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 17 of 71

A wide view of Islamabad's Constitution Avenue and its government district seen from the surrounding hills.

Pakistan / Politics & Governance

IHC gives government one day over detained Chinese nationals

The Islamabad High Court gave the interior ministry and FIA one day to answer a petition over the alleged illegal detention of three Chinese nationals after an 11 August raid.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani speaking at a podium during a European Commission event in Brussels.

International — Region / International — Region

Pakistan condemns Israeli strike on Syria as FM visits Islamabad

Pakistan condemned an Israeli strike on Syria's Abu al-Duhur airbase on 19 August 2026 as Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani began a two-day visit to Islamabad.

A Pakistan State Oil petrol and CNG station with pumps and a canopy beside a road in Hyderabad, Sindh.

Pakistan / Business & Finance

Pakistan cuts diesel by Rs32.63, raises petrol for August 20

The federal government cut high-speed diesel by Rs32.63 a litre and raised petrol by Rs2.97 for August 20 after talks with local refineries on 19 August 2026.

A map of the Kashmir region, with place labels in Kashmiri, showing the territory disputed between Pakistan and India.

Pakistan / Politics & Governance

Pakistan summons US envoy over Kashmir 'part of India' remark

Pakistan summoned the US charge d'affaires on 19 August 2026 and lodged a strong demarche over Ambassador Sergio Gor calling Jammu and Kashmir part of India.

Imran Khan, wearing a dark suit and light shirt, speaking during a conversation event in Washington in July 2019.

Pakistan / Politics & Governance

Supreme Court orders Imran Khan moved to Shifa hospital

Pakistan's Supreme Court on 18 August 2026 ordered jailed former prime minister Imran Khan shifted from Adiala jail to Shifa International Hospital within two days for treatment.

A large crowd of Jamaat-e-Islami supporters, many holding party and national flags, gathered at a roadside protest in Pakistan.

Pakistan / Politics & Governance

Jamaat-e-Islami threatens nationwide shutdown over fuel levy

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman warned on 18 August 2026 of a countrywide shutdown and a march on Islamabad unless the petroleum levy is withdrawn.

Pakistan / Politics & Governance

ISPR warns India against any future military misadventure

Pakistan's military media wing said on 18 August 2026 that any future Indian misadventure would meet a firm, decisive response, and rejected India's Operation Sindoor documentary.

MQM-P chairman Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui speaking into a cluster of microphones at a media appearance, wearing a dark jacket over a light shirt.

Pakistan / Politics & Governance

MQM-P opens national dialogue push for new provinces

MQM-P announced a national dialogue on creating new provinces and administrative units on 17 August 2026, while Sindh's information minister rejected any division of the province.

An overhead view of rescue workers in hi-vis vests and residents standing in muddy floodwater beside a rescue boat, with children and water containers nearby.

Pakistan / Politics & Governance

Heavy rain floods Islamabad and Rawalpindi as M-2 pile-up kills one

Monsoon rain inundated Islamabad and Rawalpindi on 17 August 2026, while a seven-vehicle pile-up on the M-2 motorway killed one person and injured 35.

The white, tiered facade of the Supreme Court of Pakistan building in Islamabad, with its sign, lawns and trees in front under a clear blue sky.

Pakistan / Business & Finance

Court rules firms may offset super tax with tax credits

Pakistan's Federal Constitutional Court ruled on 17 August 2026 that companies may adjust tax credits under Section 168 against super tax, setting aside a high court order.

A side-by-side portrait of President Asif Ali Zardari, left, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, right.

Pakistan / Politics & Governance

Pakistan says 17 militants killed in Balochistan operations

Security forces killed 17 militants in two counterterror operations in Balochistan's Khuzdar and Kharan districts, state media reported on 16 August 2026.

A large crowd of men seated and standing at an outdoor political gathering on a city street at dusk, with green flags and a stage.

Pakistan / Politics & Governance

Jamaat-e-Islami begins sit-ins outside governors' houses over fuel

Jamaat-e-Islami launched sit-ins outside governors' houses in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta on 16 August 2026 against the petroleum levy and inflation.