At least 125 people were killed in a series of clashes between separatist groups and security forces in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan. According to a report by Geo News, 15 security personnel and 18 civilians were killed in coordinated attacks by separatists on January 31, while security forces claimed to have killed 92 militants in subsequent clearance operations. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that the attacks targeted multiple areas including Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar, and Pasni.

The ISPR described the attackers as members of an India-backed group called “Fitna al-Hindustan,” alleging that the assaults aimed to disrupt normal life and hinder development activities in Balochistan. Security forces reported recovering large quantities of weapons and explosives during the operations. The banned separatist organization Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attacks, asserting that it had killed more than fifty security personnel.

Following the violence, security alerts were heightened across the province as tensions rose sharply in Balochistan.

At least 47 people were killed in a series of militant attacks in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, according to a Geo News report on Saturday citing security sources. The report said that Indian-backed militants carried out separate assaults at 12 locations, killing at least 10 police officers. Security forces responded with counterattacks that left 37 militants dead. Operations against the attackers were still ongoing in several areas.

A security source identified the assailants as members of the India-backed group ‘Fitna al Hindustan,’ which attempted coordinated strikes across Balochistan. The source said timely and effective action by security forces prevented the attacks from succeeding. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security personnel, commending their bravery in thwarting what he described as the terrorists’ malicious objectives.

The violence occurred a day after two separate operations in Balochistan killed 41 India-supported militants, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Those operations took place on January 29 near Harnai district and in Panjgur district.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and jailed leader Imran Khan underwent eye surgery at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where doctors confirmed the procedure was completed without any complications. PIMS Executive Director Professor Dr. Rana Imran Sikandar stated that the operation on Khan’s right eye lasted about 20 minutes, during which he remained stable. After receiving necessary post-operative instructions and documentation, Khan was discharged from the hospital.

According to Dr. Sikandar, medical examinations revealed that pressure on blood vessels had caused reduced vision in Khan’s right eye. All required tests were conducted, and the surgery was performed with Khan’s prior consent. Earlier, Pakistan’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that Khan had been temporarily moved to PIMS for examination by eye specialists.

Separately, the PTI had sought the Supreme Court’s assistance to arrange a meeting between Imran Khan and his personal physicians on Thursday, indicating ongoing coordination regarding his medical care.

Pakistan’s military said 41 militants were killed in two separate intelligence-based operations in Balochistan, reaffirming its commitment to continue counterterrorism efforts. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on January 30, the operations were conducted on January 29 in different areas of the province. The ISPR claimed the militants were linked to groups called ‘Fitna al-Kharij’ and ‘Fitna al-Hindustan,’ allegedly supported by India.

In Harnai district, security forces launched an operation after receiving intelligence about the presence of ‘Fitna al-Kharij’ members, killing 30 militants and seizing large quantities of weapons and explosives. Another operation in Panjgur district destroyed a hideout of ‘Fitna al-Hindustan,’ killing 11 militants and recovering weapons, ammunition, and money allegedly stolen during a 2025 bank robbery. The military said sanitization operations were ongoing to ensure no other militants remained in the area.

The ISPR added that under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” vision, Pakistan’s security and law enforcement agencies would continue full-scale operations to eliminate foreign-backed terrorism. It also noted that cross-border attacks have increased since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021.

Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan has reportedly been denied meetings with visitors for over five weeks, according to his party. His family claims the restriction aims to block his messages from reaching the public and blames military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, though the government denies this. Officials say Khan violated prison rules by discussing politics, while rights groups warn that dissent is being increasingly suppressed.

The report highlights a broader pattern of crackdowns on journalists, lawyers, and activists. Human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband were sentenced to ten years in prison for sharing alleged anti-state posts, prompting Amnesty International to urge Pakistan to halt its repression of dissent. Media workers describe growing censorship, self-censorship, and financial pressure on outlets like Dawn, while new laws under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act have tightened restrictions on criticism of state institutions.

Analysts and rights advocates say the military’s influence over politics and media has deepened, pushing Pakistan closer to authoritarian rule. The government and military, however, insist their actions remain within legal bounds and necessary for national security.

Pakistan defeated Australia by 22 runs in the opening match of their three-match T20 series, taking a 1–0 lead. Batting first, Pakistan scored 168 for eight in 20 overs, with Saim Ayub contributing 40 runs off 22 balls and Salman Agha adding 39. Adam Zampa was the pick of the Australian bowlers with four wickets for 24 runs. In reply, Australia managed 146 for eight, falling short despite a late effort from Xavier Bartlett, who remained unbeaten on 34. The second match of the series is scheduled for Saturday in Lahore.

Australia’s chase faltered early, losing Matthew Short for 5 and Travis Head for 23. Cameron Green top-scored with 36 before being dismissed by Mohammad Nawaz, leaving Australia struggling at six wickets down before reaching 100. Pakistan’s bowlers, including Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub, maintained control to secure the victory.

Saim Ayub was named player of the match for his all-round performance, helping Pakistan move ahead in the series before the next encounter in Lahore.

Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir has declared that the country’s armed forces are fully prepared to safeguard national sovereignty and regional integrity against all forms of threats. He made the statement on Wednesday during a visit to the Bahawalpur Garrison, according to a release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) cited by Geo News.

During the inspection, Munir praised the officers and soldiers for their high morale, professional competence, and operational readiness. He emphasized the importance of maintaining maximum preparedness to meet future battlefield and security challenges.

Munir noted that the Pakistan Armed Forces are undergoing significant transformation across various sectors. He said that the nature of warfare is rapidly evolving due to technological advancements and that future conflicts will depend heavily on technological strategies. To address this, Pakistan’s military is swiftly adopting modern technologies.

The United States has urged its citizens to reconsider travel plans to Pakistan due to heightened security concerns. On January 26, the US Department of State updated its travel advisory, placing Pakistan under Level 3, or “Reconsider Travel,” citing risks of crime, violence, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. The advisory was reported by Pakistani daily Dawn.

According to the statement, terrorist attacks in Pakistan may occur without warning, with potential targets including transport hubs, hotels, markets, shopping malls, military and security installations, airports, trains, educational institutions, hospitals, places of worship, tourist areas, and government buildings. Certain areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have been classified as Level 4, or “Do Not Travel,” due to frequent incidents of targeted killings and kidnappings affecting both officials and civilians.

The advisory also warned that participating in unauthorized demonstrations in Pakistan is a punishable offense, noting that some US citizens have previously been detained for such activities. The Level 3 alert indicates serious security risks, while Level 4 represents the highest level of caution, advising against all travel.

Pakistan’s legendary spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has said that politics should not be mixed with sports, describing it as harmful not only to cricket but also to humanity. Speaking to India’s news agency NNI after Bangladesh’s elimination from the T20 World Cup, Mushtaq criticized the involvement of politics in cricket and emphasized that the game should unite nations rather than divide them.

In the interview, Mushtaq stated that politics should be eradicated because it acts as an enemy to humanity and damages both sports and players. He reiterated that cricket is meant to be a source of entertainment, not a battlefield or a tool of conflict. The former Pakistan cricketer declined to comment on Bangladesh’s decision not to play in India, saying he does not believe in politics.

Mushtaq’s remarks underline his long-held view that cricket should remain a unifying and entertaining sport, free from political interference and national disputes.

Pakistan is reportedly considering boycotting the upcoming T20 World Cup in solidarity with Bangladesh, which has already withdrawn from the tournament. The discussion has sparked widespread debate about the potential impact on the event. Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali warned that if Pakistan pulls out, international broadcasters could face severe financial losses, as India-Pakistan matches represent one of the largest markets for viewership and advertising revenue.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that the final decision on participation will be made by the government, increasing uncertainty around the tournament. Basit Ali praised Naqvi’s recent press conference, saying it placed the International Cricket Council (ICC) in a difficult position. According to various sources cited in the report, the ICC has issued a strong warning to Pakistan against boycotting, suggesting that such a move could lead to unprecedented sanctions affecting the PCB’s finances and international standing.

If Pakistan proceeds with a boycott, the report suggests the entire tournament could face disruption and long-term repercussions for global cricket governance and broadcasting interests.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering three possible actions to show support for Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that while Pakistan had earlier indicated a possible withdrawal from the tournament, no final decision has been made. The board expects to reach a conclusion by Friday or Monday.

According to a Sama TV report cited in the source, Naqvi discussed the issue with board officials and former cricketers during a Pakistan Super League workshop, where he strongly supported Bangladesh. He reportedly stated that Bangladesh had been disrespected and should not be left isolated, reflecting the PCB’s stance.

The three options under review include wearing black armbands during matches to express solidarity with Bangladeshi fans, boycotting the February 15 India–Pakistan match citing Indian behavior, and dedicating Pakistan’s World Cup victories to Bangladesh’s cricket supporters.

Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that three suspected militants were killed during an intelligence-based operation in Panjgur district of Balochistan on Sunday, January 25. The ISPR stated that the operation targeted members of the group ‘Fitna al Hindustan,’ described as an Indian proxy organization. During the exchange of fire, local commander Farooq alias Soro, along with Adil and Wasim, were killed, and weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site.

According to the ISPR statement, security forces have continued sanitization operations in the area to identify and arrest other suspects. The agency reaffirmed that under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” strategy, operations against foreign-backed terrorism will persist across the country. Geo News noted that since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, terrorist activities have increased in Pakistan’s border regions, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Earlier, ISPR Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that in 2025, law enforcement agencies conducted 75,175 intelligence-based operations nationwide, resulting in the deaths of 2,597 militants.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has excluded Bangladesh from the upcoming T20 World Cup, granting Scotland the opportunity to participate instead. The decision, which prevents Bangladesh from playing in Sri Lanka, has drawn strong criticism from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi described the exclusion as unjust and an example of the ICC’s double standards.

Following the announcement, Pakistan is reportedly considering whether to withdraw from the World Cup in solidarity with Bangladesh. Naqvi held a meeting with Pakistan’s players and team management on Sunday, where they expressed support for the board’s stance and agreed to abide by whatever decision the PCB ultimately makes. According to a source, Naqvi is expected to discuss the matter with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday before a final decision is made.

The outcome of this discussion will determine whether Pakistan boycotts the World Cup or proceeds to participate despite its protest against the ICC’s decision.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, naming Salman Agha as captain. Former skipper Babar Azam has been included, while Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf have been left out. The announcement was made in Lahore by selector Aaqib Javed, alongside captain Salman and coach Mike Hesson. Several players, including Salman Mirza, Khaja Nafi, Sahibzada Farhan, and Usman Tariq, have been called up for their first World Cup appearance.

The team announcement comes amid speculation that Pakistan might boycott the tournament in support of Bangladesh. The International Cricket Council (ICC) reportedly excluded Bangladesh from the World Cup after the Bangladesh government refused to play in India, citing security concerns. Bangladesh had requested to play in Sri Lanka, but the ICC denied the request and replaced them with Scotland. PCB has criticized the ICC’s decision, fueling discussions about a possible boycott.

Pakistan is scheduled to play its opening match against the Netherlands on February 7, with India, Namibia, and the United States also in Group A.

Rana Sanaullah, political adviser to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has called on Pakistan to stand by Bangladesh after Dhaka withdrew from the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup in India citing security concerns. Speaking on Geo News, Sanaullah said supporting Bangladesh would benefit Pakistan in the long term, even if it meant financial losses for Pakistan cricket.

He emphasized that Pakistan’s solidarity should be directed toward the Bangladeshi state rather than any political party or government. Sanaullah added that such support could help bridge the gap created between the two nations since 1971 and foster a new phase of brotherly relations. He described the potential impact of Pakistan’s stance as far-reaching.

Following Bangladesh’s withdrawal, the ICC replaced the team with Scotland. Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that Pakistan’s participation decision would follow government instructions, with a final announcement expected after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s return to the country.