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In Brief
EXTERNAL
Beijing and Islamabad reaffirm commitment to all-weather strategic partnership at the seventh round of the Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue; Set to commemorate 75 years of diplomatic cooperation
On 04 January, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan and China have agreed to further strengthen coordination at bilateral and multilateral forums during the seventh round of the Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar is to co-chair the seventh round of the dialogue held in Beijing. A statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Office stated that “During the talks, both sides reviewed the full spectrum of Pakistan-China relations and discussed key regional and global issues,” and that views were exchanged on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), trade, multilateral cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. Highlighting the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, both sides reaffirmed that the Pakistan-China friendship is vital to peace, stability and prosperity for the two countries and the broader region. Islamabad and Beijing have also agreed to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. Dar and Wang also jointly unveiled the logo for the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations, “marking the start of year-long celebrations to commemorate this historic milestone in a befitting and memorable manner.” “The two sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to further deepening the Pakistan–China all-weather strategic cooperative partnership,” the FO said, adding that the Chinese executive vice premier “appreciated Pakistan’s consistent support to China on issues of core interest.” It added that both countries “expressed satisfaction with the steady and forward-looking trajectory of bilateral relations while reviewing party-to-party exchanges, regional developments, and progress on various projects under CPEC.” (“Pakistan, China agree to strengthen coordination at bilateral, multilateral forums,” The Express Tribune; 04 January 2025; “FM Dar, Wang Yi term Pak-China friendship ‘vital’ for regional peace, stability,” Dawn, 4 January 2025)
ON INDIA
Pakistan’s Indus Waters Commissioner denies legal credibility of India’s abeyance of the IWT
On 4 January, Dawn reported Pakistan Commissioner for Indus Waters Syed Muhammad Mehar Ali Shah’s statement that India’s claim of placing the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in “abeyance” has no legal basis and that the treaty remains fully in force under international law. During a television programme, Shah argued that “As far as holding the treaty in abeyance is concerned, the word ‘abeyance’ is not recognised under international treaty law. It is a coined term, because we believe India understands that it cannot suspend, breach or terminate the treaty.” He alleged that India’s continued non-cooperation within the rules-based framework was “alarming” and had compelled Pakistan to adopt a formal, calibrated legal and diplomatic response, adding that Pakistan’s steps were being taken cautiously and strictly through formal channels. He added that the treaty was deliberately crafted to endure political tensions, with a dispute-resolution mechanism designed to prevent unilateral actions. Shah further warned that any move by India to reduce water flows to Pakistan “would be considered an act of war.” “There is no fixed amount of water allocated to Pakistan,” he said, adding that the waters should be available to Pakistan based on the “natural pattern of the western rivers.” Citing Article 12 of the treaty, Shah highlighted that four provisions allow for changes to be made with the passage of time, asserting the need for mutual agreements, in the absence of which the pact will remain fully enforced, stressing that “it clearly says that no one party can unilaterally change it.”
Shah also argued that India possessed a “geographic advantage” with the eastern rivers of Beas, Ravi and Sutlej, but had previously stated that “When we gave the three eastern rivers to India, we have been facing consequences since the beginning of the treaty. The Sutlej is always dry, barring the flooding season. Ravi is dry.” Recalling past water disputes, Shah observed that while the IWT has no external guarantor, it contains its own dispute-settlement mechanism. The water commissioner added that a core principle of the treaty is that the natural flow of the western rivers must not be altered. “India was allowed to use the western rivers for hydroelectric power generation only in line with the pact guidelines. If there is a violation, then any party can take the matter to a third forum,” Shah said. (“India’s ‘abeyance’ claim has no standing under treaty law: Pakistan commissioner for Indus Waters,” Dawn, 4 January 2024)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
PIA union makes an effort to stall the airline sale
On 05 January, Dawn reported that People’s Unity, a PIA Employees’ Combined Bargaining Agent (CBA), has asked the government to put on hold the signing of the airline’s purchase agreement and the transfer of management to the Arif Habib-led consortium until its reservations are considered and a counteroffer is issued. In a letter to the board of directors, it was stated that the bidding process was not transparent and that employees were not allowed to participate. People’s Unity President said the government is repeating the mistake of handing over to them, as an earlier takeover of Pakistan Steel Mills was declared illegal by the Supreme Court. The union had applied to participate in the bidding process but was declined by the privatisation commission. (“PIA union makes vain effort to stall airline sale,” Dawn, 05 January 2026)
48 per cent of the information disclosed by the public bodies of Balochistan
On 05 January, Dawn reported that according to the latest transparency assessment report by Free and Fair Election Network (Fafen), as required under the Balochistan Right to Information (BRTI) Act, 2021, on average, 48 per cent of information is proactively disclosed by the Public bodies in Balochistan. Fafen’s campaign on “Countering Disinformation through Information” highlights the importance of institutional transparency. Fafen reviewed 66 public bodies in Balochistan, including 39 secretariat departments, 12 attached departments, and 15 autonomous bodies, against the proactive disclosure requirements outlined in Section 5 of the BRTI Act. (“Balochistan public bodies disclosed 48pc of required information: Fafen,” Dawn, 05 January 2026)
PTI is willing to negotiate but Imran blocks the way
On 05 January, The Express Tribune reported that, according to a senior Pakistan People Party (PPP) leader, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders wanted to negotiate, but despite the willingness of the party leaders, Imran Khan personally blocked the negotiating process. Qamar said this deadlock on both sides made it unlikely to move forward. (“PTI wants talks, but Imran blocks the way,” The Express Tribune, 05 January 2026)
Afridi clarifies his “only stance” is acting upon Imran’s directives to run KP
On 04 January, Dawn reported that the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi, clarified on Sunday that his “only stance” was to implement Imran Khan's directives to run his province and prepare for the street movement. Afridi announced that after his three-day visit to Lahore, Karachi was his next destination for mobilising party supporters. During his visit to Lahore, Afridi had cast doubt on the government’s sincerity in holding talks with PTI and said he was actively making efforts to initiate the street movement by reaching out to stakeholders. (“CM Afridi clarifies his “only stance” is acting upon Imran’s directives to run KP, prepare for street movement,” Dawn, 04 January 2026)
ECONOMY
“Expecting meaningful government-led relief under Pakistan’s current economic constraints may be unrealistic,” says editorial in Dawn
On 5 January, an editorial in Dawn titled “Bracing for the new year” opined that 2026 might prove to be a year of economic uncertainty for Pakistan. The editorial suggests that for the middle class and poor households, the year could be “marked by rising living costs, job anxieties, and aspirations that continue to outpace opportunities,” while businesses might have to confront the “mounting pressure to adapt to rule-based management and rapidly shifting market dynamics.” It also highlights that domestic constraints, including “persistent political instability, entrenched resistance to reforms that threaten elite privileges and immunity, low-grade insurgency in border regions, climate-related disaster risks, and the enduring spectre of terrorism”, challenge decisive economic actions. It also argues that the fiscal resource management under the IMF is a burden on the taxpayers through higher rates and cuts in welfare spending, compounded by the rising costs of running the administration. The editorial identifies that the policies have weakened savings and investment, stalling growth. With GDP rising only 3.2 per cent, economic gains are neutralised, fuelling poverty and unemployment. It also criticises that, like the previous PML-N governments, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration appears to favour business interests on the assumption that growth will trickle down, urging that the administration must “exercise greater caution in its policy choices, ensuring that short-term growth ambition does not undermine long-term economic stability, social equity and institutional resilience.” The article cites analysts, including Dr Khaqan Najeeb, former economic advisor to the Ministry of Finance, in stating that meaningful state-led relief is unlikely under current constraints, and that financial resilience in 2026 will “depend less on policy relief and more on fiscal discipline.” (Afshan Subohi, “Bracing for the new year,” Dawn, 05 January 2025)
SECURITY
Three injured after ‘back-to-back quadcopter attacks’ on school in North Waziristan
On 05 January, Dawn reported that at least three people, including a school principal and a Rescue 1122 official, were injured after unknown assailants carried out back-to-back quadcopter attacks on a private school in Mir Ali, North Waziristan. According to local sources, explosives dropped from a quadcopter struck the premises of Al-Fatah Public School in Khasokhel village, injuring the principal and a security guard. While Rescue 1122 personnel were providing first aid and evacuating the wounded, a second quadcopter reportedly dropped a mortar shell near the site, injuring a rescuer. (“Three injured after ‘back-to-back quadcopter attacks’ on school in North Waziristan,” Dawn, 05 January 2026)
BLA terror bid foiled in Karachi; 2,000 kg explosives seized
On 05 January, The Express Tribune reported that security forces in Karachi foiled a major terrorism plot when they uncovered a mini-truck converted into a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) that had been concealed inside a compound beneath piles of clothing, apparently prepared for deployment. The prepared vehicle contained 60 plastic drums filled with explosives, together with five explosive LPG cylinders. The BDS defused the explosive drums and cylinders from the mini-truck and the room, and took the perpetrators into custody. (“BLA terror bid foiled in Karachi; 2,000kg explosives seized,” The Express Tribune, 05 January, 2026)
Four on-duty officers lost their lives in Laki, Bannu
On 05 January, as reported by The Express Tribune, four on-duty cops got shot during a cross-firing against unidentified armed terrorists in Lakki Marwat. As per the police reports, the first attack took place on Dera-Bannu road, when a motorcycle opened fire on the on-duty cops and immediately fled the scene, during which three cops were shot. The second attack took place in Madan police station, where the unidentified gunman opened fire, shooting another constable. The reports also state that the attacks were mainly targeted towards uniformed officers on duty. (“Four on-duty policemen martyred in Lakki, Bannu,” The Express Tribune, 05 January, 2026)
POK
Pakistan urges international support towards plebiscite in POK
On 05 January, as reported by Dawn, on Self-Determination Day, Pakistani leaders, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the President and Prime Minister of "Azad Jammu and Kashmir", urged the international community and the UN to implement resolutions granting Kashmiris the right to self-determination through a plebiscite. They condemned India's actions in the region, reiterated Pakistan's support for Kashmiris, and emphasised that resolving the Kashmir dispute is crucial for lasting peace in South Asia. The leaders highlighted the unfulfilled UN commitment to the Kashmiri people and called for an end to human rights violations in the region. (“Pakistan calls for Kashmir plebiscite on Right to Self-Determination Day,” Dawn, 05 January, 2026)
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
UN-ESCAP to help Pakistan develop its energy transition plan
On 05 January, Dawn reported that, at the request of the government, a scoping mission of UN-ESCAP visited Pakistan recently and held talks with ministries concerned and development partners to understand the needs, challenges, and opportunities in Pakistan on energy transition financing. Heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels, along with a circular debt crisis exceeding PKR 2.6 trillion, makes it important for Pakistan to shift to renewables to meet energy needs by 2030. To bridge this gap, UN-ESCAP will provide policy advisory and technical support to energy financing to assist Pakistan in the development of its Energy Transition Investment Plan (ETIP). (“UN body to help Pakistan develop its energy transition plan,” Dawn, 05 January, 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Pakistan's talent flight
Kamran Yousaf, “Pakistan's talent flight: an unpopular view”, The Express Tribune, 05 January 2025
"According to the latest official data, more than 800,000 Pakistanis left the country in the past year alone, seeking jobs, education or permanent residence overseas. The figure is often cited as proof of an accelerating brain drain, a damning indictment of Pakistan's economy and governance. Social media amplifies this narrative daily, turning migration into both a trend and a badge of wisdom. Staying back, many argue, is foolish."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2585455/pakistans-talent-flight-an-unpopular-view
Judiciary
Editorial, “Extreme move,” Dawn, 05 January 2026
“The life sentences handed down by an anti-terrorism court to bloggers and journalists for their alleged role in the events of May 9, 2023, raise questions about proportionality, due process, and the future of free expression in Pakistan.”
https://www.dawn.com/news/1965026/extreme-move
Pak-US
Muhammad Amir Rana, “Terrorism data deficit,” Dawn, 05 January 2026
“Pakistan’s power circles are jubilant over their successes in 2025, which stemmed from multiple factors, the most significant being the restoration of trust with the US. Whatever factors compelled the Trump administration to enhance engagement with Pakistan, this shift has altered Pakistan’s regional position primarily in South and West Asia, and partially in Central Asia.”
https://www.dawn.com/news/1965025/terrorism-data-deficit
Economy
Ehsan Malik, “Chasing every dollar is a policy mistake,” Dawn, 05 January 2026
“For decades, Pakistan’s economic narrative has viewed foreign direct investment (FDI) as an unequivocal boon. Each inflow is celebrated, incentives are justified, and promotional roadshows abound — all based on the assumption that more FDI will inevitably translate into economic growth, jobs, exports, and a stronger external account. However, this assumption is flawed and needs reassessment.”
https://www.dawn.com/news/1965176
Politics & governance
Fahd Husain, “Who's afraid of us?” The Express Tribune, 05 January 2026
“Economically, stability is not translating into growth. Not yet, at least. For the economic feel-good factor to leap from the finance ministry's website into the bazaars and homes of urban and rural Pakistan, growth must translate into increasing jobs, growing incomes, and rising investments. When this does not happen, or is slow to happen, people begin to complain. And decision-makers begin to grumble. Is it a surprise then that the handpicked finance minister is under growing criticism from unlikely quarters?”
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2585308/whos-afraid-of-us
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