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
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Pakistan / Business & FinanceSBP receives final $1bn tranche of Saudi Arabia's $3bn deposit
The State Bank of Pakistan said on 21 April 2026 it had received the final $1 billion tranche of Saudi Arabia's $3 billion deposit, completing the package.
Pakistan / Politics & GovernanceQatar nears strategic defence pact with Pakistan after Doha strikes
Defence Security Asia reports Qatar is moving toward a strategic defence agreement with Pakistan, modelled on Riyadh's September 2025 mutual-defence pact.
Pakistan / Technology & TelecomDRAP asks PTA to block websites selling unregistered medicines
Documents show Pakistan's drug regulator asked the telecoms authority to block websites and social media accounts selling unregistered and smuggled medicines.
Pakistan / Politics & GovernanceSaudi funding pullout puts Pakistan's $1.5bn Sudan arms deal on hold
Pakistan has suspended a $1.5 billion agreement to supply aircraft and weapons to Sudan after Saudi Arabia withdrew its financing and signalled the deal should end.
Pakistan / Business & FinancePakistan warns Middle East war will slow growth this year and next
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said the Middle East war, higher oil prices, inflation and cuts in development spending will slow Pakistan's growth this year and next.
Pakistan / Technology & TelecomPakistan freelancers' IT earnings rise 50% to $856m in nine months
State Bank data show Pakistani freelancers in computer and IT services earned $856 million in the first nine months of FY26, up from $567 million a year earlier.
Pakistan / Entertainment & CulturePSL 11: Multan Sultans beat Karachi Kings by 11 runs
Multan Sultans defended 207 for seven to beat Karachi Kings by 11 runs in their PSL 11 match at the National Stadium in Karachi on 19 April 2026.
Pakistan / Politics & GovernanceIslamabad seals Red Zone and halts transport ahead of US-Iran talks
Pakistan closed Islamabad's Red Zone and suspended public and goods transport in the twin cities on 19 April 2026 as it prepared for a second round of US-Iran talks.
Pakistan / International — RegionHajj flights begin from Pakistan as first pilgrims leave Karachi
Hajj flight operations began in Pakistan on 18 April 2026 when 160 pilgrims departed from Karachi, with PIA due to start its own flights the next day.
Pakistan / Politics & GovernanceTremors shake north and central Pakistan, no casualties reported
Earthquake tremors were felt across northern and central Pakistan on 18 April 2026, including Murree, Chiniot, Sargodha and districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Pakistan / Business & FinancePakistan cuts diesel by Rs32.12 a litre, holds petrol price
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif cut high-speed diesel by Rs32.12 a litre for the week ending 24 April 2026 while keeping petrol unchanged at Rs366.58 a litre.
Pakistan / Business & FinancePakistan, Saudi Arabia sign agreement to extend $3bn SBP deposit
Pakistan and the Saudi Fund for Development on 17 April 2026 signed an agreement extending a $3bn deposit at the State Bank; SBP Governor Jameel Ahmed signed for Pakistan.