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In Brief
EXTERNAL
Pakistan and Lebanon agree to expand cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing; Foreign Minister reaffirms support for Lebanon's sovereignty
On 15 September, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan and Lebanon agreed to strengthen cooperation in internal security, counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing and law enforcement during Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar’s visit to Islamabad. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the two sides would soon sign an MoU between their interior ministries and appoint focal persons to improve coordination. They also agreed to implement an existing counter-narcotics MoU and discussed cooperation between police academies and training programmes.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar separately reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity during a meeting with Al-Hajjar. The two sides welcomed an agreement on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons and discussed regional and international developments. Al-Hajjar appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace and stability and congratulated Islamabad on the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. ("Pakistan, Lebanon agree to enhance intelligence sharing, security cooperation," The Express Tribune, 15 September 2026)
Government rushes to finalise Oman oil deal as Hormuz disruption pushes prices up
On 16 September, The Express Tribune reported that the government approved the draft sale-purchase agreement with Oman for petroleum imports, a deal that had been stalled since 2021, as the Economic Coordination Committee moved to secure alternative fuel sources amid daily price hikes driven by supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz; the agreement, between Pakistan State Oil and Oman's OQ Trading under a 2018 intergovernmental framework, is meant to diversify Pakistan's petroleum supply routes and strengthen its supply chain following the Hormuz chokepoint crisis, with the draft having cleared legal vetting, foreign ministry review and Omani concurrence before the ECC's final approval. ("Govt scrambles to clinch Oman oil deal," The Express Tribune, 16 September 2026)
Pakistan and Canada to resume investment treaty talks in October
On 16 September, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan and Canada will resume negotiations on the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement in the first week of October, following a meeting between Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Canadian High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan, with the Canadian envoy calling FIPA a foundational step for boosting Canadian investment through legal protection and dispute-resolution mechanisms, and noting it would also signal confidence to over 300,000 Canadians of Pakistani origin; the two sides also discussed cooperation in agriculture, mining, clean energy and aviation, including a proposed hybrid renewable-energy project in Jhimpir. ("Pakistan, Canada to resume FIPA talks," The Express Tribune, 16 September 2026)
Foreign Minister and IAEA chief back Islamabad MoU
On 16 September, The Express Tribune reported that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with IAEA Director General and UN Secretary-General candidate Rafael Grossi, with both agreeing that implementing the Islamabad MoU remained the best course of action to defuse tensions, and Grossi offering technical support if needed; separately, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's support for Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity in a meeting with Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar, where the two welcomed a newly signed agreement on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons as a milestone in bilateral legal cooperation. ("Dar, Grossi back Islamabad MoU to defuse tensions," The Express Tribune, 16 September 2026)
Makkah defence pact has no regional ambitions, isn't a "Muslim alliance", says DG ISPR
On 16 September, The Express Tribune reported that ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry told Al-Arabiya English that the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye is purely defensive, built around collective deterrence with "no offensive, no interference, no aggressive element," and complementary rather than competing with Pakistan's other alliances, including its relationship with China; he declined to detail how the three countries would respond if one came under attack, saying that has never been made public, and rejected calling it a "Muslim alliance," describing it instead as open to any partner sharing a commitment to non-aggression and regional stability. On Pakistan's mediation in the US-Iran war, Chaudhry said the country was acting purely to prevent the conflict from spreading, crediting Pakistan's simultaneous close ties with both Washington and Tehran, and stressed dialogue remained the only way to a resolution. ("Makkah defence pact has no regional aspirations, aimed at collective deterrence: DG ISPR," The Express Tribune, 16 September 2026)
Sudden vaccination rule and its abrupt reversal leave Karachi in confusion
On 15 September, Dawn reported that hundreds of travellers spent hours and thousands of rupees at Karachi airport's sole vaccination centre after a 7 September announcement was widely understood as making vaccination certificates mandatory for all international travellers from 14 September, only for the government to later clarify the requirement applied solely to those heading to Saudi Arabia and Africa, then extend even that deadline to 25 September; officials confirmed verification fees already paid, some travellers described paying over PKR 4,000, would not be refunded regardless of whether the vaccination was ultimately needed. Border Health Services' Dr Syed Ghulam Murtaza Shah said the requirement, covering influenza, meningitis and polio vaccines, applies to Umrah pilgrims, work-visa holders and those staying in Saudi Arabia over six months, and will eventually expand to more airports, while an official at the centre partly blamed sensationalised media reports and travel agents undercut by the government's lower-cost vaccination for fuelling the rush. ("Vaccine confusion leaves Karachi's international travellers counting the cost," Dawn, 15 September 2026)
ECONOMY
Fuel relief scheme set to roll out nationwide from today
On 15 September, Dawn reported that the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme will roll out nationwide at 11:59 pm on 16 September 2026. The government is finalising arrangements for its launch across the country. Under the scheme, owners of two- and three-wheeled vehicles will receive a subsidy of PKR 100 per litre on a monthly quota of 20 litres, while those owning vehicles of up to 800cc will receive the same subsidy on a monthly quota of 30 litres. The scheme was already operational in Islamabad and would be rolled out across Pakistan at 11:59 pm on 16 September 2026. The deputy prime minister directed all concerned to ensure effective public outreach and smooth implementation at petrol stations. He also urged elected representatives to disseminate information about the scheme and facilitate registration. The Ninth meeting of the National Steering Committee on Fuel Subsidy reviewed the nationwide rollout of the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme. During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister directed that payments to fuel stations be settled within 24 hours through the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). (“Prime Minister's fuel relief scheme to launch nationwide Wednesday night,” Dawn, 15 September 2026)
Exchange Commission Chairman announces digital platform to improve accessibility to insurance-related information
On 16 September, Dawn reported that the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) held a talk series session on the development and digitalisation of Pakistan’s insurance market. SECP Chairman, in his address, said that digital transformation is essential to expand insurance coverage, improve claim settlement and make affordable insurance products accessible to the public. He announced that an insured Pakistan digital platform would be established to improve public access to insurance products and information. It was noted that while the industry has assets of approximately PKR 4 trillion and annual premiums of PKR 708 billion, insurance penetration remains only 0.7 per cent of GDP. He said important regulatory reforms were also being introduced to ensure the timely, transparent and fair settlement of insurance claims. (“Securities and exchange commission of Pakistan pushes digital insurance expansion,” Dawn, 16 September 2026)
Planning Minister outlines plan to build USD 1 trillion economy
On 16 September, The Express Tribune reported that the Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives outlined a transformative digital roadmap. The roadmap aimed at propelling Pakistan into a USD 1 trillion economy by 2035 under the national vision Uraan Pakistan. During his address at the 2026 SCO Digital Economy Forum in Urumqi, he also announced unprecedented growth in Pakistan's digital connectivity, highlighting a user base that has rapidly surged past 150 million consumers alongside a 25 per cent jump in data consumption over the last two years. The minister also shared critical milestones in empowering Pakistani women through mobile access. He highlighted that female mobile internet usage rose significantly from 33 per cent to 45 per cent, while the overall digital gender divide collapsed from 35 per cent down to just 8 per cent. (“Iqbal sets 1tr digital goal for 2035,” The Express Tribune, 16 September 2026)
Public enterprises post earnings of PKR 423.3 billion
On 15 September, Dawn reported that the state-owned enterprises (SOEs) posted earnings of PKR 423.3 billion during July-December 2025, while loss-making entities recorded cumulative losses of PKR 342.8 billion. The performance showed strong value across several parts of the SOE portfolio, but it also highlights the need for continued corrective action and structural reforms in underperforming entities. The Cabinet Committee on State-Owned Enterprises (CCoSOEs) was informed that government support to SOEs amounted to PKR 804 billion, while SOE contributions to the government stood at PKR 839 billion, resulting in a positive net fiscal flow of PKR 35 billion in favour of the government during the period. The committee emphasised continued implementation of approved business plans, measurable performance targets, improved operational efficiency and timely corrective action in underperforming entities. (“Public firms post Rs423bn profit,” Dawn, 15 September 2026)
Business community divided over unchanged policy rate
On 15 September, Dawn reported that the business community gave a mixed response to the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) decision to keep the policy rate unchanged at 11.5 per cent. The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has expressed disappointment over the decision of the SBP’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to maintain the policy rate at 11.5 per cent. The apex trade body has termed the decision as highly contractionary and counterproductive, warning that holding the benchmark interest rate at an oppressive level will continue to severely stifle economic activity and undermine industrial revival efforts across the country. The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) termed the SBP’s decision to keep the policy rate unchanged at 11.5 per cent a prudent and balanced approach in the current economic environment. The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry supported the MPC’s decision to maintain the policy rate at 11.5 per cent, saying global inflationary pressures arising from the conflict in the Middle East involving Iran had pushed up international energy and commodity prices. ("Business community split over SBP move,” Dawn, 15 September 2026)
Government plans to revive austerity measures amid fuel supply issues
On 15 September, Dawn reported that the federal government plans to revive austerity measures to conserve fuel amid escalating conflict in West Asia that has disrupted oil supplies from Gulf countries. The government ended the measures on 19 June, except for market timings. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, flanked by the ministers for IT and petroleum, said the government would revive austerity measures similar to those introduced during a previous fuel conservation drive in March this year. Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz chaired a meeting to review and simplify the registration process for the fuel relief package, as the Economic Coordination Committee approved a summary by the Petroleum Division for the relief scheme. The meeting was informed that more than 600,000 SMS messages had been received in the Islamabad region by the afternoon of 14 September 2026 since the launch of the scheme. Of these, 42,933 applicants had successfully registered for the PM Special Relief Scheme. The PM was informed that only four pieces of information would be required for registration: the applicant’s national identity card number, vehicle number plate, province of registration, and vehicle registration date. (“Gulf tensions may necessitate return to austerity,” Dawn, 15 September 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
PIMS fire inquiry finds systemic safety failures caused blaze
On 15 September, Dawn reported that an inquiry into the 26 August fire at Islamabad’s Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), which killed 14 newborns, found “systemic and institutional failure” and identified an electrical fault as the most likely cause. The 43-page report said an electrical failure near an air-conditioning unit most probably ignited the fire, while inadequate detection and protection systems, overcrowding, limited evacuation capacity and the absence of a rehearsed neonatal emergency plan allowed it to become catastrophic. The panel found that PIMS had failed to address earlier warnings about fire safety and recommended immediate electrical and fire-safety audits, improved emergency procedures, stronger regulatory oversight and professional hospital management. (“Pims fire: Inquiry committee finds 'systemic, institutional failure' behind tragedy,” Dawn, 15 September 2026)
PTI calls for dialogue amid political tensions
On 16 September, The Express Tribune reported that PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan called for dialogue to reduce political tensions, saying back-channel contacts appeared “lukewarm”. Gohar criticised the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) for taking up a case concerning Imran Khan’s health, arguing that a Supreme Court order for Khan’s hospital transfer and a medical board had not been implemented. He also condemned the treatment of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi in Lahore and called for an apology from Punjab authorities. Gohar said PTI supported Jamaat-i-Islami’s (JI) protests over inflation but would hold a separate march on 27 September. He denied reports of a meeting between Imran Khan and a senior-level official. (“Gohar seeks talks as backchannel cools,” The Express Tribune, 16 September 2026)
Ministers voice concern over rising energy bills
On 16 September, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s federal cabinet warned that disruptions to energy transit routes through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb were worsening fuel shortages and pushing international oil prices above USD 100 per barrel. The government expanded its Fuel Relief Scheme nationwide, offering subsidised petrol to motorcyclists and car owners, while acknowledging that the assistance would not fully offset higher prices. Energy Minister Sardar Awais Leghari said 72 per cent of Pakistan’s electricity generation in August came from domestic resources, helping avoid additional load-shedding and an estimated PKR 10.6 billion increase in consumer tariffs. Ministers also denied reports that “smart lockdowns” were being considered, despite speculation over renewed austerity measures. (“Ministers sound alarm as energy crunch looms,” Dawn, 16 September 2026)
SECURITY
KP: Suspected drone attack kills two civilians in Bannu
On 15 September, The Express Tribune reported that two civilians, including a woman, were killed and two others injured in a quadcopter (drone) attack allegedly carried out by terrorists in the Ping area of Wazir Sub-Division in Bannu on Monday. Bannu District Police Officer (DPO) Captain (retd) Muhammad Furqan Bilal confirmed the attack. According to Bannu police, the operation was conducted under DPO Furqan Bilal's supervision, with Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Bannu Region Superintendent of Police Fazal Waheed Khan, relevant Sub-Divisional Police Officers, Station House Officers (SHOs), district police, Elite Force, CTD personnel and peace committee members participating. One suspected terrorist was killed during operation and body recovered. Several other terrorists were reportedly killed or wounded, though accomplices removed the dead and injured due to mountainous terrain. DPO Furqan Bilal said operations against terrorists would continue "with full force and without discrimination," and police remained determined to confront terrorist elements. Drone attacks have emerged as a growing security challenge for police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), with terrorists increasingly using commercially available drones to conduct surveillance and drop explosives. Over 250 attempted drone attacks were reported between January and July across Malakand, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Karak, Tank, Hangu and Bajaur. ("Two civilians killed in Bannu quadcopter attack, police say," The Express Tribune, 15 September 2026)
Balochistan: Nine terrorists killed in CTD operations
On 15 September, Dawn reported that Pakistan's security forces and Balochistan Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) killed nine terrorists, including key commander Naqeeb, in two separate operations in Mastung, Pishin and Qila Abdullah districts. According to officials, security forces killed three terrorists, including Commander Naqeeb, during an operation in Mastung by targeting a vehicle carrying terrorists with a quadcopter. The precision strike killed all three terrorists and destroyed the vehicle. Meanwhile, six terrorists of a banned outfit were killed in separate operations conducted by CTD (Counter-Terrorism Department), police, and other law enforcement agencies in Pishin and Qila Abdullah districts. Four CTD personnel were injured in a gun battle that continued for hours in villages on the outskirts of Saranan. Reports indicated five terrorists were arrested in the operation, though officials had not confirmed this until filing the report. The operation was conducted on the basis of intelligence-based information in Killi Sultan, Azhram, Dinar and Gelo areas of Pishin and other identified locations. A sizeable quantity of weapons and other material was recovered from arrested suspects. Further investigation is underway to obtain information about networks, facilitators, and planned terrorist activities. Operation jointly led by the Zhob Range Director Inspector General (DIG), the CTD commander and the Pishin Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). Bodies of slain terrorists and injured CTD personnel were shifted to Quetta Civil Hospital. Balochistan Chief Minister (CM) Sarfraz Bugti praised security forces for successful operation, saying timely and effective action reflected state institutions' firm resolve and professional capabilities. ("9 terrorists killed in Balochistan operations," Dawn, 15 September 2026)
Sindh: Two convicted over Karachi airport terror attack
On 15 September, Dawn reported that the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Monday sentenced a bank officer and a trader to a total of 10 years and seven years in prison, respectively, for facilitating a terrorist attack targeting Chinese nationals near Karachi airport. The court found trader Saeed Ali and bank officer Bilal guilty of facilitating and arranging funds through a private bank in Hub, Balochistan, to purchase a vehicle used in the deadly October 2024 attack on a Chinese convoy that claimed the lives of two foreigners and one Pakistani national. ATC-V Judge sentenced Bilal to 10 years and three years' imprisonment, while Saeed was sentenced to seven years and two years' imprisonment. The court ruled all sentences run concurrently. During trial, convicts denied allegations. Saeed deposed he had no link with the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) or any such organisation. Bilal denied involvement, claiming he was performing bank duty with no knowledge of the suicide bomber's transaction purpose, alleging he was implicated because the suicide bomber was a university fellow. According to the prosecution, the vehicle was purchased for PKR 7.1 million from a showroom and convicts Saeed and Bilal facilitated the transaction. Vehicle later fitted with explosives and used in the bombing. Case registered by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) under Sections 11-F (membership, support and meetings relating to proscribed organisation), 11-N (punishment for fund-raising and using money or other property for terrorism purposes) and 21-I (aid and abetment) of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997. ("ATC convicts two facilitators of 2024 attack on Chinese nationals near Karachi airport," Dawn, 15 September 2026)
FIA arrests TLP regional emir in terror financing case involving banned party mobilisation
On 15 September, Dawn reported that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested Syed Inayatul Haq Shah, North Punjab emir of banned Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), on multiple charges including terror financing for the party's violent march in October 2025. FIA obtained a nine-day remand of the accused. A senior official told Dawn the suspect was one of eight key financiers of TLP arrested by a joint team of the counter-terrorism wing (CTW) of FIA from Lahore, Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Raid carried out by tracking Shah's location in Rawalpindi. During the inquiry, CTW (counter-terrorism wing) traced 1,800 suspected accounts reportedly used by Inayatul Haq Shah, family members, and other suspects to finance the banned party. FIA official said Shah, along with accomplices, withdrew Rs13.4 million in cash from a madressah's account on 13-14 October 2025, when TLP's violent march was taken out from Lahore, reaching Muridke. FIA said such huge withdrawals gave reasonable cause suspecting said amount financed the violent march. During the inquiry, financial profiling and counter-terrorism-financing analysis of TLP (Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan) leadership, financiers, associates and related persons were conducted, particularly with reference to financial transactions relevant to the violent TLP mobilisation/Muridke incident. FIA CTW (counter-terrorism wing) Lahore stated that details, institutional accounts and other records of Syed Inayatul Haq Shah alias Sultanpuri and father Syed Ziaul Haq Shah surfaced due to substantial financial activity through personal and associated religious/madressah accounts immediately before and during the violent protest period. ("FIA arrests TLP regional emir in terror financing case," Dawn, 15 September 2026)
PROVINCES
KP: PM Shehbaz and KP Governor stress enhanced efforts for "harmony" between centre and province
On 15 September, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi stressed the need for enhanced efforts for "harmony" between the Centre and the province and to resolve people's issues Tuesday during a meeting in Islamabad. The overall political situation in KP, law and order, and matters of mutual interest were discussed in the huddle, which also included Kashmir Affairs Minister Engineer Amir Muqam and Prime Minister's Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah. PM Shehbaz reiterated federal government would continue to work for KP's (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) progress and the welfare of the province's people. Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), which governs KP, has been at loggerheads with the federal government over several issues, including the provision of funds and military operations in the province. The ruling party in the province is also seeking the release of its founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned since 2023. PTI staged multiple protests to this end, accusing the Centre as well as the Punjab and Sindh governments of suppression during mobilisation drives. On Monday, a run-in with law enforcement marred KP Chief Minister (CM) Sohail Afridi's Lahore visit as he claimed he was "abducted" by authorities and later "abandoned" by the roadside. The provincial government denied any such move. Afridi was visiting Lahore to rally supporters ahead of PTI's planned protest march in Islamabad on 27 September. ("PM Shehbaz, Kundi stress enhanced efforts for 'harmony' between Centre, KP," Dawn, 15 September 2026)
SOCIETY
Senate panel flags weak child abuse convictions
On 15 September, Dawn reported that the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights raised concerns over low conviction rates, inadequate forensic support and the under-reporting of child abuse cases in Pakistan. Officials said 625 child abuse cases had been registered in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, of which 576 had been processed and more than 300 sent for trial, but the conviction rate was only around six per cent. The committee also criticised the absence of a local forensic laboratory in KP and urged strict action against schools that failed to report abuse. Officials said 855 peer-to-peer abuse cases were reported in KP in 2025, while more than 1,700 were recorded nationwide. Across Pakistan, 1,914 child abuse cases were reported in the first six months of 2026. (“Senate panel slams low conviction rate in child abuse cases, summons officials,” Dawn, 15 September 2026)
POK
“AJK” to elect new president on 24 September
On 15 September, Dawn reported that the “Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)” Election Commission scheduled the election for a new president on 24 September, after the office remained vacant since the death of Barrister Sultan Mahmood in January. Candidates will submit nomination papers on 19 September, with scrutiny conducted the same day, while withdrawals will be allowed until 23 September. Polling will take place at the “AJK” Assembly Secretariat from 10 am to 01 pm on 24 September, followed by counting and announcement of the result. PML-N, which holds a majority in the “AJK” Assembly, is expected to nominate the next president, with party sources identifying former health minister Dr Najeeb Naqi as a likely candidate. (“AJK presidential election to be held on Sept 24,” Dawn, 15 September)
Editorials/Opinions
Economy
Editorial, “Uneven tax burden,” The Express Tribune, 15 September 2026
"New tax data shows how hopelessly broken our collection system has become, as collection from the real estate sector crashed by 29% in the first two months of the current fiscal year. The realty sector holds special significance because it is the playground of the rich, and in a country where tax avoidance is a passion of the rich, realty is one of the few areas where they are taxed appropriately."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2629293/uneven-tax-burden
Editorial, “Rethinking relief,” Dawn, 15 September 2026
“The Rs75bn package may sound substantial but is barely a fraction of annual petrol sales. Its reach will be narrower because eligibility depends on conditions such as vehicle and SIM ownership. A monthly subsidy of Rs2,000 for motorcycles and Rs3,000 for small cars may help households, but cannot shield them from sustained global oil price increases. Nor does it assist those who rely on public transport. The question that arises is whether the government is trying to soften the political impact of another fuel price shock."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2030055/rethinking-relief
Environment
Editorial, “Mangroves at risk,” Dawn, 15 September 2026
“Karachi is losing its mangroves to encroachment. The reported cutting of mangroves and construction of bunds beside the Mangrove Biodiversity Park at Korangi Creek is alarming because the destruction appears methodical: block the tidal flow, allow the trees to dry, clear the vegetation and convert the land into a plot. That this is happening next to a park inaugurated only last year exposes the gap between official environmental rhetoric and what is allowed on the ground. Mangroves are not wasteland awaiting ‘development’. They are among Karachi’s most valuable assets. They help absorb carbon, support fish nurseries and coastal biodiversity, stabilise shorelines and reduce the force of coastal hazards. For a city already exposed to rising climate risks, destroying them is an act of self-harm."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2030053/mangroves-at-risk
Politics & governance
Arifa Noor, “Burdens of politicians,” The Express Tribune, 15 September 2026
“No one expects Pakistan’s ruling elite to behave like their counterparts in the West where ministers carry their own baggage and fly economy. We are far too realistic to expect miracles here but a little discretion can do no harm. And for once, it is not enough to argue that there are powerful people in Pakistan who perhaps enjoy even more perks than politicians but are not spoken about. Indeed, those who take part in electoral exercise and claim to be popular have different burdens than those who simply wield power. And the people in government need to understand this difference."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2030060/burdens-of-politicians
Provinces
Danyal Adam Khan, “Shiny new toys,” Dawn, 15 September 2026
“The federal government is responsible for Islamabad in the same way that KP is for Peshawar. If the latter is not demanding a separate slice of the NFC to govern its metropolis, then the former’s 42.5 per cent share should also be sufficient. In case it isn’t, it may finally be time to consider meaningful urban fiscal reform that allows cities like Islamabad to raise own-source revenue, particularly through its overpriced real estate. But that will also require political leaders to take on a state-backed property mafia, and we don’t seem ready for that kind of conversation."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2030058/shiny-new-toys
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