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In Focus
42 civilians and security personnel killed in series of attacks in Balochistan
Security forces kill 54 militants in subsequent operations; civil and military leadership take “mutual and singular decision” to end terrorism, says PM Shehbaz
On 09 July, Dawn reported that Pakistan's civil and military leadership reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating militancy following a series of major attacks in Balochistan that, according to the military, killed 42 civilians and security personnel and left 54 militants dead in subsequent operations. Speaking in Quetta, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government and military had jointly decided to continue counterterrorism operations until militancy was eradicated. A day earlier, ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said the casualties resulted from attacks in Hanna Urak, Ziarat and Bela, and vowed that ongoing operations against the perpetrators would continue.
Separately, an opposition-led multi-party conference organised by the PTI called for a political rather than military approach to resolving the conflict in Balochistan. Chaired by BNP-M leader Akhtar Mengal, participants demanded an end to enforced disappearances, independent investigations into alleged human rights violations, the release of political prisoners, and the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission. The forum also urged the government to lift restrictions on trade, transportation and communications in the province and initiate inclusive political dialogue involving local stakeholders to address longstanding grievances. (“38 security personnel martyred, 54 terrorists neutralised in recent Balochistan attacks: DG ISPR,” Dawn, 08 July 2026; “'Mutual and singular decision' by leadership to end terrorism, PM Shehbaz says after Balochistan attacks,” Dawn, 09 July 2026; “Use of force not a solution for Balochistan’s issues, multi-party moot observes,” Dawn, 09 JUly 2026)
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Pakistan expands security cooperation with China, Russia and Sri Lanka
On 09 July, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Fifth UN Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS) in New York, where Pakistan agreed with China to deepen cooperation on counterterrorism, border management, illegal immigration, drug trafficking and the protection of Chinese nationals in Pakistan. The two sides also discussed visa facilitation, measures to curb terrorist financing, and broader people-to-people exchanges. In separate meetings, Pakistan and Sri Lanka agreed to strengthen coordination against narcotics, illegal migration, forged passports, organised crime and money laundering, including the establishment of a joint working group and efforts to resolve visa issues. Naqvi also met Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation on security matters. (“Pakistan, China reaffirm security partnership,” The Express Tribune, 09 Julu 2026; “Islamabad, Beijing agree to boost counterterrorism cooperation as Naqvi meets Chinese counterpart,” Dawn, 08 July 2026)
ECO Chamber of Commerce proposes Pakistan-Türkiye joint business meeting to reach USD 5 billion trade target
On 10 July, The Express Tribune reported that ECO Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Atif Ikram Sheikh proposed convening a Pakistan-Türkiye joint business meeting to advance the USD five billion bilateral trade target set by the two countries' leadership during PM Shehbaz's recent Istanbul visit. Current bilateral trade stands at USD 1.236 billion, with Pakistan exporting USD 369.2 million in rice, textiles, leather, and sports goods, and importing USD 866.5 million in machinery, chemicals, and steel from Türkiye. The proposal has been conveyed to Turkey's TOBB chamber body. ("Pakistan, Turkey target trade of $5b," The Express Tribune, 10 July 2026)
Interior Minister Naqvi calls for global law enforcement cooperation at UN police summit
On 10 July, The Express Tribune reported that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi addressed the UN Chiefs of Police Summit in New York, calling for deeper international cooperation on transnational threats including terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, drug trafficking, and human trafficking, stressing that "no country is immune to these challenges, and no nation can address them on its own." He urged greater intelligence sharing, stronger law enforcement partnerships, and investment in advanced technologies and training to counter increasingly sophisticated criminal networks. Naqvi separately met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, discussing Pakistan's mediation efforts in West Asia and its contributions to UN peacekeeping operations, with Guterres expressing appreciation for Pakistan's longstanding peacekeeping commitment. ("Pakistan seeks global front against terrorism," The Express Tribune, 10 July 2026)
Pakistan begins two-day trade talks with US in Washington seeking tariff relief and bilateral trade agreement
On 09 July, Dawn reported that Pakistan and the United States began two days of trade negotiations in Washington, led by Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul and including FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, focused on tariff relief and a broader bilateral trade agreement. The talks follow extensive negotiations over Trump's April 2025 IEEPA-based tariffs, initially set at 29 per cent, which a Pakistani delegation in July 2025 succeeded in reducing to 19 per cent. A subsequent US Supreme Court ruling invalidated the IEEPA tariffs, with the Trump administration invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act to impose a temporary 10 per cent global tariff expiring 24 July. Pakistan also faces a proposed additional 10 per cent tariff under Section 301 investigations into alleged forced labour practices, with public hearings continuing. Trump has signalled openness to "a better deal" with Pakistan, referencing its energy resources and suggesting potential oil and gas exports to India. The US is Pakistan's largest single-country export market, and Pakistan is the second largest importer of US cotton. ("Islamabad seeks relief on tariffs," Dawn, 09 July 2026)
Croatia's foreign minister visits Islamabad, agrees to deepen bilateral ties across trade, ports and migration
On 09 July, Dawn reported that Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman visited Islamabad for high-level talks with FM Ishaq Dar and PM Shehbaz Sharif, marking the first high-level Croatian visit to Pakistan in a long time. Dar and Radman discussed collaboration between Pakistani and Croatian ports, with Karachi Port highlighted as a key connectivity asset, and agreed to revitalise bilateral trade and hold a future B2B trade forum. Both sides committed to making their MoU on bilateral political consultations fully functional, with the first round expected in late 2026 or early 2027. Dar raised Pakistan's GSP+ reapplication for 2027, labour mobility pathways, and the IWT situation with India, urging Croatia's support for its immediate restoration. Radman praised Pakistan's mediation role in the US-Iran conflict and welcomed the Islamabad MoU, while inviting Dar to the Dubrovnik Forum in June 2027 and Pakistani female police officers to Croatia's UN peacekeeping pre-deployment training. The two sides also agreed to expedite the opening of a Croatian visa processing facility in Islamabad, currently requiring applicants to travel to Tehran. ("Pakistan, Croatia could utilise their locations to unlock 'enormous potential' for growth: Dar," Dawn, 09 July 2026)
Pakistan reaffirms GSP+ commitments with EU delegation
On 10 July, Dawn reported that Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar met a delegation led by EU Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to GSP+ obligations and human rights. The EU side appreciated the establishment of the National Commission for Minorities and the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, and discussed the death penalty moratorium. Tarar briefed the delegation on legal reforms and assured counterterrorism measures were being implemented in line with the Constitution, ahead of Pakistan's GSP+ reapplication in early 2027. ("Pakistan assures EU of fulfilling obligations under GSP+ framework," Dawn, 10 July 2026)
ECONOMY
Security concerns key obstacle to foreign investment, finds Overseas Investors Chamber survey
On 09 July, Dawn reported that the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (OICCI) Security Survey 2026 found that 71 per cent of foreign companies operating in Pakistan ranked security among their top three business concerns, with geopolitical tensions and insecurity in the country's western regions continuing to undermine investor confidence. The survey found that 88 per cent of respondents said the Middle East conflict had affected their security environment, citing disruptions to supply chains, reduced business activity and employee safety concerns. It also reported worsening security perceptions in Karachi, Quetta and the rest of Balochistan, particularly regarding street crime, although 87 per cent of surveyed companies remained willing to hold board and management meetings in Pakistan, reflecting continued confidence in the country's long-term economic potential. (“Security risks dent business confidence, OICCI survey finds,” Dawn, 09 July 2026)
Asian Development Bank cuts Pakistan's FY2027 growth forecast to 3.7 per cent
On 10 July, Dawn reported that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) lowered Pakistan's FY2027 economic growth forecast to 3.7 per cent from its earlier projection of 4.5 per cent, citing higher energy costs and expected pressure on foreign remittances. In its “Asian Development Outlook” for July 2026, the ADB also raised its inflation forecast for Pakistan to 8.3 per cent for FY2027, warning that persistent spillover effects from the Middle East conflict would continue to drive up food and fuel prices. The lender similarly downgraded growth forecasts for developing Asia and the Pacific, cautioning that prolonged geopolitical uncertainty, elevated energy prices and tighter global financial conditions pose significant risks to the regional economic outlook. (“ADB cuts Pakistan growth forecast to 3.7pc on higher energy costs,” Dawn, 10 July 2026)
Pakistan receives record USD 41.6 billion in remittances in FY2026
On 09 July, Dawn reported that Pakistan received a record USD 41.6 billion in workers' remittances during FY2026, an 8.6 per cent increase over the previous fiscal year, according to data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The inflows exceeded the government's revised target of USD 40 billion, with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates remaining the largest sources of remittances. Although June remittances declined month-on-month from the record level recorded in May, officials said the historic annual total strengthened Pakistan's external sector and foreign exchange position. The milestone came despite concerns that regional instability following the US-Iran conflict could weigh on remittance flows, while the SBP recently ended bank incentive schemes for remittances after scrutiny under the IMF programme. (“Workers' remittances hit record $41.6bn in FY26,” Dawn, 09 July 2026)
SECURITY
Balochistan: Suicide attack on PPP leader's residence kills at least 17
On 10 July, Dawn reported that at least 17 people, including police personnel and security guards, were killed and around 30 others injured in a suicide attack targeting the residence of PPP leader and Jhalawan Panel president Shafiqur Rehman Mengal in Khuzdar, Balochistan. A suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the compound before multiple attackers engaged security forces in a gun battle lasting more than three hours. Mengal survived the attack, while officials said all five attackers were killed during the operation. The banned Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility, and security forces launched a search operation following the assault. (“17 die in attack on Shafiq Mengal’s Khuzdar home,” Dawn, 10 July 2026)
KP: 341 terrorist drone attacks foiled in first half of 2026, police say
On 08 July, Dawn reported that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police claimed to have foiled 341 terrorist drone attacks during the first six months of 2026 after establishing Pakistan's first dedicated Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Division in March. During a provincial law and order review, police said the Counter-Terrorism Department conducted 2,004 intelligence-based operations, arrested 504 suspected militants, including 14 high-value targets, and killed 182 militants in encounters. Authorities also reported repelling 161 of 294 attacks on police personnel, while 122 officers were killed and 175 injured in the line of duty. The force additionally highlighted extensive operations against narcotics, illegal weapons and criminal networks under the National Action Plan. (“KP police foiled 341 drone attacks in six months,” Dawn, 08 July 2026)
JUDICIARY
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan warns of systemic corruption in judicial system
On 09 July, Dawn reported that a report from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) found that systemic corruption in Pakistan’s legal bodies was widespread. The report remarked that the level of corruption had posed challenges for the effectiveness of the judiciary and its ability to uphold fair trials. It further detailed how weak administration had led to bribery and nepotism, leading to state capture of the superior judiciary. The report examined human rights violations committed against vulnerable populations in the country, linking corruption between the instances of capital punishment and torture. To help mitigate corruption, the court recommended that the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments be repealed, as well as making court hearings of importance public through livestreaming, ensuring the transparency of judges by publicly declaring assets, introducing transparent case allocation systems, creating legislation to protect whistleblowers, and establishing timelines for judiciary complaints. It further recommended repealing laws that criminalised freedom of expression. (“HRCP highlights systemic corruption in justice system,” Dawn, 09 July 2026)
AF-PAK
KP prepares to deport 20,000 Afghan nationals from Peshawar
On 10 July, The Express Tribune reported on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government finalising plans to repatriate around 20,000 undocumented Afghan nationals from Peshawar in a phased manner. The Special Branch, District Security Branch and Peshawar Police have compiled detailed lists of Afghan residents across multiple localities and commercial areas. Authorities said the formal operation would begin after the conclusion of the ongoing polio vaccination campaign, with those identified first shifted to the Nasir Bagh Transit Centre before being repatriated to Afghanistan via the Torkham border crossing. Officials stressed the operation would be carried out in a dignified manner. ("K-P readies final phase of deportations," The Express Tribune, 10 July 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
PTI leaders again barred from meeting Imran Khan at Adiala Jail
On 10 July, Dawn reported that six PTI leaders attempted to meet PTI founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail; however, after hours of waiting, Police officials said they had not received approval for the visit and thus requested the leaders to leave. PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Party Management Cell Chief Coordinator Zubair Ahmad Qureshi remarked his disappeasement in regards to the fact that despite orders passed by the Islamabad High Court, PTI leaders were still being barred from meeting Khan. He further stated that the denial disregarded judicial authority and did not adhere to the rule of law or the protections of fundamental rights. (“PTI leaders not allowed to meet Imran again,” Dawn, 10 July 2026)
PROVINCES
Punjab: Rights activists warn that passing of anti-social behaviour bill will turn Punjab into “open jail”
On 10 July, Dawn reported that a meeting was held at the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), where rights activists raised concerns on the proposed Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders and Anti-Social Behaviour Bill, 2026. Azma Bokhari and Marriyum Aurangzeb had stated that the Bill aimed to stop statements against security forces. Lawyer Asad Jamal said that the bill aimed to establish a “parallel institution” in Punjab, and further remarked that it was giving cover to the Crime Control Department, who Jamal said were “killing people on mere allegations” and “hundreds with impunity.” He further stated that the bill defined “habitual offender” as a criminal whose case had been registered and reported under Section 173. He interpreted that this would make those accused under criminal charges guilty until proven innocent as opposed to the other way around. He also claimed that the bill would make Punjab an “open jail” and that it was an excuse to imprison suspects in the eyes of the state who held alleged anti-national opinions on sensitive issues and otherwise did not align politically with the state. Opposition MPA Sheikh Imtiaz Mehmood criticised bureaucrats and said the Bill went against 14-15 articles of the Constitution. (“Habitual offenders, anti-social behaviour bill: Proposed law will turn Punjab into an open jail: rights activists,” Dawn, 10 July 2026)
POK
JAAC sets 14 July deadline before marching on Muzaffarabad
On 10 July, Dawn reported that the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) warned it would resume its long march on Muzaffarabad on 15 July if its charter of demands was not implemented by 14 July. Speaking at the Eidgah sit-in, JAAC core member Umar Nazir Kashmiri said the alliance would make a fresh announcement on 15 July that would go beyond existing demands if the government failed to act. The announcement came after two people were killed near Rawalakot when security forces exchanged fire with protesters while escorting a food convoy through a JAAC blockade on the Bagh-Rawalakot road. Sit-ins have continued at six locations on the outskirts of Rawalakot since 10 June. ("JAAC warns of ‘march on Muzaffarabad’ if demands not met," Dawn, 10 July 2026)
SOCIETY
Government forms high-level committee on population growth, with CDF Munir among members
On 10 July, Dawn reported that the federal government formed a high-level committee to address Pakistan's rapid population growth, with Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir among its members. Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal told a joint Senate committee on 10 July. The committee, constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, also includes the finance and planning ministers and is tasked with developing policy measures to curb population growth. Kamal argued that the current National Finance Commission (NFC) formula incentivises higher population growth by linking 82 per cent of provincial resource allocation to population size, proposing that the weighting be reduced to 50 per cent. He also said tax exemptions had been granted on contraceptives and estimated that wider access to family planning could reduce annual population growth by around 1.5 million people. Lawmakers noted that population welfare is a devolved subject under the 18th Constitutional Amendment, prompting the committee to call for consultations involving the Ministry of Law and the Council of Islamic Ideology to develop a consensus-based strategy. (“Govt pins hopes on Field Marshal Munir to tackle population growth,” Dawn, 10 July 2026)
ENVIRONMENT
WWF-Pakistan seminar highlights nature-based solutions for climate resilience
On 09 July, Dawn reported that WWF-Pakistan and the Pakistan Red Crescent Society convened a two-day national seminar in Islamabad to promote the integration of nature-based solutions (NbS) into Pakistan's climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategies. Participants highlighted the role of forests, wetlands and other ecosystems in building climate resilience, while WWF-Pakistan said it had implemented more than 320 NbS interventions benefiting over 500,000 people and was preparing to expand its Recharge Pakistan initiative across the Indus Basin. Separately, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal reviewed progress on the Prime Minister's Hepatitis C Elimination Programme, directing officials to resolve operational issues within 15 days before expanding the pilot project nationwide. (“Advancing nature-based solutions to address climate risks stressed,” Dawn, 09 July 2026)
PAKISTAN AND THE US-IRAN WAR
Pakistan urges restraint as fresh US-Iran strikes threaten Islamabad MoU
On 09 July, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) expressed deep concern over a fresh round of US-Iran hostilities that threatened to undo the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The US military launched a new wave of strikes against Iran on 08 July after indirect talks in Qatar ended without progress, prompting Iran to say it had targeted US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait. The FO called on all parties to exercise restraint, refrain from further escalation and uphold their commitments under the MoU, describing the agreement as an enduring foundation for regional peace. President Donald Trump had declared the MoU "over" on 09 July. ("Pakistan urges restraint after fresh US-Iran hostilities, says renewed conflict in 'no one's interest'," The Express Tribune, 09 July 2026)
Pakistan and Qatar make fresh contacts to address US-Iran strikes
On 09 July, The Express Tribune reported on Pakistan and Qatar making urgent contacts with Washington and Tehran to halt further military strikes and return both sides to negotiations under the Islamabad MoU. Pakistani government sources said the renewed hostilities were not unexpected given the chronic complexity of the issues between the two sides, but expressed confidence that the situation would not escalate into a full-scale war. The fresh round of strikes was triggered after Iran attacked a commercial ship in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting a US military response. Sources also identified Israel's continued hostilities in southern Lebanon as a key factor behind Iran's non-implementation of the MoU. ("Mediators make fresh contacts with US, Iran to halt further military strikes: Pakistani sources," The Express Tribune, 09 July 2026)
UN chief praises Pakistan's peace role in meeting with Interior Minister Naqvi
On 09 July, Dawn reported that United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres commended Pakistan's mediation efforts during a meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on the sidelines of the fifth UN Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS 2026) in New York. Naqvi separately met Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Alexandrovich Kolokoltsev, with both sides agreeing to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to institutionalise bilateral cooperation on counterterrorism, counter-narcotics, cybercrime and law enforcement training. Naqvi also addressed the summit, calling for greater international cooperation against transnational threats and warning that criminals were increasingly exploiting new technologies. ("In meeting with Naqvi, UN chief praises Pakistan's efforts for peace," Dawn, 09 July 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
US-Iran War
Inam Ul Haque, “Iran - avoiding bluster, bravado and bombast,” The Express Tribune, 09 July 2026
"Iran’s spectacular resilience, perceptually at least, has redefined Middle Eastern security calculus. And without stretching it too far, a humbled US is happy with Iran checkmating a berserk, out-of-control and arrogantly unthankful Israel – a pariah complicit in the murderous ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. However, as I have repeatedly asserted, Tehran’s consequent advantage is temporary and transient. And Iran’s accrued gains are negatively relevant. Therefore, the Islamic regime needs to recalibrate and re-orient."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2617208/iran-avoiding-bluster-bravado-and-bombast-1
Climate change
Syed Mohammad Ali, “Climate cuts in the age of looming ecological crises,” The Express Tribune, 10 July 2026
“As climate risks intensify, resilience cannot be pursued through fragmented institutions and ad hoc projects. It requires a coordinated national strategy backed by sustained political commitment, capable institutions and long-term investment. The cost of strengthening resilience today is likely to be far lower than the cost of repeatedly rebuilding after the next disaster."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2617382/climate-cuts-in-the-age-of-looming-ecological-crises
Dr Noman Ahmed, “Sizzling cities,” Dawn, 10 July 2026
“France recently saw temperatures cross 40 degrees Celsius. As extreme heat gripped the country, people panicked. Trying to beat the heat, many drowned while taking a dip in canals and rivers. Unable to maintain bearable temperatures inside, thousands of schools and other public facilities shut down. Living spaces, transit stations and healthcare facilities in French cities are designed to manage extreme cold, and not extreme heat. Small windows and the absence of domestic cooling appliances such as fans have made living conditions even more unbearable in summer."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2617016/economic-stabilisation-without-social-progress
Society
Rakhshinda Perveen, “Invest in people,” The Express Tribune, 08 July 2026
“Perhaps the most meaningful question to ask this World Population Day is not how many fewer babies will be born next year. It is whether, by the time the next World Population Day arrives, one more girl has completed school, one more boy has learnt that respect is part of manhood, one more young woman has found dignified work, one more couple has received honest contraceptive counselling before an unintended pregnancy rather than treatment afterwards, and one more government has chosen to invest in people instead of performances."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2617021/invest-in-people
Terrorism
Editorial, “Terrorism threat,” Dawn, 08 July 2026
“The surge in terrorist violence in Balochistan highlights the renewed threat confronting Pakistan. The martyrdom of at least nine policemen in Ziarat and the arrest of two alleged BLA operatives in Karachi on Tuesday, preceded by deadly violence near Quetta a day earlier, indicate that terrorist groups retain both the capability and intent to challenge the state’s writ."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2013740/terrorism-threat
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