Border & counterterrorism

Pakistan–Afghanistan Border Conflict

Follow Pakistan’s operations along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, including airstrikes in Kunar, Helmand and Paktika, ground firing exchanges, and the diplomatic track with Kabul.

The reporting trail

Page 16 of 71

Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif seated in a dark suit at a conference table.

Pakistan / Politics & Governance

Pakistan ministry says Khawaja Asif video is fake and AI-voiced

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said a viral clip in which Defence Minister Khawaja Asif appeared to criticise Pakistan and compare it with India was fabricated.

A wooden judge's gavel resting on a round sound block.

Pakistan / Politics & Governance

Hina Javed post-mortem reveals injuries as probe widens

A post-mortem on Hina Javed, found dead in a Rawalpindi apartment, found a fractured neck bone and other injuries, as the first lady demanded a thorough inquiry.

Aerial view of floodwaters covering fields and a settlement in Pakistan.

Pakistan / Politics & Governance

PM Shehbaz orders financial aid for families hit by monsoon floods

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed compensation for flood victims and faster restoration of roads and power, as 615 tonnes of relief supplies were dispatched.

Field Marshal Asim Munir in a dark military uniform and cap with rank insignia.

Pakistan / International — Region

Pakistan's CDF Munir to visit Tehran as US-Iran mediation continues

Iran's foreign ministry said Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, will lead a delegation to Tehran on Monday to support regional peace efforts.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan building in Islamabad, a white structure with a large central dome and columns, seen under a clear sky.

Pakistan / Politics & Governance

PTI files contempt petition in Supreme Court over Imran Khan hospital move

PTI filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court on 22 August 2026, accusing the government of defying an order to shift jailed Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital.

The Parliament House of Pakistan in Islamabad, a large modern building with a sloping roof, seen from an open paved area with flagpoles.

Pakistan / Politics & Governance

Opposition parties agree to form joint opposition in Pakistan's Parliament

Pakistani opposition parties agreed in Islamabad on the night of 21 August 2026 to form a joint opposition in Parliament and reaffirmed a planned 27 September long march.

The Indus river flowing wide and green through a rocky valley in northern Pakistan, with forested hills rising on both banks.

International — Region / International — Region

Ahsan Iqbal warns India could turn water into a weapon under Indus treaty

Pakistan's minister Ahsan Iqbal said India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty has created the first modern case of water being weaponised, with dams acting as a buffer.

A rain-soaked street in Lahore under an overcast sky, with water on the ground and low buildings along the roadside.

Pakistan / Politics & Governance

Punjab and KP warn of new rain spell and flash-flood risk

Disaster agencies in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa warned of heavy rain and thunderstorms from 21 August, flagging urban-flooding and landslide risks over the weekend.

Soldiers of the Pakistan armed forces marching in formation during a ceremonial parade, with a large national flag behind them.

Pakistan / Politics & Governance

Pakistan says 49 militants killed in KP and Balochistan operations

The military said security forces killed 49 suspected militants in intelligence-based operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan over several days.

A multi-storey hospital building in Islamabad carrying Shifa International signage, seen from a road lined with trees and parked cars.

Pakistan / Politics & Governance

Imran Khan examined at PIMS, not Shifa, then returned to jail

The government said jailed former prime minister Imran Khan was examined at PIMS instead of the Shifa hospital named in a Supreme Court order, then sent back to Adiala jail.

The Parliament House in Islamabad, a large modern building with a domed roof, seen under a pale sky.

Pakistan / Politics & Governance

Parliament passes Defence Forces Act 2026 as opposition walks out

Pakistan's National Assembly and Senate approved the Defence Forces Act 2026 and National Command Authority changes on 20 August after opposition lawmakers boycotted the vote.

Supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan carrying party flags at a protest rally in Islamabad.

Pakistan / Politics & Governance

JI threatens nationwide wheel-jam strike over petroleum levy

Jamaat-i-Islami warned on 20 August 2026 that it would expand its sit-ins into a nationwide wheel-jam and shutter-down strike unless the government abolishes the petroleum levy.