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In Focus
Houthi attacks on Pakistani maritime interests a “red line”, warns Foreign Office
During call with Prince Salman, PM Shehbaz reaffirms support for Saudi Arabia and backs renewed diplomacy between US and Iran
On 24 July, Dawn reported that Pakistan warned Yemen’s Houthi rebels that any attack on Pakistani-flagged vessels or maritime interests would be treated as an attack on the country and met with a swift response under its right to self-defence. The Foreign Office (FO) described such attacks as a “red line” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to its mutual defence agreement with Saudi Arabia. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also assured Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Islamabad’s support for the kingdom’s security and the uninterrupted flow of shipping through the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandab.
Dawn also reported that Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to diplomacy despite renewed fighting between the US and Iran. FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Islamabad continued to view the Islamabad MoU and the Pakistan-Qatar joint statement as the best framework for reviving peace talks. Separately, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar met Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila, where both sides stressed preserving the ceasefire, respecting international law and pursuing dialogue to restore regional stability. (“Pakistan warns Houthi rebels to steer clear of its ships,” Dawn, 24 July 2026; “PM Shehbaz speaks to Saudi crown prince, condemns 'unacceptable' Houthi attack on vessels in Red Sea,” Dawn, 23 July 2026)
Monsoon death toll rises to 43 in Punjab and KP
President Zardari orders coordinated relief efforts as heavy rains continue across Pakistan
On 23 July, Dawn reported that President Asif Ali Zardari directed federal and provincial authorities to intensify rescue, relief and preparedness measures as the monsoon death toll rose to 43 across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), and provincial and local authorities to “ensure timely dissemination of early warnings”, monitor river flows and pre-position emergency resources amid risks of flash floods, landslides and glacial lake outburst floods. The president also urged the public to avoid travel to high-risk areas and praised rescue workers engaged in relief operations.
Punjab recorded 21 rain-related deaths and 154 injuries during the ongoing monsoon season, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported 22 deaths and 23 injuries since 19 July. Heavy rains damaged dozens of homes, disrupted transport and triggered flash floods and landslides, including the closure of the Wana-Gomal Zam Road in Lower South Waziristan, stranding trucks carrying perishable goods. Authorities warned that intermittent heavy rainfall would continue, with district administrations remaining on high alert and relief operations ongoing. (“Authorities told to step up monsoon preparedness as rain-related deaths in Punjab, KP reach 43,” Dawn, 23 July 2026)
ASEAN Regional Forum: Foreign Minister raises Kashmir, IWT and terrorism as major challenges
Pakistan urges diplomacy on regional conflicts; FM meets counterparts from Oman, Australia, New Zealand and UK
On 23 July, Dawn reported that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Manila that unresolved disputes, terrorism and climate change remained key threats to regional stability. He described the Kashmir dispute as the “heart of regional instability”, criticised India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), and urged international support for a peaceful resolution. Dar also reaffirmed Pakistan’s backing for an independent Palestinian state, called for renewed diplomacy to sustain the US-Iran ceasefire, supported negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war, endorsed the One-China policy, and stressed the need for greater global cooperation on climate change.
Dar also highlighted Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, saying the country had lost more than 90,000 lives and suffered nearly USD 150 billion in economic losses. He urged the Afghan Taliban to prevent groups such as the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) from using Afghan territory to launch attacks, while calling for greater international cooperation against terrorism. On the sidelines of the forum, Dar held bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers of Oman, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, alongside engagements with other regional leaders and Asian Development Bank officials. (“Kashmir, IWT among key global challenges threatening 'peaceful coexistence', Dar tells Asean moot,” Dawn, 23 July 2026)
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Foreign Minister departs Manila for Cholpon-Ata to attend SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting
On 23 July, Dawn reported that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar departed Manila for Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, to attend the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting on 23 and 24 July, at the invitation of Kyrgyz FM Zheenbek Kulubaev. Dar will lead Pakistan's delegation and hold bilateral meetings with SCO counterparts on the sidelines. Foreign ministers of all ten SCO member states, including China, India, Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus, will attend. The CFM is the third-highest forum in the SCO format, focusing on international relations and the foreign and security policies of member states. ("Dar departs for SCO foreign ministers' meeting in Kyrgyzstan," Dawn, 23 July 2026)
Pakistan disputes EU GSP+ compliance report; says it understates reforms
On 24 July, Dawn reported that Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) issued a formal rebuttal to the European Commission's GSP+ monitoring report for 2023-2025, calling it "disappointing" and saying it "understates significant strides made by Pakistan in implementing its GSP+ obligations across all convention areas." The FO specifically rejected the report's characterisation of the 26th Constitutional Amendment as undermining judicial independence, arguing it was a "sovereign parliamentary exercise undertaken to bring judicial processes in line with constitutional principles" and did not create parallel systems or restrict judicial discretion. Pakistan also pointed to the establishment of the National Commission for Minorities, enactment of the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, passage of a domestic violence bill, the Anti-Torture Act, and a first-ever marital rape conviction as evidence of meaningful progress. The FO said it would submit a detailed written response to the EU and was committed to continued engagement to address remaining concerns ahead of Pakistan's GSP+ reapplication for the post-2026 period. ("Pakistan 'disappointed' with EU report on GSP+ compliance issues, says it understates reforms," Dawn, 24 July 2026)
South Korean energy firm writes to PM Shehbaz alleging three-year regulatory blockade of USD 1 billion hydropower investment
On 23 July, Dawn reported that Korea South-East Power Co. Ltd (KOEN), a subsidiary of Korea Electric Power Corporation and a South Korean state-owned firm, wrote to PM Shehbaz Sharif alleging "unfair" treatment of its USD 1 billion investment in two run-of-the-river hydropower projects on the Swat River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The 229MW Asrit Kedam and 238MW Kalam Asrit projects, developed since 2016 with around USD 25 million already spent, received a Nepra generation licence in June 2023 and a tariff hearing in July 2023, after which a determination was due within four to six months under Nepra rules. Three years later, no tariff determination has been issued, despite a July 2024 Nepra Appellate Tribunal direction to decide the matter. KOEN's CEO Kim Min Young said the company's situation had become urgent as the draft IGCEP 2025-35 excluded both projects, risking stranding the investment indefinitely, and called on the prime minister to intervene to ensure the tariff was determined and the projects retained under the Power Generation Policy 2015. ("In letter to PM Shehbaz, South Korean company alleges unfair stonewalling of $1bn investment plans in Pakistan," Dawn, 23 July 2026)
UN Secretary-General praises Pakistan's mediation role at UNSC open debate on peaceful dispute settlement
On 23 July, Dawn reported that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed an UNSC open debate held pursuant to Pakistan-sponsored Resolution 2788 (2025), warning that the Middle East situation was "getting out of control" and "teetering on the edge of the unimaginable," and calling for military operations to stop, civilian infrastructure to be protected, and international navigational rights in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab to be restored. Guterres specifically recognised Pakistan's diplomatic efforts, saying "I want to recognise the mediation of Pakistan and countries in the region working to reduce tensions and create space for dialogue," adding that these efforts "must be supported and strengthened in pursuit of a peaceful and durable settlement." Pakistan's UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad expressed appreciation for Guterres' recommendations, calling for stronger follow-up mechanisms for UNSC resolutions, greater use of mediation tools, and consistent implementation of the Charter's peaceful settlement provisions, describing prevention as "diplomacy's highest achievement." ("UN chief praises Pakistan's peace initiatives to 'reduce tensions and create space for dialogue'," Dawn, 23 July 2026)
ECONOMY
SBP reserves soar; secures import cover for 2.54 months
On 24 July, The Express Tribune reported that State Bank of Pakistan's (SBP) foreign exchange reserves increased by USD 33 million during the week ended 17 July, reaching USD 17,258.6 million. However, Pakistan's total liquid foreign reserves declined by USD 5.9 million to USD 22,669.6 million. Net foreign reserves held by commercial banks fell by USD 38.7 million to USD 5,411 million. The country's reserves provide import cover for 2.54 months. Furthermore, the Pakistani rupee closed at 277.90, while the US dollar largely stabilised globally amid renewed US-Iran tensions. Meanwhile, gold prices in Pakistan declined, tracking a sharp retreat in the international market. (“SBP reserves rise $33m to $1726b,” The Express Tribune, 24 July 2026)
Overseas Chamber of Commerce report highlights decline in cotton output; costs USD 2-3 billion to the economy
On 23 July, Dawn reported that Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) released a report titled ‘Seeds of Growth' on agriculture production in Pakistan. It highlighted that Pakistan’s cotton output decreased by more than half from its peak and is costing the economy an estimated USD 2-3 billion a year in additional imports and lost export earnings. It highlighted that regulatory delays and inconsistent policy rather than a lack of technology or investment are the main reasons Pakistan’s agricultural output continues to trail regional competitors, despite the sector contributing about 23 per cent to GDP and employing 37 per cent of the workforce. OICCI report also highlighted that in dairy, only 10 per cent of milk is processed, and roughly 20 per cent of total production is lost due to inadequate cold chain infrastructure, despite Pakistan ranking among the world’s top five milk producers. (“Policy delays cost agriculture billions: OICCI,” Dawn, 23 July 2026)
Finance Minister holds meetings with IMF delegation and US Export-Import Bank officials
On 23 July, Dawn reported that Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb held meetings with the senior officials of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and reviewed Pakistan’s macroeconomic performance and progress under the Fund’s programme. The finance minister reviewed Pakistan’s macroeconomic performance and progress under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), and the broader IMF-supported reform programme. He also held a separate meeting with US Export-Import Bank President and Chairman John Jovanovic and discussed economic and commercial cooperation with him. The finance minister discussed expanding Pakistan–US economic and commercial cooperation, with a focus on financing for specific long-term projects and increased trade in agricultural commodities, including cotton and soybeans, as well as hydrocarbons. (“Finance minister reviews Pakistan's macroeconomic performance in meeting with IMF officials,” Dawn, 23 July 2026)
SECURITY
Balochistan: CDF Munir vows to restore lasting peace in province
On 24 July, Dawn reported that Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, addressing participants of the 20th National Workshop Balochistan at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, vowed that consistent efforts by security forces backed by public support would restore lasting peace to the province. He described Balochistan as the pride of Pakistan, endowed with natural wealth and resilient people, and said ongoing development initiatives were aimed at transforming its socioeconomic landscape. He reiterated Pakistan's resolve to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and said targeted operations against Fitna al-Khawarij and those sponsored from abroad would continue until terrorism and its abettors were eliminated. ("CDF Munir vows to restore lasting peace in Balochistan," Dawn, 24 July 2026)
Wave of attacks on Quetta-Karachi highway forces truckers to suspend operations
On 24 July, The Express Tribune reported that a surge in terrorist attacks along the Quetta-Karachi National Highway sparked widespread fear among commuters and prompted goods transporters to announce suspension of truck and container movement on the route. In the latest incident, gunmen opened fire on a passenger coach near Khad Kocha, killing four passengers and injuring four others. In a separate attack near Surab, a woman was seriously injured when her coach came under fire. Earlier in the week, two women travelling for medical treatment were killed near Kalat, and District and Sessions Judge Abdul Hakeem Kakar and his security guard were killed in Mastung. ("Terror attacks on highway disrupt travel, trade," The Express Tribune, 24 July 2026)
South Waziristan: Police constable killed in ambush
On 23 July, Dawn reported that Police Constable Mohammad Mehran was killed after unidentified gunmen ambushed him near a stream in the Moley Khan Sarai area of Sarvekai in Upper South Waziristan. Mehran was on his way to perform official duty when the attackers opened indiscriminate fire, fatally wounding him before medical help could arrive. Security forces rushed to the scene, secured the area and launched a search operation to identify and arrest those responsible. Police said investigations were ongoing from multiple angles to determine whether the killing was motivated by personal enmity or was an act of terrorism. ("Policeman martyred in S. Waziristan attack," Dawn, 23 July 2026)
Balochistan: District judge and security guard killed in targeted attack in Mastung
On 23 July, The Express Tribune reported that District and Sessions Judge Abdul Hakeem Kakar and his security guard were killed after unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle on the national highway near Mastung, while Additional Sessions Judge Tariq Lashari sustained serious injuries. Judge Kakar was travelling from Quetta to Mastung when the attack took place. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Balochistan Bar Council announced a two-day boycott of court proceedings and three days of mourning in response. ("District judge, security guard killed in gun attack in Balochistan's Mastung," The Express Tribune, 23 July 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Petrol pump strike fizzles out as dealers split; Association calls off shutdown for 15 days after government assurances
On 24 July, Dawn reported that a nationwide petrol pump shutdown call by the All Pakistan Petroleum Pump Owners Association had limited impact due to a deep split within the dealers' movement, with most pumps in Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, and other major Punjab cities remaining open while around 70 per cent closed in Peshawar. Late on Thursday night, APPPOA called off the strike for 15 days after the government agreed to move a summary within 15 days for implementing a dealers' commission increase approved by the ECC in December 2025, and to review daily fuel pricing within the same period. The rival Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association had already distanced itself from the shutdown, significantly blunting its impact. Dealers are seeking an 8 per cent commission of around PKR 25 per litre against the existing PKR 8.64, an end to OMC supply quotas, and suspension of the daily pricing regime. ("Split among fuel dealers blunts impact of pump 'shutdown'," Dawn, 24 July 2026)
ON INDIA
Pakistan rejects India’s Indus treaty claims at UNSC
On 23 July, Dawn reported that Pakistan rejected India’s remarks at a UN Security Council debate, calling New Delhi’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) “simply illegal” and accusing it of attempting to “distort facts”. Pakistan’s First Secretary Ansar Shah said the treaty contained no provision allowing its unilateral suspension and cited the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s August 2025 ruling affirming that the IWT remained valid and binding. He also rejected India’s allegations of cross-border terrorism, instead accusing New Delhi of supporting militant groups targeting Pakistan. Separately, Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad warned against the weaponisation of shared water resources, saying India’s actions threatened the livelihoods of more than 240 million Pakistanis and regional stability. (“Pakistan hits back at India's attempt to 'distort facts', says holding IWT in abeyance 'simply illegal',” Dawn, 23 July 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
The Middle East
Editorial, “A new chokepoint,” Dawn, 24 July 2026
"With free transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz blocked due to the US-Iran conflict, a new chokepoint has emerged in the region: Bab al-Mandeb on the Red Sea. If free flow of marine traffic is also blocked through this passage, the impact on global commerce would be catastrophic, while the hostilities in and around the Gulf would surely spread to the Red Sea and its environs."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2017938/a-new-chokepoint
Climate change
Editorial, “Climate change and public health,” The Express Tribune, 24 July 2026
“Climate scientists and activists have long alerted the world to the perils of climate change that extend far beyond melting glaciers and rising temperatures. When the equilibrium of the planet is disturbed, its ripple effects reach every facet of life - especially public health. Over the span of four years, nearly one million infectious disease cases have been found in just three coastal districts of Pakistan."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2619879/climate-change-and-public-health
Health
Zafar Mirza, “The task force test,” Dawn, 24 July 2026
“HIV AIDS is a window to our health system. Instead of erecting mental walls of apathy and ignorance, the spread of HIV among children through our so-called healthcare system, helps us open a window through which the whole system can be revisited. Only if we are for windows and not walls."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2017943/the-task-force-test
Diplomacy
Shahzad Chaudhry, “The wars within,” The Express Tribune, 24 July 2026
“How can Pakistan then hope to bring peace to people who each have their own reasons to fight and endure? There are some things best left to themselves. Fires in the bellies have their own timeline to fizzle. They need time to play out. Leave Iran to its whims and Trump to his shenanigans. Wars may be easier and louder to write about, but societies decay in silence. Home beckons. It is time to come back home."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2619881/the-wars-within
Karachi
Noman Ahmed, “Life and livability,” Dawn, 24 July 2026
“A homeless flower vendor, asleep on a footpath in Karachi’s DHA area, was tragically killed when he and his young son were run over by a recklessly driven vehicle. This was not simply a ‘road accident’; the incident exposed an ever-present threat to the lives of thousands of homeless people who sleep on footpaths, bus stop benches, near shop fronts and in other public spaces. It is no surprise that Karachi, with its homelessness and rising crime graph, fared poorly on the recent EIU Global Livability Index."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2017939/life-and-livability
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