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In Brief
PAKISTAN AND THE US-IRAN WAR
“Fresh round of diplomacy” helped halt US-Iran strikes, reports Dawn
On 27 July, Dawn reported that the United States and Iran halted attacks for a second consecutive day after 13 nights of escalating strikes, saying Pakistan played a key role in mediation efforts alongside Qatar, Saudi Arabia, China and Türkiye, in a "fresh round of diplomacy". The report said Islamabad maintained contacts with Tehran, Washington, Riyadh and Beijing throughout the bombing campaign, while Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also consulted Pakistan’s military leadership and Qatari officials on negotiations. US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said President Donald Trump had paused strikes to give diplomacy “room”, while US media reported that concerns over dwindling missile stocks, military opposition and the risk of a wider regional war also influenced the decision to suspend the bombing campaign. (“Lull in Iran, US fighting ‘achieved by fresh round of diplomacy’,” Dawn, 27 July 2026)
EXTERNAL
Foreign Minister concludes Central Asian bilateral talks on SCO sidelines
On 26 July, Dawn reported that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar concluded a regional diplomatic tour after holding high-level talks with Central Asian and Belarusian counterparts to bolster regional connectivity, trade, defence and energy cooperation. He met separately with the foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. During talks with Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov, reaffirmed the commitment to the Roadmap for Comprehensive Cooperation for 2025-27. With Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev, Mr Dar agreed to intensify bilateral cooperation in transport, investment and people-to-people exchanges. In a meeting with the Tajik Foreign Minister, the DPM reaffirmed the longstanding, brotherly ties between Islamabad and Dushanbe. They committed to expanding collaboration in trade, culture and energy. (“Dar discusses regional, bilateral issues with Central Asian leaders,” Dawn, 26 July 2026)
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reaffirm ties amid West Asia tensions
On 26 July, The Express Tribune reported that the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed their "close and brotherly ties" while underscoring the importance of diplomacy amid escalating tensions in West Asia involving the United States, Iran and Yemen's Houthi movement. (“Pakistan KSA reaffirm brotherly ties,” The Express Tribune, 26 July 2026)
ECONOMY
Government plans to speed up tax reforms, pursue cashless economy
On 26 July, Dawn reported that during the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) Postgraduate Diploma Programme at LUMS, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the government is taking vigorous steps to strengthen the country’s financial system through fundamental reforms in the tax system, increasing the efficiency of the FBR, promoting a cashless economy and using modern technology. He stressed that the government is working in a coordinated manner to improve tax policy and tax administration. He also highlighted that the government has detected major cases of sales tax evasion, which has resulted in increased tax collections and benefited the national exchequer. FBR Chairman in his address said FBR Chairman Muhammad Rashid Langrial said that enhancing the professional skills of FBR officers and training them in line with modern requirements are essential for establishing an effective tax system. He said the tax system in the country is being made more effective, modern and transparent. (“Govt speeds up FBR reforms, cashless economy drive,” Dawn, 26 July 2026)
Fuel price hikes lead to rise in inflation
On 27 July, The Express Tribune reported that an increase was recorded in the prices of several food items in Rawalpindi's fruit and vegetable markets due to a hike in fuel prices. Wholesale markets have also become centres of inflation, while the district administration and price magistrates have remained ineffective. According to market rates, potatoes rose by PKR 8 to PKR 168 per kg, onions by PKR 58 to PKR 315 per kg, okra by PKR 33 to PKR 168 per kg, brinjal by PKR 8 to PKR 73 per kg, and local round gourd by PKR 10 to PKR 135 per kg. Citizens urged the government to take effective measures to control inflation and stabilise the prices of essential commodities. (“Fuel price hikes push up cost of essentials,” The Express Tribune, 27 July 2026)
SECURITY
Balochistan: "Operation Al-Azm" kills 16 militants as counterterrorism drive continues
On 26 July, Dawn reported on security forces killing a total of 16 militants during the ongoing "Operation Al-Azm" in Balochistan, with multiple hideouts destroyed and weapons and explosive materials recovered, according to state media. The operation targets militant networks in Mastung and builds on earlier counterterrorism efforts in the province, including Operation Shaban, in which 91 terrorists were killed between 05 and 16 July. The government reiterated that security forces would continue operations until terrorism was fully eliminated from Balochistan. ("Security forces have killed 16 terrorists so far during ongoing Operation Al-Azm in Balochistan: state media," Dawn, 26 July 2026)
Interior Minister and CM Bugti vow stronger counterterrorism push after Balochistan security review
On 25 July, Dawn reported that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Quetta to chair a high-level meeting with Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti to review the province's security situation. The meeting decided to enhance the professional capacity of the Counter-Terrorism Force (CTF) and Balochistan police, and to expedite the implementation of a comprehensive peace strategy. Both officials pledged to leave no space for terrorists and said the federal government would continue to provide full resources for sustainable peace. Naqvi stressed the importance of modern technology, improved intelligence and coordinated action in fighting terrorism. ("Naqvi, Bugti review Balochistan's security situation, vow stronger counter-terrorism measures," Dawn, 25 July 2026)
South Waziristan: Security forces foil suicide car bomb attack on checkpost, killing four militants
On 25 July, Dawn reported on security forces foiling a suicide car bomb attack on a checkpost in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's South Waziristan district and killing four militants, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The explosive-laden vehicle was destroyed outside the perimeter of the post before it could reach its target. Three remaining attackers were subsequently cornered in a nearby compound and killed in a precision clearance operation, with no casualties on the security forces' side. The attack came a day after militants struck a joint police checkpost in Tank district, killing 15 people including 14 security personnel. ("Security forces kill 4 terrorists in South Waziristan, foil suicide attack on checkpost: ISPR," Dawn, 25 July 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
MQM-P launches Karachi rights protest campaign
On 26 July, The Express Tribune reported that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) launched the first rally of its month-long street movement in Karachi, demanding greater constitutional powers, administrative authority and resources for the city. Addressing supporters in Shah Faisal Town, senior leader Syed Mustafa Kamal accused the Sindh government of neglecting Karachi despite receiving PKR 22 trillion in funds. He called for a new constitutional amendment to facilitate the creation of additional administrative units. Kamal said the movement would remain peaceful but warned that it would escalate over the next 30 days, culminating in highway sit-ins if the party’s demands were not met. Other MQM-P leaders also criticised the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) over Karachi’s civic services, including electricity, healthcare and education. (“MQM-P begins street movement for Karachi rights, seeks constitutional reforms,” The Express Tribune, 26 July 2026)
Government releases latest Toshakhana gift records
On 27 July, Dawn reported that the federal government released details of gifts received by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and other senior officials over the past three months, with the items deposited in the Toshakhana. The records, published on the Cabinet Division’s website, include luxury watches, jewellery, ceremonial swords, paintings, traditional artefacts and decorative items, although the names of the foreign dignitaries who presented the gifts were withheld. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the government periodically publishes Toshakhana records to ensure transparency, while the Cabinet Division noted that the valuation of the latest gifts was still underway. (“President, PM, others return gifts to Toshakhana,” Dawn, 27 July 2026)
ENVIRONMENT
Monsoon death toll crosses 100 as fresh rains predicted for upper Pakistan from 29 July
On 26 July, Dawn reported that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) confirmed that monsoon-related deaths since 26 June had crossed 100, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recording the highest toll at 55, followed by Punjab with 36. Over half the deaths were caused by house and roof collapses. A fresh wet spell was forecast from 29 July across upper Punjab, "Azad Jammu and Kashmir", KP and "Gilgit-Baltistan". Rivers Chenab and Ravi were placed on high-risk alert, while the NDMA's Emergency Response Committee (ERC) held its fifth meeting to review preparedness and inter-agency coordination. ("Nationwide deaths this monsoon cross 100; more rain likely in country's upper parts from July 29," Dawn, 26 July 2026)
Floodwaters cover 400 square kilometres of Punjab as Ravi and Chenab rise
On 26 July, Dawn reported that around 400 square kilometres of Punjab were submerged in floodwater due to torrential monsoon rains and drains overflowing far beyond their designed capacity. The affected areas stretched across Sheikhupura, Muridke, Gujranwala, Narowal, Sambrial and Pasrur. A senior Punjab irrigation department official described the situation as resembling an inland sea. The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) warned that the Chenab and Ravi were expected to reach medium to high flood levels, prompting district administrations to accelerate evacuation and relief operations. ("Ravi, Chenab flood levels likely to reach medium to high today," Dawn, 26 July 2026)
PROVINCES
Sindh: Power fault disrupts Karachi water supply
On 27 July, Dawn reported that a power fault at the Dhabeji Pumping Station disrupted water supply to several parts of Karachi, with the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) warning of a temporary shortfall of 75 million gallons per day (MGD). KWSC said a power breakdown forced three pumping units to shut down, affecting areas including North Nazimabad, Nazimabad, Gulberg Town, New Karachi, Landhi, Korangi and Scheme 33. However, K-Electric disputed the claim, stating that the fault was internal to the pumping station rather than its distribution network, adding that electricity supply to 19 of the station’s 22 pumping motors remained uninterrupted while technical teams worked with KWSC to restore the affected units. (“Power fault leaves city short of water amid KWSC-KE spat,” Dawn, 27 July 2026)
Islamabad: Ventilator shortages strain city’s hospitals
On 26 July, Dawn reported that public hospitals in Islamabad are facing a severe shortage of ventilators, with officials at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Polyclinic Hospital saying nearly all ICU ventilators remain occupied. PIMS said its more than 90 ventilators operate at almost 100 per cent capacity, while Polyclinic reported similar pressures, citing limited equipment and a shortage of specialised staff. Officials said ventilators cost PKR 3-5 million each and require around PKR 200,000 per day to operate, while private hospitals can charge patients up to PKR 300,000 daily. The shortage has been linked to delays in critical care, with the family of journalist Abid Raza Kazmi alleging he died after a ventilator could not be made available in time. (“Shortage of ventilators posing risks to saving lives in hospitals across Islamabad,” Dawn, 26 July 2026)
POK
“AJK” begins first phase of assembly elections as 17,000 security personnel deployed
On 26 July, The Express Tribune reported that polling began for the first phase of the “Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)” Legislative Assembly elections across Mirpur Division, with authorities deploying nearly 17,000 security personnel and more than 22,000 election officials to ensure peaceful voting. The “AJK” government and Election Commission said all polling materials had been delivered in advance and that security arrangements had been completed, with Rangers, the Federal Constabulary and police placed on high alert. Officials warned of strict action against anyone attempting to disrupt the electoral process or spread misinformation, while urging voters to reject fake social media content and participate peacefully. The remaining phases of polling will take place on 02 August and later in Rawalakot Division under the revised election schedule. (“Over 17,000 security personnel deployed as AJK polling begins today,” The Express Tribune, 26 July 2026)
PPP’s Bilawal criticises PML-N for portraying public projects and personal gifts
On 26 July, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged voters in Mirpur Division to back the party in the first phase of the “Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)” Legislative Assembly elections, while criticising the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) for presenting publicly funded development projects as personal gifts. Bilawal said buses and other projects were financed through taxpayers’ money and belonged to the people, not political leaders. He described the election as a referendum on the rights and development of “AJK”, pledged to protect Kashmiris’ rights to sovereignty, ownership and employment, and called for a compensation fund for those affected by recent violence. He also highlighted Mirpur’s sacrifices for the Mangla Dam, arguing that the region deserved a greater share of resources and decision-making. (“Bilawal criticises PML-N over portraying public buses as personal gifts, urges AJK voters to back PPP,” The Express Tribune, 26 July 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
The Middle East
Sikander Ahmed Shah & Sana Afraz, “Charging for Hormuz,” Dawn, 27 July 2026
"Iran is seeking to recalibrate its control over the Strait of Hormuz by regulating maritime traffic and establishing a ‘smart management’ system that includes passage fees for vessels traversing the strait. The principal treaty governing these matters is the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which establishes the legal framework applicable to passage through international straits. It recognises two principal regimes: innocent passage and transit passage."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2018680/charging-for-hormuz
Zafar Mirza, “The bottom line,” Dawn, 27 July 2026
“As there is no realistic scenario in which the Houthis would enforce a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia, and then launch attacks on its facilities without the approval — or on the instructions — of Tehran, we need to ask why a besieged Iran has taken the risk of provoking Saudi Arabia, which has thus far avoided direct participation in the war despite massive pressure from the US. Saudi Arabia’s chequered and violent history with Yemen and its armed factions notwithstanding, this blockade is a tool used by Iran to swing outcomes in its favour."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2018684/the-bottom-line
Politics & governance
Maleeha Lodhi, “Why coercion doesn’t work,” Dawn, 27 July 2026
“While leaders of the hybrid government prioritise foreign engagements and overseas trips, domestic challenges continue to intensify. Public discontent and unrest are mounting across the country but the ruling elite remains detached from this reality."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2018681/why-coercion-doesnt-work
Economy
Editorial, “Credit rating upgrade,” The Express Tribune, 26 July 2026
“For the first time since 2016, Pakistan has regained a 'B' sovereign credit rating from S&P Global Ratings. The upgrade from our previous 'B-' rating is proof of growing international confidence in our economy. A major factor behind the upgrade has been increased foreign reserves, which had dwindled to $6.7 billion in December 2022 but now stand at $25.3 billion. Tax revenue as a percentage of GDP is also up - though not as much as local and foreign experts would have liked. Meanwhile, the fiscal deficit situation continues to improve, coming down to 4% from almost 8% during FY2022-23."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2620249/credit-rating-upgrade
The neighbourhood
Editorial, “Festering Afghan crisis,” The Express Tribune, 26 July 2026
“Pakistan rightly took the opportunity to spell out at the SCO forum that regional intransigence is a threat to the solidarity and sovereignty of member states, warning against those who exploit instability to impose their hegemony. India's unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and Kabul's snub to diplomatic treaties are cases in point."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2620081/festering-afghan-crisis-1
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