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In Brief
EXTERNAL
Pakistan invited to upcoming US-Iran talks, says FO
On 03 February, Dawn reported that the Foreign Office on Tuesday confirmed that Pakistan had been invited to participate in the upcoming US-Iran talks, which aim to de-escalate tensions between the two countries. “Pakistan has received the invitation for the upcoming talks between Iran and the United States,” FO Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said. Another source added that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is expected to participate in the meeting. The meeting is likely to take place in Turkey on Friday, with Axios reporting that a meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to take place. Other countries invited for the talks include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). (“Pakistan invited to participate in upcoming US-Iran talks: FO,” Dawn, 03 February 2026)
Kazakhstan president arrives in Pakistan for two-day visit
On 03 February, Dawn reported that Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday for a two-day visit. This comes as both countries aim to strengthen bilateral ties, with Kazakhstan being Pakistan’s top export destination among Central Asian countries. President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy PM Ishaq Dar received President Tokayev in Rawalpindi. “The Pakistan-Kazakhstan friendship is a time-tested partnership that continues to bring our peoples closer together. This visit marks a new milestone in our glorious journey,” PM Sharif posted on X. President Tokayev is being accompanied by senior cabinet ministers and other high-level ranking officials. According to the FO, he is expected to hold meetings with President Zardari and PM Sharif as well as the Pakistan-Kazakhstan Business Forum. It added that the two countries will discuss new areas of cooperation, particularly in trade, logistics, regional connectivity and people-to-people contacts. This followed the signing of eight MoUs between the higher education institutions of the two countries on Monday. (“Kazakhstan president arrives in Pakistan on 2-day visit,” Dawn, 03 February 2026)
China condemns Balochistan attacks; reaffirms support in combating terrorism
On 03 February, Dawn reported that Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian, on Tuesday, strongly condemned the recent attacks in Balochistan. He also said that Beijing would always firmly support Pakistan in combating terrorism. “We mourn for the lives lost, and our hearts go out to the injured and those who lost their loved ones. China firmly opposes any form of terrorism and will, as always, firmly support Pakistan in combatting terrorism, maintaining solidarity and social stability, and protecting the safety of the people,” he added. Apart from China, the US, the European Union and Iran, among others, have also condemned the attacks. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement that 15 security personnel and 18 civilians had lost their lives in the attack, while 92 terrorists were killed on Saturday. (“China condemns Balochistan attacks, says it will always support Pakistan in combatting terrorism,” Dawn, 03 February 2026)
PM Shehbaz reaffirms intent to foster friendly ties with Libya
On 03 February, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on Tuesday, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining and strengthening cooperative ties with Libya. This comes following a meeting between the PM and a high-level delegation from Libya. “During the discussions, both sides exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral relations,” state-broadcaster PTV reported. It also added that the Libyan leadership appreciated Pakistan’s support and expressed interest in expanding cooperation. Pakistan and Libya’s eastern military signed a USD four billion arms deal in December last year (“PM Shehbaz reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to fostering friendly ties with Libya,” Dawn, 03 February 2026)
JUDICIARY
FCC set to dispose of suo moto case of Pakistani journalists’ murder in Kenya on grounds of diplomatic resolution
On 03 February, Dawn reported that the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) disposed of a suo motu case regarding the killing of prominent journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya, ruling that judicial oversight of the ongoing investigation was not permissible under Pakistani law. Sharif was fatally shot in the head when Kenyan police opened fire on his vehicle on the outskirts of Nairobi on 23 October 2022. He had left Pakistan in August that year after multiple sedition cases were registered against him in several cities. The court asserted that the matter was being pursued through diplomatic channels and that Pakistan and Kenya had already concluded a mutual legal assistance (MLA) agreement. The 14-page judgment, authored by Justice Aamer Farooq, disposed of all pending applications. “We acknowledge and share the grief felt by our nation and the journalist community over the death of our citizen,” the judgment stated, adding that “in case the legal heirs of Sharif have any specific grievance in the matter, they can approach the court(s) of competent jurisdiction.”
The judgment emphasised that “matters of foreign relations are best handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the federal government, who are better equipped to determine what serves the purposes of Article 40 and what is appropriate in the international context.” The judgment observed that the federal government had taken several “pertinent and significant” steps in the matter. These included signing the mutual legal assistance agreement, a phone call between the Prime Minister of Pakistan and Kenya's President, the formation of a special joint investigation team and its probe, diplomatic engagement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Kenyan authorities, and the issuance of black warrants. (“Federal Constitutional Court disposes of Arshad Sharif suo motu case,” Dawn, 03 February 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Opposition protests “denial of human rights” to Imran Khan; Khan’s treatment at PIMS was at his own request, counters Law Minister
On 04 February, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf-led opposition protested “denial of human rights” to former prime minister Imran Khan at the Senate on 3 February. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar countered the accusations, stating that Mr Khan had been taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a procedure on his own request, and assured that he had no health issues following treatment. He added that the government fully respected human rights and had never issued any directive to deny medical treatment to any prisoner. However, he added that any further relief related to medical care, meetings, or prison conditions would have to be pursued through the high court, which he described as the competent appellate forum. PTI parliamentary leader Barrister Syed Ali Zafar said the secretive manner in which Imran Khan underwent medical treatment, only for it to later be disclosed by the government, raised serious concerns. He added that Mr Khan’s doctors later described the matter as extremely serious in a video message, expressing concern that he could suffer permanent damage to his eyesight. Barrister Zafar also expressed concern over the doctors’ response that they were dissatisfied with the report prepared by Pims and had urged that two experts be allowed to examine Mr Khan immediately.“I am not talking about politics right now,” he said, urging the chair to direct PIMS to provide them with Mr Khan’s medical report. (“Imran taken to Pims at own request, says law minister,” Dawn, 4 February 2026)
ECONOMY
Centre authorises PKR seven billion to KP as part of merged districts funds
On 04 February, The Express Tribune reported that the federal government had authorised the release of PKR seven billion under the annual development plan and the Accelerated Implementation Programme (AIP) for the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). This follows a meeting between KP CM Sohail Afridi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday, where they appeared to have bridged their differences over the release of non-NFC funds. However, there were still issues over the provision of an additional PKR 15 billion that KP is seeking to meet the needs of the population temporarily displaced by various intelligence-based operations in the province, particularly in Tirah Valley. However, Finance Adviser to the KP CM, Muzzammil Aslam, said that the finance ministry had no additional funds due to fiscal constraints (“Centre, K-P bridge gaps over merged districts funds,” The Express Tribune, 04 February 2026)
Chinese agribusiness delegation signs multiple MoUs with UAF
On 04 February, The Express Tribune reported that a delegation of Chinese agricultural experts and industry signed several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). The delegation consisted of 12 senior executives from leading Chinese agribusinesses, along with a senior professor from Northwest A&F University (NWAFU) and representatives of the Silk-Road Biohealth Agricultural Industry Alliance. Discussions were held with the Vice Chancellor of UAF and the Local Dean of CI-UAF and focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and accelerating the translation of academic research into practical solutions (“Chinese agribusiness delegation signs MoUs,” The Express Tribune, 04 February 2026)
SECURITY
Militants killed in clearance operations across Balochistan rise to 197
On 04 February, Dawn reported that the number of militants killed in clearance operations across Balochistan increased to 197 as security forces continued “mop-up” actions following coordinated attacks on 31 January. In Nushki, armed men targeted a police station, judicial complex, police lines, DC office, and an FC camp, setting government premises on fire. Nushki town was cleared, and markets were reopened after three days; however, search operations continue in the surrounding mountainous areas. According to officials, at least four additional militants were killed in the ongoing operations; casualties among counterterrorism personnel were also reported, but no official figures have been reported so far. Further incidents were reported in Awaran and Washuk. Inspector General of Police Mohammad Tahir visited multiple police facilities to review security preparedness and operational challenges; he emphasised public cooperation for lasting peace. (“Nearly 200 terrorists killed in Balochistan clearance ops,” Dawn, 04 February 206)
Editorials/Opinions
Economy
Ehsan Malik, “Growth prescription,” Dawn, 04 February 2026
"As Pakistan experiences sluggish economic growth, there is a growing trend of impatience being presented as policy advice. Increasingly, there are calls to either abandon or dilute the IMF programme, with critics pointing to high interest rates, elevated taxes and costly energy as justification. While these concerns are valid, the conclusion that leaving the IMF would restore growth is misguided. In reality, abandoning the IMF programme would likely reignite the instability that made external support necessary in the first place. The true challenge for Pakistan is not a choice between stabilisation and growth, but rather how to use the limited fiscal space created by stabilisation to support productive activity without violating IMF commitments. This fiscal space does exist, and now more than ever, it must be deployed wisely."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1970982/growth-prescription
NFC Award
Editorial, “NFC meeting delay,” Dawn, 04 February 2026
"The 11th National Finance Commission, meant to replace the seventh award finalised more than 15 years ago, appears to have been delayed again, despite a clear roadmap that was announced at its inaugural meeting in December. With the second NFC meeting, planned for the second week of January, nowhere in sight, the eight technical working groups constituted to give recommendations on issues related to the vertical and horizontal division of federal tax resources remain dormant. Only two groups have met — once each. This signals political reluctance to address the friction embedded in the country’s fiscal federalism. The NFC’s core challenge pertains to the settlement of what the centre calls a ‘structural imbalance’ created by the reduction of its share in the existing award, which has widened its budget deficit and driven up its debt burden. The provinces have strongly contested this argument, citing extensive data to support their stance."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1970984/nfc-meeting-delay
Balochistan attacks
Zahid Hussain, “Rising threat in Balochistan,” Dawn, 04 February 2026
"The separatist militancy, which has gripped Balochistan for the past two decades, now seems to have escalated into a full-blown insurgency. Last week, hundreds of armed terrorists launched simultaneous attacks reportedly in 12 locations, including the provincial capital Quetta. They stormed security installations, set government buildings on fire and looted banks. Highly trained terrorists engaged the security forces in gun battles for hours, revealing their capacity to challenge the state."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1970983/rising-threat-in-balochistan
Arifa Noor, “The day after,” Dawn, 03 February 2026
"Balochistan witnessed a series of coordinated attacks on the weekend. Though details continue to be sketchy, a number of cities in the province were targeted, including Quetta, Gwadar and Noshki. It was reported that the attacks were repulsed and over 100 terrorists killed (the number continues to rise). Nonetheless the multiple events on Saturday morning have once again drawn attention to a conflict in our midst that everyone prefers to overlook."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1970772/the-day-after
Province
Shahid Javed Burki, “People's influx into Karachi,” The Express Tribune, 02 February 2026
"This is an article on the large-scale movements of people in and out of Pakistan and how that has affected various aspects of life in the country since its founding as an independent state in 1947. I have already written about the movement of 14 million people that resulted from the division of the British Indian colony into the independent states of India and Pakistan. India became a predominantly Hindu state while the majority of the population of Pakistan belonged to the Islamic faith. My academic work on this movement suggested that of the eight million Muslims who headed for Pakistan, about 470,000 went and settled in what was chosen to be Pakistan's first capital."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2590286/peoples-influx-into-karachi
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