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In Focus
14 newborn babies killed in PIMS hospital fire
Pakistan launches investigations after one infant rescued from nursery blaze in Islamabad; PM Shehbaz suspends health secretary
On 26 August, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that 14 newborn babies were killed after a fire broke out in the Mother and Child Hospital ward at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. A preliminary PIMS report said a spark inside the nursery at around 6:30 am triggered a massive blaze that spread rapidly because of oxygen points at the incubators. 15 infants were in the ward; one was rescued, while 14 died. The fire was brought under control after an emergency response involving fire engines, ambulances and rescue teams.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered a high-level inquiry and suspended Federal Health Secretary Muhammad Aslam Ghauri, while the Islamabad administration separately constituted a fact-finding committee. The investigations will examine the cause of the fire, fire-safety infrastructure, emergency procedures, staff presence, and the response of hospital and rescue personnel. The high-level committee is to submit an interim report within 48 hours and a comprehensive report within five days. Officials have promised strict action if negligence is established, while Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said those responsible would not be spared.
The incident has prompted widespread criticism, with bereaved families and witnesses alleging delayed rescue efforts, locked doors and inadequate safety measures. PIMS disputed some claims, saying all emergency exits were operational and staff rescued several patients. Authorities said rescue teams reached the hospital within six to seven minutes of receiving the alert. The tragedy has also revived concerns over longstanding safety and management problems at PIMS, including a 2023 incident in which four patients died amid extreme heat. Political leaders, civil society groups and medical associations have demanded accountability, improved hospital safety standards and measures to prevent similar tragedies. (“14 infants killed in fire at Pims' gynae ward in Islamabad,” Dawn, 26 August 2026; “14 newborns killed in fire at PIMS Hospital in Islamabad,” The Express Tribune, 26 August 2026; “'Heads must roll': Politicians, journalists demand accountability as Pims fire claims lives of 14 infants,” Dawn, 26 August 2026)
In Brief
ECONOMY
Business Facilitation Centre supports launch of over 4,100 new businesses
On 25 August, Dawn reported that the federal government has supported the launch of over 4,100 new businesses, attracting over PKR 6.6 billion in investment and creating over 20,000 jobs. The Business Facilitation Centre (BFC) played a big role in facilitating these investments. BFC provides businesses and investors with access to essential information, guidance, and relevant services through a single platform, eliminating the need to repeatedly visit different government offices. The highest number of applications, 1,288, was received in December 2025, followed by 1,264 in January and 859 in July. (“Business facilitation centre fosters Rs66bn investment,” Dawn, 26 August 2026)
Government kicks off feasibility study for Strategic Petroleum Reserves
On 25 August, Dawn reported that the government kicked off a feasibility study regarding strategic petroleum reserves (SPR) through international consultancy firm Wood Mackenzie. The Federal Minister for Petroleum chaired the kick-off meeting with Wood Mackenzie, which was selected to undertake the study following a competitive tender process that attracted four bids. In the meeting, members discussed and agreed on the timelines and overall architecture for the assignment. The study will cover technical feasibility, integrity, safety and operational assessment of proposed strategic storage facilities; international and regional benchmarks; policy and regulatory requirements; and short-, medium- and long-term implementation options. The petroleum minister said the purpose of commissioning the study was to enable the government to make an informed decision based on evidence before embarking on such a major strategic initiative. (“Petroleum division kicks off feasibility study on strategic reserves,” Dawn, 25 August 2026)
Electric Power Authority raises concerns over inefficiencies in coal procurement by IPPs
On 26 August, Dawn reported that Independent power producers (IPPs) operating on imported coal have been found imposing an additional burden on electricity consumers through opaque and inefficient coal procurement practices. The power division and the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) have pointed to inefficiencies in coal procurement and their financial impact on consumers. The issue gained prominence after recent competitive bidding for coal supply to the 660MW state-owned Jamshoro Power Plant attracted a discount of USD 7.12 per tonne from a Karachi-based supplier compared to discounts of only 20 to 50 cents per tonne in some contracts involving IPPs. NEPRA had already pointed out concerns over coal procurement by Port Qasim Electric Power Company (PQEPC) under a six-year contract involving discounts of USD 0.20 to USD 0.50 per tonne based on estimated coal prices. The regulator also noted that the Port Qasim plant had published its tender notice only in China instead of reaching out to a broader pool of potential bidders. (“Independent power producers found overcharging users through costly coal procurement,” Dawn, 26 August 2026)
Capital Development Authority approves PKR 152 billion budget
On 26 August, Dawn reported that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) approved its PKR 152 billion budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, the highest in the history of the civic agency. According to the budget documents, PKR 112 billion has been earmarked for new and ongoing development works, and PKR 40 billion has been set aside for non-development expenditure. The CDA is expecting PKR 152.5 billion in receipts - with 74 per cent from self-finance, including the auction of commercial and residential plots and from various taxes, 19 per cent from revenue receipts, and a 7 per cent opening balance. The documents show that 74 per cent of the budget will be spent on development-related projects, 24 per cent on non-development, while two per cent will be spent on Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI). It is relevant to note here that the CDA meets its expenditure mainly through the auction of commercial plots, as the civic agency has failed to develop regular revenues other than relying on its land bank. (“CDA board approves record Rs152bn budget for fiscal year 2026-27,” Dawn, 26 August 2026)
Pakistan has over USD 7 trillion mineral wealth, claims planning minister
On 26 August, Dawn reported that the Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has claimed that Pakistan estimates its mineral endowment at more than USD 7 trillion. The minister said large-scale mining operations required heavy up-front investments and extensive gestation periods, and the country’s volatile political climate was a primary deterrent to international resource developers. The minister also placed geoeconomics at the centre of Pakistan’s foreign policy under the “Uraan Pakistan” framework and the 5E strategy, arguing that the relationship with the United States in particular must move beyond the traditional security-geopolitics axis. He also clarified that engagement with the US would not come at China's expense. He described China as a “trusted partner” that stepped in during Pakistan’s energy crisis with the first phase of the CPEC, delivering approximately USD 25 billion in investment that ended prolonged power shortages and upgraded highways, fibre-optic networks and Gwadar Port. (“Pakistan sits on $7tr mineral trove, claims planning minister,” Dawn, 26 August 2026)
EXTERNAL
Government sets up panel to negotiate way out of Iran gas pipeline dispute as penalties loom
On 25 August, Dawn reported that the federal government formed a high-powered committee to find a mutually acceptable resolution to the long-running Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline deadlock, with Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik telling the Senate that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had tasked the panel with weighing the project's legal, financial and energy implications and recommending a path forward in the national interest; the dispute is currently before an international arbitration tribunal in Paris after Pakistan failed to build its section of the pipeline, largely due to US sanctions and financing constraints, and Malik said Islamabad wants a negotiated settlement with Tehran to head off further litigation while keeping future energy needs in view. ("Govt forms high-powered body to break deadlock over Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline amid penalty threats," Dawn, 25 August 2026)
Senate panel flags absence of any Pakistani trade body in China as a gap hurting exporters
On 26 August, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan has neither a registered joint chamber of commerce nor a trade representative organisation in China, the Senate Standing Committee on Commerce was told, though officials noted a joint chamber could legally be set up if it met Chinese requirements, including at least 50 members from each side and minimum operational funding; committee chair Senator Anusha Rahman said the absence of a Pakistani chamber made it harder for businesses to get follow-up support and access the Chinese market, and the committee also flagged high electricity prices, taxation, financing costs and weak foreign investment as broader drags on exports. ("No Pakistani trade office in China," The Express Tribune, 26 August 2026)
Pakistani-origin UK lawmakers commend Pakistan's Middle East diplomacy
On 26 August, The Express Tribune reported that a group of cross-party British parliamentarians of Pakistani origin praised Pakistan's leadership and mediation role in Middle East peace efforts during a meeting with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in London, where Dar briefed them on Pakistan's diplomatic initiatives for regional de-escalation, stressed the importance of upholding the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, and described the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as a defensive arrangement meant to bolster regional stability; he also thanked the lawmakers for their role in Pakistan-UK relations and their support for resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. ("British lawmakers praise Pakistan's leadership, mediation efforts for Middle East peace," The Express Tribune, 26 August 2026)
FBI runs week-long investigative training course for Sindh police officers
On 25 August, Dawn reported that the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), working with the US Consulate General, ran a five-day training programme for 27 officers from Sindh's Special Security Unit, Central Police Office, Counter-Terrorism Department and Crime Investigation Agency at the SSU headquarters in Karachi, covering modern investigative methods including threat assessment, behavioural analysis, alternative interviewing techniques and strategic persuasion; Sindh officials said the course would help local police adopt international best practices and deepen law-enforcement cooperation between Pakistan and the US. ("US investigators conduct five-day training for Sindh police," Dawn, 25 August 2026)
France shuts its 50-year-old Karachi consulate, cites Pakistan's growing diplomatic profile
On 26 August, Dawn reported that France will permanently close its Consulate General in Karachi after 50 years, outgoing Ambassador Nicolas Galey announced at a farewell event for himself and Consul General Alexis Chahtahtinsky, though the Alliance Française and the Pakistan France Business Alliance will continue operating in the city; Galey praised Pakistan's recent Gulf mediation efforts and called it an increasingly influential actor despite difficult regional conditions, a view Chahtahtinsky echoed, saying Pakistan had repositioned itself internationally through its diplomatic role. ("France permanently closes consulate in Karachi," Dawn, 26 August 2026)
Pakistan and Oman's parallel outreach to Tehran reopens door to US-Iran talks
On 26 August, Dawn reported that renewed diplomatic efforts by Pakistan and Oman have revived hopes of de-escalation between the US and Iran, with separate visits to Tehran by CDF Field Marshal Asim Munir and Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi helping reopen channels even as major gaps between Washington and Tehran remain, diplomatic sources describing Pakistan as an important go-between carrying messages and proposals while Iran continues to favour returning to the framework set out in the Islamabad MoU; separately, Oman and Iran agreed on steps to manage navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, including a temporary joint navigation corridor, mine clearance, information sharing and traffic management. ("Fresh efforts at mediation revive hopes for US-Iran climbdown," Dawn, 26 August 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Opposition and government argue over Imran Khan’s treatment and SC order
On 25 August, Dawn reported that there was a discussion in the Senate over the treatment of PTI founder and former PM Imran Khan, with both sides accusing each other of contempt of a Supreme Court (SC) order. This is in the context of the 18 August SC order, which said the government should shift Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad and constitute a medical board including his sister and personal physician. However, the government reportedly instead took him to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), citing security concerns, and later shifted him back to Adiala Jail after a medical board declared him medically fit. The opposition and Khan’s family have accused the government of failing to implement the SC’s order. In the 25 August session, Presiding Officer Shahadat Awan disallowed the opposition from moving a resolution concerning the implementation of the order, ruling that the matter was sub judice and could only be raised through a point of order. PTI parliamentary leader Barrister Ali Zafar said, “You may oppose Imran Khan’s politics. Do that. But do not play politics with his health.” Additionally, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah said the government had complied with the order, while Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas called on the government to implement the order “in letter and spirit” and proposed forming a Senate committee to visit the jail. (“Opposition, govt spar in Senate over Imran Khan’s medical treatment,” Dawn, 25 August 2026)
JI chief reiterates nationwide shutdown threat over the petroleum levy
On 25 August, Dawn reported that Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Pakistan leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman again warned of a nationwide shutdown, road blockades and a march to Islamabad if the government failed to withdraw the petroleum levy. Addressing a press conference at the JI sit-in outside the Punjab chief minister’s House in Lahore, Rehman said the protests had entered their 10th day and were gaining momentum. He demanded the immediate withdrawal of the petroleum levy and other taxes on fuel, adding that the public was struggling with rising costs. Rehman added that the JI protests would continue during Eid Miladun Nabi celebrations. Additionally, he noted the party had mobilised people across all four provinces and would expand the campaign if its demands were ignored. Moreover, he called for a forensic audit and independent investigation into alleged irregularities in coal imported for independent power producers (IPPs). Referring to the JI’s previous campaign against IPPs, he said public pressure had contributed to a reduction of around PKR 10 per unit in electricity prices. (“‘Patience has run out’: JI warns of shutdown, Islamabad march if petroleum levy not abolished,” Dawn, 25 August 2026)
National Assembly discusses lawmakers’ concerns over constituencies and other points of order
On 26 August, Dawn reported that the National Assembly deferred its 58-point agenda, including 20 private members’ bills, after lawmakers spent three hours raising constituency and other issues under points of order. Deputy Speaker Ghulam Shah said the legislative agenda had been deferred under an agreement, but reportedly did not elaborate any further. JUI-F’s Aliya Kamran later complained that her party had not been consulted. The House called attention to fees charged by private medical colleges and river erosion in Layyah, while it unanimously passed a resolution to mark Eid Miladun Nabi. Additionally, lawmakers raised concerns over issues including power outages in Karachi and other parts of Sindh. PPP MNA Sharmila Faruqui criticised federal development priorities, saying PKR 49 billion had been approved for the first phase of the Lahore-Sahiwal-Bahawalnagar Motorway while only PKR 30 billion had been released for the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway. Moreover, issues were raised concerning rising violence against women, citing recent incidents including the murders of Hina Javed and five-year-old Ayat Noor. The National Assembly is reportedly set to meet again on 28 August. (“Constituency issues dominate NA session,” Dawn, 26 August 2026)
SECURITY
KP: Terrorists injure policeman in Bannu; Motorcycle with explosives diffused
On 25 August, Dawn reported that terrorists riding a motorcycle shot at and injured police constable Safatullah while he was on his way to his station in Bannu. He was taken to Khalifa Gul Nawaz Hospital for treatment, while police reportedly cordoned the area, launched a search to trace and arrest the attackers, and collected evidence from the crime scene. Bannu district police officer Mohammad Furqan Bilal said that the terrorists involved in the incident would be arrested and brought to justice at the earliest. Separately, police reportedly foiled a possible terror attack by defusing a remote-controlled improvised explosive device fitted to a motorcycle near Mandan Gate in the jurisdiction of the city police station. According to police, they had received information that terrorists had brought an explosives-laden motorcycle to Bannu city, to which the bomb disposal squad responded. (“Policeman injured in Bannu gun attack,” Dawn, 25 August 2026)
HEALTH
Sindh reports over 900 malaria cases in a single day
On 25 August, Dawn reported that Sindh recorded 916 confirmed malaria cases from 10,033 suspected patients screened in a single day, with Hyderabad division reporting the highest number at 410, followed by Larkana (208) and Mirpurkhas (174). Doctors in Karachi also reported a rise in cases over the past three weeks, attributing the trend partly to patients failing to complete the 14-day treatment for vivax malaria and to weather conditions and poor sewerage. Health experts called for fumigation drives and improved sewerage infrastructure to curb mosquito populations. The increase comes amid wider concerns over mosquito-borne diseases in Sindh, while a recent Karachi University study found that malaria incidence rises with higher temperature, humidity and rainfall, peaking four to six weeks after monsoon rains. (“Malaria registers gradual surge across Sindh,” Dawn, 25 August 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Pakistan and the US-Iran War
Editorial, “Dual approach,” Dawn, 26 August 2026
"With regard to resolving the US-Iran stand-off, two distinct approaches are being pursued simultaneously. The more mature track involves Pakistan and other regional countries that are trying to revive the Islamabad MoU and ensure a peaceful denouement to this crisis."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2025373/dual-approach
Health
Editorial, “Defeating malaria,” Dawn, 26 August 2026
“There is no political commitment to address the injustices that feed malaria. Health units including rural health centres must have diagnostic supplies, medicines and staff on hand. Surveillance cannot be taken lightly, particularly when foreign aid is drying up. Malaria needs constant local investment as global health funds are exposed to pressure. Pakistan has to give precedence to its people’s health to defeat vector-borne and other diseases. Without heightened deterrence, we will be helpless against potentially deadly outbreaks."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2025371/defeating-malaria
Politics & governance
Arifa Noor, “Politics awakens?” Dawn, 25 August 2026
“The long, hard summer is coming to an end, and with it, politics seems to be awakening from its hibernation. It may partly have been the end of the summer holiday at parliament, but for once, the politicians are not simply using the new session to blindly vote for legislation. The rundown halls of the big building on Constitution Avenue are witnessing some politicking too, as party delegations connect for discussions and strategising. Even Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who has spent the past two years playing hard to get, seems to be considering a ‘date’. The PPP, too, is, for once, doing more than paying lip service to the idea of sitting together. The rains have rejuvenated far more than the greenery in the capital."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2025153/politics-awakens
Jazib Mumtaz, “79 years and counting: still catching up,” The Express Tribune, 25 August 2026
“As Pakistan celebrates 79 years of independence, this is an ideal time to reflect on the country's social development successes and difficulties. Since 1947, Pakistan has achieved enormous strides in education, health and human development. However, in comparison to neighbouring countries such as India and Bangladesh, the rate of socioeconomic advancement has been slower in some important indicators. Understanding these tendencies gives vital insights into the country's development trajectory as well as future policy goals."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625640/79-years-and-counting-still-catching-up
Climate change
Mirza Mujtaba Baig, “Why climate message keeps missing the people,” The Express Tribune, 26 August 2026
“In Pakistan, there is a favourite excuse when climate campaigns flop: people just do not care. Say it enough times and it starts sounding like truth. A workshop sits half empty. A warning about floods gets ignored. A social media campaign dies quietly. The instant explanation is always the same. The public is apathetic. Climate change is too complex. People are too busy surviving to think about melting glaciers."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625842/why-climate-message-keeps-missing-the-people
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