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In Focus
Pakistan says it is now in “open war” with Afghanistan
Armed forces launch “Operation Ghazab Lil Haq”; Over 130 Taliban fighters killed, says PM’s spokesperson
On 27 February, The Express Tribune and Dawn reported that Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, said that Pakistan is now in an "open war" with Afghanistan. The Pakistan Armed Forces targeted key military installations of the Afghan Taliban regime in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia through airstrikes during the early hours on Friday, security sources told the media outlets. Pakistan launched “Operation Ghazab Lil Haq” following “unprovoked” attacks by Afghanistan a day prior. Two brigade headquarters in Kabul were destroyed during the operation, security sources say. Pakistan has also destroyed the Taliban’s core headquarters in Kandahar, in addition to a corps headquarters and brigade headquarters. In Paktia, a Taliban corps headquarters was also destroyed. Additionally, Pakistani jets are conducting aerial patrols over Kandahar following the airstrikes. 133 Afghan Taliban fighters have been killed, with more than 200 wounded in the latest airstrikes. “Many more casualties estimated in strikes in Kabul, Paktia and Kandahar military targets,” Prime Minister’s Spokesperson, Mosharraf Zaidi, said. Security sources say that the Afghan Taliban have raised white flags in surrender.
Late Thursday night, authorities in Kabul had claimed to launch a large-scale offensive in response to Pakistani airstrikes over the weekend. According to security sources, the Afghan Taliban had fired at various places along the border between the two countries, with Pakistan reporting that a mosque had been damaged in the fighting. Reports from areas along the border indicate intense fighting near Torkham and Landi Kotal. Local sources said that artillery shells were fired from the Afghan side, with shelling in Bajaur’s Lowi Mamund tehsil resulting in injuries to five people. An exchange of fire was also reported from the Kurram and the Angoor Adda border area. Pakistan responded by attacking Taliban military infrastructure on several fronts along the border, destroying two ammunition depots, one logistics base, three battalion headquarters, more than 80 tanks, artillery guns and armoured personnel carriers. Two Pakistani soldiers were also killed in the fighting.
The latest round of hostilities comes following airstrikes by the Pakistan Air Force in three provinces of Afghanistan on Sunday. This was in response to a series of terrorist attacks in Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan over the last few weeks. Afghanistan had initially responded by condemning the attacks and summoning Pakistan’s ambassador, but also followed that up with airstrikes. This prompted a comprehensive military operation by Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the armed forces, saying they “are committed to ensuring that the peace and security of the country are never compromised” and that the forces “possess the full capability to thwart any aggressive designs.” Additionally, President Asif Ali Zardari, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan and several more from across the political spectrum all lauded the efforts of the country’s armed forces. (“Afghan Taliban suffer ‘heavy losses’ as Pakistani military launches ‘Operation Ghazab Lil Haq’," The Express Tribune, 27 February 2026; “‘Long live Pakistan’: Politicians united in response to unprovoked Afghan Taliban aggression,” Dawn, 27 February 2026; “Forces repel ‘miscalculated’ attacks by Afghan Taliban,” Dawn, 27 February 2026)
In Brief
ECONOMY
Revenue shortfall sparks fresh debate over fiscal balance between centre and provinces
On 27 February, Dawn reported that the Planning Minister stated that the provincial National Finance Commission (NFC) share of 57.5 per cent was not used due to reservations by the federating units during the concluding session of the Pakistan Governance Conference. He also reiterated the need to share defence spending with contributions from provinces during the session. Only Punjab Province advocated sharing the federal government's burden on account of debt and defence spending. However, the other three provinces stayed silent on expenditure sharing. Planning Minister also emphasised that the change in the resource distribution formula between the Centre and the federating units is untouchable due to reservations by the provinces, but separate allocations should be made for "Azad Jammu & Kashmir", "Gilgit-Baltistan" and the Islamabad Capital Territory, which is possible without any constitutional amendment. Furthermore, as Revenue collection has fallen short of commitments under the NFC by a staggering PKR 63 trillion, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Sindh governments recommended enhancing the revenue pool, making allocations for human development and climate resilience. Provinces also demanded that they be made partners in federal tax collection, particularly in income and sales tax collection. The positions of the four provinces and the Centre on the next NFC award were revealed as it emerged that KP and Sindh held almost similar positions, while Punjab appeared to be toeing the Centre's line. (“57.5 % NFC share 'untouchable',” Dawn, 27 February 2026)
Business leaders urges IMF review team to prioritise long-term economic planning
On 27 February, Dawn reported that business leaders urged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in a review meeting that the country should not be run on a day-to-day basis and must have a long-term plan. Meanwhile, the visiting mission chief underscored the need for phased economic growth instead of abruptly accelerating the pace. As the IMF mission comes at a time when an official report showed poverty in Pakistan at an 11-year high, unemployment at a 21-year high, and income inequality at a 27-year high, Business leaders complained about high taxes, expressed concerns over the super tax, salaried class tax and high corporate taxes, and called for a reduction in energy costs. They also criticised the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for its failure to broaden the tax base and stop tax evasion, which they believed was also a failure of the IMF and World Bank, which continue to extend loans without any proper checks. (“Big firms urge IMF policy certainty,” Dawn, 27 February 2026)
Geopolitical uncertainty in the Gulf region slows Pakistani capital flow to Dubai
On 27 February, Dawn reported that property dealers in Karachi who trade in Dubai real estate expressed caution amid growing tensions and uncertainty in the Gulf region due to fears of US military strikes on Iran. Pakistanis have long been among the largest investors in Dubai real estate, with the emirate also regarded as a haven for illicit funds. In 2023, Pakistan ranked as the second-largest investor in Dubai properties, although in 2025 it slipped to fourth place. According to a list issued in 2025 by Dubai’s Real Estate Market, India ranked first among the top 10 countries investing in Dubai real estate, followed by the UK, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iran, Turkiye, Germany, Russia, China and the United States. (“Tensions slow Pakistani investment in Dubai real estate,” Dawn, 27 February 2026)
EXTERNAL
Qatari Minister praises PM Shehbaz’s visit in call with FM Dar
On 27 February, The Express Tribune reported that Qatar’s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, on Thursday, praised the recent visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a call with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Al-Khulaifi highlighted the positive impact of PM Shehbaz’s visit on Pakistan-Qatar relations and expressed a desire to elevate bilateral ties to new heights. Dar also extended his gratitude to the Qatari leadership. “The two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues and exchanged views on regional and international matters of mutual interest. Both reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the brotherly ties between Pakistan and Qatar,” the Ministry added. (“Qatari minister praises PM Shehbaz's visit in call with Ishaq Dar,” The Express Tribune, 27 February 2026)
EU offers full support to Pakistan’s efforts in combating illegal immigration
On 27 February, The Express Tribune reported that Italy’s Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi, Spain’s Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska and Greece’s Migration Minister, Athanasios Plevris, decided that the European Union (EU) would enhance Pakistan’s capacity-building efforts, offering full support to strengthen institutions working against illegal immigration. They met with Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Rome on the sidelines of a four-nation conference aimed at tackling illegal immigration. All four countries agreed to adopt a comprehensive strategy aimed at combating illegal migration, human trafficking and drug smuggling, with a joint policy framework in the pipeline. "Only through a joint mechanism can this challenge be overcome," Naqvi said. The ministers also decided to hold the next meeting in Pakistan later this year. (“EU to bolster Pakistan's capacity-building efforts,” The Express Tribune, 27 February 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Opposition bloc accepts conditional talks, presses for joint counterterrorism plan
On 26 February, The Express Tribune reported that the opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan has agreed to give a yes to the government’s offer of talks on condition that the talks will be based on the supremacy of the constitution and democratic norms. The alliance decided that Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Nasir Abbas Jafri would represent the alliance in the talks and that they would also meet the ruling party members during Ramazan. The alliance also demanded that a comprehensive national counterterrorism strategy be devised in consultation with all the provincial governments, as the terrorist attacks have intensified in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The alliance also reiterated its previous demands for Imran Khan’s medical treatment and criticised the government’s economic and administrative policies. (“Opposition bloc agrees to conditional talks with govt,” The Express Tribune, 26 February 2026)
JUDICIARY
IHC admits Imran and Bushra appeals in Toshakhana-II, fixes suspension pleas for 11 March
On 27 Feb, The Express Tribune reported that on Tuesday, the Islamabad high court allowed the appeals of former PTI chief Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, filed against their conviction in the Toshakhana-II case. The objections were removed by the court. The division bench of the high court directed that the appeals be fixed after allowing seven days for proper numbering. The court on Tuesday set 11 March to hear the petitions filed by the PTI to suspend the sentences of the former premier in the GBP 190 million case, as, according to the defence side, the suspension of sentence petitions had been pending for almost a year. The defence side brought up the issue of the former premier’s eye condition during the hearing of the case. (“Relief for Imran, Bushra as IHC admits Toshakhana appeals,” The Express Tribune, 27 February 2026)
SECURITY
Ten militants killed in intelligence-based operation in Balochistan
On 27 February, The Express Tribune reported that in the Zhob district of Balochistan, security forces killed ten terrorists in Intelligence based Operations. Sanitisation operations are ongoing to eliminate any other terrorists found in the region. The prime minister praised the security forces and highlighted the significant achievements of the security forces under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” initiative, which continues to deliver major victories in the fight against terrorism. (“Ten terrorists killed during IBO in Balochistan's Zhob: ISPR,” The Express Tribune, 27 February 2026)
SOCIETY
26 million children out of school in Pakistan, government report finds
On 27 February, The Express Tribune reported that a government report found that 26 million children across the country are out of school. The report, titled "Girls Education Statistics and Trends Report 2023-24 (GESTR)," was released by Minister for Education and Professional Training Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui on Thursday. Prepared in collaboration with the Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE), Malala Fund and the Pakistan Alliance for Girls Education (PAGE), the report reveals that 25.37 million children aged 5 to 16 are out of school - 13.41 million girls and 11.96 million boys. Overall, the report found that 26.2 million children are currently deprived of education. Punjab topped the list with 9.6 million out-of-school children, followed by Sindh at 7.82 million, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at 4.92 million, and Balochistan at 2.94 million. In Islamabad, 90,000 children are out of school. While the report highlights several infrastructure improvements, challenges such as malnutrition continue to impact children’s education. (“26m children out of school in Pakistan,” The Express Tribune, 27 February 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Pakistan-Afghanistan
Editorial, “Indispensable strikes,” The Express Tribune, 24 February 2026
"Pakistan's airstrikes on terrorists' hideouts in southern Afghanistan solely came in self-defence. The sorties flown over the Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, the staging ground for insurgency and infiltration into Pakistan, took out more than 80 terrorists. The attacks were conducted after hectic episodes of diplomacy, wherein Kabul was requested to go after the dreaded elements holed up inside Afghanistan – but in vain."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2594186/indispensable-strikes
Editorial, “Afghan strikes,” Dawn, 24 February 2026
"In the wake of the recent wave of terrorist attacks targeting Pakistan, with most of the atrocities linked to violent groups based in Afghanistan, a reaction appeared imminent. Last week, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned that Pakistan would target Afghanistan if the terrorist violence continued. The latest strikes reported on Sunday bear out the minister’s comments."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1975363/afghan-strikes
Education
Muhammad Hamid Zaman, “Curriculum and our impulse,” The Express Tribune, 24 February 2026
"For better or for worse, academia is different from the corporate sector. It is meant to engage a deeper sense of analysis, to allow for issues to be debated and reflected upon. Learning is deliberate and incremental."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2594185/curriculum-and-our-impulse
Karachi gas explosion
Editorial, “Another gas explosion,” The Express Tribune, 24 February 2026
"In the pre-dawn stillness of sehri on Sunday, the North Nazimabad neighbourhood of Karachi was jolted by a loud bang. The magnanimity of the explosion at Bismillah Residency near Five Star Chowrangi was unexpected. Residents across a radius of up to eight kilometres are reported to have heard the blast, initially convinced it was something far more sinister."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2594188/another-gas-explosion
Critical minerals
Khurram Abbas, “Minerals diplomacy,” Dawn, 25 February 2026
"Critical minerals, especially lithium, copper, cobalt, nickel and rare earths, are the oil of the 21st century. The demand for minerals has been exploding due to their consumption in semiconductor manufacturing, electric vehicles, batteries, renewable energy and advanced weapons systems. This has transformed minerals from an economic commodity into a strategic geopolitical asset."
https://www.dawn.com/news/1975634/minerals-diplomacy
Politics & governance
Editorial, “Peace offering,” Dawn, 25 February 2026
"Both the government and the opposition seem to be more receptive to the need for dialogue, but can they break new ground? On Monday, the prime minister’s aide on political affairs invited opposition lawmakers to rejoin the parliamentary committees they had earlier resigned from, noting that this could help restart the reconciliation process. “Let us sit together to strengthen and take forward the Charter of Democracy,” Rana Sanaullah suggested, stressing that the government wanted to strengthen democracy and wished to avoid further confrontation and deadlocks. “We are ready to sit with you for the betterment of the country,” he said. Seen in isolation, it was very positive messaging from the ruling party. Talks between major stakeholders have been proposed repeatedly since the start of the ongoing cycle of political instability yet have found very few takers. It is encouraging to note that the idea has not yet been completely abandoned. But are gestures alone enough?"
https://www.dawn.com/news/1975628/peace-offering
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