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In Brief
EXTERNAL
Munich Security Conference: Munir expands security outreach with US and other partners
On 15 February, The News International reported that the Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference to discuss regional and global security dynamics and counterterrorism cooperation, according to Inter-Services Public Relations. The news report documented Munir's meetings with German officials, including Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, Foreign Policy Adviser Günter Sautter and General Carsten Breuer, who served as Germany's Chief of Defence, to discuss modern security matters and military partnership between their nations. The chief field Marshal had also reached out to Brazilian and Lebanese senior military leaders to create defence alliances, which he pursued through international cooperation for worldwide peace and security. (“Field Marshal Munir engages with Marco Rubio on global, regional security,” The News International, 15 February 2026)
Shehbaz begins rare Austria visit to deepen trade ties and engage UN agencies in Vienna
On 15 February, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Vienna for a two-day official visit, the first by a Pakistani prime minister to Austria in more than three decades, to advance trade, investment and wider economic cooperation. Shehbaz is scheduled to meet Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker and co-chair a session with prominent business leaders, while also engaging the International Atomic Energy Agency and other UN bodies in Vienna on cooperation in peaceful nuclear energy, counter-narcotics and crime control, and sustainable industrial development. The visit also coincides with 70 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Austria. (“PM Shehbaz arrives in Austria on 2-day visit,” Dawn, 15 February 2026)
Pakistan backs Syria’s unity deal, calls for Kurdish rights and coordinated counterterrorism
On 16 February, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan, speaking at the UN Security Council, welcomed the recent agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian democratic forces and urged Damascus to pursue an inclusive political transition that strengthens unity, territorial integrity, and stability. It stated that Pakistan's UN representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad supported the 16 January presidential decree, which established Kurdish rights, but he emphasised that terrorism threats, including ETIM foreign fighters, need immediate international law-based coordinated responses. The statement emphasised that Pakistan emphasised the extreme humanitarian emergency in Syria while demanding immediate access for humanitarian aid and early recovery assistance because sanctions relief would create conditions for economic growth. The statement also maintained Syria's opposition to Israeli actions, which violate the 1974 disengagement agreement. (“Pakistan urges inclusive political transition in Syria,” The Express Tribune, 16 February 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Foremost challenge is securing Pakistan against threats: President Zardari
On 16 February, The News International reported that President Asif Ali Zardari termed securing Pakistan against internal and external threats as the foremost challenge confronting the nation. President Zardari was addressing a public gathering in Nawazabad, where he said that the government and people of Pakistan will respond firmly to any threats. “As long as we are alive, no one can divide this country,” he added. He also claimed that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) was the only majority party in the country and the true custodian of Pakistan’s unity. President Zardari warned against elements attempting to mislead the youth in Balochistan, adding that Pakistan would not be fragmented and that all issues must be resolved through dialogue. (“Zardari vows to defend country against internal, external threats,” The News International, 16 February 2026)
Medical team leaves following Imran Khan examination; PTI rejects inspection
On 15 February, Dawn reported that a team of doctors examined former premier Imran Khan at Adiala Jail on Sunday and left the compound around an hour later. The inspection was rejected by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), adding that it was “malicious” to examine without Imran’s family and personal physicians around. “This is unacceptable to us without us and Khan sahib’s personal doctors being taken into confidence,” Imran’s sister, Noreen Khanum, added. Meanwhile, the jail’s superintendent dismissed the development, saying the former PM was only being examined. “The medical team will examine Imran’s eyes, conduct different tests, and decide whether there is a requirement to move him to a hospital or if he can be retained in jail and continue the treatment here,” the jail superintendent said, according to sources. This follows weeks of speculation around Imran’s eye condition, which the Supreme Court noted had deteriorated by 85 per cent.
Additionally, the opposition alliance, Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP), has continued its sit-in at the Parliament House for the third consecutive day. The PTI also held protests, blocking major roads, including the Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway at Swabi’s Anbar Interchange, Khairabad Bridge connecting Punjab and Dera Ismail Khan-Bhakkar Road. (“Medical team leaves Adiala Jail after examining Imran Khan, PTI rejects inspection," Dawn, 15 February 2026; “PTI blocks major KP roads as protests continue against ‘treatment denial’ to Imran," Dawn, 15 February 2026)
ECONOMY
Arif Habib-led consortium planning to gain full control of PIA
On 15 February, Dawn reported that the group led by Arif Habib announced plans to acquire the remaining 25 per cent government stake in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). This would mean the consortium secures full control of the national flag carrier. The group had acquired a 75 per cent stake for PKR 135 billion in December 2025. To ensure the success of its revival plan, the group now aims to gain full control of decision-making. The government has given the consortium 90 days to purchase the remaining shares, valued at PKR 45 billion. The agreement signed in January allows for 12 months to transfer funds. (“Arif Habib-led group to gain full control of PIA,” Dawn, 15 February 2026)
Government hikes petrol and high-speed diesel prices
On 16 February, The Express Tribune reported that the federal government increased the price of petrol by PKR 5 per litre and high-speed diesel by PKR 7.32 per litre for the next fortnight, according to the Petroleum Division. The petrol price will now be PKR 258.17 per litre, while high-speed diesel will cost PKR 275.70 per litre. The revised prices will take effect from 16 February. This follows the government’s decision on 1 February to reduce the price of high-speed diesel by PKR 14 per litre, while keeping the price of petrol unchanged. (“Cost of commuting rises as government hikes fuel prices,” The Express Tribune, 16 February 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Pak-Afg
Maleeha Lodhi, “Frozen relationship,” Dawn, 16 February 2026
"The terrorist attack on an imambargah earlier this month — the worst in the federal capital for over a decade — prompted Pakistani leaders to again accuse Afghanistan of providing sanctuary to violent groups that threaten Pakistan’s security. The militant IS-K (Islamic State-Khorasan) group that claimed responsibility is based in Afghanistan and estimated to have 2,000 fighters. Initial investigation by Pakistan’s security agencies found that the mastermind of the Feb 6 bombing belonged to Da’esh and trained in Afghanistan."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1973554/frozen-relationship
Provinces
Farhan Anwar, “Reclaiming public space,” Dawn, 16 February 2026
"Public spaces are considered to be public assets that define the physical, social and cultural identity of an urban space and community. Regrettably, over the years, Karachi has experienced a decline in the vitality of public spaces, despite being historically known for its lively public spaces including streets, markets and squares. The iconic Saddar area and the coastal ecosystem, once vibrant hubs, have lost their appeal due to factors such as increased commercialisation, neglect, encroachment and changing societal preferences."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1973552/reclaiming-public-space
Economy
Editorial, “Heavy cost of SOEs,” Dawn, 16 February 2026
"Burdened by chronic losses and rising debt, Pakistan’s SOEs have for years drained public funds that could have been spent on sectors such as healthcare and education. Frequent equity injections, subsidies, loans and sovereign guarantees reduced the pressure on these entities to fix their inefficiencies. Instead of reform, the outcome has been a growing pile of liabilities. Successive governments promised to restructure, privatise or improve the governance of these enterprises. Under various IMF programmes — including the current one — Islamabad pledged greater transparency, regular performance audits and the appointment of professional independent boards. But follow-through has been weak. Reforms are announced with fanfare, yet implementation rarely matches the rhetoric. Poor political will, coupled with resistance from vested interests, continues to stall meaningful change, adding to the burden of taxpayers."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1973557/heavy-cost-of-soes
External
Shahid Javed Burki, “Asian lessons for Pakistan,” The Express Tribune, 16 February 2026
"The title of this essay needs to be explained. Pakistan is an Asian nation, and it should not be looking too far out to draw some important lessons for the design of public policy. For lessons, it has to search far into Asia to draw some important lessons for managing its economy. Pakistan has four neighbours – Afghanistan, China, India and Iran – three of which have adopted religion as the way of economic governance. Until the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as prime minister in 2014, India had followed an inclusive approach to economic management. It is now abandoning that approach and has decided to adopt what the main governing party – the Hindu nationalist, Bharatiya Janata Party, the BJP – calls "Hindutva"."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2592760/asian-lessons-for-pakistan
Province
Fahd Husain, “Healing Khan,” The Express Tribune, 15 February 2026
"It is inexplicable why the government is dragging its feet on the matter. From whatever information is available, experts suggest Khan's eye complication can be serious. Time is of essence. Instead of making speeches in the House trying to defend the indefensible, or having police block the opposition from holding a sit-in outside the parliament, or coming on TV and transferring all responsibility to the Supreme Court, the government should be constituting a panel of top doctors and sending them to see Khan at Adyala. This is a no-brainer. But clearly, it ain't."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2592601/healing-khan
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