10 topics that dominated headlines in 2025

Throughout 2025, Pakistan faced intense economic pressures, political uncertainty, security concerns, and climate challenges, all of which unfolded simultaneously.

As the year comes to an end, we take a trip down memory lane. Here are the top 10 topics that took over our news feeds.

1. Pakistan–India air confrontation

Relations with India came to a head following an aerial confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in May.

The crisis was triggered by escalating tensions following a deadly militant attack in Kashmir and quickly escalated into large-scale air engagements, with both sides launching air strikes and counter-strikes, employing drones, missiles, and fighter aircraft in actions that disrupted commercial aviation and closed airspace for days.

2. Gold

Gold dominated Pakistan’s asset landscape in 2025, as both domestic and international prices posted sharp gains over the year.

In Pakistan, gold delivered an exceptional 73% return in PKR terms, Topline Securities revealed in its report, with prices rising from Rs233,711 per 10 grams at the start of the year to Rs405,402 per 10 grams by late December.

3. The 27th Constitutional Amendment

In November 2025, Pakistan passed the 27th Amendment to its Constitution, which brought major changes to the country’s judicial and military structure.

Under this law, a new Federal Constitutional Court was created to handle constitutional cases, shifting such powers away from the Supreme Court.

The amendment also reorganized the military leadership system by establishing the post of Chief of Defence Forces, formally combining command of the army, navy, and air force, and granting the army chief lifetime legal immunity and enhanced status.

These changes sparked significant political debate and criticism, with opponents warning that they weaken judicial independence, and change the balance between civilian institutions and the military.

4. Persistent security challenges

In 2025, Pakistan continued to face serious security threats from militant groups and cross-border violence, especially along its western borders with Afghanistan.

These attacks included suicide bombings and armed assaults that resulted in the deaths of several security personnel and civilians.

The ongoing threat from groups such as the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other insurgents operating across borders, along with frequent ambushes on police and military units, underscored the persistent challenge to Pakistan’s security and highlighted the need for continued military vigilance.

5. Climate crisis and humanitarian concerns

Pakistan faced some of the most severe impacts of the climate crisis, with extreme weather events causing widespread humanitarian distress. Prolonged and intensified monsoon rains triggered devastating floods that affected millions, displaced over 2 million people, and destroyed homes, infrastructure, and agricultural lands.

6. PIA’s privatization

PIA which has faced problems such as heavy debt, poor management, and declining service quality was at last privatized this year.

In December, Arif Habib consortium bought a 75% stake in the national carrier. Pakistan government will get Rs10.12 billion in cash out of Rs135 billion. The rest of the amount will be invested in PIA.

7. Pakistan Stock Exchange

Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) was expected to remain the best-performing asset class in 2026, supported by improving macroeconomic stability, easing inflationary pressures, and sustained domestic liquidity, according to Arif Habib Limited’s Pakistan Investment Strategy 2026: The Equity Edge Continues.

The report highlighted a supportive macro backdrop, marked by declining inflation, a stable currency, improving foreign exchange reserves, and a manageable current account deficit.

8. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia sign historic deal

In September, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday signed a landmark “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement”, that will help strengthen Pakistan’s geopolitical position.

Under the pact, any aggression against either Pakistan or Saudi Arabia will be treated as an aggression against both states, thereby enhancing joint deterrence capabilities.

The two leaders reaffirmed their resolve to bolster strategic ties in line with mutual interests and Islamic solidarity.

9. Trump mentions Pakistan frequently

In 2025, Pakistan become the centre of global as well as US President Donald Trump’s attention following the dogfight with India.

Trump frequently spoke about Pakistan, claiming credit for helping to prevent a full‑scale war between India and Pakistan during their May conflict.

Trump also praised Pakistan’s leadership, including its army chief, for their role in reducing tensions, and described Pakistanis as “brilliant people” with strong potential for increased trade with the United States.

10. Arms deal with Libya

Pakistan reached a deal worth over $4 billion to sell military equipment to the Libyan National Army.

As per Reuters, the deal, one of Pakistan’s largest-ever weapons sales, was finalised after a meeting between Pakistan military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Saddam Khalifa Haftar, deputy commander-in-chief of the LNA, in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi, said the four officials.

Overall, 2025 was a year of both challenges and strategic developments for Pakistan.

From heightened security tensions with India and persistent climate disasters, to economic reforms and strengthened international alliances, the country faced pressures on multiple fronts.

Yet, these events also highlighted Pakistan’s resilience and its efforts to navigate complex regional and global dynamics