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In Brief
AF-PAK
Army foils TTP infiltration in Kurram, hits Afghan posts in retaliation to "unprovoked firing", claims Radio Pakistan
On 05 November, The Express Tribune reported, citing Radio Pakistan and security sources, that the military foiled an infiltration attempt by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group in the Shaluzan sector of Kurram district. Sources said Afghan Taliban forces opened “unprovoked fire” as troops moved to stop the crossing. Troops retaliated with heavy weapons. Sources claimed Afghan Taliban posts suffered “heavy damage.” The incident followed clashes on 01 November in Angoor Adda, South Waziristan. On 30 October, the army reportedly destroyed several Afghan Taliban posts. On 27 October, Afghan Taliban shelling reportedly killed one civilian and injured five in Angoor Adda. Fighting between the two sides began in October 2025. Islamabad accuses the Taliban of harbouring militants. Kabul denies the charge and calls the militancy its neighbour’s domestic problem. (“Army foils TTP infiltration attempt in Kurram, retaliates to ‘unprovoked’ Afghan firing: state media,” The Express Tribune, 05 November 2026)
ECONOMY
Government plans to invest USD 1 billion in LPG infrastructure
On 06 November, The News Pakistan reported that the government has drawn up a plan to invest approximately USD 1 billion in expanding Pakistan’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) infrastructure over the next three to five years. Pakistan’s existing LPG infrastructure comprises approximately 100,000 metric tonnes (MT) of cumulative storage capacity, including around 14,000 MT at seaports, with the remainder located inland. The country also has a fleet of approximately 2,600 LPG bowsers and nearly five million cylinders in circulation. However, the existing infrastructure is considered inadequate to meet the country’s growing energy requirements. Moreover, Pakistan lacks refrigerated storage facilities and inter-terminal pipeline connectivity, limiting the efficiency of imports. According to an analysis conducted by KPMG, Pakistan’s LPG demand is projected to increase from 2.4 MMT in FY2025-26 to 4.16 MMT by FY2032-33. In comparison, domestic production is expected to rise only from 0.96 MMT to 1.35 MMT during the same period. The resulting supply-demand gap will increasingly be met through imports, which are projected to rise from 1.4 MMT to approximately 2.8 MMT by 2033. (“Govt plans $1bn investment to expand LPG infrastructure,” The News International, 06 November 2026)
State Bank’s foreign exchange reserves increase by USD 39 million
On 06 November, The Express Tribune reported that foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) increased by USD 39 million, reaching USD 21.56 billion in the week ended 30 October, 2026. The country's total liquid foreign exchange reserves, including those of commercial banks, stood at USD 26.86 billion. The net reserves held by commercial banks amounted to USD 5.30 billion. In the preceding week ended 23 October, the SBP-held reserves had increased by USD 33 million to USD 21.52 billion. Furthermore, the rupee appreciated PKR 0.03 against the US dollar to close at 276.67. Meanwhile, gold prices in Pakistan surged, gaining PKR 9,600 per tola to reach Rs435,636, as the precious metal rallied in the international market amid a weaker US dollar, falling Treasury yields and easing inflation concerns following a decline in oil prices. (“SBP reserves increase further by 39m to $21.56b,” The Express Tribune, 06 November 2026)
IMF country representative calls for fairer taxation system in Pakistan
On 05 November, Dawn reported that the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Pakistan representative Dr Mahir Binici called for a broader, simpler, fairer and more predictable taxation system in the country to generate resources for human capital development, infrastructure and investment, saying this would help raise Pakistan’s potential gross domestic product (GDP) and improve living standards. During the 29th Sustainable Development Conference, organised by the Ministry of Finance, IMF's Pakistan representative praised the country’s efforts to maintain economic stability amid recent global and domestic challenges, but stressed the need for deeper and broader reforms to put the economy on a sustainable growth path. He also stressed the need to maintain fiscal discipline and increase revenue collection as a share of GDP, particularly through taxation. (“IMF country head urges Pakistan to broaden tax base pursue growth oriented reforms,” Dawn, 05 November 2026)
Economic Coordination Committee approves supplementary grants worth PKR 380 billion
On 05 November, Dawn reported that the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet approved supplementary grants worth about PKR 380 billion, including PKR 275 billion for five major water projects facing financial constraints, and around PKR 84 billion for the country’s armed forces. ECC approved three summaries submitted by the Defence Division. The first summary pertained to supplementary grants of Rs54bn under three different heads of the Defence Services project. These included over Rs31bn for the Special Security Divisions of North and South (SSD-N and SSD-S), PKR 11.88 billion for various Pakistan Navy projects and PKR 10 billion for internal security duties and allowances. The second summary approved PKR 1.094 billion for the induction of a luxury executive jet (Lineage L-1000 aircraft) into the army fleet, while the third allocated PKR 29.139 billion for Project Istaqlal. The ECC also approved supplementary grants of PKR 275 billion for important water sector projects currently under implementation and facing financial constraints under the Ministry of Water Resources. The funds will be specifically allocated for the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, Mohmand Dam, Greater Karachi Water Supply (K-IV), Chashma Right Bank Canal and Kacchi Canal. The ECC also approved PKR 3.71 billion for the Frontier Corps Balochistan (North), on the request of the Narcotics Control Division, to meet the maintenance requirements of helicopters. The committee further approved the transfer of PKR 15.625 billion in savings generated through austerity and fuel conservation measures to the Prime Minister’s Austerity Fund 2026, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and prudent management of public resources. (“Economic Coordination Committee clears Rs380 bn grants,” Dawn, 5 November 2026)
EXTERNAL
Exports to Europe dip 1.84 per cent despite preferential access
On 05 November, Dawn reported that the country’s exports to Europe fell 1.84 per cent in the July-September quarter of 2026-27, despite Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status. State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data showed exports declined to USD 2.350 billion from USD 2.394 billion a year earlier. Exports to western Europe fell 8.51 per cent to USD 1.065 billion. Shipments to Germany dropped 12.77 per cent, while those to eastern Europe fell 15.05 per cent. In contrast, exports to northern Europe rose 21.07 per cent. Southern Europe and the United Kingdom (UK) saw increases of 5.26 per cent and 6.64 per cent, respectively. Dawn noted that the Middle East conflict and the European Union’s preferential market access for India, a key textile competitor, accelerated the decline. Analysts warned that rising energy costs could further weaken European demand. (“Exports to Europe dip despite GSP+,” Dawn, 05 November 2026)
Pakistan and UK agree to deepen cooperation on security, trade, migration
On 05 November, Dawn reported that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received United Kingdom (UK) Minister of State for Security Dan Jarvis in Islamabad. According to the Foreign Office (FO), both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in security, law enforcement, migration, trade and investment. Dar and Jarvis exchanged views on regional and global developments. They also discussed further meetings under the R4+E4 framework, following a meeting of the two regional groups in Istanbul last month. Dar stressed the importance of continued bilateral cooperation. A day earlier, the two sides held their annual counter-terrorism dialogue in Islamabad. They expressed concern over terrorist groups, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), operating in and from Afghanistan. They stressed the need for a stable and secure Afghanistan. Islamabad and London have held an Enhanced Strategic Dialogue since 2011. (“Pakistan, UK agree to deepen cooperation in security, trade and migration,” Dawn, 05 November 2026)
Egypt invites Pakistani manufacturers, offers access to American market
On 06 November, The Express Tribune reported that Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid Saleh told Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan that investors could set up manufacturing operations in Egypt. They could use Cairo’s preferential trade arrangement with the United States to access the American market, subject to trade requirements. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 42nd session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) in Istanbul. Saleh also highlighted educational opportunities and sought details of companies attending an upcoming business forum. Khan also met Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Governor Fareed S Alasaly and Tunisia’s Minister of Trade and Export Development Samir Abid. Discussions with Riyadh covered agriculture, livestock and food security. Talks with Tunis focused on agriculture, minerals, textiles and auto parts. (“Egypt offers access to US market,” The Express Tribune, 06 November 2026)
China and Kuwait to extend USD 4.3 billion debt rollover support
On 06 November, The Express Tribune reported that the country secured assurances from China and Kuwait to roll over USD 4.3 billion in loans. Together with a similar arrangement from Saudi Arabia, expected relief totals USD 7.3 billion. According to Finance Ministry sources, China will roll over USD 4 billion in March 2027, while Kuwait will extend USD 300 million. All three arrangements run for about one year. The rollovers cover a substantial share of USD 21 billion in debt repayments due this fiscal year. The country is also expected to receive USD 1.21 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in December. Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb said Saudi Arabia had rolled over its USD 3 billion loan. He said the government would rely on Eurobond and Panda bond issuances if a requested USD 10 billion United States facility did not materialise. (“China, Kuwait promise $4.3b debt rollover,” The Express Tribune, 06 November 2026)
Foreign Minister urges diplomacy in call with Iran’s Araghchi
On 06 November, The Express Tribune reported that Iran stepped up diplomatic contacts with regional countries on Thursday. It held separate telephone calls with Islamabad, Doha, Muscat and Kuwait City. Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi spoke with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar. According to the Foreign Office (FO), Dar stressed sustained dialogue and diplomacy to resolve differences and prevent further escalation. Araghchi also spoke with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. The Qatari premier reaffirmed Doha’s support for diplomatic efforts to ensure freedom of maritime navigation and secure a comprehensive agreement. Araghchi also held calls with Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi and Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. He had spoken to Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Ati a day earlier. (“Iran engages Pakistan to defuse tensions,” The Express Tribune, 06 November 2026)
United Nations Security Council adopts Islamabad-initiated statement on wartime diplomacy
On 06 November, The Express Tribune reported that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted by consensus a presidential statement on the “role of diplomacy during active hostilities” on Thursday. The initiative was spearheaded by Islamabad, the Foreign Office (FO) said. The statement reaffirmed the UNSC’s commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes under Chapter VI of the United Nations Charter. It stressed sustained diplomatic engagement even after hostilities begin. This includes mediation, good offices, and open communication channels to facilitate ceasefires and durable political settlements. It builds on Security Council resolution 2788, unanimously adopted in July 2025 during Islamabad’s presidency. The FO called the statement a substantive addition to the council’s work and a collective political reference point for de-escalation. It said the adoption reflected continued commitment to multilateralism, dialogue and diplomacy. (“UNSC adopts Pakistan-initiated statement on ‘role of diplomacy during active hostilities’,” The Express Tribune, 06 November 2026)
United Nations committee welcomes marriage-age law, raises concerns over bonded labour
On 05 November, Dawn reported that the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights concluded its review of the country’s second periodic report. The committee welcomed the 2025 amendment to the Child Marriage Restraint Act 1929, which raised the minimum marriage age to 18. Members remained concerned about the high number of child brides. Committee expert Lazhari Bouzid said bonded labour remained prevalent in agriculture and brick making. He added that construction companies and government agencies were reportedly complicit. Another expert, Michael Windfuhr, asked about recovery from the 2022 and 2025 floods. Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik, who headed the delegation, said Punjab had documented over 210,000 kiln workers. He said 600,000 of the 2.1 million homes destroyed in the 2022 floods had been rebuilt. (“UN panel hails Pakistan’s marriage-age law, flags bonded labour,” Dawn, 05 November 2026)
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
PPP, PML-N and PTI to have two members each on electoral reforms panel
On 05 November, Dawn reported that the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), coalition partner Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) would each receive two seats on the proposed Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reforms (PCER), according to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry. The Awami National Party, Balochistan Awami Party, National Party and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) would each receive one seat. Final nominations will be decided by PM Shehbaz Sharif and DPM Ishaq Dar after consultations with parliamentary parties. The government has approached both coalition partners and the opposition to participate, although PTI has raised concerns over the committee’s composition and demanded equal government-opposition representation. (“Minister says electoral reforms panel to have 2 members each from PML-N, PPP and PTI,” Dawn, 05 November 2026)
FCC suspends PHC hearings on PTI detentions in KP
On 05 November, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) barred the Peshawar High Court (PHC) from hearing cases filed on or after 12 October concerning the preventive detention of PTI workers under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance. The two-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan, cited Article 245 of the Constitution, under which high court proceedings in areas where the armed forces are acting in aid of civil power remain suspended. The FCC sought a report from the KP advocate general within seven days identifying areas where military deployment was no longer required, while examining the constitutional limits of Article 245. The order follows the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in KP on 11 October, amid heightened tensions between the federal government and the PTI. (“FCC bars PHC from hearing cases related to PTI workers' preventive detention,” Dawn, 05 November 2026)
IHC to hear appeals in GBP 190 million corruption case on November 10
On 05 November, Dawn reported that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) would hear appeals filed by former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, against their convictions in the GBP 190 million corruption case on 10 November. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif granted their counsel, Barrister Salman Safdar, a final opportunity to begin arguments, warning previously that the appeals would be decided on the available record. The case concerns the Al-Qadir Trust settlement, in which the National Accountability Bureau alleged that Khan and Bushra Bibi obtained billions of rupees and land. (“Nov 10 fixed for hearing of appeals in £190m case,” Dawn, 05 November 2026)
Record 24 bills passed by National Assembly in 30th session
On 06 November, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan’s National Assembly passed a record 24 bills during its 30th session, held from 13 to 30 October. Of these, 17 were government-sponsored, and seven were private members’ bills. The House also introduced 16 bills and unanimously approved a motion to establish a parliamentary committee on electoral reforms. During the session, lawmakers raised 298 questions, while ministers or parliamentary secretaries responded to 15 of 17 calling-attention notices. The Assembly also passed three resolutions, with Speaker Ayaz Sadiq facilitating legislative discussions and consultations among parliamentary parties. (“NA passes record 24 bills,” The Express Tribune, 06 November 2026)
SECURITY
CDF Munir stresses operational readiness and indigenous defence capabilities during SSG visit
On 05 November, Dawn reported that Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir emphasised sustained training, indigenous capability development and operational preparedness to address evolving security threats. During a visit to the Special Services Group (SSG) headquarters in Tarbela, Munir received briefings on specialised training and operational readiness, witnessed demonstrations of equipment and combat capabilities, and praised the troops’ professionalism and morale. He also paid tribute to martyred SSG personnel. The visit follows his October trip to Peshawar, where he reviewed counterterrorism operations and border security in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. (“CDF visits SSG headquarters, stresses operational readiness for tackling security threats: ISPR,” Dawn, 05 November 2026)
PROVINCES
Punjab: Election Commission schedules first phase of Punjab local polls for 07 February
On 05 November, Dawn reported that the ECP, in a hearing on Thursday, set 7 February 2027 as the polling date for the first phase of Punjab's local government elections, after earlier proposing 14 December. The Punjab chief secretary had asked for dates after 20 January because of dense December and January fog and the need for two more months of arrangements, and said the province would prefer April, though it had no objection to January or February. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the commission stopped all election preparations until further orders after the federal government extended the suspension of Article 140-A to the whole province, having decided on 28 October to hold polls everywhere except the 12 districts under special emergency measures. Punjab's last local government elections were held in 2015, with councils' terms ending in December 2021, so polls were due by April 2022. ("ECP sets Feb 7 as polling date for first phase of Punjab local govt elections; KP polls delayed," Dawn, 5 November 2026)
ENVIRONMENT
Lahore's air above national limits all year, with winter and crop burning making it worse, report finds
On 5 November, Dawn reported that a Hamari Hawa analysis released on 02 November found Lahore's monthly average PM2.5 stayed above 35 micrograms per cubic metre from October 2025 to October 2026, with the cleaner April to September months still at 40 to 59 against a national annual standard of 15. The report links the winter rise to a shrinking atmospheric mixing layer, estimated to fall from 830 to 860 metres in May and June to about 260 metres in November, and found 781 crop-associated satellite heat detections within 40 kilometres of Lahore between 15 October and 1 November, though these do not confirm individual fires. Citing the Urban Unit's 2023 inventory, it put transport at about 35 per cent of the city's PM2.5 emissions, crop-residue burning at 33 per cent, waste burning at 29 per cent and industry at 3 per cent, and noted estimates of the cross-border share range from 13 to 30 per cent. Separately, Punjab's environment department claimed a 15 per cent net improvement across six pollutants in the first year of real-time monitoring, a 28 per cent drop in peak AQI in October 2026 and no hazardous days against four a year earlier, while disputing mixing-height estimates based on ERA5 data. ("Lahore's air pollution a year-round problem, worsened by winter and agricultural burning: report," Dawn, 05 November 2026)
Swat basin projected to warm by more than 5°C by 2100, raising flood risk before long-term water decline
On 05 November, Dawn reported that a Green Climate Fund glacier risk assessment, supported by the Asian Development Bank, warns the Swat basin, which holds more than 10,000 glaciers, is expected to warm by over 5°C by the end of the century, especially between October and June. Winter rainfall should change little, while summer rainfall could more than double under some scenarios, increasing risks of floods, erosion, landslides and glacial lake outburst floods, with a short-term rise in water from melt followed by a long-term deficit as glaciers recede. It is one of four pilot basins under the Glacier to Farms programme, where temperatures are projected to rise 3°C to 5°C, and the assessment says resilience measures can bring the risks down to manageable levels. ("Swat basin faces over 5°C warming by century's end," Dawn, 05 November 2026)
Editorials/Opinions
Economy
Shahid Mehmood, “A bleak economic future,” Dawn, 06 November 2026
"The incentives and structure of the economy resemble anything but a viable plan for sustained improvement in living standards and chances of shared prosperity. Tellingly, Pakistan now has the unique distinction of being the only country in the world where three different arrangements compete for a limited set of resources. The first is the formal sector, which mainly comprises an extremely unproductive and extractive public sector. The second is the ‘deep state’, growing within the bosom of the public sector (formally and informally) and meeting its growing economic interests through forced ingress. The third is the ‘informal’ sector, estimated at about 35 to 40 per cent of the formal economy, that tries its best to stay away from formality."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2042539/a-bleak-economic-future
External
Aasim Sajjad Akhtar, “Rule of the people?” Dawn, 06 November 2026
“The resounding defeat of the Republican Party in the US midterm election this week has triggered celebratory chatter around the world. Many see it as the beginning of the end for Donald Trump; the vibe was very similar when Trump was defeated by Joe Biden in the 2020 US presidential election. Yet four years later, Trumpism proved to be alive and very well."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2042534/rule-of-the-people
Climate change
Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, “Evolving climate architecture,” Dawn, 05 November 2026
"Pakistan stands at a crossroads as it prepares to attend COP31 in Turkiye next week. Every October, the Emissions Gap Report brings bad news, and every October we read it as a scorecard of how far the world is from Paris. This year, it is not a progress report. It is notice that the Paris benchmark has been breached."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2042262/evolving-climate-architecture
Energy
Editorial, “New LPG policy,” Dawn, 05 November 2026
“Each winter, millions of working-class households across the country face the same ordeal. LPG, long considered the poor man’s fuel, is now what many middle-class families use for cooking and heating. An increasing number of homes lacking piped connections in cities end up buying cylinders as temperatures fall. Gas rationing due to shortages caused by dwindling domestic gas reserves, together with increasing tariffs on imported RLNG, is boosting the demand for LPG. When winter sets in, demand jumps, supply tightens, and traders hoard stocks. For families already stretched by inflation, even LPG has become something to ration."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2042256/new-lpg-policy
Health
Editorial, “Polio’s other victims,” Dawn, 05 November 2026
“For decades, Pakistan has vowed to eradicate polio. Billions have been spent on logistics and awareness drives. Yet the virus remains endemic. Among the factors contributing to its spread is the state’s failure to change a narrative that casts polio vaccinators and those guarding them as objects of suspicion. A day after the abduction of four polio workers in KP’s Tank district, unidentified gunmen killed two policemen while another was injured in Mohmand on Tuesday. They were on their way to guard a polio team in the ongoing vaccination drive in 97 high-risk areas. Such unfortunate incidents show that even basic protection is a tall order. From countering anti-vaccination propaganda and delivering the drops to the provision of airtight security, the fight against polio entails many challenges."
https://www.dawn.com/news/2042255/polios-other-victims
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