Commentator urges Pakistan not to be distracted from internal crisis by diplomacy — Dawn
In Pakistan, the authorities’ diplomatic efforts to end the war between the United States and Iran must not divert attention from the deteriorating security, political and economic situation within the country. Journalist Zahid Hussain expressed this view in a column for Dawn.
The author noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was travelling to New York for a session of the UN General Assembly with a stop in London, while the interior minister visited Tehran as part of Pakistan’s mediation efforts. At the same time, Islamabad was blocked off with containers ahead of protests by the PTI party, and dozens of its activists were detained in Punjab.
Tensions in the capital and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
According to Hussain, the political confrontation between the federal authorities and the administration of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is weakening efforts against armed groups. The interior minister warned the opposition about a “final solution.” The author believes that this statement may precede further pressure on opposition forces, including the possible imposition of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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Last week, an attack on a police complex in Kohat claimed at least 31 lives, including law enforcement officers. The following day, six servicemen, including two officers, were killed in clashes with militants in the same region. According to the Global Terrorism Index 2026, which covers 2025, Pakistan ranked first among countries affected by terrorism.
Situation in Balochistan
The author also drew attention to the worsening security situation in Balochistan, where, according to him, state control is effectively absent in many areas and the number of attacks has increased. Hussain criticizes the predominant use of force and believes that, in order to reduce the population’s sense of alienation, the authorities must restore the democratic and economic rights of the province’s residents.
In the author’s view, regional instability could directly affect Balochistan because of its location near the conflict zone and its long coastline. He stressed that an independent foreign policy requires political stability and economic capacity within the country.
