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In Brief
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Ball in govt’s court after TTAP nod
On 26 December, The Express Tribune reported that with Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Aeen Pakistan (TTAP) accepting PM Shehbaz Sharif’s offer for political dialogue, the federal government now has the upper hand to decide when and how to formally open talks with the opposition alliance. However, it is far from the dialogue being smooth as different factions within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have differing opinions. One faction within PTI is opposed to dialogue with the government. Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, is reported to be opposed to engaging in talks with the present government. However, there appears to be broad agreement within the party that Imran has delegated authority over the future course of action to TTAP Chief Mahmood Khan, who has accepted the PM’s offer for dialogue. (“TTAP opens door for talks, but PTI’s split leaves dialogue uncertain,” The Express Tribune, 26 December 2025)
PTI to launch fresh street movement from Lahore
On 26 December, Dawn reported that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is about to launch a new street protest movement today by welcoming Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister in Lahore and holding a public event at the Liberty Roundabout. PTI Punjab chief organiser Aliya Malik said the province will implement party founder Imran Khan’s direction to launch a mass movement. Aliya has instructed their people in the Lahore division to ensure their presence at Liberty Roundabout to welcome Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. Aliya has stated that this mass movement will be historic as they are to convert Lahore’s main boulevard into a March for the release of Imran. (“PTI to launch fresh street movement from Lahore,” Dawn, 26 December 2025)
KP CM Afridi promises street movement with full force
On 26 December, Dawn reported that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will launch a street movement with ‘full force’. Sohail said that a coordinated propaganda campaign was being carried out to create a false impression that the provincial government had granted approval to a military operation in the Tirah area of Khyber tribal district. He stated that “We vehemently support the stand of Imran Khan on the issue of military operations. He is opposed to such actions, insisting they have always brought misery to the innocent tribal people.” He continued saying that his government won’t make any compromise on the rights of tribal districts. (“KP CM Afridi promises street movements with ‘full force’,” Dawn, 26 December 2025)
PTI grows weary of mixed signals on protest or parley
On 26 December, Dawn reported that the leaders of Pakistani Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have been increasingly frustrated at what the party has termed as mixed messages by the government on where to go with the political agenda in the future. The officials of the party quoted that there is still doubt whether the ruling party is willing to hold dialogue in the future or is simply trying to quash the opposition pressure with contrived messaging. These contradictory signals, the PTI leaders claimed, have brought confusion in party ranks on whether to focus on protests in the streets or to negotiate. Top officials warned that an extended period of uncertainty would lead to the loss of political energy and internal unity. The party has thus called upon the government to come out plainly to proclaim its intentions so that it does not escalate and make a miscalculation. (“‘Protest or parley?’: PTI grows weary of mixed signals,” Dawn, 26 December 2025)
Political instability is holding us back, Federal Planning minister says
On 26 December, Dawn reported that the Federal Planning minister, Ahsan Iqbal, said on Thursday that Pakistan’s current setbacks stem not from a lack of resources, but from political instability, policy inconsistency, weak institutions, neglect of education and absence of discipline. He introduces Uraan Pakistan as a concrete execution framework to translate Quaid-i-Azam’s dream into a modern development strategy to build a trillion-dollar, competitive and knowledge-driven economy. He said rebuilding Pakistan in accordance with Quaid-i-Azam’s golden principles was the need of the hour. He warned that corruption, nepotism, intolerance and disorder were identified by the Quaid as the gravest threats to the country’s survival. (“Political instability is holding us back: Ahsan,” Dawn, 26 December 2025)
Families seek govt help for release of fishermen from Indian jails
On 26 December, Dawn reported that family members of 11 Pakistani fishermen who are already imprisoned in Indian jails have called on the federal government to come in and have their fishermen released at once. The families claimed that the fishermen have served their terms, but they remain in prison because of delays in repatriation. They emphasised the great financial and emotional distress due to many years of separation and lack of breadwinners. The families asked Islamabad to take the issue to the Indian authorities via the established diplomatic channels to end the issue forcefully. (“Families seek govt help for release of 11 fishermen from Indian jails,” Dawn, 26 December 2025)
Onus of SIM misuse placed on registered user
On 26 December, The Express Tribune reported that the federal government has indicated that, according to the new telecom laws, the owner of a SIM card who is registered will be liable to any form of misuse or criminal acts that may be associated with that number. The authorities have indicated that this liability will not go away until the user can produce evidence of having been robbed, lost his or her SIM, or transferred it illegally. The policy will enhance traceability and prevent crimes that have been enabled by unregistered and misused SIMs, such as fraud and terrorist related activities. According to the officials, the relocation puts an added burden on consumers to take care of their SIM cards by not letting third parties abuse them. (“Onus of SIM misuse on registered user,” The Express Tribune, 26 December 2025)
CM Bugti reiterates commitment to Jinnah’s vision, warns against destabilisation in Balochistan
On 26 December, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, the chief minister of Balochistan, reiterated his dedication to achieving Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah's vision for Pakistan, claiming that coordinated plots to destabilise the region will be soundly thwarted. Speaking at a Quaid-i-Azam Day ceremony at Jinnah's home in Ziarat, Bugti stated that Pakistan was continuously moving closer to the principles of its founder and was becoming known throughout the world for its tenacity and stature. He claimed that the Pakistan Armed Forces' performance had improved Pakistan's standing abroad and commended them for protecting the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Bugti emphasised unity and cautioned against attempts to take advantage of ethnic and sectarian divisions in Balochistan, emphasising that national identity as Pakistanis must take precedence over linguistic or regional affiliations. He also cautioned that ideological attacks on the state's foundations would not be successful. (“CM Bugti vows to realise Jinnah’s vision for Pakistan,” Dawn, 26 December, 2025)
ECONOMY
Stakeholders endorse PIA privatisation, urge broader SOE divestment
On 26 December, Dawn reported that the sale of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to the Arif Habib consortium had been warmly received by Pakistan's business community, which has framed it as a potential turning point for investor confidence, service quality, and broader state-owned enterprise (SOE) reform. In areas where PIA had steadily lost the public's trust under state ownership, industry leaders contended that privatisation could improve basic passenger expectations, such as punctuality, safety, and reliability, and restore accountability. Business associations also emphasised the financial advantages, pointing out that the privatisation of PIA alone could save about PKR 100 billion in public funds each year. They also advocated for the quick divestment of other SOEs that are losing money in order to lessen the estimated PKR 800 billion annual burden on the exchequer. According to analysts, the deal, which surpassed market expectations, may indicate that Pakistan's privatisation agenda has newfound legitimacy and promotes future sales, particularly in the power sector, at a time when the government is struggling. (“Stakeholders back PIA sale, call for divestment of other SOEs,” Dawn, 26 December, 2025)
Government borrowing reverses course in first half of FY2025–26
On 26 December, Dawn reported that according to State Bank of Pakistan data, Pakistan's fiscal position has drastically changed in the first half of FY2025–2026. The government borrowed PKR 672 billion from banks, reversing the net debt retirement of PKR 1.7 trillion recorded in the same period last year. Bankers anticipate a greater reliance on banks in the second half of the fiscal year due to revenue shortfalls and increasing liquidity pressures, even though borrowing is still largely under control. With bank investments at PKR 36.7 trillion by the end of June 2025, domestic bank borrowing continues to finance about 86 per cent of the fiscal deficit, raising concerns about crowding out private sector credit. Even though the World Bank has approved new financing linked to reforms aimed at improving revenue mobilisation and public spending efficiency, the trend reflects Pakistan's continued reliance on domestic sources amid weak external inflows. (“Government borrowing reverses course,” Dawn, 26 December, 2025)
FBR intensifies crackdown on tax evasion in private healthcare sector
On 26 December, in order to monitor service delivery and revenue collection in real time, Pakistan's Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) stationed Inland Revenue Service officers inside commercial hospitals and clinics as part of an increased enforcement campaign against tax evasion in the private healthcare sector. The action comes after doctors' consistently low tax compliance. According to official data, only about 41 per cent of the nation's 319,000 registered doctors are on the tax rolls, and less than half of them filed returns for the 2025 tax year, with many of them reporting extremely low or no income. As the FBR works to close gaps between registration, filing, and declared income levels in one of Pakistan's most lucrative professional sectors, officers have been stationed at 50 private hospitals under the Income Tax Ordinance in the first phase to detect underreporting, particularly amid high inpatient charges. (“FBR cracks down on healthcare tax evasion,” Dawn, 26 December, 2025)
Pakistan, ADB sign $730m agreements to strengthen power grid and reform SOEs
On 26 December, two significant financing projects totalling USD 730 million were signed by Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) with the goal of bolstering the nation's power transmission infrastructure and quickening reforms in state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The package includes a USD 400 million program aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency, transparency, and governance of SOEs, with a focus on the National Highway Authority, and a USD 330 million second power transmission strengthening project that aims to reduce congestion in current transmission lines and allow the evacuation of up to 2,300 megawatts from upcoming hydropower projects. While ADB pointed out that the initiatives come at a crucial time for Pakistan's energy and public sector reform agenda, supporting ongoing efforts to stabilise infrastructure and improve economic sustainability, officials characterised the agreements as transformative, connecting energy security with broader governance reforms. (“Pakistan, ADB sign two key initiatives worth $730m in power, state-owned enterprises sector,” Dawn, 25 December, 2025)
SOCIETY
Polio refusals fall in KP, but security risks and myths persist
On 26 December, Dawn reported that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded a decline in polio vaccination refusals during 2025, even as it remained the country’s worst-affected province with 19 of Pakistan’s 30 reported polio cases. During the final campaign of the year, about 100,700 children missed vaccination out of a target of 6.48 million, with refusals accounting for only three per cent. The officials reduced undetected cases by 50 per cent through their continuous outreach efforts, but people continued to believe fake vaccine side effect rumors which included false claims about infertility and religious violations. The ongoing security problems in the area prevent the complete elimination of polio because five police officers and two ordinary citizens lost their lives this year, while vaccination teams and people who were kidnapped faced continuous attacks. The authorities predicted that polio transmission would persist because they lacked sufficient administrative powers to stop vaccine refusal cases. (“Polio vaccination refusals decline in KP but challenges remain,” Dawn, 26 December 2025)
SECURITY
11 terrorists killed in KP, Balochistan operations
On 26 December, Dawn reported that terrorists eleven terrorists were killed by security forces and police in separate intelligence-led missions in the Dera Ismail Khan and Lakki Marwat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Kalat district of Balochistan, including one of the high-value targets who is believed to have participated in militant activities. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) implied that two militants were killed at Kulachi together with their supposed ringleader Dilawar, who had a bounty of PKR 4 million on his head, and weaponry and ammunition were seized at the location. In Lakki Marwat, a terrorist leader was killed in an exchange of fire with the police and CTD-SWAT forces and in Kalat, eight terrorists were also killed and weapons and explosives confiscated. The ISPR added that the killed militants were busily engaged in terrorist activities against the security forces and civilians and that counter-terrorism operations were still going on. (“11 terrorists killed in KP, Balochistan operations,” Dawn, 26 December 2025)
Sit-in over enforced disappearances enters third day
On 26 December, Dawn reported that a sit-in protest against so-called forced disappearances entered its third straight day as the protesters continued their stand despite increasing pressures to end the demonstrations. Activists of civil society and families of the disappeared reinstated their demand for accountability and an immediate rescue of the so-called disappeared ones. People demanded that words and promises were not enough, and demanded clear investigation procedures supported by actual action. They threatened to go on with the sit-in until authorities come out with their demands and lay out a plausible resolution process. (“Sit-in over ‘enforced disappearances’ enters third day,” Dawn, 26 December 2025)
Pakistan busts alleged USD 60 million cyber fraud network in Karachi
On 25 December, during coordinated raids in Karachi's Defence Housing Authority, Pakistan's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) arrested 15 foreign nationals and 19 Pakistanis, dismantling what authorities called an "international cartel" involved in an estimated USD 60 million cyber fraud operation. Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, the home minister of Sindh, claims that the group ran sophisticated online investment scams. They used phoney forex and cryptocurrency platforms that were advertised on social media and in Telegram groups to entice victims with promises of large returns before charging extra fees and blocking accounts. 37 computers, 40 cell phones, more than 10,000 international SIM cards, and illicit gateway exchanges that were purportedly used to generate fictitious online personas, route money, and transfer proceeds across borders using cryptocurrency were found by investigators. Both domestic and foreign victims were targeted, according to authorities, and additional technical and financial investigations are being conducted to confirm this. (“NCCIA busts ‘international cartel’ involved in $60m cyber fraud, arrests 15 foreigners from Karachi,” Dawn, 25 December, 2025)
Pakistan security forces kill 10 militants in K-P and Balochistan operations
On 25 December, The Express Tribune reported that according to ISPR, Pakistan's security forces killed ten militants on December 24 in separate intelligence-based operations in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, including a senior ringleader. Two militants, including Dilawar, a "kharji" ringleader wanted for several attacks and carrying a PKR four million bounty, were killed in the Kulachi area of Dera Ismail Khan; weapons and ammunition were also found. Eight militants connected to what the military refers to as "Indian-sponsored elements" or Fitna al Hindustan were killed in a separate operation in Balochistan's Kalat district following a fierce gunfight, and weapons and explosives were taken from the scene. Amidst persistent militant activity in Balochistan and KP and a wider increase in violence reported throughout Pakistan in 2025, the ISPR stated that sanitisation operations were ongoing and reaffirmed that counterterrorism efforts would continue under the federal Azm-e-Istehkam initiative. (“Security forces kill 10 terrorists, including kharji ringleader, in K-P, Balochistan operations ISPR,” The Express Tribune, 25 December, 2025)
JUDICIARY
High Court judges likely to be reshuffled soon
On 26 December, Dawn reported that the high court judges are supposed to be reshuffled in the near future. The suggested reforms are associated with the idea of transferring and reassigning judges between the bench. The development has become an issue in the legal circles because it may affect the functioning of the court and the distribution of cases. No official announcement or schedule of the reshuffle has been made yet. (“High Court judges likely to be reshuffled soon,” Dawn, 26 December 2025)
LHC sets aside govt’s authority to render passports inactive
On 26 December, Dawn reported that the Lahore High Court had decided that the federal government cannot take a unilateral decision to make the passports of citizens inactive. According to the court, such action is against due process, and it can not be done without any legal justification. It has been stressed that executive powers should not be beyond the control of the judicial system. Consequently, the administrative order of blocking passports by the government was suspended. (“LHC sets aside govt’s authority to render passports ‘inactive’,” Dawn, 26 December 2025)
POK
Kashmiri rights group condemns India’s seizure of properties in disputed territory
On 26 December, India's recent seizure of properties owned by pro-freedom Kashmiri leaders and activists has drawn criticism from a London-based Kashmiri human rights organisation, which contends that New Delhi lacks the legal right to take property in an internationally recognized disputed territory. According to the Jammu Kashmir Council for Human Rights (JKCHR), India's obligations under international law and the UN Charter are violated when domestic laws like the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act are used to suppress dissent and seize property in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The group argued that India's role in Kashmir is that of an interim administrator bound by UN resolutions and forbidden from changing the region's status or undermining the right to self-determination, citing recent seizures of ancestral land and homes throughout the region, including the attachment of land linked to US-based Kashmiri leader Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai. (“Kashmiri rights group decries India’s seizure of properties,” Dawn, 26 December, 2025)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan emerges as leading recipient of Chinese combat aircraft
On 26 December, according to a recent Pentagon report presented to the US Congress that emphasises Beijing's growing role as a global arms supplier, Pakistan has become China's most important partner in the air combat domain. According to the report, China has only exported the J-10C multirole fighter jet to Pakistan; out of a total order of 36, 20 aircraft will be delivered to the Pakistan Air Force by May 2025, demonstrating a level of confidence not shown to other interested states. Additionally, it highlights the jointly developed JF-17 Thunder as a prime example of defence cooperation between two developing nations. Although the aircraft is currently in use in a number of foreign air forces, it is still essential to Pakistan's own aerial capabilities and defence exports. China has provided Pakistan with sophisticated armed drones and naval platforms in addition to manned aircraft, strengthening a defence alliance marked by collaborative development, production, and acquisition. (“Pakistan emerges as main recipient of Chinese combat aircraft,” Dawn, 26 December, 2025)
Pakistan and Jordan reaffirm commitment to deepen military cooperation
On 26 December, Dawn reported that during a meeting with Major General Yousef Ahmed Al Huneiti, Chairman of the Jordanian Joint Chiefs of Staff, at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on December 25, Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, reiterated Islamabad's commitment to bolstering military cooperation with Jordan. The Jordanian military chief commended the professionalism of the Pakistani armed forces and their role in fostering regional peace and stability, while Field Marshal Munir emphasised closer cooperation to address evolving security challenges. The two sides discussed regional security dynamics and matters of mutual interest, according to the ISPR. In keeping with the larger trajectory of Pakistan-Jordan military engagement, which has included reciprocal high-level visits and repeated affirmations of a strong defence partnership aimed at contributing to the region, the meeting ended with a shared resolve to further deepen defence ties between the two nations. (“CDF Field Marshal Munir vows enhanced military cooperation with Jordanian military chief,” Dawn, 25 December, 2025)
Editorials/Opinions
Lay of the Land
Zafar Mirza, "Lay of the land," Dawn, 26 December 2025
"Nearly 78 years after independence, Pakistan’s politics remains deeply unsettled. Of these years, approximately 33 were spent under four periods of direct military rule, with the remainder under various shades of indirect or hybrid regimes. To date, Pakistan has had 29 prime ministers — including caretakers and repeat tenures — yet not a single one has completed a full five-year constitutional term. Pakistan’s population growth has outpaced its ability to govern, grow, educate, employ, and provide basic services. The key determinants of national development — political stability, governance, respect for the Constitution and rule of law, inclusive institutions, economic growth, security, corruption control, and quality of life — are all in visible decline. Since the tragic events of May 9, 2023, political polarisation has only intensified. Following the 18th Constitutional Amendment, provinces were granted authority and resources to manage policing, infrastructure, water and sanitation, health, education, and local governments, yet provincial governments have largely failed to deliver. The Constitution itself has been weakened. Politically motivated amendments, notably the 26th and 27th, have eroded judicial independence. Pakistan’s average growth rate over the past three years stands at just 1.7 per cent — the lowest for any three consecutive years in the country’s history. Approximately 45pc of the population lives below or near the poverty line. Inflation over the past three to four years has reduced purchasing power by an estimated 65pc. Pakistan’s Human Development Index ranking has steadily worsened over the past decade. In 2024, Pakistan ranked 168 out of 193 countries. Women — half the population — continue to face systemic discrimination, exclusion, and lack of voice. Decline is not destiny. All these crises are man-made and therefore reversible."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1963333/lay-of-the-land
Security situation
Editorial, "Security situation," Dawn, 26 December 2025
"2025 has been a tough year where militancy is concerned, with KP and Balochistan hit particularly hard by terrorist attacks, while even the federal capital witnessed its first suicide bombing in many years. In fact, as per statistics, 2025 is said to be the bloodiest year as far as casualties in terrorist incidents are concerned since 2015. Hundreds of security personnel and civilians have been martyred in terrorist attacks. Therefore, a resolute counterterrorism plan is needed to neutralise these violent forces, and ensure peace in 2026. It may be unwise to link the political opposition with hard-core terrorist groups, as this would take the state’s focus away from battling militancy effectively. The fact is that the banned TTP in KP, and Baloch separatist groups remain the biggest security challenges for the state. Along with kinetic actions, addressing genuine grievances of the affected population in Balochistan is essential to counter the separatist narrative. Furthermore, a credible political process is also a must in order to assure the local population that they are the masters of their destiny. A fresh CT approach is needed to permanently clear areas where militants are active, with minimal suffering of local populations, and to bring down the casualties amongst security personnel."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1963336/security-situation
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