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In Brief
EXTERNAL
Bahrain working to speed up approval of Pakistan-GCC agreement, foreign minister says
On 08 October, Dawn reported that the Foreign Minister of Bahrain, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, had stated the country was working on speeding up the approval of a free-trade agreement between Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Al Zayani made the remarks during the third session of the Pakistan- Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission, which he chaired alongside the Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. He informed that Pakistan and Bahrain had agreed to establish a joint working group on trade and investment, alongside improving cooperation in other fields such as food security, agriculture, information technology, law enforcement and media. The foreign minister also commended Pakistan for its support for a UNSC resolution condemning Iranian attacks in GCC countries, and efforts to facilitate US-Iran de-escalation. During his visit, Al Zayani met several key figures, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari and the Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir. Dar reaffirmed that Pakistan and Bahrain would strengthen their cooperation. He also stated that a key outcome of the JMC session was the strengthening of institutional frameworks through the operationalisation of joint working groups. (“Bahrain working to ‘speed up’ approval of Pak-GCC free trade pact, foreign minister says,” Dawn, 08 October 2026)
UK and Pakistan discuss expanding investments in trade facilitation, education and food security
On 09 October, The Express Tribune reported that the United Kingdom had discussed methods of improving trade and cooperation in priority sectors in Pakistan. The deliberations were held during a meeting between Pakistani Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and the UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott. The UK expressed its interest in a long-term non-legally binding investment partnership at the ministerial level which would provide a framework for cooperation in mutually agreed sectors. Areas of interest for the UK include regulatory reforms, trade facilitation, education and workforce skills, and investment financing. Khan outlined Pakistan’s interest in improving the productivity of the livestock sector, and the benefits from British technology and expertise supporting modern practices. He also expressed the importance of improved international branding of Pakistani products in developing an overseas presence. Meanwhile, Marriott highlighted the importance of strengthening food safety and regulatory requirements to allow Pakistani producers to access international markets. Opportunities for Pakistani food businesses and restaurants in the UK were also discussed during the meeting. Other topics deliberated on included aviation cooperation and the promotion of Pakistani food products and textiles through quality assurance and effective marketing. (“UK eyes long-term investment,” The Express Tribune, 09 October 2026)
Government contests World Bank poverty report
On 09 October, The Express Tribune reported that the Pakistani government had contested the data of a World Bank report which stated that Pakistan accounted for 48 per cent of the extremely poor population residing in the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAAP) region, who earned less than USD 3 a day. The economic advisor to the finance minister, Khurram Schehzad, referred to the data as misleading. In a social media post, Schehzad stated the recent increase in poverty in Pakistan was part of a broader global trend. According to Schehzad, countries like Lebanon, Argentina, Brazil, Syria and Iran had seen increases in poverty rates “far greater and more severe” than Pakistan. Meanwhile, the World Trade Organisation in its Global Trade Outlook Update 2026 stated that Pakistan was amongst the countries benefitting from trade disruptions due to the war in Iran. According to the report, the redistribution of traffic due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz was creating opportunities for other economies. The WTO informed that Pakistan’s sea freight transport service exports increased by 73 per cent year-on-year in the first half of 2026. Similarly, vessel calls at major container terminals in Karachi were 14 per cent higher year-on-year in July. (“Govt contests World Bank poverty report,” The Express Tribune, 09 October 2026)
Makkah Pact does not bar “direct involvement”, says defence minister
On 08 October, Dawn reported that Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had stated that the Makkah Defence Alliance did not prevent member states from “direct involvement” in case another member was threatened. Asif made the remarks during an ARY News programme, when asked about Pakistan potentially sending ground troops to Yemen in support of Saudi Arabia as part of the Makkah alliance between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Asif said that, “To defend one of the member countries, the remaining two would get involved as if they are defending themselves.” The Makkah Pact to strengthen collective deterrence has gained greater relevance amidst the escalating military conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Earlier, the three signatory countries agreed to the rapid deployment of military forces and capabilities. (“No stipulation in Makkah pact bars ‘direct involvement’ in case of threat to a member: Asif,” Dawn, 08 October 2026)
Information ministry dismisses NYT report on Pakistani attacks against Houthis as "fake"
On 08 October, Dawn reported that the Ministry of Information had rejected a report by the New York Times (NYT) that Pakistani Air Force (PAF) jets were being used against the Houthis in Yemen as “fake and fabricated.” The NYT report on 07 October had cited an unnamed source as saying that PAF jets were being used in support of Saudi Arabia. However, the information ministry dismissed the report as fake. It also urged international media houses to avoid speculative reporting about the employment of Pakistan’s military forces under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The ministry informed that details of any deployment would be provided to the concerned authorities. (“‘Fake and fabricated’: Info ministry rejects NYT report claiming PAF jets being used against Yemen’s Houthis," Dawn, 08 October 2026)
SOCIETY
More than 150 countries to participate in World Culture Festival in Karachi
On 08 October, Dawn reported that 500 Pakistanis and 1,000 artists from 150 countries will participate in the World Culture Festival, being organised by the Arts Council of Pakistan from 29 October to 22 November. Arts Council President Ahmed Shah thanked the Sindh government and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah for giving their support to the event and noted that the real problems faced by the world today are wars. He added, “I want to make a claim here: our festival brings together more countries compared to the UN, where not many countries sit together, and often stage a walkout.” Additionally, Sindh Chief Secretary Syed Asif Haider Shah detailed the inception of the festival with 40 countries and noted that, having crossed 150 countries, “ goes to show that art knows no boundaries.” (“World Culture Festival to bring 1,000 artists from 150 countries to Karachi,” Dawn, 08 October 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
PTI open to “purposeful dialogue”, says JUI-F chief as KP CM Afridi enters Peshawar on fifth day of march
On 09 October, Dawn reported that PTI MNA Junaid Akbar said Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman had offered to help resolve the deadlock between the government and opposition. Akbar said the PTI was open to “purposeful dialogue” but would not negotiate under pressure. Opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai also insisted that negotiations could not succeed without a meeting with jailed PTI founder Imran Khan. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif expressed hope that mediation efforts would produce a positive outcome, although he remained doubtful about their success.
The PTI’s long march, led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, entered Peshawar on its fifth day, with further gatherings planned in Mardan on 10 October and Swabi on 11 October. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan called for a review of the country’s counterterrorism policy while rejecting governor’s rule or an emergency in KP. The march has prompted temporary mobile-service disruptions and school closures in parts of Peshawar. Separately, the Peshawar High Court sought Afridi’s response to a contempt petition alleging that he used an official helicopter to launch the march, potentially violating a 2025 court order restricting public resources for political activities. (“PTI's 'doors are open' to Fazl's offer to play a role in breaking deadlock with govt: Junaid Akbar,” Dawn, 09 October 2026; “No more talks before meeting Imran: Achakzai,” Dawn, 08 October 2026; “Afridi-led convoy enters Peshawar as PTI long march continues for 5th day,” Dawn, 08 October 2026)
PPP agrees to back government legislation after political deadlock
On 09 October, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) agreed to support legislation backed by the PML-N-led federal government during upcoming sessions of the National Assembly and Senate, ending weeks of legislative friction. The understanding includes the passage of around 30 bills, including legislation linked to International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions, and the formation of a parliamentary committee on electoral reforms, whose chairmanship is expected to go to the PPP. The committee will include representatives from parliamentary parties in proportion to their strength in both houses. The PPP had previously withheld support for government bills, demanding prior consultation, the removal of unvetted clauses and fulfilment of its conditions. (“PPP, PML-N break legislative logjam,” The Express Tribune, 09 October 2026)
ECONOMY
Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves increase by USD 15 million
On 09 October, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) increased by USD 15 million during the week ended 2 October, 2026. The country's total liquid foreign reserves stood at USD 26.797 billion, compared with USD 26.771 billion a week earlier. The increase in SBP-held reserves came despite a USD 17 million decline in the net foreign reserves held by commercial banks, which stood at USD 5.344 billion during the week under review. According to the SBP, the country's total liquid foreign reserves comprised USD 21.454 billion held by the central bank and USD 5.344 billion held by commercial banks. (“Reserves edge up to $26.8b,” Dawn, 09 October 2026)
SMEs, four priority sectors, receive PKR 222 billion in financing in Q1 of 2026-27
On 08 October, Dawn reported that four top-priority sectors of government, housing, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), agriculture and electric vehicles received about PKR 222 billion in financing during the July-September quarter of 2026-27. The finance minister chaired the fifth meeting of the Access to Finance Steering Committee. The meeting noted that in the first quarter of FY27, outstanding SME loans rose by PKR 23 billion to PKR 1.137 trillion, while the number of borrowers increased by over 25,000 to about 350,862. The minister called for further acceleration to stay aligned with the government’s medium-term objective of expanding SME financing to PKR 2 trillion and increasing the number of borrowers to 775,000 by 30 June, 2028, through an ecosystem-wide approach that includes commercial banks, microfinance institutions, and other financial service providers. (“Outstanding SME loans hit Rs1.137tr,” Dawn, 08 October 2026)
Bureau of Revenue extends electronic production monitoring to the leather, paper and paperboard sectors
On 08 October, Dawn reported that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has extended electronic production monitoring to the leather, paper and paperboard sectors, authorising four private vendors to install and operate camera-based monitoring systems across industrial sectors. The move is part of the FBR’s efforts to strengthen sales tax monitoring and curb tax evasion by obtaining production data directly from manufacturing units. The expansion brought additional manufacturing sectors into a system through which the tax authority can directly observe production activity and maintain records of factory operations, reducing its dependence on production figures declared by registered manufacturers. In a separate authorisation, the FBR approved four vendors to supply, install, operate and maintain production-monitoring equipment across five sectors: packaged tea, household electronics, paper and paperboard, edible oil and ghee, and leather. (“FBR expands electronic production monitoring,” Dawn, 08 October 2026)
Power Regulatory Authority notifies higher fuel costs in October billing
On 08 October, Dawn reported that the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) notified electricity consumers of an additional burden of PKR 16 billion by allowing PKR 1.11 per unit in higher fuel costs in October billing. NEPRA decided that positive fuel cost adjustment (FCA) for August 2026, i.e. PKR 1.1086/kWh, shall apply to all the consumer categories of K-Electric and ex-Wapda distribution companies (XWDISCOs), except lifeline consumers, electric vehicle charging stations and prepaid electricity consumers of all categories who opted for the prepaid tariff. DISCOs and KE are required to reflect the fuel cost adjustment for August 2026 in the October 2026 billing month. (“NEPRA notifies consumers of Rs 111 per unit higher fuel costs in Oct billing,” Dawn, 08 October 2026)
SECURITY
KP: Nine terrorists killed in an intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan
On 08 October, Dawn reported that security forces killed nine terrorists in an intelligence-based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan, according to Pakistan TV. Operations were reportedly carried out in North Waziristan, including Palangzai, Nadeem Kot, and Kot Khazri, killing nine Fitna al-Khwarij terrorists, including four “important terrorist commanders.” The report added that hideouts were destroyed and weapons and ammunition were recovered. President Asif Ali Zardari stated that the killing of the terrorists was a demonstration of the capability and bravery of the security forces. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also commended the forces and stated that these operations reflected Pakistan’s unwavering resolve to eliminate terrorism. (“9 terrorists killed in North Waziristan IBO: state media,” Dawn, 08 October 2026)
AF-PAK
25 terrorist organisations operating in Afghanistan, says interior minister
On 09 October, The Express Tribune reported that United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry. The meeting was centred on global and regional situations and United Nations peace missions. Minister Naqvi stated that Pakistan is fighting the global war against terrorism and continues to face security challenges, noting that 25 terrorist organisations are currently operating in Afghanistan, posing a threat to peace. He reportedly added that the international community needs to work together to address these threats, emphasising that cooperation among countries was necessary to counter terrorism. Additionally, he reportedly reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to United Nations peacekeeping missions, adding that Pakistan has sacrificed 181 lives while participating in UN peace missions, reflecting the country's contribution to maintaining peace in different parts of the world. (“25 terrorist outfits operating in Afghanistan: Naqvi,” The Express Tribune, 09 October 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
External
Editorial, “Moscow disagreement,” Dawn, 09 October 2026
"The fact that a consensus on how to deal with terrorism originating in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan eludes regional states was made clear at the recently held Moscow Format moot. The event was attended by nearly all of Afghanistan’s neighbours, including Pakistan. However, there was no joint statement issued because, in the words of the Russian envoy for Afghanistan, “our Afghan and Pakistani colleagues didn’t see eye to eye”. The Taliban regime had also sent its representatives. The main sticking point was the Taliban’s objection to including Afghanistan in a “terrorist context”. However, as Pakistan’s envoy put it, it was essential to address “the menace of terrorism emanating from Afghan soil”. Russia offered its good offices to help de-escalate matters between Kabul and Islamabad, though it noted that the Moscow Format was not a forum for resolving bilateral disputes."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2035847/moscow-disagreement
Society
Editorial, “Vanished girls,” Dawn, 09 October 2026
“The scourge of female disappearances in Pakistan should be a matter of shame. Institutional reforms and criminalising chauvinistic traditions remain long overdue measures. The Lahore High Court, during the hearing of a case of disappearance, was informed by Punjab’s police chief that over 500 cases of girls reported missing were still pending in the province. The figure was shocking for the court. Not only was concern expressed at the ordeal of the families of the missing, the negligence of police was also underscored in this regard. Chief Justice Aalia Neelum inquired about mechanisms to tackle cases involving women and children. The IGP stated that such incidents would be handled by special committees."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2035599/the-healthy-food-gap
Climate change
Syed Mohammad Ali, “Resilience in the age of climate breakdown,” The Express Tribune, 09 October 2026
“The World Bank has estimated that climate-related risks, environmental degradation and air pollution could reduce Pakistan's GDP by 18–20 per cent by 2050. The problem becomes even starker when viewed through the lens of Sustainable Development Goals. Pakistan remains far from meeting many of its development targets, and climate shocks threaten to reverse hard-won gains. A flood does not merely destroy crops; it can destroy schools, roads, clinics and livelihoods. Climate change therefore acts as a multiplier of existing development failures."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2633759/resilience-in-the-age-of-climate-breakdown
Economy
Editorial, “New tranche,” The Express Tribune, 09 October 2026
“Pakistan pulled out all the stops to clinch its next $1.2 billion IMF tranche under the combined $7 billion EFF and $1.4 billion RSF frameworks. The breakthrough comes as little surprise; the government has consistently walked the talk by stringently complying with the lender's directives. By prioritising macroeconomic stability, stabilising the energy sector and driving deep structural reforms, Islamabad has successfully kept its economic programme on track. This latest tranche brings cumulative inflows under the programme to $5.7 billion, providing crucial breathing room as the government considers entering a subsequent programme next year."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2633760/new-tranche
External
Editorial, “Poverty emergency,” The Express Tribune, 09 October 2026
“Poverty in Pakistan has been on the rise since the economic turmoil of the past decade began, after decades of steadily declining. The World Bank's latest report confirms the extent of the problem - Pakistan now accounts for 48% of all people in the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan region living below the $3-a-day poverty line. To be Pakistani is almost synonymous with poverty."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2633761/poverty-emergency
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