Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has condemned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing it as a violation of international law. In a message posted on social media on Sunday, Sharif expressed solidarity with the people of Iran following what he termed as Khamenei’s martyrdom. He conveyed Pakistan’s condolences and stated that the nation stands with Iran during this time of grief and sorrow.

Sharif further said that Pakistan is deeply concerned over the breach of international legal principles. His remarks came as Pakistan officially expressed solidarity with Iran in the wake of a joint attack by Israel and the United States. The statement also reiterated Pakistan’s call for adherence to international law amid the escalating regional tensions.

The development reflects Islamabad’s diplomatic stance aligning with Tehran following the reported attack, while urging respect for international norms and legal frameworks.

At least nine people were killed and several others injured during violent protests near the United States Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, following reports of the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Verified videos showed demonstrators breaking windows and setting parts of the area on fire. Police and paramilitary forces used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd.

According to the Edhi Rescue Service, six of the deaths occurred during the police operation to control the situation. The unrest erupted shortly after news of Khamenei’s death spread, triggering anger among protesters near the consulate.

Authorities were working to restore order in the area as tensions remained high following the incident.

Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by five runs in a Super Eight match held in Pallekele on March 1, 2026. Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman built a strong 176-run opening partnership, guiding Pakistan to 212 for eight in 20 overs. Farhan scored 100 runs while Fakhar added 84. For Sri Lanka, Dilshan Madushanka took three wickets for 33 runs and Dasun Shanaka claimed two for 42. In reply, Sri Lanka reached 207 for six, with Shanaka remaining unbeaten on 76 and Pavan Rathnayake contributing 56.

Despite the victory, Pakistan failed to qualify for the semi-finals due to net run rate calculations. To advance, they needed to restrict Sri Lanka to under 147 runs, but the bowlers could not achieve that margin. Abrar Ahmed took three wickets for 23 runs for Pakistan. The result marked Pakistan’s exit from the tournament at the Super Eight stage.

Sahibzada Farhan was named player of the match for his century, his second of the tournament.

Pakistan has claimed that 331 Afghan Taliban soldiers have been killed so far in the ongoing conflict between the two countries. Information Minister Ataullah Tarar shared the figures on social media platform X on Saturday, according to a report by Dawn. He added that more than 500 Taliban fighters were injured, while Pakistani forces destroyed 104 Taliban checkpoints, 163 tanks and armored vehicles, and captured 22 additional posts.

In response, the Taliban government has called on Pakistan to engage in dialogue to resolve the escalating situation. The appeal came after Pakistan publicly declared war against Afghanistan. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that Afghanistan has always sought to resolve issues through discussion and remains committed to a peaceful solution.

The exchange of claims and calls for negotiation highlights the growing tension between the neighboring countries as both sides assert their positions in the conflict.

Afghanistan carried out attacks on several Pakistani army camps on Friday, according to the Afghan Ministry of Defense. The strikes took place around 11 a.m. local time and targeted multiple military sites inside Pakistan. The ministry reported that drone strikes were conducted on a military camp near Islamabad’s Faizabad, a headquarters in Nowshera, and additional locations in Jamrud and Abbottabad. The operation was described as successfully executed.

Afghan Army Chief Fasihuddin Fitrat stated that any attack from Pakistan would face a strong response. He pledged to safeguard Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and warned that if further attacks occur, major Pakistani cities, including Islamabad, would be targeted. Fitrat assured the Afghan people that all acts of aggression would be answered.

Reports citing sources indicated that tanks and both light and heavy weapons have been prepared for any potential conflict between the two neighboring countries.

The United States has expressed support for Pakistan’s right to self-defense against attacks by the Taliban. In a statement issued on Friday, the U.S. State Department said it recognizes Pakistan’s right to defend itself from Taliban aggression. A spokesperson confirmed the position in an emailed statement, while U.S. diplomat Allison Hooker stated on X that she had spoken with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Aamna Baloch regarding the situation. Washington also conveyed sympathy over the ongoing clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Amid the escalating conflict, Iran urged both neighboring countries to exercise restraint. In a statement released on Friday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry called on Pakistan and Afghanistan to respect each other’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty. Tehran also advised both sides to avoid actions that could further increase regional tension and conflict.

The statements from Washington and Tehran highlight growing international concern over the deteriorating security situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and its potential impact on regional stability.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire to end the ongoing violence between Pakistan and Afghanistan. His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said on Friday that the Secretary-General expressed deep concern over the rising hostilities between the two neighboring countries, emphasizing that the conflict is directly affecting civilians.

According to the statement, Guterres stressed the urgent need to implement a ceasefire and to resolve differences through diplomatic dialogue. The appeal comes as tensions continue to escalate, with reports of cross-border violence impacting communities along the frontier.

The UN chief’s call highlights the organization’s concern over regional stability and humanitarian consequences, urging both sides to prioritize peace and civilian protection.

U.S. President Donald Trump praised Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir, describing the country as doing “exceptionally well.” Speaking to reporters on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on Friday, Trump said Pakistan has a great prime minister and a great general, calling both strong leaders whom he respects deeply.

When asked about possible U.S. intervention in the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Trump said he might consider it but emphasized his very good relationship with Pakistan. His remarks highlighted a tone of appreciation toward Pakistan’s current leadership and suggested a positive diplomatic stance.

The comments were reported by Al Jazeera and reflect Trump’s continuing engagement with South Asian affairs, particularly regarding Pakistan’s political and military leadership.

Pakistan has claimed that its military operations resulted in the deaths of 297 Afghan soldiers. According to a spokesperson for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the operations also destroyed 89 Afghan military posts and 135 tanks and armored vehicles. The attacks reportedly took place across 29 locations in Afghanistan.

The claim was reported by Qatar-based media outlet Al Jazeera, citing Afghanistan’s Tolo News. Earlier, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) had stated that 274 Afghan soldiers were killed, indicating a revised figure in the latest statement. The report did not include any response from Afghan authorities or independent verification of the claims.

The development underscores continuing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, though the source did not specify the timing or broader context of the operations.

Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry announced that 12 soldiers have been killed and 27 others injured in recent military operations. He shared the information during a press conference held in Islamabad on Friday, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

Chaudhry stated that the army continues its operations amid the current security situation and that the injured personnel are receiving medical treatment. The ISPR did not disclose further details about the nature or location of the operations.

The announcement highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by Pakistan’s armed forces, though no additional information on the broader context or timeline of the operations was provided in the briefing.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the country’s army to respond to any form of aggression against the nation. He issued the order during a visit to the Pakistan Army’s General Headquarters on Friday afternoon, where military officials briefed him on the ongoing situation with Afghanistan. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif instructed the army to adopt a ‘zero tolerance’ policy toward any hostile acts targeting Pakistan.

Sharif stated that actions by the Afghan Taliban administration or by the group known as Fitna al-Kharij (the official name of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP) are unacceptable. He affirmed that under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan’s armed forces are ready to defend the country and know how to protect themselves against aggression.

The statement also noted that Sharif praised the military for repelling Taliban attacks in border areas and conducting strong counteroffensives. He added that the entire nation stands in solidarity with the armed forces.

Pakistan’s defense minister has declared a ‘direct war’ against Afghanistan following airstrikes carried out by the Pakistani military in Kabul and two other provinces. The announcement marks a sharp escalation in hostilities between the two neighboring countries.

Afghanistan affairs expert Amin Saikal told BBC’s Newsday program that this represents a very serious development, indicating Islamabad’s intent to punish the Afghan Taliban for allegedly supporting armed groups behind recent attacks in Pakistan. Saikal, founder of the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies at the Australian National University, noted that both sides have long been at odds, but Pakistan’s latest move shows it is striking harder in response to Taliban support for Pakistani militants.

Saikal, author of “Modern Afghanistan,” warned that the rising tension could be disastrous for the Afghan people, who are already struggling with severe economic hardship.

Pakistan’s military said it has killed 274 Taliban and other armed group members in Afghanistan under an operation named “Ghazab-lil-Haq.” The announcement came from Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), during a press briefing on Friday. He stated that Pakistan’s forces destroyed 73 Taliban military posts, captured 18, and destroyed 115 tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery weapons.

The operation followed a deadly cross-border attack late Thursday night, when Afghan forces reportedly killed at least 55 Pakistani soldiers and captured several others at a post near the Durand Line in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the attack was in retaliation for Pakistan’s February 21 airstrikes in Nangarhar and Paktia provinces, which killed more than 80 people.

Pakistan launched its counteroffensive at 3:45 a.m. Friday, conducting extensive airstrikes in Kabul, Paktia, and Kandahar as part of the ongoing operation.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a phone conversation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to discuss the regional situation amid ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, the discussion focused on recent regional developments, particularly the state of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.

During the call, Ishaq Dar stated that Pakistan’s response to what he described as unprovoked aggression was measured but firm. He highlighted that under “Operation Ghazab Lil Haq,” Pakistan’s armed forces had carried out a successful operation to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The ministry’s statement added that both leaders emphasized the importance of regional peace and stability and agreed to maintain communication as the situation evolves.

The continued diplomatic engagement between Islamabad and Cairo is being viewed as part of efforts to manage and contain the current tensions in the region.

Pakistan launched airstrikes early Friday on Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktika in Afghanistan, prompting retaliatory attacks by the Taliban. Islamabad declared it was now in an 'open war' with Afghanistan’s Taliban government, while Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghan forces were conducting large-scale operations along the Durand Line in response to earlier Pakistani airstrikes.

The United Nations expressed deep concern over escalating violence and urged both sides to uphold international law and protect civilians. Iran offered to mediate, reaffirming its support for dialogue between Kabul and Islamabad. Russia called for an end to cross-border attacks and emphasized diplomatic solutions. India condemned Pakistan’s airstrikes, while Turkey, Qatar, China, and the United Kingdom all pressed for de-escalation and dialogue. Pakistan’s defense minister blamed the Taliban for instability, asserting that the country’s patience had run out. Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai vowed national unity in defending Afghanistan.

The continued fighting and international appeals highlight fears of a broader regional crisis if hostilities persist without diplomatic resolution.