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In Focus
Pakistan and Kuwait agree to expand defence cooperation
Both countries sign “Protocol Agreement-2026” to build on previous defence deal; institutional ties and regional security among topics discussed
On 28 August, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan and Kuwait signed the “Protocol Agreement-2026” to significantly expand bilateral military cooperation under their 2023 Defence Cooperation Agreement. The agreement provides for Pakistan’s armed forces to assist Kuwait in training, capacity building, border management and other mutually agreed areas of defence collaboration. Both sides described the agreement as reflecting mutual trust, shared strategic interests and a commitment to strengthening their longstanding defence relationship. They also reaffirmed their resolve to enhance cooperation in ways that contribute to regional peace, security and stability.
A high-level Kuwaiti delegation led by Defence Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Saleem Al-Sabah, accompanied by Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Khaled Darj Saad Al-Shriaan, met Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir in Rawalpindi. Discussions covered bilateral defence relations, regional security and ways to strengthen institutional ties. The Kuwaiti delegation praised the professionalism, operational excellence and contributions of Pakistan’s armed forces to regional peace and stability.
The agreement comes amid a notable increase in high-level Pakistan-Kuwait engagement and wider efforts to strengthen security partnerships across the Gulf. Kuwait ratified the 2023 defence agreement with Pakistan last month, while its foreign minister also recently visited Islamabad for talks on regional security. The latest agreement follows the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye on 07 August, reflecting broader efforts by regional states to enhance collective security cooperation amid continuing instability in the Gulf and wider Middle East. (“CDF Munir, Kuwaiti delegation vow to strengthen 'mutually beneficial defence partnership',” Dawn, 27 August 2026; “Pakistan, Kuwait sign pact to deepen defence cooperation,” The Express Tribune, 28 August 2026)
In Brief
ECONOMY
IMF pushes back against lowering gas prices, warns it would swell circular debt further
On 28 August, The Express Tribune reported that the IMF is seeking to curb the federal government's power to cut gas prices, flagging in a Cabinet Committee on Energy meeting that any downward tariff revision would add to the sector's circular debt, and had earlier pushed amendments to the Ogra Ordinance 2002, enacted in March 2022, requiring the government to pass through Ogra's price determinations on time; under the EFF and SBA programmes, Islamabad has committed to defining and tracking the gas circular debt precisely, reporting it monthly, and following through on a circular debt management plan that includes regular price adjustments and cuts to unaccounted-for-gas losses. As of 30 June 2025, the gas sector's circular debt stood at PKR 3,288 billion, including PKR 1,468 billion in interest, driven largely by a tariff gap on domestically diverted RLNG that has gone unrecovered since 2018-19; a Committee on Implementing Structural Reforms in the Petroleum Sector had proposed settling PKR 1,493 billion of that debt over five years, in a plan presented to the PM last December. ("IMF opposes gas price reduction," The Express Tribune, 28 August 2026)
Government floats single gas price for all consumers, calls existing slab system due for a rethink
On 27 August, Dawn reported that Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, meeting Sui Southern Gas Company's board, said the existing slab-based gas pricing system needs to be "revisited" in favour of a single, uniform price for all consumers, with vulnerable groups protected through targeted subsidies instead of cross-subsidised tariffs; gas is currently sold at rates ranging from PKR 500 to PKR 4,300 per mmBtu depending on consumption, even though Ogra's average prescribed price works out to around PKR 1,700 per mmBtu, a gap both the regulator and the IMF have pushed Islamabad to close. Malik said gas prices haven't risen in a year and that absorbing an Ogra-recommended price cut had actually helped shave about PKR 55 billion off the circular debt, while SSGC's managing director reported a roughly 57 per cent cut in unaccounted-for-gas losses and no gas loadshedding for K-Electric, industrial users or fertiliser plants; the minister also directed the board to prioritise fixing Balochistan's gas supply issues and said the government is working with the World Bank on broader sector reforms. ("Govt hints at uniform gas pricing, says existing system needs to be 'revisited'," Dawn, 27 August 2026)
State Bank reserves inch up to USD 17.1 billion, gold slips as global prices retreat
On 28 August, The Express Tribune reported that the State Bank of Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves rose USD 17 million to USD 17.10 billion in the week ended 21 August, lifting total liquid reserves to USD 22.59 billion as commercial banks' net reserves climbed to USD 5.49 billion, with SBP holdings having hovered near this level through August after falling from USD 18.38 billion at end-June on debt repayments; the rupee closed almost flat at 277.51 to the dollar. Gold fell PKR 3,500 per tola to PKR 483,036 domestically, tracking an overnight pullback in New York after in-line US inflation and PCE data firmed bets on a Federal Reserve rate hike, with markets also watching Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's first Jackson Hole speech and the ongoing Iran-Oman talks over the Strait of Hormuz for further direction. ("SBP reserves edge up $17m to $17.1b," The Express Tribune, 28 August 2026)
EXTERNAL
Foreign Office denies army chief visited Iran as US envoy
On 27 August, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) rejected claims that Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Iran as an envoy of US President Donald Trump, calling them “misleading and factually incorrect”. The FO said Munir’s 24 August visit to Tehran, accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, was part of Pakistan’s mediation efforts to ease the US-Iran standoff and revive negotiations. Discussions focused on regional de-escalation, breaking the military stalemate and exploring a negotiated settlement. Pakistan said it would continue diplomatic engagement to support peace talks, while maintaining that its trade with Iran complies with international law and bilateral agreements. (“Claims that CDF Munir visited Iran as envoy for US 'incorrect, misleading': FO,” Dawn, 27 August 2026)
Nepal envoy urges restoration of direct flights with Pakistan
On 28 August, The Express Tribune reported that the Nepalese ambassador to Pakistan, Rita Dhital, called for the restoration of direct air links between the two countries, saying improved connectivity could help unlock underused trade, investment and tourism opportunities. Speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), she said regular flights, trade delegations and business-to-business matchmaking were needed to strengthen economic ties. Nepal Airlines previously operated flights to Karachi, while Pakistan International Airlines flew to Kathmandu until 2011. Bilateral trade remains limited, averaging just over USD four million, with Pakistan exporting pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments and apparel to Nepal. Dhital also encouraged Pakistani investment in Nepal’s tourism, hydropower and IT sectors and invited businesses to lead a trade delegation to Nepal. (“Direct flights top trade agenda with Nepal,” The Express Tribune, 28 August 2026)
Pakistan questions Gaza ceasefire amid Israeli airstrikes
On 27 August, Dawn reported that Pakistan questioned at the UN Security Council (UNSC) how the Gaza ceasefire could be considered to be holding while Israeli strikes and civilian deaths continued, saying more than 1,200 Palestinians had been killed since the truce was announced. Pakistan’s UN envoy Asim Iftikhar Ahmad also warned that Israel’s planned E1 settlement project could sever the occupied West Bank and undermine prospects for a Palestinian state. UN officials said Israeli airstrikes had resumed on 12 August after a week-long lull, killing 100 Palestinians and injuring more than 400 during the reporting period. The US defended the ceasefire framework, while France and Arab states urged Israeli withdrawal and an end to the occupation. (“Pakistan questions Gaza ceasefire as killings of Palestinians continue,” Dawn, 27 August 2026)
PM Shehbaz reaffirms ties with Saudi Arabia
On 27 August, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s support and its role in promoting regional peace and stability during a farewell meeting with Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki. Shehbaz praised Al-Malki’s contribution to strengthening bilateral ties, while the outgoing envoy thanked Pakistan for its cooperation and hospitality during his tenure, which began in 2017. Al-Malki also reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening relations between the two countries. His departure follows farewell meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. (“PM reaffirms Pakistan's appreciation for Saudi Arabia's 'steadfast support, generous assistance',” Dawn, 27 August 2026)
Bangladesh considering joining Makkah Pact, says foreign minister
On 27 August, Dawn reported that Bangladesh would positively consider joining the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement if invited by its founding members, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman told Parliament. He said Dhaka would assess the potential benefits before making a decision, describing the pact as a Muslim world self-defence mechanism. Bangladesh had earlier expressed interest in joining the agreement, which was signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye on 07 August to strengthen collective security and defence cooperation. The pact allows members to treat an attack on one member as an attack on all. It has been welcomed by the US, Bahrain and Somalia, while Turkiye has said it expects Egypt to join at a later stage. (“Bangladesh to 'positively' consider joining Makkah pact if invited: foreign minister,” Dawn, 27 August 2026)
Pakistan and UK discuss Indus Waters Treaty and regional security
On 27 August, Dawn reported that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband in London to discuss developments concerning the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and regional security. Dar highlighted what Pakistan described as India’s persistent violations of its international obligations and stressed the importance of upholding international law and treaty commitments. The two sides also agreed to establish a structured mechanism for regular talks between their foreign ministries to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Dar raised concerns over terrorist threats from Afghan soil and briefed Miliband on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. Miliband praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between the US and Iran and promoting regional stability. (“DPM Dar, British foreign secretary discuss Indus Waters Treaty, regional security: FO,” Dawn, 27 August 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
NA health panel says technical fault may be behind deadly PIMS nursery fire
On 27 August, Dawn reported that the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services, visiting PIMS after a fire killed 14 infants, said the blaze may have stemmed from a technical fault, with committee chair Mahesh Kumar Malani saying the exact cause remained unclear and contradicting earlier claims it started in an air conditioner; the committee is now examining possible faults in electrical wiring or the oxygen supply system, and questioned the old nursery building's suitability along with the hospital's fire safety measures, drill frequency and alarm functionality, seeking further details from PIMS administration and planning to review the findings of the PM-constituted inquiry committee. ("NA health panel visits Pims, says fire in nursery may have been caused by 'technical fault'," Dawn, 27 August 2026)
Lawmakers push for parliamentary debate on PIMS blaze that killed 14 infants
On 27 August, Dawn reported that lawmakers, including several PPP legislators who submitted formal notices, called for the deadly PIMS gynaecology-ward fire to be debated in Parliament, pressing for accountability over the circumstances that led to the infants' deaths and for a transparent investigation alongside measures to prevent similar disasters at public hospitals; the incident has also drawn scrutiny of the hospital's fire safety arrangements and emergency response mechanisms. ("Lawmakers call for debate on deadly Pims blaze in Parliament," Dawn, 27 August 2026)
JI sets 03 September for nationwide strike over petroleum levy
On 28 August, Dawn reported that Jamaat-i-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman announced a nationwide strike for 3 September against the petroleum levy, part of the party's ongoing protest over rising living costs, telling a sit-in outside the Punjab CM's residence in Lahore that JI wants the levy abolished, lower electricity and fuel prices, and an end to what he called unjust agreements with independent power producers; he appealed to traders to join the strike, said it would stay peaceful, and warned the campaign could eventually escalate into a long march on Islamabad if the government fails to offer relief. ("JI announces nationwide strike on Sept 3 against petroleum levy," Dawn, 28 August 2026)
SECURITY
KP & Balochistan: Security forces kill 11 terrorists in IBOs
On 27 August, Dawn reported that security forces killed 11 terrorists during intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, according to state-run Radio Pakistan, citing security sources. According to the report, two terrorists belonging to Fitna al Khawarij were killed in Bannu and five were killed in an operation in the Ladha area of South Waziristan. Moreover, four terrorists belonging to Fitna al Hindustan were also killed in the Sasool area of Khuzdar district. “In Bannu, security forces conducted an IBO against Fitna al Khawarij, killing two terrorists and recovering weapons and ammunition,” Radio Pakistan stated. President Asif Ali Zardari, paying tribute to the security forces, stated that “The elimination of terrorist elements active with foreign support is essential for national security and lasting peace.” Additionally, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised the operations, saying security forces had thwarted the terrorists’ “nefarious designs.” He said the nation stood united against terrorism and in solidarity with the security forces. This comes in the backdrop of the military’s media affairs wing saying that security forces killed 49 terrorists in separate IBOs in KP and Balochistan on 21 August. (“11 terrorists killed in intelligence-based operations in KP, Balochistan,” Dawn, 27 August 2026)
AF-PAK
Pakistan open to “state-level dialogue” with Afghanistan, says Foreign Office
On 28 August, The Express Tribune reported that Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan remained open to state-level dialogue with Afghanistan but stressed that any mechanism to resolve bilateral disputes would only work if Kabul took “tangible and verifiable” action against militants operating from its territory. He said this while noting the proposal for a dedicated mechanism involving committees from both sides by Afghan interim Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani. Andrabi stated, “We remain open to state-level dialogue.” Additionally, Andrabi noted that Pakistan was ready for institutional coordination if it produced counterterrorism measures, effective border management, and assurances that Kabul’s territory would not be used for terrorism. Moreover, he rejected allegations that Pakistan was behind unrest in Badakhshan and said Islamabad had evidence of India’s involvement in terrorism coming from Kabul. (“Pakistan open to talks with Afghanistan,” The Express Tribune, 28 August 2026)
POK
PML-N’s Iftikhar Gilani set to be elected “AJK” Prime Minister
On 28 August, The Express Tribune reported that Barrister Syed Iftikhar Ali Gilani is set to be elected as the Prime Minister of “Azad Jammu and Kashmir,” after the “AJK” Legislative Assembly issued a revised schedule for the election. Nomination papers will reportedly be filed from 0930 to 1030, followed by the display of candidates and a withdrawal period. The election is scheduled for 1400 hrs, with the oath-taking ceremony at 1600 hrs. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has the support of 32 members in the 53-member assembly, while the PPP has 14 votes. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) nominated Mukhtar Ahmed Abbasi and Bazal Naqvi for the post. PML-N “AJK” President Shah Ghulam Qadir reportedly expressed reservations and said he would neither vote for Gilani nor attend the session, while Former Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider also expressed reservations. (“Barrister Iftikhar Gilani set to be elected as prime minister of AJK,” The Express Tribune, 28 August 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Air pollution
Faisal Bari, “Clearing the air,” Dawn, 28 August 2026
"Hundreds of cities are embarking on the journey to clean up the environment. There is a lot of discussion of these issues in Pakistan whenever we have a season of high AQI numbers and schools are closed and emergency action is taken to address pollution. But we have not seen major medium- to long-term initiatives to take us to a place where the lungs and brains are not impacted by pollutants in the air, and where medication is not our children’s best friend."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2025678/clearing-the-air
Politics & governance
Shahab Usto, “A polity or petri dish?” Dawn, 28 August 2026
“Contrary to the interior minister’s recent claim, bad governance is not the cause of the recurring collapse of political systems. It is only a symptom of a deeper systemic malaise — an undemocratic dispensation that allows the rulers to escape political and institutional accountability for their ills and excesses. The minister’s panacea for bad governance — the creation of more provinces — is also misconceived, if not potentially disastrous for a country already riddled with multiple fault lines."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2025677/a-polity-or-petri-dish
Shahzad Chaudhry, “Putting people first,” The Express Tribune, 28 August 2026
“Cockroaches, real or imagined, have shaken up the system. It is about time. Better stitch in time to save some than none. The debate, though, has lost its direction. Smaller units are a separate need, and transformed – not better alone – governance is an imperative. Both have different reasons. Simply put, drastically improved governance is to keep the cockroaches at bay, while smaller administrative units are essential to keep the integrity of the federation in place."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626112/putting-people-first
PIMS tragedy
Editorial, “Hospital tragedy,” Dawn, 28 August 2026
“Until Pakistan stops chronically underspending on healthcare, the safety standards and quality of care in state-run hospitals cannot be expected to improve, and tragedies like this one will continue to claim lives. The bigger question is whether the authorities are ready to address that challenge."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2025672/hospital-tragedy
Climate change
Mehak Anwar, “Google has arrived; but is Pakistan ready?” The Express Tribune, 28 August 2026
“On August 18, Google opened its first office in Pakistan. For many, it was simply another multinational putting its name on Pakistan's corporate map. For me, it raises a much bigger question: what does Google see in Pakistan that we have failed to see in ourselves?"
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625842/why-climate-message-keeps-missing-the-people
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