Pakistan

The economy is under severe austerity pressure, with the government implementing drastic spending cuts and price hikes. Pakistan closed schools and cut spending due to the Iran war, while provinces like KP and Punjab reduced fuel allowances and closed schools amid a global oil crisis. Talks for a $1 billion IMF tranche remain inconclusive, and the IMF has repeatedly warned that the Middle East conflict will raise global inflation and slow growth.

• 8IMF warns Middle East conflict will raise prices and slow global growth
• 4$1b IMF tranche talks remain inconclusive
• 4Global economic resilience 'tested yet again' by Mideast war: IMF chief
• 3Pakistan secures deal with Iran to send 20 ships through Strait of Hormuz - Press TV
• 3IMF raises concern over Ukraine's access to $8.1 billion aid, Bloomberg News reports

Pakistan's political focus is overwhelmingly on high-stakes regional diplomacy, with the government offering to host talks between the US and Iran. PM Shehbaz Sharif visited Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan plans to host Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt for talks on the Iran war. A Pakistani official also claimed Israel backed off a planned killing of Iranian officials at a Pakistani-US request.

• 7Pakistan says it will host talks between the US and Iran soon
• 5Pakistan PM condoles Khamenei's death, voices concern over 'violation of international law'
• 4Israel backed off killing Iran's Araghchi, Qalibaf at Pakistani-US request, Pakistani official says
• 4As war in Middle East escalates, PM Shehbaz departs on brief visit to Saudi Arabia
• 4Syrian president, Pakistani premier discuss Middle East escalation

Security is dominated by a tense military confrontation with Afghanistan, marked by Pakistani airstrikes and Taliban accusations. Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan, with Afghanistan accusing it of a deadly strike on a Kabul hospital. Pakistan denied the Taliban's claim it bombed the hospital, and both sides announced a pause in hostilities for Eid and Ramadan.

• 10U.S. Marines fire on protesters storming consulate in Karachi
• 8Pakistan carries out airstrikes in Afghanistan, killing civilians
• 6Afghan forces fire at Pakistani aircraft over Kabul, explosions reported
• 3Pakistan, China pose biggest nuclear threat to US, says Tulsi Gabbard
• 3Pakistani Embassy confirms national killed due to falling debris in Dubai

Society is strained by severe weather disasters and economic cutbacks, with Karachi suffering fatal rain-related incidents. Heavy rain and strong winds killed at least 15 people in Karachi, with police reporting 20 killed in related incidents. Austerity measures led to the Pakistan Super League being held without spectators, and roads were closed due to nationwide protests over US-Israel attacks on Iran.

• 420 killed, 8 injured in rain-related incidents across Karachi: police
• 3PSL to go ahead sans spectators, matches limited to Lahore and Karachi under austerity drive
• 2Pakistan ranked most polluted country in 2025, data shows
• 2Rights groups fear use of arrest to stifle free speech in Pakistan
• 135 Pakistani institutions feature in QS university rankings