December 2025 Current Affairs Bulletin
A chronological timeline of significant affairs curated for high-yield exam retention.
Judicial Commission likely to meet Jan 12 to confirm three additional IHC judges
Pakistan's JCP expected to meet Jan 12 to consider confirming IHC additional judges Azam Khan, Asif, Minhas.
Read Source ArticleEconomy expands 3.71pc in 1QFY26
Pakistan's GDP grew 3.71% in Q1FY26, up from 1.56% YoY but slowing from 6.17% in Q4FY25 due to weak demand and floods.
Read Source ArticleDar to visit Beijing for strategic dialogue scheduled for Jan 4
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar to co-chair 7th Pakistan-China Strategic Dialogue in Beijing on Jan 4 at Chinese FM Wang Yi's invitation.
Read Source ArticlePunjab Bar Council stages partial strike demanding CM retract anti-judiciary remarks
Lawyers' partial strike on Dec 30 demanded CM Maryam Nawaz retract anti-judiciary remarks; a lawyer filed SJC complaint against LHC CJ Aalia Neelum.
Read Source ArticleSBP rolls out 'shock covering' measures for banks
SBP issued climate stress testing guidelines requiring D-SIBs to include climate risks in annual MST, with compliance by June 30, 2029.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz meets UAE president in Rahim Yar Khan, pledges to 'elevate' bilateral ties
PM Shehbaz and UAE President Al Nahyan met in Rahim Yar Khan, pledging to elevate ties via IT, energy, minerals, defence.
Read Source ArticlePTI founder Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi challenge Toshakhana 2 verdict in IHC
Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi appealed their 17-year Toshakhana 2 conviction in IHC, citing double jeopardy and flawed FIA investigation.
Read Source ArticleAppeal filed against ex-spymaster Faiz Hameed's conviction by military court: lawyer
Former ISI chief Faiz Hameed's lawyer confirmed an appeal against his 14-year military court conviction for secrecy violations and political activities.
Read Source ArticleSurvey 2025 results: Downward trend observed in Pakistanis' personal and macroeconomic expectations
Dawn's 2025 survey shows 42% of Pakistanis expect to migrate in 2026, up from 36%, and only 19% expect job growth, down from 30%.
Read Source ArticleGovt declares YouTuber Adil Raja proscribed person under anti-terrorism law
Pakistan proscribed former Army officer and YouTuber Adil Raja under the Anti-Terrorism Act for threatening national security.
Read Source ArticleTrade deficit with Middle East swells to $5.9bn
Pakistan’s trade deficit with the Middle East rose 7.88% to $5.948bn in July-November 2025, driven by higher petroleum imports.
Read Source ArticlePakistan joins 20 other nations in rejecting Israel's recognition of Somaliland
Pakistan and 20 nations rejected Israel's recognition of Somaliland, calling it a blatant disregard for international law.
Read Source ArticleEx-IHC judge Jahangiri to challenge dismissal before FCC
Ex-IHC judge Jahangiri to challenge dismissal before FCC, arguing December 18 IHC verdict was premature and SHC suspended degree cancellation.
Read Source ArticleIMF sees Public Sector Development Programme shrinking as defence outlay to rise
IMF projects PSDP falling to 0.6% of GDP, defence climbing to 2%, and interest payments dropping to 4.8% by FY30.
Read Source ArticlePakistan rejects attempts to undermine Somalia's sovereignty after Israel's Somaliland recognition
Pakistan rejects Israel's first recognition of Somaliland as independent, stating it undermines Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, UAE hold substantive talks during President Al Nahyan’s first official visit
Pakistan and UAE held substantive talks during President Al Nahyan's first official visit, reaffirming commitment to peace, stability, and sustainable development.
Read Source ArticleLHC sets aside govt’s authority to render passports ‘inactive’
LHC set aside govt's authority to inactivate passports and impose five-year travel bans, giving 30 days to revise rules.
Read Source ArticleGovernment borrowing reverses course
Government borrowing from banks totaled Rs672bn in H1 FY26, reversing net debt retirement of Rs1.7tr in H1 FY25.
Read Source ArticleLHC suspends Punjab property ownership ordinance
LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum suspended Punjab property ownership ordinance due to non-functional tribunals lacking staff and premises.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, ADB sign $730m initiatives for power, SOEs
Pakistan and ADB signed $730m initiatives: a $330m power transmission project and a $400m SOE transformation programme.
Read Source ArticleIHC slams FBR for 'institutional manipulation'
IHC declared FBR's extension of time-barred Huawei audit unlawful, citing 'institutionalised manipulation' and ordered disciplinary action.
Read Source ArticleUAE President Al Nahyan to make first official visit to Pakistan on Dec 26
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will visit Pakistan on December 26 for his first official visit, reviewing bilateral relations with PM Shehbaz Sharif.
Read Source ArticleForeign loan inflows surge by 46pc to $3.03bn in first 5 months of FY26
Pakistan's foreign loan inflows rose 46.22% to $2.521bn in July-November 2025, while total foreign inflows (including grants) reached $3.032bn.
Read Source ArticleFinance minister says Pakistan's economy shifting toward export-led growth
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Pakistan achieved primary fiscal and current account surpluses, single-digit inflation, and over $14.5bn reserves, driving an export-led growth shift.
Read Source ArticlePunjab CM argues against LHC’s suspension of land protection law, says move will ‘benefit encroachment mafias’
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz criticized LHC suspension of her Punjab Property Act 2025, arguing it benefits land-grabbing mafias.
Read Source ArticleArif Habib consortium emerges victorious in PIA auction with Rs135bn bid
Arif Habib consortium won PIA auction with Rs135bn bid, outbidding Lucky Cement's Rs134bn in the second round.
Read Source ArticleWashington okays upgrade package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet
US approved $686m Lockheed Martin F-16 upgrade package for Pakistan to extend fleet life until 2040.
Read Source ArticleLHC CJ suspends operation of Punjab land protection ordinance
LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum suspended the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance, 2025, warning it could vacate Jati Umra.
Read Source ArticleTax-to-GDP ratio to stall over five years, IMF expects
IMF expects Pakistan's tax-GDP ratio to stall at 11.1% until FY30, with FY25 shortfall of Rs1.224tr.
Read Source ArticleDar speaks with Iran, Turkiye FMs on regional issues
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar spoke to Iranian FM Araghchi and Turkish FM Fidan on bilateral ties and Gaza situation.
Read Source ArticleFCC affirms all other courts, including SC, are ‘constitutionally mandated’ to adhere to its judgements
FCC affirmed all courts, including Supreme Court, must adhere to its judgments under 27th Amendment, citing Articles 189 and 190.
Read Source ArticleEU welcomes Pakistan’s progress on implementing 27 conventions under GSP+ programme
EU welcomed Pakistan's progress on implementing 27 conventions at Dec 17 meeting, urging reforms before monitoring report.
Read Source ArticleTTP formations infiltrating into Pakistan mostly comprise Afghans: CDF Field Marshal Asim Munir
CDF Asim Munir said 70% of TTP formations infiltrating Pakistan are Afghans at National Ulema Conference on Dec 10.
Read Source ArticleImran Khan, Bushra Bibi sentenced to 17 years in Toshakhana 2 case
Special court sentenced Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to 17 years for retaining Rs80m Bulgari jewellery after paying Rs2.9m, fined Rs16.4m.
Read Source ArticleWorld Bank approves $700 million for Pakistan’s economic stability
World Bank approved $700m loan under PRID-MPA for Pakistan's economic stability, allocating $600m for federal and $100m for Sindh programmes.
Read Source ArticlePakistan demands explanation from India over drop in river flows
Pakistan demanded explanation over Chenab River flows dropping to 870 cusecs due to Baglihar dam emptying and refilling, breaching Indus Waters Treaty.
Read Source ArticleLahore ATC acquits Shah Mehmood Qureshi, jails 4 PTI leaders in May 9 case
Lahore ATC acquitted Shah Mahmood Qureshi, sentenced four PTI leaders to 10 years in May 9 case, fifth conviction.
Read Source ArticleUS 'very grateful' for Pakistan's offer to be part of Gaza stabilisation force: Marco Rubio
Rubio expressed US gratitude for Pakistan's offer to consider joining the Gaza stabilisation force, but clarity needed.
Read Source ArticleOnly 9pc of development budget used in first five months of current fiscal year
9.2% of Rs1 trillion PSDP used in July-November, down 20% from last year under IMF fiscal measures.
Read Source ArticlePresident Zardari approves de-notification of Justice Jahangiri as IHC judge
President Zardari de-notified IHC Justice Jahangiri after the IHC ruled his University of Karachi law degree invalid, nullifying his appointment.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz approves halal meat export policy, orders preparation of strategy to enhance exports
PM Shehbaz approved halal meat export policy, ordering a three-year strategy to boost Pakistan's 0.25% share in the $3 trillion global halal market.
Read Source ArticlePakistan seeks massive ADB loan to tackle remaining Rs1.7tr circular debt
Pakistan sought ADB loan to pay off Rs1.7 trillion circular debt and refinance Rs1.25 trillion commercial financing, aiming to reduce tariffs and stabilize grid.
Read Source ArticlePresident assents to bill for setting up minorities’ commission
President Zardari assented to three bills including the National Commission for Minorities Rights Bill, returning the Daanish Schools Bill for provincial consultation.
Read Source ArticleCurrent account turns positive in November with $100m surplus
November current account surplus of $100m reduced FY26 five-month deficit to $812m, with trade gap at $37.17b.
Read Source ArticlePakistan extends airspace ban for Indian aircraft till Jan 23
Pakistan extended airspace ban on Indian-registered and military aircraft until Jan 23, notified a week before Dec 24 expiry.
Read Source ArticlePakistan seeks oil deal with Russia as energy ministries hold talks
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb told RIA Pakistan would be 'very happy' with Russian oil deal as energy ministries hold talks.
Read Source ArticlePolicy rate cut too meagre to address major challenges, industry leaders complain
SBP cut policy rate by 50bps to 10.50%, but KCCI and FPCCI termed it insufficient to boost investment and jobs.
Read Source ArticleADB commits more loans for reforms, budget support
ADB offered additional loans to Pakistan for reforms and budget support, with total public sector assistance reaching $43.4bn.
Read Source ArticleSBP slashes policy rate by 50bps to 10.5pc
The State Bank of Pakistan cut its policy rate by 50 basis points to 10.5% on December 16, with the MPC noting inflation averaged within the 5-7% target range during July-November FY26. The MPC also projected FY26 GDP growth in the upper half of 3.25-4.25% and recorded a current account deficit of $0.7 billion in July-October.
Read Source ArticleATC Lahore sentences TLP leader to 35 years for inciting violence against CJ
An anti-terrorism court in Lahore sentenced TLP deputy chief Zaheerul Hassan Shah to 35 years in prison for inciting violence against then Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa. The sentence included 10 years under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, additional terms under other sections, and a fine of Rs600,000.
Read Source ArticleUS, India push UN for fresh terror designations on LeT, JeM
The US and India jointly called on the UN Security Council to impose fresh sanctions under Resolution 1267 on Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, and their proxy networks. The proposed measures include an asset freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo, with the joint statement notably omitting Pakistan.
Read Source ArticleSC overturns DNA test order, warns paternity challenges cause severe stigma
The Supreme Court overturned a special judge’s November 2022 order for a DNA paternity test in an inheritance dispute, ruling it an unwarranted intrusion into family life. It warned that such challenges cause societal embarrassment, humiliation, and severe psychological stigma, violating the right to privacy under Article 14.
Read Source ArticleIMF targets dubbed 'new' benchmarks do not represent abrupt conditions: finance ministry
The finance ministry clarified that 11 new targets under the IMF’s $7 billion Extended Fund Facility are not abrupt conditions but part of a phased medium-term reform agenda. The measures, including additional tax and expenditure cuts, stem from reforms already initiated by Pakistan and were formalized after the second review approved on December 9, 2025.
Read Source ArticleNorway envoy's presence at Imaan-Hadi SC hearing sparks legality debate
The Foreign Office summoned Norwegian Ambassador Per Albert Ilsaas for attending a Supreme Court hearing, labelling it interference in internal affairs under the Vienna Convention. However, several diplomats argued that observing open court proceedings does not violate Article 41, as diplomats have the right to ascertain conditions by lawful means.
Read Source ArticleNorway defends envoy presence at Imaan Mazari SC hearing
Norwegian Ambassador Per Albert Ilsaas attended the Supreme Court hearing of lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha, prompting the Foreign Office to summon him for violating diplomatic norms. Norway defended the presence as lawful observation in line with international law, with senior adviser Cecilie Roang calling it a core diplomatic task.
Read Source ArticleNo rate cut seen as IMF wants tight liquidity
The IMF's demand for tight liquidity makes a rate cut unlikely in Monday's monetary policy, despite industry calls for relief, as the benchmark rate remains 11% since May. Manufacturers are shifting operations abroad, economic growth is below 2%, and senior bankers warn easing could trigger instability.
Read Source ArticleUS package to keep Pakistan's F-16s combat-ready through 2040
The $686 million US package will extend F-16 service life to 2040, add Link-16 networking, and include spare parts and training. Analysts and US officials stress interoperability and counterterrorism support, despite India's concerns and Pakistan's 80% Chinese arms imports.
Read Source ArticleAzad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan must receive funding under the NFC award: Nawaz
Nawaz Sharif urged PM Shehbaz to allocate NFC funds to AJK and GB, and sought election applications by December 31. He insisted on a fixed annual share for both regions.
Read Source ArticleAfghan clerics adopt resolution to ‘rein in militancy abroad’ amid Pakistan’s concerns regarding use of country’s soil by terrorists
Over 1,000 Afghan clerics resolved against cross-border militancy, with violators as rebels. Pakistan welcomed this but demanded written Taliban guarantees.
Read Source ArticleGovt agrees to new IMF targets after missing about a dozen
Pakistan missed 11 IMF targets and agreed to 11 new ones. It will raise FED on fertilizers and introduce FED on sugary goods.
Read Source ArticleEx-spymaster Faiz Hameed sentenced to 14 years under Army Act
Ex-spymaster Faiz Hameed sentenced to 14 years under Army Act for political activities and misuse of authority, ISPR confirmed.
Read Source ArticleSBP receives $1.2bn tranche from IMF
SBP received $1.2bn IMF tranche, boosting foreign exchange reserves for the week ending Dec 12.
Read Source ArticleUS Exim Bank okays $1.2bn for Reko Diq
US Exim Bank approved $1.2bn financing for Reko Diq project, expected to bring $2bn in US mining equipment.
Read Source ArticleUS approves $686m tech package for Pakistan's F-16 jets
On December 8, the US approved a $686 million technology package for Pakistan's F-16 fleet. The package includes Link-16 systems, avionics upgrades, and support to extend aircraft life through 2040.
Read Source ArticleRemittances rise 9.4% in November
Remittances grew 9.4% year-on-year to $3.2 billion in November 2025. Cumulative inflows reached $16.1 billion in July-November FY26, up 9.3% from $14.8 billion in the same period last year.
Read Source ArticleIHC issues order on Christian sanitary workers' rights
The Islamabad High Court ordered the federal government to immediately implement protective measures for sewerage workers nationwide. The court cited over 70 Christian worker deaths since 1988 due to toxic sewer gas as grave rights violations.
Read Source ArticlePunjab Assembly adopts resolution to ban PTI, Imran for being ‘anti-state’
Punjab Assembly adopted a resolution to ban PTI and founder Imran Khan for 'anti-state' activities, with PTI lawmakers boycotting the session.
Read Source ArticleIHC declares plea questioning legitimacy of Justice Jahangiri’s law degree maintainable
IHC declared a plea questioning Justice Jahangiri's law degree maintainable and directed him to submit a reply within three days.
Read Source ArticleIMF sees Pakistan stepping back from default risk
IMF projected Pakistan's GDP growth to 3.2% by FY2026 and consumer inflation to 4.5% in FY2025, with a $1.2bn disbursement approved.
Read Source ArticleNA Secretariat seeks details of PTI leader Omar Ayub's cases over delay in opposition leader appointment
The NA Secretariat sent a letter to PTI Chief Whip Malik Aamir Dogar on December 5, 2025, seeking written details of Omar Ayub's cases for the opposition leader appointment process. Ayub was disqualified as Senate opposition leader by the ECP in August 2025 over his May 9 conviction, and his Supreme Court appeal has been withdrawn.
Read Source ArticleIndonesian President Subianto arrives in Islamabad on 2-day maiden visit
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto arrived in Islamabad on December 8, 2025, for a two-day maiden visit, received by PM Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari. The visit, marking 75 years of diplomatic ties, includes delegation-level talks and meetings to boost cooperation in trade, defence, and other sectors, with several MoUs expected.
Read Source ArticleRising imports, burning reserves
Pakistan's current account deficit surged 256% year-on-year to $733 million in the first four months of FY26, with goods imports rising 15% and services 12%, while FDI fell 26%. The article warns that fragile reserves of $14.6 billion require a disciplined 'import on merit' model and export liberalization to boost value-added exports.
Read Source ArticleECP does not recognise Barrister Gohar as PTI chairman
The ECP's November 26 letter to Barrister Gohar Ali Khan refused to accept him as PTI chairman due to a pending LHC stay order on intra-party polls. Barrister Gohar stated that the commission formally declined recognition despite the PTI's last intra-party election held on March 3, 2024.
Read Source ArticleLawyers’ convention in Lahore rejects 26th, 27th amendments
A lawyers' convention in Lahore on December 6, hosted by LHCBA and LBA, passed a resolution rejecting the 26th and 27th amendments and demanding the release of political figures including Imran Khan. The resolution also condemned the ISPR DG's December 5 press conference and called for biometric elections in bar councils.
Read Source ArticleIndonesian president to arrive in Pakistan for 2-day visit
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will arrive in Islamabad on December 8-9 for his first visit to Pakistan, accompanied by a high-level delegation. He will hold delegation-level talks with PM Shehbaz, meet President Zardari, and receive a call from COAS Asim Munir, with several MoUs expected to be signed during the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Read Source ArticleNotable lawyers, citizens laud judges who resigned in wake of 27th Amendment
Supreme Court justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah resigned on Nov 13 after the 27th Amendment was signed into law, and Lahore High Court Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza resigned on Nov 15. A statement by 60 citizens and lawyers in Dawn lauded the three judges for preserving their constitutional oath over office.
Read Source ArticleIMF's Executive Board to meet on Dec 8 to approve disbursement of $1.2bn to Pakistan
IMF Executive Board meets Dec 8 to approve $1.2bn for Pakistan ($1bn EFF, $200m RSF) after staff-level agreement in October. The Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment, a precondition, estimated governance reforms could boost growth by 5-6.5% over five years.
Read Source ArticleTrump's role in Pak-India peace highlighted in new US security strategy
The US National Security Strategy presents Trump as 'President of Peace', highlighting his role in arranging peace between India and Pakistan and claiming he secured peace in eight conflicts, including Israel-Iran and ending the Gaza war. The document identifies China as the central challenge and calls for deeper US engagement with India through quadrilateral cooperation.
Read Source ArticleField Marshal Asim Munir notified as country’s first chief of defence forces
Field Marshal Asim Munir notified as first Chief of Defence Forces; Ministry of Defence also extends tenure of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar.
Read Source ArticleCentre seeks Rs6.5tr revenue hike at 11th NFC meeting
The Centre proposed raising additional revenues of Rs6.5 trillion per annum (over 5% of GDP) over three years at the inaugural 11th NFC meeting. It also sought legal opinion on whether provinces must align with federal expenditure priorities, and formed seven working groups for further deliberation.
Read Source ArticlePutin in India on visit seen as tightrope walk for Modi
Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first post-Ukraine war visit to India, with PM Modi personally receiving him at the airport. The visit includes a labour mobility agreement for 3.1 million workers and defence purchases, while India curtailed Russian oil imports from 40%.
Read Source ArticleSaudi Arabia rolls over $3bn deposit for another year
Saudi Arabia extended its $3 billion deposit with the State Bank of Pakistan for another year on Thursday, the SBP announced. The deposit, first placed in 2021 and rolled over annually, aims to strengthen Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves, which stood at $14.56 billion in late November.
Read Source ArticlePakistan ready to provide Kyrgyzstan access to regional and global markets through our ports, says PM Shehbaz
PM Shehbaz offered landlocked Kyrgyzstan access to regional markets through Pakistani ports during the first Kyrgyz presidential visit in 20 years. He also pledged to increase bilateral trade from $15-16 million to $200 million within two years.
Read Source ArticleIHC orders govt to file long-pending amicus brief in Aafia Siddiqui case
The Islamabad High Court ordered the government to immediately file a pending amicus brief in the Aafia Siddiqui case, warning that further delay was unacceptable. The case, seeking repatriation of Dr. Siddiqui from the US, was adjourned until January 20.
Read Source ArticleKyrgyzstan president arrives in Islamabad on maiden visit
Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Zhaparov arrived in Islamabad for a two-day maiden state visit on Wednesday, receiving a 21-gun salute and being welcomed by PM Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Zardari. The first Kyrgyz presidential visit in 20 years, PM Shehbaz called it a milestone, while both sides agreed to increase bilateral trade to $100 million and expedite the CASA-1000 project.
Read Source ArticleBidding for PIA to be held on Dec 23, says PM Shehbaz
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Wednesday that bidding for Pakistan International Airlines will take place on December 23, 2025, with live media coverage. The privatisation, the first major one in nearly two decades, includes four pre-qualified bidders for a 51-100% stake under the IMF programme.
Read Source ArticleExports dip for fourth straight month in November
Pakistan’s merchandise exports fell 15.4% year-on-year to $2.398 billion in November, marking the fourth consecutive monthly decline, while imports grew 5.42% to $5.25 billion. The trade deficit widened 33% to $2.85 billion, with PBS data showing a 37.2% increase in the deficit for July-November to $15.47 billion.
Read Source ArticleFirst JCP meeting post-27th Amendment elevates Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb to permanent SC judge
JCP elevated Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb to permanent SC judge and approved Justice Zafara Ahmed Rajput as SHC chief justice. The court also appointed Justice Kamran Mullahkhail as BHC chief justice; SC strength dropped to 18 from 24 due to FCC appointments and resignations.
Read Source ArticleWife can revoke delegated divorce within 90 days, Supreme Court rules
SC ruled that a wife can revoke a delegated divorce within 90 days of issuing notice, dismissing the husband's appeal. The ruling stemmed from a case where the wife revoked her divorce notice on Aug 10, 2023, within the 90-day period.
Read Source ArticleIMF graft report stresses need for reforms, finance minister tells Senate
Finance Minister Aurangzeb told the Senate the IMF's GCDA report covers seven areas and 15 recommendations for reforms. He rejected delay claims, noting 100 meetings and 30 institutions were involved in the process.
Read Source ArticleSenate passes bill to protect rights of under trial prisoners
Senate passes bill safeguarding rights of under-trial prisoners, with Farooq Naek citing presumption of innocence.
Read Source ArticleInflation edges down to 6.1pc in November
CPI inflation eased to 6.1% year-on-year in November, with month-on-month inflation at 0.4%.
Read Source Article27th Amendment passed through ‘fake’ majority: Fazl
JUI-F chief Fazl alleges 27th Constitutional Amendment was passed using a fabricated majority.
Read Source Article