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In Focus
Pakistan and Russia agree to expand bilateral ties, finalise extradition treaty
Russia's interior minister meets PM Shehbaz in first-ever visit; Agreement on exchange of prisoners and readmission agreement also on the table
On 15 October, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan and Russia agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation during the first-ever visit by a Russian interior minister to Islamabad. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Kolokoltsev, agreed to finalise an extradition treaty, an agreement on the exchange of prisoners and the implementation of a readmission agreement. Both sides also signed a memorandum of understanding on combating organised crime and pledged to enhance cooperation against cybercrime, drug trafficking, terrorism and illegal migration.
Kolokoltsev also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir to discuss expanding trade, investment, energy and defence ties. The discussions highlighted opportunities to strengthen institutional links between law enforcement agencies, improve intelligence and information sharing, facilitate skilled Pakistani workers travelling to Russia, and ease visa procedures for tourists and businesspeople. Russia also expressed interest in expanding cooperation through existing bilateral mechanisms and multilateral forums, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
The visit reflects growing engagement between Islamabad and Moscow amid mutual interests in trade, energy and economic development. Both countries also discussed increasing the number of Pakistani students studying in Russia, where approximately 1,300 are currently enrolled, alongside cooperation in vocational training and policing. Kolokoltsev highlighted Russia’s reported 33 per cent reduction in cybercrime, while Pakistan expressed interest in benefiting from Russian expertise. The two sides agreed to maintain closer institutional engagement to translate their discussions into practical cooperation. ("Pakistan, Russia agree to sign MoU to combat organised crime, finalise prisoner transfer agreement," The Express Tribune, 14 October 2026; "Russia sees potential for expanding economic cooperation with Pakistan," Dawn, 14 October 2026; "Pakistan, Russia agree to finalise extradition treaty," Dawn, 15 October 2026)
Only seven per cent of Pakistani youth have access to formal education, World Bank estimates
Deflated job market exposes weaknesses in Pakistan’s education-to-employment system; one-third of those aged 15-29 are not in education, employment or training
On 14 October, Dawn reported that only seven per cent of Pakistan’s youth have access to formal technical and vocational training, compared with the regional average of 22 per cent. The World Bank estimates that the skills gap costs Pakistan USD 31.5 billion annually in lost productivity and unrealised export potential. Nearly one-third of young people aged 15-29 are not in education, employment or training (NEET), with the proportion exceeding half among young women. Graduate unemployment stands at 18.3 per cent, higher than the overall unemployment rate of 14.7 per cent.
According to Gallup Pakistan’s analysis of the 2024-25 Labour Force Survey, unemployment among graduates aged 20-24 reaches 32.8 per cent, highlighting the disconnect between higher education and labour market demand. The article argues that Pakistan’s challenge extends beyond skills, pointing to inadequate career guidance, mentorship, industry networks and reliable labour market information. These gaps leave many qualified young people struggling to find employment, raising concerns about the country’s ability to harness its youth population and prepare workers for an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. (“Pakistani youth face job crisis,” Dawn, 14 October 2026)
Pakistan and Oman strengthen diplomatic and economic ties amid regional tensions
Oman’s Foreign Minister meets PM Shehbaz; Agreements signed cover media cooperation, energy, maritime connectivity and technology
On 14 October, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional tensions during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad. The visit coincided with the eighth Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), held after a seven-year gap, where both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, energy, maritime connectivity, technology and workforce mobility. The two sides also signed agreements covering media cooperation, information exchange, archives management, and official exchanges.
During talks, Pakistan and Oman emphasised dialogue and diplomacy to address escalating regional conflicts, including the US-Iran war and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with the kingdom under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. Both sides also stressed the need for humanitarian assistance to Gaza and safe maritime navigation, given the impact of regional instability on global energy supplies and trade.
The discussions also covered Palestine, Afghanistan and the Indus Waters Treaty. Dar criticised India’s unilateral decision to hold the treaty in abeyance, arguing that it threatened Pakistan’s water, food and energy security. Oman, meanwhile, acknowledged Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States. The two countries agreed to maintain closer diplomatic engagement, expand private-sector cooperation and hold the next JMC session in Oman in 2027. (“Omani FM meets PM Shehbaz, commends Pakistan's 'sustained diplomatic efforts' for regional peace,” Dawn, 14 October 2026; “Omani FM appreciates Pakistan’s efforts to ease regional tensions in meeting with PM Shehbaz,” The Express Tribune, 14 October 2026)
In Brief
SECURITY
Pakistan Navy concludes biennial exercise "SEASPARK-2026"
On 14 October, The Express Tribune reported that the Pakistan Navy’s biennial exercise "SEASPARK-2026" concluded in Karachi, with Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf attending the closing ceremony as chief guest. The Navy’s Directorate General of Public Relations said the exercise validated operational plans, assessed combat readiness amid evolving maritime security challenges, and integrated multi-domain operations, including the information environment and cognitive domain alongside kinetic operations at sea. Admiral Ashraf specifically commended participants’ efforts and tri-services synergy. The exercise, which began on 01 September, reportedly rehearsed the full spectrum of maritime operations and tested the Navy’s preparedness to transition to wartime operations. (“Pakistan Navy concludes SEASPARK-2026 exercise,” The Express Tribune, 14 October 2026)
KP: Five terrorists killed in separate intelligence-based operations in Bannu
On 14 October, Dawn reported that five terrorists were killed in separate operations in the Kuram Garhi Mamandkhel and Shabri Kala Bhart areas. Two were reportedly killed in a joint intelligence-based operation involving the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), district police, and the Pakistan Army in Kuram Garhi Mamandkhel after terrorists opened fire on security personnel. One of the deceased was identified as Mohib Khan alias Sameen, an alleged local commander of Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP), who was reportedly involved in several terrorist activities in Bannu; the identity of the second remained unconfirmed. In a separate incident, three terrorists were reportedly killed in a clash with a police peace committee in Shabri Kala Bhart. Their identities and further details of the incident were not available. (“Five terrorists killed in Bannu operations,” Dawn, 14 October 2026)
Section 144 imposed in Dera Ismail Khan until November 11
On 14 October, Dawn reported that the Dera Ismail Khan district administration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa imposed Section 144 on 13 October, reportedly banning pillion riding, public gatherings, meetings, rallies and processions until 11 November. The order, issued by Deputy Commissioner Hikmatullah, also prohibited the display of weapons and the installation of tents and temporary structures on public roads. Violators would reportedly face legal action under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code. The order added that the measures had been taken in view of the prevailing law and order situation, to be withdrawn or modified by the competent authority before that date. Similar Section 144 restrictions had also been imposed in Karachi until 20 October and in Rawalpindi for 30 days, while Punjab’s province-wide restrictions were scheduled to remain in force until 15 October. (“Section 144 imposed in DI Khan, pillion riding and public gatherings banned,” Dawn, 14 October 2026)
Balochistan: Five terrorists killed in IBO in Washuk
On 14 October, Dawn reported that security forces killed five terrorists and injured four others in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Washuk district, Balochistan, according to state-run Pakistan Television, citing security sources. The operation, conducted under "Operation Raddul Fitna Three", recovered weapons and ammunition. President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security forces and said operations against terrorist elements seeking to undermine peace and security in Balochistan would continue, adding that “Conspiracies by the terrorists’ foreign patrons and their local facilitators will be thwarted at any cost.” The operation comes amid reported sustained counter-terrorism activity in the province, which recorded an increase in attacks from 83 in July to 89 in August, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). (“Security forces kill 5 terrorists in Balochistan's Washuk: state media,” Dawn, 14 October 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Pakistan legislature approves of emergency rule in KP as PTI seeks legal action
On 14 October, Dawn reported that the National Assembly and Senate in Pakistan had passed resolutions endorsing the imposition of emergency rule by the federal government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The parliamentary affairs minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry tabled the motions before both the Houses of Parliament. There was an intense debate between members of the ruling government and the opposition over the passage of the bill. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar argued that a “constitutional resolution” under the provisions of Article 232 of the Pakistani Constitution was presented before the House. Federal government ministers and members of ruling parties defended the imposition of the emergency while blaming the deposed PTI-led government in KP for failing to curb terrorism. Meanwhile, PTI members accused the federal government of destroying the Constitution and rule of law in Pakistan, including the judiciary.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan filed a petition in the Peshawar High Court (PHC) against the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule. Gohar requested the PHC to declare the petition as “unconstitutional” and “devoid of objective material.” He challenged the “constitutionality, legality and vires” of the proclamation of emergency, the deployment of army troops and all orders taken afterwards, including the “arbitrary” detention and removal of Sohail Afridi as the Chief Minister of KP. According to the petition, the bypassing of the provincial assembly on the alleged question of internal disturbance violated the federal structure under Article 1. It was further alleged that the pretext of security and terrorism concerns in KP violated Article 25, and was deployed solely because the KP government was an opposition-led government with demands on the release of Imran Khan unacceptable to the Centre. (“National Assembly, Senate pass resolutions endorsing Centre’s imposition of emergency in KP,” Dawn, 14 October 2026, “PTI chairman Gohar moves PHC against emergency, governor’s rule in KP,” Dawn, 14 October 2026)
Will request end of KP emergency if talks held with PTI, says PPP's Bilawal
On 14 October, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had stated he would personally request Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to end the emergency proclamation if the political atmosphere was made conducive. Bilawal requested the PTI to hold talks with the Pakistani government and political parties for the creation of political conditions which would negate the need for declaring an emergency. He also informed that the Centre had tried to engage the PTI before the declaration. According to Bilawal, the opposition had every right to criticise the decision; but it could not deny its own role in creating the circumstances which created the present situation. The PPP chairman held the PTI responsible for a “political suicide attack” on its own government, particularly the provincial leadership in KP. Bilawal also warned that the lack of a consensus on fundamental national issues would damage Pakistan. He further stated the PTI must not undermine opportunities for dialogue through its own actions. (“Bilawal offers to approach PM for ending K-P emergency if PTI agrees to political dialogue,” The Express Tribune, 14 October 2026)
Deposed KP CM Afridi, four others charged in Radio Pakistan attack case
On 14 October, Dawn reported that Sohail Afridi, who was removed as the Chief Minister of KP and four others faced charges of being involved in the ransacking and torching of the Radio Pakistan building in May 2023. Besides Afridi, former provincial ministers Taimoor Saleem Jhagra and Kamran Bangash, PTI Peshawar district president Irfan Saleem and another party activist Amir Khan Chamkani were charged in the case. The Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) reportedly found video clips showing the incident alongside profile pictures of certain suspects. The station director of Radio Pakistan Peshawar also reportedly recorded a supplementary statement in which he named five men. The PFSA report on the forensic exam of the “relevant” videos and facial recognition of the accused concluded that the facial features of the five men now charged matched those allegedly rioting in the videos. (“Sohail Afridi, four others charged in 2023 Radio Pakistan attack case,” Dawn, 14 October 2026)
Opposition leader warns governor’s rule could be imposed in Sindh next
On 14 October, Dawn reported that opposition leader in the National Assembly, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, had alleged that Sindh would be the next province to witness an imposition of governor’s rule. Achakzai made the remarks in the National Assembly during a debate on a resolution endorsing the imposition of governor’s rule in KP. He warned that governor’s rule would be imposed in Sindh next over the “occupation of water, mines and streams.” He stated that the PPP, which is the governing party in Sindh, would recall its mistake over supporting the emergency proclamation in KP. Achakzai also stated that KP’s “mistake is that it saved itself with the help of its people.” The parliamentarian also warned that when the “state turns against its own people, they are compelled to look elsewhere.” He critiqued the government over its handling of economic and foreign affairs as well. (“Achakzai sees governor’s rule next being imposed in Sindh, over water and mines,” Dawn, 14 October 2026)
Electronic media regulator orders TV channels not to air “unpleasant incidents” like terror attacks
On 14 October, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) had ordered all satellite television channels to refrain from the broadcast, re-broadcast and live coverage of any “unfortunate/unpleasant incident.” These include explosions, firings, blasts and terrorist attacks. Pemra also stated in its order that channels needed to broadcast only verified information, warranted by the department or law enforcement agency concerned. Additionally, TV channels were instructed to constitute an independent editorial board in compliance with Pemra provisions and past court judgements and orders; alongside the effective use of a time-delay mechanism. The media regulator further warned that legal action would be taken in accordance with Sections 29-A, 30 and 33 of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002 in case of violations. (“Pemra directs TV channels to refrain from airing ‘unpleasant incidents,’ including terror attacks,” Dawn, 14 October 2026)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan and China begin "Karakoram 2026" counter-terrorism drill in Xinjiang
On 15 October, Dawn reported that the Pakistani and Chinese armies began the joint exercise "Karakoram 2026" on Wednesday at a training base in Korla, Xinjiang, with the two sides exchanging counter-terrorism experience and Pakistani troops viewing Chinese weapons and equipment. China's defence ministry said the training would focus on joint anti-terrorism clearance operations at high altitudes, covering drone operations, on-the-move target search and firing, long-range sniping and joint command and live-force exercises. It follows a joint patrol at Mantika Pass near Khunjerab in September. ("Pakistani, Chinese armies begin joint training exercise in Xinjiang," Dawn, 15 October 2026)
Makkah Alliance secretary general briefs PM Shehbaz as Pakistan reaffirms backing for Saudi security
On 14 October, Dawn reported that PM Shehbaz Sharif met newly appointed Makkah Defence Alliance Secretary General Nauman Mahmood, who briefed him on the strategy for "defence and strategic cooperation" under the pact, which Shehbaz called a "historic milestone for peace, unity, and stability." He reaffirmed Pakistan's "unwavering commitment" to Saudi Arabia's sovereignty, territorial integrity and security, saying Pakistan "stands shoulder to shoulder" with the kingdom, as Saudi Arabia struck Houthi fuel and energy sites in Yemen the previous day and the Houthis vowed a "harsh and painful" response, with intercepted missiles wounding four people in Riyadh and explosions reported near Aramco's Dhahran headquarters. ("Makkah Alliance secretary general meets PM Shehbaz, briefs premier on defence cooperation," Dawn, 14 October 2026)
ECONOMY
Pakistan's commercial banks make little progress in extending sustainability commitments
On 14 October, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s major commercial banks have made limited progress in extending sustainability commitments to the businesses and projects they finance, with climate change and biodiversity emerging as the weakest areas in a new assessment of the sector. The 2025 Benchmark of Bank Sustainability Policies in Pakistan, released by Fair Finance Pakistan (FFP) on the sidelines of the World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings in Bangkok, found that positive policy coverage for borrowers and projects stood at just 13.8 per cent for climate change and 26.8 per cent for biodiversity. Standard Chartered Pakistan recorded the highest climate-change score at 3.63 out of 10, followed by Allied Bank at 1.45 and Habib Bank Ltd at 1.37. The remaining banks scored below 0.50. Biodiversity scores showed a similar concentration of stronger commitments among a few lenders. Standard Chartered led with 5.31, followed by Allied Bank at 3.05, while MCB Bank and the National Bank of Pakistan scored zero. (“Banks ignore climate in project financing,” Dawn, 14 October 2026)
State Bank of Pakistan launches second edition of Banking on Equality
On 14 October, Dawn reported that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) launched the second edition of its Banking on Equality (BoE) Policy. The first BoE policy, launched in 2021, was Pakistan’s first gender-mainstreaming initiative for the banking sector, aimed at reducing the gender gap in financial inclusion and making financial services more accessible to women. As a result, the overall gender gap in financial inclusion has narrowed from 39 per cent in 2021 to 29 per cent in 2025. During this period, banks inducted more than 17,500 women under the policy, raising the proportion of female staff from 13 per cent to 17 per cent. Dedicated women’s financial services departments or teams have also been established at banks to develop women-centric products and services. The BoE was finalised after consultations with local and international stakeholders. It is intended to support the National Financial Inclusion Strategy target of reducing the gender gap to 25 per cent by 2028 and assist implementation of the World Bank-led Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code initiative. (“Gender gap in financial inclusion narrows,” Dawn, 14 October 2026)
SECP issues a guidebook on Targeted Financial Sanctions
On 14 October, Dawn reported that Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has issued a Guidebook on Targeted Financial Sanctions (TFS) to help prevent terrorist financing and other illicit activity while safeguarding the integrity of Pakistan’s financial system. The guidebook explains, in practical terms, the steps regulated entities should take to meet their obligations under applicable TFS requirements. SECP encourages regulated entities to use the guidebook to review and strengthen their existing arrangements. The guidebook follows a series of TFS awareness sessions for SECP-regulated entities, conducted by SECP in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA). (“Anti-terror finance controls tightened,” Dawn, 14 October 2026)
Finance minister discusses fuel subsidies matter with IMF senior official
On 14 October, Dawn reported that the Finance Minister met the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Deputy Managing Director in Bangkok, with their discussion covering targeted fuel subsidies among other matters. They met on the sidelines of the World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meetings 2026 to discuss Pakistan’s economic progress and reform priorities. The Finance Minister outlined targeted fuel subsidies to protect vulnerable groups and preserve social cohesion during the meeting. Pakistan also remains engaged with the IMF for a USD 7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and USD 1.4 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). The two reached a staff-level agreement after a fourth review under the EFF and a third review under the RSF earlier this month, which qualified Pakistan to draw about USD 1.2 billion from the Fund’s resources. (“Aurangzeb discusses targeted fuel subsidies in meeting with senior IMF official,” Dawn, 14 October 2026)
ENVIRONMENT
Lahore records “very unhealthy” air quality as Kot Addu leads Punjab pollution readings
On 14 October, The Express Tribune reported that Lahore recorded a very unhealthy air quality level, with the US Air Quality Index reaching 210 at around 22:00. The worst reading of 298 was logged at Lahore Cantonment’s Urban Unit, according to IQAir data. IQAir put Kot Addu’s score at 212, while the Punjab EPA recorded 183 there. IQAir advised residents to limit outdoor movement and wear masks. The Punjab EPA urged people with breathing problems to consult a doctor. Vulnerable groups, including children and older people, were advised to avoid outdoor activity. (“‘Very unhealthy’ 210 air quality score chokes Lahore,” The Express Tribune, 14 October 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Pakistan & the IMF
Ishrat Husain, “Don’t derail the transition,” Dawn, 15 October 2026
"Pakistan is midway through a demanding transition from crisis management to sustainable growth. Political leaders hope that the present IMF programme will be the country’s last. Fulfilling that aim needs continuity, discipline, and determined implementation. External shocks can’t be controlled, but their impact can be mitigated through sound policies and domestic consensus. The priority is clear: restore peace through dialogue, keep goods and services moving, complete reforms already initiated, and avoid divisive experiments. Pakistan can’t afford to squander its hard-won stability through preventable disruptions. The transition to growth must be protected, not derailed."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2037279/dont-derail-the-transition
Politics & governance
Khurram Husain, “Provinces under fire,” Dawn, 15 October 2026
“The liquidation of the KP Assembly is an event rooted in economic, more specifically fiscal, constraints. For the time being, it is unlikely that the trajectory will continue to the other provinces, but it is worth keeping an eye on the resource envelope available to the state as the primary fount of this event."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2037053/faceless-taxman
Economy
Editorial, “Lagging behind,” Dawn, 15 October 2026
“The IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook projects Pakistan’s economy to grow by 3.5pc in the current fiscal year, while average inflation climbs to 9.9pc. The current account is expected to slip into a deficit of 1pc of GDP. This forecast points to an economy that remains vulnerable despite recent gains in macroeconomic stability."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2037275/lagging-behind
Editorial, “Fiscal fault lines,” The Express Tribune, 15 October 2026
“Pakistan's economy entered FY27 with a veneer of stability that masked deep structural vulnerabilities. Unfortunately, no amount of reforms will change the fact that the GDP growth prediction remains extremely low for a developing country, and inflation is forecast to be relatively high. The inflation outlook is particularly concerning. Having decelerated from a peak above 38% in May 2023 to single digits, consumer prices are now projected to rise by nearly 10% in FY27."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634873/fiscal-fault-lines
On Afghanistan
Inam Ul Haque, “The Afghan chessboard - competition and challenges,” The Express Tribune, 15 October 2026
“Last week we mentioned that in Afghanistan the 'Great Game' continues with changed players. The US would like to keep its engagement with the ruling clique – willingly or unwillingly – due to Washington's geostrategic interests in the region including counterterrorism, its ongoing competition with China and Russia, and, most of all, Afghanistan's proximity to Iran, China, Russia, Central Asia and a nuclear Pakistan. Pashtun IEA, reportedly, has been trying to be in the US good books again, irrespective of its propaganda."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634877/the-afghan-chessboard-competition-and-challenges
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