A new International Monetary Fund (IMF) assessment identifies entrenched corruption and elite-driven 'state capture' as the root causes of Pakistan’s ongoing economic crisis. The report highlights how political and business elites manipulate state policies to serve their interests, undermining governance, accountability, and the rule of law. It warns that without dismantling elite privileges, Pakistan’s economic stagnation will persist. The IMF estimates that comprehensive governance reforms could boost Pakistan’s GDP by up to 6.5%, compared to its 2024 level of $340 billion. The report also criticizes weak institutions, judicial inefficiency, and misuse of the National Accountability Bureau for political purposes. Experts from Oxford University and local think tanks agree that corruption and poor governance are deeply intertwined, requiring political will and structural reforms. They call for unified economic planning, procurement modernization, and transparency to rebuild public trust and stabilize the economy.

At least three police officers were killed and two others injured when militants attacked a police checkpoint in Hangu district of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province late on Tuesday night. The assault occurred at the Qazi Talab checkpoint on Shahu Road, where heavy gunfire was exchanged between the attackers and police forces. District Police Officer Khan Zeb Khan said the officers fought bravely against the militants until reinforcements arrived to support them. The deceased officers were identified as LHC Wahid Shah and Constable Abdul Samad, while the third victim’s identity remains unknown. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Soail Afridi condemned the attack, calling it a cowardly attempt to disrupt peace and demoralize security forces. He vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice and assured government support for the families of the slain and injured officers.

Pakistani prison authorities have denied widespread rumors about the death of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, confirming that he remains alive and in good health at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. The clarification came after social media posts claimed Khan had died in custody, sparking panic among his supporters and prompting thousands of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members to gather outside the prison. Authorities stated that Khan has not been transferred elsewhere and is receiving appropriate medical care. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif also asserted that Khan is being given top-class facilities, including a double bed, television, exercise equipment, and high-quality meals. Imran Khan, who lost power in 2022 following a no-confidence vote, has been imprisoned since August 2023 on multiple charges, including corruption and leaking state secrets. The government’s statement aims to quell unrest amid growing speculation and public tension.

Rumors about the death of imprisoned former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan have spread widely, prompting protests and allegations of police brutality. Khan’s three sisters—Noreen, Aleema, and Uzma Khan—claimed they were violently assaulted by police outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail while seeking permission to meet their brother. They alleged that police attacked them and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters without provocation, even turning off streetlights before launching the assault. PTI condemned the incident, demanding an impartial investigation into what it described as a ‘brutal and planned’ attack. Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 and has reportedly been denied contact with his family and lawyers for over a month. His supporters suspect foul play, as social media rumors claim he may have been killed in custody. PTI leaders and lawyers say Khan is being held in solitary confinement under harsh conditions, with even senior officials barred from visiting him.

Pakistan has successfully conducted a test of an indigenously developed anti-ship ballistic missile capable of striking targets on both land and sea with high precision. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the missile features state-of-the-art guidance and advanced maneuvering capabilities, enhancing its ability to evade enemy radar. The test, observed by Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf along with senior scientists and engineers, marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s defense technology development. The ISPR described the launch as evidence of Pakistan Navy’s technological competence and its steadfast commitment to safeguarding national interests. This test follows another successful trial two months earlier of the domestically produced Fatah-IV cruise missile, which has a range of 700 kilometers. Analysts suggest the new missile will significantly boost Pakistan’s naval strike capability and deterrence posture in the region.

In Pakistan, a 27-year-old woman named Kiran has been reunited with her parents after being missing for 17 years. She disappeared from her home in Islamabad at the age of 10 while going out to buy ice cream. Authorities from the Punjab Safe City project confirmed her identity using data that matched her personal details. Kiran had been living under the care of the Edhi Foundation in Karachi since being taken there by the late Bilquis Edhi. During her stay, she received both religious and general education. The Edhi Foundation said that several attempts had been made over the years to locate her family, but only recent technological assistance led to success. The emotional reunion in Karachi drew widespread attention and praise for the Edhi Foundation’s dedication. Kiran described meeting her parents again as the most important day of her life, while her father expressed deep gratitude to the foundation for caring for his daughter for nearly two decades.

Pakistan’s Trading Corporation (TCP) has issued a tender to purchase 100,000 tons of locally produced long-grain white rice (IRRI-6) for export to Bangladesh, marking a notable step in strengthening bilateral trade ties. The tender, published on November 20, sets November 28 as the submission deadline and requires bids to remain valid for 21 working days. The rice must be from the latest harvest, free from contamination, and ready for shipment within 45 days of contract signing. This move follows the resumption of direct trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh earlier in 2024, which began with a 50,000-ton rice deal. Analysts view the tender as an effort to integrate Pakistani rice into Bangladesh’s import supply chain amid Dhaka’s ongoing efforts to stabilize domestic prices through continuous import tenders. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s rice exports have declined by 28% in early fiscal 2026 due to policy and legal challenges, though opportunities have emerged in the U.S. market following tariffs on Indian basmati rice.

At least six people were killed when gunmen attacked the headquarters of Pakistan’s paramilitary force in Peshawar, according to police reports. The incident occurred on Monday at the Federal Constabulary (FC) headquarters, where three militants and three FC personnel lost their lives. Senior police officials confirmed that security forces swiftly surrounded the area and launched a counter-operation after hearing two explosions during the assault. The attack highlights the resurgence of militant violence in Pakistan’s northwestern regions, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Since the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022, attacks targeting security and law enforcement personnel have sharply increased, raising concerns over the country’s internal security situation.

Pakistan defeated Bangladesh in a thrilling final of the Emerging Asia Cup, winning their third title after a dramatic Super Over. Chasing 126, Bangladesh collapsed to 96 for 9 before tailenders Abdul Gaffar Saklain and Ripon Mondol staged a stunning fightback, hitting crucial sixes to tie the match. Bangladesh needed two runs off the last ball but managed only one, forcing the game into a Super Over. Pakistan easily chased down the seven-run target in the Super Over to secure victory. Earlier, Pakistan posted 126 all out, with Saad Masood scoring 38 and Arafat Minhas 25. Ripon took three wickets for Bangladesh, while Rakibul Hasan claimed two. Despite Bangladesh’s bowlers performing well, their batting faltered again in a final, marking their third consecutive defeat in the tournament’s title match. Pakistan, meanwhile, became the first team to win the Emerging Asia Cup three times, having previously triumphed in 2019 and 2023.

Pakistan continued their impressive form in the ongoing tri-nation T20 series by defeating Zimbabwe convincingly in Rawalpindi to book their place in the final. Batting first after winning the toss, Pakistan posted 195 for 5, thanks to half-centuries from captain Babar Azam (74 off 52) and Sahibzada Farhan (63 off 41). In reply, Zimbabwe struggled against Pakistan’s spin attack, collapsing for just 126 in 19 overs. Usman Tariq starred with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 18 runs in his four overs. Ryan Burl top-scored for Zimbabwe with 67 off 49 balls, but lacked support from the other end. With this victory, Pakistan have won all three of their matches, securing 6 points and a spot in the final. Zimbabwe remain second with 2 points, while Sri Lanka, yet to win a game, must win their next two matches to stay in contention for the final.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has attributed the country’s current security crisis to past policy missteps, particularly its overly close relationship with the Afghan Taliban. Speaking on Samaa TV, Asif criticized former policymakers who believed in strategic alignment with the Taliban, calling it a grave mistake that has now backfired. He said Pakistan is once again facing intensified proxy conflicts and warned that the risk of war with India remains real. Asif also noted that the presence of Taliban leadership in Pakistan in the past should be a matter of national regret and introspection. He accused India of attempting to destabilize Pakistan through Afghanistan. Despite these challenges, Asif emphasized that Pakistan’s military now enjoys unprecedented unity and coordination with civilian authorities, which he believes will help the country confront its current security threats.

Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has directed Chinese companies operating in the country to install artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled monitoring cameras in their manufacturing facilities. The move aims to address widespread tax evasion, particularly in the ceramic tile sector, where underreporting of production has allegedly caused an annual revenue loss of around 30 billion rupees. FBR Chairman Rashid Langrial issued the directive during a Senate Standing Committee on Finance meeting, warning that companies refusing to comply would face shutdowns. Chinese firms have expressed concerns that surveillance could compromise business confidentiality, but authorities have reduced the required number of cameras per factory from 16 to 5 to accommodate investors. The government plans to expand the AI monitoring system to 18 high-risk sectors to ensure transparency and improve tax compliance across industries.

Turkey is taking a diplomatic initiative to ease escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban government by sending a high-level delegation to Islamabad next week. Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Irfan Neziroglu confirmed the visit, which will include key ministers and intelligence officials, such as Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar. The mission aims to promote dialogue and prevent Afghan territory from being used for terrorist attacks against Pakistan. The move follows earlier Istanbul meetings between Pakistan and Afghanistan that ended without agreement due to Kabul’s reluctance to act against militant groups. Tensions have surged since October 12, when Taliban and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters attacked Pakistani forces, prompting retaliatory strikes that killed over 200 militants. Despite temporary ceasefire talks in Doha and Istanbul, progress remains limited. Turkey’s mediation seeks to restore trust and ensure regional stability through peaceful means.

Recent developments suggest that the United States is discreetly facilitating closer engagement between Pakistan and Israel as part of a broader Middle East realignment. According to journalist Imran Khurshid’s analysis in Asia Times, Washington is nudging Islamabad toward recognizing Israel, aligning with its strategy to expand the Abraham Accords 2.0. In late 2025, several symbolic meetings between Pakistani officials and Israeli-linked figures, including a public encounter in London and a reported private meeting in New York, reflected this emerging dynamic. Despite Pakistan’s domestic sensitivities, the absence of official denials hints at ongoing backchannel diplomacy. The October Sharm el-Sheikh conference further underscored US influence in coordinating Muslim-majority nations toward a pro-Washington stance amid the Gaza conflict. Meanwhile, global public opinion has turned sharply against Israel’s actions in Gaza, with several European countries moving toward recognizing Palestine. The evolving scenario highlights a complex interplay of strategic, political, and humanitarian considerations shaping regional diplomacy.

At the Dubai Airshow 2025, an Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed on Friday, while Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder emerged as a major attraction, earning global praise and renewed export interest. Pakistan announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with a friendly nation for the sale of JF-17 aircraft, though details of the deal remain undisclosed. Officials confirmed that several other countries have shown strong interest in purchasing the aircraft, reflecting growing confidence in Pakistan’s aerospace industry. The JF-17 Block-3 variant, featuring advanced avionics, enhanced radar, and electronic warfare systems, was showcased prominently. Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu held high-level meetings with UAE defense leaders to discuss training, aerospace cooperation, and joint operations. The UAE military leadership commended Pakistan’s professionalism and innovation, agreeing to strengthen long-term strategic collaboration. The JF-17, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, continues to bolster Pakistan’s defense export potential and international reputation.