Pakistan’s Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry, stated that the country will not compromise on national security. He made the remarks following Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan, emphasizing that the operations targeted militants responsible for attacks inside Pakistan.

Chaudhry said Pakistan has always preferred dialogue and peaceful coexistence but must act when Afghan soil is used for attacks. He urged the Taliban government to take concrete steps to prevent cross-border militancy, stressing that lasting peace in the region depends on the complete elimination of militant sanctuaries.

He further claimed that 21 terrorist groups are operating from Afghan territory, posing a serious threat to regional stability. The statement followed reports that Pakistan’s recent military action successfully neutralized militants involved in assaults on its soil.

Five suspected militants were killed in a counterterrorism operation in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, according to an official statement released on Monday. The operation took place in Pishin district based on intelligence information, where a suspected suicide bomber and four associates were killed near the old Surkhab refugee camp. The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) spokesperson said that intense gunfire erupted during the raid on the militants’ hideout.

The statement added that the group had planned attacks on the police lines and Cadet College Pishin. Security forces are continuing their investigation into the incident. The CTD also reported that, in separate operations last week in Quetta and Barkhan districts, a total of 14 suspected militants were killed.

Authorities have not released further details about the identities of those killed or the specific militant group involved, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Pakistan’s military claimed that more than 80 militants were killed and several others injured in overnight airstrikes across Afghanistan’s border regions. The strikes, conducted early Sunday, targeted militant bases in Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost provinces, according to a military source quoted by AFP. Islamabad said the operation was carried out in response to recent suicide attacks inside Pakistan.

Security officials stated that the death toll could rise further as assessments continue. The strikes reportedly destroyed seven hideouts linked to the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and killed members of a group identified as ‘Fitna al-Khawarij.’ Among the destroyed sites were several centers in Nangarhar, Khost, and Paktika provinces. AFP noted that the exact number of casualties in Afghanistan could not be independently verified.

Authorities said the operation was based on credible intelligence about militant activity in the border areas and that a full damage assessment and intelligence review would be released later.

The Super Eights opener between Pakistan and New Zealand at the 2026 T20 World Cup was abandoned due to persistent rain in Colombo. The match, scheduled at R Premadasa Stadium, was called off without a ball being bowled after Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and chose to bat first on Saturday. Despite efforts by more than 60 ground staff to protect the playing surface, the umpires officially abandoned the Group 2 match at 9:05pm local time (15:35 GMT).

The rain began immediately after the toss, and with forecasts predicting continued showers, both teams were forced to leave the field. Even a shortened five-over contest was not possible before the 10:16pm (16:46 GMT) cut-off time. As a result, both Pakistan and New Zealand were awarded one point each in the standings.

The tournament continues on Sunday, with co-host India facing South Africa in Ahmedabad for the first Group 1 match, while co-host Sri Lanka meets England in Group 2 action at Pallekele.

Pakistan’s government has denied reports of any deal with imprisoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. Rana Sanaullah Khan, the prime minister’s political adviser, said on Geo News that no agreement had been made and none would be offered in the future. His remarks came after local media suggested a possible understanding between the government and Khan, which Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also dismissed.

Sanaullah stated that the government’s position toward the former ruling party remains clear: to work together for Pakistan’s stability. He invited PTI to engage in dialogue for strengthening the country. He confirmed that on November 24, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and other officials met PTI leaders, but the talks failed because Khan rejected the government’s conditions. Sanaullah criticized Khan’s stance as obstinate and said the terms proposed by PTI were unacceptable to the government.

He assured that Imran Khan is receiving the best possible medical care while in custody, emphasizing that the government remains committed to lawful and humane treatment of the former prime minister.

Four people were killed in a security operation conducted in Lakki Marwat district of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to a report published on Thursday, February 19, 2026, by Samaa TV. The operation was carried out based on intelligence information about the presence of an armed group in the area.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, stated that the operation took place during the night between February 18 and 19 after receiving credible information about militant activity. During intense gunfire, four members of a group known as “Fitna al-Khawarij” were killed. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site, and the deceased were alleged to have been involved in multiple violent incidents in the region.

Security forces have launched a sweeping search operation across the area to capture any remaining armed individuals. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to continuing counterterrorism operations to maintain peace and stability.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that Islamabad is prepared to launch new attacks in Afghanistan if Kabul fails to provide credible assurances of peace. Speaking to France 24 on Wednesday, Asif said that despite efforts by several allied countries to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan amid rising tensions, those attempts have not produced results. The warning follows an unprovoked terrorist attack from Afghan territory on a Pakistani border post in October last year, which led to subsequent clashes along the border.

Asif accused the Afghan Taliban of failing to act against terrorist groups despite multiple rounds of talks. He also alleged that India, Kabul, and militant organizations share a common stance and blamed New Delhi for waging a “proxy war” against Pakistan through militant attacks. Asif further stated that since the May 2025 war between India and Pakistan, there has been no direct or indirect contact between the two countries.

He dismissed the possibility of establishing diplomatic ties with Israel, saying such a move could only be considered if an independent homeland for Palestinians is ensured. Asif added that Pakistan is ready to contribute to Trump’s international peace force if conditions become favorable.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced the formation of the 'Imran Khan Release Force' to campaign for the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned since August 2023. The announcement was made by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister and close Khan ally Sohail Afridi during a press conference outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday. Afridi said Khan had tasked him with leading a street movement for his release.

Imran Khan was ousted from power through a parliamentary vote in 2022 and later faced multiple legal cases, resulting in his imprisonment. PTI maintains that the charges are politically motivated. Recently, concerns have grown over Khan’s health after a medical report submitted to the Supreme Court revealed that he retains only 15 percent vision in his right eye.

Following the report, PTI intensified its campaign for Khan’s release, while the government insists that the former prime minister is receiving the best possible medical care.

Pakistan has extended the closure of its airspace to Indian-registered aircraft for another month, according to a new notice issued by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). The restriction, which has been in place for nearly ten months, will now remain effective until March 23, 2026. During this period, all Indian military and civilian aircraft are prohibited from flying through Pakistani airspace.

The airspace ban was first imposed on April 23, 2025, following escalating tensions between the two countries after a deadly attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. In response to the incident, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, prompting Pakistan to retaliate by closing its airspace to Indian airlines.

Subsequent military confrontations in early May saw both nations launch strikes against each other, culminating in a ceasefire agreement on May 10 after 87 hours of conflict. The extension of the airspace closure underscores the continuing strain in India-Pakistan relations despite the earlier ceasefire.

At least ten people were killed and twelve others injured when part of a three‑storey residential building collapsed following a gas leak explosion in Karachi’s Soldier Bazaar No. 3 area on Wednesday night. The blast occurred on the building’s ground floor, causing a large section to cave in. Rescue teams immediately launched operations, pulling several victims—both alive and dead—from the debris using all available equipment.

Police said initial findings suggest the explosion may have been triggered by gas leaking from a cylinder or suction machine. Among the confirmed dead are ten‑year‑old Nazia and sixty‑year‑old Mohammad Riaz, while the body of one woman has been recovered and another victim’s identity is being verified. Several of the injured are children, including a fourteen‑year‑old girl in critical condition, all of whom were taken to hospital.

Officials fear at least two people remain trapped under the rubble. Narrow surrounding streets have slowed rescue efforts. Police have cordoned off the area, tightened security, and continued the rescue operation.

Two sisters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan have alleged a plot to kill him, accusing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government and Field Marshal Asim Munir of orchestrating it. Speaking to reporters on February 18, Uzma Khan and Aleema Khan claimed that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was also part of the conspiracy, which they described as a 'lethal plan.' Uzma said that during her recent visit to Adiala Jail, Imran told her that if anything happened to him, Asim Munir would be responsible.

Uzma further alleged that Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board, had threatened their family. She warned of severe retaliation if any harm came to Imran or their family. Aleema expressed concern about Imran’s deteriorating eyesight and said he was being denied access to his trusted medical team. Another sister, Naureen Khan, criticized Asim Munir for hypocrisy and accused the authorities of inhumane treatment of Imran.

The government rejected the sisters’ allegations and dismissed concerns about Imran’s health, stating that a two-member medical board regularly monitors him and has reported partial vision in his right eye and near-normal vision in his left.

Pakistan advanced to the Super Eight stage after a commanding 102-run victory over Namibia in their final Group A match on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Facing a must-win situation to stay in the tournament, the team led by Salman Ali Agha posted 199 for 3 in 20 overs, driven by opener Sahibzada Farhan’s unbeaten 100 off 58 balls. Contributions from Agha (38 off 23) and Shadab Khan (36 not out off 22) strengthened the innings, while Namibia’s Jack Brassell claimed two wickets.

Chasing a target of 200, Namibia were bowled out for 97 in 17.3 overs. Usman Tariq led Pakistan’s bowling attack with four wickets for 16 runs, and Shadab Khan added three for 19. Namibia’s top scorers were Laurens Steenkamp with 23 and Alexander Busing-Lovshenk with 20.

Before the match, India had already secured the top spot in the group, while the United States held second place on equal points. Pakistan’s superior net run rate after this win ensured their progression to the Super Eight stage.

A Pakistani national has been released after nearly 18 years in an Indian prison, according to a post by the Pakistan High Commission in India on social media platform X. The freed individual, identified as Muhammad Shahid Iqbal Bhatti from Kasur, has already returned to Pakistan. He was welcomed by Pakistani officials upon arrival at the Wagah-Attari border. Bhatti had entered India through Nepal in 2005 and was detained in 2008.

The Pakistan High Commission stated that Bhatti’s release and repatriation were achieved through its sustained efforts. Security officials mentioned that he would undergo routine checks before being handed over to his family. The mission reaffirmed its commitment to continue working for the release and return of other Pakistani prisoners held abroad.

The case underscores ongoing diplomatic efforts between India and Pakistan concerning the status and repatriation of detained nationals, as highlighted by the High Commission’s statement.

Fourteen legendary former Test cricket captains have written to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging that former captain, cricket icon, and ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan be provided with proper medical treatment and minimum human dignity. The letter, sent on February 17, 2026, expresses growing concern over Khan’s deteriorating health, particularly reports of worsening eyesight during his imprisonment over the past two and a half years.

In their letter, the captains highlighted Imran Khan’s immense contribution to cricket, recalling his leadership in guiding Pakistan to victory in the 1992 World Cup. They described that triumph as a symbol of skill, leadership, patience, and sportsmanship that continues to inspire generations. The signatories also noted his service as Pakistan’s Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022, acknowledging his democratic election and leadership during challenging times.

The letter was signed by Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Mike Brearley, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, Sunil Gavaskar, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Clive Lloyd, Kapil Dev, Steve Waugh, and John Wright.

At least six people were killed in a severe road accident in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province on Monday. The crash occurred in Naushahro Feroze district when a speeding car heading toward Karachi lost control and collided forcefully with a trailer. Rescue officials reported that the impact was so intense that the private car was completely crushed, killing all six passengers on the spot.

Rescue teams transported the bodies to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed their deaths. Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Following the collision, local authorities carried out emergency rescue operations and arranged to send the injured to hospitals. Traffic on the national highway was temporarily suspended during the rescue efforts.

The incident has once again highlighted the importance of road safety and controlling high-speed vehicles to prevent such fatal accidents in the future.