Imran Khan’s sons, Qasim and Suleman Khan, announced plans to visit Pakistan in January to meet their father, the jailed former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder. In an interview with Sky News, the London-based brothers expressed grave concern over Khan’s health and alleged that he is being held in a ‘death cell’ under inhumane conditions, facing psychological torture and isolation.

Their remarks echo earlier allegations by Khan’s sister Uzma Khanum, who was recently allowed to visit him in Adiala Jail. The family claims that authorities have denied regular contact and that Khan’s confinement violates international standards. A UN special envoy has also warned that his treatment could amount to degrading or inhuman conditions.

The Pakistani government has rejected these accusations. Prime Minister’s spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi stated that Khan is not in solitary confinement and is allowed weekly family visits. The controversy adds to ongoing political tensions as Khan remains imprisoned on multiple corruption and terrorism-related charges since his ouster in 2022.

Family members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan staged a sit-in outside Adiala Jail after being denied permission to meet him despite a court order allowing visits twice a week. Khan’s sisters, Aleema, Naureen, and Dr. Uzma Khan, along with senior PTI leaders, gathered near the prison on Tuesday but were informed that the scheduled meeting would not be allowed. Late at night, police used water cannons and batons to disperse the demonstrators, detaining several party workers.

Aleema Khan told reporters that the family had no choice but to protest after repeated denials of access. PTI officials accused jail authorities of violating court directives and restricting legal and family visits without justification. The party condemned the police action, calling it an attempt to silence peaceful dissent.

The confrontation underscores ongoing tensions between PTI and Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies as Khan remains imprisoned. Observers warn that continued restrictions on family and legal access could further inflame political unrest ahead of upcoming elections.

Pakistan has accused India of sponsoring terrorist attacks within its territory, claiming to possess credible evidence of New Delhi’s involvement. Speaking before the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday, Gul Kaisar Sarwani, Counselor and Political Coordinator of Pakistan’s UN Mission, alleged that India supports groups such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and others operating against Islamabad.

Sarwani argued that India uses unfounded terrorism allegations to divert global attention from its own record of cross-border aggression and state-backed violence in Jammu and Kashmir. He further criticized India for rejecting Pakistan’s proposal for an independent investigation into the Pahalgam attack, calling New Delhi’s actions a violation of international law.

The Pakistani diplomat also warned that India’s unilateral actions, including threats to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, amount to weaponizing water resources for political gain. The remarks underscore deepening diplomatic tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, with no immediate sign of de-escalation.

Pakistan has informed the United Nations Security Council that Jammu and Kashmir was never part of India and will not be in the future. Speaking at the Council, Pakistan’s mission counsellor and political coordinator Gul Qaiser Sarwani described the region as an internationally recognized disputed territory, asserting that this position aligns with the UN’s own stance.

Sarwani reminded the Council that India had originally brought the issue to the UN and accepted the obligation to allow a plebiscite under UN supervision to determine the region’s future. He accused India of failing to fulfill that commitment for nearly eight decades while maintaining a heavy military presence and suppressing fundamental freedoms in Kashmir.

Addressing terrorism allegations, Sarwani said India uses such claims to divert attention from its own human rights record. He alleged that India engages in state-sponsored violence in occupied Kashmir and against minorities. Pakistan, he added, continues to show restraint and responsibility in the face of provocations.

Pakistan’s security forces killed 13 militants in two separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province between December 12 and 13, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The operations took place in Mohmand and Bannu districts, targeting members of the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to by the military as ‘Fitna al-Kharij’. Seven militants were killed in Mohmand and six in Bannu after intense firefights.

The ISPR claimed the militants had received backing from India, an allegation that could further strain bilateral relations. Pakistan’s security agencies have intensified counterterrorism efforts following a surge in militant attacks across the northwest. Last month, 22 militants were killed in a similar operation in Bannu. The Global Terrorism Index 2025 ranked Pakistan second worldwide for terrorism impact, with a 45% rise in deaths from attacks compared to the previous year.

Analysts warn that despite frequent operations, militant networks remain resilient in border regions, posing ongoing security and diplomatic challenges for Islamabad.

A planned bilateral meeting between Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Russian President Vladimir Putin took an unexpected turn during an international forum in Turkmenistan marking the 30th anniversary of the country’s permanent neutrality. After reportedly waiting 40 minutes for his scheduled meeting, Sharif entered a closed-door discussion between Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, according to a video published by RT India.

The footage, which quickly spread on social media, showed Sharif entering the room in apparent frustration, prompting online criticism and ridicule over what users described as a diplomatic breach. RT India later deleted the video, stating that it might have misrepresented the situation and caused misunderstanding. The incident occurred on the sidelines of a high-level gathering attended by leaders from Russia, Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan.

While the exact circumstances remain unclear, the episode underscores the sensitivity of protocol in international diplomacy. Analysts note that such moments, even if unintended, can affect perceptions of state conduct and highlight the challenges of managing optics in multilateral settings.

Pakistan has welcomed a joint religious declaration by more than 1,000 Afghan clerics in Kabul condemning cross-border militancy, but insisted that such commitments will only be meaningful with a written assurance from the Taliban leadership. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andarabi said Islamabad has repeatedly sought written guarantees that Afghan soil will not be used against Pakistan, but has yet to receive one.

The declaration, viewed as a religious endorsement against cross-border terrorism, warned that any military action beyond Afghanistan’s borders would be treated as rebellion against the Amir’s orders. While Pakistan was not named, the statement is widely seen as directed at the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups. Andarabi noted that past Taliban promises had gone unfulfilled, and Pakistan would assess the new declaration before deciding on further steps.

Tensions remain high following deadly attacks in Pakistan allegedly launched from Afghan territory. Islamabad has also criticized Kabul’s rejection of humanitarian aid and warned that only the Taliban’s top leadership can effectively rein in militant networks. Diplomatic observers see the clerics’ statement as a potential shift within Afghanistan, though its practical impact remains uncertain.

A Pakistani military court has sentenced former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Faiz Hameed to 14 years in prison after finding him guilty on four charges, including political interference and misuse of authority. The army confirmed that Hameed, detained since August 2023, was convicted following a full legal process under the Field General Court Martial. This marks the first time in Pakistan’s history that a former ISI chief has been tried and sentenced by a military court.

According to the army’s statement, Hameed was charged with violating the Official Secrets Act, harming state interests, and abusing official resources. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar alleged that Hameed overstepped his authority and acted as an adviser to Imran Khan’s party, contributing to political unrest. The verdict comes amid ongoing investigations into his alleged role in the May 2023 attacks on military installations by Khan’s supporters.

Neither Hameed’s family nor his lawyers have commented, and Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has yet to respond. Analysts say the ruling underscores the military’s enduring dominance in Pakistan’s political landscape.

Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has issued a stern message to Afghanistan’s Taliban government amid escalating border tensions. Speaking at a Guard of Honour ceremony in Rawalpindi’s General Headquarters, Munir said Pakistan remains a peace-loving nation but will not compromise on its sovereignty or territorial integrity. He urged the Taliban to make a decisive choice between supporting the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or maintaining stable relations with Islamabad.

The remarks come as cross-border violence and militant activity continue to strain Pakistan-Afghanistan relations despite multiple rounds of peace talks. Munir’s statement underscores Pakistan’s growing frustration over the Taliban’s perceived inaction against TTP fighters operating from Afghan soil. During the same event, he also warned India that any future aggression would be met with a swift and forceful response.

Analysts view Munir’s comments as part of Pakistan’s broader effort to pressure Kabul into curbing militant sanctuaries. The warning signals a potential shift toward a harder security stance if diplomatic efforts fail to yield results.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has firmly dismissed the idea of excluding party founder Imran Khan from Pakistan’s political landscape. In an interview with Geo News outside the Parliament in Islamabad, Gohar stated that Imran remains the leader of a major political force supported by the people and cannot be 'minus-ed' from the political equation. He urged political leaders to adopt democratic and constructive thinking.

Gohar also called on authorities to arrange a meeting between Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and their family, suggesting that positive outcomes could emerge from dialogue rather than negative rhetoric. He criticized ongoing political commentary and press briefings, warning that such discussions only serve Pakistan’s adversaries. Gohar expressed concern that public confidence in leadership is fading amid confusion and division.

The statement comes as political tensions escalate following remarks by ISPR Director General Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, who labeled Imran Khan a national security threat. Government ministers have since ruled out talks with PTI unless Imran is excluded.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s adviser on political and public affairs, Rana Sanaullah, has claimed that Imran Khan, founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is on the verge of losing his political influence. Speaking at a rally in Gujranwala, Sanaullah sharply criticized Khan’s tenure, his strained relations with the military establishment, and the internal disarray within PTI.

Sanaullah alleged that Khan’s government brought destruction during its rule and partly blamed former army chief General Qamar Bajwa for key decisions of that period. He contrasted Khan’s confrontational approach with Nawaz Sharif’s restraint toward state institutions. According to Sanaullah, Khan’s conflict with the establishment began when he sought to use it against political rivals and later attempted to blackmail it for personal political gain.

The adviser further claimed that around 85% of PTI members no longer align with Khan’s political direction, warning that the party’s tactics resemble those of controversial past movements. Analysts view these remarks as part of the ruling coalition’s effort to weaken PTI ahead of Pakistan’s evolving political landscape.

At least 23 Afghan Taliban soldiers were killed in cross-border attacks by Pakistani forces over the past two days, according to a report by Pakistan’s The News on Sunday, December 7. The clashes occurred near the Chaman border in Balochistan, where Pakistani troops reportedly responded to gunfire from Afghan forces who allegedly violated a ceasefire late Friday night in the Zaman sector.

Sources cited by the report said the exchange began with small arms fire and escalated to heavy weaponry, including rockets and artillery, lasting around 45 minutes. Three Afghan border posts were reportedly destroyed. Pakistani sources claimed precision weapons were used to avoid civilian casualties, though Afghan troops later moved into populated areas, prompting further retaliatory fire.

The incident underscores the fragile security situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan frontier, where tensions have grown since the Taliban’s return to power. Both sides have accused each other of ceasefire violations, raising concerns about potential escalation and civilian safety in border communities.

Pakistan’s Election Commission (ECP) has declined to recognize Barrister Gohar Ali Khan as chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), citing ongoing legal proceedings over the party’s internal elections. The ECP also rejected his request to formally include independent senators into the PTI ranks, stating that the party currently lacks the legal authority to make such incorporations.

The decision comes as PTI’s intra-party election case remains under judicial review, with the Lahore High Court having suspended aspects of the party’s internal processes. In its official response, the ECP clarified that no certification or recognition could be issued to Gohar at this stage. Barrister Gohar has expressed disappointment and announced plans to challenge the ruling in court, arguing that the ECP’s stance undermines the party’s democratic rights.

The dispute adds to PTI’s ongoing legal and political challenges following the 2024 general elections. Analysts suggest the outcome could influence PTI’s parliamentary standing and its ability to contest future elections under its current leadership structure.

Pakistan’s federal authorities have imposed foreign travel bans on 132 senior leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, citing their alleged involvement in the violent protests and vandalism that erupted on May 9, 2023. The decision, confirmed on Saturday, adds the names of several prominent figures to the Exit Control List (ECL), effectively preventing them from leaving the country.

Among those restricted are PTI founder Imran Khan, senior leaders Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Omar Ayub, Fawad Chaudhry, and Shibli Faraz. Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Shehryar Afridi, Usman Dar, and female leaders Shireen Mazari, Zartaj Gul, Musarrat Cheema, and Kanwal Shauzab are also included. Officials said the Punjab Home Department had recommended the inclusion of 132 names.

The move reflects the government’s intensified scrutiny of PTI members accused of inciting political instability. Analysts suggest the bans could further strain relations between the ruling coalition and PTI supporters, potentially complicating efforts toward political reconciliation ahead of future elections.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar announced a proposal to form a trilateral alliance with Bangladesh and China, signaling Islamabad’s intent to create a new framework for regional cooperation outside the long-paralyzed South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Speaking at the Islamabad Conclave Forum, Dar said the initiative could expand beyond the region and emphasized collaboration over conflict.

The proposal comes as South Asia faces heightened political and diplomatic strains. India–Pakistan relations remain frozen after years of hostility, while Bangladesh–India ties have deteriorated following political upheaval in Dhaka. Analysts suggest Pakistan’s move reflects frustration with SAARC’s ineffectiveness and a desire to diversify regional partnerships. Academic Rabeya Akhtar called the plan ambitious, while others see it as a pragmatic response to shifting alliances.

Experts warn that if realized, the alliance could deepen India’s isolation and intensify regional rivalries, particularly between New Delhi and Beijing. Observers will watch whether Dhaka formally engages with Islamabad’s initiative or maintains a cautious stance amid competing strategic pressures.