September 2025 Current Affairs Bulletin
A chronological timeline of significant affairs curated for high-yield exam retention.
SC declares IHC order barring Justice Jahangiri from judicial work ‘null and void’
The Supreme Court on September 30 declared null and void the Islamabad High Court's September 16 order barring Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri from judicial work, ruling a judge cannot be stopped from duties via interim order. The five-member constitutional bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, also directed the IHC to first decide on objections in the writ petition.
Read Source ArticleIMF review begins amid revenue gaps, reform delays
The IMF mission led by Iva Petrova kicked off a review of Pakistan's $7bn EFF and $1.1bn RSF, noting a revenue shortfall of Rs1.2 trillion (1% of GDP) for FY2025 and similar gaps in the first two months of FY2026. Pakistan also missed FBR revenue targets, retail sector taxation goals, and provincial cash surplus targets, and delayed the governance diagnostic report and SOE law.
Read Source ArticleMuslim states join European powers in backing Trump’s Gaza plan
Eight Muslim-majority nations, including Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Pakistan, welcomed Trump's Gaza peace plan and affirmed readiness to engage with the US. European leaders such as Macron, Starmer, and Wadephul urged Hamas to accept the plan, while Islamic Jihad called it 'a recipe for continued aggression against the Palestinian people'.
Read Source ArticleApex court suspends IHC order barring Justice Jahangiri from judicial work
The Supreme Court suspended an IHC order barring Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri from judicial duties, issuing notices to respondents and the attorney general. A five-member constitutional bench headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan adjourned the hearing on the petition challenging his appointment over an allegedly fake law degree.
Read Source ArticleTrump thanks Pakistan PM, COAS for supporting Gaza peace plan
Trump announced that Netanyahu agreed to a 20-point US-backed Gaza peace plan, thanking Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif and COAS Asim Munir for their support. He said the plan includes immediate hostage release and Gaza demilitarization, and discussed Iran and the Abraham Accords for broader Middle East peace.
Read Source ArticlePak-Saudi pact aims to contain Israeli threat: ex-senator
Former Senator Mushahid Hussain said the new Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence pact aims to counter the threat of 'Greater Israel' aggression and reflects waning trust in US security guarantees. He identified Field Marshal Asim Munir and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as key architects, citing Israeli aggression on Qatar and Pakistan's military capability as drivers.
Read Source ArticlePresident summons NA, Senate sessions next week
President Asif Ali Zardari summoned the National Assembly on Sept 29 and Senate on Sept 30 to brief legislators on PM Shehbaz Sharif's US visit and the newly signed defence agreement with Saudi Arabia. The main opposition party PTI announced a boycott of the sessions.
Read Source ArticlePakistan calls India ‘regional bully’ at UNGA
At the 80th UNGA session, Indian diplomat Rentala Srinivas branded Pakistan 'Terroristan', prompting Pakistani diplomat Muhammad Rashid to call India a 'regional bully' and 'serial perpetrator of terrorism'. Rashid also challenged India's counterterrorism claims and highlighted its illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.
Read Source ArticlePSX scales new peak on geopolitical, economic developments
PSX's KSE-100 index closed at a record 162,257 points, gaining 2.7% week-on-week, boosted by PM Shehbaz's meeting with US President Trump and a Rs1.275tr circular debt agreement with 18 banks. Average daily traded volume rose to 1.67 billion shares with a daily value of Rs60bn.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz terms meeting with US President Trump 'very encouraging'
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif termed his Oval Office meeting with US President Donald Trump as 'very encouraging', highlighting the US readiness to cooperate in artificial intelligence, IT, and agriculture. He also announced the signing of an MoU and praised Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir for downing seven Indian jets during a military encounter.
Read Source ArticlePublic debt servicing to cost Rs6.4tr
The Finance Ministry's Annual Borrowing Plan for FY26 projects net domestic borrowing of Rs6.395 trillion to service total public debt of Rs81.5 trillion, with interest expenditure budgeted at Rs8.207 trillion. The plan targets a primary surplus of Rs1.706 trillion and a fiscal deficit of Rs6.5 trillion, focusing on long-term instruments like Pakistan Investment Bonds and sukuks.
Read Source ArticleQuadripartite moot urges Kabul to counter terrorism
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of China, Iran, Pakistan, and Russia demanded that Afghanistan take concrete actions to dismantle groups like ISIL, Al-Qaida, TTP, and ETIM. They also called for revising the 1988 UN sanctions regime for travel exemptions for some Taliban officials and urged delinking humanitarian aid from politics.
Read Source ArticleTop lawyers vow to back five IHC judges
A convention of senior lawyers associated with PTI, including Aitzaz Ahsan and Sardar Latif Khan Khosa, adopted a resolution backing Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri and five IHC judges. They demanded revocation of the 26th Amendment and questioned the legitimacy of CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja, whose term expired in January.
Read Source ArticleIMF mission begins review sans finance minister
An IMF mission began a two-week review in Karachi and Islamabad without Finance Minister Aurangzeb, as the government used Rs130bn of the Rs390bn emergency fund for past dues and seeks flood-related relaxations. The mission questions delays in governance reforms and missed end-June 2025 targets, with a successful review potentially releasing $1bn.
Read Source ArticleTehran, Moscow sign $25bn deal to build nuclear plants in Iran
Iran and Russia signed a $25bn deal to build four nuclear power plants in Sirik, Hormozgan, each with 1255MW capacity, through Iran Hormoz and Rosatom. The agreement comes as snapback sanctions triggered by Britain, France and Germany are set to return by September 27.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz meets Trump, discusses regional security, counterterrorism in landmark visit to White House
PM Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by COAS Asim Munir, met US President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss regional security and counterterrorism. Shehbaz invited Trump to Pakistan during the 1-hour-20-minute meeting, and Trump praised him as a 'great leader'.
Read Source ArticleAurangzeb terms Rs1.2tr circular debt deal ‘largest financing’ in Pakistan’s history
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb hailed the Rs1.225 trillion loan from 18 banks as Pakistan's largest financing and restructuring transaction. The deal, secured to settle IPP dues, will be serviced via a Rs3.23 per unit surcharge on consumers over six years.
Read Source ArticleIHC CJ Dogar inducted as member of Supreme Judicial Council
Justice Sardar Mohammad Sarfraz Dogar, Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court, was inducted into the Supreme Judicial Council, replacing retired SHC CJ Junaid Ghaffar. The SJC, headed by CJP Yahya Afridi, also includes Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Munib Akhtar, and LHC CJ Alia Neelum.
Read Source ArticleSC Constitutional Bench to take up challenges to 26th Amendment from Oct 7
An eight-judge Constitutional Bench led by Justice Aminuddin Khan will hear challenges to the 26th Amendment from Oct 7. Petitioners argue the amendment was passed unconstitutionally, citing defectors' votes and a lack of full parliament, and demand a full court hearing.
Read Source ArticleGovt to sign financing facility agreement for reducing power sector's circular debt
The government will sign an agreement with 18 commercial banks to borrow Rs1.275 trillion to reduce the Rs2.3 trillion circular debt. The loan, repaid over six years via a Debt Service Surcharge, will be addressed virtually by PM Shehbaz Sharif from New York.
Read Source ArticleTrump looks to Muslim bloc for Gaza peace deal
At the UNGA, President Trump met Muslim leaders, including PM Shehbaz, to seek their help in ending the Gaza war and releasing hostages, while opposing Palestinian statehood. His plan includes phased Israeli withdrawal, regional peacekeeping, and a PA role, with Secretary Rubio emphasizing a negotiated settlement.
Read Source ArticleNew WB report highlights rise in national poverty rate, calls for people-centred reforms
The World Bank's 'Reclaiming Momentum Towards Prosperity' report shows Pakistan's poverty rate fell from 64.3% (2001-02) to 21.9% (2018-19) but has risen since 2020 due to shocks like COVID-19 and floods. It notes 85% of jobs are informal, 40% of children are stunted, and half of households have safe drinking water.
Read Source ArticleJustice Aminuddin urges parliament to add right to appeal in military trials
Justice Aminuddin Khan, in a 68-page judgement, urged parliament to amend the Pakistan Army Act within 45 days to provide right of appeal to high courts for civilians tried in military courts. He called the October 23, 2023 order 'legislation' and the Constitutional Bench restored key provisions by a 5-2 majority.
Read Source ArticleFrance recognises Palestine state at historic UN moot
France and Monaco formally recognized the State of Palestine at a UN high-level conference on Monday, with Macron stating it preserves the two-state solution. Palestinian President Abbas urged others to follow suit, while Pakistan's FM Ishaq Dar attended but did not speak.
Read Source ArticleKhokhar to file appeal as SC registrar returns plea seeking fixation of cases against 26th Amendment
On Sept 19, the SC registrar returned Khokhar's Sept 4 plea for a full-bench hearing of 26th Amendment challenges, citing no public importance. Khokhar announced he will file an appeal, calling the move a denial of justice.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz departs for New York to attend UN General Assembly session
PM Shehbaz left London for New York on Monday to lead Pakistan's UN General Assembly delegation. He will attend a Muslim leaders' meeting with Donald Trump and urge action on Kashmir and Palestine.
Read Source ArticleThe understated debt burden
By June 2025, Pakistan's effective public debt, including circular debt, reached Rs93 trillion, or 81% of GDP. Debt servicing consumed 82.7% of net federal revenues in FY25, with Rs7.5 trillion allocated for FY26.
Read Source ArticlePHC larger bench to deliberate on reforming criminal justice system
Peshawar High Court Chief Justice SM Attique Shah-led five-judge larger bench sought details of under-trial prisoners from KP inspector general of prisons. The bench formulated 20 questions and included multiple stakeholders as parties in two public interest petitions on criminal justice system flaws.
Read Source ArticlePakistan poised to meet IMF targets ahead of 2nd review: report
A Topline Securities report said Pakistan is expected to meet all seven IMF Quantitative Performance Criteria before the second review starting Sept 25, with primary balance within targets. The report warned that floods could raise the fiscal deficit to 4.8% of GDP and cut GDP growth to 2.75-3.25%.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz to attend meeting of ‘select’ Muslim leaders with US President Trump in New York: FO
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend a meeting of select Muslim leaders with US President Donald Trump in New York to discuss regional peace and security. He will also lead Pakistan's delegation at the 80th UNGA session, urging international action on Kashmir and Palestine.
Read Source ArticleIHC’s Justice Jahangiri challenges order barring him from work
Islamabad High Court Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri appealed to the Supreme Court against a Sept 16 restraining order issued by a division bench that barred him from judicial functions. He argued the order was mala fide and violated constitutional protections, citing the 2010 Iftikhar Chaudhry case.
Read Source ArticlePSX settles above 158,000 mark for first time
The Pakistan Stock Exchange's KSE-100 index closed at 158,037 points on Friday, a marginal 0.05% gain, crossing the 158,000 mark for the first time after a volatile session. Top contributors Hub Power, OGDCL, Bank of Punjab, Systems Ltd, and PSO added 663 points, while losses from United Bank and Engro Holdings offset 248 points.
Read Source ArticleBid to lift UNSC nuclear sanctions on Iran fails to pass
A UN Security Council vote on a draft resolution to permanently lift sanctions on Iran failed with Russia, China, Pakistan and Algeria voting in favour and nine opposed. Pakistan urged preservation of the JCPOA framework and more time for diplomacy, while Iran said the decision weakens diplomacy but left the door open for talks.
Read Source ArticleEvents that led to ‘demolition of Islamabad High Court’, in the words of its own judges
Five IHC judges petitioned the Supreme Court against the high court and Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar, alleging executive interference and usurpation of seniority. The petitions recount concerns raised since May 2023 about judicial pressure and the subsequent transfer of judges leading to Dogar's appointment.
Read Source ArticleFM Dar hints other states may follow suit after Pak-Saudi defence deal
FM Ishaq Dar hinted other states may follow Pakistan's landmark mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia, signed by PM Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince MBS on Wednesday. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif clarified nuclear weapons are not part of the pact, which treats an attack on one as an attack on both, and said it could be extended to other Gulf nations.
Read Source Article$7.7bn package for Reko Diq approved
The ECC approved revised $7.723 billion definitive agreements for Reko Diq's first phase, a 14% increase from $6.765bn, with first concentrate expected by end-2028. The committee also authorized $390 million bridge financing for a 1,350 km railway from Balochistan to Port Qasim for ore transport.
Read Source ArticlePak-Saudi mutual defence deal open to other Arab nations: Asif
The strategic mutual defence agreement signed by PM Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman is open to other Arab nations, said Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. He confirmed that Pakistan's nuclear capabilities are included in the pact, which he described as a defensive arrangement similar to NATO.
Read Source ArticleIHC division bench suspends order for PTA chairman removal
An IHC division bench comprising Justices Muhammad Asif and Inaam Ameen Minhas suspended Justice Babar Sattar's order that had directed the removal of PTA chairman Hafeezur Rehman. The suspension allows Rehman to continue as chairman while his intra-court appeal against the ruling, which deemed his appointment illegal, is heard.
Read Source ArticlePakistan and Iran sign protocols envisioning $10bn trade
Pakistan and Iran signed protocols at the 22nd Joint Economic Commission in Tehran, led by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Iranian Minister Farzaneh Sadeq, aiming to achieve a $10 billion trade target. The agreements cover tariff removal, expansion of electricity exchanges including a 220kv line to Gwadar, and labour mobility through a Joint Committee on Labour Cooperation.
Read Source ArticlePakistan and Saudi Arabia sign defence pact pledging joint response to aggression
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a mutual defence pact on Sep 17, ensuring an attack on one is an attack on the other.
Read Source ArticleBig industry grows 9pc in July
Large-scale manufacturing output grew 9% in July 2025, with garment exports boosted by diversion of buyers from Bangladesh.
Read Source ArticleSC questions parliament's power to slap super tax
Supreme Court questioned Parliament's authority to levy super tax, while FBR defended it as lawful fiscal exercise.
Read Source Article‘Fake’ degree case: CJ Dogar-led IHC bench bars Justice Jahangiri from judicial work
IHC bench led by CJ Dogar barred Justice Jahangiri from judicial work pending SJC decision on his allegedly fake LLB degree from University of Karachi.
Read Source ArticleIHC’s Justice Babar Sattar orders removal of PTA chairman over ‘illegal’ appointment to office
IHC Justice Babar Sattar ordered removal of PTA chairman Hafeezur Rehman for illegal appointment and directed senior-most member to temporarily assume charge.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz meets Qatari emir, reaffirms Pakistan’s all-out support after Israeli attack
PM Shehbaz met Qatari emir in Doha on Tuesday reaffirming Pakistan's support after Israeli attack on September 9, with COAS Munir present.
Read Source ArticlePakistan again holds interest rate at 11pc as floods stoke inflation fears
The State Bank of Pakistan kept its policy rate unchanged at 11% for a third straight meeting, with inflation easing to 3% in August from 4.1% in July. The Pakistan Stock Exchange gained 0.61% to close at 155,384.50 points after the announcement.
Read Source ArticleIMF team to assess flood spending later this month
An IMF mission will visit Pakistan by end-September to assess flood-related spending, with Finance Minister Aurangzeb confirming discussions for relief. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has set a 100-day target for full rehabilitation of flood victims, while damage assessments have recorded at least 972 deaths.
Read Source ArticleFaceless customs system loses Rs100bn in three months
An audit of Pakistan's Faceless Customs Assessment system revealed a revenue loss of nearly Rs100 billion in three months, with duty/tax evasion of Rs5 billion in 1,524 goods declarations. The report also flagged widespread underinvoicing and trade-based money laundering, including fraudulent clearance of solar panel containers.
Read Source ArticleSC overturns BHC relief to flour mills in tax case
The Supreme Court accepted the FBR's appeal, set aside the Balochistan High Court's Oct 17, 2023 judgement that granted tax relief to flour mills, and upheld the levy of Extra Tax and Further Tax under SROs issued on June 12, 2013 and Sept 17, 2021. A three-judge bench headed by CJP Yahya Afridi resolved the inconsistency between the BHC and Lahore High Court rulings.
Read Source ArticleChoose between Pakistan and TTP, PM tells Kabul
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a visit to Bannu with army chief Syed Asim Munir, told Afghanistan to choose between Pakistan and the banned TTP, vowing to eliminate terrorists at any cost. He said a plan to counter militancy will be placed before the federal cabinet for a firm, collective decision.
Read Source ArticleFM Dar discusses regional, international developments in phone call with Marco Rubio
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call on Saturday night, expressing satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan-US ties and discussing regional and international developments. They reaffirmed commitment to strengthening bilateral relations across multifaceted areas of cooperation.
Read Source ArticleWorld powers issue rare censure as Pakistan, Israel clash at Security Council
During a UN Security Council meeting, Pakistan's UN envoy Asim Iftikhar rejected Israeli ambassador Danny Danon's comparison of its Doha strike to the bin Laden raid. The US joined all 15 members in condemning the attack, while Qatar's prime minister denounced Israel as led by 'bloodthirsty extremists'.
Read Source ArticleIMF says Pakistan’s flood spending, budget agility to be reviewed
IMF resident representative Mahir Binici said the upcoming EFF review will assess if Pakistan's FY26 budget and emergency provisions can address flood needs, with 972 deaths reported. The $1.4 billion IMF loan approved in May is contingent on review outcomes, as the State Bank is expected to keep the key rate at 11% amid inflation risks.
Read Source ArticleCJP makes key appointments to top judicial bodies
Chief Justice Yahya Afridi appointed Sohail Muhammad Leghari (BPS-22) as secretary of the Supreme Judicial Council and Fakhar Zaman (BPS-21) as additional registrar for Supreme Court administration. Both judges bring experience from the Sindh High Court and Federal Judicial Academy respectively, aiming to enhance transparency and efficiency.
Read Source ArticleLandmark SC ruling de-links wife’s rights from consummation
The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that a wife's maintenance right begins at marriage, not consummation, overturning a patriarchal LHC verdict in Ambreen Akram's case. Justice Shah authored the 15-page judgment, stating the husband failed to provide a marital abode and denied maintenance.
Read Source ArticlePakistan secures $285m guarantees for Panda bond
Pakistan secured $285m in guarantees from ADB ($160m) and AIIB ($125m) for a $250m green Panda bond to be launched before December 2025. The bond proceeds will fund two hospitals in Islamabad, a telemetry system, and power distribution upgrades.
Read Source ArticlePresident Zardari arrives in China to kick off 10-day visit
President Zardari arrived in Chengdu on Friday for a 10-day visit, meeting Chinese leadership on regional peace and CPEC. He will also visit Shanghai and Xinjiang to bolster economic ties under the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
Read Source ArticleSenate panel seeks govt control over SBP, SECP salaries
A Senate panel chaired by Saleem Mandviwalla heard calls to abolish conflict of interest clauses in SBP and SECP laws, with Senator Anusha Rehman noting that the SBP board headed by the governor sets its own salaries, raising then-Governor Baqir Reza's pay from Rs2.5m to Rs4m monthly. Concerns also surfaced over SECP chairman benefits of Rs381m uncovered by an audit.
Read Source ArticlePakistan takes over as chair of SCO anti-terror body
Pakistan assumed the chair of the SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure for 2025-26 at the 44th council meeting in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz Republic, pledging to host events on cyber counterterrorism and border security. The council also approved joint information campaigns against international terrorist groups and measures to curb terrorist financing.
Read Source ArticleATA tweaked again by Balochistan Assembly to better protect judges, witnesses
The Balochistan Assembly passed the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2025, introducing confidentiality measures, anonymity protocols, and secure courtrooms to protect judges, prosecutors, and witnesses in terrorism cases, with a BS-21 officer determining the need for extraordinary protection. Opposition JI leader Maulana Hidayatur Rehman criticized the bill as a threat to justice and human rights, while Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti defended it as solely targeting terrorists.
Read Source ArticleCabinet approves resumption of new gas connections; declares climate and agriculture emergencies
The federal cabinet lifted a 2021 ban on new gas connections, with RLNG priced 30-35% cheaper than LPG, and declared both a climate and agriculture emergency to address flood damage and compensate farmers.
Read Source ArticleDebt surges by Rs9tr in one year
Pakistan's total government debt surged by Rs8.974tr to Rs77.888tr by June 2025, with domestic debt rising 15.5% to Rs54.471tr, while devastating floods displaced 2.5 million people and damaged crops.
Read Source ArticlePakistan requests emergency UNSC session on Israeli strikes in Doha
Pakistan, Somalia, and Algeria requested an emergency UNSC session after Israeli strikes in Doha killed six people, including a Hamas negotiator's son, while US President Trump did not agree with the action and Qatar said it received no prior warning.
Read Source Article65 plaints against judges ready for SJC's consideration: CJP
CJP Yahya Afridi reported that 64 complaints against judges were decided in the past year, 65 are ready for the SJC meeting, and 72 are under scrutiny. The SJC decided no complaints in 2021-22 but nearly 70 in 2024-25, and overall case pendency dropped from 60,635 to 56,943.
Read Source ArticleAnother May 9 riots case: Lahore ATC acquits PTI’s SMQ, hands down 10-year jail term to Yasmin Rashid and Ejaz Chaudhry
An ATC in Lahore acquitted Shah Mahmood Qureshi and sentenced Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, Mehmoodur Rasheed, and Omar Sarfraz Cheema to 10 years, and Khadija Shah to five years for burning police vehicles near Jinnah House on May 9, 2023. The case had 51 accused, with 12 declared absconders and the trial of 39 completed.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, China agree on $7bn ML-1 financing consortium
Pakistan and China agreed to form a consortium including ADB, AIIB, China, and Pakistan for the $7 billion ML-1 railway project, with China also financing the Karakoram Highway. A four-year action plan (2025-29) for CPEC's second phase prioritizes agriculture modernization and industrial development.
Read Source ArticlePakistan to have cancer registry; National Institutes of Health bill signed
President Asif Ali Zardari approved the National Institutes of Health (Reorganisation) Amendment Bill 2025, which mandates a national cancer registry to collect data on confirmed cases, deaths, and recoveries. He also signed the Anti-Dumping Duties Amendment Bill 2025, effective from July 1, 2020, to provide legal clarity on duties for Chinese-funded projects.
Read Source ArticlePSX breaches 156,000-point barrier on back of improving macroeconomic indicators
The KSE-100 index surged 1,810.11 points to close at 156,087.30, up 1.17%, breaching the 156,000 barrier. Investor optimism driven by improving macroeconomic indicators and stronger-than-expected corporate results outweighed concerns over flood damage to crops.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, China sign $4bn MoUs in agriculture
Pakistan and China signed over two dozen agriculture MoUs worth $4bn during a B2B conference in Beijing, focusing on mechanisation, seed development, and smart farming. The deals included a $406.4m agreement with PIESAT to build a satellite constellation for communication and remote sensing.
Read Source ArticlePeshawar High Court terminates 9 judicial officers for misconduct, corruption
Peshawar High Court Chief Justice SM Attique Shah dismissed nine judicial officers on September 6, 2025 for misconduct, corruption and inefficiency after a de novo inquiry. The officers, including four additional district and sessions judges, had been reinstated in April 2025 subject to the inquiry outcome.
Read Source ArticleWhy the Indus Waters Treaty matters globally
The Indus Waters Treaty, forged by eight nations including the US and World Bank in the 1950s, involved an $8 billion investment and sustains the world's largest irrigation system for 300 million people. After surviving wars for over 60 years, the treaty now faces threats from political collapse and climate change.
Read Source ArticleRussia hits Ukraine govt offices in war’s biggest air attack
Russia fired a record 810 drones and 13 missiles at Ukraine on September 7, 2025, striking the cabinet building in Kyiv and killing four people. Ukrainian President Zelensky condemned the attack as a deliberate crime that prolongs the war, while the US prepared to impose new sanctions on Russia.
Read Source ArticleWeak reforms fuel Pakistan’s energy black hole
Circular debt in Pakistan's energy sector reached Rs4.6 trillion (4% of GDP), with Rs1.6 trillion stock as of June 2025 plus Rs3 trillion owed by power producers, according to the IIF. The institute warned that reforms like CTBCM and take-and-pay have failed, with recent debt reduction driven by one-off commercial loans rather than structural fixes.
Read Source ArticleGovt faces setback as foreign funds exit bonds
Foreign investors withdrew a net $29 million from Pakistan's treasury bills in the first two months of FY26, with outflows of $73 million exceeding inflows of $44 million by 64%, State Bank data shows. The outflows are attributed to a policy rate cut to 11% and global dollar weakness, with UK investors contributing $52.5 million in outflows.
Read Source ArticlePakistan seeks joint action against Afghanistan-based terror groups
Pakistan called for collective action against Fitna Al-Khwarij (TTP) and other Afghanistan-based terror groups, rejecting Taliban defense minister Mullah Yaqoob's criticism of its border operations as ironic. The Foreign Office also refused to pause the expulsion of illegal Afghans despite a deadly earthquake and urged Germany to accelerate the relocation of vulnerable Afghans.
Read Source ArticleAccords worth $8.5bn signed during PM’s China visit
Pakistan and China signed 21 MoUs and joint ventures worth $8.5 billion during PM Shehbaz Sharif's visit, formally launching CPEC’s second phase. PM Shehbaz invited Chinese investors, assured security, and discussed early implementation of ML-1 railway and Gwadar Port operationalization.
Read Source ArticleJustice Shah asks CJP Afridi to publicly answer 6 questions on ‘pressing institutional concerns’
Supreme Court Justice Mansoor Ali Shah wrote to CJP Yahya Afridi, asking him to publicly answer six questions on institutional concerns at the upcoming judicial conference. Justice Shah alleged that the Practice and Procedure Act was being violated due to unilateral bench formation and lack of committee meetings.
Read Source ArticleSBP reserves rise by $28m to $14.3bn
Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves rose by $28 million to $14.302 billion for the week ending Aug 29. The SBP reserves are nearing the $14.5 billion high recorded at the end of FY25, with total liquid reserves at $19.659 billion.
Read Source ArticleMustafa Khokhar moves Supreme Court to fix pending petitions challenging 26th Amendment
Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayeen-i-Pakistan leader Mustafa Khokhar petitioned the Supreme Court to enforce a committee's October 31, 2024 decision fixing challenges to the 26th Amendment before the full court. He argued CJP Yahya Afridi's informal consultation overriding the committee's order lacked legal basis and constituted administrative impropriety.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz, Chinese premier reaffirm working on CPEC 2.0 as firms ink 21 MoUs
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed cooperation on CPEC 2.0 with five new corridors as business firms signed 21 MoUs. The leaders also stressed early implementation of ML-1 railway and Gwadar Port operationalisation, with over 800 companies participating in a B2B conference.
Read Source ArticleIHC adopts new rules by razor-thin majority amid resistance from senior judges
Islamabad High Court's full court adopted the High Court Establishment Rules 2025 by a 6-5 vote despite strong resistance from five senior judges. The meeting also unanimously approved referring polygamy cases to family courts instead of executive magistrates.
Read Source ArticleJustice Sattar presents charge sheet on ‘judicial ills’ against IHC Chief Justice Dogar ahead of full court meeting
Justice Babar Sattar presented a charge sheet against IHC Chief Justice Mohammad Sarfraz Dogar on Tuesday ahead of a full court meeting, citing judicial ills including failure to protect fundamental rights and lack of transparency. Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq separately alleged that all IHC judges had submissively reconciled to executive dominance.
Read Source ArticleSBP chief sees GDP expanding 3.25-4.25pc
SBP Governor Jameel Ahmed projected GDP growth of 3.25-4.25% for FY26, citing a current account surplus in FY25, record remittances of $38bn, and inflation dropping to 3.2%. Pakistan Textile Council Chairman Fawad Anwar urged restoration of the Export Facilitation Scheme and cost reductions, noting a 50% US tariff on $16bn Indian textile exports.
Read Source ArticleChina’s Xi pledges economic support for Pakistan
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday pledged to build CPEC 2.0, upgrade the FTA, and enhance cooperation in industry, agriculture, and mining, while urging improved security for Chinese nationals in Pakistan. PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude for China's unflinching support for Pakistan's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Read Source ArticlePakistan, China vow to deepen ‘all-weather strategic cooperative’ partnership
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping met at the SCO summit in Tianjin, agreeing to strengthen the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and advance CPEC's next phase with five new corridors. Shehbaz invited Xi to visit Pakistan in 2026 for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
Read Source ArticlePakistan for SCO-led process to resolve South Asian disputes
Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed a new SCO development bank to bypass dollar dependence, while Russian President Vladimir Putin called for a shift from Euro-centric to Eurasian security models. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged SCO to initiate a structured process for resolving South Asian disputes, citing Pakistan's terror losses of over 90,000 lives and $152 billion.
Read Source ArticleOil sales rose to 1.3m tonnes in Aug
Pakistan's total oil sales reached 1.3 million tonnes in August 2025, up 7% year-on-year, with petrol sales at 675,000 tonnes (up 8% YoY) and high-speed diesel at 522,000 tonnes (up 14% YoY). Furnace oil consumption dropped 71% YoY to 19,000 tonnes, reflecting the shift away from FO-based power generation.
Read Source ArticleAugust inflation cools to 3pc, flood impact looms
August 2025 CPI inflation in Pakistan fell to 3% year-on-year from 4.1% in July and 9.6% a year ago, and decreased 0.6% month-on-month. Economists warned that floods in Punjab, which affected 2.3 million people and killed 35, could push food inflation higher.
Read Source ArticlePM Shehbaz raises Indus Waters Treaty issue at SCO, calls for dialogue on all outstanding disputes
PM Shehbaz at the SCO summit in China raised the Indus Waters Treaty, calling for structural dialogue on all outstanding disputes with India. He also highlighted Pakistan's severe floods and irrefutable evidence of foreign involvement in the Jaffar Express hijacking.
Read Source ArticleConsensus reached on Minorities Rights bill amendments
President Asif Ali Zardari signed the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2025 into law, authorizing preventive detention up to three months with joint investigation teams. Separately, consensus was reached on amendments to the National Commission for Minorities Rights Bill, forwarded to parliament.
Read Source Article