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In Brief
EXTERNAL
Pakistan and Iran renew push to expand bilateral trade to USD 10 billion
On 04 August, Dawn reported that Pakistan and Iran reiterated their resolve to expand bilateral trade to USD 10 billion at the 10th session of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Trade Committee in Islamabad, co-chaired by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Iranian Industry, Mine and Trade Minister Mohammad Atabak, with Khan pressing to finalise a Pakistan-Iran Free Trade Agreement and cut border logistics barriers; Atabak called Pakistan a "long-term strategic trade partner" and expressed interest in expanding regional connectivity through Karachi and Gwadar ports. The meeting builds on steps since March, including easing customs at Taftan, opening a new Jeerak crossing in Panjgur, and clearing 10 food items and two non-food items for land-route exports without mandatory banking instruments, alongside an earlier Iranian visit that produced railway cooperation plans, including reviving the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul freight service. ("Pakistan, Iran reaffirm resolve to expand bilateral trade to $10bn," Dawn, 04 August 2026)
China asked to speed up refinancing of USD 1.3 billion in commercial loans
On 05 August, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan has formally requested China to expedite refinancing of USD 1.3 billion in commercial loans repaid in July, part of USD 2.2 billion in total external debt payments that month, with Finance Ministry sources saying terms are expected to be finalised soon and disbursement likely within the current month; SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad said total external debt servicing requirements had fallen from USD 26.5 billion to USD 21.5 billion, with USD 3.5 billion of that in interest alone, and that Pakistan would still need a combined USD 12 billion rollover from Saudi Arabia and China this year to manage its external obligations. ("China asked to fast-track $1.3b refinancing," The Express Tribune, 05 August 2026)
Foreign Minister heads to Jordan for Arab-Islamic ministerial talks on Jerusalem crisis
On 04 August, Dawn reported that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar departed for a one-day visit to Jordan to attend an Arab League and Islamic countries' ministerial meeting on 5 August on the deteriorating situation in occupied Jerusalem, at the invitation of Jordan's Deputy PM and FM Ayman Al Safadi, with attending ministers also expected to call on King Abdullah II; the Foreign Office said Dar's participation reflects Pakistan's support for the Palestinian cause and commitment to an independent Palestinian state on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. The meeting follows repeated condemnations by Pakistan and other Muslim states, including a June joint rejection by nine countries of any change to the status quo at Jerusalem's holy sites amid recurring Israeli settler incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque. ("Dar departs for ministerial meeting in Jordan on deteriorating situation in occupied Jerusalem: FO," Dawn, 04 August 2026)
ECONOMY
Pakistan to ask China to let its firms bid for Karakoram Highway project sections
On 05 August, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan is set to request China to allow top local firms to bid for the construction of a USD 1.8 billion Karakoram Highway project. The Pakistani government is also considering building the strategic road from its own resources in case of any further delay in signing a loan agreement. According to the government's proposal, Pakistan will seek an amendment to the government-to-government framework agreement on the project that covers competition only among three Chinese companies. This model has been followed for all the CPEC infrastructure projects since the strategic initiative came into effect over a decade ago. The existing 280-kilometre-long road will be submerged by May 2028 due to the construction of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam. Both Pakistan and China have planned to build an international-standard new road with 85 per cent Chinese financing. However, no major development has taken place since 2024, and despite the approval of the scheme by Pakistan, no financing agreement has been reached between the two nations. (“Govt reviews CPEC project options,” The Express Tribune, 05 August 2026)
Government prepares roadmap to end monopoly in gas sector
On 05 August, Dawn reported that Pakistan has finalised a roadmap for gas sector transformation aimed at creating a competitive, open and efficient market, with the reform plan set to be submitted to the Prime Minister for approval by the end of August. Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik met with the World Bank Country Director to review the roadmap. The roadmap, developed by the petroleum division with technical support from the World Bank, proposes restructuring and unbundling of Sui companies by separating transmission, distribution, and energy businesses. (“Pakistan to break up gas monopolies,” The Express Tribune, 05 August 2026)
Fuel demand jumps as smuggling crackdown pushes buyers back to legal channels
On 04 August, Dawn reported that Pakistan's Oil Marketing Companies sold 1.5 million tonnes of fuel in July, up 23 per cent year-on-year and 20 per cent month-on-month, the strongest annual growth in 15 months, which Topline Securities' Myesha Sohail attributed mainly to reduced fuel smuggling amid tighter border controls; petrol sales rose 19 per cent year-on-year to 729,000 tonnes and high-speed diesel rose 23 per cent to 624,000 tonnes, even as average petrol prices fell 10 per cent month-on-month to PKR 315 per litre and diesel eased 3 per cent to PKR 343. Sohail projected OMC sales growth of 8-10 per cent for FY27. ("OMCs sales surge," Dawn, 04 August 2026)
Accountability Bureau reports recovery of state assets worth PKR 2.45 trillion during Q2
On 04 August, Dawn reported that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has claimed recovery of state assets worth PKR 2.45 trillion during the second quarter of 2026. NAB described it as a “leap into AI-powered anti-corruption accountability, as NAB has fully transitioned to the E-Office system through paperless and automated processes. The most notable achievement was the recovery of more than 1,078,283 acres of state land in Balochistan, Sindh, Punjab, and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). The total value of direct and indirect recoveries during the second quarter surged to PKR 2.45 trillion, taking NAB’s recovery tally for the first six months of 2026 to PKR 5.41trillion, the highest-ever six-month recovery figure. Furthermore, to meet the training needs of its workforce, the Pakistan Anti-Corruption Academy (PACA) has been fully operationalised as a centre of excellence. (“NAB recovers Rs245tr worth of state assets in second quarter of 2026,” Dawn, 04 August 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Amnesty urges Pakistan to free Imran Khan as he nears three years in detention
On 04 August, The Express Tribune reported that Amnesty International called on the government to release PTI founder Imran Khan ahead of the completion of three years in detention since 5 August 2023, with South Asia Acting Regional Director Isabelle Lassee saying authorities had "systematically denied" him a fair trial, held him in prolonged solitary confinement, and blocked family visits for over eight months and legal counsel access for both him and his wife Bushra Bibi since December 2025; the statement urged authorities to restore family and legal access, provide adequate medical care, end the solitary confinement it called unlawful, and permit peaceful protests planned to mark the anniversary. The appeal follows similar concerns raised last week by UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Alice Jill Edwards over Khan's untreated eye condition, amid the couple's ongoing 17-year sentence in the Toshakhana-II case. ("Amnesty calls on govt to release Imran ahead of third full year of detention," The Express Tribune, 04 August 2026)
On 05 August, Dawn reported that PTI will stage countrywide protests to mark three years since founder Imran Khan's imprisonment and demand his release, with a Peshawar public meeting as the centrepiece of the campaign attended by CM Sohail Afridi, while Rawalpindi's district administration rejected a Liaquat Bagh rally citing security concerns and Youm-i-Istehsal-i-Kashmir observances, prompting PTI to instead protest at Liaquat Bagh, Murree Road and other parts of the city despite the denial; PTI said protests would remain peaceful and urged supporters from the February 8 elections to turn out nationwide. Separately, Imran Khan's sisters and PTI lawyers were denied a meeting with him at Adiala Jail on Tuesday, and PTI leaders alleged nine party workers were arrested in Rawalpindi ahead of the demonstrations. ("PTI all set to 'take to streets' for Imran's release today," Dawn, 05 August 2026)
Goods transporters threaten nationwide strike from 08 August over diesel prices, taxes
On 04 August, Dawn reported that the All Pakistan Goods Transporters Alliance announced a nationwide wheel-jam strike from 8 August unless the government addresses its demands, citing a financial crisis driven by repeated diesel price hikes and higher taxes; the alliance is seeking fuel prices restored to July 2024 levels, a cut in withholding tax on cargo transporters from 7 to 2 per cent, withdrawal of a Finance Act 2026 provision allowing vehicle confiscation over non-duty-paid goods, uniform axle-load enforcement at loading points rather than on roads, and a shift from daily to fortnightly or monthly diesel price revisions. Alliance president Muhammad Owais Chaudhry said repeated appeals to the government had brought no progress, while leaders said the strike would be peaceful, with vehicles parked rather than highways blocked, though one leader warned a prolonged shutdown could disrupt imports, exports and essential goods. ("Transporters demand lower taxes and diesel prices, threaten wheel-jam strike from Aug 8," Dawn, 04 August 2026)
New rules mandate NOC for foreign journalists reporting outside Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore
On 04 August, Dawn reported that all foreign media personnel accredited with Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will now require a no-objection certificate from its External Publicity Wing to travel outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi for news coverage, under newly issued Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines, 2026, with a three-day NOC turnaround available for leisure trips to Abbottabad and Murree; the guidelines cover all foreign print, electronic, digital and social media outlets, requiring journalists, fixers, sponsors and facilitating companies to register through an online portal, with registration cards issuable within seven working days and full accreditation taking four to six weeks. Accreditation comes in permanent (annual) and temporary (up to three months) categories, and cardholders must produce their card on demand and surrender it upon a change of role or organisation. ("All foreign media personnel to require NOC from info ministry for news coverage outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi," Dawn, 04 August 2026)
SECURITY
KP: Security forces kill several terrorists during intelligence-based operations
On 05 August, The Express Tribune reported that security forces killed several terrorists during intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Lakki Marwat as part of the Azm-e-Istehkam vision. Security forces also destroyed multiple terrorist hideouts during the operations, with a large cache of weapons, ammunition, and other equipment recovered from the slain terrorists. The operations were conducted with measures in place to ensure the safety of civilians and prevent any harm to the local population. The IBOs came two days after a suicide bombing outside Kabal Police Station in Swat left 17 people dead, including seven police personnel. 27 others were left injured. The attacker reportedly attempted to enter the police station but detonated explosives at the main gate after being stopped by an officer. (“Several terrorists killed in Lakki ops,” The Express Tribune, 05 August 2026)
Punjab: Crime Control Department kills two wanted criminals in Faisalabad
On 05 August, The Express Tribune reported that two suspected robbers wanted in dozens of criminal cases were killed in separate alleged encounters with the Crime Control Department (CCD) in Faisalabad. CCD Lyallpur Town In-charge and CCD Iqbal Division In-charge were conducting a raid to arrest proclaimed offenders and other wanted suspects when armed men allegedly opened fire on the police team. An exchange of gunfire ensued, during which Aftab alias Tabi, the alleged leader of the "Billa Gang" and a suspect wanted in multiple robbery and motorcycle-snatching cases, was critically injured by gunfire allegedly fired by his own accomplices. (“Two wanted suspects killed in CCD encounters,” The Express Tribune, 05 August 2026)
ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY
Pakistan unveils roadmap for 90 per cent clean electricity by 2035
On 05 August, The Express Tribune reported that Federal Minister for Power Awais Leghari unveiled an ambitious roadmap to raise clean electricity's share in Pakistan's power mix from around 55 per cent to 90 per cent by 2035. Addressing the Solar, Storage and Flexibility 2026 Conference, Leghari said Pakistan had entered a new energy era with nearly 38 gigawatts of distributed solar capacity installed on rooftops through consumer-led investment, but warned that without major investments in battery storage and grid infrastructure, renewable targets would remain unrealised. He also revealed that restrictions under Pakistan's International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme were preventing the government from introducing a time-of-use tariff that would allow electricity prices to reflect actual hourly generation costs. ("Govt unveils plan for 90% clean electricity," The Express Tribune, 05 August 2026)
CDF Munir visits NDMA to review monsoon disaster preparedness
On 04 August, The Express Tribune reported that Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visited the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) headquarters to review Pakistan's monsoon disaster preparedness. He was briefed on the authority's technology-enabled response mechanisms, including the Disaster Lens 2026 multi-hazard monitoring system. Field Marshal Munir emphasised the importance of inter-agency coordination and swift response and reaffirmed the armed forces' full support to civil authorities for relief, rescue and rehabilitation operations as fresh monsoon rains were forecast for northern and central Pakistan. ("Munir underscores disaster preparedness, inter-agency coordination during NDMA visit," The Express Tribune, 04 August 2026)
POK
"AJK" elections: PPP and IPP lead in Muzaffarabad constituencies amid rigging claims
On 04 August, Dawn reported that unofficial results from two "Azad Jammu and Kashmir" ("AJK") constituencies in Muzaffarabad division, where polling had been delayed due to landslides and bad weather, showed PPP's Syed Bazil Ali Naqvi set to retain LA-28, and Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party's (IPP) Sardar Tabarak Ali leading in LA-27. The PPP levelled multiple rigging complaints against the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), claiming polling staff were found with ballot papers at a PML-N supporter's home. Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry rejected the allegations and dismissed PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's criticism, saying leaders should show grace in defeat. The third and final phase of the "AJK" elections is scheduled for 10 August in the Poonch division. ("AJK elections: PPP, IPP ahead in two Muzaffarabad constituencies," Dawn, 04 August 2026)
PAKISTAN AND THE US-IRAN WAR
Pakistan and Qatar finalising draft agreement to reopen Strait of Hormuz, reports The Express Tribune
On 04 August, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistani and Qatari mediators were finalising a draft agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after intensive indirect talks with the US, Iran, Oman and regional partners. Sources said the proposed document would see Iran reopen the waterway in exchange for the US lifting its blockade of Iranian ports, paving the way for renewed direct US-Iran negotiations. However, disagreements remain over shipping tolls and navigation arrangements, with mediators seeking a compromise.
US officials expressed optimism that a Hormuz agreement could be reached "very shortly", while Qatar confirmed mediators were coordinating closely despite no fixed timeline, according to The Express Tribune. The developments came as tensions persisted across the region, with a cargo ship struck near the Strait of Hormuz, Yemen’s Houthis claiming a drone attack on a Saudi airport, and Iran reiterating that it had no intention of widening the conflict while insisting on protecting its territorial integrity. ("Pakistan, Qatar preparing document for reopening Hormuz amid indirect US-Iran contacts: sources," The Express Tribune, 04 August 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Politics & governance
Zahid Hussain, “Unravelling order,” Dawn, 05 August 2026
"It is not so much what he said as who said it. We all know that the existing political system has failed to deliver, but that admission coming from the all-powerful interior minister raises many questions. Mohsin Naqvi is himself a product of a system whose legitimacy he is now questioning. His statement points to the unravelling of the hybrid arrangement. What he said cannot be dismissed as merely his personal views, given his perceived association with the powers that be."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2020708/unravelling-order
Tahsin Shah, “Rethinking governance in Pakistan,” Dawn, 05 August 2026
“Every few years, Pakistan revisits the debate on creating new provinces. The interior minister’s recent proposal to establish smaller administrative units has again raised an important question. Yet the real issue is not how many provinces Pakistan should have. It is whether government is close enough to serve its citizens effectively. Administrative boundaries matter only because they influence how quickly people receive education, healthcare, justice, infrastructure and disaster relief. If governance remains distant and unresponsive, merely redrawing maps won’t improve lives."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2020707/rethinking-governance-in-pakistan
Gaza
Mahir Ali, “Gaza: what hope?” Dawn, 05 August 2026
“Only an unreasonably optimistic worldview could persuade anyone to view last week’s announcements about the Gaza Strip as a ‘breakthrough’. Hamas might have agreed to put away its weapons, but that’s contingent on Israel’s withdrawal from the occupied territory. Its armed forces control more than 70 per cent of the Strip, and says it won’t budge until Hamas ‘completely’ disarms. At best, this is a recipe merely for prolonging the status quo that followed last year’s so-called ceasefire, which has been violated more or less daily by the Israel Defence Forces, with nary an objection from Donald Trump’s ridiculous Board of Peace (BoP). One can just about imagine a scenario in which the graduated disarmament of not just Hamas but also Israeli-sponsored factions in the territory is accompanied by a reciprocal IDF pullout.|
https://www.dawn.com/news/2020704/gaza-what-hope
Health
Editorial, “Preventable deaths,” The Express Tribune, 03 August 2026
“The deaths of 144 children from measles and diphtheria in Karachi during the first seven months of the year expose a grave failure of routine immunisation. That failure is evident in the large number of children who receive their earliest vaccines but are never brought back for the doses needed to complete their protection. Officials may cite a decline in reported cases, but that offers little comfort when hospitals continue to record such a devastating toll."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2020701/preventable-deaths
Environment
Editorial, “Bracing for the rains,” The Express Tribune, 04 August 2026
“According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, most of Pakistan has experienced either near normal or below normal rainfall in the month of June. For a country that battles urban flooding and increased fatalities during the monsoon season every year, this should've been a major relief. But despite lower averages, 126 people tragically lost their lives due to heavy rains in just a single week towards the end of July. Whether this implicates the country's capacity for dealing with natural disasters is a question the government will once again evade."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2621880/bracing-for-the-rains
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