AGP Executive Report

Afghanistan Tensions: Pakistan carried out “precision” aerial and drone strikes on 10 Afghan locations after drones entered Pakistani airspace, with Information Minister Attaullah Tarar calling it a deliberate violation of sovereignty; Kabul and the Taliban condemned the strikes and warned of retaliation. UN Diplomacy: PM Shehbaz Sharif at UNGA refused to answer questions about Hafiz Saeed/LeT, while also pushing the Islamabad MoU with Iran—Pezeshkian told him it remains fully acceptable and both sides stressed de-escalation around Hormuz and the Red Sea. Security for PTI Protest: Islamabad and Punjab saw a major Rangers deployment approved by the Interior Ministry ahead of PTI’s Sept 27 march, as roads were sealed with containers and courts reviewed detention challenges for Imran Khan’s sisters. Economy & Energy: Four oil refineries signed upgrade agreements for about $6bn investment; SBP FX reserves rose to $21.4bn, while PSX fell on geopolitics and oil prices. Food & Trade: Pakistan and FAO discussed stronger agrifood cooperation; SIFC met the World Bank on simplifying regulations. Sports: Abrar Ahmed topped ICC T20I bowling rankings; Pakistan kept winning in Asian Games hockey and squash. Human Interest: A father in Balochistan was arrested for trying to sell his 3-year-old daughter as a child bride under “walwar.”

Afghanistan Tensions: Pakistan carried out precision air and drone strikes on 10 Afghan locations after alleged drone incursions, with Taliban officials saying four civilians were killed and warning of retaliation. AI Governance: Deputy PM Ishaq Dar told the UN Security Council that AI must stay under human control and not fuel an arms race, urging inclusive safeguards. PTI Crackdown Ahead of Protest: Islamabad imposed Section 144 and sealed key routes with containers, while the government approved Rangers deployment in Islamabad and Punjab districts for Sept 20–Oct 5. Security Operations: In KP’s North Waziristan, security forces killed eight terrorists in an intelligence-based operation; in Balochistan, conflicting claims emerged after operations. Sports: Pakistan beat China 3-0 in men’s hockey at the Asian Games; kabaddi ended in defeat to Iran. Business & Energy: Shehbaz Sharif invited Pakistani-American business leaders to invest, citing FBR reforms; Pakistan also received another Qatar LNG shipment. Human Stories: Peshawar High Court temporarily blocked deportation/arrest of 17 Afghan doctors pending visa decisions. Entertainment & Culture: ISPR released a special song for Saudi National Day; Ayushmann Khurrana explained the “Pakistan Zindabad” chant in Udta Teer. Markets: Gold prices in Pakistan fell by Rs5,600 per tola to Rs448,336.

Afghan Border Escalation: Pakistan said it carried out airstrikes on 10 sites in Afghanistan after accusing Kabul of drone attacks and shelling border posts, as Kabul denied the claims and mediation efforts face fresh strain. Drone Defence & Terror Ops: Pakistan’s air defence shot down eight drones entering from Afghanistan near Torkham and Kohat, while security forces killed 19 terrorists in Balochistan operations. US-Iran De-escalation: PM Shehbaz Sharif told the UN Pakistan is “completely focused” on mediating an end to the US-Iran war, citing the Islamabad MoU and ongoing diplomatic efforts. PTI Protest Crackdown: Islamabad and Punjab tightened security ahead of PTI’s Sept 27 march, including Section 144 restrictions and Punjab-wide bans on public gatherings. IMF Review: IMF talks began with progress on fiscal and monetary numbers, but reform gaps remain, including spending and governance conditions. Economy & Energy: ADB kept Pakistan’s FY27 growth forecast at 3.7% and inflation at 8.3%, while Saudi crude shipments via the Red Sea resumed, easing shortage fears. Health & Society: AKUH urged women to view PMOS as a whole-body health issue; separate reports highlighted child HIV risks tied to unsafe medical practices.

Mecca Pact: Pakistan has appointed retired Lt-Gen Nauman Mahmood as the first secretary-general of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, with the General Secretariat based in Riyadh, as Islamabad deepens Saudi-Turkey defence ties. Afghan Tensions: Pakistan says its forces shot down eight drones launched by the Afghan Taliban near Torkham and Kohat, while Kabul rejects Pakistan’s drone claims and Pakistan continues to press for “verifiable” action against terrorism from Afghan soil. Security Crackdown: Ahead of PTI’s Sept 27 march, authorities are tightening access to Islamabad, closing key highways and deploying tens of thousands of security personnel; Punjab is also seeking mobile/internet curbs in parts of Attock and Rawalpindi. Health Alarm: Parents allege dozens of children contracted HIV after routine hospital visits, blaming unsafe medical practices, as families demand accountability. Sports & Cricket: Coach Mike Hesson calls India the white-ball benchmark but says Pakistan can pressure them at the Asian Games; Abrar Ahmed also hit No. 1 in ICC T20I bowling rankings. Business & Public Services: Karachi’s airport vaccination centre will run 24/7 from Sept 24, and Pakistan launched an investor portal to track e-requests.

Terror & Security: The UN Security Council condemned a deadly suicide bombing at a mosque in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing at least 24 and wounding dozens, with TTP-linked militants claiming responsibility. Polio Drive: Pakistan launched a seven-day anti-polio campaign in 115 districts, targeting over 31 million children under five with 273,000+ workers, including major coverage in Punjab, Sindh, KP, Balochistan, Islamabad and Gilgit-Baltistan. Diplomacy & Regional Stability: On UNGA sidelines, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar pushed for Taliban action against terrorism and urged concrete steps to stop Afghan soil being used against Pakistan; Pakistan also reaffirmed support for the Islamabad MoU on Iran-US de-escalation with Saudi, Egypt and Türkiye. Pakistan–Saudi Ties: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a visa waiver deal for diplomatic and official/special passport holders, easing high-level travel. Economy & Governance: An IMF staff mission reportedly arrived for programme reviews; meanwhile, the FIA registered a case over missing Rs250m worth of cigarette cartons involving FBR officials and a private company. Health Policy: Experts warned obesity is tied to 229 diseases and called for regulated tobacco harm-reduction frameworks. Tech & Services: PSW integrated with NADRA’s PakID Mobile App for remote biometric verification, and JazzCash was named a finalist for Money Awards 2026. Local Updates: Lahore’s LDA ordered faster execution of key urban projects, while Lahore’s BISE announced Intermediate Part-II results.

Fact-check: A viral video claiming a Baloch shepherd was killed by Pakistani soldiers is false—the clip was recorded in Niger. Polio Security: Gunmen killed two policemen guarding polio vaccinators in Nushki, Balochistan, as Pakistan’s weeklong campaign targets over 31 million children. Counter-terror Drills: Pakistan began joint counter-terror exercises with Russia and Oman to boost interoperability. Drugs Bust: Pakistan and US-linked coordination helped seize 463kg of Afghan-origin crystal meth worth about $21m in Karachi. Afghanistan Tensions: Pakistan airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan killed dozens of militants, while UN and Afghan officials reported civilian deaths; Kabul warned of retaliation. IMF & Economy: Pakistan seeks up to $1.2bn as IMF review talks start, with focus on energy, taxes and reforms. Fuel Protests: Jamaat-e-Islami postponed its next Islamabad march phase after PM Shehbaz’s call, but demands relief on petroleum levy. Gold & Cost of Living: Gold prices in Pakistan fell sharply—down Rs1,800 per tola—while the FBR set minimum retail prices for ghee and cooking oil to curb evasion. Digital Inclusion: JazzCash was named a finalist at The Money Awards 2026 for digitising welfare disbursement and insurtech. Sports: Pakistan’s women won Asian Games cricket bronze; hockey and kabaddi results kept the medal push alive.

Pakistan-Iran tensions & border strikes: UNAMA and Afghan officials say at least three civilians were killed and four injured in Pakistani airstrikes in Kunar; Pakistan says 28 terrorists were killed in Nangarhar, Kunar and Paktika, while Taliban officials vow retaliation. Regional diplomacy: Foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Türkiye and Pakistan met in New York on Middle East coordination as Pakistan also pushes return to dialogue and diplomacy. PTI long march crackdown: Police detained Imran Khan’s sisters Uzma and Noreen for 30 days under MPO after Aleema’s detention; courts are hearing challenges to the detentions, while Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warns Islamabad will not be shut down. Energy pressure eased: Pakistan secured another Qatari LNG cargo via Hormuz after negotiations, offering relief amid an energy crunch. Economy & governance: TCP finalised wheat import deals (365,000 tons) and issued a second tender; EU signed €65m grant agreements with Pakistan; FBR ordered digitised asset declarations by Oct 30. Business & Karachi: SIFC mapped a $40bn investment pipeline; seafood firms push into Russia; KCCI-linked BMG renewed its push for Karachi’s economic rights. Social issues: UNICEF warns 1.5 million Pakistani children face online sexual exploitation; Sindh launched a polio campaign and digital classrooms for children with disabilities.

Online Child Safety: UNICEF says 1.5 million Pakistani children faced online sexual exploitation in a year, with 85% of perpetrators known to victims; most cases were kept secret and none reported to police or helplines. Afghan Students in Pakistan: Pakistan’s medical regulator moves to expel Afghan medical students, threatening around 1,000 students’ careers, though courts have temporarily halted the process. Cross-Border Strikes: Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Kunar and Paktika, claiming 28 militants killed; Kabul and UNAMA say at least three civilians died, while Taliban officials condemn the attacks and warn of retaliation. Security in KP: Security forces report killing 37 militants in operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and border areas, following recent attacks. PTI Protest Crackdown: Ahead of PTI’s Sept 27 Islamabad march, Imran Khan’s sisters Uzma and Noreen are detained for 30 days; authorities also seal sensitive areas and close some Islamabad schools. Electricity Market Reform: Government plans to shift toward competitive direct electricity trading, with an initial 400MW wheeling auction. Economy & Prices: Gold falls by Rs2,700 per tola to Rs457,536; KSE-100 edges up 268 points. Sports: India beats Pakistan 3-0 in Asian Games table tennis; Pakistan’s Asim Khan wins the country’s first Asian Games medal with MMA bronze.

Online Child Safety: UNICEF says about 1.5 million Pakistani children faced online sexual abuse in a year, with most victims staying silent due to stigma and fear, and perpetrators often known to the child. Political Tensions & Protests: Jamaat-e-Islami’s long march toward Islamabad continues as talks with the government reportedly offer a relief package, while security plans include trenches and barricades; PTI also escalates pressure after Aleema Khan’s detention under MPO in Lahore. Security & Law Enforcement: Police in Karachi found five family members dead in a locked flat, while FIA claims it busted a fake apostille network with 22 suspects, including MOFA officials. Energy & Economy: Pakistan braces for fuel shocks as Middle East disruptions threaten oil routes; Finance Minister Aurangzeb warns strikes and road blockades could cost the economy Rs120bn daily. Civic Digital Push: CDA and MCI move key services to the PAK App, including property tax and water bill payments. Education & Health: MDCAT 2026 in Punjab saw 47,501 candidates appear; Sindh orders a major school enrolment drive. Sports: Pakistan hockey thrashed Thailand 9-0 in the Asian Games opener.

PTI Crackdown Ahead of Sept 27: Lahore police arrested Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan and her driver under Punjab’s MPO for 30 days, with Aleema shifted to Kot Lakhpat jail as PTI vows to press on with its Islamabad march. Protest Pressure & Security: Islamabad officials warn no violent group will enter the capital as Jamaat-e-Islami begins a Karachi-to-Islamabad long march against the petroleum levy, while hospitals are put on high alert for political rallies. Healthcare Crisis Exposed: A late-August neonatal unit fire at a state hospital killed 14 babies, reigniting scrutiny over Pakistan’s underfunded healthcare and safety failures. Balochistan Counterterror Op: Security forces in Kalat, Balochistan, killed five militants and rescued 23 hostages after an illegal checkpoint operation. Karachi Tragedy: Five members of a family, including three children, were found dead in a locked flat in Ahsanabad; police suspect suicide and are investigating. Viral MMS Warning: A “teacher-student MMS” claim spread online with no verified link to any school or identities, urging caution. Fuel Cost Anxiety: Pakistan’s petroleum minister warned petrol could rise to Rs1,000 per litre if shortages occur, amid ongoing political heat. Sports—Asian Games: Bangladesh women lost to India again and will face Pakistan for bronze, while Pakistan’s women’s cricket also fell to Sri Lanka in the semis.

Kohat Attack Fallout: Pakistan condemned the Friday mosque attack near Kohat Police Lines and urged the Afghan Taliban to take concrete action against militant networks operating from Afghan soil, rejecting Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid’s warnings. Security & Diplomacy: DG ISPR said Pakistan won’t hold talks with terrorists and reiterated that Afghanistan must end attacks planned from its territory; Pakistan also warned Kabul it can eliminate terror threats “wherever they are.” Red Sea Shipping: Pakistan called for an immediate halt to Houthi attacks on merchant shipping in Bab al-Mandab at the UN Security Council, stressing risks to maritime security and regional stability. Economy & Trade: Exports fell by over $1.2bn in FY2025-26, with Gulf and Central Asia/Afghanistan routes hit by Middle East tensions; transporters warn diesel hikes are pushing freight toward collapse. Business & Tech: CCP slapped Rs60m penalties on APEOTOA for rate-fixing and market allocation; SECP cleared 98% of its adjudication backlog; Islamabad Chamber of Commerce backed an Islamabad Economic Master Plan to turn the capital into a regional business hub. Aviation & Energy: Sindh unveiled major aviation plans including a new Sukkur airport and upgrades to Karachi and Hyderabad; solar and battery storage investment is set to be discussed at Lahore’s SolarPower Conclave. Education & Sports: MDCAT 2026 is set for today across Pakistan and Riyadh; PCB launched a nationwide school cricket talent hunt; Pakistan women face Sri Lanka in the Asian Games semi-final.

Kohat Attack: A suicide car bombing and militant assault on Kohat’s Police Lines complex killed at least 31 people, including 16 police, with fighting reported still ongoing and more than 100 injured. Counter-Terror Ops: Security forces also reported killing eight militants in the follow-up operation, while CTD said two BLF suspects were killed in a Karachi encounter. Saudi-Houthi Stance: Pakistan’s military said it will “go to any extent” to protect Saudi Arabia and the holy sites amid Red Sea tensions, while Pakistan urged Houthis to stop provocative actions. Iran-Pak Diplomacy: Iran and Pakistan held urgent talks as Tehran said efforts to revive the Islamabad MoU continue, with foreign ministers stressing energy supplies and safe shipping. Fuel & Markets: Petrol was cut by Rs1.65 and diesel also became cheaper; PSX closed the week with a mixed trend. Karachi Airport: Customs recovered 14 new iPhones hidden in a washroom at Jinnah International Airport. Sports & Culture: Pakistan’s Fatima Sana and Noor Zaman led the Asian Games opening; veteran actor Asif Iqbal (“Pheena”) died after a heart attack.

Kohat Mosque Attack: A car bomb hit a mosque inside Kohat’s Old Police Lines compound during Friday prayers, killing at least 21 people (including 15 police) and injuring 103, as gunmen stormed the facility; Iran, Türkiye and the UN condemned the attack and called for action against terrorism. Islamabad Protest Crackdown: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said no one will be allowed to enter Islamabad after an IHC ruling, warning of contempt of court action and promising security forces will stop any march. Saudi Defence Pledge: Pakistan’s military spokesperson said Islamabad will defend Saudi Arabia “to any extent,” amid Houthi attacks and the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. Pakistan-Türkiye Coordination: Ishaq Dar urged closer preparation for upcoming Pakistan-Türkiye joint mechanisms, stressing dialogue as the only path to stability. Karachi Drug Bust: Customs arrested a couple at Karachi airport after finding 580g of hashish hidden in modified wooden jewellery boxes bound for Dubai. Energy Shock & Austerity: Reports highlight a worsening fuel and gas crunch, with lockdown-like curbs and market shutdowns by 9pm to conserve supplies. Auto Show Push: Maryam Nawaz inaugurated Pakistan International Auto Show 2026 in Lahore, while BYD and Pak Suzuki showcased new EV and safety-focused models. Trade & Economy: Pakistan’s current account deficit shrank 70% in August; exports to China rose 45% to $478m, and Pakistan climbed 22 places in the Environmental Performance Index.

Suicide Bombing in Kohat: A car packed with explosives rammed into a mosque at a police compound during Friday prayers in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing at least 16 people (including five police) and wounding 50+ as gunfire followed and attackers were killed. Balochistan Security Ops: Security forces killed seven militants in two intelligence-based operations in Panjgur and Kachhi, recovering weapons and ammunition amid rising violence. Rights Lawyer Re-arrest: Prominent human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband were re-arrested hours after Pakistan’s top court granted bail and suspended their sentences in a cybercrime case, drawing fresh criticism. Pakistan-Saudi Defence Pledge: Pakistan’s military media chief said Islamabad will defend Saudi Arabia “to any extent,” citing protection of Mecca and Medina as Houthis intensify attacks. India Rejects Naval Collision Claims: India dismissed Pakistan’s allegations over the INS Kolkata–PNS Hunain collision, calling Pakistan’s manoeuvre “unacceptable” and “unprofessional,” while Pakistan and India trade diplomatic protests. PTI March Security Warning: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warned there will be “no justification” for any attempt to storm Islamabad ahead of the Sept 27 march, with routes and security tightened. Public Transport Strain: Islamabad’s PIMS–Media Town e-bus route is seeing overcrowding and long waits as service frequency lags demand.

Fuel & gas crunch: Pakistan introduced a subsidy and “lockdown-like” austerity to curb consumption as West Asia tensions push prices up, with petrol/diesel hikes and fuel cuts for government vehicles plus bans on new cars, foreign travel and even wedding dishes. SOE strain: PBIF chief Mian Zahid Hussain warned state-owned enterprises are “nearly unsustainable,” citing huge cumulative losses and calling for structural reforms. Punjab business push: Punjab says it’s speeding up investment and easing startups via “Asaan Karobar” cards, finance support and business facilitation centres. SBP anti-fraud: The central bank urged customers to stay alert to online scams and never share card PINs/passwords. Insurance rules: SECP proposed tighter controls on insurers issuing contract-linked guarantees to reduce disputes and improve solvency. Trade & ports: Karachi Port’s liner connectivity hit a record PLSCI 343; Kenya’s envoy urged deeper Pakistan-Kenya trade ties. Pakistan-Saudi-Turkey security: Pakistan reiterated it will “go to any extent” to defend Saudi Arabia and called to activate the Makkah defence pact amid Houthi attacks; Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin held talks in Islamabad. Economy signals: Forex reserves rose to a five-year high of $26.8bn; finance minister outlined priorities for export-led growth and structural reforms. Digital finance: Mashreq Pakistan launched Raast P2M payments, aiming to move from access to adoption. Sports: Pakistan beat Thailand in rain-hit Asian Games women’s cricket to reach the semi-finals. Courts & rights: Lahore High Court dismissed wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan’s NCCIA petition; Pakistan’s top court upheld the ban on “Rohani Khazayeen.” Local tragedy: An 11-year-old girl drowned in a Karachi swimming pool; a child was killed after a rickshaw hit in Zakriya Goth.

Sports & Courts: Lahore High Court dismissed Mohammad Rizwan’s petition challenging NCCIA questioning over alleged online betting/gambling links, ordering him to respond to agency queries. Cricket (Men & Women): Haris Rauf pushed for a Test return ahead of Sri Lanka series, while Pakistan women beat Thailand by 3 wickets in a rain-reduced Asian Games quarter-final to reach the semis. Economy & Daily Life: Pakistan announced sweeping austerity to conserve fuel amid Gulf-driven price shocks, including 50% cuts in official vehicle fuel, bans on state vehicle/durable purchases, and Islamabad shops/malls closing by 9pm. Regional Security: Pakistan and India traded diplomatic protests after a naval collision in the Arabian Sea, with Pakistan calling India’s manoeuvres “provocative” and summoning the Indian Charge d’Affaires. Middle East Defence: Pakistan reaffirmed it will implement the Saudi-Turkiye-Mecca defence pact “in intent and spirit” after a reported Houthi drone incident near Mecca. Public Health: India’s drug regulator warned against two Pakistan-origin fairness creams after finding excessive heavy metals. Terrorism: Security forces killed three terrorists in Balochistan’s Awaran district during Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3. Foreign Policy: PM Shehbaz Sharif will lead Pakistan’s UNGA delegation next week.