Pakistan

Economic policy is overshadowed by security concerns, with no major domestic financial developments reported. The only notable economic activity was the signing of a pact with the US to redevelop New York's Roosevelt Hotel. The IMF remains a persistent background actor in global commentary, but no Pakistan-specific loan or review events occurred in this period.

• 4China Should Shift Economic Gears to Consumption-Led Growth, IMF Says
• 3IMF approves $8.1 billion loan for Ukraine, with $1.5 billion to go immediately
• 3IMF chief hails UAE’s non-oil growth but warns of rising global risks
• 2Pakistan, US sign pact to redevelop New York's Roosevelt Hotel
• 2IMF sees progress in Türkiye’s disinflation program, steady growth

Foreign policy is dominated by the Afghanistan conflict and tense relations with India. The UN chief called for an immediate ceasefire after Pakistan declared 'open war' on Afghanistan, while Russia called for a stop to the confrontation. India used a UN platform to sharply criticize Pakistan over Jammu and Kashmir, demanding it vacate 'forcibly occupied areas'.

• 3PM Shehbaz lauds UAE’s ‘consistent, unwavering’ support to Pakistan
• 3Pakistan Invited To Join US-Iran Talks In Turkey: Report
• 2PM Shehbaz to visit Qatar Feb 23–24 for talks with Amir Sheikh Tamim
• 2Opposition MP calls for adjournment debate on Imran Khan
• 2No peace in Gaza without justice, Dar tells UNSC

Pakistan is in a declared state of open war with the Taliban government in Afghanistan, marked by intense cross-border military escalation. The period saw Pakistan carry out airstrikes in Afghanistan, leading to dozens of reported deaths, and the Taliban shooting down a Pakistani jet and capturing its pilot. This follows a major suicide bombing at an Islamabad mosque claimed by IS earlier in the month.

• 36Suicide bombing at Islamabad mosque kills dozens, injures many more
• 12Afghanistan and Pakistan exchange cross-border military strikes
• 6Pakistan military kills over 140 militants in Balochistan after attacks
• 5US says Pakistan has right to defend itself against Afghan Taliban

Public discourse is dominated by concern over the deteriorating health and jail conditions of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Khan suffered severe vision loss while imprisoned, sparking protests from his political supporters and public appeals from former cricket captains for dignified treatment. The government announced compensation for families of victims from the earlier Islamabad mosque attack.

• 7Imran Khan suffers severe vision loss while imprisoned in Pakistan
• 5Pakistan's capital replaces trees with concrete, sparking resident anger
• 4Imran Khan To Be Shifted To New Jail With Medical Facilities: Pak Minister
• 3Talks with ICC drag on as PCB questions India’s influence
• 2Pakistan to pay over $700,000 to compensate families of victims in mosque attack