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In Focus
Supreme Court orders Imran Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital
Imran’s sister meets him in Adiala Jail after nine months; PTI welcomes ruling as Law Minister says government to ask for review
On 18 August, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that the Supreme Court directed the government to transfer jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan to Islamabad’s Shifa International Hospital within two days for medical examination and treatment. The court ordered a medical board comprising specialists, while allowing Khan’s personal physician and sister to participate in his care. It also directed authorities to facilitate weekly family meetings and twice-weekly phone calls with his sons. The ruling also enabled Khan’s sister, Noreen Niazi, to meet him at Adiala Jail for the first time in nine months. PTI welcomed the ruling, while some government ministers criticised aspects of the decision.
The ruling followed petitions seeking Khan’s hospitalisation, access to family members, lawyers, and personal doctors. The court said incarceration does not remove a prisoner’s right to humane treatment and necessary medical care, while ordering the government to submit Khan’s complete medical records at the next hearing. The court also directed authorities to ensure security at the hospital and barred PTI supporters from holding gatherings on its premises.
The ruling was welcomed by PTI leaders, lawyers, and several journalists, who described it as a "very good development" and urged the government to implement it without delay. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the government would honour the order, while Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said it would seek a review. The decision comes after months of disputes over Khan’s health and access to visitors, with the former premier imprisoned at Adiala Jail since August 2023. (“SC orders moving jailed ex-PM Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital for medical checkup,” Dawn, 18 August 2026; “Imran Khan's sister Noreen Niazi meets him at Rawalpindi's Adiala jail,” Dawn, 18 August 2026; “Law minister signals review as cabinet colleague vows to honour SC’s Imran hospital order,” The Express Tribune, 18 August 2026; “‘A very good development’: SC decision to transfer Imran to hospital widely welcomed,” Dawn, 18 August 2026)
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Foreign Minister praises momentum of Pakistan-Russia ties
On 18 August, The Express Tribune reported that, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar “appreciated the positive momentum in bilateral ties” between Islamabad and Moscow. In a meeting between Dar and Russia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Albert Khorev, Dar emphasised that dialogue and diplomacy were the only way forward for resolving differences, noted the importance of continued cooperation in key areas, and called for sustained high-level exchanges to further strengthen Pakistan-Russia relations. (“FM Dar welcomes 'positive momentum' in Islamabad-Moscow relations,” The Express Tribune, 18 August 2026)
Syrian Foreign Minister to visit Pakistan, a first in two decades
On 19 August, The Express Tribune reported that Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani is expected to undertake a two-day visit to Islamabad. This reportedly marks the first visit by Syria’s FM to Pakistan in nearly two decades, and the first visit since Bashar al-Assad's regime. According to sources, he is set to arrive in Pakistan on 19 August. During his stay, he is reportedly expected to hold talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and other senior Pakistani officials. (“Syrian FM to visit Islamabad,” The Express Tribune, 19 August 2026)
Saudi Arabia seizes 5000 Pakistani passports allegedly obtained from Afghan nationals
On 19 August, The Express Tribune reported that Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry told the National Assembly that 5,000 Pakistani passports had been seized in Saudi Arabia. These individuals reportedly obtained these passports from Afghan nationals. Chaudhry stated that the government was prepared to provide details of every passport seized or scrutinised, adding that reforms had already been introduced to improve the system and reduce the time required for passport issuance. He further stated that the government was working with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to provide passport services at all its centres. Additionally, he noted that criminal cases had also been registered against officials found facilitating passport agents and that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had arrested more than 100 agents in related operations over the past month. (“5,000 Pakistani passports seized in Saudi Arabia,” The Express Tribune, 19 August 2026)
UK’s Northumbria University and Pakistan’s University of Kamalia to work on a clean-energy project
On 18 August, Dawn reported that the UK’s Northumbria University and Pakistan’s University of Kamalia have decided to work on a GBP 1.25 million clean-energy project to transform crop waste into cheap industrial fuel. This is reportedly to solve the problem that farmers in Punjab are burning vast quantities of cotton stalks, sugarcane residue, and other agricultural waste in open fields, aggravating the region’s air quality. The universities will work towards solving this issue by diverting this biomass into a commercially viable alternative to fossil fuels. This partnership is under Innovate UK’s Energy Catalyst Round 11, an initiative of the UK government’s International Science Partnerships Programme. The SAFER PLUS project, formally inaugurated in July, will use a controlled thermal conversion process at a demonstrator plant in Kamalia to turn cotton stalks, sugarcane residue, and other agricultural waste into bio-coal, wood vinegar, and gas. The resulting bio-coal pellets are intended to replace imported coal in brick kilns and textile boilers, with estimates suggesting a 40 to 50 per cent reduction in fuel costs. The plant is expected to have a capacity of 10 to 12 tonnes; three Pakistani textile manufacturers have agreed to test the bio-coal in their boilers, and the project is expected to create around 150 local jobs. Additionally, the initiative reportedly includes a women-led biomass supply chain, with more than 120 households expected to receive regular income from collecting crop residue. (“UK, Pakistani varsities join hands for bio-fuel project,” Dawn, 18 August 2026)
ECONOMY
PM Shehbaz inaugurates first Google office in Pakistan
On 18 August, Dawn reported that Google inaugurated its Pakistan office at a ceremony at the Prime Minister's House, with PM Shehbaz Sharif hosting a delegation led by the company's Global Affairs VP Wilson L. White and telling them Pakistan's digital transformation and youth bulge offered "great scope" for partnership; White called the visit a "big milestone" after over a decade of Google investment in the country, praised Shehbaz's goal of a USD 30 billion IT export hub, and said Google would keep investing in people, export-hardware manufacturing and local businesses, alongside a plan to make Gemini subscriptions free for Pakistani students for a year. Google Pakistan cluster director Farhan Qureshi said the office builds on the company's Chromebook assembly-line partnership and past upskilling of more than a million teachers, students, developers, and creators, work the company says has supported PKR 3.9 trillion in economic benefits and sustained 965,000 jobs, and follows this year's joint 'AI Seekho 2026' initiative to teach young Pakistanis AI skills through vibe coding. ("'Big milestone': Google's local office inaugurated in Pakistan," Dawn, 18 August 2026)
Power Division defends circular debt jump
On 19 August, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan's Power Division said the 709 per cent rise in Gross Circular Debt Flow in FY26 needs to be read against one-time LPI waivers, K-Electric's payment shortfall and prior-year adjustments, noting the actual flow came in at PKR 364 billion, below the PKR 400 billion target; a spokesperson said K-Electric's shortfall alone accounted for roughly PKR 194 billion of the flow and drove about PKR 61 billion of the rise in circular debt stock, calling it "fundamentally a payment and cash-flow issue rather than a deterioration in DISCO operational performance." The division pointed to progress on the bigger picture too, saying the circular debt stock stood at PKR 1,675 billion as of 30 June 2026, down PKR 718 billion from PKR 2,393 billion two years earlier. ("Gross debt flow in FY 2025-26 was Rs364b against Rs400b target," The Express Tribune, 19 August 2026)
Petroleum Division lays out plan to chip away at PKR 3.6 trillion gas-sector debt
On 19 August, The Express Tribune reported that the Petroleum Division presented the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE), chaired by PM Shehbaz Sharif, a settlement plan targeting PKR 1.49 trillion of the gas sector's PKR 3.6 trillion circular debt, which comprises a PKR 1.8 trillion principal and PKR 1.7 trillion in late payment surcharge. The plan also draws PKR 540 billion from incremental dividends of the Oil & Gas Development Company (OGDC), Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), and Government Holdings, PKR 270 billion from a PKR 5-per-litre petroleum development levy on fuel sales, PKR 590 billion from cutting back LNG cargoes in favour of natural gas, and smaller sums from LNG price recovery and take-or-pay claims. Officials pointed to gas utilities diverting costly LNG, some of it bought on the spot market at up to USD 19 per mmBtu after the US-Iran war disrupted Qatari supply, as a key driver of the debt, which has mainly hit exploration firms like OGDC and PPL since Sui companies drew gas they couldn't pay for; separately at the same meeting, the CCoE approved amendments to the National Electricity Plan 2023-2027 and signed off on the high-level design of a National Integrated Energy Plan running to 2060, built around energy, economics, equity and environment. ("Ministry unveils debt clearance plan," The Express Tribune, 19 August 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
PM Shehbaz Sharif calls for the digitalisation of all government records
On 18 August, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the digitalisation of the entire government record to facilitate citizens in accessing government services. While presiding over a meeting of the National Information Technology Board (NITB), he stated that “All relevant institutions should work in an integrated manner to ensure the timely, transparent and convenient delivery of digital services to citizens,” calling it a “top priority” of the government. Additionally, he noted the importance of the transition of federal ministries to e-office, stating that this must be ensured across all state departments and state-owned enterprises of the federal government. PM Shehbaz expressed criticism over delays in the completion of the Islamabad Technology Park, adding that “The Islamabad Technology Park should be fully outsourced for its operation.” (“PM Shehbaz orders full digitalisation of govt records,” Dawn, 18 August 2026)
Jamaat-i-Islami warns of nationwide strike if petrol price hike not withdrawn
On 18 August, Dawn reported that the Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan (JI) leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman stated that the party would announce a countrywide strike if the increase in petrol and diesel prices was not withdrawn immediately. While addressing a press conference on the third day of the party’s sit-in at the Punjab CM’s house, Rehman said that the public could no longer bear the increase in the cost of living. He stated that the government should reduce fuel prices, abolish the petroleum levy, and bring the price of petrol down to PKR 225 per litre, adding that women and lawyers would join the ongoing protests. Additionally, he criticised costly agreements with independent power producers (IPP’s), demanding that IPP’s should be shut down. Rehman also condemned declining education, health, and agriculture standards in Punjab and Sindh, criticising the country’s political system and saying that the parties PML-N, PPP, and MQM-P were benefiting from the existing political setup. (“JI warns of countrywide strike if recent petrol price hike not withdrawn,” Dawn, 18 August 2026)
SECURITY
Balochistan: Over nine terrorists killed in Ziarat, Harnai and Surab under "Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3"
On 18 August, Dawn reported that security forces killed more than nine terrorists in intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Ziarat, Harnai, and Surab districts of Balochistan under "Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3". A major operation was launched in the mountainous area between Ziarat and Harnai after a tip-off, resulting in eight terrorists being killed and their hideout destroyed. In a separate action in Hajika village of Surab district, one more terrorist was killed after security forces traced movement between the Dasht Kitai and Hajika areas. Weapons, ammunition, hand grenades, walkie-talkies, and a motorcycle were recovered from the slain militants. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi commended the operation and said action against all terrorist groups would continue at full pace. ("Over 9 terrorists killed in Balochistan IBOs," Dawn, 18 August 2026)
ENVIRONMENT
Urban flooding risk issued for six Punjab cities as monsoon sixth spell intensifies
On 18 August, Dawn reported that the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned of urban flooding due to possible torrential rains in six major Punjab cities, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Gujrat, within 24 hours. The FFD said the Indus at Kalabagh was likely to remain in low to medium flood, while low-level flooding was expected at Tarbela, Chashma, Taunsa, and Guddu. Rivers Chenab, Ravi, and Kabul were also forecast to experience low-level flooding at several points. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab separately warned of possible urban flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas of Murree and Galiyat from 17 to 20 August. ("Torrential rain forecast puts six Punjab cities on flood watch," Dawn, 18 August 2026)
62 per cent of land in Sindh is barren or marginally cultivable, experts warn
On 19 August, The Express Tribune reported that experts at a seminar in Hyderabad warned that around 62 per cent of Sindh's land had become barren or marginally cultivable, while roughly 61 per cent of its soil was affected by salinity, waterlogging and degradation. The Sindh Zarai Science Society (SZSS) organised the seminar at Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam, where the Soil Fertility Institute's Director, Dr Hafeezullah Babar, said the degradation of natural resources was costing Sindh the equivalent of four to six per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP) every year, citing World Bank estimates. He called for a National Soil Biodiversity Mission and proposed establishing "Living Soil Laboratories" to document and protect the country's largely unexplored soil biodiversity. ("Sindh land in peril: 62% barren or marginally cultivable," The Express Tribune, 19 August 2026)
SOCIETY
Punjab CM announces dates for Basant festival in Lahore
On 18 August, Dawn reported that Lahore’s 2027 Basant festival will be held from 12 March to 14 March 2027. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced the decision following its “successful” return last year after an 18-year hiatus. In December 2025, the Punjab government lifted an 18-year ban on the historic festival, subject to strict regulations under the Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance, 2025. Under the ordinance, police officers of the rank of sub-inspector were empowered to make arrests and conduct searches without warrants based on credible information. Basant Panchami, with ‘panchami’ meaning the fifth day of the lunar month Magh, is a celebration of future crop prosperity, spring, and good luck. Historically, in the 19th century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh held an annual Basant fair and introduced kite flying as a regular feature. The association of kite flying with Basant soon became a tradition centred in Lahore, which remains the regional hub of the festival throughout Punjab even today. (“CM Maryam announces 3-day Basant festival in March 2027 after ‘successful’ return last year,” Dawn, 18 August 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Politics & governance
Zahid Hussain, “Winds of change to where?” Dawn, 19 August 2026
"There is much talk of the ‘winds of change’, but where are they blowing from? Well-briefed sections of the media and well-connected cabinet ministers tell us that some form of administrative restructuring to create new provinces is inevitable, and that it may come sooner rather than later. We are told it is ‘the will of the people’ and that anyone who opposes it will be swept aside. One cannot help but wonder whether it is really the will of the people or that of the powers that be."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2023832/winds-of-change-to-where
Climate change
Editorial, “Climate hits home,” Dawn, 19 August 2026
“The World Meteorological Organisation warns that extreme heat is becoming more frequent, more intense and longer-lasting as the planet warms. For Pakistan, this is all too familiar. This country has long lived on the front line of climate change despite contributing less than 1pc of global greenhouse-gas emissions. The catastrophic floods of 2022 caused more than $30bn in damage and economic losses, while recurring heatwaves, glacial melt, erratic monsoons and drought continue to punish people who did little to create the crisis. There should be no satisfaction in seeing richer societies suffer. But perhaps experiencing climate disruption at home will make governments understand the urgency felt in countries such as Pakistan."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2023834/climate-hits-home
Makkah Agreement
Editorial, “Gulf deadlock,” Dawn, 19 August 2026
“If the past six months have shown anything, it is that the Iranians do not yield to threats. Therefore, asking Tehran to surrender is a non-starter. And, threatening to bomb Oman defies logic. The Gulf sultanate is one of the few states that maintain close ties with both Iran and the US, and can play a crucial role in taking the diplomatic process forward."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2023835/gulf-deadlock
Society
Ali M Mir, “Family planning and social norms,” The Express Tribune, 19 August 2026
“Pakistan's family planning challenge extends beyond access to contraceptives. Deeply entrenched social norms, limited decision-making space, and constraints on women's agency remain major barriers to couples achieving their desired family size."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624614/family-planning-and-social-norms
Economy
Editorial, “Rightsizing desired,” The Express Tribune, 19 August 2026
“Downsizing the government and cutting down on expenses are essential for ensuring good governance. It goes without saying that we, as a nation, are living beyond our means, and successive governments have only paid lip service to austerity. A Senate Subcommittee on Devolution has flagged two important aspects: first, around Rs6 trillion annually is being wasted on irrelevant ministries and state bodies; and second, the 18th Constitutional Amendment is not being implemented in letter and spirit. This is more than enough to kick-start a debate on the lacunae inherent in our system and how the financial bleeding can be stopped."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624615/rightsizing-desired
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