Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that two suicide bombers involved in recent attacks across the country were Afghan nationals. Speaking in parliament, Naqvi confirmed several arrests linked to the incidents. One attack occurred at the entrance of Islamabad’s district court complex, killing at least 12 and injuring over 30. Another took place at a cadet college in South Waziristan near the Afghan border, involving a car bomb. Authorities have detained seven suspects in Rawalpindi and conducted operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply deteriorated, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of harboring militants responsible for cross-border attacks, a claim Afghanistan denies. Pakistan’s defense minister warned that the country might strike targets inside Afghanistan following the recent violence.

Pakistan’s Parliament has passed the 27th constitutional amendment, a highly controversial bill that significantly expands the powers of the country’s army chief and grants him lifelong legal immunity. The amendment also curtails the independence of the Supreme Court, sparking widespread criticism from opposition parties, legal experts, and human rights groups. The bill, passed in the National Assembly with 234 votes in favor and only four against, designates the army chief as the new defense head overseeing all military branches. Critics warn that this move could push Pakistan toward entrenched military rule and weaken its fragile democracy. The amendment will become law after the president’s approval, with analysts describing it as a step toward authoritarianism and the erosion of judicial independence.

The Pakistani government has introduced the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Senate, triggering protests from opposition parties over its rapid push and sweeping proposals. The bill seeks to create a Federal Constitutional Court, alter the judicial appointment process, expand provincial cabinets, and restructure the military command—abolishing the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and consolidating authority under the army chief. It also proposes lifetime immunity for the president and permanent privileges for five-star officers. Opposition leaders called the move unconstitutional and politically motivated, accusing the government of attempting to centralize power and weaken democratic institutions. Despite the criticism, the Senate has scheduled an unusual extra session to expedite the bill’s passage.

The latest Pakistan-Afghanistan talks held in Turkey ended in a deadlock, with the Pakistani delegation leaving the negotiating table and heading to the airport on November 7. Pakistan has demonstrated maximum patience amid the stalled discussions. Authorities in Qatar and Turkey are closely monitoring the progress, and further decisions will follow consultations with Pakistani policymakers. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar emphasized that Pakistan remains firm in its principled stance, holding Afghanistan responsible for curbing terrorism from its territory. He criticized the Afghan Taliban for failing to fulfill their commitments under the 2021 Doha Agreement. Pakistan continues to maintain goodwill toward the Afghan people but will not support actions by the Taliban government that harm regional or Afghan interests. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stressed that negotiations should culminate in a written agreement, with Qatar and Turkey acting as guarantors, ensuring transparency and long-term regional stability.

Pakistan and Iran are set to collaborate on a major biographical drama depicting the life and legacy of renowned philosopher-poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal. The initiative gained momentum after a detailed meeting in Islamabad between Pakistan’s Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, and senior Iranian media representatives. Officials from Pakistan’s television channels, a film production company, PEMRA, and the Iranian ambassador also attended.
According to Pakistan Press Agency reports, the minister welcomed the proposal, noting that a joint production in Urdu and Persian would symbolize deep cultural ties between the two nations. Iqbal’s poetry—highly influential in both countries—was highlighted as a timeless cultural bridge.
During the meeting, Pakistan and Iran signed five MoUs covering technical cooperation, skill development, and content exchange. The project aligns with earlier plans revealed by Pakistan’s Planning Ministry, which noted Iran’s interest in producing a film and a high-quality TV series ahead of Iqbal’s 150th birth anniversary in 2027. Actor Usman Mukhtar is expected to portray Iqbal in the upcoming series.

During the third round of ongoing talks in Istanbul with the Afghan Taliban government, Pakistan presented a list of “evidence-based, reasonable, and rational” demands aimed at ending cross-border terrorism. The discussions, mediated by Turkey and Qatar, seek to reduce tensions following last month’s deadly border clashes. Pakistan shared proof supporting its claims, which mediators fully backed, and the points are now being discussed with the Afghan delegation. Islamabad dismissed rumors circulating on Afghan social media as speculative or deliberately misleading. Both sides have agreed to maintain a ceasefire, with a monitoring and verification mechanism established to ensure compliance. Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful dialogue and urged Afghanistan to act responsibly, highlighting that the recent border incident was provoked by Afghan forces, and Pakistani forces responded professionally to restore control.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has accused India of manipulating Afghanistan to destabilize the region and spread terrorism. In a recent interview with Geo News, Asif alleged that India is “pulling the strings” in Kabul, turning Afghanistan into its “puppet.” He also criticized the Taliban government for withdrawing from peace talks between Islamabad and Kabul, which recently collapsed in Istanbul. Asif warned that any Afghan attack on Pakistan would provoke a response “50 times stronger.” He further claimed that India, through Afghanistan, aims to wage a low-intensity war against Pakistan. Kabul had earlier dismissed such allegations as baseless and politically motivated. Analysts say the remarks signal rising tensions between the two neighbors amid fragile regional diplomacy.

Pakistan has closed 10 refugee camps in Balochistan, resulting in the forced return of approximately 85,000 Afghan citizens. Operations targeting undocumented Afghans, especially in Quetta, are ongoing, with nearly 3,900 refugees detained just yesterday. Refugees report growing fear of leaving their homes as daily deportations continue. Pakistani officials, including Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, have pledged that returns will be conducted with dignity. Activists and Afghan authorities, however, warn that politicizing the issue and forcing repatriations violate international law and human rights standards. The situation highlights urgent humanitarian concerns amid rising political tensions, calling for international attention and support to ensure safe, voluntary returns for Afghan refugees and protection of their rights.

China and Pakistan have signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance educational cooperation and academic collaboration. The agreement was formalized between the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) and Xinjiang University at a ceremony held in Urumqi, China. According to PIDE’s statement, both universities agreed to expand joint research initiatives, faculty and student exchange programs, and capacity-building projects. The discussions particularly emphasized strengthening cooperation within the frameworks of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Representing Pakistan, PIDE Vice Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Nadeem Javed highlighted that the MoU marks an important milestone in reinforcing educational and research ties between the two nations. The partnership is expected to open new avenues for innovation, cross-cultural understanding, and sustainable development in the region, reflecting the growing strategic and academic ties between China and Pakistan.

Pakistan has partially reopened the Chaman–Spin Boldak border with Afghanistan for trade after weeks of closure, allowing the movement of empty trucks carrying commercial goods under strict supervision. The decision comes amid Pakistan’s ongoing nationwide campaign to repatriate Afghan refugees, with over 67,000 Afghans leaving the country in October alone. Officials confirmed that only trucks carrying Afghan refugees or goods are being allowed to pass, while pedestrian and regular traffic remain suspended for security reasons. Afghan drivers must hold valid passports and visas. Reports suggest that the Torkham border may also reopen under similar conditions soon, though other crossings—Ghulam Khan, Angoor Adda, and Kharlachi—will stay closed. In Azad Kashmir, authorities have ordered all Afghan nationals to leave by November 18. Meanwhile, 17 Afghans have been arrested in Islamabad following an attack on police, signaling heightened tensions as deportations continue nationwide.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said the future of the newly signed “fragile ceasefire” between Pakistan and Afghanistan depends entirely on whether the Taliban government can prevent cross-border infiltration and attacks by armed groups, particularly the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The ceasefire, mediated by Qatar and Turkey, came after a week of deadly clashes along the border. Asif emphasized that any threat from Afghan soil would be treated as a violation of the agreement. He accused the Afghan Taliban of collaborating with the TTP, an allegation the Taliban has denied. Meanwhile, Kabul accused Islamabad of spreading misinformation and harboring ISIL-linked militants. Both countries have agreed in writing to avoid any hostile actions against each other’s security forces, civilians, or infrastructure as they seek to maintain fragile peace amid rising regional tensions.

Pakistan has successfully launched its first hyperspectral satellite, H-1, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, calling it a “significant milestone” in the country’s space program. Hyperspectral satellites can detect subtle chemical and material changes on Earth’s surface, making them invaluable for monitoring crop quality, managing water resources, and assessing natural disaster damage. SUPARCO Chairman Muhammad Yousuf Khan stated that the satellite’s data will revolutionize agricultural productivity, enhance climate resilience, and optimize the management of vital natural resources. The launch reflects Pakistan’s growing space capabilities and its long-standing peaceful cooperation with China. This year alone, Pakistan has successfully deployed three satellites, with EO-1 and KS-1 already fully operational, signaling a strong push forward in its national space ambitions.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have extended their ceasefire ahead of peace talks between their official representatives, scheduled to begin in Doha, Qatar, on October 18. The move comes after a series of deadly clashes and airstrikes, including Pakistan’s October 9 strike in Kabul that killed TTP leader Noor Wali Mehsud and several other top commanders. Retaliatory attacks by Afghan forces on Pakistani border posts between October 11 and 14 left more than 200 Taliban fighters and 23 Pakistani soldiers dead. After an initial 48-hour ceasefire on October 15, airstrikes in Kandahar and Paktika killed nearly 50 people and injured over 150. Following this escalation, both nations have agreed to extend the ceasefire to allow peace talks to continue and prevent further civilian casualties.

Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban government are set to hold high-level talks in Doha, with Qatar mediating efforts to resolve growing tensions over cross-border militant activity. The meeting aims to address Pakistan’s security concerns about Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other groups allegedly operating from Afghan soil. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad is ready for dialogue if Kabul shows sincerity in curbing terrorism. Both sides recently agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire after deadly clashes along the border left several casualties. Pakistan warned its patience is wearing thin, accusing India of backing recent attacks. Doha and Riyadh have stepped in to defuse tensions, as Pakistan maintains that further hostilities could resume unless Kabul takes concrete action against militants. Border crossings at Torkham and Chaman remain closed, heightening fears of wider conflict.

Pakistan has formally requested China’s support to join the BRICS alliance’s New Development Bank (NDB), signaling its intent to deepen financial and strategic cooperation with Beijing. The request was made during a meeting in Washington between Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and China’s Vice Finance Minister Liao Min. Islamabad expressed gratitude for the growing Chinese investments in agriculture, industry, and mineral sectors, highlighting China’s role in Pakistan’s economic stability. According to a government statement, Aurangzeb emphasized Pakistan’s desire to become a member of the NDB, which was established by BRICS nations — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — to fund infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies. Earlier this year, Pakistan’s Economic Coordination Committee approved the purchase of $582 million worth of NDB capital shares, marking a concrete step toward its membership bid.