|
In Focus
Pakistan and Canada deepen trade and security cooperation
Canadian foreign minister’s first bilateral visit in nearly two decades focuses on investment, defence and economic ties; commits USD 2.2 million for security initiatives
On 20 July, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand expressed Ottawa’s interest in expanding trade and investment with Pakistan during meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, mining, energy, automotive manufacturing and critical minerals, while reaffirming efforts to finalise a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPPA). They also signed a protocol governing Canadian canola exports to Pakistan and agreed to increase business and government exchanges.
Anand also announced more than USD 2.2 million for three new security cooperation initiatives and USD 45 million in development assistance covering climate resilience, education and disaster recovery. She later met with Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, to discuss regional security and defence cooperation. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral engagement, with Canada describing Pakistan as an important partner in South Asia and highlighting opportunities to diversify trade beyond North America. (“Canada FM expresses govt's 'keen desire' to explore trade, cooperation in PM Shehbaz meeting,” The Express Tribune, 20 July 2026; “Canada eyes new avenues for trade, economic cooperation with Pakistan as FM Anand visits Islamabad,” Dawn, 20 July 2026)
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Iran’s Interior Minister arrives in Pakistan, meetings scheduled with PM Shehbaz and CDF Munir
On 20 July, Dawn reported that Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar arrived in Islamabad on an official visit. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi received him. During his visit, Momeni will meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. Momeni’s visit comes as mediator Pakistan continues its diplomatic efforts to rescue the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last month between the US and Iran. As its truce with the US collapsed, Tehran reimposed its blockade of the waterway, while Washington hit back by again blockading Iran’s ports. (“Iran's interior minister Eskandar Momeni arrives in Pakistan,” Dawn, 20 July 2026)
China to train 300,000 Pakistani youths in digital skills every year
On 20 July, Dawn reported that China will impart digital skills training to as many as 300,000 Pakistani youths every year. During a discussion with Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President, the Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives said that Pakistan has emerged as the fourth-largest freelancing country in the world and the talent and capabilities of its youth are playing a vital role in expanding the digital economy and boosting exports. LCCI urged freelancers and IT professionals to align themselves with artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to remain competitive in the global market. He also stated that innovation, information technology, and the digital economy are central pillars of the “Uraan Pakistan” vision and that local freelancers have the potential to turn this vision into reality. (“China to train 0.3m Pakistani youths in digital skills annually, says Ahsan Iqbal,” Dawn, 20 July 2026)
ECONOMY
Foreign investor profit repatriation rises to USD 2.31 billion in FY26
On 21 July, The Express Tribune reported that foreign investors repatriated USD 2.305 billion in profits and dividends during FY26, up from USD 2.219 billion the previous year, as improved foreign exchange reserves and dollar liquidity allowed clearance of previously delayed payments. Manufacturing led sector-wise at USD 564.3 million, followed by financial and insurance activities at USD 537.4 million and electricity and gas supply at USD 496.5 million. The UK was the largest destination at USD 621.2 million, followed by China at USD 486.5 million and the US at USD 191.4 million. Analysts noted that while the figures signal improved external payments capacity, stronger fresh FDI inflows are essential to offset rising profit outflows and support the external account. ("Profit repatriation hits $2.31b," The Express Tribune, 21 July 2026)
Pakistan devises three-pronged strategy to tackle oil supply crunch as demand surges and hoarding investigated
On 21 July, The Express Tribune reported that the government has developed a strategy combining higher refinery output, increased oil imports, and a crackdown on oil marketing companies to address a widening supply imbalance driven by US-Iran tensions. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has issued show-cause notices to eight OMCs, including Shell, Attock, Hascol, and PSO, for alleged breach of the mandatory 21-day stock rule, with investigations underway into manipulation of around 300,000 metric tonnes of stored oil across six depots. Actual petrol sales in July reached 356,000 tonnes against a plan of 295,000 tonnes, while diesel sales hit 329,000 tonnes against a projected 229,000 tonnes. Current stocks stand at 416,000 tonnes of petrol covering 17 days and 463,000 tonnes of diesel covering 20 days. PSO has been authorised to import additional cargoes, with vessels carrying 204,000 tonnes en route and expected within ten days, though Strait of Hormuz transit remains a challenge given the geopolitical situation. ("Three-pronged strategy devised for seamless oil supply," The Express Tribune, 21 July 2026)
Petroleum dealers seek 8 per cent margin increase as daily fuel pricing regime takes shape
On 21 July, The Express Tribune reported that the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association met Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik to discuss the transition to daily fuel pricing and request an increase in dealers' margins to 8 per cent. The minister explained that the new mechanism would use a seven-day rolling average of international prices, updated daily for greater transparency and to reduce hoarding and market manipulation. The PPDA expressed support for the reform while requesting consultation with dealers on operational modalities with oil marketing companies. The minister arranged a follow-up meeting between PPDA representatives and Ogra to address the margin issue and other concerns. ("Dealers seek 8% margin amid daily fuel pricing," The Express Tribune, 21 July 2026)
Pakistan procures most expensive July LNG spot cargo at USD 21.88 per MMBtu
On 21 July, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan LNG Limited approved the purchase of a spot LNG cargo at USD 21.88 per MMBtu for delivery on 27 to 28 July, the highest-priced spot cargo procured by Pakistan for July so far. The tender drew only a single bid from TotalEnergies Gas & Power, which was subsequently approved by the PLL board. ("Pakistan buys costliest LNG spot cargo for July," The Express Tribune, 21 July 2026)
PM Shehbaz reviews Pakistan Railways transformation plan, directs swift upgradations
On 20 July, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presided over a review meeting on the Pakistan Railways Transformation Plan, describing railway modernisation as instrumental to establishing the country as a regional trade and logistics hub. He directed the swift completion of all railway development projects within stipulated timelines and instructed authorities to present proposals for upgrading the Rohri-Multan section of Main Line-1. The meeting was briefed that detailed engineering design for the Karachi-Rohri ML-1 section has been completed, ML-3 Rohri-Nok Kundi upgradation will proceed under PSDP and bridge financing, and the 112-kilometre Thar Coal Railway Connectivity Project is 60 per cent complete with a December 2026 target. Services at railway-operated schools and hospitals have been outsourced, and work on commercialising six major railway stations is underway. ("PM says modernisation of Pakistan Railways instrumental in establishing country as a regional hub," Dawn, 20 July 2026)
Industry groups warn daily fuel pricing will hurt exports and manufacturing competitiveness
On 21 July, Dawn reported that business associations have raised serious objections to the government's daily fuel pricing mechanism, with SITE Association of Industry President Abdul Rehman Fudda urging PM Shehbaz to withdraw the policy, warning that daily price fluctuations would make long-term planning impossible for export-oriented manufacturers who finalise contracts months before delivery. He called for monthly petroleum price revisions to provide businesses with a predictable operating environment, noting that manufacturers cannot revise product prices daily to absorb rising input costs. The Salt Manufacturers Association similarly called for a weekly mechanism instead. In contrast, the Oil Companies Advisory Council said daily pricing would enhance market transparency and improve supply chain predictability. ("Daily fuel pricing to hurt exports," Dawn, 21 July 2026)
SECURITY
Federal Investigation Agency sets up cryptocurrency unit to tackle money laundering and terror financing
On 21 July, Dawn reported that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is establishing a cryptocurrency investigation unit within its newly operational National Command and Control Centre (NC3) to probe the use of digital assets in money laundering and terrorism financing. The FIA's Counter-Terrorism Wing Director Dr Muhammad Athar Waheed said the unit would work alongside the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) and suggested that the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) should set up similar units. The NC3 also houses dedicated anti-money laundering, immigration monitoring, human trafficking and Interpol desk units on a single command platform. Officials said over 300 cases of human trafficking had been registered in the past two years, with 258 agents arrested. ("FIA sets up cryptocurrency investigation unit," Dawn, 21 July 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
KP government files petition in FCC seeking larger share in NFC award
On 20 July, Dawn reported that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has filed a constitutional petition in the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), challenging the continued extension of the 7th National Finance Commission (NFC) Award despite the merger of the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas into the province in 2018. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government in its petition asked the FCC to determine whether its share under the NFC should be increased to reflect its expanded size and responsibilities following the 25th Constitutional Amendment, which merged the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) into the province. The petition argues that the merger significantly increased the province’s population, territorial expanse and development needs, warranting a corresponding increase in its share under the NFC Award. (“KP approaches FCC, challenges years-long extension of 7th NFC award after Fata merger,” Dawn, 20 July 2026)
HEALTH
Survey finds 40 per cent of Pakistani children have unsafe levels of lead in blood
On 21 July, The Express Tribune reported on findings from the Pakistan Childhood Lead Exposure Survey presented at a media workshop in Karachi, revealing that nearly 40 per cent of children surveyed across seven high-risk cities had blood lead levels exceeding globally accepted safe limits. The survey analysed blood samples from 2,175 children aged 12 to 36 months, with around 39 per cent of children in selected high-risk areas of Karachi found to be affected. Experts said lead enters children's bodies through contaminated food, water, dust, traditional cosmetics such as surma, adulterated spices, lead-based paints and illegal battery recycling, warning that even small amounts can permanently impair brain development, the nervous system and physical growth. ("40% children in Pakistan exposed to toxic lead," The Express Tribune, 21 July 2026)
Study links climate variability to nearly one million infectious disease cases in coastal Sindh
On 20 July, Dawn reported on a new study published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases finding that 982,538 cases of infectious diseases were recorded in three coastal districts of Sindh, Thatta, Sujawal and Badin between 2019 and 2022, with under-five diarrhoea and suspected malaria being the most prevalent. The research, conducted by Dr Hira Tariq and colleagues at Karachi University and the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), found that disease incidence rose directly with higher temperatures, humidity and rainfall. Thatta alone recorded nearly 30,000 malaria cases in September 2022 following severe monsoon flooding. Researchers recommended integrating real-time weather data into health surveillance systems to help authorities anticipate and respond to outbreaks before they take hold. ("Nearly one million cases of infectious diseases recorded in three coastal districts of Sindh in four years: study," Dawn, 20 July 2026)
JUDICIARY
International commercial court proposed by Law and Justice Commission
On 20 July, Dawn reported that the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP) recommended a constitutional amendment to establish an International Commercial Court of Pakistan as an independent federal superior court. Chaired by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, the commission proposed inserting a new Article 212-A into the Constitution to create a specialised court for resolving international commercial disputes, enforcing arbitral awards and improving legal certainty for investors. The LJCP said the reform aims to strengthen Pakistan’s commercial justice system, boost foreign investment and align the country with international best practices. The commission also recommended expanding the Banking Mohtasib’s jurisdiction to include customers of microfinance institutions, enhancing consumer protection and financial inclusion. (“CJP-led body decides to recommend constitutional tweak to govt for establishment of international commercial court,” Dawn, 20 July 2026)
Supreme Court seeks report on Imran Khan’s jail meetings
On 21 July, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s Supreme Court directed Adiala Jail authorities to submit, within three weeks, a detailed report on all meetings between former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his family members, lawyers and friends during his imprisonment. The order came during hearings on PTI petitions challenging an Islamabad High Court ruling on Khan’s visitation rights. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar instructed the jail administration to provide comprehensive records of the meetings, while government lawyers sought additional time to prepare the report. PTI argued that Khan’s visitation rights had not been fully implemented and claimed he was being held in solitary confinement and suffering from an eye ailment, allegations that remain part of the ongoing legal proceedings. (“Supreme Court seeks details of Imran’s jail meetings,” Dawn, 21 July 2026)
AF-PAK
40 undocumented Afghan nationals detained in Charsadda crackdown
On 20 July, Dawn reported that authorities in Charsadda detained another 40 undocumented Afghan nationals during an ongoing crackdown, bringing the total number transferred from the district to the Peshawar holding centre to 133. Charsadda Deputy Commissioner Azmatullah Wazir said the detainees would undergo required legal and administrative procedures before being repatriated through the Torkham border crossing. The district administration said operations would continue in coordination with police and law enforcement agencies across the district without discrimination. The crackdown is part of the federal government's broader Illegal Foreigners' Repatriation Plan (IFRP), under which over 2.59 million undocumented Afghan nationals have been deported since 2023. ("40 illegal Afghans held in Charsadda crackdown," Dawn, 20 July 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
The Middle East
Muhammad Ali Ehsan, “Iran War: coercive diplomacy and brute force,” The Express Tribune, 19 July 2026
"For seven consecutive nights, the United States has maintained a sustained campaign of strikes against Iran which has responded with missile and drone attacks on American and regional targets. At this stage, I see this conflict as a continuation of coercive diplomacy and not war."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2619005/iran-war-coercive-diplomacy-and-brute-force
Geopolitics
Maleeha Lodhi, “Three-front challenge,” Dawn, 20 July 2026
“Pakistan's ruling elites have long regarded the country’s geographical location as a strategic asset enabling it to project itself as a significant regional player and bolster its geopolitical position. But location cuts both ways. It has also been a liability."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2016898/three-front-challenge
Society
Umair Javed, “Poverty and inequality,” Dawn, 20 July 2026
“The release of the Household Integrated Economic Survey and Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement data presents a clearer picture of poverty and economic distress in Pakistan. This data has appeared after a gap of nearly six years, during which several important events and shocks took place."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2016897/poverty-and-inequality
Security
Imtiaz Gul, “Unrest: the cost of bad governance,” The Express Tribune, 19 July 2026
“The unprecedented levels of violence in Balochistan since July 6 should be deeply worrying. This violence is certainly not occurring in isolation from internal factors and external drivers. The string of coordinated attacks across the province - including the massacre of police officials in Ziarat, Bela-Winder, Chaghi, Khuzdar, Mastung, and elsewhere - points to a near full-fledged insurgency, reinforced by the TTP's appearance in some Pashtun areas."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2618846/unrest-the-cost-of-bad-governance
Politics & governance
Fahd Husain, “Say it, show it, if you know it,” The Express Tribune, 19 July 2026
“No government has had more space to get work done than the present one. There are no judges who are throwing Suo Moto spears at it, or striking down any projects or policies as unconstitutional; there are no journalists who are exposing any scandals or running a campaign against the government (on their own or on someone's behalf), there is no opposition that is holding long marches or public rallies or even challenging the Treasury benches in the Parliament; there is no threat from the establishment; there are no external challenges (or threat of punitive actions) from superpowers, regional powers or financial institutions; there is no province that has the need or the capacity to undercut the functioning of the Centre; and there is more diplomatic goodwill available than has ever been in living memory. And yet, it is mumbling and fumbling."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2619004/say-it-show-it-if-you-know-it
|
