Pakistan's imports from India have jumped nearly 69% despite ongoing trade restrictions between the two neighbouring countries. According to figures attributed to the State Bank of Pakistan, the country imported Indian goods worth $61.74 million during July–September 2026, compared with $36.55 million during the same period last year. The surprising increase has raised questions about how Indian products continue reaching Pakistan when normal bilateral trade remains largely suspended.

Mecca defence pact locks members in for 10 years after the agreement enters into force, while requiring Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey to assist one another if a member faces an external armed attack. The newly disclosed pact also details military cooperation, intelligence sharing, logistics and withdrawal procedures. 10-year withdrawal clause The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement will remain in force indefinitely, but a member cannot wit

Peshawar school roof collapse kills 35, including 34 students, after part of a private school building in Dir Colony gave way. A teacher also died, while several students were injured. Police have arrested the school owner as investigators examine structural weakness, building inspections and possible negligence. Dilapidated school building At least 35 people, including 34 students and a teacher, have died after portions of a private sch

A routine investigation into suspected cross-border drug smuggling turned into a major security operation after Rajasthan Police discovered explosives and weapons allegedly delivered by drones from Pakistan. The Rajasthan Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), working with the Border Security Force (BSF), recovered approximately 7.75 kg of suspected RDX, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), two Turkish-made pistols and hundreds of cartridges near the India-Pakistan

Pakistan leads UN-backed Borrowers' Platform on sovereign debt as Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb takes charge of its Governing Council. The role puts Islamabad at the centre of discussions on Pakistan debt management, external debt servicing and developing country debt reform. Pakistan debt management Pakistan has assumed the chairmanship of the Governing Council of the Borrowers' Platform, an initiative designed to give developing

India Rejects Pakistan-China Boundary Commission Over Shaksgam after Islamabad and Beijing launched a long-planned border forum. The September meeting revived a dispute over the 1963 agreement, with India rejecting its legal basis and Pakistan defending the arrangement. Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission The Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission held its inaugural session in Islamabad on September 16–17, 2026. Pakistan's Forei

Pakistan denies PAF strikes against Yemen’s Houthis, rejecting reports that its fighter jets joined combat operations. The controversy comes as the Makkah pact deepens Saudi defence cooperation with Pakistan and Turkiye amid escalating missile and drone attacks. Pakistan denies PAF strikes against Yemen’s Houthis Pakistan has rejected reports that its air force is carrying out strikes against Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, calli

MJ Akbar says the India Partition legacy remains a continuing tragedy, arguing that its political, strategic and social consequences still shape the subcontinent. In his book, he examines Gandhi’s faith, Jinnah’s politics, British colonialism and the role of religion in nationhood. MJ Akbar says Partition remains a continuing tragedy for India Veteran journalist, author and former parliamentarian MJ Akbar has described the Indi

Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have intensified the Yemen conflict, with the group claiming strikes on Riyadh airport, the Rabigh refinery and military sites. Saudi-led forces have answered with Hodeidah strikes and a wider Yemen offensive, while Turkey and Pakistan prepare troop deployment. Riyadh airport Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement said Monday that it launched a large-scale series of missile and drone attacks against targets

Turkey Pakistan Saudi troop deployment plans have moved forward after an emergency Riyadh meeting activated practical steps under the Makkah defence pact. The three countries agreed to ensure rapid deployment of military forces and capabilities as Houthi attacks intensify pressure on Saudi security. Rapid Deployment Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye agreed on October 5 to move immediately toward implementing their collective-defence co

India clinched the men’s cricket gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games after defeating Pakistan by 19 runs in a high-scoring final in Japan on Saturday, October 3. Batting first after winning the toss, India posted an imposing 211/6 in 20 overs, powered by impressive half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma. Pakistan fought back during the chase but finished at 192/6, handing India the gold medal. Abhishek Sharma Gives India Flying Start

India-China Hotan air route talks are gaining importance as New Delhi looks for a shorter alternative for Indian airlines affected by Pakistan’s continued airspace closure. The proposed route through Xinjiang could reduce flying time, fuel burn and operating costs on some westbound services. Pakistan airspace Pakistan has kept its airspace closed to Indian-registered aircraft and Indian-operated or leased airlines since April 2025. The

India used its Right of Reply at the 81st UN General Assembly to reject Shehbaz Sharif’s Kashmir remarks and renew accusations over terrorism, minority rights and military influence in Pakistan. First Secretary Petal Gahlot delivered the response after Sharif’s September 25 address. Kashmir Gahlot reiterated New Delhi’s position that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India. She then pointed to unrest in Pakis

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has moved its planned protest from September 27 to October 4, keeping the PTI Islamabad Oct 4 march at the center of Pakistan’s political tension. The party says the march will press its Khan release demand, while authorities have tightened security around the capital and key routes. March Delay Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced that the long m

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan revived the Kashmir issue at the 81st UN General Assembly, calling for dialogue under the UN Charter and relevant resolutions. His remarks again highlight the gap between Türkiye’s position and India’s stated view that Jammu and Kashmir is an internal matter. India Kashmir position Addressing the General Assembly in New York on September 22, Erdogan s

Pakistan is facing one of its most serious security challenges in years as militant violence rises, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Islamabad blames groups including the TTP, now officially called Fitna al-Khawarij, while cross-border strikes in Afghanistan are adding fresh tension. Pakistan terror surge reaches decade-high levels

The Mecca Defence Pact is facing its first major test as Saudi Arabia comes under repeated Houthi missile and drone attacks. Pakistan and Turkiye have backed Riyadh diplomatically, but neither has launched a direct military response, raising questions about how the pact’s collective-defence clause works in practice. Mecca Defence Pact

Pakistan’s food crisis is increasingly visible at the household level, with official data showing families consuming less of many everyday foods while food insecurity continues to rise. The decline in milk, meat, rice and other staples suggests that affordability is reshaping diets and pushing more households toward cheaper sources of calories.

Pakistan has formally expanded Asim Munir powers through new defence legislation that places joint operational command of the Army, Navy and Air Force under the Chief of Defence Forces. The law also gives the CDF broad personnel powers and establishes a new Defence Forces Headquarters. Pakistan defence law reshapes military command Pakista

Iran is demanding a permanent end to its conflict with the United States rather than another temporary ceasefire. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Tehran wants lasting guarantees, even as the US-Iran deal stalls, Trump Iran talks remain off the table and Gulf security concerns grow. Iran permanent peace Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has rejected the idea of another temporary truce