Pakistan defeated Bangladesh in a thrilling final of the Emerging Asia Cup, winning their third title after a dramatic Super Over. Chasing 126, Bangladesh collapsed to 96 for 9 before tailenders Abdul Gaffar Saklain and Ripon Mondol staged a stunning fightback, hitting crucial sixes to tie the match. Bangladesh needed two runs off the last ball but managed only one, forcing the game into a Super Over. Pakistan easily chased down the seven-run target in the Super Over to secure victory. Earlier, Pakistan posted 126 all out, with Saad Masood scoring 38 and Arafat Minhas 25. Ripon took three wickets for Bangladesh, while Rakibul Hasan claimed two. Despite Bangladesh’s bowlers performing well, their batting faltered again in a final, marking their third consecutive defeat in the tournament’s title match. Pakistan, meanwhile, became the first team to win the Emerging Asia Cup three times, having previously triumphed in 2019 and 2023.

Pakistan continued their impressive form in the ongoing tri-nation T20 series by defeating Zimbabwe convincingly in Rawalpindi to book their place in the final. Batting first after winning the toss, Pakistan posted 195 for 5, thanks to half-centuries from captain Babar Azam (74 off 52) and Sahibzada Farhan (63 off 41). In reply, Zimbabwe struggled against Pakistan’s spin attack, collapsing for just 126 in 19 overs. Usman Tariq starred with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 18 runs in his four overs. Ryan Burl top-scored for Zimbabwe with 67 off 49 balls, but lacked support from the other end. With this victory, Pakistan have won all three of their matches, securing 6 points and a spot in the final. Zimbabwe remain second with 2 points, while Sri Lanka, yet to win a game, must win their next two matches to stay in contention for the final.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has attributed the country’s current security crisis to past policy missteps, particularly its overly close relationship with the Afghan Taliban. Speaking on Samaa TV, Asif criticized former policymakers who believed in strategic alignment with the Taliban, calling it a grave mistake that has now backfired. He said Pakistan is once again facing intensified proxy conflicts and warned that the risk of war with India remains real. Asif also noted that the presence of Taliban leadership in Pakistan in the past should be a matter of national regret and introspection. He accused India of attempting to destabilize Pakistan through Afghanistan. Despite these challenges, Asif emphasized that Pakistan’s military now enjoys unprecedented unity and coordination with civilian authorities, which he believes will help the country confront its current security threats.

Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has directed Chinese companies operating in the country to install artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled monitoring cameras in their manufacturing facilities. The move aims to address widespread tax evasion, particularly in the ceramic tile sector, where underreporting of production has allegedly caused an annual revenue loss of around 30 billion rupees. FBR Chairman Rashid Langrial issued the directive during a Senate Standing Committee on Finance meeting, warning that companies refusing to comply would face shutdowns. Chinese firms have expressed concerns that surveillance could compromise business confidentiality, but authorities have reduced the required number of cameras per factory from 16 to 5 to accommodate investors. The government plans to expand the AI monitoring system to 18 high-risk sectors to ensure transparency and improve tax compliance across industries.

Turkey is taking a diplomatic initiative to ease escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban government by sending a high-level delegation to Islamabad next week. Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Irfan Neziroglu confirmed the visit, which will include key ministers and intelligence officials, such as Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar. The mission aims to promote dialogue and prevent Afghan territory from being used for terrorist attacks against Pakistan. The move follows earlier Istanbul meetings between Pakistan and Afghanistan that ended without agreement due to Kabul’s reluctance to act against militant groups. Tensions have surged since October 12, when Taliban and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters attacked Pakistani forces, prompting retaliatory strikes that killed over 200 militants. Despite temporary ceasefire talks in Doha and Istanbul, progress remains limited. Turkey’s mediation seeks to restore trust and ensure regional stability through peaceful means.

Recent developments suggest that the United States is discreetly facilitating closer engagement between Pakistan and Israel as part of a broader Middle East realignment. According to journalist Imran Khurshid’s analysis in Asia Times, Washington is nudging Islamabad toward recognizing Israel, aligning with its strategy to expand the Abraham Accords 2.0. In late 2025, several symbolic meetings between Pakistani officials and Israeli-linked figures, including a public encounter in London and a reported private meeting in New York, reflected this emerging dynamic. Despite Pakistan’s domestic sensitivities, the absence of official denials hints at ongoing backchannel diplomacy. The October Sharm el-Sheikh conference further underscored US influence in coordinating Muslim-majority nations toward a pro-Washington stance amid the Gaza conflict. Meanwhile, global public opinion has turned sharply against Israel’s actions in Gaza, with several European countries moving toward recognizing Palestine. The evolving scenario highlights a complex interplay of strategic, political, and humanitarian considerations shaping regional diplomacy.

At the Dubai Airshow 2025, an Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed on Friday, while Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder emerged as a major attraction, earning global praise and renewed export interest. Pakistan announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with a friendly nation for the sale of JF-17 aircraft, though details of the deal remain undisclosed. Officials confirmed that several other countries have shown strong interest in purchasing the aircraft, reflecting growing confidence in Pakistan’s aerospace industry. The JF-17 Block-3 variant, featuring advanced avionics, enhanced radar, and electronic warfare systems, was showcased prominently. Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu held high-level meetings with UAE defense leaders to discuss training, aerospace cooperation, and joint operations. The UAE military leadership commended Pakistan’s professionalism and innovation, agreeing to strengthen long-term strategic collaboration. The JF-17, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, continues to bolster Pakistan’s defense export potential and international reputation.

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.