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 & GovernanceIHC fines NAB Rs100,000 over delays in Imran Khan's £190m case
The Islamabad High Court fined NAB Rs100,000 for delaying tactics in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case as it heard Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi's sentence-suspension pleas.
Pakistan / Business & FinanceSBP holds policy rate at 10.5pc as Middle East war clouds FY26 outlook
Pakistan's central bank held its policy rate at 10.5 per cent as the Middle East war raised oil prices and inflation risks, pausing its two-year easing cycle.
Pakistan / Business & FinanceFour fuel-laden ships reach Pakistan as war disrupts Gulf oil shipping
Four tankers carrying petrol and diesel reached Pakistan and more were due to berth, easing shortage fears as the Strait of Hormuz crisis disrupted oil imports in March 2026.
Pakistan / Technology & TelecomPakistan auctions 5G spectrum for $507m, ending two-decade wait for next-gen mobile
On 10 March 2026 the PTA sold 480 MHz of 5G spectrum for $507m to Jazz, Zong and Ufone, completing Pakistan's first next-generation mobile auction and doubling available spectrum.
Pakistan / Business & FinancePM Shehbaz unveils austerity plan as oil shock hits Pakistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a 14-point austerity and energy-conservation plan on 9 March 2026, cutting government fuel use and moving offices to a four-day week.
Pakistan / Business & FinancePakistan asks Saudi Arabia to expand oil facility and roll over $5bn
Pakistan has asked Saudi Arabia to raise its deferred-payment oil facility to $5bn and convert a $5bn State Bank deposit into a 10-year facility, Geo News reported.
Pakistan / Politics & GovernancePakistan Navy launches Operation Muhafizul Bahr to guard sea trade
The Pakistan Navy began Operation Muhafizul Bahr on 9 March 2026 to protect shipping and energy lanes as the Middle East war disrupts the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan / Politics & GovernancePolice detain 44 Aurat March activists in Islamabad on Women's Day
Islamabad police detained 44 Aurat March participants, including activist Farzana Bari, on International Women's Day under Section 144, prompting condemnation from rights groups.
International — Region / International — RegionPakistan, Saudi Arabia weigh joint response to Iran strikes under defence pact
Field Marshal Asim Munir and Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman discussed measures to halt Iranian attacks on the Kingdom under their mutual defence agreement.
Pakistan / Business & FinanceOil tops $100 a barrel as Iran war enters day 9, deepening Pakistan's energy crisis
Crude surged past $100 a barrel on 8 March 2026 as Israeli strikes hit Tehran oil depots, deepening the LNG and fuel squeeze Pakistan is already feeling from the Middle East war.
Pakistan / Politics & GovernanceUS and UK issue travel warnings for Pakistan as Iran conflict widens
The US ordered consulate staff to leave Lahore and Karachi and Britain warned against travel to parts of KP and Balochistan after protests and border clashes.
Pakistan / Business & FinancePetrol rationing and dry pumps spread across Pakistan as panic buying follows Rs55 rise
Filling stations in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other cities ran dry or limited sales to 8–10 litres a vehicle after drivers rushed to buy fuel before the Rs55 increase took effect.