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In Focus
Pakistan & Türkiye deepen defence partnership
CDF Munir holds high-level talks with President ErdoÄŸan; two countries agree to strengthen bilateral and strategic cooperation amid regional turbulence
On 14 July, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, held high-level meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan, Defence Minister YaÅŸar Güler and senior military commanders during an official visit to Türkiye aimed at strengthening bilateral defence and strategic cooperation. The discussions focused on regional security, evolving geopolitical challenges and expanding the longstanding strategic partnership between the two countries. CDF Munir was also awarded the Turkish Armed Forces Distinguished Service Medal in recognition of his contribution to enhancing military ties.
The visit included meetings with Turkish Chief of the General Staff General Selçuk BayraktaroÄŸlu and Land Forces Commander General Metin Tokel, alongside a ceremonial guard of honour at military headquarters. Munir also visited Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, where he laid a wreath to honour the founder of modern Türkiye. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening defence cooperation, institutional linkages and joint efforts to promote regional peace and stability, reflecting the close strategic relationship between Islamabad and Ankara. (“CDF Munir meets Turkish President Erdogan, armed forces chief in Ankara: ISPR,” Dawn, 14 July 2026; “CDF Munir discusses matters of mutual interest, regional security in meeting with Turkish President Erdogan,” The Express Tribune, 14 July 2026)
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Pakistan joins China-led global AI governance body
On 15 July, Dawn reported that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will travel to Shanghai on 16 and 17 July to sign the founding agreement of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) on Pakistan's behalf and attend the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and a High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance. Dar will also hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese FM Wang Yi on the sidelines. Pakistan had pledged support for WAICO during PM Shehbaz's May visit to Beijing, describing it as a concrete step toward promoting AI for the benefit of all, and committed to working with China on global AI governance with particular emphasis on equitable access and capacity-building for the Global South. ("DPM Dar to attend signing ceremony for China-led AI governance body in Shanghai: FO," Dawn, 15 July 2026)
Foreign Minister reaffirms Pakistan's commitment to revitalising SAARC in meeting with outgoing secretary general
On 14 July, Dawn reported that FM Ishaq Dar met outgoing SAARC Secretary-General Golam Sarwar in Islamabad, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to the Saarc process and calling for a revitalised association guided by its charter to advance regional connectivity, sustainable development, and the collective well-being of South Asia. Sarwar thanked Pakistan for its constructive role in promoting regional and global peace. No Saarc summit has taken place since 2014, with the 19th summit in 2016 collapsing after India withdrew following the Uri attack. Dar separately met Pakistan's Ambassador-designate to Nepal Aamir Khan, encouraging him to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, tourism, education, and people-to-people exchanges. ("DPM Dar reaffirms Pakistan's commitment to Saarc process during meeting with Secretary-General Golam Sarwar: FO," Dawn, 14 July 2026)
Pakistan backs Saudi Arabia at UNSC over Houthi missile attacks, calls for Yemeni-led political settlement
On 14 July, Dawn reported that Pakistan's deputy permanent representative Ambassador Usman Jadoon addressed an emergency UN Security Council briefing on Yemen, strongly condemning Houthi ballistic missile attacks against Saudi Arabia and expressing "full solidarity" with the kingdom, reaffirming Pakistan's support for its security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity under the September 2025 Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement. Jadoon called on all parties to resolve differences through dialogue and de-escalation, reaffirmed Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and stressed that lasting peace could only come through a Yemeni-led political process facilitated by the UN. He also condemned the Houthis' continued detention of UN personnel, humanitarian workers, and diplomatic staff, and the seizure of UN premises, calling for their immediate and unconditional release. ("Pakistan expresses solidarity with Saudi Arabia at UNSC, condemns Houthi attacks on kingdom," Dawn, 14 July 2026)
Uzbek deputy PM to visit Pakistan to sign five-year trade roadmap and hold B2B forum
On 15 July, Dawn reported that Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev will visit Pakistan on 20 and 21 July with a business delegation to sign a Five-Year Roadmap for Trade and Economic Cooperation and several MoUs across agriculture, pharmaceuticals, industry, transport, and logistics. A B2B forum is planned with over 100 Uzbek companies expected to participate. Discussions at a preparatory meeting led by Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema focused on improving road and rail connectivity, developing transport corridors, and strengthening logistics infrastructure to facilitate trade between the two countries. ("Uzbek deputy PM, business leaders to visit Pakistan on July 20-21 to boost trade ties," Dawn, 15 July 2026)
Planning Minister Iqbal raises IWT suspension, climate finance, and SDG commitments at UN forum in New York
On 14 July, Dawn reported that Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal addressed the UN High-Level Political Forum on sustainable development, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to the SDGs through the URAAN Pakistan framework and calling for greater climate justice, reforms to the international financial architecture, and fulfilment of climate finance commitments. He stressed that India's unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty threatened the livelihoods of 240 million Pakistanis and undermined international treaty obligations. Iqbal met UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo to review the Pakistan-UNDP partnership and called for expanded collaboration on climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and poverty reduction. He also discussed Pakistan's development partnership with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed. Bilateral meetings were held with counterparts from Norway, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, with Norway expressing interest in visiting Pakistan and Egypt agreeing to establish a joint working group and pursue an MoU on development planning and youth empowerment. ("Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal reaffirms Pakistan's commitment to sustainable development at UN forum," Dawn, 14 July 2026)
ECONOMY
Revenue Board proposes voluntary one per cent turnover tax for small retailers
On 15 July, Dawn reported that the Federal Board of Revenue issued a draft Special Procedure for Small Shopkeepers offering individual retailers with annual turnover up to PKR 200 million the option of paying income tax at one per cent of gross turnover instead of filing under the normal regime, with a minimum cash tax of PKR 25,000. Participants would be exempt from routine audits, withholding tax obligations under Section 153, minimum tax provisions, and mandatory digital invoicing or point-of-sale systems. Departmental proceedings could only be initiated after consultation with trade associations and on receipt of third-party information about significant transactions or tax avoidance. Compliant retailers would receive a "Green Plate" with a QR code, exempting their premises from FBR visits. The scheme excludes those with turnover exceeding PKR 200 million in any of the past three years, multi-shop owners, jewellers, and professionals. Non-participating retailers face escalating penalties of PKR 10,000, 25,000, and 50,000 for successive defaults. The draft will be finalised within one week after public consultation. ("FBR proposes voluntary tax regime for small traders," Dawn, 15 July 2026)
Provinces' NFC share declined after contributing to federal support, says Sindh CM Shah
On 16 July, Dawn reported that Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said provincial NFC Award allocations had declined this year because provinces contributed a portion of their share to support the federal government. However, he assured that development projects and grants had been kept largely unaffected despite the reduced resources. Speaking at a KATI ceremony in Karachi, he allocated PKR 9 billion for development works in Karachi's industrial zones, including PKR 2 billion for KATI. He said concerns over the Yellow Line BRT project would be resolved through stakeholder consultations. He also noted that financial constraints had prevented an increase in Sindh government grants to Indus Hospital this year. ("NFC share declined after aiding Centre, says Sindh chief minister," Dawn, 16 July 2026)
SECURITY
Bannu: Five wounded in suicide car bomb attack on Miryan police station
On 15 July, Dawn reported that terrorists attempted to ram an explosive-laden vehicle into Miryan Police Station in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Bannu district, triggering a powerful blast that wounded five people, including a police official. Before the attack, militants blew up a bridge on the route to the station to hinder police reinforcements and rescue services. A heavy exchange of fire followed between security personnel and the attackers. Bannu has seen repeated attacks in recent months, including a suicide car bomb at another police station in April that killed five civilians, as the district sits at the heart of a wider surge in militant violence across KP. ("At least 5 injured, including police official, in attack on Bannu police station," Dawn, 15 July 2026)
Peshawar: Bomb Disposal Unit official killed while defusing IED
On 14 July, Dawn reported on a Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) official, Khaisat Rehman, being killed while trying to defuse an improvised explosive device (IED) at an abandoned police post in Peshawar's Hassan Khel subdivision. Terrorists had already detonated one IED inside the vacant post and left a second one unexploded. Security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. Hassan Khel, around 80 kilometres south of Peshawar, has seen a sharp rise in attacks on law enforcement in recent years, including a previous incident in June in which six Federal Constabulary personnel were killed repelling a militant assault on the same area. ("Bomb Disposal Unit official martyred in IED explosion in KP's Peshawar district: police," Dawn, 14 July 2026)
Balochistan: Operation Shaban has killed 88 terrorists so far
On 15 July, Dawn reported that three more terrorists were killed in Operation Shaban, bringing the total to 88 since the operation began following a deadly attack on a police post at the Mangi Dam pumping station in Ziarat, in which 27 police officers were kidnapped and killed. A total of 126 terrorists have been killed across Operation Shaban and other intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan since 05 July. Separately, a sit-in by relatives of the slain police personnel entered its sixth day, with seven bodies still unburied as negotiations between protesters and the provincial government continued without a breakthrough. ("3 more terrorists killed as Operation Shaban continues in Balochistan: state media," Dawn, 15 July 2026)
Balochistan: Pakistan boosts security at Saindak mine as militants disrupt supply routes
On 15 July, Dawn reported that State Minister for Interior Tallal Chaudhry confirmed authorities had increased security deployments around the Saindak copper and gold mine in Balochistan after terrorists disrupted supply routes to the facility. Chaudhry said Islamabad had received the operator's security concerns in early July and directed provincial authorities and security agencies to beef up protection for installations, personnel and cargo. The mine is operated by China's Metallurgical Corporation of China Resources Development Company (MRDL) under a lease extended in 2022. The mine's managing director separately rejected as inaccurate a Financial Times report suggesting operations could become unsustainable within a month. ("Authorities increasing security around Saindak copper and gold mine in Balochistan: minister," Dawn, 15 July 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Ziarat protest over slain policemen enters sixth day
On 15 July, Dawn reported that a sit-in in Balochistan's Ziarat district over the killing of police personnel in the Mangi Dam terrorist attack entered its sixth day, with the bodies of seven officers still awaiting burial as negotiations between protesters and the provincial government continued. Demonstrators, including relatives of the victims, political leaders and civil society representatives, demanded justice, stronger action against militants and accountability for the attack. Provincial Home Minister Ziaullah Langove urged families to bury the deceased, saying the government had accepted most of their demands, including the establishment of a judicial commission to investigate the incident. Meanwhile, the All Parties Kech Alliance announced a solidarity protest in Turbat to support the victims' families and condemn the attack. (“Ziarat sit-in enters 6th day,” Dawn, 15 July 2026)
PROVINCES
Sindh: CM Shah invites Indonesian investors to participate in major Sindh projects
On 15 July, Dawn reported that during the Indonesian-Pakistan Investment & Business Forum, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah invited Indonesian businessmen to invest in Sindh’s rapidly expanding economy. He highlighted major upcoming initiatives including the development of Keti Bandar Port, the establishment of a Sindh International Facilitation Centre in Karachi, and the creation of AI-enabled data centres powered by affordable energy.CM Murad described Sindh as the economic engine of Pakistan, noting that Karachi remained the country’s financial and commercial hub with world-class ports, industrial zones, financial institutions and a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. (“CM Murad invites Indonesian investors to explore business opportunities in Sindh,” Dawn, 15 July 2026)
CLIMATE CHANGE
Pakistan to wait longer for Loss and Damage Fund disbursement
On 16 July, Dawn reported that Pakistan, among other climate-vulnerable countries, would need to wait longer for disbursement from the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) after the organisation required greater time to assess funding proposals amid financial strain. The ninth meeting of the FRLD board resulted in a combined funding demand of over eleven times the allocated funding, resulting in a large number of deferred proposals due to the number of proposals yet to be reviewed. Pakistan has three proposals, including “Responding to Unavoidable Climate Impacts through Recovery and Systems Strengthening”, “Climate-Resilient Health Systems for Vulnerable Communities in Pakistan” and Compensation and Rehabilitation of Private Fish Farms and Public Sector Fish Hatcheries Damaged in the Recent Rounds of Flash Floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” all seeking tens of millions in funding from partners. (“Frontline communities face longer wait for funds,” Dawn, 16 July 2026)
AF-PAK
Pakistan repatriates 525 Afghan families through Torkham border in phased manner
On 14 July, Dawn reported that three Afghan refugee camps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district have been completely vacated. Authorities successfully repatriated 525 families to Afghanistan and phased repatriation of all Afghan refugees was being carried out in line with the directives of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, whether they resided in refugee camps, urban areas, or villages. The families were repatriated through the Torkham border crossing, with the government providing transportation and other necessary facilities to facilitate the repatriation process. Meanwhile, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed concerns about the “forced” repatriation of Afghan nationals from Pakistan (“525 families repatriated as 3 Afghan refugee camps completely vacated in KP's Bannu,” Dawn, 14 July 2026)
Pakistan alleges involvement of Afghan militants in Karachi terrorist attack
On 14 July, Dawn reported that police authorities have arrested the mastermind” of the deadly attack on a local headquarters of the Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) in Karachi’s Gulistan-i-Jauhar area in June. Authorities detailed the involvement of elements from Afghanistan in the “entire planning” and execution of the attack and identified the “mastermind” of the attack as Qari Basheer alias Qari Habib. Authorities also mentioned that those involved in planning the attack included Noor Wali, the head of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The City SSP emphasised that Afghan soil was being used to carry out terrorist attacks against Pakistan and that Afghanistan housed terrorist sanctuaries. (“Police say 'mastermind' of rangers camp attack in Karachi arrested; culprits trained in Afghanistan," Dawn, 14 July 2026)
POK
Law enforcement, protestors come into conflict during “AJK” ‘clearance’ operation
On 15 July, Dawn reported that, as the “Azad Jammu & Kashmir” government sought to clear obstructions preventing the movement of goods and people in the region, clashes in the Poonch division resulted in the deaths of two law enforcers and seven Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) activists. The first clash occurred when personnel raided Mutyalmera after receiving intelligence on weapons and ammunition allegedly stored in the house. Officials encountered resistance from JAAC supporters, and fire was exchanged as a result. One protester and one Ranger were killed. During a second confrontation in Baloch, in which hundreds of protestors triggered violence, one policeman and seven protestors lost their lives. It was further stated that when law enforcement attempted to launch a clearance operation, one constable and eight other members of law enforcement were killed after proscribed JAAC members opened fire. (“Protesters, law enforcers clash during AJK ‘clearance’ operation,” Dawn, 15 July 2026)
Situation in “AJK” since last month “very concerning”, says PPP's Zardari
On 15 July, Dawn reported that Pakistan Peoples' Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, when addressing his party’s office bearers and ticket holders, expressed his concern over the situation in “Azad Jammu & Kashmir”, characterised by large protests and deadly clashes. The tensions stem from the Joint Awami Action Committee’s (JAAC) initiative to remove twelve seats in the regional legislative assembly. He pointed out that the longer the conflicts carried on, the more damage it would do to Pakistan’s global position and “Kashmir cause,” adding that all involved entities in the situation should “choose their words carefully in these circumstances.” He further appealed to protestors, saying that it was important that they must not engage in violence or hate speech, as well as pleading for their cooperation in allowing meaningful political negotiations. (“Bilawal terms AJK situation concerning, says Kashmir cause, Pakistan's reputation will be harmed if it persists,” Dawn, 15 July 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
US-Iran War
Editorial, “Dire straits,” Dawn, 14 July 2026
"For some time, the escalating confrontation between the US and Iran has been playing out round the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Both states want to manage the international waterway, which has a key role in global trade, particularly in the transport of hydrocarbons. Tensions flared last week when the Iranians attacked ships using a route they had not ‘authorised’."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2015304/dire-straits
Balochistan
Arifa Noor, “The wound in Balochistan,” Dawn, 14 July 2026
“Balochistan bled again this past week — for the rest of the country. In reality, it is the part of the homeland that has rarely ever stopped bleeding over the past 20 years. But for those of us who live a long way from the province, we only become aware of the festering wound when the sepsis sets in. And that is what happened last week with the incidents in Quetta and Ziarat. The manner in which the events unfolded in Ziarat was heart-breaking and by the time the attack took place in Lasbela, the death toll was far too horrific to even comprehend."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2015309/the-wound-in-balochistan
Illegal immigration
Editorial, “Poverty punished,” Dawn, 14 July 2026
“The challenge of illegal migrations should be viewed through a humanitarian lens. Harsh punishments for the poor overlook human misery, and end up criminalising poverty. Although collective global efforts have tried to end modern slavery, the scourge — rooted largely in the government’s economic failure — persists with thousands being trafficked annually. Over the past couple of weeks or so, Gujranwala, Gujrat and Sialkot courts have sentenced over 60 deportees — largely from Libya and Greece — to 10- to 15-day jail terms, with fines as high as Rs50,000. The FIA has imposed a five-year ban on foreign travel for the offenders. While disciplinary action is needed for illegal immigrants, sending the desperate to prison is merely a band-aid on a metastatic malaise."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2015302/poverty-punished
Education
Asghar Zaidi & Noman Javed, “Pakistan's universities are solving yesterday's problem,” Dawn, 14 July 2026
“Walk into any university in Pakistan today and you will find three things in abundance: degree programmes; PowerPoint slides, and student anxieties. Students rush from one class to the next, phones buzzing with messages from WhatsApp groups, deadlines looming, family expectations, job worries, and now also the fear that AI may make their education irrelevant by the time they graduate."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2618039/pakistans-universities-are-solving-yesterdays-problem
OIC Conference on Women
Editorial, “Promise vs practice,” The Express Tribune, 14 July 2026
“A girl was gang-raped by a group of four men, the crime brazenly filmed for the purpose of blackmailing her. The Supreme Court overturned a death sentence for a man convicted of raping a 10-year-old girl. A three-year-old girl was raped and murdered, her body delivered to her parents' doorstep in a flour sack. An 18-year-old domestic worker was repeatedly tortured and raped by her employer's son. All these stories are from Pakistan, from June alone. And this is why it's both logical and illogical that Pakistan hosted the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation's (OIC) 9th Ministerial Conference on Women, with the two-day gathering on July 12-13 discussing how to improve women's access to education and the economy."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2618036/promise-vs-practice
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