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In Focus
Pakistan and Austria agree to strengthen bilateral ties
PM Sharif met with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker in Vienna during a two-day trip
On 16 February, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan and Austria agreed to further strengthen bilateral ties during an official visit to Vienna by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The PM met with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker in Vienna during a two-day trip, marking the first visit by a Pakistani prime minister to Austria since 1992. PM Sharif and Chancellor Stocker held a “restricted meeting”, which was followed by delegation-level talks. The delegation included Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi, and Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch.
A statement issued by the PID read: “Both leaders recalled the friendly and historic ties between the two countries and committed to work together more closely to further strengthen the bilateral relationship in diverse fields. To this end, they agreed to work for the early finalisation of MoUs under consideration related to these areas.” The two leaders also agreed on the United Nations' central role in addressing the challenges of peace and security worldwide. Following that, they co-chaired a meeting of CEOs from leading Austrian and Pakistani companies, at which they agreed to expand government-to-government, government-to-business, and business-to-business engagement between the two countries. The PM also invited Austrian businesses and companies to the upcoming EU-Pakistan Business Forum in Islamabad this April. An MoU was also signed between Pakistani and Austrian companies.
PM Sharif praised the long-standing relations between the two countries and appreciated Chancellor Stocker for the “most warm and productive” meeting. He said that both countries were “proactively engaged” in areas including mining, minerals and renewable energy, while also highlighting Pakistan’s “huge potential” in agriculture. In addition to business and trade discussions, PM Shehbaz also stated that Pakistan was working with European partners to jointly ban illegal immigration. This visit marks 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. (“Pakistan, Austria agree to further strengthen bilateral ties,” Dawn, 16 February 2026; “PM Shehbaz invites Austrian chancellor to joint fight against illegal migration,” The Express Tribune, 16 February 2026)
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Sri Lankan president appreciates Pakistan’s support in meeting with Naqvi
On 16 February, Dawn reported that Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake appreciated Pakistan’s support during “difficult times” in a meeting with a Pakistani delegation on Monday. “We reaffirmed our enduring friendship [and] appreciated Pakistan’s support to Sri Lanka during difficult times,” a post by Dissanayake on X said. The Sri Lankan President had met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain in Colombo. The two countries agreed to develop a joint strategy against cybercrimes and financial fraud. The meeting was also focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and matters of mutual interest, including internal security, counterterrorism and anti-narcotics operations. They also agreed to strengthen institutional collaboration, particularly in the domains of illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and joint training for police and paramilitary forces. (“In meeting with Naqvi, Sri Lankan president appreciates Pakistan’s support during ‘difficult times’,” Dawn, 16 February 2026)
CDF Munir reaffirms UAE’s role in Pakistan’s security
On 16 February, Dawn reported that Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir reaffirmed that the security and stability of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are “an integral part of Pakistan’s own security,” the ISPR said. He made these remarks during a meeting with Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, where the two discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in economic collaboration, investment and security. The two leaders also discussed regional developments and stressed the importance of continued coordination to promote the peaceful resolution of disputes in the region. The army chief also appreciated the government of the UAE for its “longstanding investments and continued support to Pakistan’s economy and security over the decades.” (“CDF Field Marshal Munir terms UAE’s security, stability ‘integral part of Pakistan’s own security’: ISPR,” Dawn, 16 February 2026)
Pakistan condemns Israel’s move to convert areas of West Bank into “state property”
On 16 February, Dawn reported that Pakistan strongly condemned Israel’s latest decision to convert large areas of the occupied West Bank into “state property”, a statement by the Foreign Office (FO) said. Al Jazeera reported that the Israeli government had approved plans to claim large areas of the West Bank if Palestinians could not prove ownership. “Pakistan strongly condemns the latest attempt by the Israeli occupying power to convert areas of the Occupied West Bank into so-called state property, and to expand illegal settlement activities,” the statement said. It also pointed out that these steps violated international law and relevant United Nations Security Council and General Assembly resolutions. It also, once again, reaffirmed its full support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an “independent, viable, and contiguous State of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital”. (“Pakistan condemns Israel’s move to convert areas of West Bank into ‘state property’,” Dawn, 16 February 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Motorway closure creates havoc for commuters and traders; KP CM Afridi says no “official call” given to protest
On 17 February, Dawn reported that commuters, transporters and traders have been suffering economic losses due to the prolonged closure of the Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway (M-1). The PTI closed M-1 on Friday to demand early treatment of its founder, Imran Khan. This closure has put the Grand Trunk Road, another major road, under immense strain. The Grand Trunk Road is also facing closures by the PTI, causing a massive inconvenience to people travelling on business or for exams. On the other hand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi apologised to the people of his province for the prolonged closure of motorways. He also said that the PTI workers were protesting of their own accord, saying that his party’s strategy was “just for the parliamentarians”. He mentioned that the plan was for parliamentarians to stage a sit-in outside Parliament in Islamabad. “But, unfortunately, some of us were stopped at the KP House, some at the Parliament Lodges and some at the Parliament House,’ he said. He reiterated that “no official call” had been given to party workers for the protest. (“KP CM says ‘no official call’ given to PTI workers for protest, apologises to people of province for ‘difficulties’,” Dawn, 16 February 2026)
ECONOMY
Pakistan’s Middle East trade deficit narrows despite export decline in July to December
On 17 February, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s trade deficit with the Middle East narrowed 3.92 per cent in the first half of FY26, shrinking to USD seven billion in July to December from USD 7.285 billion a year earlier, based on state bank of Pakistan data. The regional export numbers decreased by 6.06% to reach USD 1.502 billion, while import numbers decreased by 4.29% to reach USD 8.502 billion, which showed that the reduced trade deficit resulted from decreased import values rather than better export results. The piece also noted mixed bilateral trends, including exports to Saudi Arabia falling 7.28 per cent to USD 337.927 million while imports from the kingdom rose 6.19 per cent to USD 1.919 billion, and exports to the UAE easing to USD 1.023 billion even as imports from the UAE increased to USD 4.327 billion, against the backdrop of Pakistan’s recent free trade agreement with the GCC states aimed at reducing the regional imbalance. (“Trade gap with Mideast narrows in July-Dec,” Dawn, 17 February 2026)
SECURITY
Shangla raid kills three policemen as Bannu IED blast leaves two dead, 17 injured
On 17 February, Dawn reported that three policemen were martyred during a search-and-strike operation in Shangla’s Kabalgram area of Martung tehsil after a militant attack, with police responding by killing two attackers and continuing the operation in the area. The update reported that an IED explosion occurred near the Miryan police station in Bannu when explosives on a motorcycle detonated, which resulted in two deaths and at least 17 injuries to people, including a Hafiz-i-Quran boy who required hospitalisation at district facilities, while security forces conducted a search operation after they blocked off the area. (“Three cops martyred in Shangla operation,” Dawn, 17 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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