Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has expressed his willingness to mediate and ease tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He has applied for parole to pursue these discussions. His sister, Naurin Khan, said he was deeply concerned over the recent border clashes and the displacement of Afghan citizens from Pakistan. Imran Khan has proposed resolving the country’s issues with Afghanistan through dialogue. This comes amid recent military clashes, where both Pakistani and Afghan forces exchanged fire, prompting a temporary 48-hour ceasefire. PTI leaders maintain that Khan’s approach has always focused on discussions, not implementation of any settlements with banned groups, countering criticism from rival political parties. The proposal aims to prevent Afghan soil from being used for terrorist attacks in Pakistan while promoting diplomatic engagement between the two neighboring countries.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has accused Afghanistan of acting as a proxy for India amid escalating clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. In an interview with Geo News, Asif alleged that Kabul has “become Delhi’s puppet” and is receiving financial support from India to destabilize the region. He warned that while Pakistan remains open to constructive dialogue, it would not tolerate ceasefire violations or attacks on its soil. The recent series of violent exchanges between Pakistani forces and Afghan Taliban fighters began over the weekend and flared up again on Wednesday, October 15. According to Afghan officials, at least 58 Pakistani soldiers have been killed, while Islamabad claims to have eliminated more than 200 Taliban fighters. The growing tension has raised fears of a wider regional conflict, despite both sides briefly agreeing to a 48-hour truce earlier in the week.

Sohail Afridi, nominated by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been elected as the new Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 90 votes, securing a clear majority in the 145-member provincial assembly. The opposition boycotted the election, calling it “illegal and unconstitutional,” with leaders including Dr. Ibadullah and JUI-F representatives walking out before voting commenced. Outgoing Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur congratulated Afridi and emphasized the importance of peace and justice, stating that his resignation was submitted following the instructions of PTI’s founder. PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar warned party members against defying the founder’s nominated candidate. Governor Faisal Karim Kundi raised concerns over Gandapur’s resignation letters due to signature discrepancies, instructing him to verify them on October 15. Despite this, the assembly proceeded with the election, meeting the required majority of 73 votes. The ruling party now holds 93 seats, while the opposition has 52.

Pakistan closed all major border points with Afghanistan on Sunday following a night-long gunfight with Afghan forces, heightening tensions between the neighboring countries. Pakistani officials reported that Afghan forces opened fire late Saturday night, claiming it was retaliation for a recent Pakistani airstrike targeting Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) leaders in Kabul. Afghanistan stated that 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed, while 20 of its troops were reported killed or injured. Pakistan claimed over 200 Taliban fighters were killed in its counterattack. Both countries accused each other of destroying border posts, with videos released showing shelling at Afghan positions. Sporadic clashes continued in Kurram even after most fighting ceased. Kabul said it halted attacks following requests from Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid confirmed some fighting remains but emphasized no Afghan territory is under threat. The border closures add further strain to regional security and economic pressures in South Asia.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has vowed that the country will take a firm stand on its defence and security after clashes along the Afghanistan border. He praised the Pakistan Army for successfully targeting terrorist hideouts near the border, honoring 23 soldiers who were martyred during the operation. Shahbaz emphasized that Pakistan has repeatedly informed Afghanistan about terrorist groups “Fitna al-Khawariz” and “Fitna al-Hindustan,” which reportedly receive support from some Afghan territories. He urged the Afghan Taliban government to prevent its soil from being used against Pakistan. The Pakistan Army confirmed that unprovoked attacks occurred on October 11 and 12, and in retaliation, over 200 terrorists were eliminated, while 23 soldiers were killed and 29 injured. The army reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the nation and continuing defensive measures along the border.

Pakistan’s defense forces have reportedly killed more than 200 Taliban and allied terrorists in a large-scale retaliatory operation following unprovoked attacks on Pakistani border posts by Afghan forces late Saturday night. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of the Pakistan Army stated that precision strikes, raids, and targeted assaults were carried out on Taliban camps, posts, training centres, and support networks operating from Afghan territory. Multiple Taliban positions along the border were destroyed, and twenty-one Afghan positions were temporarily seized. Afghan authorities claimed 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed, while Pakistan has not released official casualty figures but said significant damage was inflicted on Afghan forces. Sporadic firing continues in areas such as Kurram. Pakistan has warned that it will not tolerate the use of Afghan territory for terrorism and reserves the right to target cross-border terrorist positions to ensure national security. Regional powers have called for dialogue and de-escalation.

Pakistan’s military has claimed the capture of 19 Afghan border posts following overnight clashes on October 11. Pakistani forces reportedly attacked Afghan positions, including Durran Mela, Turkmenjai, Shahidan, Kunar, and Chagai, causing several Afghan soldiers to flee, with dozens killed or injured. Pakistan said its retaliatory strikes involved artillery, tanks, drones, and aircraft, targeting Afghan posts and armed groups along the international border. Afghan authorities accused Pakistan of a previous airstrike on Kabul, prompting the recent clashes. Both sides reported fatalities, with Taliban and Afghan forces confirming fighting in Kunar, Nangarhar, Paktika, Khost, and Helmand provinces. Islamabad denied the airstrike but warned Kabul to stop sheltering Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Neighboring countries, including Qatar, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, have urged both nations to exercise restraint amid escalating border tensions.

Intense fighting erupted along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border after Taliban fighters in southern Afghanistan attacked several Pakistani military posts, claiming to have captured two of them. Pakistani security forces reported clashes at at least five border points and responded with heavy artillery, tanks, and light weapons. The fighting follows Taliban accusations that Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul and Paktika province, which Islamabad has neither confirmed nor denied. Afghan officials said the Taliban engaged in retaliatory attacks against Pakistani forces. Clashes were reported from Kunar, Nangarhar, Paktika, Khost, and Helmand provinces. Pakistani forces also shot down three Afghan drones suspected of carrying explosives. No casualties have been reported yet. Tensions between the two countries remain high, with Pakistan accusing Afghanistan of sheltering the Pakistan-based militant group Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Pakistan’s security forces killed at least 30 militants during an intelligence-based operation in Orakzai district, launched after an earlier assault that left 11 soldiers dead. Among the fallen officers were Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Tariq and Major Tayyab Rahat. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that the militants belonged to “Fitna al-Khawarij,” a foreign-backed group. Another operation in Dera Ismail Khan killed seven more suspected militants, though commanding officer Major Sibtain Haider also died. Recent data from the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) shows a 46 percent rise in violence across Pakistan in the third quarter of 2025, with over 900 deaths—mostly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Analysts attribute the surge to renewed militant activity after the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan.

Former Pakistani Senator Mushtaq Ahmad has announced his resignation from Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), stating his intention to work independently for human rights, democracy, and constitutional freedoms. Mushtaq, who recently returned to Pakistan after being detained by Israeli authorities during the Global Sea Flotilla mission, said his resignation was submitted on September 19 while aboard the flotilla, though the party has yet to formally accept it. Known for his principled stance within JI, he described the decision as deeply emotional but necessary to create his own political space. Mushtaq clarified that he harbors no personal conflict with party leaders, including JI chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman. He announced plans to launch a mass movement, forming 100,000 “Palestine Committees” across Pakistan to unite citizens for Palestinian justice. Criticizing delayed global action on Gaza, he hailed Hamas’s steadfast struggle as key to current developments.

At the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Orakzai district, 11 Pakistani soldiers, including two officers, were killed in a coordinated attack by the banned militant group Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). According to Pakistani security officials, the militants had been lying in wait and opened heavy gunfire on a military convoy. Shortly after, a roadside bomb was detonated, destroying a vehicle carrying the officers and targeting another carrying additional soldiers. The soldiers had been returning from an operation in which 19 TTP militants were killed, and the attack is believed to be retaliation for that operation. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences for the slain soldiers and praised the courage of the security forces. The incident underscores ongoing cross-border security challenges and the persistent threat posed by militant groups in the region.

The United States has approved the sale of advanced AIM-120D-3 medium-range air-to-air missiles to Pakistan, signaling a significant renewal in military cooperation between the two countries. Valued at approximately USD 2.5 billion, the deal will provide the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) with state-of-the-art missiles by 2030, enhancing the combat capability of its F-16 fleet. The contract has been awarded to American defense manufacturer Raytheon, which will also supply similar systems to Turkey and other allied nations. Defense analysts say the AIM-120D-3 — the latest version in the AMRAAM family — offers greater accuracy and extended range, giving Pakistan a decisive edge in aerial warfare. The approval follows recent high-level visits by Pakistan’s top military officials to Washington, including meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump and senior defense leaders, indicating a fresh phase in bilateral defense ties.

Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has praised Chinese-made military platforms used during the May conflict with India, calling them “exceptionally effective.” In an interview last week, he said modern Chinese systems such as the J-10C fighter jets performed outstandingly, helping Pakistan achieve strategic success. Pakistani media reported that the country claims to have downed seven Indian aircraft, an increase from earlier figures. India, however, disputes this, asserting it destroyed around a dozen Pakistani jets. Chaudhry dismissed Indian claims, emphasizing that no Pakistani aircraft were lost. He also stressed that Pakistan purchases both Chinese and Western equipment, prioritizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness over competition. The comments come amid growing regional attention on Pakistan’s deepening defense ties with China, further reinforced by President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent visit to Chengdu, where Chinese J-10 fighters are manufactured.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Malaysia for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties in trade, investment, education, tourism, and defense. He was received at Kuala Lumpur International Airport by Malaysia’s Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil with a formal guard of honor. On Monday, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will host an official welcome and hold talks at the Perdana Complex in Putrajaya. Both leaders are expected to witness the signing of five MoUs and one training-related Exchange of Note covering tourism, higher education, halal certification, anti-corruption, and SME development. Shehbaz will also present an Urdu translation of Anwar’s book “Script: For a Better Malaysia.” The visit will conclude with a business and investment conference expected to expand trade opportunities and deepen Malaysia–Pakistan strategic cooperation amid evolving regional and global challenges.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issued a warning, saying “this time, God willing, India will be buried under the wreckage of its own jets,” in response to recent provocative remarks by Indian military and political leaders.

His comments echoed social-media claims and past May clashes in which each side has traded accusations about downed aircraft, deepening mistrust between New Delhi and Islamabad.

The military’s Inter-Services Public Relations office cautioned that inflammatory statements could be used as a pretext for aggression and warned that renewed hostilities might bring catastrophic destruction to South Asia.

Asif framed Pakistan as a state built in Allah’s name and described its defenders as ‘soldiers of Allah’, language that analysts say raises the stakes of rhetoric and complicates diplomatic de-escalation. Both sides’ recent public exchanges — including unverified claims about losses and threats to alter borders — have renewed fears of miscalculation; international observers urge restraint and independent verification to avoid an irreversible spiral.