U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly praised Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, crediting him for helping avert a potential nuclear war between Pakistan and India. At a December 22 press conference, Trump claimed he had ended eight wars and said his mediation saved millions of lives. Since June, this was at least the tenth time Trump publicly lauded Munir, calling him a “great warrior” and “exceptional man.” Trump also acknowledged Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s role in peace efforts during his October speech at the Sharm El-Sheikh peace summit.

Analysts link the warming U.S.-Pakistan ties to the four-day war between India and Pakistan in May 2025, which ended through U.S. mediation. Pakistan recognized Washington’s role and nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, while India denied U.S. involvement. Former Pakistani officials said the conflict elevated Munir’s international stature and marked a turning point in bilateral relations.

Experts note that Pakistan’s cooperation in counterterrorism and Munir’s diplomatic outreach, including two U.S. visits in 2025, have positioned Islamabad as a potential regional player in Washington’s strategic plans.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia. In a message posted on social media platform X on Tuesday, he remembered her lifelong dedication to the people of Bangladesh and her contributions to the country’s prosperity and development.

Sharif described Khaleda Zia as a devoted friend of Pakistan and said that the government and people of Pakistan stand with the people of Bangladesh in this moment of grief. He extended condolences to her family, friends, and the people of Bangladesh, praying for peace for her soul.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also expressed deep condolences over Khaleda Zia’s death through a message on X, praying for the forgiveness of her soul and offering sympathy to the bereaved family.

Pakistan and Afghanistan are cautiously working to overcome deep differences regarding the banned militant group Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Recent developments suggest both sides are reducing public criticism to create a more positive environment for dialogue, though major progress remains elusive. Islamabad insists Afghan soil must not be used for attacks inside Pakistan, and discreet diplomatic efforts have reportedly yielded limited progress.

Mediators have encouraged both governments to tone down public rhetoric and focus on constructive engagement. Afghan religious leaders recently issued a fatwa prohibiting cross-border attacks, which Pakistan welcomed as a confidence-building measure. Soon after, Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani assured that Afghan territory would not be used against any country. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar praised Haqqani’s remarks and emphasized dialogue over confrontation.

Despite multiple rounds of talks, progress remains limited. Pakistan continues to link improved relations to concrete action against TTP, while Kabul maintains it does not allow its territory to be used for attacks. Islamabad has indicated it expects visible change within two to four weeks before reassessing its approach.

Pakistan has condemned Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, calling the move “provocative and illegal.” The statement was issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, following Israel’s announcement on Thursday that it had become the first country to formally recognize Somaliland’s independence. The ministry said such actions undermine Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

Islamabad’s statement rejected Israel’s efforts to recognize Somaliland and described the move as a clear violation of international law. It warned that such actions threaten not only the peace and stability of Somalia but also that of the wider region. Pakistan reaffirmed its full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

The ministry also called on the international community to reject any such steps and to prevent Israel from undermining ongoing efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.

A recent Pentagon report has shown that China has rapidly become a major global arms supplier, with Pakistan emerging as its closest partner in aerial warfare. According to the report, China has already delivered 20 J-10C multirole fighter jets to Pakistan, and two additional orders will raise the total to 36. Pakistan is also jointly producing the JF-17 Thunder aircraft with China, which is already in service with the air forces of Azerbaijan, Myanmar, and Nigeria, while Iraq has expressed interest in the model.

Beyond aircraft, China has supplied Pakistan with advanced attack-capable unmanned aerial vehicles, including the Caihong and Wing Loong series. In the naval sector, Pakistan received four frigates from China in 2017 and 2018, and it is expected to remain a key partner in China’s future naval exports.

The Pentagon report attributes the growing popularity of Chinese weapons to competitive pricing, flexible financing, and the absence of political conditions. It describes Pakistan’s relationship with China as a comprehensive partnership involving joint development, production, and long-term strategic cooperation.

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Islamabad on Friday for his first official state visit to Pakistan. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, this marks his first formal visit as president, though it is his second trip to the country this year. Earlier in January, he met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Rahim Yar Khan. During the visit, Sheikh Mohamed and Prime Minister Sharif are expected to review bilateral relations and discuss key regional and international issues.

The Foreign Office described the visit as an important opportunity to further strengthen the longstanding fraternal ties between Pakistan and the UAE. It said the trip reflects both nations’ shared commitment to deepening cooperation in trade, investment, energy, development, and regional stability. The UAE is one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners and a major source of remittances, with thousands of Pakistanis working across various sectors in the Emirates.

In April, the two countries signed several memorandums of understanding to enhance cultural cooperation, establish a joint consular committee, and form a UAE–Pakistan Joint Business Council between their chambers of commerce.

Pakistan’s security forces conducted separate operations in Balochistan’s Kalat district and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan district, killing ten militants described as India-backed extremists. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the actions followed intelligence reports about the presence of such groups. During the Dera Ismail Khan operation, two militants, including their leader Dilwar, were killed. Dilwar was on Pakistan’s most-wanted list for involvement in multiple terrorist acts, with a government bounty of four million rupees for his capture.

ISPR stated that weapons and ammunition were recovered from the dead militants, who were allegedly involved in attacks against security forces and civilians. In a separate operation in Kalat, eight militants linked to the group Fitna al Hindustan were killed after an intense exchange of fire. The ISPR claimed these militants acted as Indian proxies in Pakistan. Arms, ammunition, and explosives were seized from the site.

The operations highlight Pakistan’s ongoing counterterrorism efforts in regions affected by militant activity, according to the ISPR statement.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered to hold talks with the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in an effort to ease the country’s ongoing political tensions. Chairing a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, Sharif said the government is ready for dialogue if PTI shows sincerity, emphasizing that discussions should focus on legitimate national issues and political harmony is vital for Pakistan’s progress.

The proposal follows a statement from a PTI faction, Tehreek Tahafuz Aain-e-Pakistan (TTAP), which said the ‘door to dialogue remains open.’ However, no concrete steps have been taken by either side to initiate formal talks. The situation remains uncertain as PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan continues to serve a 17-year prison sentence in the Toshakhana-2 corruption case alongside his wife, Bushra Bibi. Multiple other cases, including attempted murder and forgery, are also pending against him.

Observers note that the government’s ban on visits to Khan until February 8 has deepened mistrust, while his party and family express concern over restricted access. Political analysts warn that without confidence-building measures, dialogue efforts may falter ahead of the next hearing on January 27.

Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, declared that any attempt to undermine national unity, security, or stability will not be tolerated. Speaking at the 273rd Corps Commanders Conference in Rawalpindi, he emphasized the armed forces’ determination to counter terrorism and reject links between militancy, crime, and political interests, according to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement.

Munir commended the military’s professionalism and sacrifices in recent intelligence-based counterterrorism operations across the country. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and reiterated Islamabad’s principled stance on the Palestinian issue, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and unhindered humanitarian access.

The conference underscored the army’s commitment to national stability amid ongoing regional tensions. Analysts view Munir’s remarks as a signal of the military’s intent to maintain internal cohesion and assert its role in Pakistan’s evolving security and political landscape.

Pakistan has finalized the sale of a 75% stake in its national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), to Arif Habib Investment for $482 million. The auction, broadcast live on state television, saw participation from three domestic bidders. Arif Habib Investment emerged as the top bidder with an offer of 135 billion Pakistani rupees, narrowly surpassing a consortium led by Lucky Cement, which offered 134 billion rupees. Private airline Air Blue placed a distant third bid of 26.5 billion rupees.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the transaction as one of the largest in Pakistan’s history, emphasizing transparency throughout the process. The deal also grants Arif Habib Investment the option to acquire the remaining 25% of PIA shares in the coming months. The privatization move follows a failed attempt last year, as the government seeks to reduce losses and modernize the struggling airline.

Analysts say the sale could mark a turning point for Pakistan’s aviation sector, though challenges remain in restructuring operations and restoring PIA’s global reputation.

A youth leader from Pakistan’s ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has issued a sharp warning to India, declaring that any threat to Bangladesh’s sovereignty would provoke a military and missile response from Pakistan. Kamran Saeed Usmani made the remarks in a video message, asserting that Pakistan’s armed forces and missiles are “not far away” if India acts against Dhaka.

Usmani claimed that Muslim youth across the region are becoming increasingly alert to India’s strategic ambitions, particularly what he described as efforts to impose the “Akhand Bharat” ideology. He urged Bangladesh to form a military alliance with Pakistan and proposed establishing mutual military bases in both countries.

Analysts note that such rhetoric, though not an official government stance, could heighten regional tensions between India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The statement comes amid a fragile South Asian security environment, where even symbolic threats risk escalating diplomatic friction. No official response from Dhaka or New Delhi has yet been reported.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced that the board will lodge a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the behavior of Indian players during the Under-19 Asia Cup final. Pakistan defeated India by a massive 191-run margin, but the victory was overshadowed by allegations of excessive sledging and unsportsmanlike conduct by the Indian team.

Naqvi stated that Indian players repeatedly provoked Pakistani cricketers throughout the match, calling the incidents contrary to the spirit of the game. Pakistan’s U-19 coach Sarfaraz Ahmed echoed the sentiment, describing India’s actions as “against cricketing ethics,” while emphasizing that his team maintained professionalism after the win. The PCB leadership stressed that politics and sports should remain separate.

The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry has long been marked by heightened tension. Similar disciplinary concerns arose during the senior Asia Cup final earlier, when players from both sides faced ICC reprimands. The latest episode may prompt the ICC to review conduct guidelines for youth tournaments.

U.S. President Donald Trump has described Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Field Marshal Asim Munir as a “highly respected general,” lauding his leadership during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. Trump claimed his administration had “stopped eight wars,” including a potential nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan, which he said could have cost millions of lives.

The remarks follow a series of public compliments Trump has made toward Munir since their June meeting in Washington, where the Pakistani military leader was hosted for a rare White House luncheon. Trump reiterated his positive relations with both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan’s leadership, calling them “tremendous people.” His comments come amid ongoing debate over conflicting accounts of the May border conflict in Kashmir, during which both nations claimed aerial victories.

Analysts note that Trump’s statements may reflect his broader effort to highlight diplomatic achievements ahead of the 2026 election cycle, though his version of events has drawn skepticism from regional observers and defense analysts.

The United States has approved a $686 million Foreign Military Sales (FMS) package to modernize Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet fleet. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) formally notified Congress after the proposal cleared the 30-day review period without objections. Lockheed Martin will serve as the primary contractor, providing hardware and software upgrades, maintenance, and technical support.

According to DSCA, the package includes 92 Link-16 data-link systems, avionics modernization, secure communication tools, and training equipment. Of the total cost, $37 million will cover major defense items, while $649 million will go toward maintenance and modernization services. The upgrades aim to extend the operational life of Pakistan’s Block-52 and Mid-Life Upgrade F-16 aircraft to 2040 and maintain interoperability with U.S. and allied forces.

Washington emphasized that the sale aligns with U.S. foreign policy and national security interests, supporting counterterrorism cooperation without altering the regional military balance. Pakistan first requested the upgrade in 2021–22, but the process only advanced under the Trump administration in late 2025 after previous delays.

Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team has received a major financial reward following their emphatic 191-run victory over India in the Youth Asia Cup final. The win marked a significant achievement for Pakistan, whose senior team has struggled to defeat India in recent years. The young squad’s dominant performance brought renewed pride to the nation’s cricketing community.

Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had declared a reward of 10 million Pakistani rupees (approximately 4.3 million Bangladeshi taka) for each player. During a meeting with the team, Sharif praised the players and coaching staff for their dedication and outstanding performance, expressing hope that these young cricketers would continue to bring glory to Pakistan.

The victory and subsequent recognition are seen as a morale boost for Pakistan’s cricket system, highlighting the potential of its youth development programs. Analysts suggest the success could strengthen the country’s future talent pipeline and rekindle optimism among fans ahead of upcoming international tournaments.