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In Focus
Pakistan reaffirms support for Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks
PM Shehbaz backs Kingdom’s right to self-defence; Defence Minister warns of activation of Makkah Agreement
On 08 September, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia following Houthi attacks on the southern cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, which injured at least 73 people and affected economic and energy facilities. The Foreign Office (FO) condemned the attacks as a violation of Saudi sovereignty and territorial integrity, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed solidarity with the kingdom and called for the swift recovery of those injured.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif meanwhile warned that the Makkah Defence Alliance between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye could be activated if aggression against Saudi Arabia continued. He stressed that the agreement was a joint defence pact under which an attack on one member would be considered an attack on all three, while clarifying that it was defensive rather than an offensive alliance. Asif also urged against allowing Yemen’s internal conflict to spill over into Saudi Arabia.
The latest escalation comes shortly after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye formalised their longstanding defence ties through the Makkah Defence Agreement, aimed at strengthening collective deterrence, military coordination and regional stability. The Houthis have previously targeted Saudi Arabian energy and maritime interests, including two oil tankers in July, while controlling territory near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategically important shipping route. (“Pakistan reiterates support for Saudi Arabia, backs kingdom's right to defend territory after Houthi attacks,” The Express Tribune, 08 September 2026; “'We will honour it': Asif warns of Makkah defence pact's activation after Houthi strikes against Saudi Arabia,” The Express Tribune, 08 September 2026)
Government and JI hold talks over petroleum levy
JI submits six proposals seeking relief as government agrees to review demands
On 07 September, Dawn reported that Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) and the federal government held their first round of talks in Islamabad over abolishing the petroleum levy and providing relief to consumers, with JI submitting six proposals. JI Vice Emir Liaqat Baloch argued that the PKR 80-per-litre levy on petrol and diesel was hurting the economy and called for reduced state expenditure, changes to petroleum pricing and action on previous commitments concerning independent power producers.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said relevant ministries would examine JI’s recommendations before the next round of negotiations on Thursday, acknowledging that economic constraints would shape what relief was feasible. He attributed pressure on petroleum prices partly to regional tensions and said prices could ease with de-escalation. JI said its peaceful protests would continue during negotiations, citing growing public frustration over electricity, gas and fuel costs. (“JI submits six proposals as first round of talks with govt concludes,” Dawn, 07 September 2026)
In Brief
ECONOMY
Pakistan better placed to absorb shocks now than during 2022 oil crisis, but still fragile: Moody's
On 08 September, The Express Tribune reported that Moody's Assistant Vice President Grace Lim said Pakistan is now more resilient to external shocks, including fallout from the Middle East conflict, than it was during the 2022 oil price shock, crediting two years of macroeconomic stabilisation, lower inflation, a stable exchange rate and higher reserves for the improved shock-absorption capacity; she said the agency's recent upgrade to B3 reflected improving governance, a stronger external position and better fiscal metrics, but cautioned the rating still reflects a "structurally fragile" external position, a small export base, limited foreign investment and weak debt affordability. Lim said further upgrades would require rebuilding reserves beyond current expectations, improved access to financing, and fiscal reforms that meaningfully lift debt affordability, noting recent revenue-to-GDP gains had already been priced into the latest upgrade. ("Pakistan more resilient to external shocks than in 2022: Moody's," The Express Tribune, 8 September 2026)
Freight rates jump five per cent amid rising fuel costs
On 09 September, The Express Tribune reported that goods transporters announced a five per cent increase in freight rates after diesel and petrol rose PKR 19 and PKR 20.36 per litre respectively over 17 days, with All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance president Malik Shahzad Awan condemning the government's daily fuel-pricing policy and warning of a return to the nationwide strike the sector called off in August after being assured prices would stop changing daily; Awan said transporters had held back for 40 days on that promise and would resume the strike if the government makes no real progress on their demands. ("Petrol hike pushes goods freight rates up 5%," The Express Tribune, 9 September 2026)
PM Shehbaz asks business leaders for ideas to boost exports, says growth "has to be" export-led
On 08 September, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told a meeting with business leaders that "whatever growth we have to achieve, it has to be export-led growth, period," asking industrialists for input on lifting exports and the challenges standing in the way, and pointing to tax relief for exporters as one tool already in use; he credited "intense consultations" with the business community ahead of June's budget for helping deliver structural reforms that recovered PKR 800 billion in a year without new taxes. The meeting follows Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal's July remarks on diversifying export products and markets to hit 6 per cent sustainable growth, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb's comments on building a private-sector, export-led growth ecosystem, and this week's launch of a PKR 3 billion export credit insurance risk pool aimed at helping SMEs expand exports. ("PM Shehbaz seeks input from business community as he stresses export-led growth," Dawn, 08 September 2026)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan and Oman explore sister-port deal linking Gwadar to Sohar
On 08 September, Dawn reported that Pakistan and Oman discussed establishing Gwadar Port and Oman's Sohar Port as sister ports, with Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Noor Ul Haq Baloch and Oman's Consul General Sami Abdullah Salim Al Khanjari exploring a direct maritime link meant to connect CPEC to Gulf and Central Asian markets, cut transit times and boost cargo movement; the two sides also discussed launching direct Gwadar-Oman flights via Salam Air using the new Gwadar International Airport, potential Omani investment in the Gwadar Free Zone and joint ventures in logistics, warehousing and fisheries, plus technical cooperation on port management, dredging and digital operations, with both officials agreeing to finalise an MoU through their ministries in the coming weeks. ("Pakistan, Oman set to link strategic ports," Dawn, 08 September 2026)
Pakistan-Africa Economic Council launches to open new trade channel with 1.59 billion-strong market
On 09 September, The Express Tribune reported that the Pakistan-Africa Economic Council, described as the country's first SECP-registered Africa entrepreneurship platform, is set to formally launch this week to connect Pakistani and international investors with project opportunities and joint ventures across Africa, starting with Rwanda, Ethiopia, Uganda and Djibouti before expanding to Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan; the council says its edge lies in combining Pakistani production and business networks with established African relationships, and has scheduled two business trips to East Africa in the last quarter of 2026 to let entrepreneurs explore projects and meet potential partners directly. ("First Africa business platform launched," The Express Tribune, 09 September 2026)
EU envoy warns Pakistan's GSP+ trade benefits "cannot be taken for granted" as reapplication looms
On 07 September, Dawn reported that European Union Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis cautioned that GSP+ preferences, worth roughly EUR 732 million in tariff exemptions and covering EUR 7.115 billion of Pakistani exports in 2024, are not guaranteed as Islamabad prepares to reapply for a tougher successor scheme covering 32 conventions instead of 27 once the current framework expires this year; while Pakistan will keep receiving benefits through a transition period ending December 2028, Karoblis said this isn't automatic continuation, and pointed to a July European Commission assessment that found Pakistan had regressed on enforced disappearances, freedom of expression, judicial independence and forced labour, with much of its legislative progress not yet visible on the ground. He said no formal determination on suspension has been made, and that genuine cooperation from Islamabad could keep the current findings from triggering one, but stressed that reapplication will require a concrete action plan with real timelines and performance indicators, not just political commitment, with textiles and clothing, which make up 70-76 per cent of Pakistan's EU-bound exports, most exposed if preferences were lost; the Foreign Office pushed back on the EU's assessment as not "sufficiently balanced," while Pakistan's information, law and commerce ministries did not respond to Dawn's requests for comment. ("Pakistan faces uphill GSP+ battle," Dawn, 07 September 2026)
ENVIRONMENT
Government announces first national action plan for shark conservation through 2035
On 08 September, Dawn reported that Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced Pakistan's inaugural 10-year National Plan of Action for Conservation and Management of Sharks (NPOA), targeting restoration of declining shark populations through 2035. The plan seeks to curb illegal finning, reduce bycatch mortality, protect critical marine habitats and promote sustainable fisheries across Pakistani waters. Proposed measures include mandatory fins-naturally-attached policies, species-specific protections, shark sanctuaries and mangrove restoration. A multi-stakeholder National Advisory Committee will oversee implementation during three phases, requiring an estimated three point eight to five million USD (USD) in first-year funding. Annual performance assessments and formal three-yearly reviews will monitor progress against indicators such as landing-site monitoring coverage and stock assessments. The plan encompasses all chondrichthyan species found in Pakistani waters, including sharks, rays, skates and chimaeras, tailored to Pakistan's ecological and socio-economic conditions whilst aligning with Food and Agriculture Organisation standards. ("Pakistan announces first national action plan to conserve sharks," Dawn, 08 September 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Roadblocks paralyse Karachi traffic after PTI denied permission for rally at Mazar-i-Quaid
On 07 September, Dawn reported that authorities closed major roads in Karachi leading to the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and suspended Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Green Line service after denying permission to the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) to hold a rally. Container-based barriers were placed on multiple routes, including Shahrah-i-Quaideen, Rashid Minhas Road and M.A. Jinnah Road, causing severe traffic congestion. Officials attributed closures to a security threat warning from intelligence agencies. PTI activists attempted to march to the mausoleum. Police fired tear gas and detained several workers. One policeman was injured during stone-pelting by protesters. Officials claimed the road closures were unrelated to the PTI rally; however, commuters questioned suspending the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) on its dedicated track due to disruptions elsewhere. ("Roadblocks wreak havoc on Karachi traffic after PTI denied rally at Mazar-i-Quaid," Dawn, 07 September 2026)
Peshawar High Court Bar Association condemns Punjab CM's "irresponsible" claims on provincial terrorism
On 08 September, Dawn reported that the Peshawar High Court Bar Association (PHCBA) condemned Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's recent statement about threats from neighbouring provinces, labelling it irresponsible and prejudicial. The association stated that such comments insulted Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) residents and attempted to spread hatred during a time when national unity was essential. PHCBA emphasised that terrorism was not province-specific and blamed KP unfairly was condemnable. The council acknowledged KP's extraordinary sacrifices in counter-terrorism efforts, with thousands of civilians and security personnel killed fighting militant groups. PHCBA demanded an unconditional public apology from the CM, withdrawal of her statement and recognition of KP's unmatched sacrifices. The bar association stressed leadership's responsibility to foster inter-provincial harmony rather than division. ("PHCBA condemns Maryam's statement, demands apology," Dawn, 08 September 2026)
Acting President launches Senate mobile app amid continued blackout of live parliamentary proceedings
On 08 September, Dawn reported that Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani launched the Senate's official mobile application, hailing it as a digital transformation initiative. The app enables Senators to access parliamentary information and facilitates public engagement with the Upper House. Gilani stressed that digitalisation aimed to enhance institutional capacity, save time and eliminate inefficiencies whilst strengthening democracy's transparency. Technology must aid democratic accessibility rather than serve novelty, he emphasised. The ceremony was attended by Senate Acting Chairman Syedal Khan and Information Technology (IT) Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja. However, the launch proceeded amid an ongoing blackout of live Senate proceedings on state-run PTV Parliament and the Upper House's YouTube channel, where edited sessions are uploaded occasionally a day later. ("Gilani launches Senate mobile app, calls for greater digitisation of parliament," Dawn, 08 September 2026)
SECURITY
Pakistan issues 286 Interpol Red Notices in seven months
On 07 September, Dawn reported that Interpol’s National Central Bureau (NCB) in Pakistan issued 286 Red Notices in the past seven months for fugitives wanted for crimes including murder, fraud, terrorism and human trafficking, according to Federal Intelligence Agency Director General Usman Anwar. Of these, 225 concerned murder or attempted murder, while 33 involved kidnapping, corruption, robbery and cybercrime. The bureau also issued four other notices and helped secure the arrest and extradition of 53 fugitives to Pakistan during the period. Anwar said international cooperation through Interpol was increasingly important as organised crime and cybercrime crossed national borders, adding that Pakistan would continue strengthening coordination with global law enforcement agencies. (“Interpol Pakistan issues 286 red notices in 7 months, 53 fugitives repatriated,” Dawn, 07 September 2026)
Karachi: Shopkeeper killed by robbers as street crime continues
On 07 September, Dawn reported that a shopkeeper was killed and two policemen wounded in separate shooting incidents involving robbers in Karachi, while another policeman injured in an earlier encounter died during treatment. Shehzad Husain, 27, was shot dead in Liaquatabad after resisting a robbery at an LPG shop, with suspects fleeing on his motorcycle. In Surjani Town, two policemen were wounded when armed suspects opened fire after being stopped by a patrol. Separately, Constable Owais Tanoli, 28, succumbed to injuries sustained during an encounter with robbers in Korangi on Saturday. Police launched investigations and ordered measures to arrest those responsible. (“Robbers gun down shopkeeper, wound two cops as street crime continues in Karachi,” Dawn, 07 September 2026)
Balochistan: 11 people, including political leader and tribal elder, killed across the province
On 07 September, Dawn reported that unidentified gunmen killed Balochistan Awami Party Nushki district president Abdul Rehman Langove in Nushki, while separate incidents across the province left at least 10 others dead. Six unidentified bullet-riddled bodies were recovered in Mastung, while tribal elder Malik Karim Dad Muhammad Hasni was shot dead in Chagai Bazaar. In Duki, three Afghan farm workers were killed in an attack on an agricultural farm, while two others went missing. Police launched investigations into the incidents, with motives and perpetrators yet to be established and no group claiming responsibility. (“BAP leader, tribal elder among 11 killed in Balochistan,” Dawn, 07 September 2026)
PROVINCES
Sindh: Japan to provide USD 16.4 million for flood protection, climate resilience
On 08 September, Dawn reported that Pakistan and Japan signed the Grant Agreement for the “Project for Flood Protection and Dike Improvement on the Indus River in Sindh Province”, aimed at strengthening flood protection infrastructure and enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities in Sindh. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan in Pakistan and the Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs signed the agreement. Japan has agreed to provide a grant of 2.58 billion yen to Pakistan to strengthen the embankments of the Indus River in Sindh. The funding will support the implementation of the Project for Flood Protection and Dike Improvement, aiming to shield vulnerable populations from future riverine disasters. The project will focus on the improvement and strengthening of the Old Abad Bund in Larkana along the right bank of the Indus River. (“Japan to provide 164m for flood protection in Sindh,” Dawn, 08 September 20026)
Punjab: Asian Development Bank agrees to expand cooperation with province
On 08 September, The Express Tribune reported that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif held a meeting with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). During the meeting, ADB Vice President Ying Ming Yang agreed to expand cooperation with Punjab in the clean drinking water, agriculture, technical skills, health and education sectors. The chief minister thanked the bank for organising the Punjab Agri-Food Investment Forum. The CM said all projects in Punjab were progressing rapidly and another 2,000 electric buses would be operating on the province's roads by next year with ADB support. Additionally, the chief minister said the provincial government wanted to strengthen Pakistan's strong and long-term partnership with the ADB. Under the Punjab Investment and Value-Oriented Transformation initiative, the government was working to promote value addition, exports, skills development and private-sector investment in the province. (“ADB to expand social development support,” The Express Tribune, 08 September 2026)
Islamabad: PML-N backs provincial status for capital
On 08 September, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) Islamabad chapter has fully endorsed the Interior Minister’s recent proposal that Islamabad should be given provincial status. Recently, the Interior Minister stated that despite paying all types of taxes, residents of Islamabad had no share in the NFC Award, which was an injustice to them. The chairperson of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior, a local MNA, said that without provincial status, Islamabad’s residents' issues could not be addressed properly. He further stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had formed a committee under the supervision of the Planning Minister, which had already shared its recommendations with the premier, proposing the devolution of powers from the federation to the ICT as a federating unit. Under the proposal, the Islamabad Assembly will have 27 members: 21 directly elected members, seven from each of the three NA constituencies, five women on reserved seats and one minority member. The proposed assembly will elect a leader, called chief minister or mayor, who will serve as chief executive, while the chief commissioner will be replaced with a chief secretary. Under the proposals, all departments would function under the assembly, except law and order and master planning, as these two functions would remain under the federal government. If the government goes ahead with the proposals, elections in Islamabad are likely to face further delay; changes to the Local Government Act or its replacement with a new law, as well as amendments to the CDA Ordinance, would be required before fresh delimitation for the elections. (“Ruling PML-N backs proposal to give Islamabad provincial status,” Dawn, 8 September 2026)
AF-PAK
Pakistan Medical and Dental Council bars Afghan nationals from medical college admissions for current academic year
On 08 September, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) instructed all medical and dental colleges to cease admissions of Afghan students for the current academic session and required previously enrolled Afghan nationals to return to Afghanistan. The PMDC communique, dated 01 September, directed institutions to complete administrative formalities, including issuance of no-objection certificates (NOCs) facilitating departures. Health ministry officials confirmed an "in principle" decision was made to repatriate Afghan students amid ongoing tensions between Islamabad and Kabul. Universities received directives to provide data on Afghan enrollees across year cohorts. Officials clarified the decision applied exclusively to Afghan nationals, not other foreign students. Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan stated Afghan nationals without valid visas and passports face deportation under the Illegal Foreigner Repatriation Plan (IFRP), though the FO continued processing visa extensions according to existing policies. Over 1.1 million Afghan nationals were deported during 2025 alone, preceding this policy. ("PMDC instructs medical, dental colleges not to admit Afghan students for 'current academic session'," Dawn, 08 September 2026)
ON INDIA
Pakistan rejects Indian claims asserting control over Kashmir
On 07 September, Dawn reported that Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) categorically rejected India's assertions regarding Jammu and Kashmir's status, emphasising that New Delhi's unilateral claims could not alter the territory's internationally recognised disputed status. The rejection followed India's statement regarding a United Nations (UN) resolution adopting a new cartographic projection for improved accuracy. India claimed the resolution did not endorse any specific map but insisted its territory, including Jammu and Kashmir, be depicted according to its official maps. FO Spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan stated India's unilateral actions and continued illegal occupation were contrary to internationally recognised facts. He reaffirmed that Kashmir remained one of the oldest unresolved disputes on the UN Security Council (UNSC) agenda. Relevant UNSC resolutions stipulate that final disposition must accord with Security Council resolutions and the Kashmiri people's will, expressed through a free and impartial UN-supervised plebiscite. Official UN maps depicting Kashmir as disputed territory represent the sole cartographic representation of its current legal status, he stressed. ("Pakistan rejects India's 'baseless' claims on status of occupied Kashmir," Dawn, 07 September 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Economy
Hassan Naqvi, “Rs1.2tr debt repayment: a turning point or mere better handling?” The Express Tribune, 08 September 2026
"For years, Pakistan's approach to public debt has largely been reactive. Governments borrowed to finance fiscal deficits, refinance maturing obligations and meet immediate expenditure requirements. Debt management often meant finding the money to service yesterday's borrowing rather than fundamentally changing the reasons behind today's borrowing. The latest repayments suggest something may be changing."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2627993/rs12tr-debt-repayment-a-turning-point-or-mere-better-handling
External
Editorial, “GSP+ concerns,” Dawn, 09 September 2026
“Pakistan's preferential trade access to the European Union could be at risk. Brussels has cautioned that Islamabad can no longer assume continued trade concessions from the bloc. The warning comes at a critical moment in trade ties between the two. The current GSP+ scheme expires at the end of this year, with Pakistan seeking to enter into a successor arrangement — that has tougher conditions. The EU ambassador’s view that the outcome is “not certain” highlights a problem that extends beyond immediate negotiations. To preserve preferential access to its largest export market, Islamabad must prove it can meet the commitments it made under the programme."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2028542/gsp-concerns
Politics & governance
Zahid Hussain, “Pitfalls of referendum,” Dawn, 09 September 2026
“The plot thickens. What the ubiquitous interior minister said makes at least one thing clear: restructuring the existing administrative framework is inevitable. It was apparent that he was not voicing the view of the civilian dispensation but that of the powers that be. “New administrative units will have to be created. No one can stop it,” he declared. There was also a clear hint that a referendum might be held to determine the “will of the people” on the issue."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2028540/pitfalls-of-referendum
Society
Naween A. Mangi, “Hidden barriers,” Dawn, 09 September 2026
“Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world. Nearly seven million babies are born in Pakistan each year — approximately 19,000 every day. The urgency of family planning is difficult to exaggerate. Yet the scale of the crisis can tempt us into believing that the solution is simple: create awareness, provide contraceptives and persuade couples to have fewer children. The reality in Pakistan is far more complicated."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2028539/hidden-barriers
Provinces
Editorial, “Sindh's healthcare gap,” The Express Tribune, 08 September 2026
“There is a peculiar, state-manufactured dysfunction currently plaguing Sindh's healthcare department that is entirely nonsensical at face value. More than 8,000 positions remain vacant in government-run health facilities and, on the other hand, thousands of trained and qualified lab technicians, radiographers and paramedical staff await employment for years on end."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2627991/sindhs-healthcare-gap
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