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 / Politics & GovernancePakistan notifies Eidul Fitr holidays for March 20-21 as moon forecast points to Saturday
The federal government declared March 20 and 21 as public holidays for Eidul Fitr, while Suparco forecast the Shawwal moon would likely be sighted on March 21.
Pakistan / Business & FinancePM Shehbaz approves 5-30% salary cuts for state-owned enterprise staff
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved 5% to 30% salary cuts for state-owned enterprise employees as Pakistan's austerity drive responds to the war-driven fuel crisis.
Pakistan / Politics & GovernancePakistanis held in Bahrain over war videos face uncertain legal path
Five Pakistani nationals detained in Bahrain since March 10 for filming and sharing videos of Iranian strikes face prosecution with no prisoner transfer pact to allow repatriation.
Pakistan / Politics & GovernancePakistan strikes Kandahar after Taliban drone attacks cross 'red line'
Pakistan's military struck targets in Kandahar and other Afghan provinces after President Zardari said Taliban drone attacks on Pakistani cities crossed a red line.
Pakistan / Business & FinancePakistan freezes fuel prices and bans petroleum exports as oil surges
Petrol and diesel prices stayed unchanged on 13 March 2026 as Islamabad banned petroleum exports and readied a Rs389 billion emergency fund to absorb higher global oil costs.
Pakistan / Politics & GovernancePakistan replaces Sindh governor: Nehal Hashmi sworn in to replace Kamran Tessori
On 13 March 2026 President Zardari approved PML-N's Nehal Hashmi as Sindh's governor, replacing Kamran Tessori weeks after the Sindh Bar Council demanded his removal.
Pakistan / Politics & GovernanceSeven police personnel martyred in IED attack in Lakki Marwat
A roadside IED destroyed a Shadikhel police vehicle in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Lakki Marwat district on 13 March 2026, killing seven officers including the station house officer.
Pakistan / International — RegionPM Shehbaz Sharif flies to Saudi Arabia to press Pakistan's Iran-war diplomacy
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif flew to Saudi Arabia on 12 March 2026 for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as Pakistan cast itself as a 'bridge builder' in the Iran war.
Pakistan / Business & FinanceIMF, Pakistan talks on $7bn facility continue after staff-level agreement slips
The IMF’s 11 March end-of-mission statement said its team could not reach a staff-level agreement on Pakistan’s third EFF review despite progress, with talks to resume.
Pakistan / Politics & GovernanceIHC orders new medical board on Imran Khan's plea to move to Shifa Hospital
The Islamabad High Court ordered a fresh medical board on 12 March 2026 to decide whether jailed former prime minister Imran Khan needs transfer to Shifa International Hospital.
Pakistan / Politics & GovernancePakistan congratulates Iran's new supreme leader as PM urges de-escalation
Pakistan congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on becoming Iran's supreme leader, as PM Shehbaz Sharif and Ishaq Dar called regional leaders to press for de-escalation.
Pakistan / Business & FinancePakistan fuel depots run dry as minister rules out further price rises
Tanker drivers queued for days at depots near Lahore as Pakistan State Oil said its stocks covered more than 20 days and the minister ruled out a further price rise.