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In Brief
PAK-AFG
Hundreds of Pakistani students stuck in Afghanistan; return hinges on embassy verification
On 24 January, Dawn reported that due to the closure of borders between Pakistan and Afghanistan as a result of the armed escalation over the last few months, hundreds of Pakistani students remain stranded in Afghanistan. Taliban authorities have agreed to allow them to cross the border, subject to certain conditions. These conditions include getting official verification from the Pakistan embassy or consulate. However, Pakistani diplomats are reluctant to verify the details and approach the Taliban authorities, as Pakistani officials are directed not to make any official communication with the Taliban authorities. Students also appealed to PM Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari to look into the matter. (“Around 200 Pakistani students stuck in Afghanistan seek to return,” Dawn, 24 January 2026)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan, Somalia expand internal security cooperation
On 24 January, Dawn reported that Pakistan and Somalia agreed to deepen cooperation on internal security after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met a Somali delegation led by Interior Minister Ali Yusuf. The two sides discussed collaboration in police training, border management, disaster response and a joint counterterrorism strategy. Naqvi assured Somalia of Pakistan’s support in policing and counterterrorism, and announced visa facilitation for Somali citizens travelling to Pakistan for medical treatment and education. Yusuf said Somalia was facing a difficult security situation and wanted to learn from Pakistan’s experience, while also inviting Naqvi to visit Somalia. He also conveyed a message from Somalia’s prime minister to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. (“Pakistan, Somalia agree to boost security ties,” Dawn, 24 January 2026)
Parliament to decide on Gaza troop deployment
On 24 January, The Express Tribune reported that security sources clarified that any deployment of Pakistani forces to Gaza is the exclusive prerogative of Parliament and the federal government, and no unilateral or extra-constitutional decision would be taken. A government official at a high position attended an online meeting which brought together YouTube content producers and social media personalities to confirm that no official declaration had been made about creating an international stabilisation force (ISF), its operational zone or its particular goals. The official explained that Pakistan participates in the Gaza Peace Board through reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts, but this does not establish an ISF. He said a firm “red line” for the army was that Pakistani troops would not be used against Hamas or Palestinians and would not participate in any effort to disarm Hamas. The report showed Pakistan became a member of the Gaza Peace Board in Davos together with twenty other nations, but this move received criticism from opposition groups. The US plan for security management includes an ISF, which Major General Jasper Jeffers from the United States would lead. (“Parliament to decide Pakistani troop deployment to Gaza: security sources,” The Express Tribune, 24 January 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Tension in Senate over 'institutional overreach & election fraud'
On 24 January, as reported by Dawn, during an intense Senate meeting, opposition party members expressed concerns about the government’s handling of issues such as excessive federal power and fraudulent elections. Party members also requested a parliamentary inquiry. PTI’s Ali Zafar informed the Senate that the government was disregarding parliamentary authority and mishandling the economy. He explained that the government’s manipulative tactics and strict controls were driving the nation toward a crisis. He asserted that the government lacked legitimacy and any moral basis for tackling issues. Additionally, he emphasised the growing national debt, inflation, brain drain, and the absence of an effective economic plan. Responding to opposition party members’ allegations, Finance Minister Bilal Azhar Kayani asserted that the previous PTI government had driven the country’s economy into a crisis and that this government was focused on economic recovery and establishing conditions for sustained expansion. He claimed the government bore no responsibility for what party members alleged but pointed to PTI’s interference in economic accords as the issue. (“Barbs fly in Senate as PTI’s Ali Zafar demands probe into ‘institutional overreach, election fraud’,” Dawn, 24 January 2026)
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz issues stern warning ahead of Basant festivities in Lahore
On 24 January, as reported by Dawn, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced the celebration of Basant in Lahore from 06 to 08 February, after an 18-year hiatus, stressing that it is an important part of the region's cultural heritage. Acknowledging past accidents, she outlined strict safety measures, including dividing the city into risk zones and enforcing rules for kite flying. Violations could lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment. Moreover, the government will offer free transportation and deploy over 4,000 police personnel for safety. CM Nawaz emphasised public compliance with regulations to ensure everyone's safety during the festivities, supported by medical services and monitoring systems to manage the event effectively. (“‘This is not a joke’: Punjab CM warns against violating rules ahead of Basant festivities in Lahore,” Dawn, 24 January 2026)
PROVINCE
Gul Plaza death toll reaches 71 as recovery operation enters final phase
On 23 January, Dawn reported that the death toll from Karachi’s Gul Plaza fire rose to 71 as rescuers recovered more human remains from the rubble of the gutted shopping centre on M.A. Jinnah Road. Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed issued the updated list and said only 16 victims had been identified so far, including nine through DNA testing; authorities have collected 49 DNA samples, and warned the final toll can only be confirmed once all remains are matched and identified. The fire, which erupted on the night of 17 January and took nearly two days to extinguish, left the ground-plus-three-storey building in ruins, with sections collapsed. The south deputy commissioner said 77 people were reported missing and described the search as in its “final stages”, while Rescue 1122 said teams were still working through 10–15 per cent of the site that had been inaccessible, including the ground floor where the blaze reportedly started. (“Death toll from Karachi’s Gul Plaza inferno reaches 71; search operation in ‘final stages’,” Dawn, 23 January 2026)
Snowfall paralyses KP as Chitral avalanche kills nine
On 24 January, The Express Tribune reported that heavy snowfall disrupted daily life across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), cutting off roads, knocking out electricity and communication networks, and triggering an avalanche in Lower Chitral that killed nine people. The avalanche hit a house in Drosh Arandu’s Domel area, killing four women and five men and critically injuring a child. Rescue 1122, the district administration, local residents and the Pakistan army retrieved the bodies despite harsh conditions and shifted the injured child to the hospital. The districts of Shangla and Batagram experienced complete power and internet disruptions, which forced micro-hydel stations to stop their operations and blocked all roads that connected their districts. The city of Abbottabad experienced its first snowfall since 2008, while the Thandiyani and Galliyat areas received multiple feet of snow, which made it difficult to move around. Rescue 1122 said over 100 personnel and 23 vehicles were deployed in Tirah Valley, rescuing stranded people and vehicles, amid difficulties linked to displacement and blocked routes. The weather service issued a warning about upcoming rain and snowfall, which would start on Sunday evening and continue through Tuesday, because of a new western weather system, while advising people to stay home unless necessary. (“Snow cripples K-P, 9 dead in Chitral,” The Express Tribune, 24 January 2026)
ECONOMY
SBP likely to cut policy rate by 50 bps despite IMF caution
On 24 January, Dawn reported that the State Bank of Pakistan's Monetary Policy Committee is scheduled to meet next week, and a key policy rate cut by 50 basis points is expected. This expected 50 basis points cut will bring Pakistan's policy rate to 10.5 per cent. This rate cut will be in line with SBP's continuous efforts to cut its key policy rate since mid 2024, moving away from its earlier aggressive tightening cycle. Analysts believe that this cut is expected because of moderate inflation, higher foreign exchange reserves and a better balance of payments outlook. However, a International Monetary Fund (IMF) report has cautioned against premature monetary easing under Pakistan's USD seven billion loan programme. (“Central bank seen cutting rates again after december surprise,” Dawn, 24 January 2026)
Sindh govt approves PKR 21.5 billion for Karachi infrastructure upgrades
On 24 January, Dawn reported that Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah approved PKR 21.5 billion of funding for infrastructure upgrades in Karachi, particularly the Town Municipal Cooperation (TMC) road and Karachi Metropolitan Cooperation (KMC) projects. The total funding is around PKR 22 billion that includes PKR 13.32 billion for TMC projects and PKR 8.53 billion for projects under the KMC. During approval, the CM also pressed the need for coordinated execution of road, sewerage, and water supply works with transparency, quality control and timely completion. (“CM Murad approves PKR 215bn for Karachi infrastructure upgrades including PKR 13bn for improving roads,” Dawn, 24 January 2026)
Committee on energy approves Integrated Energy Planning Framework for 2025–27
On 24 January, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan's Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) approved the Proposed Integrated Energy Planning (IEP) ecosystem, secretariat structure and high-level roadmap under 2025-27, to enhance decision-making pertaining to the energy sector. It has also approved the institutionalisation of the Energy Information System. (“CCoE okays Integrated Energy Plan,” The Express Tribune, 24 January 2026)
Auto sales surge 76 per cent as falling interest rates boost demand
On 24 January, The Express Tribune reported that auto sales volumes surged by 76 per cent as a result of lower interest rates and stable macroeconomic conditions. According to a review by Optimum Capital Management, with the increased sales, the profit after tax from the sector is estimated to reach approximately PKR 6.6 billion. Also, as interest rates have fallen from 24 per cent to 11 per cent and are expected to drop into the single digits in the next six months, it will lead to a further boom in car financing and sales numbers. Now, Passenger car sales dominate overall volumes with Japanese brands retaining the domination over Korean and Chinese manufacturers. (“Auto sector profits to hit Rs 66 billion,” The Express Tribune, 24 January 2026)
SECURITY
Suicide attack targets aman committee member in KP
On 24 January, The Express Tribune reported that a suicide blast took place at a wedding ceremony in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Dera Ismail Khan area. The incident happened at the home of Noor Alam Mehsud, the head of a local Aman Committee. Five people lost their lives, and more than 20 people were injured in the blast. The DI Khan area has continuously remained a focal point of militant violence since 2020 due to its strategic location at the junction of Balochistan, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The CM ordered the authorities to provide the injured persons with the required health facilities and ordered an investigation of the targeted attack. (“Atleast 3 killed, 7 injured in suicide blast at aman committee member house in KP's DI Khan- Police,” The Express Tribune, 24 January 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Education
Muhammad Ilyas Khan & Aliya Khalid, “Unlearning old ways,” Dawn, 23 January 2026
“Pakistan’s education system has struggled to evolve beyond traditional patterns where reproduction is prioritised over the application of knowledge and skills. Thinkers such as John Dewey and Paulo Freire have long argued that education should connect classrooms with lived realities, and be outcome-oriented. An Outcome-Based Education system (OBE) has gained currency globally over the last three decades, while Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) became popular in Pakistan after they were included in the National Curriculum of 2006, followed by the Single National Curriculum (SNC) of 2020. Unfortunately, the idea to make education more relevant was not implemented. Countries like the United States and South Africa have already experimented with this approach to education without much success in bringing about educational reforms. Pakistan has adopted a diluted version that focuses on changing assessments but overlooks pedagogical transformation."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1968555/unlearning-old-ways
Police accountability
Editorial, “Custody without protection,” The Express Tribune, 23 January 2026
“The reported gang rape of a minor girl in Jacobabad by policemen in custody is a failure of procedure that demands serious institutional reckoning. Furthermore, the subsequent arrest of six policemen is being presented as proof that the system works. It is not. Accountability that begins and ends with junior officers is not true justice."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2588507/custody-without-protection
Minorities commission
Nabila Feroz Bhatti, “Minorities commission: a wait worth it?” The Express Tribune, 23 January 2026
“Finally, the National Commission for Minorities Rights Act, 2025 came into effect on December 16, 2025, after the President of Pakistan's assent. The government moved a bill on the National Commission for Minorities Rights (NCMR) in the Senate in January 2025, while Naveed Amir Jeeva of Pakistan People's Party moved another draft in the National Assembly in the following month, which he later conceded to merge with the government bill."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2588510/minorities-commission-a-wait-worth-it
Cryptocurrency
Editorial, “Soaring gold,” The Express Tribune, 23 January 2026
“The price of gold has blown past the historic barrier of Rs500,000 per tola on the back of the deep anxieties gripping both global markets and domestic consumers. While international geopolitics provided the spark, the tinder is our own fragile economic confidence."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2588506/soaring-gold
Air pollution
Editorial, “Toxic air,” The Express Tribune, 22 January 2026
“After a lengthy spectacle of anti-smog guns in Lahore that were vehemently defended by the Punjab government, Lahore has once again emerged as the world's most polluted city with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 452. According to the air quality monitoring platform IQAir, an AQI of over 300 places a region within the "hazardous" bracket, which poses serious health risks to the population, especially children and the elderly. Air pollution in Lahore has been an unnecessarily prolonged fight, which has not only caused multiple chronic health conditions but also numerous deaths as citizens struggle against an unbreathable environment.”
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2588325/toxic-air
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