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In Brief
EXTERNAL
PM Shehbaz reaffirm defence cooperation with Türkiye under Makkah Defence Agreement
On 29 October, Dawn reported that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had reaffirmed Islamabad and Ankara’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy while strengthening their defence cooperation under the Makkah Defence Agreement, signed with Saudi Arabia on 07 August. Addressing Turkiye’s 103rd National Day event in Islamabad, Sharif described the pact as a milestone in bilateral cooperation. He also called for stronger economic ties, highlighting plans for the President Tayyip Erdogan Special Economic Zone in Karachi. The remarks follow recent agreements between the two countries to strengthen cooperation against terrorism, narcotics trafficking and organised crime. (“Pakistan, Turkiye shall 'continue to champion dialogue, diplomacy' alongside bolstering defences: PM Shehbaz,” Dawn, 29 October 2026)
Pakistan and China agree to establish green channel at Khunjerab border
On 29 October, Dawn reported that Pakistan and China had signed an agreement to operationalise a green channel at the Sost-Khunjerab border crossing for agricultural and allied products. The arrangement will allow priority processing of eligible consignments, particularly perishable goods, while retaining risk-based customs checks. It also provides for information sharing and the exchange of risk alerts between the two countries’ customs administrations to improve border coordination. The agreement is expected to facilitate agricultural trade and reduce delays. Khunjerab Pass, connecting Pakistan’s “Gilgit-Baltistan” with China’s Xinjiang region, generated PKR 15 billion in customs revenue from imports last year, while exports through the crossing reached PKR 2.8 billion. (“Pakistan, China sign agreement to operationalise green channel at Sost-Khunjerab border,” Dawn, 29 October 2026)
Singapore foreign minister to visit Pakistan as countries mark 60 years of diplomatic ties
On 29 October, Dawn reported that Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan would visit Islamabad at the invitation of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The two ministers are expected to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional and global developments. They will also exchange a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on disaster management between Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority and Singapore’s Civil Defence Force. The visit comes ahead of Singapore assuming the ASEAN chairmanship in 2027 and is intended to strengthen and diversify bilateral ties. (“Singapore foreign minister to undertake official visit to Pakistan on Oct 30,” Dawn, 29 October 2026)
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia discuss expanding economic cooperation and investment in agriculture
On 30 October, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had discussed expanding economic cooperation in agriculture, minerals, mining and other investment sectors during a meeting between Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Saudi Ambassador Rajeh Tami Albugamy in Islamabad. Both sides emphasised strengthening commercial engagement and translating shared priorities into concrete outcomes. Aurangzeb highlighted Pakistan’s improving foreign exchange reserves and inflation indicators, recent credit-rating upgrades, and its return to international capital markets through a USD 3 billion Eurobond issuance. The discussions also covered Pakistan’s potential as a regional trade and transit hub, alongside the importance of regional stability amid ongoing conflicts. The meeting reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to deepening trade and investment ties. (“Pakistan, KSA discuss farm investment,” The Express Tribune, 30 October 2026; “Finance minister, Saudi envoy explore economic cooperation,” The Express Tribune, 30 October 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Imaan Mazari and husband sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment in security breach case; Lawyers and journalists criticise judgement
On 29 October, Dawn reported that an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Pakistan sentenced human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, to 10 years in prison each in a 2024 security breach case. The case concerned allegations that the couple disrupted the security route of an international cricket team by removing barriers and obstructing police personnel. The trial was conducted at Adiala Jail, with the court ruling that their actions threatened security arrangements. Both were also fined PKR 100,000 under the Anti-Terrorism Act, while additional sentences were imposed under the Pakistan Penal Code. All sentences will run concurrently. The court acquitted them of several other charges, including criminal conspiracy and rioting.
The verdict marks the couple’s second conviction in less than a year and has drawn criticism from lawyers, journalists and human rights organisations. The couple denied the allegations, claiming they were being targeted for their human rights work and describing themselves as “prisoners of conscience”. They also challenged the fairness of the jail trial, alleging violations of their right to due process and effective access to legal counsel. The International Commission of Jurists described the convictions as an example of the judicial process being used for persecution, while Pakistan’s National Commission for Human Rights raised concerns about the proportionality of the sentences and called for the protection of fair-trial rights. The couple had previously received 17-year sentences in a separate social media posts case, which the Supreme Court suspended in September. (“ATC sentences Imaan, Hadi to 10 years in security breach case,” Dawn, 29 October 2026; “'Absolutely absurd verdict': Lawyers, journalists react to Imaan, Hadi's sentencing in security breach case,” Dawn, 29 October 2026)
Government rules out immediate petroleum levy cut, offers phased reduction from next budget
On 30 October, The Express Tribune reported that Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said on Thursday the government will not cut the petroleum levy immediately under Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) pressure but will consider a gradual reduction from the next budget through the joint committee of Ishaq Dar, Iqbal, Rana Sanaullah and three JI nominees. The government currently charges PKR 80 per litre in levy, PKR 5 in climate levy and PKR 20.56 in customs duty, nearly PKR 106 in total. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz told the National Assembly the same day that levy collection of PKR 4.4 trillion since FY2022-23 is part of IMF targets and PKR 227 billion above the government's own, though the report notes he had urged in May a PKR 1 trillion target and a PKR 50 rate, which was ignored. ("Govt stands firm on petroleum levy," The Express Tribune, 30 October 2026)
PPP’s Bilawal urges opposition to rejoin parliamentary committees
On 29 October, The Express Tribune reported that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari asked Leader of the Opposition Mahmood Khan Achakzai in the National Assembly to use the authority Imran Khan has granted him to send opposition members back to key committees, especially the Electoral Reforms Committee. PTI lawmakers quit standing committees in August last year, and Bilawal said their absence undermines consensus on electoral reforms, counterterrorism, defence and the economy. He also called for the finance, foreign, defence and interior ministers to brief Parliament on the Iran war, disruption to key maritime routes and Pakistan's recent defence agreements, while a PPP delegation of Raja Pervez Ashraf and Syed Naveed Qamar met Achakzai to invite him onto the committee. ("Bilawal urges opposition to resume participation in committees," The Express Tribune, 29 October 2026)
PTI says Sohail Afridi remains KP chief minister and bars talk of replacing him
On 29 October, Dawn reported that a notification from PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan affirmed that Sohail Afridi remains KP chief minister with Imran Khan's confidence and directed party members not to convene meetings or discuss nominating a replacement, since only Imran can nominate an alternative. It follows a joint parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday lasting over seven hours, where some members questioned why so much authority had been handed to Afridi, who holds no party post and has not been seen since governor's rule and the emergency were imposed on 11 October. ("Amid internal doubts, PTI affirms Sohail Afridi 'remains KP chief minister'," Dawn, 29 October 2026)
Defence and Interior Ministers say Tehran meeting was not about defence in response to JUI-F chief’s criticism
On 29 October, Dawn reported that Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi responded to JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman's jibes over Asif's absence and Naqvi's presence at the Tehran meeting of Makkah pact countries and Iran, attended by CDF Field Marshal Asim Munir, Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin. Asif told the National Assembly that no defence pact was taking shape, that the meeting fell outside his ministry's mandate and that Munir went as a messenger of peace, while Naqvi told the Senate that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had tasked him with matters related to the Iran war, amid loud exchanges with JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza. Asif also attacked Fazl's political record and called his address blackmail. ("'Not related to defence': Govt responds to Fazl's remarks about Makkah pact countries' meeting in Tehran," Dawn, 29 October 2026)
SECURITY
Balochistan: Militant killed in Kech operation as forces try to stop blockade attempt
On 29 October, The Express Tribune reported that, citing security sources via Radio Pakistan, security forces killed a militant in an intelligence-based operation in the Minaz area of Balochistan's Kech district under “Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3”. Sources said the militants tried to set up a blockade while taking two women with them, and one was killed in an exchange of fire as forces pursued the others, with weapons and ammunition recovered from the body and clearance operations continuing. The report adds that the National Assembly was told the previous day that 5,143 intelligence-based operations in the first nine months of 2026 killed 2,410 militants, injured 806 and led to 3,518 arrests. ("Terrorist killed in intelligence-based operation in Balochistan's Kech district: state media," The Express Tribune, 29 October 2026)
ECONOMY
State Bank’s foreign exchange reserves increase by USD 33 million
On 30 October, Dawn reported that foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) increased by USD 33 million to USD 21.52 billion during the week ended 23 October, 2026. Pakistan's total liquid foreign exchange reserves, including the net reserves held by commercial banks, amounted to USD 26.75 billion during the week under review. Commercial banks had net reserves of USD 5.23 billion. Meanwhile, the Pakistani rupee gained PKR 0.01 against the US dollar, closing at 276.76. Furthermore, gold prices in Pakistan remained unchanged on Thursday, as international bullion prices fell on stronger-than-expected US inflation data that reinforced expectations of a possible Federal Reserve rate hike later this year. Also, Silver prices in Pakistan moved lower on Thursday, losing PKR 86 per tola to settle at PKR 5,768. Precious metals have faced pressure from changing interest rate expectations and movements in the US dollar. (“SBP reserves rise $33m to $21.52b,” Dawn, 30 October 2026)
SBP increases Minimum Capital Requirements for all local and foreign banks
On 29 October, Dawn reported that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has increased the Minimum Capital Requirements (MCR) for all local and foreign banks. The central bank had decided to raise the MCR for new and existing banks, foreign bank branches and DFIs, citing higher operating costs associated with establishing and sustainably managing financial institutions. As per the requirements, the MCR for the locally incorporated banks, including the Islamic banking subsidiaries of banks, will be PKR 20 billion. Foreign banks (FBs) operating in Pakistan through branches will be required to maintain assigned capital, net of losses, of at least PKR 5 billion if they have up to five branches, and PKR 10 billion if they operate between six and 50 branches. The MCR for DFIs (Development Financial Institutions) will be PKR 10 billion. The existing banks and DFIs shall meet the above MCR by 31 December, 2030. MCR forces financial institutions to keep a strong, high-quality capital buffer so they can handle bad loans or economic downturns without failing. Capital acts as a cushion to absorb unexpected financial shocks, protect depositors, and maintain trust in the banking system. (“Rs20 billion capital limit set for banks,” Dawn, 29 October 2026)
External account remains stable, says SBP Governor
On 29 October, Dawn reported that the State Bank of Pakistan governor said the country's economic fundamentals have significantly improved despite severe global and regional shocks. In his Address at the annual convocation of the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan, he said that although challenges still abound, “we have come a long way since 2022. Inflation remained close to the target range in FY26. He said the external account remains stable, with the current account deficit expected to remain within 0 to 1 per cent of GDP. Real GDP growth is also recovering gradually, from a contraction in FY23 to 3.7 per cent in FY26. Furthermore, he said that raising the policy rate after keeping it steady for almost a year, together with temporary measures to manage non-debt foreign exchange outflows, was necessary to restore macroeconomic stability and avert a deeper external financing and debt crisis. (“Fundamentals improve despite shocks, SBP Chief,” Dawn, 29 October 2026)
Government announces plan to establish USD 10 million fund to support clean-air startups
On 29 October, Dawn reported that the Federal Minister for Climate Change announced plans to establish a USD 10 million fund to support startups developing solutions to Pakistan’s air pollution crisis. In his address at the Pakistan National Clean Air Conference 2026, he said wealthier households could install air purifiers and take other precautions, while children, street vendors, farmers and daily-wage earners remained exposed to polluted air. Further, he highlighted that air pollution imposed an economic cost equivalent to 6.5 per cent of Pakistan’s gross domestic product (GDP), citing illness, hospitalisation and the financial burden on families. He also referred to Beijing and Shanghai’s progress in tackling pollution and China’s emergence as a major exporter of solar technology. Pakistan could similarly improve air quality through effective policies, technological innovation and cooperation with international development partners. (“Govt-plans $10m fund to support clean air startups,” Dawn, 29 October 2026)
Government raises PKR 1.913 trillion through treasury bill auction
On 29 October, Dawn reported that the government raised PKR 1.913 trillion against a target of PKR 1.65 trillion. However, the maturing amount was PKR 1.195 trillion. The government raised PKR 244.4 billion through non-competitive bids, which was included in the total amount of PKR 1.913 trillion. The government raised the highest amount, PKR 783.5 billion, for three months at 12.42 per cent, PKR 473 billion for one month at 12.1 per cent, PKR 169.5 billion for six months at 12.65 per cent, and PKR 242.7 billion for 12 months at 12.89 per cent. The auction reflected the impact of the recent hike in the SBP policy rate as the government raised cut-off yields to 61bps across all tenors. (“Govt raises Rs 1.9 trillion,” Dawn, 29 October 2026)
PM Shehbaz approves expansion of Allama Iqbal and Jinnah International Airport
On 29 October, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the expansion of Allama Iqbal International Airport and Jinnah International Airport as outlined in their respective masterplans. The premier directed that no compromise be made on quality in the expansion projects, that they be aligned with international requirements and that third-party validation be ensured for reforms aimed at improving the expansion projects. (“PM approves expansion of Jinnah and Allama Iqbal airports eyes making Karachi ‘air cargo hub’,” Dawn, 29 October 2026)
Interest payments, increased spending weakened fiscal position in early FY27, Monthly Economic Update and Outlook finds
On 29 October, Dawn reported that the Ministry of Finance released the Monthly Economic Update and Outlook. The report stated that despite a massive 90 per cent cut in subsidies and higher-than-targeted revenue collection, Pakistan’s fiscal and current account buffers weakened at the beginning of the current fiscal year (FY27) owing to an almost 37 per cent increase in interest payments coupled with greater development spending. The overall fiscal surplus narrowed to 0.8 per cent of GDP, compared with 1.7 per cent of GDP in the corresponding period of FY26. Similarly, the primary surplus declined to 1.6 per cent of GDP, from 2.3 per cent of GDP recorded in the same period last year. The report said the overall fiscal operations began on a positive note in FY27 as tax revenues surpassed the target. Net federal revenue amounted to PKR 2.9123 trillion, exceeding federal expenditure of PKR 2.124 trillion. This contributed to a federal fiscal surplus equivalent to 0.5 per cent. The Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) tax collection posted 3.6 per cent growth during July-August. Total expenditure increased by 20.7 per cent, driven primarily by a 69.5 per cent surge in development expenditure, significantly outpacing the 14.7 per cent growth in current expenditure. (“Rising interest payments, uplift spending strained Pakistan’ fiscal position early FY27: Ministry,” Dawn, 29 October 2026)
Pakistan rank rises to 95th in the Global Innovation Index 2026
On 29 October, Dawn reported that Pakistan rose to 95th place among the 139 economies of the world featured in the Global Innovation Index 2026 published by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). Advancing in rank from 99th place in 2025, Pakistan also reclaimed its “overperformer” status for the fourth time, a status given to economies identified as performing above expectations for their level of economic development. It also held the status in 2022 and 2024. The global index report showed that Pakistan performed better in innovation outputs than innovation inputs in 2026. This year, Pakistan ranked 121st in innovation inputs and 72nd in innovation outputs, both higher than last year. WIPO highlighted that Pakistan’s strengths were concentrated in the digital economy, particularly mobile app creation, ICT services exports, high-tech imports, and software spending. It added that the country’s “relatively strong” scientific production and university quality supported a developing digital economy. (“Pakistan overperformer in innovation climbs 4 ranks globally in 2026: Report,” Dawn, 29 October 2026)
SOCIETY
Senate adopts resolution calling for urgent action to address population growth
On 30 October, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan’s Senate had adopted a resolution calling for urgent measures to address the country’s rapidly growing population. PPP Senator Sherry Rehman warned that the population could reach 390 million by 2050 and called for a coordinated national strategy focusing on family planning, reproductive healthcare, child nutrition and education. Separately, the Ministry of Human Rights reported 41,428 cases of human rights violations across Pakistan between 2021 and 2026, including 8,758 cases in 2025. Punjab recorded the highest number over the period with 14,498 cases, followed by Sindh with 10,705 and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 9,919. (“Senate resolution to curb population growth,” The Express Tribune, 30 October 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Judicial independence
Editorial, “Judicial transparency,” The Express Tribune, 29 October 2026
"The resignation of a former puisne judge of the Islamabad High Court has stirred a debate within the judicial fraternity. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani decided to lay down his robes and return to legal practice, citing personal reasons. However, he also penned a letter to the President of the Republic, stating that there were "reasons of conscience" behind his stepping down. The government and key stakeholders in the constitutional process must reflect and introspect on these critical observations. The need of the hour is to ensure that the organs of the state continue to function independently and that the transparency of the judiciary is preserved. The outgoing, independent-minded judge has left behind a valid point to ponder."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637454/judicial-transparency
Provinces
Inam Ul Haque, “Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa - irony and antidote,” The Express Tribune, 29 October 2026
“Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa once again is in the eye of the storm. The province has a peculiar sociology, shaped primarily by tribal heritage, Islamism, Pashtun cultural structures and a predominantly rural population, mainly living under the tenants of social codes like the pervasive Pakhtunwali, or the lesser prevalent Islamzoona and Turizoona in the erstwhile tribal districts. Traditionally, there is intense competition among the elected and non-elected elite of the province, and their intercession with Islamabad for appointments, especially for Governorship. Those appearing very principled and politically stoic also run this race behind the scenes through not-so-hidden manipulations."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637458/khyber-pakhtunkhwa-irony-and-antidote
External
Khurram Husain, “A huddle in Tehran,” Dawn, 29 October 2026
“An Iran that seeks pre-eminence through a regional architecture is a neighbour Pakistan can work with, and help shape from the inside. An Iran that seeks it through reparations, tolls, and coercion would place us in an impossible position between our western neighbour and the Gulf states on which so much of our economy depends. The huddle does not answer last month’s question. But it shows that the option of building a future is on the table, in Iran’s own words, and that its neighbours are prepared to engage on those terms. That is a milestone. Whether it becomes a trajectory depends on whether the voices in Tehran speaking the language of non-aggression win the argument at home, and whether Washington, after its elections on Nov 3, lets them."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2040632/a-huddle-in-tehran
Air pollution
Editorial, “Polluted priorities,” Dawn, 29 October 2026
"Lahore is choking again, and the government’s answer is to send more machines onto its streets. On Wednesday, its air quality index reached 296, putting children, outdoor workers, and the elderly at particular risk. Yet Punjab plans to acquire 30 more truck-mounted fog cannons. These can suppress road dust locally, but their ability to reduce the fine particles most harmful to health remains questionable. Authorities must explain what the existing fleet has achieved in terms of measurable pollution reduction before spending more public money."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2040628/polluted-priorities
Politics & governance
Editorial, “Restructuring plans,” Dawn, 29 October 2026
“THE PPP appears quite perturbed over the fact that the creation of new provinces or administrative units continues to be discussed. Speaking at an event in Karachi on Tuesday, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari asserted that no one outside Sindh could decide its future. “So we should now put a full stop to this conversation as well.”"
https://www.dawn.com/news/2040629/restructuring-plans
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