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In Focus
Pakistan ranks third-lowest in Global Gender Gap report
WEF report puts Pakistan’s gender parity at 59.5 per cent; ranks 107th in political empowerment, 144th in economic participation
On 17 September, Dawn reported that Pakistan ranked 146th out of 148 countries in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Gender Gap Report 2026, with 59.5 per cent gender parity. Although Pakistan remained among the lowest-ranked countries, its score improved by nearly three percentage points from 2025 and by 5.2 percentage points since 2006. The report attributed the strongest year-on-year improvement in a decade primarily to gains in educational attainment.
Pakistan ranked 144th in economic participation and opportunity, with women’s labour force participation at 28.21 per cent compared with 81.46 per cent for men. Women accounted for only 6.13 per cent of legislators, senior officials and managers. In education, Pakistan ranked 130th, with female literacy at 48.52 per cent compared with 69.14 per cent for men, although tertiary enrolment showed near parity.
At 127th, the country also ranked low in health and survival and 107th in political empowerment. Women comprised 21.69 per cent of parliamentarians and only 3.45 per cent of ministers. The report also identified unequal or restricted rights for women concerning inheritance, access to justice, divorce and reproductive autonomy. In contrast, 24.9 per cent of women were reported to have experienced gender-based violence during their lives. (“Pakistan ranked among bottom three in WEF's Global Gender Gap Report 2026,” Dawn, 17 September 2026)
Pakistan “prefers dialogue over coercion” in response to Houthi threat, says FO
Islamabad committed “in intent and spirit”; DG ISPR says military would go “to any extent” to protect Saudi Arabia
On 18 September, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan reaffirmed its commitments to Saudi Arabia amid intensified Houthi attacks and described the situation around the Bab al-Mandeb Strait as “exceptionally serious”. Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said the country remained committed “in intent and spirit” to implementing its Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and the trilateral Makkah Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. He confirmed that some Pakistani forces had already been deployed under the bilateral agreement but declined to provide operational details.
Pakistan’s military leadership also reiterated its support for Saudi security, with DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry saying Islamabad would go “to any extent” required to protect Saudi Arabia and the Haramain Sharifain - the two holy cities of Mecca and Medina. In contrast, Pakistani officials stressed that the Houthi conflict should be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy rather than coercive measures. The statements came amid renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi territory, including a drone interception that killed a Yemeni resident and injured a Saudi woman and a Pakistani resident. (“Pakistan 'will go to any extent' to defend Saudi Arabia: DG ISPR,” The Express Tribune, 18 September 2026; “Pakistan ‘prefers dialogue over coercion’ to address Houthi threat,” Dawn, 18 September 2026; “Pakistan committed to implementing Saudi defence pact, Makkah agreement: FO,” Dawn, 17 September 2026)
In Brief
ECONOMY
Government reintroduces austerity measures across Pakistan
On 17 September, Dawn reported that the federal government reintroduced austerity measures. Under the austerity measures, markets will be closed by 9 pm, and fuel provision for official vehicles is also reduced by 50 per cent for a period of three months. Moreover, just a single dish should be served at all marriage-related functions or events. The government has also announced a five per cent reduction in the budget for non-employee-related expenditures for FY2026-27, with deductions to be made on a monthly basis. It further imposed a three-month ban on foreign visits and travel, including obligatory trips for government officials. The government further directed that official meetings will preferably be held through teleconferencing, except intra-city meetings. The move comes amid renewed hostilities in West Asia, which have disrupted major oil supply routes and led to a rise in fuel prices. (“Markets to close at 9pm as govt reintroduces austerity measures for fuel conservation,” Dawn, 17 September 2026)
FDI flows increase, current Account Deficit narrows to USD 98 million in August
On 17 September, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s current account deficit (CAD) narrowed sharply in August. As per State Bank of Pakistan data, the current account deficit in August was USD 98 million, against a deficit of USD 342 million in the same month last fiscal year (FY26). The August deficit was much lower than the USD 445 million deficit recorded in July, the first month of FY27. In the first two months, the current account deficit stood at USD 543 million, compared to USD 853 million in the same period of FY26. However, the regional situation is not favourable for Pakistan as the Gulf war has posed a serious threat to many developing economies struggling to cope with high oil prices. Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows surged 80.5 per cent to USD 315.9 million in August from USD 175 million in the same month last year. SBP data showed FDI rose 24 per cent to USD 494.5 million in the first two months of 2026-27 from USD 398.6 million a year ago. China topped the list with USD 113 million investment in August, followed by Canada with USD 50 million and the UAE with USD 48 million. China invested USD 176 million in the first two months of FY27, up from USD 120.7 million in the same period last year. (“Current account deficit narrows to $98m in August,” Dawn, 17 September 2026)
Large-scale manufacturing posts 3.03 per cent year-on-year growth
On 17 September, Dawn reported that the large-scale manufacturing (LSM) sector posted a modest year-on-year growth of 3.03 per cent and a sharper 9.5 per cent month-on-month in the first month of 2026-27. As per Pakistan Bureau of Statistics data, Industrial activity rebounded in July after a 3.48 per cent contraction in June. The Quantum Index of Manufacturing (QIM) stood at 119.13 in July FY27, up from 115.62 in the corresponding month of the last year. The main contributors to overall LSM growth in July were tobacco with 0.55 per cent, garments with 3.87 per cent, petroleum products with 0.11 per cent, cement with 0.36 per cent, electrical equipment with 0.21 per cent, and automobiles with 1.91 per cent. However, the recovery was uneven, with food dragging LSM growth by 0.45 per cent, followed by beverages with 0.45 per cent, textiles with 0.53 per cent, and pharmaceuticals with 1.24 per cent. The weakness in textiles is particularly significant given the sector’s weight in Pakistan’s manufacturing and export base, suggesting that the improvement in headline LSM growth did not extend evenly to some of the country’s major industrial activities. (“Large-scale industry rebounds 3.03pc in July,” Dawn, 17 September 2026)
Media watchdog raises concerns over Google-Pakistan agreement
On 17 September, Dawn reported that Google opened its office in Pakistan to advance the country’s digital vision. However, Islamabad-based Freedom Network raised concerns and has penned an open letter to Google and the government, seeking to know what safeguards will ensure that the tech giant’s recent partnership with Pakistan strengthens the country’s digital economy without creating a backdoor for surveillance, censorship or unrestricted access to citizens’ personal information. The watchdog asked Google to commit itself to not removing any content merely because a government agency asks, or that requests for blocking or removal shall be assessed under transparent legal standards and users shall receive notice and an opportunity to challenge decisions where legally possible. Freedom Network also worried about where Pakistani citizens’ data would be stored in Pakistan or overseas. (“Google-Pakistan deal raises data privacy concerns,” Dawn, 17 September 2026)
LNG shortages hit Pakistan’s electricity and fertiliser production
On 18 September, Dawn reported that Pakistan is among the worst-hit nations by liquefied natural gas (LNG) disruptions due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The ' Outlook for Gas and LNG Markets in Asia’ report stated that Qatar and the UAE together supply about 99pc of Pakistan’s LNG, mostly for power generation, fertiliser production and industrial use. LNG accounts for about 30 per cent of total gas supply. The report noted that gas supply disruptions have prompted Pakistan’s government to look to coal, hydropower, and nuclear power, while price volatility and shipping uncertainty are likely to sharply increase power costs. (“LNG shortages hit Pakistan badly,” Dawn, 18 September 2026)
Fuel subsidy scheme faces hurdles on first day of implementation
On 17 September, Dawn reported that the fuel subsidy scheme launched by the prime minister faced snags on the first day of its nationwide rollout. Many petrol pumps declined to honour the digital app, claiming they lacked the system needed to provide petrol at PKR 100 per litre less. Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) also expressed concerns that its members were unaware of the subsidy disbursement mechanism and feared they would have to run from pillar to post to recover the amount. However, to resolve the matter, the Petroleum Minister held a meeting with the PPDA to discuss the mechanism for implementing the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) also briefed the participants on the reimbursement mechanism and assured them that claims submitted under the scheme would be processed within 48 hours, ensuring timely payments to participating petroleum dealers. In another development, the Oil Companies Advisory Committee (OCAC) warned the government of disruption to the oil supply chain if PKR 67 billion in price differential claims (PDC) pending since March 2026 were not settled. (“PM’s fuel subsidy scheme faces first day hurdles at petrol pumps,” Dawn, 17 September 20026)
Pakistan seeks US response on exchange stabilisation facility
On 17 September, Dawn reported that Pakistan expects a US response on a proposed USD 10 billion exchange stabilisation facility within two months. The finance minister mentioned that the government was also in talks with the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) and the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). EXIM financing could support aircraft purchases from Boeing by Pakistan International Airlines now that the national carrier is privatised, while DFC could help fund a planned USD 5 billion programme to upgrade the country’s oil refineries. Additionally, Pakistan will seek an expansion of its 30 billion yuan swap line with China when the facility expires in 2027. The country remains reliant on external financing to bolster foreign exchange reserves and meet debt repayments, making support from China, Gulf states and multilateral lenders key to maintaining economic stability and investor confidence. The finance minister said the government had no plans to seek additional International Monetary Fund (IMF) financing or emergency support. (“Pakistan eyes bigger China swap line, expects US financing decision soon,” Dawn, 17 September 2026)
EXTERNAL
PM Shehbaz reaches London en route to New York for UNGA session
On 17 September, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reached London for a two-day stopover before proceeding to the United States (US) to attend the high-level segment of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. According to a source in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the Prime Minister would proceed to the US on Saturday to attend the UNGA session. The source said the Prime Minister was likely to return to the country on 27 or 28 September after attending the UNGA session and would again stop over in London for a day or two. "In fact, travelling from Pakistan to the US is quite a long journey; therefore, PM Shehbaz opted to stay somewhere, preferably in London," the source added. According to the Foreign Office (FO), Prime Minister Shehbaz is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on 25 September. "On the sidelines of the UN session, he is expected to hold bilateral meetings with world leaders and participate in high-level events," FO said. Prime Minister, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers and senior government officials, during the New York leg of the visit. "Premier will present Pakistan's perspective on regional and global developments and highlight the country's priorities at UNGA," it said. The official theme of the 81st session is 'Restoring Trust Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All' and the UNGA debate is expected to run from 22 to 26 September, with final sitting on 28 September. Ongoing fighting between Washington and Tehran is expected to feature prominently in discussions among world leaders, particularly over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, regional stability and the possibility of finding a diplomatic way out of confrontation. Premier expected to highlight Pakistan's efforts to find a peaceful solution to the ongoing US-Iran war. ("PM Shehbaz reaches London before heading to New York for UNGA session," Dawn, 17 September 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Parliament body rejects PIMS fire report, saying it is “flawed”
On 17 September, Dawn reported that the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights rejected the inquiry report into the August fire at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) that killed 14 newborns, criticising it for failing to hold senior management accountable. The committee said lower-level staff and private security personnel appeared to have been blamed while senior officials were spared, and called for an FIR, complete forensic and DNA reports and identification of those responsible. Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered authorities to implement all short-term recommendations within three months and improve PIMS’ fire-safety arrangements. A previous inquiry had identified a localised electrical failure as the likely cause and cited systemic and institutional failures at the hospital. (“Senate body rejects Pims fire inquiry report as PM orders reforms in 3 months,” Dawn, 17 September 2026)
SECURITY
North Waziristan: 10 militants killed in IBO operations; six soldiers die in IED blast
On 18 September, Dawn reported that security forces killed 10 Fitna al-Khawarij militants (the state's term for the banned TTP) between 15 and 17 September, six in an intelligence-based operation targeting a hideout in North Waziristan and four more in a clash in Hangu, while an IED struck a security convoy on 17 September, killing six soldiers; weapons and ammunition were recovered from the militants killed in both operations. ("10 terrorists killed in KP ops: ISPR," Dawn, 18 September 2026)
Balochistan: Three militants killed in Awaran as Interior Minister hails "Radd-ul-Fitna 3"
On 17 September, Dawn reported that security forces killed three Fitna al Hindustan militants in an intelligence-based operation in the Badrang area of Balochistan's Awaran district, recovering a large quantity of weapons and ammunition, according to state-run Radio Pakistan; Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the "successful operation conducted under "Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3", saying it reflected the forces' capability and commitment, and reiterated that "complete elimination of terrorists and their facilitators" remained the nation's demand. The operation comes amid a documented rise in Balochistan violence, with terrorist attacks up 7 per cent to 89 in August from 83 in July, according to PICSS, following a string of recent high-casualty operations including a coordinated TTP attack on a Pishin customs house in late August, and IBOs in Kalat, Kharan, Washuk, Mastung, Quetta, Sibi, Pishin and Qila Abdullah that together killed dozens more militants over the preceding weeks. ("Security forces kill 3 terrorists in Balochistan's Awaran district: state media," Dawn, 17 September 2026)
Peshawar: Powerful IED blast damages Sra Khawra checkpost, injuring cop and civilian
On 17 September, Dawn reported that a vehicle-borne IED, planted in a loader rickshaw and containing 50 kilograms of explosives, went off near the Sra Khawra police checkpost on Frontier Road south of Peshawar, injuring a policeman and a civilian and collapsing the post's outer wall; SP Saddar Circle Fida Hussain said two men parked the rickshaw and set it alight before being picked up by two motorcyclists who fled the scene, after which police cordoned off the area and launched a search. The attack follows an earlier 01 March assault on the same checkpost and nearby Mattani police station using grenades and sophisticated weapons, with SP Arshad Khan noting attackers had used infrared cameras and other modern gadgets, and warning the threat "still exists" as searches for the latest perpetrators continue. ("Cop, civilian injured in blast near KP's Sra Khawra checkpost," Dawn, 17 September 2026)
Karachi: Constable killed after gunman uses fake vaccination certificate as cover to open fire
On 17 September, Dawn reported that a policeman was shot dead and another wounded near Karachi airport when officers patrolling Sharea Faisal stopped a suspicious rickshaw and two motorcyclists for identity checks; one motorcyclist, unable to produce a CNIC, offered his COVID vaccination certificate instead before pulling out a pistol and opening fire, killing Constable Asad Asmatullah on the spot and wounding Constable Amir Khan, with all three suspects initially escaping, though police later said two had been arrested. Separately in New Karachi, police shot and killed a suspect, identified as Meraj alias Merri, in an alleged encounter after two bikers opened fire when stopped for checking; police said Meraj's brother had also died in a 2024 police encounter and his father had been accidentally killed in an earlier police action. ("Cop martyred, another wounded in attack on Karachi's Sharea Faisal," Dawn, 17 September 2026)
AF-PAK
Pakistan prepares to repatriate over 23,000 Afghans from Quetta
On 17 September, Dawn reported that Pakistani authorities were preparing to repatriate more than 23,000 Afghan nationals still residing in Quetta, as efforts continued to return Afghan refugees and other undocumented foreigners to Afghanistan. A review meeting chaired by Quetta Division Commissioner Zeeshan Lashari assessed ongoing repatriation operations, administrative measures, progress and implementation challenges. Joint operations involving district administrations, police, Frontier Corps and other relevant institutions were continuing to facilitate the process. Authorities also discussed future measures to accelerate repatriation efforts across Quetta Division. (“23,000 Afghans still await repatriation,” Dawn, 17 September 2026)
Pakistan warns UNSC of self-defence against Afghan-based terrorism
On 17 September, Dawn reported that Pakistan told the UN Security Council (UNSC) it would respond in self-defence to terrorist threats emanating from Afghanistan when necessary and in accordance with international law. Pakistan’s UN envoy Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said more than 4,700 Pakistanis had been killed by terrorism originating from Afghanistan over the past three years and accused the Taliban government of failing to take verifiable action against militant groups. He identified the TTP, BLA, IS-Khorasan and ETIM among groups operating from Afghan soil, while noting that Pakistan had continued humanitarian assistance, including allowing 687 aid trucks into Afghanistan. The UN has also reported continued militant activity and concerns over women’s rights and governance. (“Will respond to terror threats from Afghanistan in self-defence as and when needed, Pakistan tells UNSC,” Dawn, 17 September 2026)
JUDICIARY
Pakistan Bar Council urges government to control rising fuel prices
On 17 September, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) condemned repeated increases in fuel prices, warning that they had worsened inflation, reduced purchasing power and increased the cost of living for middle- and lower-middle-income households. The council urged the government to control fuel price inflation and cut unnecessary privileges and expenditures for ministers and officials, including free fuel and excessive use of official vehicles. It also rejected proposals for a “smart lockdown”, saying such measures would further burden daily-wage workers and businesses. The PBC’s demands came after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a fuel relief scheme providing a PKR 100-per-litre subsidy for motorcycles, rickshaws and vehicles up to 800cc. (“Pakistan Bar Council urges govt to contain fuel price inflation, provide relief to citizens,” Dawn, 17 September 2026)
ENERGY
Pakistan and IAEA sign safeguards agreement for Chashma-5 plant
On 17 September, Dawn reported that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Pakistan signed a safeguards agreement in Vienna for the 1,200-megawatt Chashma-5 nuclear power plant, establishing international oversight of the facility in line with non-proliferation standards. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Raja Ali Raza Anwar signed the agreement, which was approved by the IAEA Board of Governors in March. The C-5 reactor is scheduled for commissioning in 2028 and is expected to provide low-carbon electricity to Pakistan’s national grid. Pakistan currently operates six nuclear power plants with a combined capacity of 3,530MW, while construction of Chashma-5 is progressing rapidly. (“IAEA safeguards deal for Chashma-5 nuclear power plant secured,” Dawn, 17 September 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Politics & governance
Shahab Usto, “Some critical questions,” Dawn, 17 September 2026
"True to tradition, a ‘plan’ to ‘reset’ the country’s entire structure has come down like an epiphany from apparently ‘non-political’ quarters. The plan envisages creating multiple provinces and changing the country’s very tapestry — its geography, topography, demography, ethnic relations, resource distribution, power sharing, and broader political calculus. The situation raises critical questions."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2030559/some-critical-questions
External
Raashid Wali Janjua, “Ties with UAE,” Dawn, 17 September 2026
“Pakistan-UAE relations have stood the test of time despite geopolitical upheavals. The current souring of relations does not reflect the true potential of ties between the two countries. Bilateral ties are rooted in shared faith, cultural affinity, and enduring people-to-people bonds. Pakistan was among the first countries to recognise and establish diplomatic relations with the UAE after the country’s founding in 1971. Since then, ties have continued to expand."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2030555/ties-with-uae
PIMS tragedy
Editorial, “Pims report,” Dawn, 17 September 2026
“Pakistan's health system is trapped in a loop of doom. A localised electrical failure caused the blaze that killed 14 newborns at the Pims nursery, says an inquiry committee’s report about last month’s tragedy in Islamabad. It holds the hospital management responsible for systemic and institutional collapse due to which the fire morphed into a calamity. More specifically, it suspects that either abnormal electrical heating due to excessive current, a high-resistance connection, or another fault triggered an insulation breakdown and set alight combustible material. These findings deepen concerns about the safety and quality of our healthcare delivery. The scourge of structural weaknesses has plagued this country for decades. It has reached a stage where both recovery and welfare are compromised."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2030552/pims-report
Society
Muhammad Hamid Zaman, “Who speaks for the future?” The Express Tribune, 15 September 2026
“It is indeed true that far fewer women are present in the workforce or professional sectors than men, but no one seems to be interested in asking the next obvious question. Why is that? Who gets to decide for a large number of women that they should stay at home, give up their education, or choose a tiny fraction of available careers with little possibility to professionally develop? The surveys showing that young women in medical schools never practice professionally rarely ask whether they had the full support of their fathers and husbands in pursuing a career, and chose to give that up themselves? Maybe the surveys do not need to ask those questions – we know the answers already."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2629291/who-speaks-for-the-future
Economy
Danyal Adam Khan, “Whither austerity,” The Express Tribune, 16 September 2026
“The government, surprisingly, believes that its so-called relief packages and austerity measures are a panacea for all inflation-driven ills. In a move that feels like déjà vu, it has introduced a Special Relief Scheme for low-income and middle-class consumers reeling under exorbitant fuel prices. Fuel subsidies, it says, will be provided to motorcyclists, rickshaw drivers and owners of vehicles up to 800cc. There is little clarity on how this will be implemented or what cost-effective relief will actually reach the downtrodden. The estimated cost of this benevolence is supposed to be around Rs25 billion per month. The point, however, is that a similar scheme announced earlier only gathered dust on the files, with hardly any trickle-down effect."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2629521/whither-austerity-2
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