AGP Executive Report

PoK Crackdown: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said protesters in Pakistan-administered Kashmir are “enemies like India” and ruled out dialogue, as JAAC claims dozens killed in Rawalakot clashes while authorities dispute figures. Middle East Diplomacy: Pakistan urged the UN Security Council to fully implement the Gaza ceasefire and stop Israeli settlement and annexation moves, warning of worsening humanitarian conditions. Counterterror Ops: ISPR said security forces killed 32 terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan in intelligence-based operations, recovering weapons and IEDs. Monsoon Disaster: Floodwaters in Punjab’s Muridke forced evacuations by boat; the monsoon death toll reportedly topped 100 with more rain forecast. Pakistan-Kuwait Ties: Ishaq Dar and Kuwait’s FM agreed to deepen cooperation across trade, energy, defence and more. Cricket: West Indies beat Pakistan by 90 runs in the 1st Test; Babar Azam’s post-match comments about the “new ball” and partnerships went viral. Travel Mobility: Pakistan’s passport slipped to 101st in the Henley Index with visa-free/VOA/ETA access to 29 destinations. Business Ease: CDA and ICCI backed a One-Window Business Centre to cut red tape for investors in Islamabad.

Cricket Shock: West Indies crushed Pakistan by 90 runs in the 1st Test in Tarouba, with Jayden Seales’ 5-20 and Justin Greaves’ key spells handing the hosts a 1-0 series lead. Law & Order: In Lahore, an SHO and 11 policemen were booked and suspended for a wrongful raid on a senior official’s residence after acting on incorrect information. Government Reforms: PM Shehbaz ordered fast-track “right-sizing” reforms, pushing the committee to finish remaining recommendations within a month. Middle East Diplomacy: Pakistan and Jordan condemned Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank, including repeated Al-Aqsa incursions, and backed a two-state solution. Fuel Prices: Petrol and diesel prices were revised again for July 29, raising fresh inflation worries as the daily pricing system keeps changing rates. Weather Disruption: Monsoon rains are expected to hit Karachi and other parts of Sindh, with flooding and rail delays already reported. Sports Beyond Cricket: South Korea’s hockey team arrived in Islamabad for a historic four-test series, while Pakistan and Bangladesh set up the CAVA volleyball final. Economy & Travel: Pakistan’s passport slipped to 101st in the Henley index, still among the world’s weakest.

Monsoon Preparedness: PM Shehbaz Sharif ordered all institutions to stay on high alert for monsoon emergencies, directing NDMA/PDMAs to keep early-warning systems running and to coordinate daily flood planning. Weather Watch: PMD forecasts a fresh, heavy monsoon spell from July 29 to Aug 5, with risks of urban flooding, flash floods and landslides across Punjab, KP, AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan. AJK Polls: PML-N won nine seats in the first phase of Pakistan-administered Kashmir local elections, while PPP took four; the process is marred by rigging allegations and deadly election unrest. PoK Violence: JAAC claims 14 activists were killed in clashes during a Rawalakot-to-Muzaffarabad long march; authorities dispute casualty figures. Afghan Civilian Toll: UNAMA says nearly 500 Afghan civilians were killed and 1,216 wounded in cross-border fighting involving Pakistan from Oct to June. Power Sector: Circular debt hit Rs1.74tr by end-June, above the IMF ceiling, as the government tries to absorb excess accumulation. Energy Policy: Cabinet approved amendments to the oil refining policy to upgrade refineries, push Euro-4/Euro-5 fuels and strengthen OGRA performance. US Ties: Ishaq Dar says Pakistan-US trade could double to $20bn in five years; US lawmakers met Army Chief Asim Munir on security and defence cooperation. Cricket: Justin Greaves set a Test record with five straight wicket-maidens as Pakistan’s batting collapses deepen against West Indies. Gold Prices: Gold fell by Rs4,300 per tola to Rs427,436; silver also declined.

Qatar-Pakistan Security Talks: In Doha, Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi met Qatar’s Internal Security Force chief to discuss boosting bilateral security cooperation. Test Cricket Update: Fast bowlers Abbas and Khurram Shahzad kept West Indies under pressure on Day 3 of the 1st Test; West Indies ended at 126/7, leading by 155. Hepatitis C Push: President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s goal to eliminate Hepatitis C by 2030, urging nationwide screening and early treatment. Karachi Civic Arrangements: Karachi mayor Murtaza Wahab chaired Rabi-ul-Awwal arrangements and announced Regal Chowk will be renamed “Khatm-e-Nabuwwat Chowk”. Fuel Prices: Pakistan cut petrol by Rs1 and raised high-speed diesel by Rs3.37 per litre from July 28. Flooding in Punjab: Monsoon flooding in eastern areas forced residents to flee by boat; officials cite 109 deaths since June 26. MQM-P Protest Plan: MQM-P announced protest rallies from August 9 across Karachi and Hyderabad, including Independence Day celebrations. Legal/Justice: CJP stressed digital literacy for the justice sector, while FCC ordered a review related to a controversial underage marriage ruling. Regional Diplomacy: Pakistan condemned drone attacks on Saudi Arabia as a threat to regional peace.

AI & Startups: Pakistan’s MoITT unveiled the National AI Advancement Initiative to set up seven AI hubs (Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit) and incubate 560 startups with seed grants and accelerator support. Courts & Citizenship: The Lahore High Court barred civil courts from directly hearing suspicious NADRA citizenship disputes, ordering applicants to first go through NADRA Verification Boards and legal forums under the Pakistan Citizenship Act. Economy & Rates: The State Bank kept the key interest rate unchanged at 11.5% as rate-cut hopes faded amid inflation and oil-price risks. Markets & Gold: PSX surged with a 6,500-point jump on renewed buying, while gold rose again to about Rs431,736 per tola. Security & Rights: Pakistan said it thwarted 400+ cyberattacks and urged AI regulation; meanwhile, UN experts condemned Imran Khan’s 33 months in near-solitary confinement. Politics & Public Order: PTI announced a Minar-e-Pakistan jalsa on August 5, seeking district permission. Sports: Shan Masood’s unbeaten 88 helped Pakistan reach 199-3 at stumps in the 1st Test vs West Indies; at CWG boxing, Jadumani Singh dedicated his win over Pakistan’s Sumama Rehman to Kargil heroes.

Pakistan-West Indies Test: Shan Masood’s unbeaten 88 and a 155-run stand with Imam-ul-Haq lifted Pakistan to 199-3 at stumps, still 112 runs behind after West Indies were all out for 311. AJK Elections: The first phase of AJK polls begins today amid unrest and criticism over restrictions and the credibility of the process. Monsoon Toll: NDMA says nationwide monsoon deaths have crossed 100, with 7 more in Punjab and 3 in KP reported in the last 24 hours as more rain is forecast from July 29. Energy Crunch: Rising gas and power receivables are squeezing Pakistan State Oil’s liquidity, threatening fuel supply chain stability. Hydropower Costs: Pakistan’s key hydropower projects face major cost escalations, with Diamer Basha’s dam component up sharply amid inflation and currency swings. Politics & Governance: PPP’s Bilawal renews calls for an independent Truth and Reconciliation Commission in AJK, while Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal orders an audit of flood mitigation projects. Telecom Controversy: The government reportedly halts re-branding of the merged Ufone-Telenor into “e&” amid legal and governance questions. Regional Diplomacy: Ishaq Dar and Saudi FM Faisal bin Farhan reaffirm ties and push diplomacy as Pakistan also engages Iran on regional developments. SBP Rate Watch: The central bank’s monetary policy decision is due today, with most expecting no change at 11.5%.

Monsoon Update: Pakistan’s monsoon toll climbed to 97 as NDMA reported 11 more deaths and 25 injuries in the past 24 hours, with eastern Punjab worst-hit; 22 houses were damaged and eight livestock killed. Security: A suicide bombing in northwestern Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa killed nine police officers and injured 27, while security forces also foiled an attack on a check post in South Waziristan, killing four militants. Diplomacy: Pakistan and Qatar pushed US-Iran de-escalation talks after both Washington and Tehran submitted responses to the proposal, following a pause in US strikes. Economy/Reserves: Pakistan sought a $10bn US exchange stabilisation facility to bolster foreign reserves and ease rupee pressure. Health: Sindh declared nine cancer medicines fake or illegal, warning patients face life-threatening risks. Politics: Reports say govt and PTI leaders are holding backchannel meetings despite the public standoff. Sports: PCB added Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel to the Test squad after Abdullah Fazal’s injury ahead of West Indies and England tours.

West Indies vs Pakistan (1st Test): Kavem Hodge’s unbeaten 83 helped West Indies reach 194-3 at stumps on a rain-affected Day 1 in Trinidad, with Shai Hope 39* as Pakistan’s seam attack struggled on a turgid pitch. Terror & security: Security forces killed four suicide attackers in South Waziristan after an explosive-laden vehicle was stopped before reaching a check post, while separate reports say Assam STF arrested three people linked to Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network. Gilgit-Baltistan floods: Flash floods and glacier melting kept road access cut off in Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan for a fourth day, with some highways reopened but multiple valleys still inaccessible. Digital misinformation crackdown: Delhi Police said it blocked 400+ Pakistan-linked social media handles tied to fake content around protests, and Pakistan-linked foreign-funded digital propaganda networks were also reported by LEAs. Karachi civic health & safety: Colleges Karachi ordered a crackdown on vapes, tobacco and drugs near government colleges ahead of the Aug 3 academic start. Economy & fuel pressure: PBF urged PM Shehbaz to withdraw the daily petroleum pricing mechanism, while JI Karachi announced an Aug 7 protest against fuel price hikes and petroleum levy. Governance & courts: IHC ruled pleas by Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha in a social media case are maintainable, and LHC said police can’t arrest based on supplementary statements alone. Sports beyond cricket: Commonwealth Games coverage highlights India-Pakistan boxing and the debate over handshake rules.

US-Iran Mediation: Pakistan is exploring a China-backed path to restart stalled US-Iran talks, with Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni visiting Islamabad and meetings involving army chief Asim Munir—though sources warn major hurdles remain. Security Shock: A TTP attack on a joint check post in Tank, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killed 12 soldiers, two policemen and a forest official; Pakistan says militants were eliminated in retaliation. Balochistan Crackdown: Operation Azm in Balochistan has killed 13 militants so far, with security forces reporting destroyed hideouts and recovered weapons and explosives. Rights & Courts: The Islamabad High Court ruled sentence suspension pleas by Iman Mazari and Hadi Chattha maintainable in the PECA tweets case. Karachi Politics: MQM-P Mustafa Kamal announced a street movement demanding Karachi’s “rights” and more devolution, alleging Sindh withholds funds and governance failures. Monsoon Tragedy (Lahore): Heavy rains triggered roof collapses in Lahore, killing three family members and injuring others; Punjab also reported drone monitoring and expanded drainage efforts. Public Health: Rabies is highlighted as a preventable but worsening crisis, with Sindh’s large dog-bite caseload underscoring gaps in prevention and care. Sports: Opener Abdullah Fazal is ruled out of the West Indies Tests with a lower back injury; Fatima Zahra reached the Commonwealth Games women’s 60kg quarterfinals.

US-Iran Mediation: Pakistan is exploring a renewed path to restart stalled US-Iran talks after China’s push, with exploratory meetings following Iran Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni’s visit to Islamabad; Pakistan also urged de-escalation as regional tensions rise. Diplomacy at SCO/UN: Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Iran’s Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed support for regional peace and building on the Islamabad MoU, while at the UN Security Council Pakistan rejected India’s Kashmir and flood claims and called for a UN-led Kashmir settlement. Security Shock in KP: A suicide attack on a joint military-police checkpoint in Tank killed 15 (including 12 soldiers) as militants rammed an explosives-laden vehicle; Pakistan said 12 attackers were killed in retaliation. Fuel Prices: Petrol and diesel prices jumped again under the daily mechanism, with petrol fixed at Rs335.18/litre and HSD at Rs383.46. Karachi Safety & Health: Another child died after falling into an open manhole in Karachi; meanwhile diphtheria has killed 13 children at a Sindh hospital, prompting calls for urgent vaccination. Digital Push: PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Asim Munir inaugurated Pakistan’s largest Sky47 AI data centre, Karakoram One, to expand cloud and AI infrastructure. Economy/Markets: Inflation is expected to rise to around 9.1% in July; PSX slid as US-Iran tensions and oil prices weighed on sentiment. Sports: Pakistan’s women’s ODI chase vs Sri Lanka and CAVA volleyball wins kept momentum, while Abdullah Fazal was ruled out of West Indies Tests due to injury.

Afghanistan-Pakistan Security: PM Shehbaz Sharif told a Balochistan workshop that terrorism has been “brought back” to Pakistan through a conspiracy, with Afghan soil still used against Pakistan, while Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged the SCO to press the Taliban to honour counter-terrorism commitments. Suicide Attack: A suicide bombing hit a security post in Tank district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing 14 including soldiers and police, with 24 injured. Red Sea Warning: Pakistan warned Yemen’s Houthi rebels that any attack on its maritime interests is a “red line,” promising swift self-defence, while reaffirming support for Saudi Arabia after tanker attacks. US Tariffs: The US imposed new 10%–12.5% forced-labour tariffs on 60 partners including Pakistan, rattling Pakistan’s sovereign bonds and the PSX. Monsoon Impact: Lahore and parts of Punjab stayed under heavy monsoon rains, with DHA areas reported submerged and the rain death toll in Punjab/KP rising to 43. Cricket: West Indies unveiled the trophy and named a 15-man squad for the Pakistan Tests, with Alzarri Joseph declining selection; Pakistan and India also got direct Asian Games cricket knockout entries. Economy/IMF: Finance Minister Aurangzeb met the IMF in Washington, reviewing reform progress and macro performance. Rights/Justice: SC ruled NAB criminal appeals now fall under the FCC, affecting major pending cases.

Industrial AI Push: Pakistan’s first Center for Industrial Innovation and AI (CIINAI) is set up at NUTECH in Islamabad, with a common facility and training at Korangi Creek Industrial Park in Karachi to blend manufacturing tech, AI and applied research. Economy & Markets: SBP’s foreign exchange reserves rose by $33m to $17.26b, while PSX fell for a third straight session as the KSE-100 dropped nearly 2,700 points; SBP also named 10 primary dealers for FY27. Fuel & Transport Pressure: Petrol and high-speed diesel prices were increased again, and transporters warned of a nationwide strike over daily fuel price revisions. Water & Energy Access: UNOPS handed over a $7.6m solar-powered WASH package to Sindh and K-P, serving nearly 300,000 people with off-grid water systems. Regional Security: Pakistan joined other Arab and Muslim states condemning Israeli escalation at Al Aqsa Mosque, warning it violates international law and threatens stability. Sports (Women’s Cricket): Pakistan beat Sri Lanka Women in the first ODI by five wickets, with Feroza and Sidra Amin leading the chase.

Monsoon Disaster: Lahore was hit by extreme rain, with 263mm falling in one spell and flooding underpasses and roads; across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, monsoon incidents have killed at least 43 and injured 177, while a wider regional toll reached 82 across India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Red Sea Security: Pakistan condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers, pledged close coordination with Saudi Arabia, and warned it reserves the right to use force to protect Pakistani-flagged vessels amid the Yemen blockade. Economy & Finance: Pakistan sought a $10bn US exchange stabilisation backstop after Iran mediation, but Reuters reports economists doubt it will fix long-avoided reforms; separately, S&P upgraded Pakistan’s sovereign rating to ‘B’. Trade & Industry: BYD says its $150m Gharo EV plant is in final stages; Airlink will set up an electric bike assembly plant in Lahore; REAP secured 60,000 tons of rice orders from China; Pakistan launched a mobile app for the Pakistan Single Window to digitise cross-border trade. Education & Cricket: B-Form is now mandatory for Grade 5 and 8 board exam registration; PCB announced Pakistan’s five-match ODI tour of England in May 2027. Markets: Gold in Pakistan eased after four days of gains, dropping to about Rs432,036 per tola.

Red Sea Security: Pakistan condemned Houthi threats to commercial shipping and Saudi Arabia, warning it may use lawful force to protect Pakistani maritime interests. Diplomacy in Manila: Deputy PM/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Sri Lanka’s FM on ASEAN sidelines, reaffirming ties and cooperation, and also held talks with Russia’s Sergey Lavrov and Bangladesh’s FM on trade, connectivity and regional coordination. Iran-Pak Security: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Iran’s Eskandar Momeni, agreeing to deepen counter-terrorism, anti-narcotics and border cooperation. Economic Pressure: Pakistan formally requested a $10bn US exchange stabilisation/backstop facility to bolster forex reserves and stabilise the rupee, while S&P upgraded Pakistan’s sovereign rating to ‘B’ (stable). Monsoon Impact (Lahore/Karachi): Heavy rains inundated parts of Lahore, with warnings of more downpours; Karachi also faces flood preparedness concerns. Local Governance: Punjab renamed the Walled City of Lahore Authority to the Punjab Walled Cities and Heritage Areas Authority. Energy/Transport: Scheduled IESCO power outages were announced in Islamabad/Rawalpindi/Jhelum; Karachi port saw MSC Diletta depart for the UAE. Public Safety: Gul Plaza fire probe stalled over non-cooperation; food officials suspended over alleged wheat hoarding collusion. Sports & Culture: Pakistan began the CAVA volleyball championship with a 3-0 win over Sri Lanka; boxing team arrived for the Commonwealth Games; horror film “Faramosh” marks Ahsan Khan’s return.

US-Backstop Bid: Pakistan has asked the United States for a $10 billion bilateral exchange stabilisation facility to support forex reserves and steady the rupee, with up to five-year maturity, after its Iran mediation boosted diplomatic leverage; the US Treasury declined comment. Middle East Tensions: Pakistan’s Foreign Office condemned Houthi threats against Saudi Arabia and Red Sea commercial shipping, warning they endanger navigation and global trade and saying attacks on Pakistani-flagged vessels would be treated as a grave threat. Fuel Shock Ahead: Petrol pumps across Pakistan will shut for 24 hours from 6am Thursday after petroleum dealers rejected the government’s daily pricing policy, warning of wider disruption if demands aren’t met. Human Rights Pressure: Amnesty International urged an investigation into Pakistani airstrikes on a Kabul drug rehab centre in March, calling it a possible war crime and saying it found no support for Pakistan’s claims. Markets Watch: Gold in Pakistan hit Rs433,836 per tola as global bullion prices kept climbing; PSX also showed vulnerability to external shocks with the KSE-100 sliding sharply. Regional Diplomacy: Deputy PM Ishaq Dar pushed ADB to speed up financing for Pakistan’s ML-1 railway project during talks in Manila. Security Update: Pakistan intensified counterterror operations in Balochistan, arresting two female suicide bombers and killing militants in Surab and Mastung. Weather: Monsoon rains battered Lahore and parts of Punjab, with PMD warning of more showers and possible flooding.

US-Iran Escalation: The US military says it carried out an 11th night of strikes on Iran, as both sides fight for control of the Strait of Hormuz and diplomacy struggles to catch up. Pakistan Mediation Role: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged restraint during talks with Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, reiterating Pakistan’s intent to act as a sincere mediator. Indus Waters Pressure: India signalled the Indus Water Treaty can’t continue in its current form unless Pakistan ends cross-border terrorism, while Pakistan keeps pushing for restoration. Fuel Shock at Home: Petrol pump owners announced an indefinite nationwide shutdown from July 22 midnight after talks with the federal government failed; meanwhile, petrol and diesel prices were raised under the daily pricing mechanism. Crypto Crackdown: Pakistan launched a dedicated FIA crypto investigation unit to tackle money laundering and illicit crypto use, alongside regulatory work by PVARA. Karachi Health Crisis: Sindh ordered an audit after 16 more children were detected with HIV/AIDS at Valika Hospital, amid allegations of administrative lapses. Business & Markets: PSX ended slightly higher after early gains faded on uncertainty; gold jumped in Pakistan amid hopes of US-Iran de-escalation. Sports: Jamaica Kingsmen signed a Pakistani-heavy CPL squad including Saim Ayub and Maaz Sadaqat.