|
In Brief
ECONOMY
Remittances reach USD 7.4 billion, rising by 14.7 per cent in first two months of FY2027
On 10 September, The Express Tribune reported that overseas Pakistanis sent USD 7.3 billion home in the first two months of FY27, 14.7 per cent more than the USD 6.4 billion received in the same period last year, building on a historic USD 41.6 billion in FY26. As per the State Bank of Pakistan, workers' remittances stood at USD 3.7 billion in August, up USD 16.5 billion from a year earlier and USD 0.7 billion from July. The two-month haul of about USD 7.29-7.3 billion marks the strongest start to a fiscal year on record and puts full-year inflows projection on a path that brokers now estimate near USD 44 billion. The rise is more striking as the Pakistani state has stopped paying for it. At the start of FY27, the central bank ended the telegraphic transfer rebate and Sohni Dharti rewards used to channel funds into banks. Lenders are still offering about PKR 2 per dollar from their own books. Two months of double-digit year-on-year growth is the first test of whether formal inflows can hold without a fiscal top-up. (“$44b remittance run rate masks risks,” The Express Tribune, 10 September 2026)
Government prepares a plan to secure gas pipelines amid rising sabotage incidents in KP and Balochistan
On 10 September, The Express Tribune reported that the government is studying a proposal to establish 14 dedicated wings, keeping in view the CPEC model for a security framework to ensure the safety of gas pipelines as well as oil and gas exploration companies, mainly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, as gas utilities face multibillion-rupee losses due to terrorist attacks. The total cost of setting up these wings has been estimated at PKR 46 billion, which will be recovered from consumers by increasing gas prices. Around 23 sabotage incidents have been reported on Shewa and Bettani pipelines and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited's (SNGPL) main network in the north during the last two years. These incidents have resulted in an estimated gas loss of 7,624 million cubic feet, equivalent to about 25 liquefied natural gas cargoes. The estimated financial loss incurred is PKR 12.7 billion at the local gas price of USD 6 per million British thermal units mmBtu and approximately PKR 27.7 billion at the regasified LNG price of USD 13/mmBtu. (“Gas consumers to pay extra Rs46b,” The Express Tribune, 10 September 2026)
Exchange companies’ dollar sales to banks increase by 30 per cent in August
On 09 September, Dawn reported that Exchange companies’ dollar sales to banks increased by 30 per cent year-on-year in August. These companies sold USD 248.7 million to banks in August, up from USD 174.9m in the same month last year, as per Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan (ECAP) data. The exchange companies collectively sold USD 479.5 million in the first two months of FY27, up from USD 465.5 million in the first two months of FY26. Pakistan expects higher remittances in FY27, with the target set at USD 44 billion against an inflow of USD 41.5 billion in FY26. (“Exchange companies dollar sales jump 30pc,” Dawn, 09 September 2026)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan and other Muslim nations welcome UK ban on imports from illegal Israeli settlements
On 09 September, Dawn reported that Pakistan, alongside seven other Arab and Muslim-majority nations like Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), welcomed the United Kingdom's (UK) decision to ban imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced the trade measures, accusing the Israeli government of turning a blind eye to what he termed "ethnic cleansing" by settlers. A joint statement by the eight nations' foreign ministers expressed hope that the international community would take similar action and hold accountable settlement organisations engaged in illegal activities. Twelve European nations, including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden, also issued a joint statement indicating intention to follow suit. The statement emphasised that Israeli actions undermined the two-state solution possibility and aligned with international law and relevant United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions. ("Pakistan among Arab, Muslim nations welcoming UK ban on imports from illegal Israeli settlements," Dawn, 09 September 2026)
Foreign Minister discusses regional coordination with Egyptian counterpart through Regional Four framework
On 09 September, The Express Tribune reported that Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone discussion with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, focusing on closer consultations on regional matters through the Regional Four (R4) Foreign Ministers mechanism, which includes Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. Both ministers reviewed bilateral relations and reaffirmed the close and fraternal ties between the two nations. They discussed regional developments and agreed to meet on the sidelines of the forthcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The R4 framework, launched earlier this year, intensifies consultations on regional crises, particularly the United States (US)-Iran conflict and efforts promoting regional stability. The grouping has held several meetings since March, with its latest engagement occurring in Amman on 05 August. The discussion assumes significance following Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye's signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement on 07 August. ("FM Dar, Egyptian counterpart discuss regional coordination through R4," The Express Tribune, 09 September 2026)
Pakistan and Australia target USD three billion trade
On 10 September, The Express Tribune reported that Australian High Commissioner Timothy Kane confirmed negotiations on a modernised Pakistan-Australia Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) are expected to conclude by December. The existing treaty, dating to 1998, requires modernisation to reflect both economies' changing requirements. Bilateral trade declined from 973 million USD in 2024-25 to 672 million USD in 2025-26. Pakistan's exports fell from 285 million USD to 275 million USD, whilst imports dropped from 688 million USD to 397 million USD. Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Faheemur Rehman Saigol urged joint efforts to reverse this trend, setting a target of reaching at least three billion USD in bilateral trade. LCCI called for convening the Pakistan-Australia Joint Trade Committee, dormant since March 2023, and negotiating a preferential trade arrangement, noting that competing countries enjoy duty-free access to Australia. Agriculture remains a major cooperation area, with Australian agricultural trade worth approximately one billion Australian dollars annually. ("Australia, Pakistan eye $3b trade," The Express Tribune, 10 September 2026)
Finance Minister discusses business-to-business engagement, education links with NZ High Commissioner-designate
On 10 September, The Express Tribune reported that Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met with David Pine, High Commissioner-designate of New Zealand (NZ) to Pakistan, and his team to discuss bilateral relations, trade, investment and economic cooperation avenues. Pine recognised Pakistan's successful return to international capital markets through the recent Eurobond issuance and commended progress towards macroeconomic stability. Aurangzeb highlighted that focus has shifted to sustaining reform momentum whilst pursuing investment, export growth, employment generation and sustainable economic development. Discussions centred on strengthening business-to-business (B2B) engagement between both nations, with Pine emphasising the importance of encouraging direct commercial linkages. Aurangzeb underscored that private-sector engagement should lead to the expansion of commercial relations, with the government facilitating the necessary ecosystem. Formal trade agreements could accelerate existing business activity. The conversation also covered the substantial population of Pakistani scholars and students in New Zealand, particularly in agriculture-related fields, and leveraging technology for economic cooperation. ("NZ envoy pushes B2B links," The Express Tribune, 10 September 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
ATC maintains arrest warrants for KP CM and Junaid Akbar in Nov 26 protest case
On 09 September, The Express Tribune reported that an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad maintained arrest warrants for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, PTI's Junaid Akbar and other accused in the case over the November 26 protest, with Judge Tahir Abbas Supra rejecting exemption applications from those who skipped the hearing and again ordering police to submit the challan against them as soon as possible; multiple FIRs have been registered against Afridi across Islamabad since the ATC first issued warrants in November over alleged arson during the protest, and proceedings to formally declare him a proclaimed offender are running in parallel. ("ATC maintains arrest warrants for Sohail Afridi, Junaid Akbar in Nov 26 protest case," The Express Tribune, 09 September 2026)
JI gives government until 10 September to scrap petroleum levy
On 09 September, Dawn reported that Jamaat-i-Islami set 10 September as its deadline for withdrawing the petroleum levy, with chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman warning that missing it could trigger a long march on Islamabad, as the party's sit-in, now running in 32 cities, entered its 24th day; the announcement came a day after the government raised petrol prices by PKR 13 per litre, which Rehman said pushed total taxes on petrol to around PKR 130 per litre against an PKR 85 petroleum levy alone, a burden he said fell hardest on students and motorcycle riders while sparing owners of expensive vehicles. He accused the government of never passing on relief when global oil prices fell while raising prices whenever they rose, and said JI's negotiating committee had been given three days to respond to the party's proposals. ("JI sets Sept 10 deadline for petroleum levy withdrawal," Dawn, 09 September 2026)
PPP’s Bilawal tells Interior Minister to bring his governance-reset pitch to parliament
On 09 September, Dawn reported that Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi should raise his call for creating new provinces in the National Assembly rather than at business forums, noting Naqvi rarely visits the lower house, and offered to debate the issue with any federal minister; Bilawal said the "real issues" behind the system's problems and their solutions should be discussed by elected representatives in parliament, reiterating that any move toward new provinces must go through the constitutional and parliamentary process with political consensus. His comments follow the Sindh Assembly's resolution rejecting any division of the province or creation of new administrative units, and Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah's declaration that there would be "no compromise" on Sindh's unity. ("'Instead of speaking at business forums, Naqvi should visit parliament': Bilawal on interior minister's call for governance reset," Dawn, 09 September 2026)
SECURITY
Balochistan: 11 terrorists killed, 2.9 tonnes of explosives recovered in Kharan and Washuk
On 09 September, Dawn reported that security forces killed 11 terrorists and recovered 2.9 tonnes of explosives during separate intelligence-based operations in Kharan and Washuk districts of Balochistan on 06 and 07 September, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Eight terrorists were killed after attempting to establish a roadblock in Kharan, while three were eliminated and an alleged hideout destroyed in Washuk. The operations came amid a surge in militant violence in Balochistan, where 89 terrorist attacks were recorded in August, a seven per cent increase from July, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). ISPR said counter-terrorism operations under “Azm-i-Istehkam” would continue, while President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for the operations. (“Security forces kill 11 terrorists during IBOs in Balochistan's Kharan, Washuk districts: ISPR,” Dawn, 09 September 2026)
Two Pakistan Navy personnel killed during sea patrol
On 09 September, Dawn reported that two Pakistan Navy personnel, Shoaibur Rehman and Ghufran Nasar, were killed while conducting sea patrols to ensure maritime security, according to the Navy’s Directorate-General of Public Relations (DGPR). Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf expressed grief over their deaths, while senior naval officials attended their funerals and met their families. The incident comes as Pakistan has intensified its focus on maritime security amid a changing regional environment. In March, the Navy launched “Operation Muhafizul Bahr” to counter multidimensional threats to national shipping and maritime trade, noting that around 90 per cent of Pakistan’s trade is conducted by sea. (“Two navy personnel martyred while patrolling at sea: DGPR,” Dawn, 09 September 2026)
KP: Policeman killed in Karak attack as four terrorists killed in Kurram
On 09 September, Dawn reported that a policeman was killed and another wounded when armed men attacked a police patrol in Karak district, while security forces separately rescued a kidnapped policeman and civilian in Kurram. Constable Zafran was killed, and Constable Muhammad Imtiaz was seriously injured in the Shatakai dam area, prompting a search operation for the attackers. In Kurram, four terrorists were reportedly killed and the two abductees recovered during an intelligence-based operation. The incidents came amid rising militant violence in KP, with mainland districts recording 54 terrorist attacks in August, up 50 per cent from July, according to PICSS. (“Cop martyred, another injured in attack on police team in KP's Karak,” Dawn, 09 September 2026)
PROVINCES
Islamabad: Chamber of Commerce president demands a reasonable share in NFC for capital
On 10 September, The Express Tribune reported that the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) President, during his address at the Women Leadership & Policy Summit 2026, has demanded a reasonable share for the capital in the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. He said the capital's financial constraints were affecting its development and that a fair fiscal mechanism was essential to address growing urban needs. Acting President also addressed the summit and said Pakistan's democratic strength, economic progress and social cohesion cannot be fully realised unless women participate equally in shaping the country's institutions, economy and future. He called for policies that create an enabling environment for women to advance in entrepreneurship, employment, education, technology and public life. (“Islamabad seeks fair share in NFC,” The Express Tribune, 10 September 2026)
Punjab: PKR 135 billion needed to achieve 90 per cent literacy rate by 2035
On 09 September, Dawn reported that Punjab requires PKR 135 billion to achieve 90 per cent literacy rate by 2035. The province is grappling with the dual challenge of 9.6 million out-of-school children (OOSC) and 26.8 million illiterate adults. The largest proportion of OOSC falls within the 8-16 years age group, which cannot be effectively absorbed by the formal education system, making the non-formal sector the only scalable and flexible platform to reach this overage population. Literacy & Non-Formal Basic Education Department (LNFBED) released this data on International Literacy Day. LNFBED need PKR 135 billion in funds till 2035 to achieve our targets. The investment will cover expansion of non-formal schools, teacher training, learning materials, and establishment of new ALCs. LNFBED offers a cost-effective and accelerated education model, with elementary education completed in 18 months through the Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP), compared to 36 months in the formal system. Adult literacy is achieved in just six months through the ALCs. This flexibility enables rapid expansion, especially for overage and marginalised populations. The system also integrates skills and livelihood pathways, with thirteen market-oriented technical trades introduced alongside sector-linked ALC interventions in agriculture, health and mining. (“Punjab requires Rs 135 bn to achieve 90 pc literacy rate by 2035,” Dawn, 09 September 2026)
AF-PAK
PMDC order for Afghan students to return criticised by Human Rights Commission, opposition
On 09 September, The Express Tribune reported that the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) directed Afghan nationals already enrolled in medical and dental institutions in Pakistan to return to Afghanistan, while suspending new admissions, transfers and migration applications involving Afghan students. King Edward Medical University in Lahore subsequently ordered 20 Afghan MBBS students, including seven in their final year, to report within 24 hours. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan criticised the move as a humanitarian concern, warning that students should not be penalised for strained Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. Opposition leaders also urged the government to allow students to complete their degrees, with PTI leader Asad Qaiser reportedly challenging the directive in the Peshawar High Court. (“PMDC order for Afghan medical students sparks backlash,” The Express Tribune, 09 September 2026)
Khwezai Baizai residents demand Gursal crossing reopening
On 09 September, Dawn reported that residents of Khwezai Baizai tehsil urged the government to reopen the Gursal border crossing with Afghanistan, improve public services and create employment opportunities for local youth. Jirga members cited damaged roads, inadequate healthcare and education facilities, unemployment and deteriorating public buildings as major concerns. They also called for reconstruction of a bridge near Kozo Kas that was washed away nearly two years ago, disrupting access to schools, hospitals and markets for thousands of residents. The elders said reopening the border crossing could revive trade and generate jobs, while urging authorities to address longstanding infrastructure and service-delivery problems in the border region. (“Reopening of Gursal border sought,” Dawn, 09 September 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Economy
Editorial, “Following through,” Dawn, 10 September 2026
"Currently, long-term investment is scarce and competitiveness continues to erode. Businessmen have pointed this out to the PM and his economic team several times during consultations. The PM and his team agree, but there is no follow-through. There is no record of which commitments from previous meetings were fulfilled. That pattern is why business confidence in these consultations continues to diminish even as the meetings go on."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2627993/rs12tr-debt-repayment-a-turning-point-or-mere-better-handling
Afghanistan-Pakistan
Editorial, “Wrong target,” Dawn, 10 September 2026
“There is a difference between enforcing immigration law and punishing students for the passport they carry. The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council’s decision to bar Afghan nationals from medical and dental admissions this session, while requiring those already enrolled to return home, crosses that line. The ostensible rationale is not difficult to discern. Relations with Kabul are badly strained and Pakistan is pressing ahead with its repatriation drive. The government has the right to regulate entry, residence and national security. But none of that explains why students studying through recognised institutions, particularly those with valid documentation, should have their education abruptly terminated."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2028793/wrong-target
Society
Editorial, “Power and impunity,” The Express Tribune, 10 September 2026
“There are few things more corrosive to the rule of law than the belief that power brings immunity. In Pakistan, people with money and influence can often exercise an authority far greater than that granted to them by the law. A recent confrontation involving a Karachi University professor shows how quickly an ordinary dispute can become an exercise in intimidation when one side believes it has the power to impose its will on the other."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2628403/power-and-impunity
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
|
