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In Brief
ECONOMY
Trade deficit with Gulf countries narrows as exports hit USD 271 million
On 06 September, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s trade deficit with Gulf countries narrowed sharply in July, the first month of FY2026-27, as imports fell 44.3 per cent year-on-year to USD 879.98 million while exports rose 5.6 per cent to USD 271.60 million. The contraction in imports was largely driven by reduced petroleum and LNG purchases from the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar, while exports grew particularly to the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Exports to the UAE increased 9 per cent, while imports declined 36.4 per cent, and Saudi-bound exports rose 4.5 per cent as imports fell by more than 20 per cent. Imports from Qatar and Kuwait plunged nearly 78 per cent and 97 per cent respectively, reflecting reduced energy purchases. By contrast, Bahrain recorded a 118 per cent increase in imports alongside a 32.2 per cent decline in exports, while trade with Jordan remained relatively balanced as exports increased 13.7 per cent and imports rose 4.2 per cent. Overall, Pakistan’s exports to the Middle East increased from USD 257.16 million in July 2025 to USD 271.60 million, while imports fell from USD 1.578 billion to USD 879.98 million. The UAE and Saudi Arabia continued to account for around 90 per cent of Pakistan’s imports from the region, highlighting the country’s continued reliance on Gulf energy supplies. The data suggested that Pakistan’s import flows remained highly sensitive to geopolitical developments, particularly disruptions and shifts in regional energy corridors. (“Trade deficit narrows with Gulf states,” Dawn, 06 September 2026)
SOCIETY
Only two per cent of Pakistani women own land, study finds
On 06 September, Dawn reported that only about 2 per cent of ever-married women aged 15-49 in Pakistan own land alone or jointly, according to a Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) study, highlighting a significant gender gap in economic empowerment. Although 67 per cent of employed women work in agriculture, just 1.5 per cent of agricultural households are formally recorded as female-headed. The disparity is particularly severe in Sindh, where 99.1 per cent of women do not own land. The study also found major financial and digital gaps, with full-service financial accounts held by 14 per cent of women compared with 56 per cent of men. It called for gender-responsive, climate-focused financial solutions as women farmers face growing climate risks and frequently rely on borrowing to cope with losses. (“Only 2pc ever-married women own land in Pakistan: study,” Dawn, 06 September 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
JUI-F chief says provinces debate is really about NFC shares, not new administrative units
On 07 September, The Express Tribune reported that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said the real issue behind the provinces debate was the National Finance Commission, arguing the Constitution allows the NFC share to increase but never decrease, and that "when the house is on fire, there should be no talk of division" given the country's alarming law and order situation; he accused the federation of trying to seize provincial mineral resources granted under the 18th Amendment and said Pakistan's alliance with PTI remained limited to parliament, not a full political partnership. Fazl also contrasted India's USD 700 billion in reserves with Pakistan's USD 10-11 billion, much of it borrowed, and said the country needed peace and economic sovereignty from the IMF and World Bank before it could even consider creating new provinces. ("Fazl: provinces' issue revolves around NFC," The Express Tribune, 07 September 2026)
Defence Minister calls devolution "inevitable," accuses PPP of flip-flopping on new provinces
On 05 September, Dawn reported that Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said devolution of power was "inevitable" and accused the Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) of a "contradictory stance" on new provinces, saying the party backs a Saraiki province in Punjab but reacts to "Sindhudesh" talk when multiple units are proposed elsewhere, hinting he'd say more "when the time comes." Asif argued the 18th Amendment's devolution principle was never properly respected and needs to be "corrected," suggesting Pakistan could use its existing 36 divisions or another administrative scheme; his remarks came as PPP Parliamentarians Secretary General Nayyar Bokhari pressed PM Shehbaz Sharif for his position and said any new provinces would need cabinet-level process, broad political consensus and a two-thirds parliamentary majority, while PML-N's Rana Sanaullah insisted no bill or resolution was currently under preparation. ("Asif says devolution of power is 'inevitable', accuses PPP of having contradictory stance on new provinces," Dawn, 05 September 2026)
JI, government to open talks Monday as protests and strike threat continue
On 06 September, Dawn reported that formal negotiations between the government and Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) will begin Monday, JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman announced, while warning of a nationwide wheel-jam strike if the government delays on economic relief demands and confirming sit-ins would continue alongside talks; Rehman said 21 days of protests across dozens of sites, including 20 in Balochistan and Swat, had already forced electricity prices down by PKR 10-12 per unit and saved PKR 4,300 billion in renegotiated deals with independent power producers. He cited Pakistan's PKR 110 trillion total debt and PKR 8 trillion in annual interest payments, argued a 3 percentage-point central bank rate cut could eliminate the need for the petroleum levy, and announced a planned 50-million-signature campaign pushing for structural relief, local government, and cheaper bread, while also linking Karachi's demand for a separate province to what he called the failures of Sindh's mainstream parties. ("JI, govt set to hold talks tomorrow amid protests," Dawn, 06 September 2026)
KP CM vows to stay in Sindh until PTI holds Karachi rally amid roadblocks and detentions
On 06 September, Dawn reported that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said he would not leave Sindh without holding PTI's planned Karachi rally, as his convoy faced blocked roads and detained supporters en route from Hyderabad, with Karachi police citing a security threat to bar any gathering at Mazar-i-Quaid while leaving the Super Highway toll plaza and Jail Chowrangi open as alternatives; PTI accused the PPP-led Sindh government of "political hypocrisy," noting Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's cordial welcome to Afridi on social media contrasted with police action on the ground, including one confrontation where officers used shelling after stone-throwing left a policeman injured. Earlier in Hyderabad, Afridi demanded Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz apologise for saying Punjab faced a bigger security threat from neighbouring provinces than from India, and urged supporters to turn out for PTI's planned 27 September nationwide protest demanding Imran Khan's release and treatment at Shifa International Hospital. ("KP CM Sohail Afridi says he won't leave Sindh without holding Karachi rally," Dawn, 06 September 2026)
Interior Minister repeats call for new provinces, floats Islamabad statehood
On 06 September, Dawn reported that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi renewed his call for a governance "reset," telling a policy dialogue that new administrative units "will eventually have to be created" since Pakistan's growing population can no longer be served by the existing structure, though he insisted the decision must follow constitutional process and public consent rather than being imposed by one party or individual; he also proposed granting Islamabad provincial status since its residents get no NFC share. The remarks came alongside Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's accusation that the PPP holds a "contradictory" position on new provinces, while PPP's Sindh leadership, meeting under provincial president Nisar Khuhro, accused federal ministers of interfering in the province's constitutional affairs and warned of a "conspiracy against Sindh's unity" if the remarks continued, planning "Sindh Unity" rallies for 12 September; former Senate chairman Raza Rabbani separately said the issue wasn't a federal matter at all, while PTI questioned why PM Shehbaz Sharif had stayed largely silent on the debate. ("Naqvi doubles down on demand for new provinces," Dawn, 06 September 2026)
EXTERNAL
Foreign Minister follows up on Makkah Defence Alliance understandings with Saudi and Turkish counterparts
On 06 September, Dawn reported that Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Ishaq Dar held separate telephone calls with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to follow up on understandings reached at the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee of the Makkah Defence Alliance (MDA), held in Istanbul on 31 August. The MDA was signed on 07 August, empowering member states to treat an attack against one as an attack against all. In their conversations, the leaders discussed follow-up on understandings, regional and international developments, and matters of mutual interest, reaffirming commitment to strengthening cooperation at multilateral fora. ("Dar, Saudi and Turkish FMs follow-up on understandings reached in first Makkah Defence Alliance meeting: FO," Dawn, 06 September 2026)
Pakistan and seven Muslim nations condemn Israeli ministers' statements regarding forced Palestinian removal from Gaza
On 06 September, Dawn reported that Pakistan joined seven Muslim-majority nations, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in condemning Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Defence Minister Israel Katz's statements proposing mass displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. In a joint statement, the eight nations' foreign ministers stressed that such proposals flagrantly violate international law, including international humanitarian law, and pose direct threats to Palestinian rights. They warned against the grave consequences of transforming forced displacement rhetoric into policy, noting that such actions challenge international peace efforts, including President Donald Trump's comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict, which explicitly rejects forced displacement. The ministers reaffirmed that the only viable path to lasting peace rests on implementing the two-State solution with an independent Palestinian state established along 1967 borders. ("Pakistan, 7 other Muslim nations condemn Israeli ministers' statements regarding Palestinians' mass removal from Gaza," Dawn, 06 September 2026)
Pakistan dispatches 100 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Nepal following catastrophic floods
On 06 September, Dawn reported that Pakistan dispatched 100 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Nepal via chartered flight to support relief operations following the glacial and mountain collapse on the China-Nepal border that killed at least 1,384 people and left over 5,500 missing across both countries. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) coordinated the assistance, which comprised tents, blankets, mats, hygiene kits and medicines. Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson stated that the relief reflected Pakistan's solidarity with Nepal during the crisis. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar expressed Pakistan's readiness to extend all possible support. The send-off ceremony at Islamabad airport was attended by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Nepal's Ambassador Rita Dhital. Rescuers continue operations on the twelfth day, achieving extraordinary survivals, including four people rescued from hydropower tunnels. ("Pakistan dispatches humanitarian aid to Nepal after deadly floods, landslides," Dawn, 06 September 2026)
SECURITY
KP: Security forces kill 21 terrorists in multiple operations between 03 and 05 September
On 06 September, The Express Tribune reported that security forces killed 21 terrorists in multiple engagements across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa between 03 and 05 September, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Seven were killed in an encounter in North Waziristan, while four others were eliminated in separate operations in Kohat and Dera Ismail Khan. The military also said 10 additional terrorists were killed after a previous infiltration attempt along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, bringing the total from that engagement to 25. ISPR accused the Afghan Taliban of failing to prevent the use of Afghan territory for cross-border terrorism. The operations came amid rising militant violence in Pakistan, with ACLED recording 2,425 attacks in 2025, up from 658 in 2022. (“21 terrorists killed in multiple engagements across K-P: ISPR,” The Express Tribune, 06 September)
Balochistan: CDF Munir visits Quetta to reaffirm state support
On 05 September, Dawn reported that Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Quetta Garrison and reaffirmed that the “peace, prosperity and well-being” of Balochistan’s people remained central to Pakistan’s efforts. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), he received a briefing on the province’s security situation, operational preparedness and measures to maintain stability, while stressing continued coordination among law enforcement agencies and government institutions. Field Marshal Munir stated that “a stable and secure environment would continue to facilitate development initiatives, economic opportunities and improved prospects for the people of the province.” Munir also reportedly praised troops for their professionalism and readiness and paid tribute to fallen personnel. The visit comes in the backdrop of reported heightened terrorist activity in Balochistan. ISPR said security forces had killed 48 terrorists in multiple operations in Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi over the preceding three days. According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), terrorist attacks in Balochistan increased from 83 in July to 89 in August. (“CDF Munir reaffirms Balochistan’s peace, prosperity central to state efforts: ISPR,” Dawn, 05 September 2026)
PROVINCES
Balochistan: CM announces temporary relocation of 1,000 people for counterterrorism operation
On 06 September, Dawn reported that Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said authorities were planning to temporarily relocate around 1,000 people from a nomadic settlement in the mountainous Shor Parod area of Mastung to facilitate a security operation against terrorist hideouts. Bugti said the plan was limited to the settlement and had not yet been implemented, stressing that arrangements would be made for the welfare of affected residents, particularly women, children and the elderly. He said armed groups had historically operated from the area and could use civilian locations as hideouts or launching points. The chief minister argued that security forces required an “enabling environment” to combat terrorism, while rejecting claims of wider displacement across Mastung or Balochistan. (“1,000 nomads to be relocated for Shor Parod operation: Balochistan CM Bugti,” Dawn, 06 September 2026)
Islamabad: Uncertainty over local elections as ICT Assembly proposal emerges
On 07 September, The Express Tribune reported that Islamabad’s local government elections faced renewed uncertainty after the ordinance governing the capital’s local government system expired on 06 September. Meanwhile, a high-level committee has proposed establishing a 27-member Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Assembly through an Act of Parliament. The proposed body would include 21 directly elected members, five women and one minority representative, with its own chief executive and 27 departments covering health, education and civic services. Law and order and master planning would remain with the federal government. The proposal also seeks to transfer the Capital Development Authority’s functions to the ICT government and streamline the capital’s fragmented administrative structure. (“Capital LG polls caught in limbo - again,” The Express Tribune, 07 September 2026)
AF-PAK
Government clarifies that there is no change in policy towards Afghan Taliban
On 07 September, The Express Tribune reported that despite recent developments and speculation of a policy shift, Pakistan’s officials said Islamabad’s position towards Afghanistan’s Taliban regime remains unchanged. This comes after reports that acting Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani had offered talks with Pakistan, along with an invitation to the Afghan ambassador to speak at the National Defence University, prompting speculation about renewed engagement. However, official sources said the NDU invitation was a routine academic interaction and did not signal a policy change. Pakistan reportedly continues to insist that meaningful engagement with Kabul depends on “concrete and verifiable action” against banned terrorist groups, particularly the TTP and BLA, which Islamabad notes operate from Afghan territory. (“No change in Pakistan's Afghan policy,” The Express Tribune, 07 September 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
External
Editorial, “Unending war,” Dawn, 07 September 2026
"The Islamabad MoU, which the Iranians have expressed their confidence in, remains the best bet towards a negotiated settlement. If the US has a better plan, it is welcome to share it. But threats, bluster and further attacks will take it nowhere, and will drag the region into an even bigger conflict. Mr Trump must end this war of choice immediately, and come to the table with Iran to work out a mutually acceptable long-term peace deal."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2028059/unending-war
Muhammad Amir Rana, “Searching for past glory,” Dawn, 06 September 2026
“There is little doubt that Pakistan’s growing role in the Gulf, beginning with Trump’s Gaza peace plan, followed by the Islamabad MoU and now the Makkah accord, has boosted the country’s confidence. However, when its leadership looks inward at the political and economic conditions, the contrast undermines some of the confidence gained from its successes in an evolving geopolitical environment."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2027848/searching-for-past-glory
Economy
Editorial, “Export reality,” Dawn, 07 September 2026
“The FPCCI is rightly concerned over the burgeoning trade deficit that has widened by 18.1pc to $7.1bn in the first two months of the current fiscal year due to growing imports and stagnating exports. The country’s apex trade body has described the rising cost of doing business as a binding constraint on exports. A policy rate above regional rivals, costly and unreliable energy supply, and higher taxes on petrol are structural costs that show up directly in the price of exporters. This explains a good part of why our exports keep losing shelf space to competitors who face none of these burdens. But it is not the whole story."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2028058/export-reality
Environment
Editorial, “Dying delta,” The Express Tribune, 05 September 2026
“The Indus Delta is dying, and Pakistan is allowing it to happen largely out of sight. Journalists, environmentalists and policymakers have repeatedly drawn attention to the worsening condition of the delta, yet the response remains fragmented and inadequate. For the communities living along the coast, the consequences are unfolding in front of their very eyes."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2627638/dying-delta
Politics & governance
Editorial, “Will relief follow?” The Express Tribune, 06 September 2026
“Jamaat-i-Islami's sustained campaign against the petroleum levy appears to have yielded its first meaningful concession from the government. After 19 days of sit-ins across the country and a nationwide shutter-down strike, the government and the JI have agreed to form their respective expert committees to examine ways of reducing the petroleum levy and providing relief to consumers. The two sides say they expect a workable solution within two weeks."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2627637/will-relief-follow
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