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In Focus
Pakistan tests first indigenously developed air-to-air missile
“Fa’az” missile test marks “significant milestone” in domestic defence production and follows recent extended-range missile trials
On 03 November, Dawn and The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan successfully flight-tested its first indigenously developed Fa’az air-to-air missile, according to the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Equipped with an advanced terminal guidance system, the missile is designed to engage aerial targets at longer ranges and enhance the Pakistan Air Force’s operational flexibility. Senior military officers, scientists, and engineers involved in its development witnessed the test, while President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and military leadership congratulated the development team.
ISPR described the test as evidence of the technical maturity and self-reliance of Pakistan’s defence industry. The development follows recent tests of the extended-range Fatah-2 hypersonic ballistic missile and Fatah-4 ground-launched cruise missile. Pakistan’s military said these systems feature advanced navigation and avionics, with improved precision and operational capabilities. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also welcomed the Fa’az test, praising the country’s scientists and engineers for strengthening domestic defence production.
The successive missile tests highlight Pakistan’s continued efforts to expand indigenous weapons development and modernise its military capabilities. The Fa’az test specifically represents a step towards strengthening the Pakistan Air Force’s air-to-air engagement capacity, while the recent Fatah trials focus on ground-based strike capabilities. However, the military statement did not disclose the missile’s range, performance specifications or operational deployment timeline. (“Pakistan successfully tests its first indigenously developed air-to-air missile Fa’az: ISPR,” Dawn, 03 November 2026; “Pakistan conducts maiden flight test of locally developed Fa’az air-to-air missile,” The Express Tribune, 03 November 2026)
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Kazakhstan reveals five-year roadmap for future trade with Pakistan
On 04 November, Dawn reported that Kazakhstan had developed a five-year roadmap for improving trade and investment with Pakistan. The Board of Investment (BoI) issued a statement that Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Sirjan Zhomangarin had made the comments during a meeting with BoI Chairman, Qaiser Ahmad Sheikh. According to the statement, the focus of the meeting was on stronger trade, investment and connectivity ties, alongside methods of increasing bilateral trade and new investment opportunities. The chairman focused on the need for business-to-business cooperation and private sector engagement. He also mentioned potential opportunities for investment in e-commerce, textiles, mining and warehousing, with Kazakh affordable energy likely to attract Pakistani investment in the textile sector. Meanwhile, Zhomangarin stated that the Pakistani market offered significant opportunities for Kazakhstan, and Islamabad could utilise Kazakhstan as a gateway to the Eurasian market. He further informed that the Kazakh foreign minister would visit Pakistan to attend the preparatory meeting for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. (“Kazakhstan sets five-year trade roadmap with Pakistan,” The Express Tribune, 04 November 2026)
Pakistan offers to help Bangladesh with energy crisis
On 04 November, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan had offered to share its experience in handling the global energy crisis with Bangladesh. A press release said that Pakistan Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and Bangladeshi Adviser on Finance Rashid Al Mehmood Titumir had held a meeting discussing strategies to deal with the crisis. They also shared insights on ensuring uninterrupted fuel supplies and reducing the impact of energy market uncertainty on their economies. (“Pakistan offers energy crisis expertise to BD,” The Express Tribune, 04 November 2026)
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agree to work on improving information ties
On 04 November, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy had agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of information, broadcasting, public relations, media and culture. Tarar stated that relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia now had vast opportunities for improving cooperation in the cultural sphere, including media, music and people-to-people contact. It was further noted by the minister that ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were rooted in shared history, religious bonds and public connections, beyond just diplomatic engagements. He also praised Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his changes in the Saudi economic and cultural spheres, including the promotion of tourism. ("Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to boost media ties," The Express Tribune, 04 November 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Imran Khan’s nephew denied jail access as PTI signals openness to alliance with JUI-F
On 03 November, Dawn reported that former prime minister Imran Khan was again denied a meeting with family and lawyers on a day the Islamabad High Court had set aside for visits. Advocate Awais Younas Chaudhry said Imran’s nephew, Abdullah Khan, was refused permission at Adiala jail. He added that lawyers, including PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, were also turned away. Separately, Raja said the party would welcome Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in its struggle against the government, whether for a short stretch or the whole journey. Gohar rejected claims that Imran wanted the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government dismissed. (“Imran’s nephew denied jail meeting this time; PTI open to possible alliance with JUI-F,” Dawn, 03 November 2026)
JUI-F’s Fazl says Centre is considering reversing FATA’s merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
On 03 November, Dawn reported that Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman alleged the federal government was considering reversing the merger of FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said high-level officials had told him the merger was a mistake. Fazl argued that the merged districts had become a laboratory and still lacked a proper land revenue and police system. He said the issue now concerned the region’s mineral resources rather than constitutional questions. Fazl also questioned the legal basis for the governor’s rule and emergency in the province, saying no written presidential statement existed. He accused critics of running character assassination campaigns against him. (“Centre mulls reversing FATA merger, says Fazl,” Dawn, 3 November 2026)
Islamabad ATC grants bail to lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha in police altercation case
On 03 November, Dawn reported that an Islamabad anti-terrorism court (ATC) granted bail to lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, in a case over allegedly blocking a road outside the National Press Club and an altercation with police. ATC Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain accepted the bail applications against surety bonds of 5,000 rupees each. He also said he would examine a show-cause notice issued to police over the delay in producing the case record. Last week, the same court sentenced the couple to 10 years each in a security breach case, which they have contested. (“Islamabad ATC grants bail to Imaan, Hadi in police altercation case,” Dawn, 03 November 2026)
IHC suspends order rejecting FIR plea over PIMS neonatal fire that killed 14 infants
On 03 November, Dawn reported that the Islamabad High Court suspended a Justice of the Peace’s order that had rejected a plea for an FIR over the PIMS neonatal fire tragedy. The fire at the Mother and Child Hospital nursery on 26 August killed 14 newborns. Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro directed the authorities to submit the complete record, including inquiry reports, and issued notices to the federal government and the Prime Minister’s Office. Petitioner’s counsel Riaz Hanif Rahi argued that no FIR had been registered despite an inquiry finding negligence. The petition also seeks compensation for victims’ families and the replacement of expired electrical wiring in government hospitals. The hearing was adjourned until 12 November. (“IHC suspends order rejecting FIR plea in Pims fire case, seeks inquiry report and govt response,” Dawn, 03 November 2026)
Deputy PM and Jamaat-i-Islami agree to continue talks on petroleum levy relief
On 03 November, Dawn reported that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and a Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) delegation led by Vice Emir Liaqat Baloch held candid discussions on petroleum price relief for low-income citizens. Both sides agreed to continue consultations in the coming days. Baloch claimed the government had agreed to relief for the agricultural sector and owners of vehicles up to 1,000cc. He said JI had presented six proposals, including abolition of the petroleum levy. Under a new arrangement, oil refineries would contribute PKR 15 billion monthly, which the government said would allow a PKR 14.71 cut in petrol prices. JI warned it would march from Multan towards Islamabad in mid-November if no substantial relief emerges. (“JI and Dar hold ‘candid discussions’ on fuel relief, agree to continue talks in coming days,” Dawn, 03 November 2026)
ECONOMY
Pakistan to boost LPG supplies ahead of winter, says Petroleum Minister
On 03 November, Dawn reported that Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik assured the public that the government would make efforts to meet winter LPG demand amid disruptions caused by the closure of Iranian border crossings. The shortage has pushed LPG prices in the open market to PKR 700-800 per kilogram, reportedly around twice the official rate. Pakistan’s daily demand stands at 6,500-7,000 tonnes, while domestic production accounts for only 2,000-2,500 tonnes. Malik said the government was exploring imports and alternative arrangements, prioritising piped gas for domestic use during meal times. He also acknowledged longstanding gaps in energy infrastructure and storage, while announcing efforts to introduce competition and reduce profiteering in the LPG sector. (“Govt assures public of meeting gas demand in winter, pledges to ensure supply during mealtimes,” Dawn, 03 November 2026)
Private sector shifts to net borrowing in FY27
On 03 November, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s private sector recorded net borrowing of PKR 87 billion from banks between 01 July and 23 October in FY2026-27, compared with PKR 29 billion in debt retirement during the same period last year. The shift comes amid government pressure on banks to increase lending to farmers, SMEs and housing applicants. However, borrowing remains subdued, with high interest rates, political uncertainty, terrorism and regional conflict weighing on investment. The State Bank recently raised its policy rate by 50 basis points to 12 per cent, while analysts anticipate further increases amid persistent inflation. (“Private sector turns net borrower,” Dawn, 03 November 2026)
Pakistan’s financial inclusion rate reaches 71 per cent, according to SBP Governor
On 04 November, The News Pakistan reported that Pakistan’s financial inclusion rate had increased to 71 per cent, while the gender gap narrowed to 27 per cent, according to State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad. Speaking at a joint SBP-Alliance for Financial Inclusion programme in Islamabad, Ahmad called for climate financing to reach women, smallholder farmers and small businesses, noting that climate-vulnerable communities often have limited access to formal financial services. He cited the 2022 floods, which affected over 30 million people, damaged 2.2 million homes and caused nearly USD 15 billion in physical damage and another USD 15 billion in economic losses. Ahmad outlined Pakistan’s green finance and climate-risk frameworks, including its Green Taxonomy and climate stress-testing guidelines, and emphasised translating inclusive finance policies into practical measures. (“Pakistan's financial inclusion hits 71% as SBP puts its weight behind inclusive climate finance,” The News Pakistan, 04 November 2026)
SECURITY
KP: Security forces to expand intelligence-based operations in province
On 04 November, The News Pakistan reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), stating that durable peace and the protection of citizens’ lives and property were national priorities. A review meeting attended by senior military officials, federal ministers and KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi decided to expand intelligence-based operations and improve coordination between federal and provincial institutions. Officials reviewed security in 12 districts, counterterrorism efforts and progress on the federal government’s PKR 160 billion package for KP. Sharif called for coordinated action to eliminate terrorism while improving governance, employment, investment, education, healthcare and infrastructure. (“Govt to widen scope of intelligence-based operations in KP,” The News Pakistan, 04 November 2026)
Balochistan: 17 terrorists killed in operations in Kacchi and Kharan district
On 03 November, Dawn reported that security forces killed 17 terrorists and a soldier was martyred during two intelligence-based operations in Balochistan’s Kachhi and Kharan districts on 01 November. According to the military’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 10 terrorists were killed in Kachhi while attempting to establish a roadblock. In contrast, seven others were killed during an operation against a hideout in Kharan. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from both sites. The martyred soldier, Sepoy Hikmatullah, was 25 and belonged to Karak district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Security forces are conducting further operations under the Azm-i-Istehkam campaign to eliminate terrorism. (“Soldier martyred, 17 terrorists killed in intelligence-based operations in Balochistan: ISPR,” Dawn, 03 November 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Politics & governance
Farrukh Moriani, “New provinces, old solutions,” Dawn, 04 November 2026
"Many years ago, a senior official of a multilateral development bank delivered a harsh indictment of Pakistan’s state of affairs: it is a seriously large country run by a succession of non-serious policymaking elite. While the setting for the delivery of this critique was an informal one, it left one pondering its accuracy. Sadly, Pakistan’s ruling elites, irrespective of the political flag they bear, regularly try and prove the gentleman right. The recent spate of political statements on the creation of new provinces serves as an example."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2042009/new-provinces-old-solutions
Editorial, “Electoral reform,” Dawn, 04 November 2026
“The parliamentary committee on electoral reform, which is being constituted by the National Assembly Speaker, sounds promising. But the public has watched this exercise many times before. None has delivered a credible election. Therefore, the legislators must ask why the laws already on the books keep failing before they start redrafting new statutes."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638134/can-pakistan-cash-in-on-its-diplomatic-clout
Health
Rana Jawad Asghar, “Lancet report and Pakistan's public health crisis,” The Express Tribune, 04 November 2026
“One of the world's top medical journals, The Lancet has published "The 2026 Global Report of the Lancet Countdown", documenting how climate change is affecting our health. According to this report, the number of moderate or higher heat stress hours has increased significantly in both Pakistan and India (more than 2000 hours/year), costing Pakistan $17 billion and India $174 billion (of course, due to its larger population and economy). Increased heat is also increasing favourable months for transmission of mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue. This year though our underreporting of dengue is showing few dengue cases. There is a limit to individual preventive measures if infectious diseases are not being controlled at the population level."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638484/lancet-report-and-pakistans-public-health-crisis
Economy
Editorial, “Fuel relief,” The Express Tribune, 04 November 2026
"The government's latest effort to bring down fuel prices revises the petrol pricing mechanism by asking oil refineries to absorb the difference between import and ex-refinery prices through a petroleum levy. But while the immediate effect is expected to lower prices, the move carries several potential risks, raising concerns among analysts."
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638482/fuel-relief
On Imran Khan
Editorial, “Belated meeting,” Dawn, 04 November 2026
“While the decision to allow the PTI chief to consult his counsel is welcome, the state must not think that it has displayed great munificence by granting this access — Mr Khan must be given all the facilities the law sanctions to those in jail. This is all the more imperative following the Supreme Court’s order in August that Mr Khan be allowed to visit a private hospital in Islamabad and consult physicians of his choice. It had also upheld his rights to regular family visits. The rulers must show basic humanity as well as respect for the Constitution. The PTI, which is currently facing an internal crisis, also needs to eschew its combative rhetoric, and engage with other political actors in order to end the deadlock facing the country, and help salvage the democratic project."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2042011/belated-meeting
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