Pakistan’s security forces have killed 23 militants allegedly linked to India during two separate operations in the Kurram district, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The militants, identified as members of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) faction known as 'Kharijis', were targeted as part of the ongoing counterterrorism initiative 'Azm-e-Istehkam'. The first operation resulted in 12 militant deaths, while a subsequent intelligence-based raid killed 11 more. ISPR claimed that both groups were involved in India-sponsored terrorist activities. Security forces continue combing operations in the region to eliminate remaining militants. The military emphasized its commitment to eradicating all forms of terrorism, especially those backed by foreign entities. These actions are part of the National Action Plan approved by the Federal Apex Committee, aimed at ensuring national security and regional stability through intensified intelligence-driven operations.

At least 15 people were killed and seven others injured after a boiler explosion ripped through a glue manufacturing factory in Faisalabad’s Malikpur area early Friday, according to reports by Dawn. The blast caused the building to collapse, damaging nearby houses and structures. Preliminary investigations suggest that a gas leak triggered the explosion. Officials said most of the victims were residents of houses adjacent to the factory. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is personally overseeing the rescue and relief operations. Rescue teams continue to clear debris, fearing more people may be trapped under the rubble. Several nearby homes were also destroyed, leaving residents injured or missing. The death toll, initially reported as three, rose to 15 as more bodies were recovered from the site. Authorities have launched an inquiry into the cause of the incident and are assessing the extent of structural damage in the surrounding area.

A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck several regions of Pakistan on Friday morning, according to Indian media outlet NDTV. The quake’s epicenter was located at a depth of 135 kilometers beneath the surface. No immediate reports of casualties or damage have been received, but authorities are monitoring aftershocks and advising residents to remain cautious and follow safety protocols. The tremor occurred on the same morning that a 5.7 magnitude earthquake shook Dhaka, Bangladesh, with its epicenter in Narsingdi’s Madhabdi area. Experts note that shallow earthquakes tend to cause more surface damage due to stronger ground vibrations. The region encompassing Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India is among the world’s most earthquake-prone zones, frequently experiencing moderate to strong seismic activity.

Zimbabwe pulled off a stunning 67-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match of the tri-nation T20 series held in Pakistan. Batting first, Zimbabwe posted a competitive total of 162 for 8, led by opener Brian Bennett’s 49 and Sikandar Raza’s 47, which earned him the Player of the Match award. In reply, Sri Lanka collapsed to just 95 all out, unable to handle Zimbabwe’s disciplined and collective bowling attack. Captain Dasun Shanaka top-scored for Sri Lanka with 34 runs, while Bhanuka Rajapaksa added 11, but no other batsman reached double figures. Extras contributed 12 runs to the total. The result marked a disappointing start for Sri Lanka and a morale-boosting win for Zimbabwe, who began their campaign on a high note in the tri-series.

Pakistan has extended its airspace restrictions on Indian aircraft until December 24, according to a notice issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) on Thursday, November 20. The updated ban took effect on November 19 at 2:50 p.m. and will remain in force until 4:59 a.m. on December 24. The restriction applies to all aircraft registered in India, as well as any operated, leased, or owned by Indian airlines, including military planes. The airspace ban was first imposed following a deadly militant attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, in late April, which sharply escalated tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The incident led to a brief but intense military confrontation, after which Pakistan restricted Indian flights from using its airspace. The latest extension underscores the continuing strain in bilateral relations and the absence of diplomatic progress toward normalization.

Pakistan is preparing to construct an artificial island in the Arabian Sea, about 30 kilometers off the coast of Sujawal district in Sindh, to facilitate offshore oil and gas exploration. According to Bloomberg, the project is being led by Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), whose general manager Arshad Palekar revealed the plan during an oil and gas conference in Islamabad. The six-foot-high platform will withstand sea waves, allowing continuous drilling operations. Inspired by a similar project in Abu Dhabi, this marks Pakistan’s first artificial island for energy exploration. The construction is expected to be completed by February next year, after which PPL plans to drill 25 wells. The initiative follows renewed interest in Pakistan’s offshore resources, reportedly after comments from former U.S. President Donald Trump about the country’s potential oil reserves. Experts believe the project could enhance Pakistan’s energy supply, provide eco-friendly marine fuel, and improve maritime trade routes.

Rawalpindi police have taken into custody three sisters of former Pakistani Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan — Aleema, Dr. Uzma, and Naureen — following a prolonged 10-hour sit-in outside Adiala Jail. The protest began after authorities denied family members and PTI leaders permission to meet Khan at the prison. Despite multiple rounds of negotiation, Aleema Khan refused to end the demonstration without a confirmed meeting schedule. Late at night, police dispersed male PTI workers and later detained the sisters using a female police unit, transferring them to Chakri. The PTI claimed on social media platform X that the sisters were peacefully protesting when police used force to arrest them. The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing tensions between PTI supporters and law enforcement amid Khan’s imprisonment.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been fined 10 percent of his match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the final match against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. The incident occurred in the 21st over when Babar, after being dismissed, struck the stumps with his bat in frustration. The offense was categorized as a Level 1 violation, resulting in one demerit point being added to his disciplinary record. Since Babar accepted the charge and admitted his mistake, no formal hearing was required. The punishment comes just after Babar ended a long century drought, scoring his first international hundred in 807 days and 83 innings. Despite his return to form, the disciplinary issue has drawn criticism from the Pakistan Cricket Board and former players, who have urged the star batter to maintain composure and set a better example for younger cricketers.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued a new directive prohibiting cash-based dollar transactions in an effort to stabilize the rupee and prevent excessive dollar outflows. Under the new rules, banks and exchange companies must transfer foreign currency directly into customers’ accounts instead of providing cash. Individuals without foreign currency accounts will no longer be able to purchase cash dollars. The SBP stated that the move aims to promote a cashless economy and ensure transparency in foreign exchange dealings. Exchange companies clarified that the decision will not affect travelers or those buying dollars for legitimate purposes, though buyers must provide proof of need. Additionally, transactions between customers and exchange companies are now limited to USD 500 unless verified for higher amounts. The new policy is part of Pakistan’s broader effort to strengthen its financial system amid ongoing currency pressure and foreign exchange challenges.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that India could launch a cross-border attack, citing recent remarks by the Indian Army Chief. Speaking on Samaa TV’s program ‘Nadeem Malik Live’ on November 18, Asif said Pakistan cannot ignore India’s statements and must remain vigilant. He alleged that India plays a role in infiltration activities across the Afghan border and that Afghanistan has become a haven for terrorists. Asif noted that countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, and China want to see an end to cross-border violence involving Pakistan. He further claimed that India does not want Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve their issues peacefully and that Pakistan faces pressure from both eastern and western borders. On foreign policy, Asif clarified that Pakistan will not join the Abraham Accords and will maintain its stance on supporting a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Pakistan’s security forces have killed 15 militants belonging to the India-backed Fitna-al-Khawarij group in two separate counterterrorism operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The operations, conducted on November 15 and 16 in Dera Ismail Khan and North Waziristan, were based on intelligence reports. In the first raid in Dera Ismail Khan’s Kalachi area, 10 militants, including senior commander Alam Mehsud, were killed. A second operation in Datta Khel, North Waziristan, eliminated five more militants. Security forces continue to pursue others who fled the scene. Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister congratulated the forces, calling the elimination of India-supported terrorists a matter of national consensus. The government uses the term ‘Fitna-al-Khawarij’ to refer to the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The development follows a recent suicide bombing in Islamabad claimed by the TTP that killed 12 and injured 27.

Pakistan began their tri-nation T20 series campaign with a solid win over Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi. After losing the toss, Zimbabwe batted first and posted 147 runs for eight wickets, despite a strong start of 72 runs in eight overs. Ryan Bennett top-scored with 49 off 36 balls, while captain Sikandar Raza added 34. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Mohammad Nawaz with two wickets, restricted Zimbabwe effectively. In reply, Pakistan faced early pressure at 54 for four but recovered through a 61-run fifth-wicket stand between Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan. Fakhar scored 44 off 32 balls, while Usman remained unbeaten on 37. Mohammad Nawaz contributed a quick 21 off 12 balls to seal the victory with four balls to spare. The win gave Pakistan a strong start in the tri-series, boosting their confidence ahead of upcoming matches.

Pakistan’s ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi praised Babar Azam as the 'backbone' of the national team after securing a series victory against Sri Lanka at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. Afridi highlighted the team’s unity as the key to success and lauded Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for their leadership and consistent performances. He expressed satisfaction at Babar’s return to form with a century and commended Rizwan’s senior role. Afridi also appreciated Wasim Junior’s comeback performance after injury, emphasizing the bowlers’ ability to change the course of matches. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s batting coach Julian Wood acknowledged Pakistan’s superior performance and praised the Rawalpindi crowd’s support. He admitted Sri Lanka’s early batting collapse cost them the final ODI but stressed the importance of focusing on World Cup preparations and adapting strategies for the upcoming T20 tri-series.

Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has warned that any future aggression against Pakistan will be met with a swift and strong response. Speaking during a luncheon in honor of Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Munir emphasized that Pakistan’s military victory in May was due to divine blessing, not personal achievement. He described the Pakistan Army as 'Allah’s army,' fighting in the name of God. The remarks come after a recent conflict in May, when India launched attacks following a deadly terrorist incident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam area that killed 28 people. Pakistan claimed to have downed seven Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, during the confrontation. India blamed Pakistan for the Pahalgam attack without presenting concrete evidence, which Islamabad denied. Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace but stressed that any future aggression would be met with decisive military retaliation.

Jordanian King Abdullah II and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif jointly declared a 'zero-tolerance' stance against any forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza during the king’s two-day state visit to Islamabad. The leaders reaffirmed their countries’ shared positions on the Gaza conflict and agreed to strengthen coordination among eight Arab-Islamic nations collaborating with the United States on a ceasefire and post-war reconstruction plan for the enclave. Discussions also covered expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, defense, health, education, and technology. Several memoranda of understanding were signed, including in culture and media. King Abdullah’s visit, the first by a Jordanian monarch to Pakistan in 21 years, is part of his broader Asian tour that includes Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, and Indonesia. The visit underscores both nations’ alignment on the Palestinian issue and their intent to deepen strategic and economic ties.