|
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye expected to sign joint defence pact, reports The News International
On 07 August, The News International reported that Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye are expected to sign a trilateral defence agreement during a summit in Saudi Arabia aimed at strengthening regional security cooperation amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir are expected to hold talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an is also expected to participate. Discussions are expected to focus on defence cooperation, bilateral ties and regional stability, alongside Pakistan's continued diplomatic efforts to support de-escalation in the Middle East.
The summit follows Prime Minister Shehbaz's three-day visit to Saudi Arabia, during which he will also perform Umrah and visit Madina, with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar joining after his Jordan visit, as reported by Dawn on 06 August. The proposed trilateral agreement would build on the Pakistan-Saudi Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed in 2025 and comes as Islamabad expands security coordination with Gulf partners, including backing Saudi Arabia's proposed multinational maritime coalition to safeguard Red Sea shipping amid heightened regional tensions.
(“Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye to sign joint defence pact amid Middle East tensions: reports,” The News International, 07 August 2026; "PM Shehbaz arrives in Saudi Arabia on 3-day visit," Dawn, 06 August 2026)
Pakistan and Iran agree to expand power imports past 100MW as second transmission line advances
On 07 August, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan and Iran agreed to strengthen energy cooperation, with work on a second cross-border transmission line set to begin soon and talks underway to expand the existing 100MW electricity supply arrangement, following a meeting between Federal Energy Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari and Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghaddam; Leghari said Gwadar's growth depends on reliable power and that Iranian imports would remain part of long-term planning as demand there rises, while also flagging network reliability gaps requiring further transmission investment. Moghaddam said bilateral trade is expected to reach around USD four billion by year-end and expressed Iran's interest in routing more of its trade through Pakistani ports, while Pakistani institutions including CPPA-G, QESCO, and NGC are to be invited to the upcoming Pakistan-Iran Joint Commission session in Tehran. ("Pakistan, Iran to increase power imports beyond 100MW," The Express Tribune, 07 August 2026)
US pushes agri-tech cooperation, citing USD 1.5 billion in 2025 farm exports to Pakistan
On 07 August, The Express Tribune reported that US Chargé d'Affaires Natalie A Baker said American agricultural innovation could help modernise Pakistan's farm sector, which contributes nearly a quarter of GDP, at a Direct Line webinar organised by the Business Council for International Understanding with the US Embassy and Commerce Department; she highlighted opportunities in precision agriculture, irrigation, digital farm management and cold chain logistics, noting US agricultural exports to Pakistan exceeded USD 1.5 billion in 2025, while Pakistani participants outlined measures to facilitate imports of US soybeans, cotton and planting seeds. The webinar previewed the Commerce Department's Certified Agricultural Technologies Trade Mission to Pakistan, scheduled for 26-30 October. ("US seeks to deepen agri-tech partnership," The Express Tribune, 07 August 2026)
CDF Munir welcomes Somali defence delegation, pledges deeper security cooperation
On 06 August, Dawn reported that Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir met a high-level Somali defence delegation led by Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi at GHQ Rawalpindi, discussing regional security dynamics and reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to supporting Somalia's security apparatus and deepening military-to-military ties; the visit followed separate meetings a day earlier with Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf on maritime security cooperation and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu on capacity building, with the Somali minister praising Pakistan Navy and PAF contributions to regional stability. The engagement builds on a January agreement between Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Somali counterpart to strengthen cooperation on training, border management, disaster response, and counterterrorism. ("CDF Munir discusses enhancement of defence, security cooperation with Somalia: ISPR," Dawn, 06 August 2026)
Pakistan and seven Muslim nations renew condemnation of Israeli conduct in Gaza and West Bank
On 06 August, Dawn reported that Pakistan joined Egypt, Turkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE in a joint statement condemning Israeli violations in Gaza, particularly the targeting of healthcare facilities and civilian infrastructure, calling it a breach of international humanitarian law that undermined the second phase of Trump's 2025 peace plan after Palestinian factions had accepted it; the ministers linked the violence to settler attacks and settlement expansion in the West Bank and unilateral moves altering the "status quo" in occupied Jerusalem, rejecting any annexation or forced displacement and reiterating a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. The statement followed Wednesday's Amman ministerial, where Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Israel "has no sovereignty" over East Jerusalem and held separate bilateral talks with the Turkish, Algerian, Egyptian, and Jordanian foreign ministers on the deteriorating West Bank situation. ("Pakistan, 7 other Muslim countries once again condemn Israeli violations in Gaza Strip: FO," Dawn, 06 August 2026)
ECONOMY
Special Investment Council eyes medical tourism growth in Pakistan
On 07 August, The News International reported that the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) is consulting experts on developing Pakistan's medical tourism sector, citing projections that the global market will grow from approximately USD 144.5 billion in 2024 to USD 704.8 billion by 2033, at an annual growth rate of over 19 per cent. Experts said Pakistan could capitalise on this expansion by offering medical procedures at 60 to 90 per cent lower costs than many Western countries while maintaining internationally recognised standards of care. They also identified Afghanistan, Central Asia, the Gulf, and the Pakistani diaspora in the UK and Canada as key target markets due to geographic proximity, cultural ties, and shared languages. (“Pakistan eyes a slice in global multi-billion dollar medical market,” The News International, 07 August 2026)
State Bank reserves edge up to USD 17.04 billion
On 07 August, The Express Tribune reported that the State Bank of Pakistan's (SBP) foreign exchange reserves increased by USD 13 million to USD 17.04 billion during the week ending 31 July, taking the country's total liquid foreign exchange reserves to USD 22.47 billion, including USD 5.43 billion held by commercial banks. The SBP did not specify the reason for the increase, while the reserves provide an import cover of 2.51 months. The central bank expects its reserves to reach USD 20.2 billion by December 2026, supported by stronger remittances and official inflows. Meanwhile, domestic gold prices rose sharply in line with global market movements before easing later in the day. (“SBP reserves rise $13m,” The Express Tribune, 07 August 2026)
Development Working Party clears development projects worth PKR 253 billion
On 07 August, The Express Tribune reported that the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) approved seven development projects worth PKR 252.97 billion, including four projects worth PKR 12.44 billion, while referring three major initiatives worth PKR 240.54 billion to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval. The referred projects include the Pakistan Space Centre (PKR 37.13 billion), the Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme (K-IV) Phase I (PKR 171.81 billion), and the Lahore Water and Waste Water Management Project (PKR 31.59 billion). The CDWP also approved four higher education projects, with Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal directing stricter oversight, cost rationalisation, and greater transparency in project implementation. (“CDWP approves Space Centre project among others,” The Express Tribune, 07 August 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Government renews dialogue offer to PTI
On 07 August, The Express Tribune reported that the government renewed its invitation for dialogue with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), saying Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's offer to Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai remained open and that talks could be held at a venue proposed by the opposition. The offer followed a meeting between National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and PTI Chief Whip Amir Dogar. Leaders of the PTI-aligned opposition, the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), welcomed the government's flexibility on the venue but reiterated that negotiations could only proceed after they were allowed to meet jailed party founder Imran Khan, describing such access as an essential confidence-building measure before formal talks begin. (“Govt renews talks offer to PTI,” The Express Tribune, 07 August 2026)
Jamaat-i-Islami plans nationwide protests over petroleum levy
On 07 August, Dawn reported that Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman announced peaceful sit-ins at 510 locations across Pakistan on 08 August to protest the petroleum levy, warning that any attempt to obstruct the demonstrations would escalate into an anti-government movement. Speaking at a rally in Lahore, Rehman demanded that petrol prices be reduced to PKR 225 per litre, describing the petroleum levy as "extortion" and accusing the government of burdening citizens while maintaining excessive state spending. He also criticised the government's economic policies, alleged excessive reliance on the IMF, and urged supporters nationwide to join the demonstrations while keeping them peaceful. (“'Enough is enough': Jamaat-i-Islami announces 510 nationwide sit-ins against the petroleum levy,” Dawn, 07 August 2026)
SECURITY
Balochistan: Security forces kill 12 terrorists in Washuk and Mastung operations
On 06 August, Dawn reported that security forces killed 12 terrorists in two intelligence-based operations under the “Radul Fitna” counterterrorism campaign, with six killed after their movement was tracked in Washuk district on 05 August and six more killed in Mastung the following day, where a terrorist hideout was also destroyed; the operations follow last Wednesday's killing of eight militants in Nushki district and come amid a sharp deterioration in Balochistan's security situation, with a Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) assessment recording a 109 per cent rise in terrorist attacks in the province in May, alongside 52 of 54 nationwide abductions that month occurring there. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said operations would continue under the “Azm-i-Istehkam” vision approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan. ("Security forces kill 12 terrorists in Balochistan's Mastung, Washuk IBOs: ISPR," Dawn, 06 August 2026)
SOCIETY
Pakistan reported 1914 cases of child abuse in first half of the year, report finds
On 06 August, Dawn reported that child protection NGO Sahil documented 1,914 child abuse cases across Pakistan during the first six months of 2026, including 1,015 cases of child sexual abuse, 558 abductions, 101 missing children, 35 child marriages, and 98 pornography-related cases following sexual abuse. Girls accounted for 58 per cent of victims, while children aged 11-15 were the most affected. Punjab recorded 80 per cent of reported cases, followed by Sindh with 15 per cent. The report also found that 43 per cent of perpetrators were known to the victims, 45 per cent of incidents occurred at victims' homes, and 89 per cent of cases were registered with the police. (“Over 1,900 cases of child abuse reported in first half of the year: report,” Dawn, 06 August 2026)
ON INDIA
Pakistan rejects India's remarks on “AJK” elections
On 06 August, Dawn reported that Pakistan rejected India's criticism of the ongoing “Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)” elections, with Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Tahir Andrabi saying New Delhi had "neither the standing nor the moral authority" to comment on the democratic process. Responding to India's description of the polls as a "farce", Andrabi said the elections were being conducted peacefully and transparently in line with “AJK’s” constitutional framework. He also criticised India's 05 August, 2019 revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status as illegal under international law, reaffirmed Pakistan's support for a UN-administered plebiscite, and accused New Delhi of using misleading narratives to deflect attention from alleged human rights violations in Kashmir. (“FO slams India's remarks on AJK polls, says it has no 'standing or moral authority' to comment on process,” Dawn, 06 August 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Afghanistan-Pakistan
Editorial, “Terrorist havens,” Dawn, 07 August 2026
"Despite the use of both carrots and sticks by the international community, the Afghan Taliban refuse to cut their ties to terrorist groups such as the TTP. This poses a particular problem to Afghanistan’s neighbours, including Pakistan, which has borne the brunt of terrorist violence ever since the Taliban’s return to Kabul in 2021."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2021155/terrorist-havens
PoK
Editorial, “AJK goes to PML-N,” The Express Tribune, 06 August 2026
“The PML-N is poised to form its government in AJK as the state awaits the third and final leg of polling on August 10. Following the first two phases of the election, the PPP stands as the runner-up with 10 seats in the 53-member legislature. The PML-N secured 24 seats based on a relentless pro-development campaign, though its victory was marred by claims that state machinery and influence were misused. The polls, however, saw the weakest turnout in the state's history. This dip came on the heels of an ongoing protest by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which is demanding an end to elite governance culture, fundamental rights for citizens, and primarily, the abolition of the 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees inside Pakistan."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2020707/rethinking-governance-in-pakistan
Politics & governance
Syed Jalal Hussain, “A system fluent in collapse,” The Express Tribune, 07 August 2026
“There is a particular Pakistani ritual that outsiders struggle to understand. A senior official stands at a podium in front of the very people who have run the country for decades, and announces that the country is broken. The audience nods. Some clap. Everyone stays exactly where they are. The diagnosis is delivered, absorbed, applauded, and everyone returns to running the thing just declared unrunnable. This is theatre with a policy vocabulary, dressed up as reform."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622474/a-system-fluent-in-collapse
Health
Salma Khan, “Pakistan’s privacy debate,” Dawn, 07 August 2026
“Pakistan’s Personal Data Protection Bill remains important; eventually the country will need a comprehensive legal framework governing personal data across both sectors. But waiting for that moment risks overlooking what has already happened this week. The National Data Governance Policy doesn’t answer every privacy question in Pakistan, it was never meant to. What it signals is that data governance no longer waits for parliament. For much of the technology sector, it’s already arriving through the contracts they sign, the systems they build and the information they’re trusted to handle. That is a change worth paying attention to, regardless of when Pakistan’s long-awaited privacy law finally arrives."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2021159/pakistans-privacy-debate
Environment
Editorial, “Mineral wealth,” Dawn, 07 August 2026
“Growing American interest in Pakistan’s critical minerals is no longer speculative. According to US diplomats, American companies are actively examining several mineral projects here as part of Washington’s push to diversify mineral supply chains away from China. That interest has already produced a $500m agreement between the two countries and approval of $1.3bn in US financing for Reko Diq. For Pakistan, the opportunity extends beyond capital inflows. Its mineral wealth can attract new technologies, diversify exports and generate employment. That outcome depends on treating these resources as long-term national assets rather than items to be signed away in closed rooms."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2021154/mineral-wealth
|
