|
In Focus
28 militants killed in Pakistan strike on Afghanistan, Reuters reports
UNAMA says three civilians killed in strike; Taliban government warns it will “respond appropriately”
On 21 September, Reuters and Dawn reported that Pakistan carried out airstrikes on militant targets in Afghanistan, killing at least 28 militants, according to Pakistan’s government. Islamabad said three targets, including a suicide bomber training centre, were destroyed in the border region, while a Pakistani official said strikes took place in Paktika and Kunar. Afghanistan’s Taliban government said the strikes killed three civilians, including a man, woman and girl, with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) confirming the civilian deaths. Zabihullah Mujahid, chief spokesperson of the Taliban government, said the Afghan side "will respond appropriately to this aggression".
The strikes followed a deadly attack on Kohat Police Lines and a separate clash in Hangu in which six Pakistani soldiers and eight militants were killed, according to Pakistani authorities. Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban of allowing the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and affiliated groups to operate from Afghan territory and launch attacks into Pakistan. Kabul denies harbouring anti-Pakistani militants and maintains that militancy is Pakistan’s internal problem.
The latest strikes marked a renewed escalation after nearly three months of relative calm and prompted the Taliban to warn that it would respond to violations of Afghan sovereignty. Pakistan has said it remains open to dialogue but will take measures to protect its citizens and territory, while demanding “credible, verifiable and sustained” action against militant networks in Afghanistan. The developments further strain relations between the two neighbours, whose previous exchanges of airstrikes, drone attacks and artillery fire have caused significant casualties. (“Pakistan says it killed 28 militants, Afghan Taliban and UN report three civilian deaths,” Reuters, 21 September 2026; “Pakistan carries out 'calibrated’ airstrikes against terrorist targets in border region with Afghanistan,” Dawn, 21 September; “Pakistan snubs Taliban’s ‘pretence of dialogue’,” Dawn, 20 September 2026)
JI begins march to Islamabad over petroleum levy
Party rejects government request to postpone protest after fifth round of talks ends without agreement
On 21 September, Dawn reported that Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) workers began a “Super Long March” towards Islamabad from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s historic Bab-i-Khyber, demanding the withdrawal of the petroleum levy and other taxes. The march was led by JI KP emir Abdul Wasay, with participants planning to travel through Peshawar before continuing towards the capital. The development followed the fifth round of talks between JI and the government, which ended without agreement after authorities urged the party to postpone the march, citing security threats.
JI Deputy Emir Liaquat Baloch said the march would continue until the petroleum levy was withdrawn, despite the government promising additional relief and citing pressure from the International Monetary Fund. The government currently imposes PKR 114 per litre in taxes and duties on petrol and PKR 100 on diesel, while its existing relief scheme provides a PKR 100-per-litre subsidy to eligible motorcycles, rickshaws and vehicles up to 800cc. JI has staged protests across the country since August 16 and said its campaign would continue until its demands are addressed. (“Jamaat begins ‘Super Long March’ from Bab-i- Khyber,” Dawn, 21 September 2026; “Govt, JI talks end inconclusively as Islamabad seeks delay in long march over security threats,” Dawn, 19 September 2026)
In Brief
ECONOMY
Government finalises civil services reforms worth PKR 11 billion
On 20 September, Dawn reported that the federal government has finalised a sweeping restructuring of the civil service. It proposed eleven new professional cadres, a complete overhaul of the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination and senior-level promotions and linking officials’ performance to financial rewards. The proposed reforms, estimated to cost PKR 11 billion to implement, seek to reshape recruitment, training, career progression, performance evaluation and the institutional structure of the federal bureaucracy. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had constituted two committees on civil service reforms, which have held 18 meetings since September 2024 and reached consensus on 43 of 46 recommendations. Under the proposed National Executive Service (NES) structure, posts in BS-20 and above would be filled through open competition on five-year contracts against published performance targets, with serving officers, private-sector professionals and academics competing on equal terms. The Police Service and Foreign Service would remain outside the NES. (“Govt finalises sweeping civil service reforms,” Dawn, 20 September 2026)
Finance minister warns of economic losses due to protests
On 20 September, Dawn reported that the Finance Minister warned about economic losses due to protests and sit-ins. His warning came ahead of separate marches to Islamabad by PTI and Jamaat-i-Islami (JI), the latter having already departed Karachi. He stated that, as per a Planning Commission report, proposed protests would result in a daily loss of around PKR 120 billion. He noted that the services sector, including financial services, communication, retail, transportation, wholesale and hospitality, was estimated to take the biggest hit, with a loss of PKR 86 billion. The government has vowed to stop any march on the federal capital. Meanwhile, the agriculture sector will suffer a loss of PKR 9 billion. Ahead of the potential long marches, Hundreds of containers have been placed at the city’s entry points as the administration braces for back-to-back protests. (“'Self-inflicted pain': Finance minister says protests, sit-ins to cause daily loss of around Rs120bn,” Dawn, 20 September 2026)
Government announces first 400 MW wheeling auction for electricity
On 20 September, Dawn reported that the government announced the first wheeling auction of 400 megawatts of electricity under the much-delayed Competitive Trading Bilateral Contracts Market (CTBCM). This decision enables large, mostly industrial, consumers to opt for power suppliers of their choice anywhere in the country instead of relying solely on a single state-owned distribution company supplying to their area. The last date for submission of RFPs is 20 November, 2026. This is part of the government’s plan to phase out state-led power purchases, under which 800MW of electricity is to be auctioned over the next five years. In the first phase, 400MW of electricity has been offered for competitive procurement. The maximum allocation per auction participant is 160MW, cumulatively across all annual auctions over the five years. Power Minister Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari termed the development a historic major step towards transforming Pakistan’s power sector from a single-buyer model to a competitive electricity market. (“Govt invites bids for first 400mw wheeling auction, says it is exiting power procurement,” Dawn, 20 September 2026)
Investment in domestic bonds increases in first 70 days of FY2026-27
On 20 September, Dawn reported that trading activity in domestic bonds suddenly increased in the first 70 days of 2026-27. Investment in domestic bonds reached USD 275 million during the first 70 days of FY27. For the first time after a long period, foreign investors chose long-term Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs), despite the risks emanating from the regional war. State Bank of Pakistan data shows that foreign investors invested USD 151.4 million in Treasury Bills and USD 123.7 million in PIBs from 1 July to 11 September, bringing the collective investment to USD 275 million. The UAE invested the highest amount in Pakistani bonds. Inflows from the UAE into T-bills amounted to USD 10 million, while PIBs attracted USD 90 million. The second-biggest investor in domestic bonds was the UK, which invested USD 60.7 million in T-bills; the country did not invest in PIBs. The United States invested in both PIBs and T-bills, with USD 8.6 million and USD 23 million, respectively. Another significant investor was Luxembourg, which invested USD 19.4 million in T-bills and USD 25 million in PIBs.(“Foreign investment in bonds jumps to $275m,” Dawn, 20 September 2026)
EXTERNAL
International lenders show interest in Pakistan’s ML-1 railway project
On 22 September, Dawn reported that major international lenders, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and World Bank, expressed interest in financing Pakistan’s USD 6.8 billion Main Line-1 railway project after the withdrawal of Chinese financing. The ADB is being considered the lead financier, with co-financing commitments from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and World Bank, while the European Investment Bank, Islamic Development Bank and Japan International Cooperation Agency have also shown interest. The 1,800km Karachi-Peshawar project includes railway upgrades and institutional reforms, with infrastructure designed for speeds of up to 160km per hour. The construction period is expected to be around three years. (“Asian Development Bank, World Bank show interest in $6.8bn ML-1,” Dawn, 22 September 2026)
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia abolish visa requirements for official passport holders
On 22 September, Dawn reported that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement abolishing visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, official and special passports, aiming to facilitate high-level engagement and institutional exchanges. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan signed the agreement on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. The move comes amid expanding bilateral cooperation, including a trilateral defence pact with Türkiye and plans to increase Pakistani agricultural and food exports to Saudi Arabia to USD 3 billion. Dar also discussed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement with his Saudi counterpart and reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia amid recent Houthi attacks. (“Pakistan, Saudi Arabia sign agreement to abolish visa requirements for diplomatic, official passport holders,” Dawn, 22 September 2026)
Iranian interior minister thanks Pakistan for regional peace efforts
On 21 September, Dawn reported that Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni thanked Pakistan’s military and civilian leadership for efforts to promote regional peace and stability during a meeting with Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Tehran. The two ministers discussed bilateral relations, regional developments and cooperation between their interior ministries. Naqvi later met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The visit comes as Pakistan continues diplomatic efforts concerning the US-Iran conflict and the July Islamabad memorandum, which Islamabad helped facilitate. Iranian officials said Naqvi’s visit focused on bilateral relations rather than mediation, while Naqvi said Pakistan-Iran ties would strengthen further. (“Naqvi meets Iranian counterpart, president; Tehran lauds Pakistan's efforts for regional peace,” Dawn, 21 September 2026)
Pakistan rejects reports of damage to PAF jets from Houthi attacks
On 20 September, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s Ministry of Information dismissed as “absolutely fake” social media claims that Houthi missiles had damaged three Pakistani JF-17 fighter jets at Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Air Base. The ministry said no credible or official source had reported any damage or evacuation of PAF aircraft. Pakistani forces, including fighter and support aircraft, were deployed at the base in April under the countries’ defence cooperation agreement. The claims emerged amid recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including a reported strike on King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait. However, no attack on King Abdulaziz Air Base has been reported. (“'Absolutely fake': Info ministry rubbishes claims of PAF jets getting damaged in Houthi attack on Saudi base,” Dawn, 20 September 2026)
EU and Pakistan sign EUR 65 million financing package
On 21 September, Dawn reported that Pakistan and the European Union signed EUR 65 million (about USD 75 million) in financing agreements to support investment, rule of law, business reforms and energy and environmental resilience. The funding will launch three programmes under the EU’s 2021-2027 development framework, including the Global Gateway initiative, renewable energy expansion in off-grid rural communities in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and improved access to justice in KP and Balochistan. The agreements will also support alternative and commercial dispute resolution in Punjab and Sindh to improve the business environment and facilitate investment. EU officials said the programmes would strengthen Pakistan’s economic development, climate resilience, governance and sustainable resource management. (“Pakistan, EU sign financing agreements worth €65m,” Dawn, 21 September 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
PTI vows Islamabad march will go ahead despite arrests of lawmakers, ministers and 1,500 workers
On 22 September, Dawn reported that the PTI said it would "forcefully exercise" its right to protest on 27 September despite a wave of arrests, with KP CM Sohail Afridi alleging plainclothes men had abducted provincial labour minister Fazal Shakoor Khan and fired on cabinet minister Shakeel Khan in bids to derail the march, and interim chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan claiming 1,500 workers detained nationwide, including five MNAs, an ex-senator and several MPAs, one arrested even in Islamabad; Gohar said PTI wasn't seeking confrontation and had exhausted legal avenues, filing 25 high court and 19 Supreme Court petitions over four years, and accused the government of ignoring court orders on Imran Khan's family meetings and hospital treatment. PTI's Central Media Department and the opposition alliance TTAP separately condemned the detentions of several Islamabad-area MNAs and a Chitral MPA and demanded the removal of containers blocking roads, while an Islamabad ATC granted police 10 days' remand of two PTI men in the November 26 protest case and ordered several others, including a pushcart vendors' association leader unaffiliated with PTI, sent to Adiala jail for identification parades tied to earlier protests. ("PTI bent upon Islamabad march," Dawn, 22 September 2026)
KP CM blames 22 years of "failed" foreign policy for province's deteriorating security
On 20 September, Dawn reported that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, visiting Kohat to meet families of those killed in the Police Lines attack, said the province's worsening security stemmed from a foreign policy that had failed over 22 years and needed to change, noting KP had lost more than 80,000 lives fighting terrorism since 2004 and blaming the closure of the Afghan border for over PKR 8 billion in provincial economic losses last year alone, with further losses expected this year; he accused the federal government of focusing on suppressing PTI's political activity rather than addressing terrorism, announced financial assistance for Kohat victims' families outside the Shuhada Package, and pledged upgraded medical equipment at Kohat's DHQ Hospital along with a new Special Branch police station. ("KP CM Afridi blames deteriorating security situation on 'failed' foreign policy," Dawn, 20 September 2026)
SECURITY
KP: Kohat Police Lines death toll hits 23 as overnight operation kills eight attackers
On 19 September, Dawn reported that an overnight clearance operation following the two-pronged assault on Kohat's old Police Lines during Friday prayers concluded with eight terrorists killed by police and security forces, according to KP police, though Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi's statement put the figure at seven; the death toll from the attack itself rose to 23, including 17 policemen and six civilians, with the CTD's additional IG injured by a grenade while leading the operation from the front. The Information Ministry condemned the attack, claimed by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur-led Ittehadul Mujahideen, and criticised the Afghan Taliban for not explicitly naming terrorism in their condolence statement, urging "concrete action" against sanctuaries on Afghan soil, while KP CM Sohail Afridi visited the injured and bereaved and pledged government support; among the dead were SP Traffic Akbar Shinwari and a DHQ Hospital paediatrician. ("Kohat Police Lines attack: 8 terrorists killed as overnight clearance operation concludes," Dawn, 19 September 2026)
Balochistan: 11 more militants killed in Panjgur and Chagai as operations continue
On 19 September, Dawn reported that security forces killed 11 terrorists under Operation Raddul Fitna 3, five in Panjgur's Gowargo area and six across Chagai's Aminabad and Siah Chang areas, recovering large quantities of weapons, ammunition and explosive material; Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the operations as proof the forces had "once again thwarted the intentions of terrorists," part of a sustained provincial campaign that has now included dozens of similar actions since late August, as Balochistan's attack count rose 7 per cent to 89 in August from 83 in July, per PICSS. ("Security forces kill 11 terrorists during operations in Balochistan's Panjgur, Chagai," Dawn, 19 September 2026)
Balochistan: Five militants killed, 23 kidnap victims freed after ransom checkpost set up on N-25
On 20 September, Dawn reported that security forces killed five militants and recovered 23 abducted individuals from a hideout near Kalat after terrorists tried to disrupt traffic on the N-25 Karachi-Chaman highway by setting up an illegal checkpost for ransom kidnapping, extortion and vehicle theft on the night of 18-19 September; six trucks, three buses, two cars and large quantities of weapons and explosives were also recovered, with PM Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari both commending the operation and reaffirming that anti-terror efforts under "Azm-i-Istehkam" would continue. ("Security forces kill 5 terrorists, recover 23 abductees in operation along N-25 highway near Balochistan's Kalat: ISPR," Dawn, 20 September 2026)
KP: Two officers among six martyred in Hangu firefight that killed eight militants
On 20 September, Dawn reported that Captain Abuzar Farooq and Lieutenant Sheraz Babar were killed leading their troops during an intense exchange with TTP militants in Hangu, along with three sepoys and a non-combatant, while eight militants were killed in the engagement; the clash came two days after the Kohat Police Lines attack, part of a broader rise in KP violence PICSS recorded for August, and follows an earlier Hangu operation on 07 August in which a captain was martyred and seven militants killed. ("Two officers among 6 martyred, 8 terrorists killed in Hangu fire exchange: ISPR," Dawn, 20 September 2026)
"GB": Police repel armed attack on remote checkpost between Diamer and Ghizer
On 20 September, Dawn reported that "Gilgit-Baltistan" police foiled an attack by around nine terrorists on a seasonal checkpost at Sargah Nallah, on the boundary between Diamer and Ghizer districts, with officers mounting an effective response, though the attackers escaped using the mountainous, higher-ground terrain; no police personnel were hurt, and "GB" police said the checkpost would be relocated to a safer, more strategic position with additional personnel and equipment, urging the public to report suspicious activity. ("GB police foil terrorist attack on checkpost between Diamer, Ghizer districts," Dawn, 20 September 2026)
Over 22,000 security personnel to guard Islamabad, 30,000 more in Attock, ahead of PTI and JI marches
On 21 September, Dawn reported that more than 22,000 security personnel under eight DIGs will be deployed in Islamabad, and around 30,000 more in Attock district, the key KP-Punjab link, as authorities brace for PTI's 27 September long march and separate protests by JI and Kissan Ittehad; 30 entry points into the twin cities, including 11 in Rawalpindi, are being blocked with seized containers, all police leave in Rawalpindi district has been banned until 01 October, and accommodation has been arranged for out-of-district officers in hotels, government buildings, schools and sports complexes. ("Over 22,000 security personnel to be deployed in Islamabad amid protest calls," Dawn, 21 September 2026)
SOCIETY
1.5 million Pakistani children experienced online sexual exploitation in a year, UNICEF finds
On 21 September, Dawn reported that an estimated 1.5 million children in Pakistan experienced online sexual abuse over one year, according to a UNICEF report, with around 85 per cent of perpetrators known to victims aged 12 to 17 and abuse often beginning through gaming platforms or social media before escalating into coercion; lead author Daniel Kardefelt said perpetrators typically spend months building trust before exploiting it. The report found 71 per cent of victims told no one and none reported through formal channels like police or helplines, citing stigma and fear of family or social repercussions, while Pahchaan director Mehek Naeem said 44 per cent of reported abuse happened entirely online, mostly via Snapchat and WhatsApp; with roughly 74 per cent of Pakistani children aged 12-17 online, experts including digital rights activist Usama Khilji and human rights lawyer Salman Afridi debated Punjab's new under-16 social media ban and described weak enforcement of existing child-protection laws as enabling what Afridi called "a commercial ecosystem of exploitation." ("'I live in fear': 1.5 million Pakistani children sexually exploited online," Dawn, 21 September 2026)
Pakistan to host two-day Global Mental Health Summit on 01 October, citing 80 per cent treatment gap
On 21 September, Dawn reported that the Ministry of Health is finalising plans for a Global Mental Health Summit on 01-02 October, themed "Building Climate-Resilient and Future-Ready Mental Health Systems for Children, Young People and Communities," as part of World Mental Health Day; the ministry said 10-16 per cent of Pakistani adults live with a mild-to-moderate psychiatric condition and 1-2 per cent with severe mental illness, making mental disorders the country's leading cause of disability-adjusted life years, especially among women, while over 80 per cent of those with a diagnosable condition receive no formal care. Just 500 psychiatrists and 200 clinical psychologists serve a population of more than 240 million. The ministry linked the burden to climate shocks, noting post-2022-flood assessments found one in five residents of affected areas needed mental health care, with depression in 38 per cent and anxiety in 20 per cent of those evaluated, and put the 2020 economic cost of mental illness at roughly PKR 617 billion; the summit will help advance the National Mental Health Policy 2026-35, currently being drafted with the provinces, and will cover child and adolescent mental health, suicide prevention, substance use, digital mental health and climate-resilient systems. ("Pakistan to host global mental health summit on Oct 1-2," Dawn, 21 September 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Civil service reform
Editorial, “Civil service reform,” Dawn, 22 September 2026
"Civil service reform is not about creating new cadres, changing examination rules or merging training institutions. It is about changing incentives and institutional behaviour. The state needs specialists who can understand increasingly complex problems. It needs managers who can deliver. It needs promotion based on performance rather than seniority alone. And it needs accountability that applies to failure as much as success. Most importantly, reform requires consistency. The 2021 blueprint already provided much of the framework needed for this. If it fell short of anything, it should have been fixed instead of being discarded."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2031765/civil-service-reform
Pakistan-Afghanistan
Kamran Yousaf, “The Pak-Afghan deadlock,” The Express Tribune, 21 September 2026
“A fresh diplomatic effort by Turkey and Qatar to ease tensions between Islamabad and Kabul is facing an immediate test after the deadly terrorist attack on a police mosque in Kohat, with Pakistani authorities linking one of the suicide bombers to Afghanistan. Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin travelled to Kabul last week, where he held talks with senior Taliban officials. A senior Qatari security official also visited the Afghan capital. Kalin subsequently travelled to Islamabad, where he met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir and ISI chief Lt Gen Asim Malik."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630410/the-pak-afghan-deadlock
Child safety
Editorial, “Online predators,” The Express Tribune, 22 September 2026
“A recent Unicef report estimates that 1.5 million children in the country experienced online sexual abuse in a single year. More disturbing is the finding that 71% of victims never disclosed their ordeal, while none of the children surveyed who experienced abuse approached formal reporting channels. Children are being exploited in an environment where perpetrators can operate with relative impunity, while victims are silenced by the fear of social condemnation. Nearly three-quarters of children aged between 12 and 17 now use the internet, and methods employed by predators are becoming increasingly sophisticated. What begins as an innocent conversation or an interaction on a gaming platform can develop into months of calculated manipulation, culminating in sexual extortion and blackmail."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630637/online-predators
Climate change
Aisha Khan, “Climate neutral,” Dawn, 22 September 2026
“South Asia has long viewed peace through the familiar language of power: territory, armies, missiles, borders, alliances and economic weight. China, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh sit at different points on this spectrum, and their relative capabilities are often measured in GDP, reserves, industrial capacity, defence budgets, troop strength, air power and nuclear weapons. Yet the recent climate- induced disaster in Nepal has introduced another measure of power, one that does not respect borders and cannot be deterred by military superiority. It is the capacity of a state to absorb shock, protect its people, maintain essential services and recover without falling into political or economic crisis."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2031766/climate-neutral
Politics & governance
Editorial, “Restraint needed,” Dawn, 22 September 2026
“Islamabad is bracing for two waves of protests. Not too long ago, for political parties to march towards the federal capital was nothing out of the ordinary. However, for some years now, Islamabad has increasingly come to be discussed in political circles as some kind of grand prize that is to be conquered or defended, depending on where one stands. In the days ahead, the Jamaat-i-Islami and the PTI are both expected to arrive at its gates, each with a very different list of demands in hand. The JI has set out to seek relief for the public from the harrowing prices of fuel these days, but there is no saying if that will be the limit of its ambition once the Margalla Hills are in sight. The PTI wants much more: it seeks to agitate for constitutional and democratic rights, elections and a fairer judiciary, as well as the release of, or at least some relief for, its jailed founder Imran Khan. Though both the JI and PTI sit on the opposition benches, it appears so far that their marches are taking place independently, and they would rather keep things that way."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2031764/restraint-needed
|
