued a notification, signed by PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and Additional Secretary General Firdous Shamim Naqvi. “The secretary general, on the instruction of the party’s founding chairman and in consultation with senior colleagues in the party, hereby reconstitutes the Political Committee of the Party/Alliance,” the notification said. The newly formed committee is set to be effective immediately and will serve as the "apex decision-making body of the party with respect to all decisions/ functioning, its wings and other committees.” It has been decided that the committee will convene at least once a week, and its decisions will be implemented through the Central Secretariat and relevant party structures across the country.
It will also lay down “policies to be followed by the parliamentary parties of PTI in the National Assembly, the Senate and the provincial assemblies, including the assemblies of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu Kashmir.” “Sub-Committees will also be formed with individuals having relevant experience, including office-bearers of the party’s wings, invited to serve on the sub-committees,” it said. The notification stated that sub-committees would be formed comprising individuals with relevant experience, including office-bearers from the party’s wings. Secretary General of the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan, Asad Qaiser, said the proposal to dissolve the political committee had been raised repeatedly by members, citing decision leaks as a key reason. He added that the timing of the announcement was inconsequential, as the matter had been under consideration for some time. Earlier, an internal memo seeking to centralise authority in the secretary general’s office had drawn criticism from party insiders, who viewed it as an attempt to curb internal democracy and silence dissent within the PTI. (“PTI reconstitutes political committee, includes leaders of opposition alliance,” Dawn, 12 December 2025)
PROVINCES
Two environmental samples test positive for poliovirus in Rawalpindi
On 13 December, as reported by Dawn, before Rawalpindi's last anti-polio vaccination campaign of 2025, which will take place between 15 December and 18 December, two environmental samples of raw sewage collected there tested positive for poliovirus. Health officials reported that these two samples were taken from Nullah, or channel, located near Pirwadhai and Dhoke Dalal, both along the border between Rawalpindi and Islamabad; they confirmed that they were genetically identical to the strain of poliovirus located in Rahim Yar Khan and Karachi that is causing an active outbreak. However, health authorities also advised that at this point, there should not be any significant concern regarding the samples' findings. Health departments have developed security, monitoring, and logistical plans to support the four-day campaign to vaccinate approximately 1,050,000 children in Rawalpindi by a workforce consisting of more than 10,000 health care workers. Additionally, as part of an overall strategy being developed throughout Pakistan, during this particular campaign, a total of 23,300,000 underage children throughout Pakistan will receive the polio vaccine. Health officials emphasised the importance of continuing all efforts to work with parents and other institutions to join in the fight against polio to ensure that the virus will no longer be endemic.
(“2 environment samples test positive for poliovirus in Rawalpindi,” Dawn, 13 December 2025)
Quality healthcare is a basic right, says Balochistan CM Bugti
On 13 December, Dawn reported that on the occasion of International Universal Health Coverage Day, Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, reiterated the commitment of the Government of Balochistan to ensure all citizens have access to quality health care, as the right to quality health care is a fundamental human right, and also the responsibility of the State. He further explained that the government has initiated several initiatives to ensure that access to health care will be available from the urban areas of Balochistan, and throughout the more remote mountainous areas, and many of the currently underserved areas will have access to basic health care services. Chief Minister Bugti further stated that a strong health care system forms the foundation for social and economic development and that current investments made in health services will contribute to the long-term security of Balochistan. In a related matter, Provincial Health Authorities have been working with the Balochistan Board of Investment and Trade to create additional opportunities for private sector investment through public-private partnerships in the areas of health system modernisation, development of hospitals, diagnostic testing, telemedicine, pharmaceuticals, and the use of digital health technology. The Provincial Government has pledged to create an investor-friendly environment to facilitate the rapid modernisation of health services in Balochistan. (“Quality healthcare a basic right, says Balochistan CM Bugti,” Dawn, 13 December 2025)
PAKISTAN-OCCUPIED KASHMIR
Gilgit-Baltistan polls are scheduled to be held on January twenty-four
On 12 December, Dawn had reported that the Election Commission of Pakistan had announced that general elections in Gilgit-Baltistan would be held on January twenty-four, with preparations underway to ensure a smooth polling process. Given that the notification states that polling will occur in all constituencies in the region, the election schedule, including nomination and scrutiny schedules, will come out later. To ensure sufficient security, local authorities are being liaised with because the area is sensitive geographically and politically. The elections are projected to influence the politics of Gilgit-Baltistan and affect the agenda of governance and development in the strategically positioned area. (“Gilgit-Baltistan polls to be held on Jan 24,” Dawn, 12 December 2025)
“Azad Kashmir” and Gilgit-Baltistan should receive NFC funding, Nawaz says
On 13 December, Dawn had reported that the Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had called for “Azad Jammu and Kashmir” and Gilgit-Baltistan to be included under the National Finance Commission award, arguing that both regions require sustainable fiscal support for development and governance. In a public speech, Sharif indicated that the two regions have not been able to plan long-term and deliver services due to the lack of a formal revenue-sharing mechanism. He emphasised that financial inclusion via the NFC would serve to deal with developmental inequalities and institutional capacity building. (“Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan must receive funding under the NFC award: Nawaz,” Dawn, 12 December 2025)
ECONOMY
CDWP clears eight projects despite cost escalation concerns
On 13 December, Dawn reported that PKR 266.55 billion worth of projects were cleared by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP). In total, eight projects were approved despite serious reservations over a 193 per cent cost escalation in Karachi’s Yellow bus transit and non-compliance with prior government guidelines in Rawalpindi’s cardiac centre. CDWP itself approved four projects that included the Construction of Graduate Block in the National College of Arts, Lahore, the Punjab Family Planning Programme, Project Readiness Financing for Punjab Water Resources Management, and Housing Community Support Programme. It also recommended four larger projects to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for approval that includes, Karachi Urban Mobility Project, the Expansion of Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology and National Institute of Heart Diseases, Prime Minister’s Pakistan Fund for Education, and ADB-funded Upgradation/ Extension of NTDC’s Telecommunications & SCADA system. (“CDWP clears eight projects worth Rs266bn,” Dawn, 13 December 2025)
Government signs MoU with Binance for blockchain-based financing
On 13 December, Dawn reported that a memorandum of understanding with crypto exchange Binance has been signed by Pakistan to explore the “tokensiation” of up to USD 2 billion in sovereign bonds, T-bills, and commodity reserves. With this step, Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority(PVARA) aims to boost liquidity and attract investors. PVARA also allowed Binance, which is a digital asset platform, to register with regulations to set up local subsidiaries and begin preparations for full exchange license applications. The Finance Ministry claimed that this MoU will enable Pakistan to assess modern, compliant blockchain infrastructure with the help of Binance’s technical expertise, advisory support, training, and capacity building. (“Pakistan to allow Binance to explore ‘tokenisation’ of up to $2bn of assets,” Dawn, 13 December 2025)
Pakistan secures new multilateral funding for reforms and climate resilience
On 13 December, Dawn reported that the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank approved a total of USD 940 million for Pakistan. The ADB will provide USD 540 million for two projects to accelerate state-owned entities reforms in Pakistan and enhance disaster resilience in Sindh’s coastal districts. The World Bank approved USD 400 million for projects supporting the water sector and safely managed water, sanitation, and basic hygiene services, and also to help improve the institutional and financial performance of local urban administration in Punjab province. While the government claimed that these investments are crucial for the governance reforms and climate adaptation, economists raised concerns over Pakistan’s persistent reliance on external borrowing, pushing Pakistan deeper into a debt quagmire. (“Lenders approve $940m for SOE reforms, water hygiene, sanitation,” Dawn, 13 December 2025; “Pakistan’s reliance on ADB, World Bank loans raises concerns over dependency," The Express Tribune, 13 December 2025)
IMF push for tight liquidity dims prospects of rate cuts
On 13 December, Dawn reported that the International Monetary Fund had advised Pakistan to take measures to tighten liquidity to curb expected inflation. Although industries are demanding rate cuts in monetary policy for immediate relief, the government is unlikely to agree to them. Amid pressure, many manufacturers have already shifted their operations to Egypt, Mexico, Dubai, and Vietnam to remain competitive globally. The IMF, after releasing a USD 1.2 billion tranche, praised the State Bank of Pakistan for maintaining positive real interest rates. The SBP is going to maintain the rate at 11 per cent, as political uncertainty, border tensions, elevated petroleum prices, and a widening current account deficit could trigger instability. (“No rate cut seen as IMF wants tight liquidity,” Dawn, 13 December 2025)
EXTERNAL
PM meets world leaders in Ashgabat
On 12 December, The Express Tribune reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with world leaders at Ashgabat at an international forum in connection with the International Year of Peace and Trust, the International Day of Neutrality, and the anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. Sharif interacted with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov. The leaders also participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Neutrality Monument, where Sharif affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful settlement of global disputes while also pressing the Afghan Taliban to curb terrorist groups operating within Afghanistan. Sharid also met the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian and both leaders appreciated each other’s support when they faced external aggression earlier this year, a news release from the Prime Minister’s office said. Sharif also emphasised the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation primarily through trade, border markets and security and transport connectivity. Both leaders also discussed ongoing peace efforts in Gaza and agreed to continue regular high-level engagement. (“Shehbaz meets world leaders in Ashgabat,” The Express Tribune, 13 December 2025)
Erdogan supports stability plan to maintain ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan
On 13 December, Dawn reported that Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed Turkey’s readiness to contribute to a plan to maintain stability amid the “extended ceasefire” between Pakistan and Afghanistan. This came at an international forum hosted by Turkmenistan, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the international community to press the Afghan Taliban to honour their international obligations. Sharif said peaceful dispute resolution was a “a cornerstone” of Pakistan’s foreign policy and also supported the Gaza Peace Plan in this regard. “While we persevere in this quest for peace, the scourge of terrorism is, however, raising its head yet again, and this time, unfortunately, from Afghan soil,” he said. He also expressed gratitude to Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran and the UAE for their efforts in brokering the ceasefire between Islamabad and Kabul. In his interaction with President Erdogan, Sharif said Pakistan was committed to cooperating in areas including energy, the economy, defence and investment, while reaffirming the significance of bilateral ties between the two countries. President Erdogan thanked the prime minister and expressed a desire to further strengthen ties. (“Turkiye backs stability plan as PM seeks global action to stem terror,” Dawn, 13 December 2025)
Pakistan and Uzbekistan to expand PTA
On 13 December, The Express Tribune reported that, having held high-level discussions, Pakistan and Uzbekistan increased their efforts to develop their Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and expand bilateral trade to USD two billion within two years. In an official statement, negotiations between the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Industry, Ihsaan Afzal and the Deputy Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shohrukh Gulamov, were based on the immediate expansion of the product range of the PTA, and the formal agreement concerning the updated version of the agreement is to be expected in the near future. Both parties reiterated the desire to increase economic interaction by simplifying customs regulations, the growth of digital connectivity, and the implementation of an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) system to simplify trade. The priority areas in terms of the joint venture and technology transfer were identified as textiles, leather, pharmaceuticals and surgical instruments. (“Pakistan, UK to strengthen security cooperation,” The Express Tribune, 13 December 2025)
Editorials/Opinions
Politics & Governance
Adeel Wahid, “The dichotomies,” Dawn, 12 December 2025
“A battle can be won or lost on how the issue in a dispute is framed. In the aftermath of the 26th and 27th Amendments to the Constitution, different concepts can be invoked to make sense of the reality around us. The challenge, however, is that in framing an issue, one ought to be able to grasp the core of what is at stake. Otherwise, it can be that the two sides take positions and dig in their heels, without coming close to addressing the central issue. There is a need, therefore, to explore the dichotomy that best explains and captures the essence of what exactly it is that divides the proponents (or apologists) of the amendments from those who bemoan them. That we were to move towards making available to us forums where, when our dignity is trampled upon, we can claim that we are being wronged, and hope that in this world too, there would be recourse. And this is, essentially, the primary issue at stake, that bowing before power has now been mandated by law.”
https://www.dawn.com/news/1960588/the-dichotomies
Shahzad Chaudhry, “Dealing with the PTI,” The Express Tribune, 12 December 2025
“We are talking time here. The time that a regime or a government in power needs to get things in order, ensure stability, and get the system back on track. If that be so, and not the man who somehow consumes our existence, we have that in place; he is behind bars under various indictments and sentences, while his activities can be managed and regulated by controlling his life as it might permit our national objectives to proceed unimpeded. Even if we were to be large-hearted enough to allow a few visitors — again under our supervision and control — there is little that this man could export from jail in terms of policies and politics that his leaderless party could garner. So shorn is the PTI of cohesion and integrity and singleness of purpose among them. Politics without context is irrelevant, and when you take the context away, the political guidance can only be misplaced. And no, the state is not that weak to be upstaged by misdirected followers. Of it, there should be no fear. The state is far too omnipresent not to know and keep the order in place. One way to repair the rupture is to let the dust settle. Instead, we tend to stir a storm every day. Politics must function within its own circle, where political parties alone interact and compete. The less we spotlight the unsavoury from any other orbit, the less shall we create a possibility of an uncalled-for conflict when the state of the nation stands at its most precarious.”
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2581711/dealing-with-the-pti
Security
Mohammad Ali Babakhel, “Weather & terrorism,” Dawn, 12 December 2025
“Weather may impact the frequency, tactics, planning, location, logistics and intensity of terrorism and CT operations. Globally, terrorists attack in favourable weather, adjusting strategies according to logistics, mobility and visibility. Drought or floods can spawn conditions for radicalisation; dry weather enables ambushes, IEDs and coordinated attacks. Militant movement increases in mountainous areas in summer. Melting snows in parts of KP (including former Fata) and Balochistan aid militants, especially along the western border, to regroup. Better weather enhances visibility and aids infiltration and attacks. In winter, militants’ mobility is hindered in hilly areas; they are either dormant or target urban centres, opting especially for extortion and kidnapping for ransom, or collaborating with organised criminal groups in arms and narcotics peddling. LEAs’ CT strategies must integrate preparedness and climate adaptation; use climate data to forecast higher terrorist activity periods; improve disaster response to curb militant exploitation; reduce recruitment risks; and collaborate with other agencies, including LGs. This will help forecast resource needs and aid better operation planning.”
https://www.dawn.com/news/1960585/weather-terrorism
Economy
Zafar Mirza, “Health governance & IMF report,” Dawn, 12 December 2025
“Fixing governance issues in the health system has its limits. Still, one should not give up and be mindful of the larger context. One cannot build an island of good governance in the health sector alone when it is surrounded by an ocean of bad governance on a high tide where undressed big boys are ski boarding. The IMF’s recent damning report, Pakistan: Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment, explains the high tide. Apart from giving staggering numbers for the termite of corruption, which has built its mounds and subterranean nests in our society, it also raises a shrill cry over the absence of any meaningful reforms, which each of the four IMF programmes in the last 10 years have flagged. As citizens of the state, health professionals or otherwise, it is imperative to understand the larger extractive political system, the issues of governance and corruption, develop a collective consciousness and take action. Without understanding the macro, the micro cannot be fixed. Before this IMF report fades away, society and citizen groups in all sectors need to read it and relate to it through their own lives and the sectors in which they work.”
https://www.dawn.com/news/1960587/health-governance-imf-report
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