Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

The Pakistani federal government has turned to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to address uncontrolled population growth, as discussed in a Senate committee meeting led by Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal. The government is revising the National Finance Commission (NFC) formula to disincentivize population growth and has introduced tax exemptions for contraceptives to reduce birth rates.

Three Pakistani paramilitary Rangers were killed in a militant attack in Karachi when an explosives-laden vehicle struck their headquarters. The military stated they killed three attackers and captured a wounded Afghan national, vowing retaliation. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a Pakistani Taliban offshoot, claimed responsibility, which the military alleged is an Indian proxy, though no evidence was provided.

Three Pakistani paramilitary Rangers were killed and four wounded in a militant attack in Karachi, where an explosives-laden vehicle was rammed into a regional headquarters. The militant group Jamaat-ul-Ahrar claimed responsibility, and the military vowed retaliation. Pakistan's President and Prime Minister condemned the attack, while operations continue to eliminate accomplices.

A 5.9-magnitude earthquake from Afghanistan's Hindu Kush region caused tremors across Pakistan, while two quakes in Balochistan damaged homes and injured 18-19 people. The National Disaster Management Authority reported no fatalities, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed rescue operations.

The government has kept petrol and diesel prices unchanged for the next week, following recent reductions in prices due to declining international oil prices. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had previously announced cuts, but earlier wartime-related price hikes faced public backlash.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the formation of a committee to address a proposed constitutional amendment for stronger local governments and to resolve Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan’s (MQM-P) concerns over missing workers. MQM-P expressed optimism, citing rare progress on these issues and a potential political consensus on local governance.

The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) killed five suspected militants during an intelligence-based operation in Attock's Mankor area. A cache of weapons and explosives was recovered, and the militants were allegedly linked to planned terrorist attacks in Punjab. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the operation targeting Fitna al Khawarij, a term for Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan.

The 2026-27 federal budget presentation was disrupted by protests from PPP and PTI in the National Assembly and government workers outside Parliament. PPP criticized PML-N's 'unreasonable attitude' and protested a reduction in Sindh's water share, while PTI members disrupted the session with slogans and torn budget documents. The budget session faced delays and tensions, including scuffles between PTI and PML-N lawmakers.

President Asif Ali Zardari approved the repeal of the 2016 bill to privatize Pakistan International Airlines, fulfilling legal requirements. A consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation Limited secured 75% shares of PIA in December 2025 with a Rs135 billion bid and aims to acquire the remaining 25% government stake.

A Pakistani army MI-17 helicopter crashed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir due to a technical fault, killing all military personnel on board. The crash occurred near Muzaffarabad during a protest by the Joint Awami Action Committee, though no link was suggested. Rescue teams responded, and a board of inquiry was ordered to investigate the cause.

Security forces in Pakistan killed six terrorists linked to the Indian proxy group Fitna al Hindustan during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan's Panjgur district. The operation, conducted by the military's ISPR, resulted in the recovery of weapons, ammunition, and explosives, with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commending the security forces for the success.

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham supports the U.S. blockade against Iran, stating it could become global soon to curb Iran's state-sponsored terrorism. Trump extended a ceasefire but maintained the blockade, citing Iran's financial collapse and fractured government.

President Donald Trump claims Iran is 'starving for cash' and 'collapsing financially' due to a U.S.-enforced blockade, extending a ceasefire while demanding Iran submit a unified proposal. Iran's foreign minister condemns the blockade as an act of war, and Iranian forces reportedly fired on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

President Donald Trump claims Iran is 'starving for cash' and 'collapsing financially' due to U.S. blockades, asserting the country loses $500 million daily. Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi condemned the blockade as an 'act of war,' while Trump extended a ceasefire at the request of Pakistan's leaders. Iran reportedly fired upon three ships in the Strait of Hormuz.