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In Brief
HEALTH
Conference calls for coordinated national response to nutrition crisis
On 05 September, Dawn reported that speakers at the Act for Nutrition conference called for a coordinated national response linking nutrition, family planning, food security, healthcare and population management, warning that fragmented policies and inconsistent implementation were undermining efforts to address stunting, anaemia and other forms of malnutrition. Speakers urged the government to recognise food and nutritional security as fundamental rights and develop a consistent national policy on population and nutrition. Former KP health official Dr Fazal Majeed said the national stunting rate was around 40 per cent, rising to 48 per cent in the province’s merged districts, while nearly 40 per cent of women of reproductive age were anaemic. Finance adviser Adnan Pasha Siddiqui estimated the annual economic cost of malnutrition at USD 17 billion and called for nutrition to be treated as an investment in human capital, while World Bank specialist Sara Shahzad highlighted maternal health, the first 1,000 days of life and adolescence as critical intervention periods. Population Council representatives also warned that Pakistan’s 2.55 per cent population growth rate would increase pressure on resources, food security and public services. (“Speakers call for coordinated national response to malnutrition crisis,” Dawn, 05 September 2026)
ECONOMY
SPI rises 8.35 per cent year-on-year in week ending 03 September
On 05 September, The Express Tribune reported that the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) rose 8.35 per cent year-on-year in the week ended 03 September, down from 9.04 per cent a week earlier, marking a step down in the annual inflation trajectory. However, prices of essential commodities increased 0.65 per cent on a week-on-week basis. The SPI reading covers 51 essential items, whose data is collected from 50 markets across 17 cities and is used to track short-term movements in consumer prices. The biggest weekly increase was recorded in onion prices, which surged 26.30 per cent, followed by tomatoes at 2.55 per cent, potatoes at 0.9 per cent, wheat flour at 0.88 per cent and chicken at 0.85 per cent. Fuel prices also moved higher, with petrol becoming 0.90 per cent more expensive and diesel increasing 0.09 per cent during the week. The SPI for the lowest expenditure group rose 7.59 per cent year on year, below the combined increase of 8.35 per cent. The second, third and fourth expenditure groups faced annual increases of 8.20 per cent, 7.19 per cent and 7.43 per cent, respectively, while the highest expenditure group registered an 8.47 per cent spike. With tensions involving Israel, the United States and Iran escalating, the inflation outlook could remain vulnerable to renewed energy and supply-side shocks. (“Yearly SPI slows to 8.35%,” The Express Tribune, 05 September 2026)
Fossil fuel imports account for 24.2 per cent of total imports, rising 5.76 per cent annually
On 05 September, The Express Tribune reported that fossil fuel imports now account for 24.2 per cent of Pakistan's total imports. Pakistan's oil imports had increased by 5.76 per cent annually, while the country spent more than USD 16 billion on fossil fuel imports. Federal B Area Association of Trade and Industry President said Pakistan had set a target to cut carbon emissions by 50 per cent by 2035, requiring the country to accelerate its shift towards cleaner energy sources. He also highlighted that dependence on imported fuel is putting severe pressure on its foreign exchange reserves, making immediate investment in renewable energy essential. He emphasised that solar, wind and hydropower had moved beyond the status of alternative energy sources and had become an economic necessity for Pakistan. (“$16b fossil fuel import bill strains reserves,” The Express Tribune, 05 September 2026)
Senate Standing Committee orders geotagging of land amid rise in illegal encroachments in “AJK”
On 05 September, The Express Tribune reported that nearly half of the 2,325 acres owned by “Azad Jammu and Kashmir” (AJK) in the city has been encroached upon. The AJK state owns 1,400 acres in Mauza Sultanpura and another 925 acres in Rampura, near the Wagah Border. Audit records show seven housing schemes occupying 71 acres, 4 kanals and 11 marlas of state land, while encroachments have also been identified over 361 kanals in Sultanpura and 118 kanals and 10 marlas in Rehmanpura. At least four illegal housing schemes had been established on the land. Lahore High Court lawyer said government-land encroachments often develop gradually through weak land records, unauthorised construction, utility connections and private transactions. "Stamp-paper agreements do not transfer government land; ownership or leases depend on official records and competent authorities' orders. Allegations against officials require evidence and formal inquiry before responsibility can be established. The issue has now drawn renewed attention from the Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON), which has accelerated efforts to recover “AJK” state properties and remove encroachments. The committee has ordered that all “AJK” state properties be geotagged, their records fully digitised, boundaries clearly demarcated and boundary structures constructed. The “AJK” state also owns 1,057 acres of agricultural land in Mauza Jangu Chak, Narowal, and 906 acres in Mauza Purab, Sheikhupura. Its holdings further include around 242 kanals of commercial land in Lahore and properties in Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Sialkot and Gujranwala. Collectively, these properties generate approximately PKR 280.98 million in annual lease income. Senator Qasim said the committee would submit recommendations to the federal government to strengthen protection of state land, eliminate encroachments and improve coordination among the institutions responsible for managing the properties. (“Illegal deals fuel state land encroachments,” The Express Tribune, 05 September 2026)
Finance minister ensures consistent policy for foreign businesses
On 04 September, Dawn reported that during a Round Table Conference and Networking Reception, hosted at the Netherlands Ambassador’s Residence, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb committed to Dutch and interested foreign businesses to provide policy consistency and a stable situation rather than a boom-or-bust cycle. The event showcased the deep footprint of Dutch businesses in Pakistan. With over 50 firms present across sectors, including agriculture, food and beverage, and industrial storage, the Netherlands was Pakistan's second-largest trading partner within the EU, contributing to employment and food security. (“Aurangzeb promises policy consistency,” Dawn, 04 September 2026)
OGDCL announces PKR 242.4 billion profit in FY 2025-26
On 04 September, Dawn reported that Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) announced a record PKR 242.4 billion profit for fiscal year 2025-26, up 43 per cent from the previous year. The global price surge following the US-Israel attack on Iran generated around PKR 128 billion in post-tax profit, more than the combined profit for the first three quarters. This was the company’s highest quarterly profit. The windfall pushed full-year profit after tax to PKR 242.4 billion in FY2025-26, up from PKR 169 billion a year earlier (FY2024-25). OGDCL also recorded the first major discovery of high-grade lithium in geothermal brine in Khairpur district, Sindh, during the fiscal year. Earnings per share (EPS) rose to PKR 56.35 from PKR 39.50 a year earlier. The board of directors declared a final cash dividend of PKR 6 per share, which is 60 per cent, the highest-ever quarterly dividend, the company said in a statement. This was in addition to interim dividends of PKR 11 per share already paid, taking the total payout for the year to PKR 17 per share, that is 170 per cent, the highest-ever annual dividend declared by the company. During the year, the company contributed PKR 187 billion to the national exchequer through corporate tax, dividends, royalties and other government levies. Its oil and gas production also generated estimated foreign exchange savings of USD 3.31 billion through import substitution. Improved recoveries resulted in an overall collection rate of 107 per cent, with PKR 577 billion collected during the year. The company’s share price appreciated by 52 per cent during the fiscal year, outperforming the 44 per cent increase in the KSE-100 Index. OGDCL’s market capitalisation reached approximately PKR 1.44 trillion as of 30 June 2026, reinforcing its position as Pakistan’s largest listed company. (“OGDCL announces record Rs242.4 billion profit for fiscal year 2025-26,” Dawn, 04 September 2026)
Power Authority notifies PKR 46 billion additional burden to electricity consumers
On 05 September, Dawn reported that the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) notified about PKR 46 billion in additional burden to electricity consumers by allowing PKR 2.06 per unit higher fuel costs in July and about 52 paise per unit additional quarterly adjustment for other charges for the next three months. Consumers will bear the additional burden of about PKR 3 per unit higher tariffs in September and then 52 paisa per unit for the subsequent two months of October and November. The impact of Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA) alone in July works out at about PKR 33 billion and has mainly emanated from expensive LNG purchases from the spot market. Another PKR 12.7 billion in Quarterly Tariff Adjustments (QTA) would be charged to consumers in three months. The FCA is reviewed monthly under the national tariff regime and is typically applied to the consumer’s bill for one month. Under the tariff mechanism, changes in fuel cost are passed on to consumers only every month through an automatic mechanism, while quarterly tariff adjustments on account of variation in power purchase price, capacity charges, variable operation and maintenance costs, use of system charges and including the impact of transmission and distribution losses are built into the base tariff by the federal government. (“NEPRA raises electricity costs by Rs2.58 per unit,” Dawn, 05 September 2026)
Chamber of Commerce president raises concern over widening trade deficit
On 05 September, Dawn reported that the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President has voiced concern over the widening of the trade deficit during the first two months of FY27 by 18.1 per cent to USD 7.1 billion from USD 6.025 billion. Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President has voiced concern over the widening of the trade deficit during the first two months of FY27 by 18.1 per cent to USD 7.1 billion from USD 6.025 billion. He said the increase in exports has been drastically outpaced by a surge in imports, warning that the resulting trade deficit poses an immediate threat to the country’s macroeconomic stability and foreign exchange reserves. He highlighted that the failure of exports to keep pace with rising imports is not due to a lack of industrial capacity or entrepreneurial intent, but is the direct result of the crippling cost of doing business. Export-oriented industries are being pushed to the wall, rendering them entirely uncompetitive against regional peers in global markets. Also, the central bank’s exceptionally high policy rate remains an absolute barrier to the smooth functioning of trade and industry. Furthermore, Upward revisions in electricity tariffs, driven by massive capacity charges and cross-subsidisation burdens, have made it impossible for factories to scale up production. (“Economy faces downside risks: FPCCI,” Dawn, 05 September 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
PPP blocks parliamentary proceedings on gas revenue bills amid coalition tensions
On 05 September, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) blocked parliamentary proceedings on two government bills addressing natural gas revenue adjustments amid deepening rifts within the ruling coalition over "Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)" elections and debate surrounding proposed new provinces. At a National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee on Petroleum meeting chaired by PPP's Syed Mustafa Mehmood, former Petroleum Minister Syed Naveed Qamar requested deferral of the Natural Gas (Development Surcharge) Amendment Bill and the Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC) Amendment Bill. Qamar asserted that PPP would withdraw support unless the government addressed outstanding grievances regarding "AJK" elections, judicial appointments and other matters. The committee subsequently deferred both bills. ("PPP blocks two gas revenue bills amid rift with govt," Dawn, 05 September 2026)
PPP questions PM's silence on new provinces proposal amid constitutional concerns
On 05 September, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP), a key ruling coalition ally, sought Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's position on the contentious issue of creating additional federating units. PPP Parliamentarians Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bokhari insisted that any move to establish new provinces must follow constitutional procedures and obtain provincial consent, and that any such amendment would require a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly (NA) and Senate. He noted that consultations preceding the 1973 Constitution and the 18th Constitutional Amendment had consumed months. Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML-N) Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah reiterated that no formal preparations are currently underway to create new provinces. ("PPP questions PM Shehbaz's silence on new provinces," Dawn, 05 September 2026)
EXTERNAL
PM Shehbaz reaffirms Pakistan's support for multilateralism and United Nations' role
On 05 September, The Express Tribune reported that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif emphasised Pakistan's continued backing for multilateralism and the United Nations' (UN) position in global affairs during a meeting with Ambassador Olara Otunnu, a candidate for UN Secretary-General. Ambassador Otunnu commended Pakistan's enduring contributions to multilateralism and its involvement across all three UN pillars, recognising its leadership in ongoing efforts for international peace and security. ("PM reaffirms Pak support for multilateralism," The Express Tribune, 05 September 2026)
PM seeks early groundbreaking of ML-1 railway project during Asian Development Bank meeting
On 04 September, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif discussed the necessity of advancing the Karachi-Peshawar Main Railway Line (ML-1) groundbreaking with Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice President Yingming Yang. The PM stressed that upgrading the 10-billion-USD project was crucial for modernising freight logistics, strengthening regional trade connectivity and supporting major industrial initiatives. The ADB official welcomed the opportunity to review the multi-decade development partnership whilst charting priority interventions under the new Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) 2026–2030, which extends approximately 10 billion USD in financing to Pakistan. ("PM Shehbaz discusses need for ML-1 railway project's early groundbreaking in meeting with ADB official," Dawn, 04 September 2026)
SECURITY
Balochistan: Security forces kill 48 terrorists in operations over 72 hours
On 04 September, Dawn reported that Pakistan's security forces killed 48 terrorists across multiple high-tempo counter-terrorism operations in Balochistan over the preceding three days through intelligence-based operations (IBOs). The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said operatives targeted India-sponsored Fitna-al-Hindustan and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), designated as Fitna-al-Khawarij, across Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi districts. Six Indian-sponsored terrorists were eliminated in Mastung; 26 in Quetta's Shaban area; two in Kalat; and two during a foiled attack on a Sibi police station in Bhag. Significant weapons, ammunition and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered and destroyed. President Asif Ali Zardari commended the forces' professional capabilities, noting that over 1,188 terrorists had been eliminated in Balochistan during 2026. ("Security forces kill 48 terrorists in 'high-tempo' Balochistan operations over 72 hours: ISPR," Dawn, 04 September 2026)
PROVINCES
Balochistan: Kissan Ittehad chairman calls for agricultural emergency
On 04 September, Dawn reported that Kisan Ittehad Chairman Khalid Hussain Batth called for the declaration of an agricultural emergency in Balochistan, warning that deteriorating security conditions and government policies were severely affecting farmers and the province’s rural economy. Batth said insecurity had disrupted agriculture, livestock, border trade and commerce, on which a large section of Balochistan’s population depends, while farmers were struggling with rising cultivation costs and inadequate returns for wheat. He also highlighted high flour prices in Quetta and other parts of the province and warned of increasing rural poverty. Batth urged the government to restore security and remove restrictions on the transportation and availability of essential agricultural inputs, including fertiliser, seeds, solar equipment, tube-well machinery and agricultural medicines. He also criticised the provincial administration’s performance and called for the appointment of a competent officer to address Balochistan’s worsening governance and security situation. (“Farmers call for ‘agriculture emergency’ in Balochistan,” Dawn, 05 September 2026)
“Gilgit-Baltistan”: Chief Minister calls for satellite connectivity to strengthen disaster management
On 05 September, Dawn reported that “Gilgit-Baltistan” Chief Minister Amjad Hussain told a Senate committee that satellite connectivity was essential to monitor the region’s 7,000 glaciers and strengthen disaster management, warning that poor cellular and internet services were hampering tourism as well as relief and rescue operations during emergencies. Hussain urged the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to take a more proactive role in improving connectivity, noting that fibre-optic networks were largely feasible only in urban areas, while satellite services were needed for remote mountainous locations. The PTA chairman said measures were being taken to improve internet services in “GB”, while the committee directed another meeting with relevant stakeholders and private network operators to address connectivity issues. The committee was also briefed on disaster preparedness, early-warning systems and damage from floods, landslides and avalanches, with members calling for stronger NDMA assistance. Separately, the committee directed an increase in oil and LPG storage capacity in “GB”, while the Special Technology Zones Authority said it was prepared to pursue the establishment of a special technology zone in the tax-free region. (“Poor connectivity in GB hampers tourism, disaster response,” Dawn, 05 September 2026)
ON INDIA
Foreign Office rejects Indian claims on Narowal temple as "false" and "politically motivated"
On 04 September, Dawn reported that Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) rejected assertions by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) regarding a Hindu temple in Narowal as misleading and politically motivated propaganda. Foreign Office Spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said the over-a-century-old temple in Siraj village suffered structural damage on 21 July due to torrential rains, with local authorities already surveying the damage and beginning restoration work. Khan accused India of distorting facts and resorting to cheap political tactics, highlighting India's documented record of systematic persecution of religious minorities and state-sponsored attacks against their places of worship. The FO called on the international community to hold Indian leadership accountable for the persecution of Muslim, Sikh and Christian communities. ("FO says Indian claims about Hindu temple in Narowal 'false, politically motivated'," Dawn, 04 September 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Politics & governance
Ehsan Malik, “‘Kindly adjust’,” Dawn, 05 September 2026
"‘Kindly adjust’ is a peculiarly South Asian expression. It means tolerating inconvenience or accommodating what is not quite right. While courteous, it captures the relationship between citizens and the institutions that govern them. When electricity disappears, arrange a generator. When water is scarce or unsafe, call a tanker and install a filter. When schools, hospitals, roads or air disappoint, pay privately, reroute, stay indoors or stretch the household budget. In other words: kindly adjust."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2027640/kindly-adjust
Shahzad Chaudhry, “The collapse,” The Express Tribune, 04 September 2026
“Since the politicos cannot put pen to paper nor have the mind to wield the pen, they must then fall back on the bureaucracy to help devise the way out of their predicament as people's representatives. Except, why would a bureaucrat burn his own boat and suggest that the system needs complete replacement with another kind? It becomes a zero-sum circle of no joy. The government will do well to build a spine, collect some experts, read some models, and take the leap of faith in building anew."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2627313/the-collapse
Economy
Editorial, “Bond revival,” Dawn, 05 September 2026
“Pakistan has raised a record $3bn in its single largest international capital market transaction through a dual-tranche Eurobond sale that drew nearly $6bn in total orders. When international investors offer to lend a country almost twice what it is asking for and are willing to do so for as long as 10 years, they are betting that Pakistan will still be solvent, still servicing its debt, and still worth holding paper on a decade from now. That bet placed by a widespread group of institutional buyers gives yet another positive spin to the economic revival story told by the government."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2027645/bond-revival
Climate change
Editorial, “Failed climate goal,” Dawn, 05 September 2026
“Pakistan must adopt its own climate policy that tackles global warming in the context of its own region. Building climate-friendly architecture and reducing carbon emissions - while also pressuring the West to curtail its own emissions - should now be nothing short of a high-level priority."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2627311/failed-climate-goal
PoK
Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, “New AJK government’s task,” Dawn, 05 September 2026
“Despite hurdles, doubts, speculation, a protest movement and delayed polls on seven out of 45 directly contested Legislative Assembly seats, the task of installing a new government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir has finally been accomplished. There had been serious questions about the fairness of the elections. The bitterest criticism was from the PPP, the PML-N’s ally in the national parliament."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2027642/new-ajk-governments-task
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