AGP Executive Report

Kuwait-Pak Defense Ties: Kuwait ratified a Pakistan defense cooperation pact (Decree-Law 73/2026), formalising training, intelligence sharing, logistics, tech and a joint military committee for implementation. US-Iran De-escalation: The US paused strikes for a second straight day, with an envoy saying Trump is giving diplomacy “some space,” while Iran says it will match US actions. Islamabad Local Govt Delimitation: Rawalpindi election commissioners will handle objections and finalise Islamabad’s new local government constituencies, with union councils rising to 130 and wards to 1,170; final lists due Oct 13. Karachi Governance Push: MQM-P launched its first street protest in Shah Faisal Town, demanding constitutional powers and new administrative units for Karachi. Pakistan’s Economy/US Support: Pakistan asked the US for a $10bn exchange stabilisation support facility to ease rupee pressure and reduce reliance on IMF financing. Human Rights Watch: A rights body condemned enforced disappearances of four Baloch individuals, urging disclosure and accountability. Regional Security Claims: Punjab police said they busted an ISI-backed BKI terror module in Jalandhar, recovering a 1.3kg IED. Iran Leadership Update: Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei has not been communicating publicly, according to his father-in-law.

Counterterrorism in KP: Pakistan foiled a militant attack on a check post in South Waziristan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing four attackers after an explosives-laden vehicle was destroyed outside the perimeter; a sanitisation operation is underway. Security & regional diplomacy: US congressmen visiting Pakistan praised Islamabad’s mediation on the US-Iran war and its “constructive role” in Gaza, signaling hopes for deeper ties. Pakistan-Kuwait defence pact: Kuwait has formally brought a defence cooperation agreement into force, expanding training, intelligence-sharing, logistics and personnel exchanges. Monsoon toll: Heavy rains across Pakistan killed 19 more people in the last 24 hours, with deaths linked to roof collapses, electrocution, drowning and lightning. Local governance & policing: Islamabad’s ICT Police cracked down on illegal shisha cafés and spa centres, arresting 21 suspects. Economy/finance: Pakistan has reportedly sought a $10bn US exchange stabilisation facility to bolster foreign reserves and ease rupee pressure. Transport in Lahore: Lahore’s mass transit ended old token/card payments for Orange Line, Metro Bus and Speedo, moving fully to digital options. Sports: Pakistan’s Test squad adjusted after Abdullah Fazal’s injury, with Abdullah Shafique drafted in for the West Indies series.

Fuel Pricing & Protests: Pakistan’s petroleum prices were kept unchanged for two days (petrol Rs335.18/litre, diesel Rs383.46/litre), but business groups are still pushing back—Pakistan Business Forum urged PM Shehbaz to withdraw the daily petroleum pricing mechanism, warning it fuels uncertainty and cost spikes. Political Pressure: PTI accused the government of corruption and political victimisation, while JI announced a Karachi protest against fuel price hikes and petroleum levy on Aug 7. Governance & Courts: The Lahore High Court ruled police cannot arrest someone based on a supplementary statement alone, directing province-wide compliance. Digital Administration: The PM Office ordered federal secretaries to fully operationalise the PMOS system, uploading ministry data within a week and reviewing tasks twice daily. Regional Diplomacy: Deputy PM/FM Ishaq Dar held calls with Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan and met Belarus/Uzbek counterparts on SCO sidelines, stressing de-escalation and regional stability. Security & Terrorism: OIC condemned a Tank checkpoint attack; meanwhile, ISPR said a suicide attempt in South Waziristan was foiled, killing four militants. Public Services: Karachi’s KWSC intensified anti-encroachment drives at Qasba Reservoir, while Alkhidmat inaugurated another water filtration plant with automated dispensing for round-the-clock safe water.

Terror & Security: A TTP-linked attack on a joint checkpost in Tank, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa killed 12 soldiers, two policemen and a forest department official, with the military saying 15 attackers were eliminated after an explosive-vehicle breach attempt. Counterterror Diplomacy: PM Shehbaz urged the Taliban to stop militants using Afghan soil, as Pakistan pushes for de-escalation while regional tensions over the US-Iran standoff intensify. Karachi Power Struggle: MQM-P leader Mustafa Kamal announced a street campaign over “injustices” against Karachi, alleging the city has received only Rs680bn out of Rs22tn over 18 years and demanding deeper devolution and new provinces. Monsoon Fallout (Punjab): Heavy rains killed three in Lahore after a roof collapse, with authorities reporting rapid drainage efforts and stepped-up drone monitoring of rivers and barrages. Public Health: Pakistan’s rabies crisis is flagged as a preventable governance failure, while a Pakistan-China health conference produced $629.5m in pharma and healthcare agreements. Economy & Prices: Finance panel approved prices for 52 life-saving medicines; LPG prices reportedly jumped to as high as Rs410/kg amid supply concerns. Regional Diplomacy: Chinese FM Wang Yi met Ishaq Dar on SCO sidelines, backing closer China-Pakistan cooperation as Pakistan explores renewed US-Iran talks via China.

US-Iran Mediation: Pakistan is exploring a China-backed restart of stalled US-Iran talks after Iran’s interior minister visited Islamabad, with officials stressing major political obstacles remain. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Iran’s Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed commitments to dialogue and de-escalation at the SCO meeting in Kyrgyzstan. Security Crisis: A suicide vehicle attack on a joint checkpoint in Tank, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa killed 15 security personnel (including 12 soldiers); the army said 12 militants were killed in retaliation. Military Command Reshuffle: PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Asim Munir appointed Lt Gen Aamer Raza as the inaugural commander of Pakistan’s National Strategic Command under the 27th Amendment. Fuel Shock: Petrol and high-speed diesel prices were raised again under the daily pricing mechanism, with petrol at Rs335.18/litre and diesel at Rs383.46/litre. Digital Push: Shehbaz and Munir inaugurated the Sky47 “Karakoram One” AI data centre in Islamabad to expand cloud and high-performance computing. Trade & Industry: SMEDA set up an MSME helpdesk at Expo Faisalabad; Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan backed carpet export support, while Pakistan and Türkiye plan a business conference in Istanbul on Aug 13. Public Health: Karachi hospitals reported new HIV cases among children, raising renewed concern over infection sources and disclosure gaps.

Red Sea Diplomacy: Pakistan issued a firm warning to Yemen’s Houthi rebels that any attack on Pakistani maritime interests will be a “red line,” treating it as an attack on Pakistan and triggering swift self-defence, while reaffirming support for Saudi Arabia and safe passage through Bab el-Mandab. SCO & Security: Deputy PM/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar joined SCO foreign ministers in Kyrgyzstan, stressing that terrorism from Afghan soil remains a major challenge, with TTP and BLA operating from there. US Tariffs Shock: The US imposed new 10%–12.5% tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners including Pakistan over forced-labour enforcement gaps, with Pakistan’s sovereign bonds sliding after the announcement. Judicial Accountability Shift: Pakistan’s Supreme Court ruled it has no jurisdiction over NAB cases after amendments, directing all NAB criminal appeals and petitions to be transferred to the Federal Constitutional Court. Military Leadership: PM Shehbaz promoted Lt Gen Aamer Raza to four-star rank and appointed him Commander National Strategic Command. Trade & Economy: REAP secured orders for 60,000 metric tonnes of Pakistani rice in China, while Pakistan and a Chinese firm discussed modern transport links for ports. Regional Condemnation: Pakistan and seven Muslim states condemned Israeli settler incursions at Al Aqsa as violations of international law and the holy site’s status quo. Sports: Pakistan and West Indies unveiled the trophy for their upcoming two-Test series in Trinidad.

Fuel & Transport Pressure: Pakistan hiked petrol by Rs6.39 and diesel by Rs7.83 to Rs327.12 and Rs375.04 (OGRA/notifications), with dealers and transporters warning of disruption; the transport alliance said a nationwide strike could be called unless relief is given. Monsoon Readiness: Sindh put district administrations on high alert as a strong monsoon system approaches (July 23-25), while Lahore reported heavy rain, waterlogging, and underpass closures. Population Policy: PM Shehbaz called for an awareness campaign and a National Stabilization Plan 2026-2035 targeting a drop in population growth from 2.55% to 1.25% by 2035. Local Govt Legal Fight: The Election Commission rejected KP’s local government law amendment, warning it could delay local elections. Cybercrime & Media Regulation: A Senate panel directed that PECA not be used against newspaper/TV digital platforms and questioned NCCIA’s handling of PECA-related transfers. Health Procurement Oversight: PPRA flagged Punjab’s cardiac consumables tender concerns, alleging US FDA-only conditions raised costs and restricted competition. Kabul Strike Row: Pakistan rejected Amnesty’s call for a probe into its March airstrike on a Kabul drug rehabilitation centre, dismissing it as lacking credible evidence. Regional Diplomacy: Deputy PM Ishaq Dar led Pakistan’s delegation to the SCO foreign ministers’ meeting after ASEAN talks, as India again attacked Pakistan’s Kashmir and Indus Waters Treaty stance at ARF. Energy Security Deal: Honeywell discussed financing options with Finance Minister Aurangzeb for Pakistan’s refinery modernisation. Public Service Delivery: UNOPS handed over a US-funded $7.6m WASH project benefiting nearly 300,000 people in KP and Sindh. Criminal Justice: Karachi police reported encounter killings tied to the murder of a six-year-old girl, citing CCTV-led identification.

Middle East Security: PM Shehbaz Sharif condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea in a call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, pledging close coordination to keep lawful maritime trade flowing through the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz. Foreign Policy: The FO said Pakistan reserves the right to use force to defend Pakistani-flagged vessels, warning any hostile action would be treated as a national security threat. US-Iran Diplomacy & Economy: Reuters reports Pakistan has asked the US for a $10bn exchange stabilisation support facility after its Iran ceasefire mediation role, but economists warn fresh financing won’t fix long-avoided reforms. EU Trade Pressure: Pakistan expressed disappointment with the EU’s GSP+ assessment, saying it understates reforms and gives an unbalanced picture despite acknowledging legislative progress. Regional Diplomacy: Ishaq Dar told the ASEAN Regional Forum Pakistan will push for regional peace, flagged Indus Waters Treaty concerns, and stressed multilateral solutions. Disaster Preparedness: President Zardari ordered intensified monsoon preparedness, rescue and relief coordination as flash-flood and landslide risks rise. Domestic Governance: Punjab’s education minister says he will personally teach in schools from September, with unannounced weekly visits to check teaching standards. Sports & Youth: PCB unveiled the 2026-27 domestic cricket calendar and Pakistan’s five-match ODI tour of England in May 2027 ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

US-Iran Escalation & Pakistan Mediation: CENTCOM says it launched more strikes on Iranian military targets as Washington and Tehran keep trading blows, while Pakistan continues pushing restraint and de-escalation through diplomacy. IMF-Backed Economic Relief Push: Pakistan has formally asked the US for a $10bn exchange stabilisation facility to shore up reserves and stabilise the rupee; separately, S&P upgraded Pakistan’s sovereign rating from B- to B with a stable outlook, citing IMF reforms and stronger external financing. Regional Diplomacy: Ishaq Dar met Russia’s Lavrov and Bangladesh’s FM in Manila, while Pakistan and Iran’s interior ministers pledged deeper security, counter-terrorism, and border cooperation. Islamabad Governance & Services: IESCO announced scheduled power outages in parts of Islamabad and Rawalpindi; the PM also rolled out an AI-powered governance/PM Office system to track directives. Karachi Accountability & Social Media Crackdown: A Gul Plaza fire probe hit roadblocks after departments failed to cooperate; Sindh plans a monitoring cell to curb misleading social media content, and suspended officials over alleged wheat-hoarder collusion. Public Safety: Monsoon flood preparedness remains a concern as drain cleaning lags; a deadly SUV accident in Karachi killed a man and injured his child. Sports & Youth: Pakistan launched an “Olympic Sports Corridor” vision on M-9; Pakistan’s youth employment debate continues as the Youth Budget grows but jobs lag.

IMF-linked FX push: Pakistan has asked the US for a $10bn bilateral exchange stabilisation facility (up to five years) to shore up reserves and steady the rupee, after Islamabad’s Iran-war mediation boosted its diplomatic leverage; the US Treasury declined comment. Fuel price showdown: Petroleum dealers have announced a nationwide 24-hour petrol pump shutdown from 6am Thursday, warning of an indefinite strike if the government won’t end daily fuel pricing changes. Red Sea warning: Pakistan’s Foreign Office “unequivocally” condemned Houthi threats to Saudi-linked Red Sea shipping, saying any attack on Pakistani-flagged vessels would be treated as a grave national security threat. Human rights pressure: Amnesty International urged an investigation into Pakistan’s March Kabul airstrikes on a drug rehab centre, calling it a possible war crime and saying it found no support for Pakistan’s claims. Security crackdown: FIA and law enforcement arrested four suspects in Karachi, including Nadra officials, over alleged fake identity documents for Afghan nationals, with possible links to terrorist elements under probe. Economy watch: Gold in Pakistan hit Rs433,836 per tola as global bullion prices climbed. Diplomacy: Ishaq Dar arrived in Manila for the ASEAN Regional Forum, with bilateral meetings on the sidelines.

US-Iran Escalation & Pakistan Mediation: A 10th straight day of US-Iran attacks has stalled diplomacy, even as Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni visited Islamabad to revive talks; PM Shehbaz urged both sides to stay “fully measured,” while GHQ meetings with Field Marshal Asim Munir focused on border management and regional security. Fuel Pricing Fallout: Pakistan raised petrol by Rs4.93 and HSD by Rs7.15 for July 22 under the daily pricing mechanism, but petrol pump owners threatened a nationwide shutdown over dealer margin and daily revisions. Finance & Markets: Pakistan approved new international bond/Sukuk bank consortia and sought a $10bn US exchange stabilization backstop to protect reserves and the rupee; PSX ended slightly up after early gains on ceasefire hopes faded. Energy & Industry Deals: Pakistan and China signed an EV charging/local manufacturing pact, while petroleum talks with Kuwait’s KUFPEC targeted upstream expansion. Governance & Bureaucracy: The cabinet approved another special allowance for top bureaucracy (Rs1.8bn) alongside a 7% pay rise and extended austerity. Regional Humanitarian Pressure: IOM reported 1.6m Afghans returned from Pakistan since April 2025, with fear of arrest driving most returns.

IMF-Gas Debt: Pakistan and the IMF failed to agree on a Rs1.7tr gas circular-debt settlement plan; IMF wants gas-company losses reflected and recapitalisation, while talks are now pushed to September. West Asia Mediation: Iran’s interior minister Eskandar Momeni arrived in Islamabad as mediators push a 10-day US-Iran halt; fighting continues for a 10th day, with shipping risks around the Strait of Hormuz. Gilgit-Baltistan Push: PM Shehbaz assured newly elected GB CM Amjad Hussain of federal support, including a 100MW solar project, knowledge schools and public service centres. AJK Polls: AJK election commissioner set phase-wise voting—Mirpur July 27, Muzaffarabad Aug 2, Poonch Aug 10—after nomination scrutiny and rejected papers. Fuel Pricing & Costs: Pakistan cut petrol and raised high-speed diesel for one day under daily pricing; OGRA to update rates daily. Energy Deals: Finance Minister Aurangzeb met Honeywell on refinery modernisation; Kuwait’s KUFPEC discussed expanding upstream investment. Water & Flood Alerts: Indus and Chenab flows are low but Punjab authorities warned levels could rise by July 24. PoGB Disaster Critique: Activist Senge Sering criticised Islamabad’s disaster response in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan as flash floods and landslides disrupt routes. Politics in Courts: PTI leader Ejaz Chaudhary moved the Supreme Court seeking suspension of his sentence. Markets: PSX rebounded on easing oil prices and mediation hopes; gold per tola rose to Rs429,236.

US-Iran Escalation: The US launched its 10th consecutive night of strikes on Iran, saying the aim is to degrade Iranian capabilities targeting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, as Trump vowed Tehran “will pay” after US troop deaths and Houthis warned of a Red Sea naval blockade—raising fresh risks for global oil routes. Diplomacy via Islamabad: Amid the spiralling crisis, Iran’s interior minister Eskandar Momeni arrived in Islamabad for talks with Pakistani officials, with Iraq also floating a mediation plan for US-Iran talks in Baghdad. EU Human Rights Pressure: The EU warned Pakistan that continued access to its preferential trade scheme under GSP+ depends on measurable improvements, citing regressions in rule of law and civil society space. Fuel Pricing Shock: Pakistan announced revised petrol and diesel rates under a new daily pricing mechanism, with petrol slightly down and high-speed diesel sharply up, while dealers and industry warned daily changes could fuel inflation and disrupt business. Women’s Safety Policy: Pakistan moved to finalise a national policy to end violence against women and girls, with UN Women support. Food Security: Punjab and Sindh pushed for wheat releases from federal reserves after shortages emerged, with import options discussed. Governance & Accountability: Lahore’s Mayo Hospital MS was reportedly detained in an anti-corruption probe, while Sindh barred KU’s VC from a key syndicate meeting. Public Safety & Health: Karachi saw rising mobile snatching concerns, and a survey warned nearly 40% of children face unsafe lead exposure. AJK Election Push: Campaigning intensified ahead of July 27 AJK polls, with top leaders set for major rallies.

Pakistan-Canada Diplomacy: Deputy PM/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Canadian FM Anita Anand in Islamabad, agreeing to expand cooperation across trade, investment, education and people-to-people ties, with annual progress reviews to institutionalise the relationship. Visa Policy: Pakistan’s updated NADRA “Visa Abolition List” clarifies visa-free access for 55 countries but largely limits it to specific passport categories tied to bilateral arrangements. Infrastructure & Transport: PM Shehbaz directed proposals for upgrading the Rohri–Multan ML-1 rail segment under the Pakistan Railways Transformation Plan, stressing timely, quality delivery. Telecom Push: PTA ordered faster nationwide 5G rollout, including adding 1,000 new 5G towers per operator and prioritising cities like Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta. Punjab Property Rules: Punjab issued a compliance alert for housing societies in Lahore to upload transaction records to HSMS by Aug 31, linking property certificates to NADRA and digital systems. Social Media Regulation: Reports swirl that TikTok LIVE could face a ban or payout restrictions over vulgar content concerns. Security & Politics: PTI founder Imran Khan’s legal team sought a jail meeting; the court set arguments for July 22. Regional Pressure: Pakistan faces mounting internal security strain as militant threats, PoK unrest and tensions with Afghanistan intensify. Climate Fallout: Monsoon rains triggered floods and landslides across Pakistan, with at least four dead and three missing reported in Khyber. Economy Watch: Pakistan’s petroleum import bill rose above IMF estimates amid Middle East-driven oil price spikes; mobile phone imports also jumped to Rs530.49bn in FY2025-26.

Higher Education & Appointments: Karachi University’s VC tenure ends July 28; Sindh is set to give acting charge to NED VC Dr Tufail Ahmed while a search committee has shortlisted three candidates for the permanent KU VC after interviews and security clearance. City Safety: Karachi Metropolitan Corporation launched a Rs100m plan to upgrade its Emergency Response Centre and expand fire-and-rescue capacity, with a focus on coastal incidents during peak beach season. Sindh Water Politics: Sindh Governor Nihal Hashmi said the water shortage will be resolved through talks with the federal government, linking the issue to broader development funding. Kashmir & AJK Polls: Ministers marked Youm-e-Ilhaq-e-Pakistan, reaffirming support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination; PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto demanded a Truth Commission and restoration of internet ahead of July 27 AJK elections. National Security & Media Clash: Noreen Niazi faced summons by Pakistan’s cybercrime agency over remarks deemed “false and inflammatory,” while multiple ministers condemned her comments as “completely unacceptable.” Health Crisis: Karachi’s HIV outbreak linked to KBV Hospital has infected at least 130 people, mostly children, raising alarms over infection-prevention lapses. Regional Diplomacy: Iran’s interior minister is expected to visit Islamabad; Pakistan also stepped up mediation as US-Iran tensions escalate. Public Works & Accountability: Punjab formed a committee to probe alleged use of substandard material in beautification projects, with a report due in three days. Transport Crackdown: Lahore ordered action against unregistered private driving schools and issued safety warnings after a fatal tractor-trolley crash. Energy/Health Policy: Pakistan moved toward a breakthrough therapy pathway for Hepatitis Delta through Pakistan-China cooperation.

Balochistan Dialogue Push: Deputy PM/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met National Party leaders and reiterated the federal government’s commitment to address Balochistan’s challenges within Pakistan’s Constitution, with Bilawal also backing dialogue and an all-party push for peace. Kashmir Solidarity on Accession Day: President Zardari, PM Shehbaz and senior ministers reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination under UN resolutions, amid renewed calls to highlight alleged rights abuses in Indian-administered J&K. US-Iran MoU Fallout: Iran says it has suspended commitments under the Pakistan-mediated Islamabad MoU after US violations, while Pakistan and Kuwait urged Washington and Tehran to uphold the agreement and de-escalate. Islamabad Policing Focus: SSP Qazi Ali Raza chaired a crime-control review, ordering intelligence-based crackdowns and faster action against proclaimed offenders. NCCIA vs Noreen Niazi: The cybercrime agency summoned Imran Khan’s sister over alleged “false and inflammatory” state-targeting content from a viral podcast. Economy & Trade Signals: Pakistan’s technology exports hit a record $4.6bn in FY26; meanwhile, petroleum and climate levies brought in over Rs1.478tr, helping keep the deficit contained. Security & Courts: FIA secured 17-year jail terms for five in the Rs104.75m IESCO bribery case; Supreme Court in India paused border-area demolitions for two weeks. Regional Trade Shock: Afghanistan-Pakistan transit trade plunged to $367m in FY26 as Kabul shifted routes, including via Iran.