|
In Focus
14 people killed in suicide bombing at Kabal police station in Swat
18 others injured in blast near public rally; PM Shehbaz, President Zardari and KP CM condemn attack
On 02 August, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that at least 14 people, including police personnel, were killed and 18 others injured in a suicide bombing outside the Kabal police station in Swat district. Police said the attacker detonated explosives after being stopped at the station's entrance, while another body believed to be that of the bomber was recovered. The blast occurred near a public rally against rising terrorism in Swat, triggering panic among hundreds of participants.
Security forces cordoned off the area and launched an investigation, while rescue teams shifted victims to hospitals and authorities declared an emergency across Swat to ensure medical treatment and strengthen security. President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi condemned the attack, ordered investigations, and directed officials to provide the best possible care to the injured.
The bombing comes amid a sharp rise in militant violence across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The attack also follows recent assaults on police and security forces in Hangu, Razmak, and Khyber, underscoring growing concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the province. (“Suicide attack outside police station in Swat leaves 15 martyred, including six police personnel,” The Express Tribune, 02 August 2026; “At least 14 people, including police officials, martyred in suicide attack on Kabal police station in Swat: police,” Dawn, 02 August 2026)
July deadliest month of 2026 with 205 civilian lives lost, PICSS data finds
Report notes 401 terrorists killed in the month; Balochistan leads toll with 372 deaths, followed by KP at 154
On 01 August, Dawn reported that 205 people, including 112 security personnel, were killed in terrorist attacks and counter-terrorism operations during July, making it the deadliest month of 2026, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). Security forces also killed 401 militants, the highest monthly total in more than a decade. The report recorded eight suicide attacks, including five vehicle-borne bombings, and said kidnapping incidents doubled from 33 in June to 66 in July.
The security situation deteriorated most sharply in Balochistan, where the death toll rose by 241 per cent to 372, while mainland Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded 154 deaths, up from 75 in June. PICSS said the first seven months of 2026 have claimed 2,786 lives, including 1,857 militants, 463 civilians, 434 security personnel, and 32 peace committee members, highlighting a sustained escalation in militant violence and the intensity of counter-terrorism operations across the country. (“July deadliest month of 2026 as 205 lives lost, 401 terrorists killed: PICSS,” Dawn, 01 August 2026)
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Iranian oil smuggling drops 60 per cent, reports Dawn
On 02 August, Dawn reported that the influx of smuggled Iranian oil into Pakistan has dropped by at least 60 per cent after terrorists destroyed at least six tankers coming from Iran over the past month and a half inside Balochistan, sources in the oil sector said, following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Israeli attack on Iran began on 28 February; the smuggling, which had surged after the war pushed crude prices above USD 100 per barrel and reportedly helped Pakistan avoid the fuel rationing seen in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, is part of an illegal Iran trade worth more than USD two billion annually that industry circles believe authorities deliberately overlooked to avert a domestic supply crisis. Pakistan spent a record USD 16.86 billion on petroleum imports in FY26, around 22 per cent of its total import bill, up from USD 15.94 billion in FY25. ("Iranian oil smuggling drops 60pc, claim sources," Dawn, 02 August 2026)
Pakistan-Iran ties remain strong despite challenges, says Iranian envoy
On 02 August, The Express Tribune reported that Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam said bilateral ties had "withstood the test of time" and entered a "new and unique era," citing mutual first-recognition history, a Pakistani parliamentary resolution supporting Iran during the recent Israeli aggression, and high-level exchanges over the past two years including President Masoud Pezeshkian's June 2026 visit to Islamabad and interactions involving Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir. Moghadam said the friendship had reached a level where "no challenge, phenomenon or external factor" could weaken it, expressing hope it could serve as a regional model of mutual respect and cooperation. ("Iranian envoy hails deepening Pakistan-Iran ties, says bond cannot be weakened by challenges," The Express Tribune, 02 August 2026)
Pakistan-China friendship remains steadfast amid regional challenges, says CDF Munir
On 01 August, Dawn reported that Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, addressing an event at GHQ Rawalpindi marking the 99th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army, said Pakistan-China friendship is "unique, time-tested and has remained steadfast" amid evolving regional and global challenges, describing the two militaries as "true partners" bound by mutual trust; China's Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, the guest of honour, thanked Munir for hosting the event and reaffirmed China's "unwavering support" for Pakistan and commitment to their "all-weather strategic cooperative partnership." The event came weeks after Pakistan-China agreements worth USD 850 million at a pharmaceutical conference and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi's meeting with China's National Immigration Administration on border management cooperation. ("CDF Munir says Pak-China friendship has remained steadfast amid evolving regional, global challenges," Dawn, 01 August 2026)
Punjab Chief Minister and US delegation discuss trade cooperation
On 02 August, Dawn reported that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz met a 30-member US business delegation representing sectors including medical, minerals, manufacturing, IT and energy in Lahore, with both sides agreeing to promote mutual investment and expand trade partnerships between Punjab and the US business community; the delegation invited Nawaz to visit the United States, which she accepted, and was briefed on the PIVOT programme and Punjab's ease-of-doing-business reforms. Secretary SIFC Jameel Qureshi briefed the delegation on investment matters, and the group expressed interest in shrimp farming cooperation, while Nawaz separately raised interest in acquiring home dialysis machines to improve provincial healthcare. ("US team, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz explore trade avenues," Dawn, 02 August 2026)
ECONOMY
Imports from US hit USD 3.2 billion in FY26
On 02 August, Dawn reported that Pakistan's imports from the US rose 38.93 per cent to USD 3.265 billion in FY26 from USD 2.350 billion the previous year, driven by a new trade agreement under which Pakistan is importing additional oil and other commodities to narrow the bilateral trade gap, while exports to the US grew just 1.55 per cent to USD 6.125 billion; overall merchandise exports to North America rose 1.32 per cent to USD 6.503 billion, with exports to Canada contracting 2.30 per cent, amid US President Donald Trump's broader tariff shifts that have extended Pakistan limited relief under a reciprocal arrangement. Elsewhere in the region, exports to Latin America and Central America declined while South America rose 15 per cent. ("Imports from US surge to $3.2bn in FY26," Dawn, 02 August 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Interior Minister faces renewed criticism over new provinces proposal
On 03 August, Dawn reported that coalition partners pushed back on Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi's proposal to create new provinces, with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif saying he broadly agreed the system was in a "dire state" but that reform should proceed through parliament or cabinet rather than public statements, noting Naqvi rarely attended parliamentary or cabinet sessions and urging him to instead reform the Pakistan Cricket Board, which he also heads. Former Senate chairman Raza Rabbani separately opposed the proposal, arguing Pakistan's governance failures stem from constitutional violations, erosion of provincial autonomy, and centralisation of power rather than the existing federating units, and called instead for strict adherence to the 1973 Constitution and devolution of authority to local governments under Article 140-A. ("Naqvi's call for new provinces faces fresh pushback," Dawn, 03 August 2026)
Electoral rolls decline by 589,458 after ECP updates voter lists
On 02 August, Dawn reported that Pakistan's electoral rolls contracted by 589,458 voters between 07 May and 02 July, falling from 137,163,857 to 136,574,399, as the Election Commission of Pakistan's removal of around 1.48 million deceased voters outpaced 895,000 new registrations; Punjab accounted for 81.2 per cent of the nationwide decline, losing 478,909 voters, with Faisalabad recording the largest single-district drop at 41,264, followed by Sheikhupura, Gujranwala and Sialkot. Sindh lost 97,216 voters, led by Karachi South and Karachi East, while KP recorded a comparatively small net decline of 9,046 and was the only province where more districts gained voters than lost them; 45 of the country's 144 districts recorded increases overall, with Bahawalnagar in Punjab posting the largest single gain at 16,094. ("Electoral rolls shrink by 589,458 in less than two months as ECP removes 1.48m deceased voters," Dawn, 02 August 2026)
SECURITY
KP: Security forces eliminate ten terrorists under Operation “11 Gurj”
On 02 August, The Express Tribune reported that security forces killed 10 terrorists in separate Intelligence-Based Operations (IBOs) in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) under Operation “11 Gurj”. The operation has been ongoing across K-P over the past two months. Security sources said two members of Fitna al-Khawarij were killed in the Shakro area of Bajaur district, while eight others were killed in the Darbi Khel and Batan areas of Khyber district. The operations were carried out on the basis of verified intelligence as part of an ongoing campaign against terrorist groups aimed at clearing the area of militants and ensuring peace and stability. (“Security forces kill 10 terrorists in IBOs under Operation 11 Gurj across KP,” Dawn, 2 August 2026)
Punjab: Rawalpindi police prepare security plan for “AJK” election in Rawalpindi division, deploy 4000 personnel
On 02 August, Dawn reported that the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) claimed to have arrested 54 suspected members of banned organisations in operations across Punjab. The CTD teams conducted 419 intelligence-based operations in separate districts of the province and interrogated 422 suspects. Out of them, 54 suspects belonged to banned organisations, including Daesh, Al Qaeda subcontinent, Lashkar-i-Jhangvi, Sipah-i-Sahaba, and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The CTD also claimed to have recovered 7,900 grams of explosive material, 12 IEDs, 50 detonators, a 98-foot safety fuse, two pistols, three rifles, a huge quantity of bullets, 120 pamphlets, 72 banned books, 31 banned magazines, 112 stickers, two flags, a receipt book, eight mobile phones, and PKR 339,880 in cash. During the last eight weeks, local police and intelligence agencies jointly conducted 13,572 combing operations and inspected 494,642 persons. And 1,103 of them were arrested, and 1,070 cases were registered under different charges. (“CTD arrests 54 suspected militants across Punjab,” Dawn, 2 August 2026)
Balochistan: Eight people killed in separate incidents
On 02 August, Dawn reported that eight people were killed in separate incidents across Balochistan, including a passenger bus driver shot dead in Kachhi and two people gunned down in Khuzdar. A passenger bus driver was shot dead and a traveller wounded after unidentified gunmen opened fire on a coach on N-65 National Highway in Balochistan’s Kachhi district. Following the attack, transporters and passengers blocked the National Highway in protest, halting traffic and accusing police of failing to provide security along the route. Transporters said armed robberies had become frequent at several points along the N-65, including Balanari, Haji Shahr, Kambri Bridge, and Bakhtairabad. Meanwhile, in Kech district, police recovered three bodies from separate locations around Turbat over the past 24 hours. Also, in Khuzdae district, two people, including a woman, were shot dead by unidentified gunmen. (“Separate incidents claim eight lives across Balochistan,” Dawn, 02 August 2026)
North Waziristan: Security forces kill five TTP terrorists in intelligence-based operation
On 01 August, Dawn reported that an army officer was martyred during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Razmak area of North Waziristan district. During the operation, security forces also killed five terrorists affiliated with Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed terrorists, “who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities” against security forces and law enforcement agencies, as well as in the killing of civilians. Pakistan has seen a surge in terrorism since the banned TTP ended its ceasefire deal with the government in November 2022, vowing to increase attacks. In a separate incident, security forces killed seven terrorists during an IBO in Balochistan’s Nushki district on the night of 30 July and 31 July. The military’s media affairs wing reaffirmed that the counter-terrorism campaign under Vision Azm-i-Istehkam would continue “at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and -supported terrorism from the country” (“Army major martyred in North Waziristan IBO: ISPR,” Dawn, 01 August 2026)
POK
“AJK” elections: Unofficial results show PML-N ahead as PPP alleges rigging and violence
On 03 August, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) strengthened its lead in the second phase of the “Azad Jammu and Kashmir” Legislative Assembly elections, with unofficial results indicating victories in 10 of the 12 refugee constituencies and at least two territorial seats. The Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) was projected to win two refugee and two territorial constituencies, while polling in two constituencies was postponed until 05 August because landslides and bad weather prevented election staff and materials from reaching polling stations.
The polling process was marred by sporadic clashes and fresh allegations of rigging. The PPP accused the PML-N of using violence and state machinery to influence the vote, alleging the killing of a party worker and an attack on “AJK” Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar, while the PML-N rejected the claims and insisted polling was largely peaceful. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Adviser Rana Sanaullah expressed confidence that the PML-N would form the next AJK government, maintaining that isolated incidents were being exaggerated and that the overall electoral process remained credible. (“PML-N poised to grab lion’s share in AJK,” Dawn, 03 August 2026; “Khawaja Asif says PML-N set to form next AJK govt, calls turnout 'encouraging',” The Express Tribune, 02 August 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
The Middle East
Editorial, “Farewell to arms?” Dawn, 03 August 2026
"Palestinian resistance group Hamas recently made a major concession by agreeing to give up its weapons. It should be remembered that along with its political activities, the movement has an armed wing dedicated to the liberation of Palestine."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2020269/farewell-to-arms
The US
Maleeha Lodhi, “Damage assessment,” Dawn, 03 August 2026
“President Donald Trump’s approval rating has hit an all-time low according to the latest Economist/YouGov poll. The survey found 62 per cent of Americans disapprove of the president’s performance while 63pc say the country is headed in the wrong direction. These are Trump’s worst numbers since he returned to the White House last year. The results align with findings of other polls, which show he has fallen out of favour with the majority of Americans. The slide isn’t just about an unpopular war with Iran. Trump’s management of the economy is also driving public discontent."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2020266/damage-assessment
Society
Editorial, “Unplanned future,” Dawn, 03 August 2026
“A projection that Pakistan’s population could reach 400m by 2040 should not be treated as another dramatic number to be quoted at ceremonies and forgotten by the next budget. It is a warning about the size of the state’s future obligations. Every additional child will need vaccination, nutrition, schooling, safe water, transport and, eventually, work. Yet the present system already fails millions on each count. The issue, therefore, is not that families are having children irresponsibly while the government looks on helplessly. It is that the state has never made voluntary family planning a dependable part of primary healthcare."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2020268/unplanned-future
Provinces
Haroon Rashid Siddiqi, “Serving on the edge,” The Express Tribune, 03 August 2026
“Balochistan has never lacked natural resources. What it has lacked is a sufficient number of institution-builders willing to look beyond the routine demands of office. Roads can be built, schemes can be inaugurated and statistics can fill annual reports, but lasting change begins when an administrator leaves behind institutions that continue to serve long after he has departed."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2621703/serving-on-the-edge
Date centres
Rafia Zakaria, “The terror matrix,” The Express Tribune, 03 August 2026
“Pakistan is facing a profound security crisis as militant violence hit a sharp peak in July 2026. During this deadliest month, over 112 security personnel were martyred while resisting insurgent forces nationwide. Concurrently, intensified counterterrorism efforts led to the elimination of 401 terrorists. This surge, alongside a persistent civilian death toll averaging dozens of casualties monthly, underscores relentless cross-border infiltration from the western frontier. Compounding the crisis, these hostile actors exploit internal safe havens by collaborating closely with groups like TTP and BLA. Neutralising these active sleeper cells demands an unyielding and robust kinetic strategy."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2621698/the-terror-matrix
|
