Eight suspected militants were killed on Sunday in multiple counterterrorism operations conducted jointly by police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) across Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The operations took place in the tribal districts of Bannu, Khyber, and Zahir Garhi, according to a report by Geo News. Authorities said the suspects were involved in attacks on security forces, and a large cache of weapons and equipment was recovered from the sites.

According to the Central Police Office, two militants were killed in Bannu during an operation by local police and the CTD. These individuals had earlier attacked police posts in Sheikh Lindak and Fatah Khel. In Khyber, three militants were killed while allegedly preparing to attack police, and three rifles were seized. Another three militants were killed in Zahir Garhi near Peshawar, while their accomplices managed to escape.

The coordinated operations reflect ongoing efforts by Pakistani security forces to curb militant activity in the region, which has seen repeated attacks on law enforcement in recent months.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed interest in hosting Bangladesh’s matches in the 2026 T20 World Cup if Sri Lanka cannot provide venues. The proposal follows the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) decision not to play its scheduled matches in India due to security concerns after pacer Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from the Indian Premier League (IPL) over similar issues. Pakistani media outlet Geo Super reported that the PCB has formally informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) of its readiness to organize the games.

The BCB earlier wrote to the ICC, citing safety worries and requesting to play in Sri Lanka instead of India. The ICC has yet to announce a decision. PCB sources said Pakistan’s international-standard venues are fully prepared and highlighted its experience hosting major ICC events, including the 2025 Champions Trophy and the Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

Bangladesh’s withdrawal from India comes amid heightened tensions following protests in India over incidents in Bangladesh and the exclusion of Bangladeshi players from the IPL. The ICC’s response will determine whether Bangladesh’s matches are relocated to Sri Lanka or Pakistan.

Pakistan has strongly rejected India’s comments regarding defense and other strategic cooperation between Islamabad and Dhaka. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry described the Indian statement as baseless and unwarranted, labeling it an unnecessary interference in bilateral relations. It emphasized that relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh are sovereign matters that do not require third-party consent.

India’s remarks came after its Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on January 9 that New Delhi was closely monitoring discussions between Pakistan and Bangladesh over the possible purchase of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets. The comment followed a meeting between Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and Bangladesh Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan, where both sides discussed defense cooperation and aircraft procurement.

According to Pakistan’s ISPR, the visit reflected efforts to transform historical ties into a long-term strategic partnership. Analysts cited in the report suggested that the meeting signals strengthening relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh amid recent diplomatic tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi.

At least six people, including a newlywed couple, were killed when a gas cylinder exploded during a wedding ceremony at a house in Islamabad, Pakistan. Ten others were injured in the blast, which caused the roof to collapse, trapping several people under the debris. The incident was confirmed by Additional Deputy Commissioner General Sahibzada Yusuf, according to The Express Tribune.

The explosion also caused extensive damage to four nearby houses. Rescue teams recovered sixteen people from the rubble, six of whom later died. The injured were taken to a hospital for treatment. Officials stated that all trapped individuals have been rescued and that the operation has been completed.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion, while confirming that no one remains trapped under the debris.

Pakistan and the United States began the 13th edition of their bilateral joint anti-terror military exercise, 'Inspired Gambit–2026', on Saturday. The two-week-long exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the two armies and facilitate the exchange of counterterrorism experience and skills. The opening ceremony took place at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Pabbi, northwestern Pakistan, with military officials from both countries in attendance.

According to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the exercise focuses on urban counterterrorism operations, tactical procedures, and marksmanship skills. It also seeks to deepen understanding of each other’s operational doctrines and best practices.

The joint exercise is part of the long-standing defense cooperation between Pakistan and the United States. Observers believe it will contribute to strengthening regional security, improving counterterrorism capabilities, and reinforcing bilateral military relations.

The Pakistan Navy has successfully conducted a live test of a surface-to-air missile during a military exercise in the North Arabian Sea, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) released on Saturday. The test involved the long-range LY-80(H) missile launched from a modern vertical launch system, observed by the Commander of the Pakistan Fleet. The missile hit and destroyed a designated aerial target, demonstrating the navy’s air defense capabilities.

The ISPR statement said the exercise showcased both conventional and unmanned operational capabilities aligned with modern naval warfare requirements. It also included the use of loitering munitions to strike surface targets, highlighting the navy’s precision strike capacity. The exercise further demonstrated advanced tactical maneuvers, accurate navigation, and operational effectiveness under adverse weather conditions.

The successful test validated the Pakistan Navy’s readiness and technological competence in air defense and precision engagement, as emphasized in the ISPR’s briefing.

Pakistan’s security forces killed 11 militants allegedly backed by India during two separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Saturday. The operations were conducted last Thursday in North Waziristan and Kurram districts, where the militants, identified as members of the group Fitna al-Kharij, were reportedly engaged in armed clashes with the military.

ISPR stated that six militants were killed in North Waziristan following an exchange of heavy gunfire, while five others were killed in Kurram. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the dead militants. The statement described the group as being involved in numerous attacks against security forces, law enforcement agencies, and civilians.

The ISPR described the militants as India-supported proxies, though no independent verification of the claim was mentioned in the report.

Pakistan has stated that it does not want hostile relations with neighboring Afghanistan. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said at a press conference on Thursday that meaningful progress in bilateral relations depends on Afghanistan’s stance against terrorism. Islamabad has asked Kabul to provide a specific, verifiable, and written assurance that Afghan territory will not be used for terrorist attacks against Pakistan.

Andrabi emphasized that Pakistan’s only concern is security and that there are no political or ideological disputes with Kabul. He noted that, unlike its bilateral disputes with India, Pakistan has no such issues with Afghanistan. The spokesperson added that Pakistan welcomes Kabul’s recent positive statements but insists they must be concrete, verifiable, and documented.

He confirmed that diplomatic channels remain open between the two countries, with embassies and consulates operating normally.

A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck several regions of Pakistan on Friday, January 9, 2026, with tremors felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including Swat, Shangla, and Buner. According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre under the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the quake originated 159 kilometers deep near the China-Tajikistan border. Buildings reportedly shook, prompting residents to rush outdoors, but no casualties or major damage were reported.

The report noted that Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan frequently experience seismic activity due to their location at the junction of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. In October of the previous year, a 5.3-magnitude quake hit Islamabad and surrounding areas, while a 5.6-magnitude tremor was recorded just days earlier. The region also witnessed a devastating 6.0-magnitude earthquake in eastern Afghanistan last September that killed over 2,200 people.

Authorities have not issued any immediate warnings, but the frequent tremors highlight the region’s ongoing vulnerability to seismic hazards.

In early December, Turkey’s state-run company Turkish Petroleum (TPAO) signed five agreements with Pakistan to explore oil and gas in the country’s maritime zones of the Indian Ocean. The deals, valued at over 300 million US dollars, cover three offshore blocks in Pakistan’s international waters and two onshore coastal blocks. While the agreements drew limited global media attention, they mark a significant step for both nations in expanding energy and strategic cooperation.

The partnership reflects Turkey’s effort to diversify its energy exploration map and Pakistan’s attempt to revive its long-neglected deep-sea mineral exploration. TPAO plans to deploy seismic fleets in Pakistan’s waters and open a permanent office in Islamabad, forming a consortium with state-owned Pakistani energy firms. The move comes ahead of Pakistan’s 2025 offshore bidding round, one of its most important exploration initiatives in two decades.

Beyond energy, the cooperation extends to defense, mining, and drone manufacturing, signaling a broader strategic alignment. The collaboration positions both countries to strengthen economic and security ties while expanding Turkey’s geopolitical presence in the Indian Ocean.

Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has announced a ‘zero tolerance’ policy against any threats to national security. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a statement on Thursday confirming the declaration. During a visit to the Lahore Garrison, Munir addressed army personnel, reaffirming the military’s determination to confront growing challenges with professionalism and resolve.

According to the ISPR statement, the army chief emphasized that the armed forces remain committed to protecting Pakistan’s sovereignty, regional integrity, and internal stability. He also urged continued discipline, excellence, and selfless national service among the ranks.

Earlier, a military spokesperson alleged that Afghanistan has become a hub for terrorists and non-state actors, accusing the Taliban government, which came to power in 2021, of providing shelter to militant groups.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are in talks to convert a $2 billion Saudi loan into a defense deal involving JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, according to a report citing sources. The discussions come months after the two countries signed a mutual defense agreement, signaling deepening military cooperation. The proposed deal could be worth around $4 billion, with half covered by the loan conversion and the rest allocated for other military equipment purchases.

Sources indicate that the talks primarily focus on the supply of JF-17 jets jointly developed by Pakistan and China. Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu recently visited Saudi Arabia, where bilateral defense cooperation was discussed. Retired Air Marshal and analyst Amir Masood noted that Pakistan is negotiating or finalizing defense export deals with six countries, including Saudi Arabia, though he could not confirm specific details.

The discussions reflect Saudi Arabia’s efforts to restructure its security partnerships amid uncertainty over U.S. commitments in the Middle East. Neither Pakistan’s defense ministries nor Saudi officials have issued formal comments on the matter.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has rejected the government’s proposal for dialogue aimed at resolving the ongoing political crisis. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan announced the decision on Tuesday near Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where party founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan remains imprisoned. The statement was reported by Geo News.

Gohar Ali Khan said PTI never refused talks but questioned how discussions could proceed without meeting Imran Khan. He noted that party representatives visit every Tuesday but have been denied access to Khan for over a month. PTI Secretary General Barrister Salman Akram Raja stated that no dialogue could progress without the founder’s participation, while PTI leader Barrister Ali Zafar urged the government to create a suitable environment for talks. Earlier, the Prime Minister’s political adviser Rana Sanaullah said political progress was impossible without building trust at the highest level.

Imran Khan was ousted from power in April 2022 through a no-confidence motion and has been in jail since August 2023 facing multiple cases, including corruption and terrorism charges.

China and Pakistan have agreed to enhance cooperation and coordination in both bilateral and multilateral forums. The decision was announced in a statement following Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit to China. During his meeting in Beijing with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Dar discussed a range of regional and global issues, according to The Express Tribune.

A statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said the talks covered the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, trade, and multilateral collaboration. Both sides emphasized that their friendship is vital for peace, stability, and prosperity in the broader region. They also agreed to appropriately celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Dar also met Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China, and congratulated the party on successfully holding the Fourth Plenary Session of its 20th Central Committee. In a separate meeting with Chinese Executive Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the Pakistan-China strategic partnership.

Former US President Donald Trump repeatedly praised Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, calling him his “favorite field marshal” and a “great warrior.” Speaking at Mar-a-Lago in December 2025, Trump claimed credit for preventing a potential nuclear war between India and Pakistan and said Munir and Pakistan’s prime minister credited him with saving millions of lives. Trump’s remarks followed his mediation claims in the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, which ended after four days of fighting through US-backed diplomacy.

Analysts cited in the report said Munir played a key role in revitalizing Pakistan’s diplomacy and improving relations with Washington, which had deteriorated in previous years. The brief India-Pakistan conflict and subsequent ceasefire were seen as turning points that elevated Munir’s international stature. Former defense minister Khurram Dastgir Khan and ex-foreign secretary Salman Bashir both described the episode as decisive for Pakistan’s geopolitical resurgence.

Munir’s growing influence has coincided with Pakistan’s broader outreach to Middle Eastern and Central Asian countries, as well as renewed engagement with the United States on security and economic issues.