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In Focus
Political tensions rise after Imran transferred to PIMS instead of Shifa
PTI and Bar Council members criticise government for violating SC order; CTA scan not done due to unavailability
On 23 August, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that the Supreme Court’s order to shift incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital remained at the centre of a dispute between the government and the PTI after he was instead taken to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a medical check-up and returned to Adiala Jail. The Supreme Court had ordered that Imran be examined and treated at Shifa by a multidisciplinary medical board, with his sister Dr Uzma Khan and personal physician Dr Faisal Sultan present. The government challenged the order through a review petition, which was returned by the SC over procedural defects, before filing a fresh review petition. Despite elaborate security arrangements at Shifa, Imran was taken to PIMS on 21 August, where doctors, including specialists from Shifa, examined him and declared him medically fit. The government attributed the last-minute change to security concerns, while the PTI rejected the explanation and accused authorities of violating the court’s directive.
The dispute subsequently widened after reports that a recommended CT Coronary Angiography (CTA) was not conducted during Imran’s PIMS visit. The PTI said a PIMS cardiologist had recommended the test on 01 August because of fluctuating blood pressure, palpitations, headaches, and the risk of cardiac complications, but claimed hospital officials said the required facility was unavailable despite a functional CT scanner at PIMS. The party demanded that the test be conducted immediately at Shifa under the supervision of independent specialists and Imran’s personal doctors, along with the release of his complete medical records. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meanwhile formed an inquiry committee to establish why the CTA had not been performed, adding another layer to the controversy over the handling of Imran’s treatment.
The government, however, maintained that it had complied with the Supreme Court’s order and accused the PTI of violating the court’s restrictions on politicising Imran’s health. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar argued that Imran had been examined transparently at PIMS, with his sister present and Shifa doctors involved, and said the decision to divert him from Shifa was driven by security concerns. The PTI and its lawyers disputed this, with Imran’s sister Dr Uzma filing a contempt petition over the hospital transfer and eight members of the Pakistan Bar Council condemning what they called the government’s “blatant, wilful and deliberate violation” of the SC order. The vice chairman of the PBC, however, stressed that the statement represented only the views of those eight members and not the council as a whole, underscoring the growing legal and political dispute over the implementation of the court’s directive. (“PTI demands CT coronary angiography for Imran at Shifa International Hospital,” The Express Tribune, 23 August 2026; “Govt blames PTI for 'violating' SC order, says family committed contempt by issuing statements,” Dawn, 22 August 2026; “8 Pakistan Bar Council members condemn govt's 'wilful disregard' of SC order on Imran's hospital transfer,” Dawn, 22 August 2026; “PTI demands Imran's CT angiography be conducted at Shifa International Hospital,” Dawn, 23 August 2026)
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Pakistan and Malaysia to set up joint working group on security, migration and cybercrime
On 23 August, Dawn reported that Pakistan and Malaysia agreed to form a joint working group between their interior ministries covering counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, cybercrime and illegal immigration, following talks between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Malaysian Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who also agreed to boost cooperation between their national police academies and ease tourism and visa procedures; Naqvi said an expanded work quota for Pakistanis would let more travel to Malaysia legally, and both sides agreed a high-level Pakistani delegation would visit soon. Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari met the Malaysian minister and called for deepening the two countries' strategic alliance, stressing the need for joint action against human trafficking and migrant smuggling networks and welcoming progress on internal security, immigration and legal cooperation. ("Pakistan, Malaysia agree on joint working group, security cooperation," Dawn, 23 August 2026)
CDF Munir heads to Tehran as Pakistan steps up mediation amid fresh US sanctions threat
On 23 August, Dawn reported that Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir will visit Tehran on Monday to meet senior Iranian officials, Iran's foreign ministry said, in a trip aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and continuing Pakistan's mediation role in the region; the visit coincides with a planned US announcement on what officials have called the "toughest sanctions in history" against Iran, whose oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz are already near a standstill amid its threats to strike unauthorised tankers, and comes as President Trump warns of economic consequences for any country offering Iran a "lifeline." Pakistan has led mediation between Washington and Tehran since the war began in February, brokering an April 8 ceasefire, hosting direct US-Iran talks days later, and helping produce the Islamabad MoU signed in Geneva on 17 June, with Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi having made repeated visits to Iran even as hostilities have since resumed. ("CDF Munir to visit Tehran on Monday, says Iranian foreign ministry," Dawn, 23 August 2026)
Foreign Minister in London ahead of four-day UK visit
On 23 August, Dawn reported that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in the UK ahead of a four-day official visit starting Monday, during which he'll meet UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, raise the case of Pakistani crew held by Somali pirates aboard the MT Honour 25 with the IMO's secretary-general, and meet Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey along with British parliamentarians and the Pakistani diaspora. The trip builds on July's trade-deepening talks and June's counterterrorism and migration cooperation agreement between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and UK officials. ("Dar arrives in UK ahead of official visit starting on Monday," Dawn, 23 August 2026)
ISI Chief meets Bahrain's crown prince to affirm security ties, reports Dawn
On 23 August, Dawn reported that ISI chief Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik met Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa at Riffa Palace, where the crown prince affirmed the depth of bilateral relations and praised Pakistan's "critical role, alongside its allies, in strengthening regional security and stability," with senior Bahraini officials including the finance minister and deputy interior minister also present. The meeting follows a phone call two weeks ago in which Bahrain's foreign minister congratulated Pakistan on the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and signalled plans to visit, and June's visit by Bahrain's National Guard commander, who met CDF Asim Munir and Pakistan's air and naval chiefs to discuss deeper military cooperation. ("ISI chief meets Bahrain's crown prince, discusses regional and international developments: report," Dawn, 23 August 2026)
US judge strikes down visa suspension that had blocked Pakistanis, 74 other nationalities
On 22 August, Dawn reported that US District Judge Jeannette Vargas struck down a Trump administration policy that had suspended immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, including Pakistan, ruling the January-announced policy "patently unlawful" and beyond Secretary of State Marco Rubio's statutory authority, since federal immigration law explicitly denies the secretary control over consular visa processing; the State Department had justified the suspension by citing a "high risk" of applicants from these countries, which also included Brazil, Colombia, Bosnia, Bangladesh and various African, Middle Eastern and Caribbean nations, becoming a "public charge" in the US. The ruling came in a suit brought by the Catholic Legal Immigration Network and African Communities Together alongside affected visa applicants and their US sponsors, and lands amid Trump's broader immigration crackdown, which rights groups say has raised due-process and racial-profiling concerns. ("US judge strikes down policy suspending immigrant visa processing for 75 nations, including Pakistan," Dawn, 22 August 2026)
Over 21,000 citizens deported from Gulf states, with Saudi Arabia deporting more than 15,500
On 21 August, Dawn reported that between 01 March and 13 July this year, 21951 Pakistanis have been deported from Gulf countries for reasons such as overstaying, begging, illegal entry, drugs, refused asylum, forged documentation, and other security reasons. This was stated by the Ministry for Narcotics Control in response to questions at the National Assembly. Reportedly, around 4628 absconders were deported, 1294 were jailed, 968 were blacklisted, 1155 were deportation cases about lost passports, 689 were deported for visa violations, and 342 were cases of refused entry into the Gulf States. Additionally, the highest number of citizens of Pakistan were deported from Saudi Arabia with 15500, while the United Arab Emirates deported 3803, Oman deported 1606, Bahrain deported 521, Qatar deported 429, and Kuwait deported 97. (“Over 21,000 Pakistanis deported from Gulf countries,” Dawn, 21 August 2026)
PM Sharif and Malaysia’s Home Minister commit to strengthening ties in all spheres
On 21 August, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with Malaysia across all spheres, such as security, law enforcement, trade and investment. According to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Sharif met with Malaysia’s Home Minister Dato’ Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and discussed the commitment to further strengthen ties and Pakistan’s regional mediation efforts. Additionally, Malaysia’s Home Minister and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi signed an agreement on the transfer of sentenced persons between the two countries. Moreover, PM Sharif and Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim had a call on the same day, discussing the positive trajectory of bilateral cooperation and regional developments. Reportedly, PM Anwar praised Pakistan’s regional peace efforts and expressed gratitude to the PM and Field Marshal Asim Munir for their leadership, while PM Sharif thanked Malaysia for their consistent support in Pakistan’s regional peace efforts. Finally, the two expressed interest in a future meeting and a state visit. (“PM Shehbaz reaffirms commitment to further strengthening ties with Malaysia in security, trade,” Dawn, 21 August 2026)
Turkish and Saudi Arabian firms interested in investment and management control in GEPCO
On 21 August, Dawn reported that the Privatisation Commission (PC) on Friday said it had received an overwhelming response from domestic and international investors to the proposed privatisation of Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO). The PC announced that it received expressions of interest from 11 prospective investors seeking to acquire a 51 to 100 per cent shareholding in GEPCO. PC added that the interested parties include investors from Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan’s business groups. The firms for Turkiye reportedly were Aktor Elektrik Enerji Yatırımları San. ve Tic. A.Ş., Genvera Enerji A.Ş. and Cengiz Enerji Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. The domestic firms reportedly were Engro Energy Limited, Sapphire Fibres Limited, Hub Power Holdings, Lucky Cement, Shirazi Investments (Pvt) Limited, Artistic Milliners (Pvt) Limited, Fatima Group (the new buyers of PIA), K-Electric Limited, AKD Securities, Fast Cable, and Mughal Steel Group. Additionally, the privatisation reportedly aims to improve operational efficiency, modernise distribution infrastructure, strengthen customer service, reduce losses and support a financially sustainable power sector. PC stated that it would ensure an open, transparent and competitive privatisation process, undertaken in the public interest and in support of the federal government’s wider power-sector reform agenda. (“Pakistani, Turkish, Saudi companies show interest in Gepco privatisation, commission says,” Dawn, 21 August 2026)
Pakistan and seven other Muslim states condemn Israel’s settlement expansion
On 21 August, Dawn reported that the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Turkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates stated that they condemned Israel’s ‘E1’ settlement plan and related activities east of occupied East Jerusalem. The eight Foreign Ministers also condemned violence by Israel’s settlers against Palestine’s citizens and their property, adding that the settlement expansion violated international law, undermined the territorial contiguity of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and threatened the establishment of an independent state of Palestine. Moreover, the ministers said that “the ‘E1’ settlement plan constitutes a dangerous escalation” and called for an end to settlement expansion, supporting international accountability measures and sanctions against entities and individuals involved in illegal settlement activities. Additionally, they reaffirmed that a two-state solution remained the only viable path to a just and lasting peace and urged the UN Security Council and international actors to take urgent measures. Separately, the statement followed a joint statement by the same eight countries condemning Israel’s rejection of a roadmap for implementing US President Donald Trump’s comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict. (“Pakistan, seven other Muslim states condemn Israel’s illegal settlement policies in occupied Palestinian territory,” Dawn, 21 August 2026)
CDF Munir meets Syria’s Foreign Minister, discusses security and defence cooperation
On 21 August, Dawn reported that the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir met Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, discussing security and defence cooperation. Inter-Services Public Relations said that the meeting took place at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi and covered the regional security environment and enhanced bilateral defence and security cooperation. CDF Munir reportedly highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding ties with Syria and shared Islamabad’s perspective on global peace and regional stability, while Syria’s FM proposed establishing a Pakistan-Syria Joint Business Council to facilitate direct interaction between the business communities of the two countries. (“CDF Munir, Syrian foreign minister discuss defence, security cooperation,” Dawn, 21 August 2026)
ECONOMY
Virtual Assets Authority sets 05 September as deadline for crypto operators to seek NOCs
On 23 August, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) has set 05 September as the deadline for existing virtual asset service providers (VASPs) to submit applications for no-objection certificates (NOCs). The government is quick to take several measures to regulate virtual assets, while the State Bank has also taken a number of measures in this regard. The crypto assets sector has primarily been spearheaded and managed by the Ministry of Finance. The ministry helped launch the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) and established the autonomous PVARA to oversee licensing, compliance and digital asset policies. Pakistan is opening the front door to the global digital asset economy, with clear rules, regulatory oversight and accountability. The State Bank officially replaced its earlier restrictions on virtual currencies by issuing instructions allowing regulated banks to open accounts for PVARA-licensed VASPs and their customers. The newly established PVARA oversees statutory licensing, supervision and legal compliance for digital asset entities. The State Bank has instructed banks to maintain separate, non-remunerative rupee client accounts for licensed providers to ensure funds are not commingled. Financial institutions are also required to enforce rigorous anti-money laundering (AML), know-your-customer (KYC), and risk-profiling standards. The State Bank has directed commercial banks to remain strictly prohibited from trading, investing in, or holding virtual assets using their own capital or customer deposits. Bank involvement is restricted to providing banking rails and transaction monitoring for authorised operators. (“Crypto operators given September 5 deadline to seek NOCs,” Dawn, 23 August 2026)
Food imports rise by 8.13 per cent in first month of FY27
On 23 August, Dawn reported that Food imports rose by 8.13 per cent in the first month of FY27, according to data compiled by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. In absolute terms, food imports reached USD 805.48 million in July 2026, up from USD 744.97 million a year earlier. The rise was mainly due to an increase in overall rice exports during the first month of the current fiscal year. Other products contributing to the rise in exports included fish products, tobacco, oilseeds, and meat products. On the import side, palm oil constituted the largest share among imported food items, followed by pulses, tea, and soybean oil. In contrast, exports of raw food items posted a modest increase of just over 2 per cent in July 2026. Product-wise data showed that rice exports surged 19.15 per cent in the first month of FY27 from a year earlier. Exports of basmati rice, however, rose 37.37 per cent, while those of non-basmati rice increased 10.11 per cent in value on a year-on-year basis. The increase was also recorded in the quantity of both basmati and non-basmati rice, by 28.78 per cent and 15.68 per cent, respectively. The Ministry of Commerce has extended the subsidy scheme for rice exports by another three months until 30 September and raised the Duty Drawback of Local Taxes and Levies (DLTL) rate for non-basmati rice to support exporters facing weaker international demand. Also, meat exports recorded growth of 16.20 per cent during the first month of FY27 on a year-on-year basis. Exports of fish products recorded growth of 0.43 per cent. Most other food products recorded negative growth. (“Food imports rise 8.12pc to $805.5m in July,” Dawn, 23 August 2026)
Pakistan Customs collects PKR 15 billion in revenue on imports from China through Khunjerab Pass
On 23 August, Dawn reported that Pakistan Customs collected PKR 15 billion in revenue on imports from China through the Khunjerab Pass during the fiscal year 2025-26. Goods worth PKR 2.8 billion were exported to China and Central Asian countries through the border crossing. PKR 14.93 billion in revenue was collected on imports through the Khunjerab Pass at the Sost Dry Port during FY26. In FY 25, Pakistan Customs collected PKR 13.67 billion in revenue on imports from China. However, local traders complained about difficulties faced by them in exporting Pakistani products to China through the Khunjerab Pass. They demanded that Pakistani authorities take up the matter with Chinese officials and seek relaxation of restrictions on Pakistani shipments entering China. Meanwhile, Pakistan Customs and the Facilitation Mechanisms Team recovered smuggled and contraband items worth billions of rupees in various operations, while goods worth PKR 72.9 million were auctioned at the Sost Dry Port. (“Khunjerab pass generates record Rs15 billion in customs revenue,” Dawn, 23 August 2026)
Finance Minister meets Silk Road Fund to discuss deepening Chinese investment
On 22 August, Dawn reported that Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met a high-level Silk Road Fund delegation led by chairperson Zhu Jun to discuss investment opportunities and closer economic ties, briefing the Chinese fund on Pakistan's recent fiscal discipline, external account stability and reserves position; he also outlined government efforts to widen the tax base, digitalise tax administration and tackle structural problems in the energy sector. ("Aurangzeb meets Silk Road Fund," Dawn, 22 August 2026)
Weekly inflation climbs to 9.66pc as fuel prices bite
On 22 August, Dawn reported that short-term inflation, measured by the Sensitive Price Index, rose 9.66 per cent year-on-year for the week ending 20 August, up 0.49 per cent from the previous week, driven mainly by higher petrol and diesel prices that have pushed up transport costs and, with them, the price of essentials like onions and tomatoes; the sharpest annual increases came in onions (132.52 per cent), tomatoes (93.21 per cent), wheat flour (62.25 per cent), LPG (51.69 per cent) and diesel (33.08 per cent), while eggs, diesel and tomatoes actually eased slightly week-on-week. ("Weekly inflation rises," Dawn, 22 August 2026)
CDA two months late on its own budget while pushing ahead with billion-rupee projects
On 22 August, Dawn reported that the Capital Development Authority has yet to announce its FY2026-27 budget, normally due in July, even as it presses ahead with major projects including the New Islamabad Convention, Exhibition and Expo Centre, for which the lowest bid came in at a striking PKR 37 billion against an original PKR 16 billion design, later informally discounted to PKR 34 billion by the bidder, a China Construction Third Engineering Bureau-led joint venture, though the bid remains neither accepted nor rejected; a cricket stadium and Safari Park are also in the pipeline. The CDA told Dawn its budget would be presented to the board within a week, modelled this year on the federal budget's format, with payroll run through SAP for the first time; last year's budget had been a PKR 90.2 billion surplus plan, and sources noted the authority's finances look stretched against its ambitions, with the board recently approving a request for a PKR 20 billion bridge loan from the federal government for sector development. The convention centre is being built ahead of Islamabad's hosting of the 2027 SCO summit. ("Two months into financial year, Capital Development Authority yet to announce annual budget," Dawn, 22 August 2026)
International Finance Corporation lends USD 10 million to ASA Microfinance to expand credit for women-run businesses
On 22 August, Dawn reported that the International Finance Corporation (IFC) announced a USD 10 million, four-year loan to ASA Microfinance Bank Pakistan aimed at expanding financing for women entrepreneurs and microbusinesses, which will boost the bank's on-lending capacity nationwide and give it added liquidity stability as it scales up to serve more clients. ("International Finance Corporation loan for women," Dawn, 22 August 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Farmers plan mass march to Islamabad on 25 September against Punjab agricultural policies
On 23 August, Dawn reported that Kisan Ittehad announced a "million march" in Islamabad on 25 September to protest Punjab's agricultural policies. The farmers' organisation, led by Chairman Khalid Hussain Baath and Central President Umair Masood, stated that the Punjab government's flawed policies have driven the agricultural sector into collapse. Farmers said Punjab lacks sufficient wheat for domestic needs and demanded the Chief Minister's resignation. They vowed farmers from across the country would participate and, if blocked, would reach Islamabad on foot. Farmers noted that wheat growers suffered massive financial losses over two years, with government procurement promises unfulfilled. Wheat cultivation has declined by 30 to 40 per cent, causing Punjab's food basket to face a wheat shortage for its own requirements. ("Farmers vow to march on capital to protest Punjab's 'flawed' agri policies on Sept 25," Dawn, 23 August 2026)
SECURITY
South Waziristan: Former aide to Taliban commander Mullah Nazir killed in Wana tehsil
On 23 August, Dawn reported that Muhammad Khalid, a former aide to Taliban commander Mullah Nazir, was killed and another person was injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle in the Doag area of Wana tehsil in Lower South Waziristan. The two men were reportedly travelling from Rustam Bazaar Wana to Doag when they were attacked. Khalid reportedly sustained critical injuries and died while being transported to Dera Ismail Khan, while the second victim was taken to District Headquarters Hospital Wana for treatment. Police registered an initial report and launched an investigation but have not identified the attackers or established a motive. The incident comes amid concerns in Lower South Waziristan, where local sources have reported increased terrorist activity, including targeted killings, kidnappings for ransom, extortion and attacks on civilians and security forces attributed to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and TTP Gul Bahadur group. (“Former aide to Taliban commander Mullah Nazir group killed in Lower South Waziristan,” Dawn, 23 August 2026)
South Waziristan: Two brothers injured in suspected quadcopter attack
On 23 August, Dawn reported that two brothers were injured in a suspected quadcopter attack in the Birmal tehsil of Lower South Waziristan district, according to police sources. The strike occurred in the Dara Balai locality of Azam Warsak; the injured were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Wana and then to a hospital in Dera Ismail Khan; the brothers were identified as Farmanullah and Arifullah. This comes against the backdrop of increasing bomb blasts, targeted killings, kidnappings for ransom, and attacks on police and security forces in South Waziristan, according to locals. Residents reportedly demanded a thorough investigation into the latest incident and called for enhanced security arrangements. (“Two brothers injured in South Waziristan quadcopter attack,” Dawn, 23 August 2026)
Balochistan: One security official killed and six injured in blast in Mastung district
On 23 August, Dawn reported that an explosive device planted in the Gro area of Khad Kocha along the Quetta-Karachi National Highway was detonated when security vehicles passed. This reportedly killed one officer and injured six others. The injured were taken to Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Raisani Memorial Hospital. Additionally, after the blast, there was an exchange of fire: “Miscreants escaped from the site as soon as more security personnel reached the area,” according to police officials. Moreover, the highway was closed, traffic was suspended at various points, and a search operation was launched for the “miscreants.” (“Security man martyred in Mastung attack,” Dawn, 23 August 2026)
Rawalpindi: Army deployment authorised for “sensitive security duties”
On 23 August, Dawn reported that the federal government authorised the deployment of three companies of the Pakistan Army in Rawalpindi for six months to perform “sensitive security duties” and respond to unforeseen situations. The Interior Ministry order, dated 21 August, reportedly said the deployment was approved following a request from the Punjab Home Department under Article 245 of the Constitution, which allows the armed forces to assist civil authorities in maintaining law and order and responding to emergencies. The troops will be placed at the disposal of the Rawalpindi district administration and will perform duties assigned by civilian authorities. This move comes in the background of the upcoming long march by Tehreek-i-Insaf on 27 September and tensions surrounding the implementation of a Supreme Court order concerning Imran Khan’s treatment at Shifa International Hospital. (“Troops in Rawalpindi okayed for six months,” Dawn, 23 August 2026)
KP & Balochistan: Security forces kill 49 terrorists
On 21 August, Dawn reported that security forces eliminated 49 terrorists in intelligence-based operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan as part of a counter-terrorism campaign. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, at least 12 terrorists belonging to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan were killed in Bannu, North Waziristan, Orakzai, and Khyber districts. Explosives, improvised explosive device remotes, weapons, and ammunition were recovered and destroyed. In Balochistan, security forces eliminated 37 terrorists in ten operations across Mastung, Mach, Khuzdar and Panjgur districts, seizing weapons, explosive drums and detonation equipment. The Inter-Services Public Relations said security forces remain resolute in defending the nation's frontiers, with sanitisation operations continuing to eliminate remaining terrorists in affected areas. ("49 terrorists killed in IBOs in KP, Balochistan: ISPR,” Dawn, 21 August 2026)
Balochistan: Blast and shooting kill six people in Mastung
On 21 August, Dawn reported that at least four labourers were killed and three injured in a blast in Balochistan's Mastung district, whilst two additional people were shot dead. The incident occurred in Garo, Khud Kocha sub-tehsil, late on 20 August. A senior police official claimed the incident constituted a drone attack. Hospital officials confirmed receipt of six bodies and three injured persons, with bullet wounds in two bodies and multiple injuries in four others. Four deceased were identified as residents of the Bhag area, Kachhi district; two remained unidentified. The incident occurred in the same area where Balochistan's Home Minister Zia Ullah Langove survived an armed attack the previous week. Security forces and police are investigating. ("At least 4 killed, 3 injured in blast in Balochistan's Mastung: police," Dawn, 21 August 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Society
Usama Khilji, “Women’s leadership,” Dawn, 24 August 2026
"Pakistan doesn’t fare well on indices related to gender gap and women’s empowerment. The damning statistics include the number of girls who are out of school, the wide gender digital divide, high rates of violence against women, and women’s low representation in private and public leadership positions."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2024929/womens-leadership
Editorial, “A crisis of credibility,” The Express Tribune, 22 August 2026
“More than 84,500 complaints have been lodged against Punjab Police in just the first seven months of this year. That is nearly 400 grievances every single day - a number that would be staggering to anyone unfamiliar with the force's reputation for seamlessly blending violence, corruption and ineptitude."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625149/a-crisis-of-credibility
Politics & governance
Sufiyan Bin Muneer, “Empty promises,” Dawn, 24 August 2026
“Systems collapse when promises are not honoured. In a democracy, institutional health is measured by how each branch — legislature, executive and judiciary — upholds its commitments. One such commitment is to conduct elections within 90 days of the dissolution of an assembly as required by the Constitution. Commitments exist for the collective good. They collapse when they are negotiated to secure personal or institutional ambitions — such as when a law is tailored to protect the tenure of the chief justice."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2024926/empty-promises
Fahd Husain, “The winding road to Shifa,” The Express Tribune, 24 August 2026
“The events of the last week have shown yet again that Imran Khan remains more relevant to the system than the government may acknowledge, and less relevant than PTI imagines. The distance between jail ward and hospital ward is – no surprise – tortuously long and tantalisingly short."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625292/the-winding-road-to-shifa
Sindh
Editorial, “The missing millions,” Dawn, 24 August 2026
“Sindh's five-year pledge with the UN to bring children into school is welcome, but the province never had any shortage of plans. What it lacks is progress. Unicef estimates that 7.4m children aged five to 16 in Sindh — 44pc of the age group — are out of school. The 2023 census found that 6.6m children in this bracket had never attended school at all, showing that the problem is not one of retention."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2024915/the-missing-millions
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