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In Brief
EXTERNAL
Gabd-Rimdan border crossing with Iran functional again
On 25 October, Dawn reported that Pakistan had reopened its border crossing with Iran at Gabd-Rimdan. Previously, the Pakistani Ministry of Commerce suspended trade at the Gabd-Rimdan and Taftan crossings on 17 October, without specifying the reason. This caused disturbances for truckers involved in trade with Iran, who were stranded at the border. The president of the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mir Naveed Jan Kalmati, confirmed the reopening. He said this was beneficial for the traders and transporters involved in cross-border import and export of goods. According to Kalmati, the trade would help alleviate increased energy and food prices across Pakistan, alongside easing an LPG shortage. (“Gabd border crossing with Iran reopened,” Dawn, 25 October 2026)
Pakistan-Canada investment treaty talks advance towards finalisation
On 25 October, Dawn reported that Pakistan and Canada had made significant progress towards finalising the ‘Bilateral Investment Treaty.’ The Board of Investment stated at the end of the third round of negotiations, saying that this showed the shared commitment of both countries towards improving the foundation for long-term investment partnerships. According to the statement, the planned treaty would help improve investor confidence, economic engagement, and business opportunities for Pakistan and Canada. The topic of negotiations between the two sides involved portfolio investments, third-party funding, expropriation, and direct and indirect investments. The engagements between Pakistan and Canada were appreciated by the Canadian High Commissioner, who stressed the importance of continued cooperation for a balanced agreement towards the promotion of investment and business confidence. (“Talks on investment treaty with Canada make progress,” Dawn, 25 October 2026)
German health company pledges to help improve Pak health infra during Zardari visit
On 24 October, Dawn reported that Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari had met with the executive vice president of German health company Siemens, Daniel Frisch, during his official visit to Germany. Zardari’s office stated that the president was called on by Siemens executives on the final day of his visit, including Frisch, who briefed him on the work done by Siemens in Pakistan. The statement further informed that Frisch had expressed his desire to upgrade existing health infrastructure in Pakistan through innovative solutions and technological applications. It was also stated that Siemens representatives would visit Pakistan to sign MoUs in the areas of capacity building and technology in the health industry of Pakistan. Zardari praised the work done by Siemens in Pakistan and stated there needed to be research-based and technology-driven solutions for the improvement of health services in Pakistan. The president requested Siemens to diversify its investment across multiple sectors beyond health. He also affirmed that Pakistan was committed towards broadened and all-inclusive quality healthcare for all citizens, particularly in the remote areas. (“In Berlin meeting, Siemens affirms support for strengthening Pakistan’s healthcare infrastructure,” Dawn, 24 October 2026)
Pakistan urges greater transparency and accountability in international order
On 24 October, Dawn reported that Pakistan had called for a more representative international order at the UN General Assembly. The acting Pakistani Permanent Representative to the UN, Usman Jadoon, stated that the UN Security Council needed to be more representative, democratic, transparent and accountable. Jadoon expressed opposition to the proposal of additional permanent seats at the Security Council, stating this would perpetuate existing inequalities. He stated that elected non-permanent membership needed to be expanded through the mechanisms of fair regional rotation and regular elections, with adequate representation for marginalised regions. Jadoon also warned that there was a significant risk of military AI escalating situations, especially with nuclear weapons. Meaningful control over autonomous weapons systems was another point discussed. Meanwhile, at the General Assembly’s First Committee, Counsellor Syed Atif Raza urged effective protections against the misuse of scientific developments, without restrictions on access to peaceful applications by developing countries. Additionally, Pakistan reaffirmed commitments under the biological and chemical weapons conventions, with an emphasis upon verification and international cooperation. (“Pakistan calls for fairer global order at UN,” Dawn, 24 October 2026)
Pakistan calls for equal access to nuclear technology
On 25 October, Dawn reported that Pakistan had urged equitable and non-discriminatory access to peaceful nuclear technology. The remarks were made at the plenary session of the UN General Assembly by Counsellor Syed Atif Raza. They came amidst the address to the assembly by the Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi that there could be a tripling of current global nuclear power capacity by 2030, due to factors like AI data centres, growing electrification and the demand for reliable, carbon-free electricity by tech companies. Raza reaffirmed Pakistani support for the agency and emphasised that the IAEA mandate needed to be implemented in a balanced manner. Another key point raised by Raza was that restrictions imposed on civilian nuclear cooperation did not need to prevent developing countries from utilising technology integral to their economic progress. Additionally, Raza stated that questions over compliance with the IAEA’s nuclear energy regulations needed to be addressed without politicisation through the technical mechanisms of the IAEA. He also stated Pakistan had contributed positively to the IAEA, with work in training, technical expertise and capacity-building, alongside projects of nuclear safety, healthcare and water management amongst other areas. (“Pakistan urges equitable access to peaceful nuclear technology at UN,” Dawn, 25 October 2026)
Pakistan denounces terror attack on church in Jordan
On 24 October, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) had strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a funeral procession at a church in Jordan. The attack by gunmen left at least seven individuals dead and injured dozens. The FO issued a statement that Pakistan extended heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Jordan, and stood in solidarity with them in their fight against terrorism. The statement further informed that Pakistan reiterated its condemnation of terrorism in all forms and manifestations. It also expressed condolences for the families of the dead and wished for the speedy recovery of those injured. (“Pakistan denounces ‘heinous’ church attack in Jordan, reiterates condemnation of terrorism,” Dawn, 24 October 2026)
Pakistan and UK textile markets discuss possibilities of improved cooperation
On 26 October, The News Pakistan reported that the textile industries in Pakistan and the UK had discussed avenues for improving industrial cooperation and tariff concessions. UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott held a meeting with the leadership of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA). The discussions revolved around a range of topics, including creating practical industrial partnerships with a focus on improving product quality, expanding opportunities for Pakistani businesses in the UK and improving manufacturing capabilities. Marriott stressed the need for greater collaboration between British institutions and the Pakistani textile industry, especially in research and development, specialised textiles and technical expertise. APTMA Chairman Asad Shafi stated that greater linkages with the British textile industry could help Pakistan improve quality assurance, meet the requirements of international buyers and develop technical capabilities. Additionally, Shafi argued structured collaboration between APTMA and British institutions would move bilateral engagement towards industrial outcomes, with a framework covering the textile value chain. He also stressed the need for identifying clear areas of engagement, providing easy access to specialised expertise and establishing practical initiatives for improving productivity. (“UK, APTMA seek tariff relief, wider market access for Pakistani textiles,” The News Pakistan, 26 October 2026)
SECURITY
KP: Authorities impose Section 144 in South Waziristan districts to secure movement of supplies
On 24 October, Dawn reported that district administrations in Upper and Lower South Waziristan imposed Section 144 restrictions for Saturday, closing markets and major routes. Lower South Waziristan Deputy Commissioner Musarrat Zaman and Upper South Waziristan Deputy Commissioner Irfan Ali issued separate notifications on Friday evening. The restrictions were imposed amid security concerns and to facilitate logistical supplies for security forces. Movement along several routes, including those through Wana and Tanai, was prohibited except in emergencies with prior authorisation. Motorists must stop at least 50 metres from security forces. Polio workers and vaccination teams may move through the areas after establishing their identities. Violators will be held responsible under the applicable law. (“Section 144 imposed in Upper, Lower South Waziristan over security concerns,” Dawn, 24 October 2026)
Islamabad: Police data reveal five suspects killed in 61 alleged encounters this year
On 25 October, Dawn reported that police data show five suspects were killed and 53 others injured in 61 alleged encounters in Islamabad this year. Saddar Zone recorded 22 encounters, followed by 17 in the Industrial Area Zone. About 140 suspects were involved, of whom 114 escaped, and 26 were arrested. Police said the encounters mostly occurred while escorting handcuffed suspects to hideouts or during patrols. Officers reported remaining unhurt, with suspects sustaining bullet injuries from their accomplices’ fire. Dawn also noted that the FIR and a police statement on a recent Shams Colony encounter, which killed the main accused in the Laiba Aijaz case, contradicted each other on key details. (“Five suspects killed, over 50 injured in alleged encounters in capital,” Dawn, 25 October 2026)
Balochistan: Security forces kill terrorist commander Adil Shah in Qila Saifullah operation
On 25 October, Dawn reported that security forces killed a terrorist commander during an intelligence-based operation in Qila Saifullah, according to state-run Radio Pakistan. The militant, identified as Adil Shah alias Darvesh, belonged to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Security sources said he had managed the group’s financial affairs since 2024. He was also accused of facilitating residences for foreign terrorists in Zhob, Sherani and Shaban. Nineteen first information reports were registered against him, and a bounty of 2.5 million rupees had been placed on his head. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti praised the security forces’ professional expertise. (“Terrorist commander killed during IBO in Balochistan’s Qila Saifullah: state media,” Dawn, 25 October 2026)
KP: Security forces kill six terrorists in Dera Ismail Khan operation as two soldiers also killed in action
On 25 October, Dawn reported that security forces killed six terrorists in an intelligence-based operation in Dera Ismail Khan’s Zarkani area, according to the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Naik Ghulam Murtaza and Sepoy Taseer Ahmed were also killed in the exchange of fire during the operation. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the militants. A sanitisation operation is underway to eliminate any remaining terrorists. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded 54 terrorist attacks in August, a 50 per cent rise from July, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff (CDF/COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir has vowed to hit such groups wherever they are. (“6 terrorists killed, 2 soldiers martyred during Dera Ismail Khan IBO: ISPR,” Dawn, 25 October 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
KP governor confirms former CM Afridi and Speaker Swati are under house arrest
On 26 October, Dawn reported that KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, speaking on Geo News, said Sohail Afridi, who has been non-functional as chief minister since the Centre imposed governor's rule and emergency on 11 October, and Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati are under house arrest and "in safe hands," with release if no cases exist and indictment if they do. Kundi said in his personal opinion the emergency could run beyond six months because the Centre and province must align on counterterrorism, estimated that 40 to 50 per cent of those detained were "under self-imposed arrest or self-concealment," and distanced the government from a tribal council member's call for talks with the Afghan Taliban, saying there would be no dialogue. Afridi's brother and Swati's cousin have separately approached the Peshawar High Court seeking their relatives' recovery. ("KP Governor Kundi says Sohail Afridi, assembly speaker 'in safe hands' after house arrest," Dawn, 26 October 2026)
Election Commission proposes amendments to curb AI misuse in elections
On 25 October, The Express Tribune reported that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has proposed 12 amendments to its 2023 codes of conduct, five for media, five for parties and candidates and three for observers, and has invited public feedback until 20 November. Media would have to disclose AI-generated or modified content and could not use deepfakes to fabricate statements by party leaders, candidates, officials, judges or military personnel; parties and candidates would need to label AI content, preserve what they produce, avoid bots that fake online engagement and open robocalls with an AI disclosure; and observers could not use AI to generate or alter their findings. PEMRA, the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority and the NCCIA would monitor violations and report them to the ECP, which could order misleading content removed or relabelled. ("ECP proposes 12 amendments to regulate AI, curb misuse in elections," The Express Tribune, 25 October 2026)
Senator Qadri to assume PTI KP president's duties as Junaid Akbar still in preventative custody
On 24 October, Dawn reported that a notification from PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan said MNA Junaid Akbar, whose whereabouts have been unknown since he was taken into preventative custody after the 11 October emergency, remains PTI's KP president, with senior vice president Senator Noorul Haq Qadri presiding over provincial cabinet meetings in his absence and secretary general Ali Asghar Khan chairing in Qadri's. The notification froze any changes to the provincial structure and followed reports that more than 50 MPAs had endorsed former CM Ali Amin Gandapur as acting president, and a public spat between Gandapur and PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, who had referred to dissidents as "snakes and serpents." ("'Missing' Junaid Akbar remains PTI's KP president; Senator Noorul Haq Qadri to assume duties in his absence," Dawn, 24 October 2026)
Five jailed PTI leaders tell party leadership to stay united, avoid media sniping and prioritise Qureshi's release
On 25 October, Dawn reported that five PTI leaders held in Kot Lakhpat Jail, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed and Ejaz Chaudhry, wrote an open letter to Chairman Gohar Ali Khan, Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and parliamentarians warning that the party is at a "historic crossroads." They urged patience, consultation and consensus, asked leaders not to act on rumours or air personal views in the media and said: "this is not the time to resign or demand resignations." Four of them also demanded that Qureshi's release, after more than three years in jail, be made a top party priority, noting he has been acquitted in six cases and secured bail in the rest. ("Jailed leaders urge PTI leadership to forge consensus," Dawn, 25 October 2026)
Jamaat-i-Islami rallies in Charsadda against fuel levy, inflation and long power cuts
On 24 October, Dawn reported that Jamaat-i-Islami held a protest at Charsadda's Farooq Azam Chowk against the petroleum levy, rising inflation, prolonged power outages, farmers' problems and alleged corruption, with speakers calling the levy an added burden on citizens and saying the anti-levy campaign had run for three to four months under JI emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman. The party warned that if the outages are not addressed, it would widen its campaign with sit-ins outside the relevant government offices. ("JI protests power outages, inflation in KP," Dawn, 24 October 2026)
ECONOMY
Finance minister emphasises prioritising export-led expansion and tariff reforms
On 24 October, Dawn reported that during an event at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) organised by the American Business Forum (ABF), Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb ruled out pursuing liquidity-fuelled, consumption-led economic growth. He said Pakistan could not afford to repeat the cycle of import-dependent growth that had previously led to balance-of-payments problems and forced the country to seek support from lenders of last resort. Therefore, Pakistan must prioritise sustainable, export-led expansion and continue with tariff reforms to improve the competitiveness of its industries. On tariff reforms, he said the government had protected domestic industries for too long without sunset clauses and that the existing approach could not continue indefinitely. The finance minister said the government has identified climate change and population growth as major challenges for Pakistan, urging measures to reduce the country’s 2.55 per cent population growth rate. He cited Bangladesh, Indonesia and Iran as examples, saying all three had reduced their population growth rates to below one per cent over a decade. He stressed women’s education, workforce participation and engagement with religious scholars as key measures. (“Aurangzeb rules out consumption led growth says tariff reforms will continue,” Dawn, 24 October 2026)
Pakistan's trade deficit narrows with Gulf partners to USD 2.85 billion
On 25 October, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s trade deficit with Gulf partner countries narrowed 26.35 per cent to USD 2.85 billion in the first quarter of 2026-27 against USD 3.87 billion a year earlier. The steepest declines were 97.46 per cent and 72.51 per cent in import payments to Kuwait and Qatar. These two countries accounted for USD 947.923 million of the gross decline in import payments, partly offset by the substantial increase in imports from Oman. On the export side, the UAE accounted for approximately 66.21 per cent of Pakistan’s total exports to the seven countries in the first quarter of FY27, followed by Saudi Arabia at 19.45 per cent. The remaining five countries collectively accounted for just 14.34 per cent, according to data compiled by the State Bank of Pakistan. Pakistan’s exports to the Middle East rose 10.96 per cent to USD 864.878 million in the first quarter of FY27, up from USD 779.425 million in the same period last year. In FY26, exports to the region fell by over 2 per cent to USD 3.093 billion from USD 3.152 billion the previous year. In contrast, imports from the region fell 20.02 per cent to USD 3.717 billion in the first quarter of FY27, down from USD 4.648 billion a year earlier. In FY26, imports posted a negative growth of four per cent to USD 16.413 billion from USD 17.097 billion a year earlier. (“Pakistan’s trade gap with Gulf partners narrows,” Dawn, 25 October 2026)
Liquid foreign exchange reserves fall by USD 30.3 million
On 25 October, Dawn reported that the country’s liquid foreign exchange reserves fell by USD 30.3 million to USD 26.83 billion as of 16 October, providing an import cover of 3.01 months. However, the SBP reserves rose by USD 19.1 million to USD 21.49 billion, while commercial banks’ reserves declined by USD 49.4 million to USD 5.34 billion. Also, on the Karachi Stock Exchange, Average daily volume fell 12.6 per cent to 393 million shares, while the average value traded increased 7.3 per cent to USD 69.7 million. The benchmark KSE-100 index fell 2.4 per cent week-on-week, shedding 4,045 points to close at 162,375. According to Arif Habib Ltd (AHL), banking, technology, investment banking, cement and power stocks were the biggest drags on the benchmark, collectively weighing heavily on sentiment. Banks contributed a negative 925 points, followed by technology with 512 points, investment banks with 507 points, cement with 459 points and power with 266 points. (“Equities fall 2.4pc as oil prices geopolitical tensions unsettle investors,” Dawn, 25 October 2026)
Railways declares emergency until 31 December 2026
On 25 October, Dawn reported that Pakistan Railways declared an emergency until 31 December, cancelling all public holidays for officers and directing them to address operational deficiencies to ensure safe passenger journeys and freight transportation across the country. Under the emergency, aimed at ensuring safe train operations, all kinds of leave, except medical leave, as well as public holidays, including Saturdays, Sundays and other holidays, have been cancelled for officers and officials. Railway officers travelling to other cities on official business are required to use trains. Chief engineers of the civil and mechanical departments have been directed to submit daily reports to the ministry on matters relating to their respective departments. The head of the safety department is required to submit a daily report. As several train accidents and derailments have been reported in recent months, including seven in July alone, the ministry took this decision. The major issues identified as causes of derailments and accidents included deteriorating railway tracks, the use of dummy coaches and wagons, the manual point system, human error, inadequate maintenance, and a lack of sufficient resources. ("Pakistan Railways hits panic button after repeated accidents,” Dawn, 25 October 2026)
PROVINCES
Pakistan rebuts Afghan Taliban claim of lacking “capabilities” for cross-border terrorism
On 24 October, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s Information Ministry rejected the Afghan Taliban’s claim that it lacked the “capabilities” to be involved in cross-border insecurity, citing United Nations and US monitoring reports that alleged continued Taliban tolerance and support for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating from Afghan territory. The ministry cited estimates placing TTP strength at 4,000-6,000 fighters and urged Kabul to dismantle militant sanctuaries and prevent attacks against Pakistan. Islamabad also rejected former US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad’s allegations that it was arming Afghans against the Taliban. The exchange comes amid worsening bilateral relations, repeated cross-border attacks and Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan, though the competing claims remain disputed. (“Islamabad rebuts Kabul's stance on ‘lacking capacity’ to fuel insecurity in Pakistan, slams 'diversionary allegations’,” Dawn, 24 October 2026)
Pakistan holding over 500 undocumented Afghan nationals across three provinces, IOM-UNHCR report finds
On 24 October, Dawn reported that 517 Afghans were arrested across three districts in Balochistan, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa between 11 and 17 October, according to a joint IOM–UNHCR report. During the same week, an estimated 3,883 Afghans returned to Afghanistan through border crossings, including 499 deportations. Cumulative returns since 15 September 2023 reached approximately 2.74 million. The report identified fear of arrest as the main reason for returning among undocumented Afghans and Afghan Citizen Card holders, cited by 95 per cent of respondents in these categories. Although deportations fell 48 per cent from the previous week, the figures highlight the continuing scale of displacement and repatriation pressures. (“Over 500 ‘illegal’ Afghans held in three provinces,” Dawn, 24 October 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Economy
Umair Javed, “Pakistan’s global role,” Dawn, 26 October 2026
"The nature of Pakistan’s role in global politics is once again the subject of much debate. Several officials are ferrying messages between Iran and the US for an end to the conflict, having helped organise a short-lived peace agreement earlier in the year."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2039879/pakistans-global-role
AI
Huma Yusuf, “AI agenda,” Dawn, 26 October 2026
“Pakistan has committed to spending $1 billion on AI by 2030 and is cracking on with plans to digitise 12 key sectors by 2035 under the National Digital Master Plan. As the momentum builds, we must ask: how will Pakistan fund investment in AI? And what makes digital transformation and AI adoption capable of overcoming structural issues that have held back traditional activities like manufacturing?"
https://www.dawn.com/news/2039877/ai-agenda
Security
Editorial, “Encounter culture,” Dawn, 26 October 2026
“Karachi’s residents, long exposed to street crime and violent robberies, deserve protection. Yet the frequency of these so-called encounters raises questions about how operations are conducted and whether suspects are given an opportunity to surrender. Whether the police actions were legitimate or unlawful can only be established through credible investigations. There must be forensic examination of weapons, independent verification of police accounts, and proper documentation of injuries and evidence. Such scrutiny should be routine whenever police gunfire causes death, regardless of the victim’s alleged criminal history. Otherwise, the public must rely entirely on the version offered by those who pulled the trigger."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2039882/encounter-culture
Politics & governance
Durdana Najam, “The perils of sacred politics,” The Express Tribune, 25 October 2026
“Religion has always been a useful political tool. Unlike ordinary political slogans, faith speaks to people's deepest convictions. Pakistan is no exception. In fact, it may be one of the clearest examples of this pattern. Almost every major political leader has, at one point or another, wrapped political objectives in religious symbolism. Pakistan has wrestled with that question for decades. The career of Maulana Fazlur Rehman offers a useful lens through which to examine it. His political journey reminds us that faith can be a source of moral guidance, but it can also become a source of political leverage. The challenge for any society is ensuring that the first does not become subordinate to the second."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2636721/the-perils-of-sacred-politics
Health
Editorial, “A prescription for shortages,” The Express Tribune, 25 October 2026
“A commonly used insulin product is in short supply across Pakistan, after its German manufacturer halted supplies for a year-long factory upgrade. The government has reassured that alternative insulin products made by other big-name foreign companies are available, but while this statement is true, the competing brands also cost at least 20% more, and could also face supply headaches, since there is a global shortage. Also important is that even switching medicine brands for a while could negatively affect patients."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2636719/a-prescription-for-shortages
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