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In Brief
EXTERNAL
CDF Munir meets Libyan Deputy Military Chief to boost defence ties
On 24 June, Dawn reported that Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir met Libyan Armed Forces Deputy Commander-in-Chief Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The two sides discussed regional security dynamics, defence cooperation and avenues for enhanced military-to-military collaboration, with both emphasising the importance of strengthening bilateral defence ties and expanding cooperation in professional military training and security. The meeting builds on growing Pakistan-Libya defence ties, following a multi-billion-dollar deal signed in December 2025 for Pakistan to supply conventional military equipment, including JF-17 fighter jets and Super Mushak trainer aircraft to the Libyan army. ("CDF Munir, Libyan military leader stress importance of strengthening bilateral defence ties," Dawn, 24 June 2026)
Pakistan & China discuss next phase of US-Iran peace process
On 24 June, Dawn reported that the Foreign Office (FO) said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, focusing on the US-Iran peace process, particularly the first round of high-level talks held in Bürgenstock. According to the FO, Dar briefed his Chinese counterpart on progress made under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, including the creation of a high-level oversight committee and three working groups on nuclear issues, sanctions, and monitoring and dispute resolution to help reach a final agreement within 60 days. Wang Yi reiterated China’s support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts, and both sides agreed to remain closely coordinated to support a negotiated settlement. (“Dar discusses Burgenstock talks, Iran-US peace process in phone call with Chinese FM,” Dawn, 24 June 2026)
Pakistan raises alarm over hepatitis amid WHO findings
On 25 June, Dawn reported that Pakistan co-hosted a high-level briefing at the United Nations on the sidelines of the UN High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS, calling for stronger global action against viral hepatitis. Pakistan's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, highlighted the government's Prime Minister's Programme for the Elimination of Hepatitis C, backed by a USD 250 million allocation in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), which aims to eliminate hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030. A new WHO Global Hepatitis Report found Pakistan to be the world's largest contributor to the global population living with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), with an estimated 9 million people infected as of 2024. The briefing also explored pathways toward securing a standalone UN High-Level Meeting on Viral Hepatitis by 2028. ("Pakistan pushes for global action against hepatitis amid alarming WHO findings," Dawn, 25 June 2026)
Pakistan and US agree to form a maritime cooperation working group
On 25 June, The Express Tribune reported that Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry met US Chargé d'Affaires Natalie Baker to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in maritime trade, port development and the blue economy. Chaudhry highlighted the strategic importance of Pakistan's ports and coastal resources and invited American investors to explore opportunities in maritime infrastructure, shipping and logistics. Both sides agreed in principle to establish a joint working group to promote coordination and expand bilateral engagement. Baker reaffirmed Washington's interest in deepening economic ties with Pakistan and acknowledged Pakistan's role in promoting regional peace and stability. ("Pakistan, US explore maritime cooperation,” The Express Tribune, 25 June 2026)
ECONOMY
Audit report highlights massive irregularities across federal government departments
On 25 June, Dawn reported that Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb laid before the National Assembly the report of the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) for the year 2025-26. The report highlights massive irregularities across the accounts of various divisions and departments of the federal government, amounting to billions of rupees. In case of the accounts of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), auditors identified PKR 117.8 billion in under-realised super tax alone, alongside more irregularities such as unrecovered duties. In the Petroleum Division, auditors pointed to recoveries of about PKR 117 billion and a disputed gas subsidy balance running into hundreds of billions of rupees. Electricity distribution companies, including Hesco, Lesco and Fesco, were reported to be operating with unaudited accounts for 2023–25 and without internal audits. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) was criticised for failing to bring data centres under its licensing regime and for not penalising Ufone’s operator despite established cases of illegal SIM activation. The National Telecommunication Corporation was found to be serving private clients beyond its government-only mandate. Pakistan Railways received a qualified audit opinion and was flagged for the encroachment of more than 1,500 kanals of prime land. The National Highway Authority (NHA) was cited for revenue leakages from tolls, right of way and fines, as well as for spending beyond sanctioned limits. At the Benazir Income Support Programme, auditors warned of weak data controls leading to ineligible beneficiaries and duplicate payments. The report also highlighted cumulative losses of PKR 21.34 billion suffered by the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (Passco) between 2021 and 2025, with financing costs exceeding revenue. (“FBR didn't capitalise on super tax potential audit finds,” Dawn, 25 June 2026)
Barclays upgrades Pakistan's dollar bonds to "overweight"
On 24 June, Dawn reported that British financial institution Barclays upgraded Pakistan’s dollar bonds to "overweight" after having lowered the rating the previous month. According to the relative rating system used by Barclays coverage analysts, the “overweight” rating means that the stock is expected to outperform the unweighted expected total return of the industry coverage universe over a 12-month investment horizon. The report noted that the economy continued to demonstrate stability, noting the country’s improved fiscal position, steadier external buffers, “relatively steady” foreign reserves, and a “moderate growth/inflation picture. Barclays recommends buying the 2031, 2036 and 2051 sovereign dollar bonds as well as the 2031 bond issued by the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda), and selling the five-year Pakistan credit default swap. (“Barclays upgrades Pakistan's sovereign debt to overweight on improved oil market outlook: report,” Dawn, 24 June 2026)
National Assembly approves PKR 475 billion supplementary budget for FY25-26
On 24 June, Dawn reported that the National Assembly approved a supplementary budget of PKR 593.64 billion for the fiscal year 2024-2025 (FY24-25) and a total of PKR 475.05 billion for the outgoing fiscal year (FY25-26) under Article 83 of the Constitution. Major grants for FY 25-26 include PKR 127.41 billion for grants, subsidies and miscellaneous expenditure, PKR 105.50 billion for the Power Division. Additionally, charged expenditure for FY25-26 totalled to PKR 12,645.5 billion. It includes PKR 12,624.8 billion in repayment of domestic debt, PKR 2.25 billion for the Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan and PKR 455.98 million for elections. (“NA approves over Rs 500bn in supplementary budget for FY25 Rs475bn, for FY26,” Dawn, 24 June 2026)
Chambers of Commerce report flags major obstacles to Pakistan's tourism growth
On 25 June, The Express Tribune reported that the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) released a report, "Mapping Pakistan's Tourism Potential: A Comprehensive Export Analysis”. As per the report findings, Pakistan earned USD 1.15 billion from foreign tourists in 2024, but its citizens spent an estimated USD 2.4 billion abroad during the same period. According to the report, tourism contributes nearly 5.9 per cent to Pakistan's GDP and supports around 4.7 million jobs. The report also highlighted strong performance by the Kartarpur Corridor, which attracted more than 45,000 Indian pilgrims in 2025, while Sikh yatrees from the UK, Canada and the US continued to visit religious sites across Pakistan. However, tourism exports accounted for only 2.9 per cent of Pakistan's total exports and 14 per cent of services exports in 2024, far below the levels achieved by regional competitors. The FPCCI report also identifies visa complexities, weak international marketing, inadequate road infrastructure, poor digital connectivity, security concerns and fragmented governance as major obstacles to tourism growth. The report argues that tourism could become a major source of export revenue and employment if longstanding policy and infrastructure bottlenecks are addressed. Pakistan ranked 101st on the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) in 2024, significantly behind India, which ranked 39th, and the UAE, at 18th. (“Tourism earned $1.15b, spent $2.4b,” The Express Tribune, 25 June 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Committee to review Telecom Bill proposes to rule out access to private property
On 24 June, The Express Tribune reported that a committee appointed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was called in to review the controversial Pakistan Telecommunication Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill. This comes after strong criticism from lawmakers, who demanded greater scrutiny of the bill. The committee had acknowledged that the bill aimed to improve connectivity while preserving the rights of citizens, though they noted that several provisions required clarification. The committee retained that owner consent was to remain a fundamental requirement in all matters, and urged the law to specify its applicability to various assets, notably those controlled by public institutions and varying levels of government. It was further recommended that definitions of both the assets and entities involved in the legislation should be incorporated into the bill. A press release noted that there would be distinctions made between above-ground and below-ground infrastructure and various equipment, with special procedures for the differing categories. In order to resolve disputes, the committee proposed that the disputes be sent to the appropriate government, which would have to decide on the matter within 45 days. The Ministry of Law and Justice reported that the committee had reached a broad consensus and that a draft of proposed changes would be finalised within one week. (“Review committee proposes overhaul of contentious telecom bill's provisions, upholds property rights,” The Express Tribune, 24 June 2026)
PTI calls for transparent probe in 2018 & 2024 elections
On 24 June, Dawn reported that during a National Assembly session, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, responding to claims of illegitimacy made by opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, remarked that the 2018 elections should also be investigated. He argued that, if the 2018 elections were considered legitimate, then similar standards should apply to later electoral scrutiny. PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram issued a statement denouncing what he described as a false equivalency and said the PTI viewed the argument as an admission that the February 2024 elections had seen “one of the most brazen thefts of the people’s mandate in the nation’s history.” He contended that, while PTI founder Imran Khan had publicly expressed openness to scepticism and an independent investigation of the 2018 election, the current rulers were “visibly terrified of any forensic audit, biometric verification, or transparent scrutiny” of their victory. Akram then called for an audit of elections from 2018 to 2024 to settle the issue in the interest of public trust. Akram also spoke about the Benazir Income Support Programme and alleged that more than 600,000 ineligible recipients and government employees siphoned funds intended for vulnerable individuals. Speaking on the political situation in "Azad Jammu and Kashmir", Akram stated that the government was not handling the issue properly and “was pushing the sensitive region towards greater instability and public alienation”. Finally, Akram announced that the PTI would take legal action against Sharif’s government for allegedly threatening the life and security of PTI leader Imran Khan. (“PTI calls for 'transparent, judicially supervised' probe into 2018, 2024 elections”, Dawn, 24 June 2026)
SECURITY
Prime suspect in Sargodha child murder case killed in CCD encounter after alleged custody escape
On 24 June, Dawn reported that the prime suspect in the rape and murder of a seven-year-old girl in Sargodha was killed in an alleged CCD encounter in the early hours of Wednesday, after reportedly escaping police custody the previous day. Police claimed the suspect died from his accomplices' firing during a confrontation near Sem Nala, with an FIR stating a CCD team approached after receiving intelligence, whereupon suspects opened fire before fleeing into the bushes, leaving the prime suspect dead. The circumstances of the custody escape and whether he was accompanied remain unclear, with police described as unforthcoming. Three other suspects remain in custody. The incident renews scrutiny of the CCD, which a February HRCP fact-finding report accused of adopting a "deliberate policy of staged police encounters leading to extrajudicial killings," citing at least 670 CCD-led encounters across Punjab over eight months in 2025. ("Prime suspect in 7-year-old Sargodha girl's murder case killed during CCD encounter, police say," Dawn, 24 June 2026)
South Waziristan: SHO and seven other police personnel kidnapped by unidentified men after bomb disposal operation
On 24 June, Dawn reported that eight police personnel, including Sararogha SHO Ahmad Shah and two Bomb Disposal Unit members, were abducted by unidentified armed men in the remote Partogai area of Upper South Waziristan after completing a UXO neutralisation operation. The kidnappers appear to have waited in ambush and intercepted the police vehicle as the team returned to the station. A large-scale search operation was launched, with checkpoints established along mountain routes and key entry and exit points. DPO Arshad Khan said the safe recovery of the abducted personnel was the top priority. The kidnapping comes amid a notable rise in security incidents in Upper South Waziristan over the preceding two weeks, with Pakistan's overall security situation having deteriorated sharply in May 2026 after two consecutive months of improvement. ("SHO among 8 cops kidnapped by armed men in Upper South Waziristan: police," Dawn, 24 June 2026)
South Waziristan: Girls' primary school blown up in latest attack on educational institutions
On 24 June, Dawn reported that unidentified miscreants blew up a government girls' primary school in the Sara Ghowara area of Birmal tehsil, Lower South Waziristan, late on Tuesday night, destroying the building. No group claimed responsibility, and police launched an investigation. The attack is the latest in a series targeting educational institutions in the area, with two other schools in Birmal tehsil attacked in February and March, and a girls' school in North Waziristan's Mir Ali destroyed in December 2025. Residents warned that such attacks compound the already significant barriers that girls in remote areas face in accessing education. ("Girls' primary school blown up by unidentified miscreants in KP's Lower South Waziristan," Dawn, 24 June 2026)
KP: Scores of families flee Bara tehsil amid fighting between militants and security forces
On 24 June, Dawn reported that scores of families from the Sturikhel area of Bara tehsil in Khyber district were forced to abandon their homes due to intense fighting between security forces and militants, including artillery shelling and drone strikes conducted day and night. Residents said militants arriving from the Tirah valley had also attempted to use civilians as human shields. Most displaced families relocated to relatives' homes in Bara, while others moved to Peshawar. A jirga of Sturikhel tribal elders met district administration officials in Bara, demanding they be formally registered as internally displaced persons and provided official assistance. The elders also planned to meet security officials to discuss the deteriorating situation in the area. ("Caught in fighting between security forces and terrorists, residents in KP's Bara are forced to leave their homes," Dawn, 24 June 2026)
KP: Counter-Terrorism Department and Lower Dir police kill six militants linked to Badwan Bridge checkpost attack
On 24 June, Dawn reported that the KP Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and Lower Dir police killed six suspected TTP militants in the district's hilly areas during an operation targeting those responsible for a recent attack on the Badwan Bridge checkpost in which Constable Mohammad Ismail was martyred. After receiving intelligence on the militants' presence, security forces attempted to arrest them when they emerged from their hideouts, but the militants opened fire, prompting a prolonged exchange that left six dead. Six Kalashnikovs, three hand grenades, and multiple cartridges were recovered. KP IG Zulfiqar Hameed and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi both commended the operation. The broader context is a 27 per cent surge in terrorist attacks across Pakistan in May 2026, with 128 attacks recorded compared to 101 in April, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies. ("6 'most-wanted terrorists' killed in Lower Dir operation: CTD," Dawn, 24 June 2026)
AF-PAK
EU and UK back Pakistan's right to self-defence against the TTP
On 25 June, The Express Tribune reported that the European Union's Special Envoy Gilles Bertrand and the United Kingdom's Special Envoy Richard Lindsay recognised Pakistan's right to self-defence against terrorist threats emanating from Afghanistan. In separate statements and televised interviews, both envoys confirmed that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) continues to receive cross-border support, financial assistance, weapons and safe haven inside Afghanistan. They held the Taliban administration in Kabul and Kandahar directly responsible for these activities and called on it to take decisive action to prevent Afghan soil from being used to launch attacks against neighbouring countries. ("EU, UK envoys back Pakistan in fight against TTP," The Express Tribune, 25 June 2026)
Pakistan & the US-Iran talks
PM Shehbaz and Qatar’s Emir welcome “positive progress” in US-Iran talks
Pakistan continues diplomatic engagement as Interior Minister Naqvi meets Iranian counterpart and FM Dar presents Islamabad MoU to NA
On 25 June, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a phone call with Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, during which both leaders welcomed the “positive progress” achieved in the first round of US-Iran technical negotiations held in Bürgenstock under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. PM Shehbaz thanked Qatar for its support in the mediation effort and said both sides agreed on sustaining momentum through continued diplomacy. He also expressed appreciation for Qatar’s condolences following the fatal fire incident at Ras Laffan and reaffirmed Pakistan’s close ties with Doha.
Separately, Pakistan continued to present itself as a key diplomatic facilitator in the post-agreement phase. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni that Islamabad would remain committed to efforts for lasting peace in the Middle East, while Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar tabled the US-Iran agreement in parliament and said the next phase would focus on technical negotiations covering nuclear matters, sanctions and implementation mechanisms. The Foreign Office (FO) added that technical teams from Pakistan and Qatar would stay engaged to support the agreement’s rollout and regional de-escalation. (“PM Shehbaz, Qatari emir express satisfaction at 'positive progress' of US-Iran talks, agree to sustain momentum,” Dawn, 24 June 2026; “Pakistan will continue its efforts for lasting peace in the Middle East, Naqvi tells Iranian counterpart,” Dawn, 24 June 2026; “Islamabad MoU, Lucerne summit between US and Iran reaffirm faith in dialogue, diplomacy: FO,” Dawn, 24 June 2026; “Dar places US-Iran accord on record,” The Express Tribune, 25 June 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
US-Iran talks
Inam Ul Haque, “US-Iran talks - conclusions and implications,” The Express Tribune, 25 June 2026
“Last week, we covered the obtaining situation leading up to the Islamabad MoU between the US and Iran. Finally, after much speculative disruptions, the MoU was electronically signed as a framework agreement for further negotiations and technical discussions. The first high-level follow-up round of talks ended in Bürgenstock, Switzerland on June 22, 2026, to take the agreed 60-day roadmap towards a final peace deal, to officially end hostilities between the US-Israel combine and Iran. US Vice President JD Vance represented Washington and Iranian Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf represented Tehran. The talks reportedly made 'encouraging progress' despite initial friction and disagreements."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2614941/us-iran-talks-conclusions-and-implications
Economy
Ishrat Husain, “Post-budget chores,” Dawn, 25 June 2026
“The annual budget season has ended with parliament’s approval of federal budget 2026-27. Once passed, the activity and debate surrounding the budget’s preparation subsides until the next year — exposing the wide gap between policy pronouncements and actual outcomes. The budget shouldn’t be seen as an annual, stand-alone affair but as an integral component of a medium-term budgetary framework, translating policies and reform priorities into resource allocations and implementation plans. Take the National Tariff Policy. It was formulated after stakeholder consultations, publicly announced and subsequently reflected in the budget. Policy predictability and credible implementation plans help businesses and investors make informed decisions."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2010677/post-budget-chores
PoK
Editorial, “Raised temperatures,” Dawn, 25 June 2026
“It is understandable that the government is frustrated at the lack of cooperation shown by the JAAC, especially after reportedly offering it various avenues for discussions on the deadlock over the disputed Legislative Assembly seats and being spurned by the coalition. But while the government’s position against offering blanket amnesty may be justified, especially in light of the loss of life and property, it should also avoid giving the impression that it may be seeking collective punishment of anyone associated with what is, in essence, a civil society coalition. A hard approach would be self-defeating. It will merely signal to the JAAC and those sympathetic to it that there is no room for dialogue with the authorities. Instead, the government should consider insisting on transparent investigations and full prosecution under the law of anyone found responsible for the loss of life and damage to property, while leaving the door open to those still not averse to dialogue."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2010671/raised-temperatures
External
Editorial, “Reflection time,” Dawn, 25 June 2026
“Governments in the US have rarely reflected on follies they have committed beyond their borders. Failed nation-building experiments and military misadventures by both Republican and Democrat administrations have not led to internal reflection on these misguided policies."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2010672/reflection-time
Zamir Akram, “Deterrence dynamics in South Asia,” The Express Tribune, 25 June 2026
“In its latest annual report, this year, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, which monitors international arms control and disarmament, has stated for the first time that India has "deployed" 12 of its 190 nuclear weapons. This involves mating nuclear warheads to delivery systems, a dangerous escalatory step of vertical nuclear proliferation that impacts deterrence dynamics in South Asia and undermines regional strategic stability."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2614761/deterrence-dynamics-in-south-asia
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