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In Focus
Pakistan and Afghanistan exchange fire as tensions escalate
Islamabad downs eight drones as Kabul says it will deliver “appropriate response”
On 25 September, Dawn and Al Jazeera reported that Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged fire along the border after eight drones launched from Afghanistan entered Pakistani airspace near Torkham and Kohat on 24 September. Pakistani security sources said all eight drones were shot down, while Pakistan subsequently conducted precision aerial and drone strikes on 10 locations in Afghanistan that it said were used to launch or store drones. Islamabad described the strikes as a proportionate response undertaken in self-defence. The Afghan government said on Thursday that it would deliver an “appropriate response” to the air attacks.
Pakistan’s Information Ministry said an attempted Afghan Taliban attack in Balochistan’s Gulistan sector on 24-25 September had been repelled, claiming at least 13 Afghan Taliban personnel were killed and several wounded. The ministry rejected Afghan claims that a Pakistani border post had been destroyed and that Afghan forces suffered no casualties. The escalation follows Pakistan’s 21 September strikes against militant hideouts in Afghanistan, which Islamabad said killed more than 28 terrorists.
The developments have further strained already tense Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, with Islamabad repeatedly demanding that Kabul take concrete and verifiable action against the TTP and other militant groups operating from Afghan territory. Pakistan has warned that attacks from Afghanistan will draw a response while maintaining that it remains committed to dialogue and regional stability. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar recently urged the OIC to press the Taliban to prevent Afghan territory from being used for terrorism, while Pakistan has also told the UN Security Council that it would act in self-defence when necessary. (“Pakistani forces kill Afghan Taliban fighters in border escalation,” Al Jazeera, 25 August 2026; “Info ministry dismisses Afghan claims of destroying Pakistani post near border in Balochistan as 'fake’,” Dawn, 25 September 2026; “Security forces kill several Afghan Taliban fighters in retaliatory action along Balochistan border: sources,” Dawn, 25 September 2026; “Pakistan conducted strikes at 10 locations in Afghanistan in response to recent drone attacks: info minister,” Dawn, 24 September 2026; “8 drones launched by Afghan Taliban shot down near Torkham border, Kohat: security sources,” Dawn, 23 September 2026)
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye meet in Riyadh to discuss military support
Renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia prompt emergency meeting under Makkah Pact following UN General Assembly
On 25 September, Dawn reported that the military chiefs of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan held talks to explore ways to assist Riyadh under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. The meeting followed discussions between the three countries’ foreign ministers at the UN General Assembly (UNGA), where they condemned attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed the kingdom’s right to defend its security. The agreement, signed in August, stipulates that an attack against one member would be considered an attack against all three. Officials have also been establishing the alliance’s institutional structures, with Pakistan selected to host its secretariat in Riyadh.
The talks came amid renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including the interception of six ballistic missiles and warnings issued for several regions, including Makkah. Pakistan has repeatedly expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia, with military officials describing Islamabad’s security commitment to the kingdom as unconditional. At the same time, the three countries’ foreign ministers stressed international law, freedom of navigation, de-escalation and peaceful resolution of regional conflicts. The meeting also reviewed preparations for the alliance’s secretariat and committees to begin their work. (“Pakistani, Saudi, Turkish military chiefs meet to discuss ways to assist Riyadh under Makkah defence pact,” Dawn, 25 September 2026)
In Brief
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
PTI delays Islamabad long march to 04 October
On 25 September, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf postponed its long march to Islamabad from 27 September to 04 October. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced that the party's political committee had unanimously agreed to postpone the march, which was intended to secure the release of founder Imran Khan from Adiala jail. A senior PTI leader claimed the strategy aimed to exhaust the federal government and law enforcement, which had already deployed extensive security measures, closing roads and spending hundreds of millions. The opposition party maintains the march will still proceed but from Peshawar on the new date. Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan condemned the mass preventive detention of PTI workers and urged the government to resume dialogue with the opposition to de-escalate tensions.
Dawn also reported that the government will incur significantly higher security costs following the PTI's decision to extend the protest schedule by one week. Capital police originally requested 820 million rupees for security preparations expected to conclude by 04 October, but the postponement effectively doubles these costs to over one billion rupees. The government pays 46.5 million rupees daily to owners of 1,550 containers arranged as barriers. Additional expenses include meals for visiting police personnel and accommodation. The All Pakistan Goods Alliance confirmed police have seized approximately 2,700 vehicles and detained crew members, though formally arresting none. The police were awaiting decisions on whether to release or retain the containers and personnel. ("PTI's protest postponement to double security cost in Islamabad," Dawn, 26 September 2026; "PTI postpones Islamabad long march to Oct 4," Dawn, 25 September 2026)
PM Shehbaz seeks direct talks with opposition leader Achakzai
On 26 September, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited Opposition Leader Mehmood Achakzai for direct dialogue, apparently seeking to stabilise the political situation following the PTI's postponement announcement. A source close to the Premier confirmed the invitation had been extended, but no response had yet been received from Achakzai. This represents the second invitation to the opposition leader, the first concerning mandatory consultations on appointing a new chief election commissioner under constitutional protocols. PM Sharif is currently in New York attending the UN General Assembly and is expected to return within days. National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq had previously urged both sides to meet for consultations on the commissioner appointment. ("PM invites Achakzai for 'direct talks'," Dawn, 26 September 2026)
PM Shehbaz seeks direct talks with opposition leader Achakzai
On 26 September, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited Opposition Leader Mehmood Achakzai for direct dialogue, apparently seeking to stabilise the political situation following the PTI's postponement announcement. A source close to the Premier confirmed the invitation had been extended, but no response had yet been received from Achakzai. This represents the second invitation to the opposition leader, the first concerning mandatory consultations on appointing a new chief election commissioner under constitutional protocols. PM Sharif is currently in New York attending the UN General Assembly and is expected to return within days. National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq had previously urged both sides to meet for consultations on the commissioner appointment. ("PM invites Achakzai for 'direct talks'," Dawn, 26 September 2026)
AF-PAK
KP: Security forces repel infiltration bid in Kurram, retaliate after Afghan Taliban open fire on checkposts
On 22 September, Dawn reported that security forces foiled an attempt by Fitna al-Khawarij militants to cross into KP's Kurram district from Afghanistan's Nangarhar and Paktia, after which the Afghan Taliban opened fire on Pakistani checkposts along the border, prompting Pakistani troops to retaliate against multiple Taliban positions, forcing several operatives to flee; the incident came a day after the information ministry said "calibrated" Pakistani airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in the border region had killed more than 28 militants, following the Kohat Police Lines attack that killed 23 people. A UN Security Council-mandated monitoring report covering December 2025 to June 2026 found continued Afghan Taliban support for the TTP had fuelled more frequent and lethal attacks in Pakistan, alongside growing operational links between the TTP, Al Qaeda, ISIL-K and the Balochistan Liberation Army. ("Security forces thwart terrorists' attempt to infiltrate Pak-Afghan border in Kurram: security sources," Dawn, 22 September 2026)
Foreign Minister urges OIC action on terrorism from Afghanistan
On 23 September, Dawn reported that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar urged the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to press Afghanistan’s Taliban government to prevent its territory from being used for terrorism, saying the issue had major implications for regional security. Addressing the OIC Contact Group on Afghanistan at the UN General Assembly, Dar said Pakistan was concerned about more than two dozen terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan and called for concrete and verifiable action against them, particularly the TTP. “We can help Afghanistan and should help Afghanistan to integrate into the international community,” he added. He also urged the Taliban to protect human rights, form an inclusive government and facilitate Afghan returnees. Dar thanked Qatar, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia for mediation efforts and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for a stable Afghanistan. (“Afghanistan's situation demands continued attention in view of implications for regional peace, Dar tells OIC moot,” Dawn, 23 September 2026)
ECONOMY
Weekly inflation hits 11.92 per cent as fuel and food costs keep climbing
On 26 September, Dawn reported that short-term inflation, measured by the Sensitive Price Index, surged 11.92 per cent year-on-year for the week ending 24 September, up 0.99 per cent from the previous week, marking a 74th consecutive weekly increase driven by the government's refusal to cut the petroleum development levy and its steady daily hikes in petrol and diesel, which have pushed up transport costs and, with them, food prices; onions remained the sharpest annual gainer at 115.98 per cent, alongside LPG (63.97 per cent), electricity (58.59 per cent), diesel (51.80 per cent) and petrol (47.49 per cent), even as potatoes, sugar and tomatoes fell year-on-year. Week-on-week, 20 of the index's 51 items rose, 10 fell and 21 held steady, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. ("Short-term inflation surges on costly food, energy," Dawn, 26 September 2026)
Nearly 10,000 shopkeepers sign up for Asan Tax Scheme in its first month
On 26 September, Dawn reported that 9,806 shopkeepers registered under the government's Asan Tax Scheme within a month of its launch, State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani said, with 1,929 of them filing taxes for the first time and 428 having already submitted returns; Kayani directed the FBR to promptly resolve technical complaints raised by shopkeepers and lawyers and to quickly issue FBR plates to those who had filed, calling the scheme a facility unique to shopkeepers and expressing hope more would join now that there was "no reason" left to remain non-filers. ("Almost 10,000 traders join tax scheme," Dawn, 26 September 2026)
ADB holds Pakistan's growth forecast at 3.7 per cent, flags inflation running above target
On 23 September, Dawn reported that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) kept its July forecast for Pakistan's FY27 GDP growth at 3.7 per cent, below the government's 4 per cent target and down from ADB's own earlier 4.5 per cent April projection, while projecting average inflation at 8.3 per cent, above the central bank's 5-7 per cent medium-term target range, citing elevated energy, logistics and agricultural input costs; the bank flagged downside risks including an escalation of the Middle East conflict raising energy costs and hitting Gulf remittances, a possible reintroduction of government austerity measures dampening domestic demand, tighter global financing, tax revenue shortfalls and weather shocks. ADB noted Pakistan's FY26 growth had actually accelerated to 3.7 per cent from 3.2 per cent in FY25 on stronger services, manufacturing and agriculture, with private investment up 8.6 per cent, sovereign rating upgrades from S&P and Moody's, and renewed access to international capital markets through Eurobond and Panda bond issuances, though ADB's Pakistan country director Emma Fan stressed that sustaining reform momentum remains critical to unlocking further private investment. ("Asian Development Bank keeps Pakistan's growth forecast at 3.7pc," Dawn, 23 September 2026)
Car imports jump 36 per cent as new entrants rush in EVs ahead of local assembly
On 24 September, Dawn reported that imports of new and used cars rose 36 per cent to USD 81.4 million in July-August 2026 from USD 59 million a year earlier, driven partly by new entrants importing electric vehicles ahead of setting up local assembly, even as the government's January abolition of the used-car baggage scheme has begun cutting used-vehicle imports, which Indus Motor Company said fell to about 38,000 units in FY26 from 42,000 in FY25; former PAAPAM chairman Aamir Allawala said dealers appear to be shifting used-car imports toward the gift scheme instead, citing monthly data showing 1,406 of August's 1,445 used-car imports came through that route, and warned that completely built-up imports, new or used, are squeezing demand for locally made parts and vendor-industry jobs even as some assemblers push new energy vehicle imports to help cut the oil import bill. ("New, used car imports surge 36pc in July-Aug," Dawn, 24 September 2026)
Four refineries sign USD five billion upgrade deals to cut furnace oil, boost fuel output
On 24 September, Dawn reported that Attock Refinery, National Refinery, Pakistan Refinery and Cnergyico Petroleum signed formal agreements with the government, worth an estimated USD five billion over five years, to upgrade refining technology under the Brownfield Petroleum Refining Policy 2026 approved in late July after a deadlock lasting more than seven years, with a fifth refinery, Parco, holding off for now; the upgrades aim to raise petrol production 72 per cent to 18,400 tonnes per day and diesel 39 per cent to 29,520 TPD, while cutting furnace oil output 63 per cent, and bring all refineries up to Euro-V fuel standards. OICCI Energy Committee chairman and Attock Refinery CEO Adil Khattak called it a "historic milestone," estimating the upgrades could save Pakistan around USD 1.5 billion annually in foreign exchange, with the policy offering incentives including a seven-year minimum 10 per cent customs duty protection on imported petrol and diesel and sales tax exemptions on upgrade-related equipment. ("4 local refineries sign $5bn upgradation deals with govt to improve quality, production," Dawn, 24 September 2026)
EXTERNAL
Iranian President ready to take Islamabad MoU forward, says PM Shehbaz
On 24 September, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told him the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was "fully acceptable" to Tehran and ready to "take it forward." The premier made the statement after holding a detailed discussion with Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) statement said the PM stressed the importance of implementing the Islamabad MoU, a 14-point interim agreement signed between the United States and Iran in June, providing a framework for ending the ongoing conflict in the meeting. Pakistan signed the agreement as mediator. PM Shehbaz said Pakistan's leadership was united in its resolve to expedite peace efforts under the Islamabad MoU and that restoring peace to the region was the need of the hour. PM Shehbaz said he would continue working for peace with Iran, which he described as a "brotherly" and neighbouring country. ("Pezeshkian says Islamabad MoU still 'fully acceptable' to Iran, ready to take it forward: PM Shehbaz," Dawn, 24 September 2026)
UNSC condemns Kohat terrorist attack as "heinous and cowardly"
On 23 September, Dawn reported that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) condemned last week's terrorist attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's (KP) Kohat district, calling for perpetrators and sponsors to be held accountable. At least 23 people were killed in 18 September's two-pronged assault, including 17 policemen and six civilians. The attack involved detonating an explosives-laden vehicle near a mosque in old Police Lines during Friday prayers, followed by terrorists storming the compound and attacking police facilities. KP police said eight terrorists were killed in retaliatory action. UNSC statement issued by Council President Jérôme Bonnafont, representing France, strongly condemned the "heinous and cowardly" suicide bombing. UNSC members expressed sympathy and condolences to victim families and the government, wishing the injured a swift recovery. Member states underscored that "terrorism in all forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security." ("'Heinous and cowardly': UNSC condemns Kohat terrorist attack, calls for accountability for perpetrators, sponsors," Dawn, 23 September 2026)
PM Shehbaz reiterates Pakistan's "unwavering" commitment to safeguard Saudi sovereignty
On 23 September, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan's commitment to "safeguarding" Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and security on National Day. PM Shehbaz congratulated the country on a "remarkable journey of progress and transformation" and reiterated Pakistan's condemnation of recent Houthi attacks, particularly the attempted drone attack on Makkah. PM held that threats to the security of Haramain Sharifain "deeply wound the sentiments of Muslims across the world." "Pakistan stands unwaveringly, shoulder to shoulder, with the Kingdom in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and sanctity of Islam's holiest sites," PM Shehbaz stressed. PM noted that under the "dynamic" leadership of Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, Saudi Arabia continues making impressive strides towards greater prosperity, modernisation and innovation. Brotherhood between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is "growing into an even stronger strategic partnership, underpinned by shared commitment to peace, security and unity of Muslim Ummah." ("Pakistan stands 'shoulder to shoulder' with Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty, security: PM Shehbaz," Dawn, 23 September 2026)
Foreign Minister calls for end to Israeli occupation at high-level meeting with France, UK and Canada
On 23 September, Dawn reported that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called for an end to Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories at a high-level meeting convened by France, the United Kingdom and Canada. Dar delivered Pakistan's statement at the High-Level International Meeting on the Two-State Solution titled "Road Ahead: One Year After New York Declaration and Comprehensive 20-point Peace Plan" in New York. Meeting convened by France's President Emmanuel Macron, Canada's PM Mark Carney and the UK's PM Andy Burnham, with opening statements by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan and UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Dar said: "Ultimately, all these efforts must converge on one objective: ending occupation and realising the Palestinian people's inalienable right to self-determination." Dar reiterated Islamabad's call for an independent, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as capital. "Diplomacy must respond to realities on the ground," Dar emphasised to attendees, including various heads of state and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. ("Pakistan calls for end to Israel's occupation of Palestine at meeting convened by France, UK, Canada," Dawn, 23 September 2026)
PM Shehbaz reaffirms commitment to continued engagement with GSP+
On 24 September, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to continued engagement with the EU's Generalised System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) during a meeting with European Council (EC) President António Luís Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York. Leaders reviewed the full spectrum of Pakistan-EU relations, expressing satisfaction at growing momentum in high-level exchanges. PM Shehbaz underscored the importance of "sustained leadership-level engagement", providing greater direction to the relationship. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to further strengthening "broad-based partnership" and full implementation of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan. Leaders exchanged views on regional and global developments, reaffirming the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, international law and "peaceful resolution of disputes." Von der Leyen described the meeting as "very good", saying the EU valued the partnership with Pakistan, discussing trade and addressing illegal migration. She thanked the PM for the mediation initiative in the US-Iran conflict, noting Pakistan's "important role" in supporting de-escalation and peaceful conflict resolution. ("In meeting with top EU officials, PM Shehbaz reiterates commitment to continued engagement under GSP+," Dawn, 24 September 2026)
Nauman Mahmood appointed first secretary general of Makkah Defence Alliance secretariat
On 23 September, Dawn reported that the Foreign Office (FO) announced that retired Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Nauman Mahmood, Hilal-i-Imtiaz, was appointed as first secretary general of the Makkah Defence Alliance between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. FO said: "The Government of Pakistan is pleased to announce the appointment of Lt Gen Nauman Mahmood, Hilal-i-Imtiaz, as first secretary general pursuant to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA)." Secretary General will lead the general secretariat of the alliance being established in Riyadh. Agreement signed by three countries on 07 August empowers member states to treat an attack against one as an attack against all. Inaugural meeting held on 31st August, where officials from member states met in Istanbul to establish the institutional structure of the alliance, with Pakistan picked to head the secretariat in Riyadh. Under decisions taken during the meeting, a secretariat headed by the secretary general will be established in Saudi Arabia to support the alliance's work. The secretariat will initially be headed by the secretary general from Pakistan for three years. Three countries agreed to take steps to further institutionalise cooperation, enhancing solidarity, ensuring credibility and effectiveness of collective deterrence and defence. ("Retired Lt Gen Nauman Mahmood appointed first head of Makkah Defence Alliance secretariat," Dawn, 23 September 2026)
SECURITY
Peshawar: Cop killed, three hurt as CTD raid foils suicide-bomb plot
On 24 September, Dawn reported that a CTD officer, Afaaq Khan, was killed and three others injured when terrorists opened fire on a raiding party in Peshawar's Garhi Sherdad area near Warsak Road, with one attacker killed in the retaliatory exchange; police said the operation, based on "credible intel" about three would-be suicide bombers, foiled a "major terrorist plot." KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi attended Khan's funeral alongside senior police officials, calling him and other fallen officers "brave sons of our soil," as KP has seen a string of recent CTD encounters, including five militants, among them an ISKP commander, killed in Shamshatoo earlier this month and four killed in Badhber the week before. ("Cop martyred, 3 injured as terrorists open fire on raiding CTD party near Peshawar," Dawn, 24 September 2026)
North Waziristan: Eight militants killed in operation after they tried to use mosque as shield
On 24 September, Dawn reported that security forces killed eight TTP militants in an intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan, destroying their hideouts, with security sources saying the operation was carried out "with precision" even as the terrorists attempted to use a mosque for cover; Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the forces, saying "KP is on the front line against terrorism." The operation follows a documented 50 per cent rise in KP terrorist attacks to 54 in August from 36 in July, per the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), and comes weeks after a separate North Waziristan operation killed 15 infiltrators and 10 more holed-up militants over 31 August-1 September. ("8 terrorists killed in KP's North Waziristan: security sources," Dawn, 24 September 2026)
Balochistan: Province-wide Section 144 imposed, banning gatherings of five or more for 30 days
On 24 September, Dawn reported that Balochistan's Home Department imposed Section 144 across the province for 30 days, citing intelligence reports of possible activities threatening public order and safety, banning the carrying of weapons in public, gatherings of five or more people including sit-ins and rallies, and face-covering in public places; the order, effective immediately, directs law enforcement and district administrations to strictly enforce it, warning that violators will face legal action. ("Assembly of 5 or more people banned in Balochistan under Section 144 for 30 days," Dawn, 24 September 2026)
Balochistan: 19 militants and a soldier killed across multiple operations, five more die in Quetta police shootout
On 23 September, Dawn reported that ISPR said 19 terrorists were killed and Subedar Muhammad Jamil was martyred across several Balochistan operations, including 13 killed in an ongoing clearance operation in Quetta's Shaban area running since 21 September, and six more killed in separate pre-emptive operations in Kech and Quetta West on 22-23 September; President Zardari and Interior Minister Naqvi both praised the forces, with Naqvi commending the "killing of 19 terrorists." Separately, Balochistan police killed five TTP militants who attacked the Aghbarg police station on Quetta's outskirts; Radio Pakistan reported two more Fitna al-Hindustan militants killed in Turbat, and Pakistan Television reported nine militants killed in Mastung after they attempted to attack a checkpost; the Edhi Foundation also said armed men hijacked one of its ambulances near Kalat the same day, as PICSS data shows provincial attacks rose 7 per cent to 89 in August from 83 in July. ("19 terrorists killed, soldier martyred in operations in Balochistan: ISPR," Dawn, 23 September 2026)
CLIMATE CHANGE
EU launches two projects in “Gilgit-Baltistan”
On 24 September, Dawn reported that the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Pakistan launched two major projects in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). It includes the “GB” Carbon Strategy and Action Plan and the proposed new Agriculture Policy and Action Plan 2027–2036 for “GB”. The EU Ambassador said that addressing climate change, protecting the environment and promoting sustainable economic development in GB are among the EU’s key priorities. Team Leader and Carbon Expert of the EU Policy Support Project to the Government of “Gilgit-Baltistan” gave a detailed briefing on the key features and strategic priorities of the Carbon Strategy and action plan. (“EU launches 2 major projects in GB,” Dawn, 24 September 2026)
El Niño threat looms large over Pakistan
On 24 September, Dawn reported that weather patterns in 2027 are likely to make it the hottest year due to the cumulative effects of global warming and El Niño, which could push the country toward food insecurity and extreme temperatures. According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and climate scientists, a very strong El Niño increases the likelihood of significant shifts in temperature and rainfall patterns across the globe, including Pakistan, whose southern provinces can experience drought-like conditions. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, Pakistan has already received below-normal monsoon rainfall in June with a 19 per cent deficit, July with 11 per cent and August with 23 per cent. (“Pakistan in uncharted waters as 'super El Nino multiplies threats,” Dawn, 24 September 2026)
AJK
Dr Najeeb Naqi sworn in as “AJK” President
On 24 September, Dawn reported that Dr Najeeb Naqi of the ruling PML-N was sworn in as the president of "Azad Jammu and Kashmir". He had secured 32 votes in the election held at the "AJK" Legislative Assembly’s Secretariat earlier in the day, while PPP’s Chaudhry Latif Akbar secured 13 votes. Under the AJK Constitution, the president is elected by the members of the Legislative Assembly by a majority of the total 53 members. Since elections to seven seats in Poonch and Sudhnoti districts have not been held due to the law and order situation, the current strength of the assembly is 46. Forty-five of the 46 lawmakers cast their votes to elect the president, with one PPP lawmaker being absent. (“PML-N's Dr Najeeb Naqi sworn in as "AJK" president after his election,” Dawn, 24 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
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