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 19 of 71

The N-25 highway running through Surab in Balochistan, with dry hills in the background.

Pakistan / Politics & Governance

18 terrorists killed as VBIED explodes prematurely in Balochistan's Surab

Pakistan's military says a vehicle-borne bomb exploded while being prepared in Surab district, killing eight terrorists and three civilians, and ten more were killed later.

Portrait of President Asif Ali Zardari in a dark suit and tie.

Pakistan / Politics & Governance

Zardari approves high court judge appointments, ending impasse

President Asif Ali Zardari on 11 August 2026 approved additional judges for five high courts, ending weeks of delay that had drawn in the Islamabad High Court.

Mohammad Ishaq Dar in a dark suit speaking in 2024.

International — Region / International — Region

Iran downplays Makkah defence pact as Dar briefs Araghchi

Iran said on 11 August 2026 that the Pakistan-Saudi-Türkiye Makkah defence pact was not directed at Tehran, as Ishaq Dar briefed his Iranian counterpart.

A decorated goods truck driving on the N-5 highway near Thatta, Pakistan.

Pakistan / Business & Finance

Goods transporters' wheel-jam strike continues after talks fail

Talks between the government and the All Pakistan Goods Transport Ittehad ended without resolution on 11 August 2026, as the nationwide strike entered a fourth day.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb speaking in a televised interview.

Pakistan / Business & Finance

Pakistan cites 'considerable progress' on US reciprocal trade framework

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb told US Chargé d'Affaires Natalie Baker on 10 August 2026 that Pakistan made considerable progress on a reciprocal trade framework.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a dark suit during an official engagement.

Pakistan / Politics & Governance

PM calls Makkah defence pact defensive as cabinet clears housing policy

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told the federal cabinet on 10 August 2026 that the Makkah defence pact is purely defensive, as it approved the National Housing Policy 2026.

Karachi police officers standing beside a patrol vehicle.

Pakistan / Politics & Governance

Acid traces found in Mir Raza Ali case as police detentions reach 21

Sources said on 10 August that acid traces were found in Karachi businessman Mir Raza Ali's stomach and on his clothes, as police sealed a guesthouse and detentions reached 21.

An offshore oil and gas drilling platform standing in the water.

Pakistan / Business & Finance

Turkish Petroleum to begin offshore drilling in Pakistan

Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said on 9 August 2026 that Turkish Petroleum will soon start offshore drilling in Pakistani waters, opening the sector to foreign investment.

Pakistan and Netherlands hockey players contest the ball during a match.

Pakistan / Entertainment & Culture

Pakistan hockey team departs for FIH World Cup return

Pakistan's national hockey team left Lahore on 9 August 2026 for the FIH Men's World Cup in the Netherlands after an eight-year absence, drawn with India, England and Wales.

A large crowd of people gathered at a Jamaat-e-Islami protest in Islamabad.

Pakistan / Politics & Governance

Jamaat-e-Islami announces nationwide sit-ins from August 16

Jamaat-e-Islami said on 9 August 2026 it will launch nationwide sit-ins from 16 August over fuel levies and electricity prices.

Supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf gathered at a street protest carrying party flags.

Pakistan / Politics & Governance

PTI announces September 27 long march towards Islamabad

PTI will hold a long march towards Islamabad on 27 September 2026, a Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa minister said, after nationwide Black Day protests marking Imran Khan's third year in jail.

Cricketers in whites on the field during a Netherlands versus Pakistan match.

Pakistan / Entertainment & Culture

PCB clears 12 Pakistan players for CPL and county cricket

The Pakistan Cricket Board issued no-objection certificates to 12 players on 8 August 2026, clearing Noman Ali for Lancashire and 11 others for the Caribbean Premier League.