Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply intensified along the border, with Pakistani security sources claiming that the Pakistan Air Force carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, destroying a major ammunition depot. A Pakistani government official said the strikes were in response to what Islamabad described as ‘provocative attacks’ from the Afghan side, resulting in the deaths of 133 Taliban government members and injuries to more than 200 others, according to Geo News.

Security sources said Pakistan launched ‘Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq’ after alleged border violations by Taliban forces. Mosharraf Zaidi, spokesperson for the Pakistani Prime Minister’s Office on foreign media, stated that 72 Taliban fighters were killed and over 120 injured, with 16 Taliban posts destroyed and seven captured. He added that Pakistan’s positions remained intact and no Pakistani soldiers were killed or captured. Zaidi accused ‘Indian proxies’ of spreading misinformation about Pakistani losses.

The report noted that cross-border clashes and airstrikes have occurred repeatedly in recent months. Pakistan has accused militants of using Afghan territory to launch attacks, a claim the Taliban government denies. The escalating conflict has raised fresh concerns over regional security.

Afghanistan launched an attack targeting Pakistani military positions along the border, killing several Pakistani soldiers, according to Afghan officials. The assault took place on Thursday and was described as a response to recent Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar and Paktia provinces. Pakistan’s Ministry of Information stated on X that Afghan forces opened fire without provocation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and warned that a swift and effective response would follow.

An Afghan military corps media office reported that intense fighting began late Thursday night, describing it as retaliation for Pakistan’s recent air operations. Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said on X that Afghan forces carried out large-scale attacks on multiple Pakistani military positions along the Durand Line, claiming to have killed numerous soldiers, captured several others, and seized 15 outposts.

The cross-border violence follows Pakistan’s earlier strikes on Sunday that, according to the UN mission in Afghanistan, killed 13 civilians. Islamabad claimed those strikes killed 80 armed fighters, while Kabul said 18 people were killed, underscoring the conflicting narratives and rising tensions between the two neighbors.

At least 20 people, including police officers, were killed in militant attacks across Pakistan’s northwestern region over the past two days, according to a police official on Thursday. The attacks occurred in various areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where 15 police personnel and four civilians were reported dead. Two police officers were also abducted and remain missing. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for most of the assaults.

Violence has surged in recent months in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and neighboring Balochistan provinces. In response, Pakistan’s security forces launched operations targeting groups described as Indian-backed proxies. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that 34 militants were killed in these operations, including 26 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and eight in Balochistan’s Sambaza area. One of the dead was identified as an Afghan national.

ISPR added that further clashes in Lakki Marwat, Bannu, and North Waziristan districts resulted in additional militant casualties and recovery of weapons and ammunition.

Pakistan’s security forces have killed at least 34 militants described as India-backed during operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) released on February 26, 2026. The operations were carried out over several days based on intelligence reports targeting two groups identified as Fitna al-Kharij and Fitna al-Hindustan.

The ISPR said that on February 24, four separate clashes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa resulted in the deaths of 26 members of Fitna al-Kharij, while eight militants from Fitna al-Hindustan were killed in an operation in Sambaza, Balochistan. One of the deceased was identified as an Afghan national. Additional operations were conducted in Lakki Marwat, Bannu, and North Waziristan districts, where further militants were killed after intense exchanges of fire.

Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the militants, according to the ISPR statement. The operations are part of Pakistan’s ongoing counterterrorism efforts in its northwestern and southwestern regions.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking specialized medical treatment for its founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The petition, submitted on Wednesday, February 25, requests his transfer to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for retinal care. PTI lawyer Latif Khosa filed the petition under Rule 35(6) of the Supreme Court Rules 2025 in connection with the Toshakhana criminal case, following the submission of a health report prepared by Barrister Salman Safdar.

The petition asks that Imran Khan be treated by a retina specialist and that his personal physicians, Dr. Faisal Sultan and Dr. Aseem Yusuf, along with family members, be allowed to attend. It also seeks verified copies of all medical reports for his legal team. PTI stated that the 73-year-old leader’s deteriorating health is a concern for his family and the public, noting his repeated calls for independent medical evaluation.

Meanwhile, a two-member Supreme Court bench has suspended Toshakhana case proceedings until the Islamabad High Court delivers its final decision. Imran Khan remains in Adiala Jail, serving a sentence in a £190 million corruption case and facing other pending trials.

Pakistan has warned that it will deliver a strong response if attacked without provocation from Afghanistan. The warning came from Prime Minister’s spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi, who posted the statement on social media on Tuesday night. Zaidi claimed that the Afghan Taliban government initiated gunfire in the Torkham and Tirah sub-sectors of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, prompting an immediate and effective response from Pakistani security forces. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to protect its citizens and territorial integrity.

Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Taliban government to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan. Earlier, Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Afghan border areas, claiming to have killed more than 80 “terrorists.” Officials said the strikes targeted seven militant hideouts in response to recent suicide bombings inside Pakistan. However, Afghan authorities stated that the attacks hit several civilian homes and a religious school.

The renewed warning underscores rising tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, where both sides have exchanged accusations over cross-border violence and militant activity.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan underwent the second phase of his eye treatment on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. Doctors confirmed that he remained physically stable before and after the procedure and that his vision showed further improvement.

According to PIMS Executive Director Dr. Imran Sikandar, the 74-year-old was brought from Adiala Central Jail for follow-up treatment and received his second dose of anti-VEGF intravitreal injection, one month after the first dose administered on January 24 and 25. The injection was applied under a microscope by consultant ophthalmologist Dr. Muhammad Arif and vitreoretinal surgeon Dr. Nadeem Qureshi from Al-Shifa Eye Trust Hospital. The procedure was conducted as a day-care operation under strict medical protocols.

A medical board examined Khan before the treatment, including cardiology and general health assessments, which found him clinically stable and fit for the procedure. Officials stated that the injection was administered only after obtaining his formal consent and following all safety and procedural standards.

Pakistan’s Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry, stated that the country will not compromise on national security. He made the remarks following Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan, emphasizing that the operations targeted militants responsible for attacks inside Pakistan.

Chaudhry said Pakistan has always preferred dialogue and peaceful coexistence but must act when Afghan soil is used for attacks. He urged the Taliban government to take concrete steps to prevent cross-border militancy, stressing that lasting peace in the region depends on the complete elimination of militant sanctuaries.

He further claimed that 21 terrorist groups are operating from Afghan territory, posing a serious threat to regional stability. The statement followed reports that Pakistan’s recent military action successfully neutralized militants involved in assaults on its soil.

Five suspected militants were killed in a counterterrorism operation in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, according to an official statement released on Monday. The operation took place in Pishin district based on intelligence information, where a suspected suicide bomber and four associates were killed near the old Surkhab refugee camp. The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) spokesperson said that intense gunfire erupted during the raid on the militants’ hideout.

The statement added that the group had planned attacks on the police lines and Cadet College Pishin. Security forces are continuing their investigation into the incident. The CTD also reported that, in separate operations last week in Quetta and Barkhan districts, a total of 14 suspected militants were killed.

Authorities have not released further details about the identities of those killed or the specific militant group involved, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Pakistan’s military claimed that more than 80 militants were killed and several others injured in overnight airstrikes across Afghanistan’s border regions. The strikes, conducted early Sunday, targeted militant bases in Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost provinces, according to a military source quoted by AFP. Islamabad said the operation was carried out in response to recent suicide attacks inside Pakistan.

Security officials stated that the death toll could rise further as assessments continue. The strikes reportedly destroyed seven hideouts linked to the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and killed members of a group identified as ‘Fitna al-Khawarij.’ Among the destroyed sites were several centers in Nangarhar, Khost, and Paktika provinces. AFP noted that the exact number of casualties in Afghanistan could not be independently verified.

Authorities said the operation was based on credible intelligence about militant activity in the border areas and that a full damage assessment and intelligence review would be released later.

The Super Eights opener between Pakistan and New Zealand at the 2026 T20 World Cup was abandoned due to persistent rain in Colombo. The match, scheduled at R Premadasa Stadium, was called off without a ball being bowled after Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and chose to bat first on Saturday. Despite efforts by more than 60 ground staff to protect the playing surface, the umpires officially abandoned the Group 2 match at 9:05pm local time (15:35 GMT).

The rain began immediately after the toss, and with forecasts predicting continued showers, both teams were forced to leave the field. Even a shortened five-over contest was not possible before the 10:16pm (16:46 GMT) cut-off time. As a result, both Pakistan and New Zealand were awarded one point each in the standings.

The tournament continues on Sunday, with co-host India facing South Africa in Ahmedabad for the first Group 1 match, while co-host Sri Lanka meets England in Group 2 action at Pallekele.

Pakistan’s government has denied reports of any deal with imprisoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. Rana Sanaullah Khan, the prime minister’s political adviser, said on Geo News that no agreement had been made and none would be offered in the future. His remarks came after local media suggested a possible understanding between the government and Khan, which Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also dismissed.

Sanaullah stated that the government’s position toward the former ruling party remains clear: to work together for Pakistan’s stability. He invited PTI to engage in dialogue for strengthening the country. He confirmed that on November 24, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and other officials met PTI leaders, but the talks failed because Khan rejected the government’s conditions. Sanaullah criticized Khan’s stance as obstinate and said the terms proposed by PTI were unacceptable to the government.

He assured that Imran Khan is receiving the best possible medical care while in custody, emphasizing that the government remains committed to lawful and humane treatment of the former prime minister.

Four people were killed in a security operation conducted in Lakki Marwat district of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to a report published on Thursday, February 19, 2026, by Samaa TV. The operation was carried out based on intelligence information about the presence of an armed group in the area.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, stated that the operation took place during the night between February 18 and 19 after receiving credible information about militant activity. During intense gunfire, four members of a group known as “Fitna al-Khawarij” were killed. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site, and the deceased were alleged to have been involved in multiple violent incidents in the region.

Security forces have launched a sweeping search operation across the area to capture any remaining armed individuals. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to continuing counterterrorism operations to maintain peace and stability.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that Islamabad is prepared to launch new attacks in Afghanistan if Kabul fails to provide credible assurances of peace. Speaking to France 24 on Wednesday, Asif said that despite efforts by several allied countries to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan amid rising tensions, those attempts have not produced results. The warning follows an unprovoked terrorist attack from Afghan territory on a Pakistani border post in October last year, which led to subsequent clashes along the border.

Asif accused the Afghan Taliban of failing to act against terrorist groups despite multiple rounds of talks. He also alleged that India, Kabul, and militant organizations share a common stance and blamed New Delhi for waging a “proxy war” against Pakistan through militant attacks. Asif further stated that since the May 2025 war between India and Pakistan, there has been no direct or indirect contact between the two countries.

He dismissed the possibility of establishing diplomatic ties with Israel, saying such a move could only be considered if an independent homeland for Palestinians is ensured. Asif added that Pakistan is ready to contribute to Trump’s international peace force if conditions become favorable.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced the formation of the 'Imran Khan Release Force' to campaign for the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned since August 2023. The announcement was made by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister and close Khan ally Sohail Afridi during a press conference outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday. Afridi said Khan had tasked him with leading a street movement for his release.

Imran Khan was ousted from power through a parliamentary vote in 2022 and later faced multiple legal cases, resulting in his imprisonment. PTI maintains that the charges are politically motivated. Recently, concerns have grown over Khan’s health after a medical report submitted to the Supreme Court revealed that he retains only 15 percent vision in his right eye.

Following the report, PTI intensified its campaign for Khan’s release, while the government insists that the former prime minister is receiving the best possible medical care.