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In Focus
Pakistan and Uzbekistan boost bilateral trade
The two sides signed 28 MoUs, and a protocol to expand bilateral trade to USD 2 billion within next 5 years
On 5 February, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev began a two-day official visit to Pakistan. He was received at Nur Khan Airbase by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari. On the first day, the two sides signed a protocol aimed at enhancing bilateral trade, building on an earlier agreement to expand trade to USD 2 billion reached during PM Shehbaz’s visit to Tashkent last month. Addressing the ceremony, PM Shehbaz said: “We had a warm and most productive round of talks, covering the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, with special focus on trade and investment, regional connectivity, education and cultural exchanges.” President Mirziyoyev, who was conferred Pakistan’s highest civil award, the Nishan-i-Pakistan, stated that discussions on security, defence, and economic cooperation were held “in a detailed manner.” Both leaders welcomed the operationalisation of the High-Level Strategic Consultative Council to support the implementation of agreed decisions.
Four major takeaways from the meeting
First, the meeting resulted in expansion of bilateral trade. PM Shehbaz Sharif and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a protocol committing both sides to expand trade to USD 2 billion within five years. The protocol provides for the creation of a joint working group tasked with developing an action plan to identify priority sectors. PM Shehbaz stated: “Our two sides signed and exchanged 28 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements and we signed a historic protocol to establish a joint working group to devise a five year roadmap of economic and trade cooperation.” The agreements cover key areas including defence cooperation, agriculture, mining and geosciences, ecology, climate change, disaster management, and counter-narcotics cooperation. In order to facilitate commercial engagement, the two countries also signed a protocol expanding the list of goods under the Preferential Trade Agreement and agreed to establish the Pakistan–Uzbekistan Interregional Forum to strengthen business-to-business cooperation.
Second, the meeting advanced cooperation in defence, maritime, and technology. Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and his Uzbek counterpart, Shukhrat Khalmukhammedov, signed an action plan to strengthen defence collaboration. To facilitate trade and maritime cooperation, both sides concluded an MoU promoting maritime trade and preferential port arrangements at Karachi, Gwadar, and Qasim ports. Further, an MoU between Pakistan’s IT Ministry and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Digital Technologies was signed to enhance cooperation in digital infrastructure, innovation, and technology exchange.
Third, Pakistan guarantees to work closely on regional connectivity. PM Shehbaz expressed Islamabad’s commitment to work closely with Uzbekistan for regional connectivity, noting that both sides are in “total agreement that the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan rail project will be a game changer, not only for our countries but for the entire region.” It was put forth that Pakistan is willing to collaborate on fundraising for the project based on feasibility and business plan.
Fourth, collaboration in educational exchange. President Mirziyoyev put forth that he held a positive discussion with the president of the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) and referred to Uzbekistan’s University of Mining, where he pledged to establish a dedicated chair for NUST. He noted that both countries would benefit from the contributions of new scholars, scientists, startups, and businesses.“This collaboration between the universities shall cover other areas, including the exchange of faculty members of universities and the exchange of students,” the President added. (“Pakistan, Uzbekistan aim to boost bilateral trade to $2bn within next 5 years,” Dawn, 06 February 2026)
In Brief
ECONOMY
Pakistan is experiencing a “generational challenge” in job creation; Must create 30 million jobs over the next decade, says the World Bank president
On 05 February, Dawn reported Pakistan must generate up to 30 million jobs over the next decade to convert its youth bulge into an economic dividend, or “illegal migration or domestic instability,” World Bank President Ajay Banga has warned. The challenge comes as Pakistan enters the implementation phase of a 10-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF) with the World Bank and continues engagement with the IMF. “We’re trying to move the bank group as a whole from the idea of projects to the idea of outcomes,” Banga said in an interview with Reuters. He stated that Islamabad is experiencing a generational challenge, and Pakistan needs to generate 2.5m to 3m jobs a year, roughly 25m to 30m over the next decade, as millions of young people come of age. The CPF commits about USD 4 billion annually in combined public and private financing from the World Bank Group, with nearly half expected to be mobilised through private-sector operations led by the International Finance Corporation. Banga said this emphasis on private capital reflects the government's limited spending capacity and that around 90 per cent of jobs are generated by the private sector.
He added that Pakistan’s job creation strategy is built on three pillars: investing in human and physical infrastructure, implementing business-friendly regulatory reforms and expanding access to financing and insurance, especially for small firms and farmers who typically lack bank credit. He said infrastructure, healthcare, tourism and small-scale agriculture offered the greatest job-creation potential, with farming alone able to generate nearly a third of the jobs needed by 2050. While a growing freelancer base shows strong entrepreneurial drive, scaling it requires better access to capital and infrastructure. The strain is evident in rising brain drain, with nearly 4,000 doctors emigrating in 2025, the highest on record, reflecting weak job prospects and working conditions. Fixing Pakistan’s power sector is the most urgent near-term priority, Banga said, stressing that persistent losses and inefficiencies in electricity distribution are constraining growth despite improved generation capacity. He stated that “Electricity is fundamental to everything — health, education, business and jobs.” Banga also said climate resilience must be embedded in mainstream development spending rather than treated as a separate agenda, noting that Pakistan faces repeated floods, heatwaves and erratic monsoons. He said resilience should be built into infrastructure, housing, water management and agriculture to create jobs while reducing long-term risks. (Pakistan must create 30m jobs over next decade: World Bank president, Dawn, 05 February 2025)
EXTERNAL
Ensuring the safety of Chinese citizens is of “paramount importance,” the Interior Minister conveys to China’s ambassador
On 05 February, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that ensuring “the safety of Chinese citizens and projects is of paramount importance” and that “No enemy can undermine the Pakistan–China friendship,” in a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong in Islamabad. He also briefed the ambassador on the security crisis in Balochistan, during which Chinese citizens and projects have also come under attack. According to data shared by the National Counter Terrorism Authority in December 2024, as many as 20 Chinese citizens had been killed and 34 injured in terror attacks in the country from 2021. Ambassador Zaidong condemned the terrorist attacks on civilians and security forces in Balochistan and stated that “China stands in complete solidarity with the victims in this hour of grief. China condemns terrorism in all its forms and stands firmly with Pakistan in the fight against terrorism.” A statement from the Internal Affairs ministry stated that a special protection unit was being set up to ensure the security of Chinese nationals, adding that modern Chinese technology and equipment would support coordinated counterterrorism operations. Naqvi also briefed the Chinese ambassador on his recent successful visit to China. detailed discussions on counterterrorism, internal security and security cooperation, and agreed to enhance collaboration in intelligence sharing and combating cybercrime were also held. The statement added that Naqvi and Zaidong reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen the Pakistan-China strategic partnership. (“Provision of ‘maximum security’ to Chinese nationals top priority, interior minister tells envoy,” Dawn, 05 February 2025)
Preferential trade agreement to be signed with Jordan to boost bilateral cooperation across 16 priority sectors
On 06 February, Dawn reported that Pakistan and Jordan have signed a preferential trade agreement (PTA) and broaden bilateral cooperation across 16 priority sectors, ranging from trade, finance and industry to climate change, maritime affairs, health, technology and education. The agreement was concluded on the sidelines of the 10th session of the Pakistan-Jordan Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), held on 4-5 February. The JMC was co-chaired by Pakistan’s Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Jordan’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yarub Qudah. The session marked a renewed push to operationalise cooperation under the Pakistan-Jordan JMC framework established in 1975. Commerce Minister Jam Kamal said it reflected a shared commitment to results-oriented cooperation, particularly in trade and investment. Consultations on a Preferential Trade Agreement to improve market access are set to begin. Both countries agreed to set up a Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment, revive the Pakistan-Jordan Business Council, and promote business-to-business ties. The JMC also welcomed an MoU on IT and telecommunications and agreed to expand cooperation across banking, industry, agriculture, education, energy and other sectors, with an emphasis on structured follow-up and regular JMC meetings. (“Preferential trade agreement to be signed with Jordan to boost trade,” Dawn, 06 February 2026)
SECURITY
216 terrorists killed as security forces conclude ‘Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1’ in Balochistan
On 6 February, Dawn reported that Security forces in Balochistan concluded Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1, killing a total of 216 terrorists. The Operation was initiated after deadly targeted attacks by Balochistan Liberation Army across multiple cities in Balochistan, which brought parts of the restive province to standstill for several days. During the planned operations with support of law enforcement and intelligence agencies, 36 civilians, including women and children embraced martyrdom, while 22 security forces personnel also made sacrifice.Balochistan Chief Minister maintained that Operation was a “clear message to those committing acts of bloodshed in Balochistan.” He also maintained that the banned Baloch Liberation Army was “a fitna targeting innocent civilians and labourers. (“216 terrorists killed as security forces conclude 'Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1' in Balochistan-ISPR,” Dawn, 6 February 2026)
Highways and rail services restored after five-day disruption, Internet remains suspended
On 6 February, Dawn reported that National Highways in the province have been cleared for vehicle movement across the province, except in the area of Noshki, where roads were damaged by bombs. The majority of roads remained open, though the standard operating procedure barring night travel remained in place. Also, railway services were restored in Balochistan after five days of suspension. Over the past year, railway tracks are a frequent target of terrorists, with the Jaffar Express coming under attacks several times. However, mobile data and internet services remain suspended in several parts.(“Train services restored in Balochistan after 5 days mobile data still suspended in Quetta,” Dawn, 6 February 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Imaan-Hadi conviction
Usama Khilji, “Monopolising truth,” Dawn, 05 February 2026
"Any reasonable person reading the tweets for which Imaan Mazari-Hazir and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha have been sentenced to 17 years of rigorous imprisonment with a fine of Rs36 million will express shock at the sentence. The state must take steps to bridge the trust deficit with its citizens. The extreme measures taken to quell dissent by arresting activists and obliterate political opposition, including the PTI and other groups, is a threat to our future. We already have the highest rate of emigration and brain drain due to draconian policies and their impact on the economy, such as internet slowdown and censorship. The diverse views of all Pakistanis must be respected, rather than making unsuccessful violent attempts to gain monopoly over truth, which only alienates the citizenry further."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1971153/monopolising-truth
Climate change
Jazib Mumtaz, “Decentralising climate action,” The Express Tribune, 05 February 2026
"Climate change is no longer a distant threat for Pakistan; it is a lived reality. From catastrophic floods and prolonged droughts to urban heat stress and water scarcity, climate shocks are increasingly shaping livelihoods, growth prospects and social stability. Yet, despite rising international attention and climate finance commitments, a critical question remains unanswered: why does climate finance so often fail to translate into real resilience on the ground? The answer lies less in the availability of funds and more in how climate action is governed."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2590818/decentralising-climate-action
Balochistan attacks
Inam Ul Haque, “Terrorists in Balochistan and the indomitable Pakistan,” The Express Tribune, 05 February 2026
"So, the naraz (angry) Baloch led by Mengals and Marris of this world launched coordinated small-scale attacks during the past week across the Baloch belt of the province, targeting civil and military personnel and installations, killing poor Punjabi labourers, without sparing Baloch women and children either. And this was done indiscriminately, with abandon and under the guidance of their foreign patrons who facilitated, guided and planned these attacks."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2590819/terrorists-in-balochistan-and-the-indomitable-pakistan
Province
Dr Syed Akhtar Ali Shah, “When constitutional entitlements become grievances,” The Express Tribune, 05 February 2026
"The letter written by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is not merely an exchange of official correspondence over delayed fiscal transfers. It is a stark reminder of the widening gap between constitutional promises and fiscal practice in Pakistan's federal system. When constitutionally guaranteed rights begin to resemble discretionary favours, the consequences extend well beyond balance sheets, affecting governance capacity, social stability and national cohesion."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2590820/when-constitutional-entitlements-become-grievances
Society
Atif Mehmood, “Violence in plain sight,” The Express Tribune, 05 February 2026
"Talking about transgender rights in Pakistan usually makes people shift in their seats. You can see it happen. Someone checks their phone. Another clears their throat. Someone else starts, "Yes, but..." and stops. That reaction alone should tell us something. We avoid this conversation because it forces us to look at things we've learned to ignore. And yet the violence keeps happening, loudly, repeatedly."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2590814/violence-in-plain-sight
Corruption
Atif Mehmood, “Corruption perception,” The Express Tribune, 05 February 2026
"The Ipsos-FPCCI Index of Transparency and Accountability results in Pakistan show a widening gap between public perception and the reality of corruption in the country. A staggering 68pc of respondents reported that they did not personally face a situation requiring them to pay a bribe but they still believed that bribery is common within state agencies. Similar gaps have been reported for nepotism and illicit enrichment, both seen as widespread but rarely encountered directly. This gap between perception and lived experience signifies a defining feature of the chronic trust deficit between ordinary Pakistanis and the state institutions with which people have to frequently interact on a near daily basis. In other words, the survey paints a picture of public institutions burdened by a reputational loss that far exceeds most citizens’ actual experience."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1971151/corruption-perception
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