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In Focus
Pakistan witnessed 34 per cent increase in terrorism in 2025
PIPS data records 699 terror attacks in the year
On 2 January, as reported by Dawn, Pakistan's security reports for 2025 reported a 34 per cent rise in terrorist incidents in contrast to last year’s 21 per cent increase, according to data released by the Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies (PIPS). Furthermore, there have been over 699 terrorist attacks resulting in over 42 per cent fatalities among the security forces. The attacks also resulted in over 1,034 civilian casualties and 1,366 civilian injuries, which were caused by the rising trajectory of militancy that has persisted since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. The 95 per cent attacks took place in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan provinces, with over 243 militants getting killed, either in suicide attacks or amidst the crossfire with the task forces.
On another note, there was a 40 per cent rise in incidents associated with TTP and its affiliates in KP, which resulted in over 581 civilian casualties and 698 injuries. The coordinated attack across 11 districts on Independence Day was accounted as a symbolic challenge to the state's authority. Balochistan experienced over 254 militant attacks, which led to over 419 deaths, where militant groups like BLA and BLF conducted coordinated attacks that targeted the economic infrastructure and state symbols to intensify their political message and cause governance instability. Pakistan experienced the highest number of terrorist activities in the year of 2025.
The report comes as the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) also reported a rise in internal violence in Pakistan in 2025. The think-tank recorded a 25 per cent increase in fatalities from violent incidents across the first 11 months of the year, which was already higher than the entirety of 2024. An increase in counterinsurgency operations across the country has been attributed as the reason behind the rise in numbers, with such operations. Similar to the data released by PIPS, numbers from the CRSS showed that over 96 per cent of all fatalities and 92 per cent of all violent incidents were recorded in KP and Balochistan. The data also recorded 1,795 militant fatalities, showing the impact of expanded counterinsurgency operations. (“Country witnessed 34pc increase in terrorism in 2025,” Dawn, 2 January, 2026)
In Brief
ECONOMY
PM hails significant oil and gas discovery in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
On 2 January, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while chairing a high-level meeting on the petroleum and gas sector, congratulated the nation on the discovery of significant new oil and gas reserves in Kohat district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. He called it a major milestone for Pakistan's domestic energy sector, which would also help conserve precious foreign exchange spent on petroleum imports.
On 31 December, The Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) reported the discovery of new reservoirs in the Datta Formation in the Nashpa Block, producing 4,100 barrels of oil per day, alongside 10.5 million cubic feet of gas per day. The Datta Formation is a rock layer known to hold oil and gas in parts of northern Pakistan and has been a key focus of exploration activity. The OGDCL said the well was drilled to a depth of 5,170 meters and encountered oil and gas-bearing zones at multiple levels.
Officials informed Sharif that work on RLNG connections had accelerated, with a target of 350,000 new connections by June 2026, while pipelines for the Sheva and Batani gas fields have been commissioned, and construction is underway on the Kot Palak field. Sharif also directed the digitisation of the entire oil and gas supply chain, arguing that it would curb smuggling and protect state revenues. (“PM hails significant oil and gas discovery in K-P,” Dawn, 02 January 2026)
Traders question inflation figures despite relief
On 02 January, as reported by Dawn, traders questioned official inflation figures, arguing that headline data does not reflect ground realities despite recent relief in vegetable prices. While consumers have benefited from a sharp fall in tomato, onion and potato prices, staple food items have continued to become more expensive. Tomato prices fell to as low as PKR 30 per kg, easing household costs but hurting farmers. In contrast, prices of wheat flour, milk, cooking oil, ghee, meat and chicken recorded notable year-on-year increases. Wheat flour prices rose sharply following higher wheat rates under a revised government support policy, while milk, meat and poultry became costlier due to higher input costs and weak price enforcement. Business representatives warned that food inflation remains a serious concern, with rising utility prices, taxes and weak demand worsening business confidence. (“Traders question inflation figures despite relief,” Dawn, 02 January 2026)
Household Integrated Economic Survey shows 57 per cent surge in internet users
On 02 January, Dawn reported that the Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES) 2024–25 revealed a significant expansion in digital access across Pakistan, with individual internet users increasing by 57 per cent and household internet connectivity rising from 34 per cent to 70 per cent. Released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the survey covered 32,000 households nationwide and was the first fully digital HIES conducted after the 2023 digital census. Mobile or smartphone availability reached 96 per cent of households, highlighting the rapid spread of digital infrastructure. The survey also recorded improvements in key social indicators, including higher gender parity in primary education and declines in neonatal and infant mortality rates. Average monthly household income rose to PKR 82,179, though food and housing continued to account for the largest share of consumption. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal described the findings as a milestone for data-driven policymaking, while noting that inflation and utility costs have disproportionately affected lower-middle-income households. (“Household Integrated Economic Survey shows 57pc surge in internet users across Pakistan as access reaches 70pc of homes,” Dawn, 02 January, 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Confidence-building between big players can improve political situation, says Sanaullah
On 02 January, as reported by Dawn, PM’s adviser Ranan Sanaullah emphasised that “confidence-building measures” among five key political figures in Pakistan are essential for improving the political landscape. Despite this, the PTI, led by Imran Khan, refused to negotiate with the federal government, according to party Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram. Sanaullah identified the leaders involved, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Nawaz Sharif, and Asif Ali Zardari, and noted that any progress requires the cessation of hate speech against the military. He criticised the PTI for failing to disown instigating social media narratives and urged them to retract a planned strike on 8 February. Meanwhile, Malik Amir Dogar from PTI encouraged a meeting among various leaders to potentially resolve tensions, although Akram reiterated the party's rejection of negotiations. Recent statements from political figures highlight an ongoing call for dialogue and restraint in the face of rising instability. (“Confidence-building measures between ‘five’ big players can improve political situation, says Sanaullah,” Dawn, 2 January 2026)
IND-PAK
India and Pakistan swap key lists in accordance with 1988 agreement
On 02 January, The Express Tribune reported that India and Pakistan continued their confidence-building measures by exchanging lists of their respective nuclear installations and prisoners, in accordance with the 1988 Agreement on the prohibition of attacks against nuclear installations and facilities, even as broader bilateral relations remain strained. Concerns persist over New Delhi’s actions on shared water resources. They handed over the lists to their respective high commissioners in New Delhi and Islamabad. While limited diplomatic protocols have continued, Islamabad has voiced concerns over the alleged violation of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), particularly in light of reports of New Delhi approving the Dulhasti Stage-II hydro project on the Chenab River in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). (“Pakistan, India swap key lists after pulling back from brink,” The Express Tribune, 02 January 2026)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan hopes for diplomatic end to Yemen standoff
On 02 January, Dawn reported that according to the Foreign Office (FO), Pakistan was seeking a diplomatic resolution of the dispute between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over Yemen. Islamabad was actively engaging both countries to encourage restraint and diplomacy. A FO spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, stated: “We have been advocating peace and diplomacy to reach a solution. So, this is part of our exchanges that are taking place between our leadership and the leadership in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.” Andrabi said that Pakistan was pursuing the issue through multilateral forums, including the UN Security Council. (“Pakistan hopes for diplomatic end to Yemen standoff,” Dawn, 02 January 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Climate change
Syed Mohammad Ali, “Pakistan's invisible climate casualties,” The Express Tribune, 02 January 2026
“Vulnerable communities are hit hardest by climate-linked disasters and remain exposed long after the headlines fade. In Pakistan, deaths recorded immediately after major disasters receive attention, while the far greater toll in the months that follow goes largely unacknowledged. Without accurate information on who is most at risk, the government cannot design effective interventions, and international support cannot be targeted to those who need it most. However, responsibility does not rest with Islamabad or provincial governments alone. High-emitting nations must do more to support both the states and the communities which have become hotspots for climate change. Now is the moment for a bold legal challenge, in Germany or beyond, on behalf of older adults and young children in Pakistan, who face the greatest climate risks yet remain invisible in official mitigation plans.”
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2584986/pakistans-invisible-climate-casualties
Population
Editorial, “Strength in numbers?” The Express Tribune, 02 January 2026
“According to UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, Pakistan has now officially become the world's fifth most populous country. In almost eight decades, its population has risen from a meagre 33.7 million to a Herculean 255 million, divided between four provinces: Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, along with the federally administered Islamabad Capital Territory. Rapid population growth in this South Asian country has long been an alarming issue as Pakistan deals with its fair share of resource scarcity, mounting climate vulnerabilities, gender inequality, poverty and widespread illiteracy — all amidst still high fertility rates. Therefore, it is important that going forward, Pakistan adopts a positive approach towards progress and concentrates its administrative responsibilities and fund allocation towards goals that offer long-term relief as opposed to short-term fixes — something that has been a persistent problem. This is the only way the country can meaningfully stabilise itself against the test of time that is bound to bring resource challenges, climate disasters and an inequitable socioeconomic environment.”
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2584989/strength-in-numbers-1
PECA
Usama Khilji, “Criminalising free speech,” Dawn, 02 January 2026
“If post-2016 were the years when Peca’s misuse against those exercising their right to freedom of speech and press freedom was tested, 2025 was the year when the gaps in the state’s ability to fully abuse the law were filled. The amendments to Peca were made in an opaque manner and passed by parliament in January 2025 without any consultations, public debate, or even parliamentary debate. Those of us who managed to attend a hearing at a Senate committee were informed that the members had been told to vote for the amendment as it was, with no room for any changes. The results of this opaque, undemocratic process have been damaging in terms of the kind of changes made to the law; how cases have been filed against lawyers, journalists, and activists; and the chilling effect this has had on citizens and the media alike. In such an environment, journalists and lawyers are being turned into heroes for simply doing their jobs as that itself has become an act of courage. A parliament that passes laws without deliberation, an executive that arrests its citizens for exercising their right to freedom of speech, and a judiciary that does not protect the rights of citizens that it functions for need a reminder of the notion of fundamental rights and justice.”
https://www.dawn.com/news/1964527/criminalising-free-speech
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